need input re transition from hybrid to road bike

[maryellen]

I have been planning to transition from my 2003 trek 7500FX to a road bike. Today I test rode a few bikes. Although I could detect some differences among frame materials, components, etc., the big difference was the road bike style itself (vs my current hybrid).

I'm not quite sure how to get around this to make a reasonable choice. Originally, I planned to spend $2000 - $2500, but now I'm not sure I'm even going to like riding a road bike. Perhaps I should just spend $1000- $1,500 and figure out if I even like road bikes.

The Trek hybrid was my first bike. At that time, I test rode various bikes and when I got on the 7500FX I "knew" it was the bike for me. I tried 5 bikes today and walked away feeling uncertain that I want a road bike at all.

I tend to like longer rides (eg, 40-100 miles; last year did a 560 mile Aids Ride), so getting a road bike makes sense but now I'm not sure.

The bikes I test rode were:

Trek Pilot 2.1 (no 5.0 or 5.1 in my size at close by shops)
Specialized Ruby Comp
Cannondale Synapse
Bianchi Veloce
Specialized Allez

Any thoughts or input would be much appreciated.

[salsabike]

Did you get a real bike fit on a road bike, so that you can be sure you're test-riding the right size? That makes all the difference. I did make this switch last year from a hybrid to a road bike (Bianchi Eros Donna), and got a fit from a cyclist/physical therapist so knew exactly what I needed in terms of size. I love and am utterly comfortable on the Eros Donna, for that reason. I encourage you to try this approach--it totally worked for me.

[KnottedYet]

I like touring bikes. More up right, and handle a bit more like a hybrid. Perhaps you could try a couple of the touring bikes (Trek 520, Novara Randonee, Jamis Aurora, Burley Vagabond) and see if you like them better.

I find that "sport" road bikes don't suit me well at all, but touring bikes feel great.

Sounds weird, but a Jamis Aurora is just as comfy to me as my Kona hybrid. (except it costs twice as much...)

[Kalidurga]

Originally, I planned to spend $2000 - $2500, but now I'm not sure I'm even going to like riding a road bike. Perhaps I should just spend $1000- $1,500 and figure out if I even like road bikes.

The Trek hybrid was my first bike. At that time, I test rode various bikes and when I got on the 7500FX I "knew" it was the bike for me. I tried 5 bikes today and walked away feeling uncertain that I want a road bike at all.

I tend to like longer rides (eg, 40-100 miles; last year did a 560 mile Aids Ride), so getting a road bike makes sense but now I'm not sure.

Can you explain what left you feeling uncertain? If there are specific things about how the bike felt that made you uncomfortable, I'm sure that folks here could give very good advice.

[Geonz]

I've tried road bikes but I've decided that, possibly, the same odd configuration of back muscles (or lack thereof) that makes it impossble for me to sit on the floor well, and makes me thoroughly grumpy trying to do sitting poses in yoga, means I'm simply not comfortable in the "road bike" position, regardless of the assorted angles.
I ride my 2002 7500FX on most of my medium and long rides (RAIN ride - 160 miles, GITAP 2005- 450 miles in a week); I went back to my Giant Hybrid for long tours because it's a little more comfy (steel frame? the *perfect* fit?).
It's worth spending time exploring fit and experimenting. My hybrids are less aerodynamic; that's the main disadvantage (but it essentially disappears in a paceline except for when I'm in front). I don't usually ride with the "front group," though.
So I'd say if that extra 10% in speed is important (and there are lots of very good reasons for that ) keep experimenting with road bikes. (If it's important to have a "good" bike, too.) If it's the distance, though, the 7500FX can do the job... or think out of the box and look for things like moustache handlebars or things that change the position to be more like your hybrid fit. But maybe those dollars could go to something else fun, like a tour :-)
(My LBS guy has designed his own bike an dnow it's got moustache handlebars... he knows I've been lusting after that bike already...)

[mimitabby]

Maryellen
I am still "in transition" after riding a hybrid for years. I love my Bianche Veloce,
they are well named, it really wants to go, it has great gearing, but my HANDS do not like the bike. Several here have seen photos of me on this bike, it's apparently set up correctly for me, the handlebars are actually higher than the seat, (to keep my weight off my hands) but I really liked being able to rest my hands on a horizonal bar and now I really can't. I think if you're not sure you should not spend too much of a fortune, or at least try to buy a bike that has some resale value so you can try a different one down the line.
good luck.
mimi

Geonz I am still thinking about the moustache handlebars but was told the conversion for the
components will be very expensive.

[SalsaMTB]

I would say keep test riding, and see if there are any shops in the area that will let you take it for a LONG test ride, or rent the bike. Just cruising around the parking lot is not going to give you a feel for the bike. When I first went to a road bike from my mountain bike, it was a little strange feeling, but after a couple longer rides, it felt great.

