MacB
Lover of things that come in 3's
- Location
- Farnborough, Hampshire
to be fair I can see this, stretching forward rather than down works better for me as well, possibly due to my gut getting in the way
Did you change from Hybrid to Drop Bar Bike
- Thread starter doyler78
- Start date
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to be fair I can see this, stretching forward rather than down works better for me as well, possibly due to my gut getting in the way
I've always had a hybrid bike but the only 2nd hand (and therefore unlikely to be stolen is my hope!) road bike I could find was a drop bar one. I was intimidated at first but got used to it quite quickly, although I tend to use the flat part at the top rather than drop down simply because if you're stopping/starting a lot as in traffic it's much more comfortable to be able to sit up and have a more secure sense of balance. If I was cycling consistently without stopping, I must say I find dropping down somehow less tiring!
Freddyflintstone
New Member
Wish I could, Hopefully somebody will prove me wrong
Went to a Hybrid cos I was fed up of getting punctures
17stone on a road bike with 23c tyres - what do you think ?
Went to a Hybrid cos I was fed up of getting punctures
17stone on a road bike with 23c tyres - what do you think ?
Jane Smart
The Queen
- Location
- Dunfermline Fife
I have two drops and two flats, use them all ( not at the same time 
) n
) n
ProudSalopian
Active Member
- Location
- Wellington, Shropshire
Hi All,
It's been ages since I posted anything - I've been firmly in the avid reader category.
My two Ridgeback hybrids have been well used for commuting and Welsh coast tootling.
At my time of life lots of my friends seem to start thinking of a retirement toy - for some a sports car or cottage in the country, others a computer upgrade and for one recently a new puppy (he operates along the lines of the optimum number of dogs being n+1 - you know the theory).
For me it was a 'decent' bike.
Half the fun is in choosing of course and the choice is immense.
I'd decided to give myself what some would consider to be an obscene budget.
This was to be my 'sports car' equivalent after all......
AND I opted for drop bars.
So it was last weekend I took delivery of a brand spanking new Giant Defy.
What a difference!! Obviously I expected there to be one but not to the degree I experienced.
Last time I rode a 'racer' was in the mid 70s so things have moved on a tad since then.
It shames me to report that I was shaking at the end of my hour's ride.
Whether it was with excitement or trepidation over my decision I can't really say.
In view of the fact I can't wait to get out on it again, it's probably the former.
Question - How long before I get over the feeling surrounding my guilty spend?
Hopefully the smile on my face should outlive the negative vibes.
Anybody experience anything similar?
It's been ages since I posted anything - I've been firmly in the avid reader category.
My two Ridgeback hybrids have been well used for commuting and Welsh coast tootling.
At my time of life lots of my friends seem to start thinking of a retirement toy - for some a sports car or cottage in the country, others a computer upgrade and for one recently a new puppy (he operates along the lines of the optimum number of dogs being n+1 - you know the theory).
For me it was a 'decent' bike.
Half the fun is in choosing of course and the choice is immense.
I'd decided to give myself what some would consider to be an obscene budget.
This was to be my 'sports car' equivalent after all......
AND I opted for drop bars.
So it was last weekend I took delivery of a brand spanking new Giant Defy.
What a difference!! Obviously I expected there to be one but not to the degree I experienced.
Last time I rode a 'racer' was in the mid 70s so things have moved on a tad since then.
It shames me to report that I was shaking at the end of my hour's ride.
Whether it was with excitement or trepidation over my decision I can't really say.
In view of the fact I can't wait to get out on it again, it's probably the former.
Question - How long before I get over the feeling surrounding my guilty spend?
Hopefully the smile on my face should outlive the negative vibes.
Anybody experience anything similar?
pubrunner
Legendary Member
In my case, it is when the missus finds out that I've got another bike; but I always tell her that it cost at least half the actual price.
Sounds like me - I'm not 17st at the moment but I was not that long ago, and I was on 25c tyres which won't make a lot of difference. As long as the wheels are alright and you aren't doing fully loaded touring, you'll be fine. Just don't be a div like me and barrel through a massive pothole at 20mph and buckle your wheel
In my case, it is when the missus finds out that I've got another bike; but I always tell her that it cost at least half the actual price.
Glad it's not just me
When I was 14 I was given my sister's Hetchins drop bars bike, and belted around on that for a while before I grew up and got a car. Now in my late fifties, I started cycling to work regularly about 5 years ago and was recommended to get a Ridgeback Cyclone hybrid, with slick tyres. That was fine for about 3 years, but I found my riding position changed from very upright (even changed the handlebars at first to some swept back ones!), to more of a crouching position - I realised I'd outgrown it and needed drops! I was lucky enough to pick up a Trek Pilot secondhand, which fits me perfectly (I'm 5ft 2), and it's so much more suitable for me now. I keep the Ridgeback for winter riding and wetter days, as I don't like the puddles going up my bum due to the lack of mudguards on the Trek!
I would say to anyone who is a bit nervous or unsure to get a hybrid and ride upright until you have more confidence, and take it from there.
I would say to anyone who is a bit nervous or unsure to get a hybrid and ride upright until you have more confidence, and take it from there.
pubrunner
Legendary Member
For a very modest sum
, I'd be pleased to buy that rubbishy old Hetchins from your sister.
G-Zero
Guru
- Location
- Kirkcudbright, SW Scotland
Used flat bar MTB for many years, but as I've got older I found myself doing less proper MTB stuff and sticking mostly to trails (NCN and similar).
Last summer I had a cycle commute forced upon me, which saw my miles and time in the saddle rise massively, resulting in a recent change to a drop bar cyclocross bike. This choice of bike was originally so that I could still cycle on trails etc. on days off, but be better suited to commuting on the roads.
In the past I always avoided roads whenever I could, however when commuting, the choice is more limited; and I have enjoyed the transition to a drop bar so much, that I am already looking to add a proper road bike to the fold.
Last summer I had a cycle commute forced upon me, which saw my miles and time in the saddle rise massively, resulting in a recent change to a drop bar cyclocross bike. This choice of bike was originally so that I could still cycle on trails etc. on days off, but be better suited to commuting on the roads.
In the past I always avoided roads whenever I could, however when commuting, the choice is more limited; and I have enjoyed the transition to a drop bar so much, that I am already looking to add a proper road bike to the fold.
bought a Trek 7.3 FX hybrid as my first bike in 2009. loved it.
last year i bought a Spesh Secteur Elite which i use almost exclusivley now. Can't remember the last time i went out on the Trek. Thought i would use it as a winter bike but so far on the dozen or so times i have been out this winter i have used the Spesh. I must admit my usual riding position is stil on the topbar- dont go onto the drops all that much except if downhill/headwind
last year i bought a Spesh Secteur Elite which i use almost exclusivley now. Can't remember the last time i went out on the Trek. Thought i would use it as a winter bike but so far on the dozen or so times i have been out this winter i have used the Spesh. I must admit my usual riding position is stil on the topbar- dont go onto the drops all that much except if downhill/headwind
Primal Scream
Get your rocks off
- Location
- On the road to hell
Today! 
