Hybrids and Distance

[pooks]

My husband and I are considering doing the LIVESTRONG ride in Austin. If we do, we know we can do the 10-mile, but I'd love to do the 40. But I have read some comments about road vs. mtn bikes, etc., that are beginning to make me wonder -- can you ride distances on a hybrid upright, or are the distance rides really for road bikes?

[mimitabby]

My husband and I are considering doing the LIVESTRONG ride in Austin. If we do, we know we can do the 10-mile, but I'd love to do the 40. But I have read some comments about road vs. mtn bikes, etc., that are beginning to make me wonder -- can you ride distances on a hybrid upright, or are the distance rides really for road bikes?

I rode Seattle to Portland, OR (200 miles in two days) on a Raleigh hybrid bike.
No problems! (well, that is, with the bike itself... a little more training would
have been smart for me!)

[colby]

Sure you can! 40 miles is definitely within reach!

I have a friend with a hybrid and I've taken her on 15-30 mile rides before (I have a road bike), and I could probaby push her farther if we rode longer distances regularly. She rides at a little slower pace and can't push up hills as efficiently, but I'm sure she could go the distance. She might not be happy with me afterward, but I know she could do it ;)

Really, I'm not sure there's a limit to how far you can go, as long as you train. Sure, some things might be easier or better for longer distances on a road bike, but it's going to come down to training either way.

[Geonz]

I've ridden several centuries on my hybrids; I just did a week-long tour on one, riding between 55 and 105 miles on my riding days (I volunteered 2 days). I do have slightly smaller tires than the standard - but basically, get out there and ride on it and get in shape and yes, you can do it.
People who ride a lot of distance get tired of going more slowly and doing more work. THis is a special event. You will, I am sure, find a lot of other hybrids and mountain bikes riding right along with you.

[bcipam]

Although road bikes are best for doing distance on roads (duh!) a century can be done on a hybrid or mountain bike. I've seen (and am always amazed) people doing it. One recommendation is make sure you change out the tires or even the wheels. I would try and get 700 V 25 or 28's on the bikes to lessen road friction. Keep in mind if riding a bike with wider tires, you are doing 3 times the work as a bike with narrow tires. In my first century I rode almost the whole way with two guys on beach cruisers. They were having a good time (and obviously being silly), I struggled on my nice road bike.

[Geonz]

Oh, and as a very rough rule of thumb, you can ride more in a special event than everyday (because of rest stops and food and all that). We "decided" in our group that it's about three times as far. SO... If you can do 12 or 15 comfortably, and not be worn out the next day, then go for the 40. If five or six is what you're happy with... stick with the ten. You don't want to be so miserable that it takes three weeks before you want to get back on a bike.

[kjay]

Yes, I rode the 35-mile Wine Country bike ride on my hybrid. I knew I was working harder than everyone on road bikes, but that made me feel even better. It took me longer and even though I now have a new road bike, I will never give up my hybrid. No wonder my muscles have bulked up over all the years . . . probably from working harder? :confused:

[Fredwina]

My first century was on hybird. My road bike was in the shop, and we made some wrong turns, and before we knew it...

[Eden]

You sure can - have you seen the STP thread? Its a big ride out here 200 miles, 2 days - plenty of hybrids and mt. bikes do it. So do unicycles, big wheels and other alternate pedal power machines. Go for it - you'll have fun.

[TsPoet]

Depending on the bike, and your comfort level, the only thing I might suggest is different tires. Slicks might have less rolling resistance on the road. If you've got knobbies or semi-slicks, going to slicks might make the ride a little easier.
But, you'll be fine, just have a good time.

[pooks]

Oh thanks. Now I just need to train!

About slicks and other tires -- do they hold up to the road as well? Are you more likely to get punctures?

[Kano]

Pooks - you an' me, we're beginners together this year, both graduated from our couches to hybrids, and riding upright. I've gotten so it's not hard at all to ride ten miles in an evening -- granted, an hour passes, but it's a very pleasant hour! I try to do this a few times a week, and then on the weekends, I'm finding that a 25 - 35 mile ride isn't outrageous! (Earl and I both kind of prefer to keep riding: when we stop, the sweat catches up to us!)

Keep the gears easy, do that spin thing instead of that mashing thing, and you'll find that miles add up surprisingly fast!

I've been hearing about the slicks too, and thinking they'd be a good idea. Earl's response was you're going to train hard, get strong and learn to like dirt. That's why you've got knobby tires. I told him that "my ladies in the forum" say that they make you go faster, so I want 'em. I think that flats may indeed be more problem, though! Specialized makes a nice armadillo (that's their tough, flat resistant tire line) slick for us fat tire people -- I think it's a bit narrower, but not like those wee things the roadies run!

