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?

[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.

[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...

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!

[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!