Road Bike Regrets?

[la bicicleta]

Just wondering if there are any women who regretted buying a road bike. Maybe found out it wasn't for them. All I've been reading are positive experiences. I'm still debating whether to make the transition from a comfort hybrid to an entry-level road bike. As a pre-teen, years ago, I did have a 10-speed.

[lph]

I've been commuting for years on a mtb, and I bought a used road bike this summer.

I most certainly don't regret buying my road bike, but I am very happy I still have my commuter bike, and at the moment, my dhs old bike to use for hopping around in the woods. There's a reason "everybody" here uses mtb for everyday use, they are more practical and robust.

And I'm happy I haven't dropped lots of money on buying a road bike. I think if I'd spent loads on a really, really nice bike I'd be feeling I should be using it more than just for whizzing around for fun a couple of days a week.

[Dianyla]

No real regrets, but in retrospect it would have been more sensible to have bought a nice commuter-worthy roadbike first (capable of having fenders, racks, etc), and then bought the light fun racy bike second. I spend a lot more time on the commuter bike these days. But they're both road bikes so... I don't suppose that answers your question.

For me, the switch from mountain/hybrid to road was amazing. No going back, even my clunky commuter bike is so much lighter and faster. :)

[indigoiis]

I went used, and regret not having a couple thousand to get a new one. :D

No really, I kept the mountain/hybrid, and still use it occasionally, but I much prefer the roadie.

My roadie has wider tires/wheels than most. It was built hybrid style. This was great at first but now I am looking at upgrading the wheels.

[uforgot]

I didn't "go" from one to the other. I had a hybrid, and then got a road bike. I still have the hybrid and it's my commuter. My road bike has clipless pedals and is intended for long weekend rides, but my commuter has two sided pedals, a more comfortable seat, racks and fenders and I can just hop on it, no matter how I'm dressed, to run errands or commute. I like having both, but I certainly am glad I don't have a road bike exclusively. Guess it depends on how you intend to use it.

There are also bikes that give you the best of both worlds, like a touring bike. I"m always going to the Rivendell pages just to dream, or you can look at LisaSh's bike on her site. Mmmmm....some day!

[Thorn]

No regrets about the road bike, either. I love the road bike. When I bought the hybrid I would never have believed that the road bike was more comfortable for long rides.

If I have a regret is that I wasn't reading these forums before I bought the road bike. Although I found a good bike shop and got a good bike, after learning so much here, I probably would have done a few things differently.

[TexanCzexican]

NO regrets about the road bike, but do have regrets about the mtb. Thought it'd be something I'd like, but no so much. Am working on switching it to a commuter.

[KnottedYet]

I have two "road" bikes (both are cyclocross bikes). One is a compact double and set up with clipless and narrower tires and a computer, no fenders/rack. It's my fast bike. The other is a triple and has full commuter kit and lights and wider tires and will soon have honkin' huge platform BMX pedals just cuz I like them.

Anything I'd've done with my hybrid I can do with my cx commuter. Except she's still too new for me to feel comfortable locking her up to an outside rack while I go grocery shopping. I fret...:rolleyes:

[Zen]

What kind of riding do you do?
Do you commute?
How many miles per week do you ride?
Like Uforgot said, it depends on how you want to use it.

[CorsairMac]

Just wondering if there are any women who regretted buying a road bike. Maybe found out it wasn't for them. All I've been reading are positive experiences. I'm still debating whether to make the transition from a comfort hybrid to an entry-level road bike. As a pre-teen, years ago, I did have a 10-speed.


Is there a reason you want to make the transition?..ie...you want to go faster?...you want a lighter weight bike?....you plan on increasing your miles?
If you like the comfort hybrid and it's working for you - there's no reason to make the change.

I started commuting on a hybrid and switched to a road bike as soon as I could afford one because I Really Like Going Fast!!!! Especially going downhill! I've since sold my hybrid to a friend who is very happy tooling around on it and that's enough for him! They're both happy!!!