When is your 40 mile ride? I'm nowhere near you, but I could ride it with you from here!

Karen in Boise

[TsPoet]

Oh thanks. Now I just need to train!

About slicks and other tires -- do they hold up to the road as well? Are you more likely to get punctures?

I was hoping someone else would answer this - be aware that these answers are what I think and someone may indicate I'm wrong.

On the paved road, slicks will last longer than knobbies - knobbies are made for dirt, on the road they are not as grippy (I'm sure that's the technical term) and the knobs wear down. If you've got thorns and road debri, get slicks with some sort of belt, or add goop or something to them. I am very happy with my Conti Gatorskins and Conti GP 4000 (for my "race" bike), they are both holding up to the tackweed we have around here fairly well. I have tire liners in the gatorskins. I have heard lots of good things about the armadillos, but they don't come in the right size for my wheels.
Slicks will (probably) not be faster on dirt, they aren't made to grip dirt. They will also not be as sturdy.
So, if you ride on pavement, get slicks. If you ride on dirt, get knobbies. If you ride on both, try semi-slicks.
Before I got bent, I had a MTB and 2 wheelsets. One was set up with big knobbies for off-road and one with narrow slicks for pavement. Worked pretty well, since I was too lazy to change tires, and it's easy to just swap out the whole wheel.
Be aware, if you decide to buy some slicks, that there are more than enough wheel/tire sizes to confuse you forever, and get tires that will fit your rims.

[Brina]

I used to do the NY/NJ MS30 ride and one year did the MS60 on my hybrid. DH and I did a cycling tour of Italy on hybrids. You can certainly do distances on a hybrid and quite comfortably as well.

[pooks]

Karen -- the livestrong ride we're considering doing is in Austin in October. Fly on down! That would REALLY give me a reason to have to train harder. LOL

[Kano]

Karen -- the livestrong ride we're considering doing is in Austin in October. Fly on down! That would REALLY give me a reason to have to train harder. LOL


Unfortunately, I can't be in Austin in October -- BUT, if I'm not teaching, I can ride it with you from here!

Karen in Boise

[betagirl]

I did my first RAGBRAI (ride across Iowa) 4 years ago on my mountain bike with slicks. The average distance per day was about 60 miles. I certainly was a lot slower than the roadies, but the actual distance wasn't an issue. There are people who do that ride with knobby tires! You can do it. :)

[pagirl]

The last three years I participated in a fundraising bike ride (for BORP) in Sonoma County (CA) riding a 17 year old Specialized Hardrock. First two years the 25 mile was comfy; last time I did the 100k (which was actually 64.5 miles)..included some challenging hills. I'm 64, in good shape, and although a newer, lighter bike is soon in my future for this year's ride, I think stamina & strength is the key. You'll do great!

[Geonz]

You've got time between now and October :-)

You can get thinner faster tires that are still made to survive tough conditions. Now, whether you can get *pretty* ones, I don't know :-) YOu would *think* those folsk would see a market out here...

[mary9761]

Pooks,
Welcome back to the saddle! I am coming up on my first anniversary of taking back my life and health on a Trek NAVIGATOR 50! You can do ALMOST anything your heart desires on your hybrid if you train and really WANT to accomplish it.
I came back to riding at close to 300# last year and in terrible shape. I started riding and haven't looked back. I regularly do metric centuries (over 62 miles) and have just finished my 3rd FULL CENTURY yesterday (8 July). Use your gears! Start in comfortable gearing so that you can continue to spin without tiring yourself. You will get stronger the longer you are able to ride. Build from shorter distances to longer ones. You won't break any speed records like the road bikes, but just KEEP PEDALLING!!!!
If I can do it, nearly ANYONE can! My Navigator currently has 3,788.7 miles on it in less than a year and MOST of those are on the road.
Have fun and to paraphrase Dorey from Finding Nemo... Just keep pedaling, Just keep pedaling...
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a361/mary9761/misc%20pics/findingnemo6.jpg
Mary

[pooks]

Thanks, Mary! You are definitely an inspiration!

When I first found this site I read and read and read -- and now can't recall who all I read about, and where all I read it!

Mary, was it you who had a bike given to you by an anonymous benefactor when you first started riding? That was a wonderful story!

[Bike Goddess]

Mary- I was going to go over to the Bike Journal and give you a bad time for not posting over here. I'm so glad to see you here too. You have been missed!

Yay, yippee do- you got that 3rd century in, finally!!!!!:p :p :p

LIKE MARY SAYS- IF SHE CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU!

[LoisLaneinIND]

I'm so psyched to read this thread. I'm in a similar situation, so maybe y'all can help.