[HillSlugger]

I'm also wanting to make the switch from a hybrid to a road bike. I've already switched out the handlebars for a nearly flat bar with Ritchey Ergo bar ends and gone to narrower tires. I like the upright position of the hybrid but I still have problems with my hands going numb, even with the multiple positions the bar ends provide. I had been thinking flat bar road bike since it would be similar to what I'm used to, but now I'm wondering if a drop bar road bike with relaxed geometry would serve me better. I'd have the flat center and the hoods for multiple positions, and be able to use the drops if there's a bad headwind. I haven't been on drop bars in about 20 years and that big had "cheater brakes" for the flat position. Are these available for "real" bikes?

THis is all moot since I can't afford a bike now anyway . Still, a girl can dream!

[farrellcollie]

I too just recently bought a roadbike after yrs (45) of upright bikes - I love the lightness and the speed = I am still getting used to fit with regards to shoulders and neck. On one hand I can ride much easier (legs, seat, sheer endurance - I can go 30-50 miles without thinking about it) on road bike - but hybrid and folder are easier on my upper body. I am riding a Scott Contessa Speedster (I think or is it a Roadster) and I am going back for another fit with a different bike shop. I am lifting weights and doing ab exercises (I am a short fire hydrant shaped woman) and I think a large (or at least I hope) a large part of it is getting body used to new position.

I test rode a lot of bikes before I bought this one - A couple of shops in my area will let you try a bike out over a weekend before you buy it- that might help.

[maryellen]

first, I have to thank all of you for your input. It is very helpful.

Bike Fits: I spoke to a bike fitter re a true bike fit. He suggested that I test ride a wide range of bikes to get a sense of what I do or don't like first. Did your fit expert fit you closely to each bike you test rode? I was expecting to narrow it down to 1-3 bikes and then go do another test ride with each to be sure.

Test Rides: Although I didn't do long test rides, I was riding on streets in midtown Manhattan on a weekday afternoon (we don't have parking lots here!).

Touring Bikes: I haven't tried any touring bikes and it seems that I definitely should. Thanks for the very specific recommendations.

How It Felt: I felt "crunched up." At first I thought perhaps the bikes were too small but I had the same crunched up feeling on bikes from 48-53 (originally anticipating getting a 51 or 52) but folks at both shops assured me that the bikes were *not* too small for me. I should also admit that the lightness of the bikes rattled me especially as I thought about descents or sudden stops (=endo).

Riding Hybrids: maybe I can make some adjustments to my hybrid. I will say that after riding road bikes, the wide handlebars on my hybrid seem like even wider than before!

Veloce: when I tried the Veloce, the first thing I said upon returning to the shop was that I did *not* like campy. My hands just don't work that way!

I will keep you all posted. I expected to be baffled when test riding road bikes, but I didn't expect to be uncertain that I even want one!

[DrBee]

I went from a 7200FX to a Pilot 2.1. For me, the transition was easy. I loved the lightness and maneuverability and the speed and the position. I wanted somewhere else to put my hands when I was on the hybrid. I do know what you mean about the handlebars feeling narrow on the roadbike, though. At first, they looked so little. Now when I get on my hybrid, those handlebars look sooooo wide.

I felt crunched on the 51's that I tried and ended up on a 54 WSD and it feels great. Try WSD and not. Try everything you can get your hands on. It sounds like you've already eliminated Campy, so that's a step.

Also - you will likely not like the saddle on whatever roadbike you ride, so don't let that influence you. The stock saddles are usually lousy. You'll find lots of discussions about that here.

[xeney]

You know, people at bike shops say all kinds of things about fit. If you feel crunched up, maybe you are crunched up. See if you can try a 54 or a 55. (How tall are you?)

[latelatebloomer]

Hillslug, I don't have much $$ to put into cycling, either. If you start putting word out that you're looking for a second hand bike, I think you'll be surprised how soon one falls in your lap. There's a lot of cyclists with their "starter" road bike just hanging around waiting for a new home, but they're too busy to put any effort into selling. I got my Giant OCR 3 with some nice extras like SPD pedals & computer for $200. Now a neighbor is trying to tempt me with her gently used Terry....

[HillSlugger]

Hillslug, I don't have much $$ to put into cycling, either. If you start putting word out that you're looking for a second hand bike, I think you'll be surprised how soon one falls in your lap. There's a lot of cyclists with their "starter" road bike just hanging around waiting for a new home, but they're too busy to put any effort into selling. I got my Giant OCR 3 with some nice extras like SPD pedals & computer for $200. Now a neighbor is trying to tempt me with her gently used Terry....

I've come up with a plan to get a new bike sooner rather than later: sell off all the crap that's been accumulating around here and use those $$ to fund the new bike. Call it "Bike financed by Ebay". Too bad I can't sell the current bike until after I have the new bike

[maryellen]

xeney: good idea. I'm 5'6 or so, w long upper legs (which i suspect results in the "crunched up" feeling and unusually long arms).