[Zen]

To answer your question though, I'm sort of having regrets.
Not too bad though. If I had known then what I know now I'd go for a cross or touring bike so I could have a lighter road bike (anything would be lighter than my 1990 MTB behemoth) and a bike that I could ride on our local canal towpath.

[mixie]

I hadn't been on a bike in over 20 years and even back then didn't ride much. I was ten and had a kids BMX bike :)

I bought an entry level road bike as my first bike (specialized dolce) and my only regret is not spending more and getting something a little nicer. Oh, my other regret is that I can't ride as much due to this damn job I have :)

[karen]

I somewhat regret getting a road bike. I started out on a hybrid, and traded up a few weeks later (thanks, Performance!) to a comfort road bike. The main problem that appeared once I switched was hand pain! I have carpal tunnel already, so that added pressure on my hands was bad news. I believe I also gave myself tennis elbow on the left during my first ride on the road bike - putting my front weight on my left hand while i grabbed the camel back straw... I added two handle-bar extenders so now it "looks" like a hybrid with its upright seating, but has thinner wheels (still not super thin or slick, though, as it's a "comfort" road bike), is lighter, and has WAY better gearing.

[coyote]

To answer your question though, I'm sort of having regrets.
Not too bad though. If I had known then what I know now I'd go for a cross or touring bike so I could have a lighter road bike (anything would be lighter than my 1990 MTB behemoth) and a bike that I could ride on our local canal towpath.

I'm with zen...I'm thinking that a cross\tour bike would have been a better choice. We have a lot of bad roads and louse gravel and sandy soil. The wider tires and longer wheel would be nice.

I do not regret giving up the hybrid.

[northstar]

I don't regret getting a road bike one bit. But, as a previous poster mentioned, I do lust after a bike more set up for touring with racks and fenders. My road bike is a little too racy. But I love it!!

[Trek420]

No way, no regrets. I still have the hardtail mountain bike I was riding up hill 11 years ago when a passing rider said "You're doing good! Just get a road bike".

So I got one, no regrets, now hand built Mondonico full custom steel road bike, no regrets. Still ride the MTB to work or errands.

[kaybee]

I don't regret getting a road bike one bit. But, as a previous poster mentioned, I do lust after a bike more set up for touring with racks and fenders. My road bike is a little too racy. But I love it!!

I second that! I REALLY want to go on a long-ish tour at some point. So far, DH isn't buying into it. :(

KB

[indysteel]

I don't regret buying my road bike. I sort of regret buying my hybrid as I haven't ridden it since I bought the roadie, but even though it was an expensive "mistake," it's what started me on the road, so to speak, to cycling. I'm ready to find a new home for the hybrid though.

I agree that you should first determine what your cycling needs are and what kind of riding you want to do and where before buying a road bike. And once you decide to buy a road bike, I'd suggest investing some time and energy in learning about them, what options are out there, how to get fit on a road bike, etc. before plunking down any money.

K-

[farrellcollie]

I regret the type of first road bike I got - I had been looking for awhile and have fit troubles anyway - had decided on a bianchi steel but the lbs could not help me get the reach right - I changed and went with my second choice at that lbs - never did get really comfortable on the bike - Just bought a Jamis steel and love it. I still have my hybrid commuter bike.

[Starfish]

I went from an old steel hardtail MTB with slicks to a road bike. No regrets at all about making the switch.

The only regret I have is about the process. I let myself be pressured by my now ex-husband to buy it quickly, and to just buy what he had recently bought. I still have the bike, and it turned out to be a great first bike for me, so it all turned out OK.

