1st bike - do you think it's a bad idea to go straight for a road bike

[Mazzin]

I've not rode a bike in many years. My workplace is part of the ride to work scheme so get a nice discount. Ill be commuting on roads 12 mile rd trip. Am 6ft 3, 15 stone. The roads aren't in the best shape, with cracks and large patches of damaged Tarmac.

Do you think it's a bad idea for a beginner to purchase a road bike as their first bike? Would a hybrid make transition to cycling smoother?

 

[BSRU]

Best go to a bike shop to try different types out and see how they feel.
I have commuted on a "hybrid" flat bar bike but now commute on drop bar bikes as they have an aerodynamic advantage especially into head winds.

 

[sheddy]

I would say get a hybrid.

 

[DooDah]

Maybe a cyclocross would be best. It would get you used to the road bike "style" but will ride those crap roads better.

 

[Profpointy]

Cycling on road - get a "road" bike.

Cycling on mountains - get a mountain bike.

Simples !

Slightly facetious response aside, drop bar stylee bike will be a far better bet than a hybrid, much less a mountain bike. If you get middling width tyres 23, 25, 28 range, and not go mad on lightest possible wheels it'll be fine for the road, and perfectly Ok on modest tracks (towpaths etc). I'm not a believer in flat bars, as you don't get choice of position, can't get out of the wind, and basicially end up working harder to go slower. Fair enough if you've a bad back or whatever then that's a different set of issues. That said, the audax or light tourer end of "road" bikes will have, or at least can have, mudguards & pannier racks, which are very worthwhile for a practical commuter - I'd say essential, but some do without and are happy with wet arse and a rucksack for some reason. A "cross-bike " is a tougher bike on similar lines which will also handle rougher stuff - might also appeal.

 

[Claud Roubaix]

Road bike. I was in a similar predicament - persuaded to go for my Claud Butler Roubaix. I am so glad that I did.

 

[Risex4]

I'd say it depends on what you secretly want to do with the bike.

On balance I'd probably suggest getting a hybrid. They have a lot of flexibility; they are great for and arguably offer a more comfortable position for commutes and do work well as road bikes as well, I've knocked out many 50+ rides on mine, so its not as if you are limiting yourself by going down the hybrid road. They can be a bit more robust and forgiving as well - both on themselves and the rider - on less than immaculate road conditions.
Also, if you get a road bike with drops, it may be a bit jarring if it's not something you are used to. Most people who have cycled (even if it was back in their youth) will have used flat bars, so a hybrid will probably be far more natural.

You can always n+1 in the future if your love affair blooms, and have your workhorse hybrid sat alongside your fun roadie in your garage.

On the flip side, go and test ride some. If you are one of the lucky souls who take to drops like a duck to water, and harbour serious dreams of very quickly developing your cycling beyond 12 mile commutes into much longer runs and taking it on much more as a hobby, then you could 'skip' the hybrid and get straight onto a road bike. Although, I'd suggest a hybrid is always a decent option to have in the hanger, even for a dedicated hobby roadie cyclist, so as I said, on balance hybrid first, nice shiny roadie when you feel the need for the +1. But then, thats just me.

 

[rovers1875]

Get the bike you like the look of best, That way you will ride it. Decide which style you like and go for it. Both types will do the commute no problem, one will be a little more relaxed, one a bit faster. When I started cycling I fell in love with a Claude Butler hybrid, Since then several road bikes / mountain bikes have come and gone (all cracking bikes) but now my stable consists of two hybrids ( inc the Claude), I like the more upright riding position.

 

[Kies]

I have 2 road bikes and still bought a road hybrid for commuting. It came with 28c all terain tyres and I have used it on tow paths, dirt tracks and today I fitted 23c tyres to it, for my 44 mile commute in/out of London.
If your going for one "do it all" bike, then a fast road hybrid has to be the one to go for. In the winter I will put the 28c all terrain tyres back on.

 

[RWright]

I wish I had bought a carbon fiber relaxed geometry road bike first. I doubt I would have bought anything else.

 

[vickster]

CX bike with cross levers would work. How much are you planning on spending? You'll typically get a higher specced fast hybrid than with a roadbike

Why not go to Evans and testride a few options, or have a chat with your friendly LBS

 

[Norry1]

Road

 

[Easytigers]

Another vote for road! A few years ago got a crappy hybrid and within 6 months bought a road bike. When winter came I sold the crappy hybrid for an expensive hybrid...ended up selling that one as well to buy another road bike! Then had a weekend/fair weather decent roadie and a tough winter roadie.

 

[dodgy]

Make sure whatever you buy can be turned into a winter bike. You're looking for room for mudguards, and mudguard fittings generally.
I say this because if/when you get addicted, you'll be making excuses to buy a newer, better, lighter bike and you can then justify it by turning your old bike into your winter/bad weather bike

 

[Andrew_P]

Straight on the road, don't convince yourself to buy a "do it all" Hybrid. I did that. I barely rode on any trails. Since my hybrid got stolen 18 months ago I never replaced it I have ridden my Carbon road bike on 23mm slicks across a football field, dried mud trails and shingle trails. Whenever its been off road it is always with the kids so never fast, and in all honesty it was more comfy on the trails than the hybrid and a lot better on the road too.