I want to do a charity ride for the local zoo in early September. There's the "family ride," which is between 11 and 15 miles, which seems a little too easy. Even though I'm a new rider, I don't really know if I want to ride with a pack of elementary school students. But the next ride up is 40 miles. On my big, heavy Kona mountain bike, that seems insurmountable. I want a challenge, yes, but I also don't want to set my self up for failure (or to be stranded halfway through the course.)

I just found out about the ride and am trying to figure out if I can train to get ready for the 40 in time -- assuming my MTB is up for it. (Right now, I can do between 10-12 miles on the paved bike path no problem.)

What say you, ladies?

[mary9761]

:D
I'm so psyched to read this thread. I'm in a similar situation, so maybe y'all can help.

I want to do a charity ride for the local zoo in early September. There's the "family ride," which is between 11 and 15 miles, which seems a little too easy. Even though I'm a new rider, I don't really know if I want to ride with a pack of elementary school students. But the next ride up is 40 miles. On my big, heavy Kona mountain bike, that seems insurmountable. I want a challenge, yes, but I also don't want to set my self up for failure (or to be stranded halfway through the course.)

I just found out about the ride and am trying to figure out if I can train to get ready for the 40 in time -- assuming my MTB is up for it. (Right now, I can do between 10-12 miles on the paved bike path no problem.)

What say you, ladies?

I had not been riding very long last year when I self supported and rode that zoo ride (ride pirate, but like I said self supported). I found the route when they entered the Speedway (didn't try to sneak in there I DO have some manners) I finished the 40 mile route on my Navigator with 26X1.95 tires. Make sure you take your time, train all you can and keep plenty hydrated and eat. pm me I live in INDY TOO!:D I kept hearing, I can't believe she's doing that ride and keeping up on that mountain bike..
Mary
(hoping to do at least the Meerkat Metric if not the century LEGAL this year)
PS: you might consider 26X1.5 inverted thread kevlar tires for street use. See Jimmy at the Bike Line

[KnottedYet]

I have Continental Country Ride tires on my Kona. They seem to be the perfect mix of "slick" and "sturdy" for the way I ride on the road.

For example: "Hey, Knot, there's some glass!" ooops, rode right through it "Hey, Knot, there's a pothole!" ooooops, rode right over it "Hey, Knot, there's the edge of the pavement!!" ooops, hit the gravel

I can do 20 or 30 miles without feeling at all like I did when riding knobbies, and without worrying about bashing the bejeebers out of road tires.

Edit: oops! Lois, I meant that the tires are faster and I go farther with less effort. More efficient.

[Kano]

What Knotted said ---

That DOES IT! I'm getting new tires, don't give a RIP what DH says about keeping the knobbies anymore!

On the other hand: I can not only sit down, but also stand up again(easily!) after yesterday's 30+ mile ride (that had invisible hills only my legs could find!) -- that's a good thing!

Karen in Boise

[mary9761]

Thanks, Mary! You are definitely an inspiration!

When I first found this site I read and read and read -- and now can't recall who all I read about, and where all I read it!

Mary, was it you who had a bike given to you by an anonymous benefactor when you first started riding? That was a wonderful story!


Yes, Pooks twas I and I STILL don't know who bought my bike. I don't know if they have ANY idea just how much it has changed my life in ways that NO ONE knows. I would love to be able to thank them in person and give them a HUGE HUG!! I don't know if I'd have my bike yet if I'd ended up having to wait to get it myself like I'd originally planned AND I KNOW I would not be where I am today.

Mary

[mary9761]

Mary- I was going to go over to the Bike Journal and give you a bad time for not posting over here. I'm so glad to see you here too. You have been missed!

Yay, yippee do- you got that 3rd century in, finally!!!!!:p :p :p

LIKE MARY SAYS- IF SHE CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU!

Thanks Nancy :D I missed you all too. I really am trying to make time to get here more often, some days are easier with the boys than others..
I'm hoping to go for #4 at the BikeJournal.com ReUnion this weekend! I'm a little nervous about the route though as I'm not familiar with it AND there will be considerably MORE climbing than I'm used to. ReUnion06 Full Century profile (
http://gtdbike.com/Reunion06/Reunion06FullCentury_profile.jpg) The profile says that there is 3000 ft of climbing and even the century I've been doing here in Indy is only between 1800-2000 if routeslip.com is correct on the elevation readings. I've been having trouble getting my entire route entered and saved so I'm not POSITIVE on the climbing.
One of these days I hope to be on a road bike so HOPEFULLY I'll be able to get up those hills quicker and keep up with some of the roadies around here, but at least I've got my granny gears for now. I have a feeling the 8%+ grades may end up being walked depending on how my legs are by that point. I've committed to ride the century with a couple of other ladies who will be doing their FIRST centuries so I hope I don't slow them down too much on the heavier bike. :( Most of all I just hope we all make it safely through and back!
Thanks for your encouragement when I first started, I'd never have dreamed I would have accomplished what I have this past year. I'm getting ready to write up a retrospective of my last (first) year of riding soon. I will have gotten back on the road to better health on a bike in one week today 17 July, 06. The Little Navigator That Could will be ONE YEAR OLD on 27 July! :D
Mary

[pooks]

Mary, you are the bomb.

