Road x Hybrid

[rockyraccoon]

Hi, unfortunately I missed a great opportunity of getting my first road bike (Giant Defy 4 2010).

Moving on, that has given me more time to think about my decisions. I have being doing a lot of research and cannot decide it. I hope you guys with more experience and different views might be able to help me to come to a conclusion.

I am between a hybrid and a road bike.

I've been living in Somerset (South West) for five years.It's been 20 years since I rode a MTB. Never tried a road bike before (however it really attracts me especially the drop handlebars)

A couple of months ago I bought a cheap (excellent cond.) second hand 19 year old MTB (grip shifters 18 spd, brake pads and no suspension) which I use to go to the shop and local library and leave locked outside without worrying to much.

Last weekend I went for my 1st ride with my MTB. A total of 18 miles up and down hills, mainly roads through several villages and new places I never had been before. I loved everything from the ride to the views! However I found my old bike quite heavy, slow and difficult on the road.

I have been thinking about getting a new bike but I am not 100% sure whether it is a right decision or not.

I would like I bike:

- to cycle between 3 and 4 times a week (or as many days as I can) on paved and tarmac road.

- that allows to explore new areas near where I live and at same time exercise. I don't want to be competitive cyclist. I would start with a few miles and I hope to increase distance gradually.

- the rides will include stopping to enjoy sightseeing and pubs on the way.

- good for commuting even knowing that I don't need it right now (I live 10 minutes walk from work). However it might change in the future (searching for new jobs)

- that runs faster than my MTB to also ride between traffic)

Oh and I don't want to do trails or dirt tracks, therefore I think I don't need a fully equipped MTB.

The hybrid seems to be the ideal one. However drop handlebars and the style of a road bike attracts me a lot.


What would be the best choice?

cheers

 

[HLaB]

I would like I bike:

- to cycle between 3 and 4 times a week (or as many days as I can) on paved and tarmac road.

- that allows to explore new areas near where I live and at same time exercise. I don't want to be competitive cyclist. I would start with a few miles and I hope to increase distance gradually.

- the rides will include stopping to enjoy sightseeing and pubs on the way.

- good for commuting even knowing that I don't need it right now (I live 10 minutes walk from work). However it might change in the future (searching for new jobs)

- that runs faster than my MTB to also ride between traffic)

Oh and I don't want to do trails or dirt tracks, therefore I think I don't need a fully equipped MTB.

The hybrid road bike seems to be the ideal one. However drop handlebars and the style of a road bike attracts me a lot.


What would be the best choice?

cheers

FTFY given your list: Faster, paved (not off road), sight seeing (its easier to relax when you are not out off breath/ are more comfortable on longer rides). If you bought a hybrid you would still have that yearning for drops and would ending up getting a road bike, just check out this thread a lot of people have been in that situation and ended up buying a roadbike.

 

[Alembicbassman]

I have just bought one of these:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_272619_langId_-1_categoryId_165534

It's got road wheels, road chainset, MTB shifters and V brakes, mudguard eyelets and is quite light and very good value for money.

I also have 2 road bikes, one from the 90s made of steel and one modern alu-carbon one.

For leisure rides the Gryphon is ideal, if you're planning on rides of 50 miles plus drop bar road bikes are better, the handlebar configuration enables more riding positions.

 

[Rubber Bullets]

I would vote for a road bike too, but one or two things to look out for would be:

Triple chain set. There's a few hills round Somerset way and you'll be glad of the smallest chain ring on some of the climbs.

Sportive type bikes offer a more relaxed geometry than some of the out and out racers, this keeps you a little more upright, and perhaps a bit more comfortable.

I recently bought a Specialized Secteur Sport that fulfils these requirements and am very happy with it, and a few other members here have the same bike, most manufacturers will do something similar though. Be prepared for twitchy feeling steering at first, though you'll get used to it very quickly, and the gears took me a few rides before I really felt I knew what was going to happen every time I used them!

RB

 

[Stul]

Hi There,

I have been cycling on an "old" 2nd hand ClaudB mountain bike for the last 5 years. Like you I fancied something a bit more "sporty", but could not make up my mind....looked at loads of bikes, all various prices.

..a colleague at work who is a keen type had an old De Rosa planet which he sold me for £300......I have not looked back, (mainly because I am going to fast for anything to over take me...ha...ha...I wish).

However I have NO regrets...fantastic ride, manage to average an easy 3-5mph faster than my old mountain bike, (and I am out of practice at the mo...). on same routes....I love it!

