Can I use hybrid for sportive.....?

[Stevie135]

Hello all,

I'm now about 500 miles into my Boardman Hybrid Comp and really liking it. As my fitness levels are improving I wanted to set myself a challenging target and I was thinking of entering a sportive in the 50 to 100 mile range some time next year (give me chance to get fitter still before then!).

My question is this - should I be considering this on my current bike? The bike is light and quick and would seemed to be geared more to the road end of hybrid use and I've done a few 30 mile trips without discomfort, however lots of advice online says road bikes or sportive bikes the only way to go.

I'm not financially able to change it at the moment so would have to reconsider entering sportive if it's not the right bike and would have to look for a different challenge.

Thanks for any help

Steve

 

[ianrauk]

You can ride whatever you like. Sportives are not races.

 

[Scruffmonster]

Enter. You'll be fine. Only 5% will be on one, but you'll enjoy yourself as much as 100% of entrants.

A £1000 road bike would not be £1000 more enjoyable.

You have a great bike. Use it for everything until you find it's limiting you or you have cash to spare.

 

[Col5632]

I'm doing a 65 mile sportive on Sunday with my Carrera Crossfire 2 Hybrid and have done a few with it, yes im about the only one who has one but it makes it all the sweeter if you pass anybody on a roadie

 

[BrumJim]

No problems using a hybrid on a Sportive. The only issue is with comfort on the handlebars. More than 30 miles with your hands in the same position could be painful. Suggest bar ends as a minimum.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I've seen people doing triathlons on mountain bikes. stuff the snobbery and best of luck.

 

[Scruffmonster]

No problems using a hybrid on a Sportive. The only issue is with comfort on the handlebars. More than 30 miles with your hands in the same position could be painful. Suggest bar ends as a minimum.

I'd second bar ends, though I think the comp comes with them?

I do however think the 'Painful hands/wrists' is massively overstated, almost to Urban legend proportions. Granted, it's a flat bar, but there are loads of hand positions. I've never once had hand pain on my hybrid, nor have I heard people complain about it. Sure, my road bike is more comfortable, but I'd say that's felt in the back and legs more than the hands.

 

[jugglingphil]

Did my 1st sportive (50 miles) on a mountain bike with slicks. As Scruffmonster said, pain was in my legs not hands, although this was probably because I was trying to keep up with 2 friends on road bikes!

Entering a sportive is good to set yourself a goal which is currently outside of your comfort zone. As you like riding your hybrid, yes you can do a sportive on one.

So now you just need to decide which one.

 

[grumpyoldgit]

I'd second bar ends, though I think the comp comes with them?

I do however think the 'Painful hands/wrists' is massively overstated, almost to Urban legend proportions. Granted, it's a flat bar, but there are loads of hand positions. I've never once had hand pain on my hybrid, nor have I heard people complain about it. Sure, my road bike is more comfortable, but I'd say that's felt in the back and legs more than the hands.

I can assure you it's not an urban legend making my hands hurt,after about 45 minutes I start to lose all feeling.Thinking about a drop bar bike for more hand positions.

 

[DRHysted]

As there was a bloke doing the New Forest Rattler last Sunday (80 miles) on a brompton folder, I see no reason not to use your hybrid.
Basicly just get out there, ride and enjoy it.

 

[Scruffmonster]

I can assure you it's not an urban legend making my hands hurt,after about 45 minutes I start to lose all feeling.Thinking about a drop bar bike for more hand positions.

It's not an urban legend for you...

Too often we're told that drops are the best bet for hand comfort when in actual fact I hear no complaints about flat bars. Drops will generally get you a more aerodynamic position, true, but this will save back and legs before it saves hands for the most part.

Hands are a factor, but a minor one.

 

[RichardWHardwick]

I've done a couple of sportives on my hybrid, a Giant Escape, which is not as much toward the road bike as a mate's hybrid is. Just get on with it mate. Some people have cruised past me effortlessly but I just put that down to their bikes, that and the fact I weigh sixteen stone - so they're good excuses if I need them. Also, you don't need to put pressure on yourself if you're riding a hybrid. To me, it says you're not professional, or wannabe professional. You just fancy doing a longer ride with the challenge of a sportive.
Peddle away and enjoy it. When you overtake road bikes let yourself have a smile. When they overtake you, its because they have faster bikes. Four of us do a sportive every year - three on hybrids and one on a mountain bike - its enjoyable and challenging.
I find bar ends helpful personally mind, for changing and for going uphill.
Go for it and good luck

 

[Stevie135]

Many thanks for all the replies - sportive on the hybrid it is!

I live in the North West (Liverpool to be precise) any recommendations as to a decent 50 mile plus sportive that's not too far away greatly appreciated.

Thanks again

 

[vickster]

Cycling Active always has a good list of sportives coming up...otherwise Google?

 

[Peteaud]

Did a 47 mile sportive last sat, 1 bike was a brompton.