Where can I read more about your journey? What you've done besides cycling (diet? other sports?) to reclaim your health?

[Kano]

Yes, Pooks twas I and I STILL don't know who bought my bike. I don't know if they have ANY idea just how much it has changed my life in ways that NO ONE knows. I would love to be able to thank them in person and give them a HUGE HUG!! I don't know if I'd have my bike yet if I'd ended up having to wait to get it myself like I'd originally planned AND I KNOW I would not be where I am today.

Mary


Mary, have you let the folks at the bike shop know that you'd love to thank the person? Maybe leave a small gift of some sort and maybe a note for the donor, just in case s/he doesn't want to be revealed!

Karen in Boise

[mary9761]

Mary, have you let the folks at the bike shop know that you'd love to thank the person? Maybe leave a small gift of some sort and maybe a note for the donor, just in case s/he doesn't want to be revealed!

Karen in Boise

I try to pry the information out of Jimmy every chance I get. LOL. He's not budging. From the way he talks it was done over the phone nearly completely anonymously. Considering there is only a couple places that the person would have even KNOWN I put the bike in layaway, I post those places often thanking the anonymous person especially when I break a new barrier or hit a new milestone! I hope if nothing else, if the person(s) is still following, that they read just how much it means to me.
Mary

[mary9761]

Mary, you are the bomb.

Where can I read more about your journey? What you've done besides cycling (diet? other sports?) to reclaim your health?

I'll be writing up something new here real soon to celebrate my anniversary with the bike. I've been trying to diet (lower fat, lower sugar, whole grains, as much veggies and fruit as I'm able) I was doing better until recently with the fresh foods, but some days are better than others. Keeping fresh fruit and veggies are NOT always an easy affordable option.
We don't have chips, cookies, candies etc in the house anymore. I do have a thing about having some ice cream periodically, but try not to go overboard. Since I'm watching 2 grandchildren now, getting and keeping them on a schedule is something that I'm still working on. Last summer, I was walking the older grandson 1-2 miles a day in his stroller early in the morning. My son and DIL don't have a double stroller so we're not getting that exercise on top of my cycling this summer and my weight loss (or lack thereof) is suffering along with poorer eating habits, eating whatever I can get my hands on sometimes and worse eating later in the evening than we should. It's frustrating, but I keep at it.
I'm a stress eater so there are days I really SLIP and just have at it, but I get right back on that wagon and try again. We don't do much red meat anymore (used to get the cheapest hamburger for pasta dinners) now we eat ground turkey, turkey sausages, chicken burgers. Leaner meats and try to limit size of portions.
I usually try to start my days with a bowl of cooked oatmeal with a spoonful of peanut butter cooked into it for protein. This is DEFINITELY how I start my riding day. I try to stay with proteins when possible while on my ride as it's what seems to work best for me. I have however found that even though it's not the HEALTHIEST thing to eat, that when I'm approaching my 70-80 mile mark or even on the way home for my metric centuries, that a small hamburger kids meal is just enough to hold me over until I can get home and possibly have a better meal. There isn't nearly as many calories in the kids meal with smaller portions and I get a good mix of protein and carbs. By that time of day, I'm starting to get hungrier again.
Main thing is experiment a little at a time to see what works for you on your rides. We ABSOLUTELY MUST EAT on ride days and get good hydration and solid food the day/night before a long ride.
Mary

[pooks]

Mary, I look forward to your "first year" report! You might try low fat cottage cheese and blueberries or some other fruit with your oatmeal and peanut butter. I know it sounds gross, but it's really not! And it really will boost the protein!

Okay, so I couldn't find pics online of my tires and finally just took one. Is this a combination of slick and dirt bike tire?

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/5790/1923/1600/Kenda%20Eurotour.jpg

It's a Kenda Eurotour.

[KnottedYet]

That looks remarkably like my Continental tires. Slight difference in the tread pattern, but very much the same style.

[pooks]

Oh, good!

You know, I'm knew to all this, and simply ordered the bike online with whatever components they put on it and when I read about changing tires and such, I am never sure whether the stuff on my bike is okay or whether making a change would improve the ride!