On my experience I would highly recommend you get a "proper" road bike, assuming you mainly travel on "roads" that is.

If possible go for a "better" quality 2nd hand one if in doubt....

 

[Brandane]

What about a hybrid with drop bars? As in, a Specialized Tricross. I have one, and from what you say you are looking for, I would say it fits the bill.

 

[Brandane]

Have I finally managed to figure out posting photos on here? They don't come with mudguards, rack or luggage; but mine has morphed into a bit of a tourer over the past year!

Looks nicer with the new wheels, Shimano RS20s. Here at the LeMans circuit on summer holiday:

 

[rockyraccoon]

... just check out this thread a lot of people have been in that situation and ended up buying a roadbike.

Thanks HLaB for that thread. It is 2 years old and still going on!

By reading that thread I can say I like the idea of drop bars however a feel a bit intimidated by them.

Road bikes require less effort and allows to ride over longer distances at greater speeds (which is what I am looking to achieve now). However some people find it difficult to look around when riding which is a necessity in traffic (I don't have much experience in cycling) and prefer flat bars which give instantly acces to brakes. Also some found it difficult transition at first but they got used to it after a few rides and thought it is more comfy. Some suffered some pains on arms, hands or neck (I think it was due to incorrect fitting and the need to get used to it)

The road bike position is comfortable and less tiring as long as you are pedalling harder (going fast). The upright postion of a flat bar is more comfortable for less intense riding.

The majority who went for a flat bar ended up converting to drop ones once they gained experience and wanted to go further more quickly.

... if you're planning on rides of 50 miles plus drop bar road bikes are better, the handlebar configuration enables more riding positions.

On my experience I would highly recommend you get a "proper" road bike, assuming you mainly travel on "roads" that is.
If possible go for a "better" quality 2nd hand one if in doubt....

I did 18 miles on my first ride and I felt good wanting more. I'll definitely do more than that on the next rides. I have got a £300 limit budget to get a new bike (+ clothes and accessories). A 2nd hand one might be the only option.

... one or two things to look out for would be Triple chain set. There's a few hills round Somerset way and you'll be glad of the smallest chain ring on some of the climbs Sportive type bikes offer a more relaxed geometry than some of the out and out racers, this keeps you a little more upright, and perhaps a bit more comfortable.

Cheers Rubber Bullets! I read about people who bought double chain set and regretted. I thought about getting one but have changed my mind. Sportive type bikes is a good recommendation.

What about a hybrid with drop bars? As in, a Specialized Tricross. I have one, and from what you say you are looking for, I would say it fits the bill.

I am going to keep my MTB to poodling around short distances. A hybrid with drop bars is a good idea. Thanks Brandane for the suggestion. Yours looks really nice specially with the new wheels. Do you use yours commuting summer/winter as well?

I don't want speed, ride fast and etc. But I need to move easily with less effort.

However I am still confused. What is the difference between a road bike with 700c wheels and drop handlebars and a hybrid bike with 700c wheels and drop handlebars?

 

[Willo]

I'd strongly recommend sitting on a couple of bikes and, if possible, going for a test spin. For what it's worth, in a very similar position to yours, I ended up plumping for a road bike (I have a Specialized Allez Triple) because basically I fancied a road bike and after a test spin realised it was far more comfortable than I'd envisaged. I only cycle alone, commute via a scenic route to the station a couple of times a week and the odd longer weekend spin and it's perfect. A hybrid would probably be more than ample for my cycling, but the road bike is what motivates me to get out (and relative to my old MTB, definately meets your criteria of moving more easily with less effort).

Notwithstanding it's got to be generally fit for purpose, there's a lot to be said for getting something that will keep you motivated. My personal advice is that if you really fancy drop bars and only want to ride on the road as you say, then try a road bike and only consider other options if you find that's not for you.

 

[BSRU]

However I am still confused. What is the difference between a road bike with 700c wheels and drop handlebars and a hybrid bike with 700c wheels and drop handlebars?

In general "hybrid" 700c tyres are fatter for comfort whereas road 700c tyres are skinny for speed, although you can put skinnies on a "hybrid".
As far as I can tell "hybrid" is a marketing term for road bikes which are designed/modified for comfortable commuting rather than speed.

 

[Norm]

Hybrid! Gruesome word.