But, I remember furtively trying to make a couple quick test rides on other bikes, and I will never forget this one beautiful, bright red, super light, Cannondale. Since I was so new, I really didn't know how to test ride, and I just caved in and got the other bike. But, I like to shop and be thorough, compare everything, get all the data. I regret rushing into my choice. Now I wish I had a fast, light, gorgeous red road bike! :)

[batsheva]

I will never forget this one beautiful, bright red, super light, Cannondale. Since I was so new, I really didn't know how to test ride, and I just caved in and got the other bike. But, I like to shop and be thorough, compare everything, get all the data. I regret rushing into my choice. Now I wish I had a fast, light, gorgeous red road bike! :)

i bought it - sorry! :-)
i am a new cyclist and went straight into road bike and clipless and am so pleased i didnt let the lbs talk me into something more hybridy as they all seemed to want to do.. i love my fast light red gorgeous cannondale :-)

[Starfish]

I bought it, sorry!

No hard feelings...there are gorgeous, fast, red, shiny bikes enough for all of us!

[Look]

I also went with the fast light COOL road bike at the place that didn't even breathe the hybrid question at me just because I'm an old broad. It's probably more bike than I need. But I love it, therefore I ride it. No regrets.

I do, however, want more. I can't say I want a comfy bike because I don't think I would be more comfortable more upright. But I do want a second bike for different surfaces and terrain. I live on paved roads, I ride with people who try to go faster. But now I'd like the flexibility to ride with my children when we go to the state parks. So there may be a hybrid or some down market mtn bike in my future.

Any suggestions?

[bikinNkc]

I bought my Trek 1600 WSD last Sunday and have done three 10 mile rides and just got home from a 13 mile ride. I'm 40, out of shape and LOVING it. :D Who would have known that someone that hates exercise could enjoy bicycling so much?!?

So, do I regret buying my Roadie...no...but I don't have enough experience to know better. :o

But, once I save enough, I'd like to buy at least a Hybrid or a MTB to commute (only 6 mi to work each way) and we have an old Trollie track that has been turned into a trail (covered with the small gravel) that I would love to take. We also have miles of trails that won't be Road bike compatible.

Wish I had found this site prior to purchasing...maybe I would have done differently...or maybe not...DH wanted Road and a sport we could do together. Maybe next year.

[northstar]

I second that! I REALLY want to go on a long-ish tour at some point. So far, DH isn't buying into it. :(

KB

You know...I would like to do a tour someday, too! DH and I are researching touring vacations. I would just love that type of bike for commuting, at this point. To be able to zip along, confident that I'm on a bike that can take the ruts, the dirt patches, the fenders, and the load would be a riot.

I'm socking money away...and researching...perhaps in March or April! :cool:

But still...no regrets. My road bike has (forgive the expression) changed my life. I went from being a boring blob of a person to a healthy, active woman with interests that get me excited and a real sense of empowerment.

[Kano]

No regrets here!

MAYBE I regret -- as was posted earlier -- the first bike, since it's sitting unused in my basement since I got the roadie. Poor bike: Every time I put my wheels back on, DH steals them off again! I have an old Trek 820 hybrid in the shed that I probably could have ridden last year instead of getting the Specialized Expedition, but, you know, the suspension front and seat post seemed like a good idea at the time....

I got to the point last year that I realized that I really didn't like the spongy front, and I felt like "if I could get my butt up higher I'd have more power" and knew that the Expedition really wasn't the bike for me. I wasn't sure if buying the small size was the mistake, or if it's just the riding position doesn't give me what I want. I'm considering getting the old Trek out again to see what I can do with it that will make it a happy commuter. -- I could do it with the Expedition, but I have hills to climb on my way home, and HATE the suspension when I'm climbing! Hmmm, can a body put a normal fork on those comfort beasts and regain the power?

Karen in Boise

[la bicicleta]

Hello ladies! Thank you for responding to my original thread. I just started bicycling in July - and you guessed it - already have the cycling bug, as people here have described! I feel the need for speed and definitely a lighterweight bicycle. I work too far to commute. It will be purely for fitness, pleasure, & new appreciation of the outdoors. I recently purchased a Trek 7200 WSD (comfort/hybrid).

