Which bike??

Hi Everyone.

I'm riding an 85 mile charity ride in August. I have been riding a Trek hybrid for the past 2 years (recreational rider) which, although its a bit too big, suits me well. I went up to my LBS where I bought the bike to ask about purchasing a road bike. He told me to stick with the bike I have and he'll put skinny tires on it for the summer.

The other day, I was at another bike shop and the woman there told me I am at a huge disadvantage with a hybrid and should definately get onto a road bike. I tried a bunch of bikes and found that I like the Pilot 2.1 WSD but didn't buy it because of what the first bike shop told me.

Any advice/opinions?
Thanks,
Patty

Shop #2 is right. You can ride 85 miles on the hybrid but the road bike will be lighter, have a lower rolling resistance and have a more aerodynamic position -- all of which translates into faster. If you think you like the position of a road bike, buy it.

I agree with SadieKate. I myself over the past 4 years went from a hybrid to the Specialized Sirrus which is a roadbike with straight handlebars to my my Specialized Dolce Comp. Each upgrade made me a little faster, but more so, it made for a more enjoyable ride.

I will add that the drop handle bars on the Dolce is so much more comfortable that the straight of the Sirrus because you change your hand position and by holding on to the hoods, I am putting less stress on my shoulders, but this is just my opinion of the difference the two.

~ JoAnn

Agree w/everyone! That hybrid's gonna be a clunker (heavy, slow, etc) on your ride. Do yourself a favor and check out road bikes. I have two Specialized Dolces (Elite & Comp), a Bianchi (Eros Donna), and a Luna Eclipse (in the hospital right now undergoing an expensive operation due to a three-big-beautiful-but-overly-affectionate-golden-retriever mishap, unfortunately). Once you get on a road bike, you probably won't want to deal w/the hybrid again, especially on the hills!!!
Jo, you are so right about the drop handlebars making for a more comfortable ride. I had ridden a Terry Classic and the straight handlebar caused me a lot of wrist numbness & pain.
Not to cause any controversy but I couldn't help noticing how the MAN discouraged you from upgrading and the WOMAN encouraged you to ditch the clunker for something lighter. Maybe the MAN has been "chicked" one too many times? hehehehehe