Road bikes require less effort and allows to ride over longer distances at greater speeds (which is what I am looking to achieve now). However some people find it difficult to look around when riding which is a necessity in traffic (I don't have much experience in cycling) and prefer flat bars which give instantly acces to brakes. Also some found it difficult transition at first but they got used to it after a few rides and thought it is more comfy. Some suffered some pains on arms, hands or neck (I think it was due to incorrect fitting and the need to get used to it)

The road bike position is comfortable and less tiring as long as you are pedalling harder (going fast). The upright postion of a flat bar is more comfortable for less intense riding.

The majority who went for a flat bar ended up converting to drop ones once they gained experience and wanted to go further more quickly.

Looking behind you on a road bike is, IMO, no harder than on a bike with flat bars. You look over your arm rather than over your shoulder but it's no harder.

The Tricross which Brandane mentions answers all of the criticisms (as do many other models) you mention above. Many cyclo-x-style bikes have brake levers on the "tops". This means you have three hand positions (tops, hoods and drops) with a set of brake levers at your finger tips in any of them. I have fitted cross top levers to my road bike because I liked the extra flexibility.

 

[Cyclist33]

If you only want to ride roads, I can't see the point of a Tricross. There are some really good flat bar road bikes now, as more makers are getting in on the idea. If you don't want to go ultra-fast, why not?! But seriously, for 300 quid you won't get a decent new road bike so it would have to be second hand.

http://www.preloved.co.uk/fuseaction-adverts.showadvert/index-1033005621/ee40958b.html

 

[Norm]

If you only want to ride roads, I can't see the point of a Tricross.

That's true enough.

But I mentioned it in relation to the criticisms of drop bars which rocky picked up from the other thread, the point being that you can get cross-style brake levers on the top of drop bars which gives you the extra comfort blanket, whilst keeping all the benefits of curly bars.

 

[rockyraccoon]

Thanks guys. I’ve had lotsto think about. I am overwhelmed by the variety of bikes available. Eachtype has advantages and disadvantages.

At first I was leaningtowards a road bike especially after some of the suggestions/opinionshere and other threads. After thinking about it for the whole day today andreading much more about the subject I decided that a road bike is much morethan I need and I can afford so now I am considering a hybrid.

Would you agree with me?(this might help other in the same situation as me)

Drop Handlebars - as I said I do fancy the drop ones. Their main purpose is to go fast (as many believeinc. myself). However an important feature is the variety of positions they offer which is crucial for long rides. I don’t think there is a problem in using drop even if you don’t want to ride fast. Also they're way more fun to ride.

The brake issue – I mentioned that I prefer flat bars which give me instantly access to brakes when riding through traffic. This has changed now due to Norm’s comment. Brake levers on the tops would eliminate my fear of not being able to break in time through traffic when riding in upper position. (I didn’t know about them on a drop, thanks!)

My rides in Somerset will consist of roads & tarmac through town and light trails and towpaths, light off roading, ups & down hills (drop bars help a lot). A hybrid is more suitable than a road for these types of routes. I could also use it for commuting and on weekends and add mudguard and rack as Brandane has showed us.
Rubber Bullets mentioned a Sport Hybrid. I think it is more versatile bike and probably what I am after.

I think I am very close to my perfect type of bike!

Is the handlebar stem adjustable (angle andlength) on a Hybrid? My idea is to set the handlebars quite high so that I could get used to them and then lowered them to a more typical position.

Is it as easy to replace and maintaining the components as MTB (gears system, brake, cables, etc)?

How are the tyres on wet roads? Are they safe? Is there a limitation for tyres options? Should a have a pair for the summer and another for winter/wet?

 

[Norm]

Is the handlebar stem adjustable (angle andlength) on a Hybrid? My idea is to set the handlebars quite high so that I could get used to them and then lowered them to a more typical position.

Is it as easy to replace and maintaining the components as MTB (gears system, brake, cables, etc)?

How are the tyres on wet roads? Are they safe? Is there a limitation for tyres options? Should a have a pair for the summer and another for winter/wet?

(I feel all Jeremy Clarkson using this phrase but) Some say that the cross-top levers don't brake as strongly as the "normal" levers. I have strong hands but I can lock the front, or lift the back tyre so I reckon they are strong enough.

Wet surfaces (other than wet metal) isn't such a problem for cyclists, the narrow tyres cut through most any water whether treaded or not.

The components are very similar to MTB stuff.

You can get adjustable stems but not many bikes have them as standard. They don't cost much but the most you can expect from most bikes is being able to flip the stem, which will raise it (or lower it, depending on the bike) by a few cms.