Yesterday, I test rode the black/pink Specialized Dolce around the LBS parking lot. I had a big smile, saw my reflection in the glass, & thought, "hmmn, this could be me". :o

I know a couple of you on the forum own this specific bike. I plan to purchase it next payday, Friday!

[Starfish]

I second that! I REALLY want to go on a long-ish tour at some point. So far, DH isn't buying into it. :( KB

Does he have to go?

[KnottedYet]

I second that! I REALLY want to go on a long-ish tour at some point. So far, DH isn't buying into it. :(

KB

How about getting a bunch of TE'ers together for a longish tour? Maybe somewhere on the Oregon coast, with a stop at Team Estrogen for a shopping break...

[Starfish]

How about getting a bunch of TE'ers together for a longish tour? Maybe somewhere on the Oregon coast, with a stop at Team Estrogen for a shopping break...

Maybe eastern OR...I like to plan my trips for the dry side!

[kaybee]

Does he have to go?

;) His feelings would be hurt if I took a vacation without him, but it sure would be fun to do a "ladies only tour," since I have very few female friends -- most of the ladies I know aren't into physical activity or sweating. I think I've just about got him talking into something for next year. We're looking at two different supported tours. Keep let's keep our fingers crossed.

KB

[ibcycling]

I'm in for an Oregon (or Washington) ride! If you swing up here we can hit the wineries and do some tasting!

I'm afraid I'm not much help on the original question though. I've been riding my trusty Murray MB all summer and am hoping to buy a road bike this week. My funds are low so I think I'm getting one I've been looking at on Craig's List. I can't wait! Good luck on your new bike, whatever it is!

[kayandallie]

Bought a Trek hybrid 1 1/2 years ago. Bought a Trek road bike last fall. Haven't been on the hybrid once since I got the road bike. My road bike is so fast and light and responsive and as comfortable to me as the hybrid, plus it goes up hills without effort.
I love my road bike.

[nomummytummy]

But now I'd like the flexibility to ride with my children when we go to the state parks. So there may be a hybrid or some down market mtn bike in my future.

Any suggestions?

Look - I started with a Giant hybrid - Sedona - and got the cycing bug. like some others I too choose a light, fast red road bike. My littliest at 3 (it's his baby photo i have as my avatar) got his 1st bike on the weekend and we all went to the local school playground to ride about. No way would the road bike have worked there. My hybrid was perfect - can go up & down gutters, pedals are flat & you can ride upright & fluff around with one hand reaching down to a kid.

Would I ever give up my road bike though? Never - it's freedom for a working mum & somehow it seems you can be more 'one with the bike' when it's skinny & fast!

[AmyO]

I don't regret getting a road bike one bit. But, as a previous poster mentioned, I do lust after a bike more set up for touring with racks and fenders. My road bike is a little too racy. But I love it!!

I don't regret mine either, although I was on some pretty rough and cracked pavement in the woods last weekend and worried about a flat the entire time (as well as unseen potholes under the bed of leaves on the ground). It was beautiful but it made it hard to enjoy the ride and I wished for a time I had a heavier bike. I didn't regret the road bike, though...just wished I had another one.

On a wide open road with a big shoulder my bike is heavenly!

[Starfish]

;) His feelings would be hurt if I took a vacation without him, but it sure would be fun to do a "ladies only tour," since I have very few female friends -- most of the ladies I know aren't into physical activity or sweating. I think I've just about got him talking into something for next year. We're looking at two different supported tours. Keep let's keep our fingers crossed. KB

I will keep my fingers crossed for you (and maybe for Christmas he gets tickets for that special, guy-only fishing trip --or golfing, or whatever--that he's been wanting to do!). ;)

[Maureen Valley]

I don't regret for one minute purchasing my Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD. I had a Trek Hybrid (still have it!) and can't believe the ease and silkiness of the ride on the road bike as compared to the hybrid. I just returned to Florida from an 8 week trip to Minnesota where I biked through Minneapolis traffic and around the city lakes, Calhoun, Harriet and Lake of the Isles. The bike's weight makes it possible for me to go for MILES without breathing hard on the stock seat that came with the bike. Oh...by the way, I'm 64 years old and am amazed at how little effort it takes to ride long distances with the RIGHT road bike.

