Now I just feel silly...

[Pascale]

Here I was under the impression that I was riding some kind of hybrid bike -- today I was informed that I have a comfort bike - it's a Specialized Crossroads.

Two salespeople told me today that a comfort bike is designed to be comfortable for a few miles.

I've been putting 60-100 miles a week on this puppy (20 mile rides 3 times a week and a 40 mile ride once a week). They were not surprised that I wasn't comfortable on it! I also keep a pace of 10-15 mph on it, which I thought was slow (cuz all the road bikes blow by me, of course), but the one salesman just about dropped when I told him that.

I feel so much more accomplished now! I still can't wait to get a road bike though! I guess I'll get my rides done in much faster times - LOL!

How pathetic are ya when you don't even know what KIND of bike you are riding??? ROFL!

.

[Brandy]

LOL...it's okay. I still refer to my old bike as a comfort/town/hybrid because I really haven't got a clue what to call it!

Sounds like you've got a good base, you'll love riding a road bike!

[mimitabby]

Here I was under the impression that I was riding some kind of hybrid bike -- today I was informed that I have a comfort bike - it's a Specialized Crossroads.

Two salespeople told me today that a comfort bike is designed to be comfortable for a few miles.

I've been putting 60-100 miles a week on this puppy (20 mile rides 3 times a week and a 40 mile ride once a week). They were not surprised that I wasn't comfortable on it! I also keep a pace of 10-15 mph on it, which I thought was slow (cuz all the road bikes blow by me, of course), but the one salesman just about dropped when I told him that.

I feel so much more accomplished now! I still can't wait to get a road bike though! I guess I'll get my rides done in much faster times - LOL!

How pathetic are ya when you don't even know what KIND of bike you are riding??? ROFL!

wow!! you are an ANIMAL!

[Pascale]

LOL, well, now I've just been told they just said that to sell me an expensive bike, so I don't know what to believe - ROFL

[Over50Newbie]

Hi Again Pascale,

I am the person who just purchased the 2005 Terry Classic Road Bike...

Before I forget, Terry bicycles has a spot on their web site for people to sell used bicycles. There is a 16" Terry Classic there for $400. Here is the site:

http://www.terrybicycles.com/trade/?browse=sell

Hope this helps.

[snapdragen]

I also keep a pace of 10-15 mph on it, which I thought was slow (cuz all the road bikes blow by me, of course), but the one salesman just about dropped when I told him that.

Pascale is going to kick all our butts when she gets on a racy road bike...

[Pascale]

Thanks, Over50!!

I did find a Terry to test-ride today - somehow it felt all wrong - although I guess I'm not sure how a road bike is "supposed" to feel - I felt like I was going to go over the front of it (which I didn't feel on the other road bikes I tested, so I dont' know which one was actually a better fit!)

[snapdragen]

Thanks, Over50!!

I did find a Terry to test-ride today - somehow it felt all wrong - although I guess I'm not sure how a road bike is "supposed" to feel - I felt like I was going to go over the front of it (which I didn't feel on the other road bikes I tested, so I dont' know which one was actually a better fit!)

Maybe you don't need the shorter top tube that the Terry would have?

[Over50Newbie]

Everyone is different. Just because it fit me well, doesn't mean that it will feel right for you.

Good luck and let us all know when you decide what to buy.

BTW, I went out for my first ride today on my new bike. Did a quick, very hilly 14 miles. Played around with the gears a lot and had a ball!

[Pascale]

Ok, so when you are on a road bike, and you look straight down, should you be looking directly at the middle of your handlebars? or slightly ahead? or behind?

[Over50Newbie]

I don't have a clue. I will look down while riding tomorrow. And you really mean "Straight Down" , right? Not just looking down at the road ahead of you. And does it make a difference if the handlebars are straight or drop? As you know, I have straight ones. I would guess that if you are in the drop position, and not on your hoods, your head would be in a different place.

[Pascale]

I do mean "straight down" - cuz the guy at Hoigaards asked me, but when I told him the answer, it's like he didn't know if what I answered was what it was supposed to be (kinda lost confidence in him at that point...)

[Over50Newbie]

Stay tuned... I'll let you know tomorrow. For now, it is past midnight here in CT and I'm going to bed.

It will be interesting to see what others have to say, especially the more experienced riders.

[pooks]

I don't know the diff between townie, comfort and hybrid either. I guess I'm lucky I got a hybrid instead of ... I don't know, whatever that first bike I looked at and liked was!

[DebW]

Ok, so when you are on a road bike, and you look straight down, should you be looking directly at the middle of your handlebars? or slightly ahead? or behind?

For me it's slightly behind. I saw on some bike fitting site that if you are riding on the hoods and looking ahead, your nose should be about 1 inch behind the handlebars. Knowing this would require a 2nd person to drop a plumbbob from you nose while you look ahead. A professional fitting would take lots of other factors into account and is the best way to go.