Go for it. Ride dozens of bikes before you buy and go in for a professional fitting from a GOOD dealer. If you're in Minnesota go to Mike's Bikes in Northfield, Minnesota. He's on Grasvedt Lane and is an expert. He also happens to be my brother.

Happy Riding to all.
Maureen
Eustis, Fla.

[amymisk]

I have no real regrets. I let DH talk me into to ultegra pedals, which I hated. Then I researched (thanks TE!) and switched to Speedplay Zero.

My only thing, I would have shopped more, but I love my LBS and picked what they carried. I am lusting after a Cervelo and if I had not loved my LBS so much, I would have shopped around more.

I never want to be off pavement so I chose a road bike. I had a MTB and never took it off road, so I sold it and never regretted it.

Determine what type of riding you want to do and your LBS can guide you in selecting the type of bike that works best for what you want.

I do need a second bike now since DS (4 yrs old) wants to ride to Philadelphia with me and I can't put a tag along on my carbon seat post. I will be buying a nice used bike for a tag along, although, it won't get as much use as my road bike.

[Blueberry]

I do need a second bike now since DS (4 yrs old) wants to ride to Philadelphia with me and I can't put a tag along on my carbon seat post. I will be buying a nice used bike for a tag along, although, it won't get as much use as my road bike.

Why not just put a non-carbon seatpost on the bike when you want to ride with the tag along?

Just an idea:)

CA

[smilingcat]

only regret... well two of them really,

When I cracked the bottom bracket of my Tange tubed steel frame. I threw away the frame. no picture of the bike Panasonic Dx-5000?? I think was the model name. Yes go ahead ask me "Hey does it have FM?" It rode smooth and stable. Good touring bike.

My other major major regret was selling of my Litespeed. At the time, I told myself no more riding. I'm finished after my major accident. No recollection, no memory whatso ever... So after 7 year hiatus, I'm trying to get back to riding. My body isn't cooperating though...

Anyway really regret selling the bike here is a pic of my favorite bike.

[smilingcat]

hmm better picture of the bike itself. I don't care to spend the extra $$ for the top of the line so I settle for Ultegra, I don't think there is much lost if any by going with Ultegra over DA. It had 39/53 chain ring with 170mm crank threw in a second set of cluster, 13/28. Normal setup is with 12/21. speed play pedal. Sella Flight saddle. I wish I could have another one like this. I'm still partial to Ti frame.

[emily_in_nc]

hmm better picture of the bike itself. I don't care to spend the extra $$ for the top of the line so I settle for Ultegra, I don't think there is much lost if any by going with Ultegra over DA. It had 39/53 chain ring with 170mm crank threw in a second set of cluster, 13/28. Normal setup is with 12/21. speed play pedal. Sella Flight saddle. I wish I could have another one like this. I'm still partial to Ti frame.

Wow, that's a pretty bike, but I don't think I've ever seen a woman who rides with her bars so far below the saddle! Just an interesting look to me as most women's bikes I see (including mine) have the saddle about level with the bars, but none of us are racers, just recreational riders.

Hope you can get back to riding....be patient with yourself.

Emily

[surgtech1956]

I bought a Trek hybrid this spring. I didn't want to spend lots of $$$ because I hadn't owned a bike in years. I want some sort of road - I think a flat bar and a mountain bike for fun this winter. I ride some roads, bike path and 2 track trails. My rides won't be more than 25 miles. I think it depends on what fits the places you ride. I don't regret my hybrid purchase - got me back into cycling. :)