After the Hybrid ...

[7rider]

It seems that a lot of people start with hybrids but eventually switch to either a true road bike or a true mtn. bike. Is that right?

Who started with a hybrid? Do you still ride it, or have you moved on to another bike?

I can't believe I'm already thinking of another bike -- won't buy one anytime soon, that's for sure.

Are urban bikes (like the Breezer, for example) the same as hybrids? They're not road bikes, and not mtn...?

Story 1:
I started with a hybrid - a 1992 Miyata. My chiropractor recommended one, as he felt the upright riding position would be kinder to my bad back. After about 3 years of steady riding, the bike was stolen from the driveway of a friend's house. She filed a claim with her insurance company and with the money, I bought a road bike - a 1995 Bianchi Eros. It was a solid, middle-of-the-road touring/road frame when integrated brake/shifters and triples were just starting to come out. I loved it. It was the best thing that ever happened to me as a cyclist. I was able to log longer, faster, rides with greater efficiency.
I did ultimately pick up a flat bar road bike for commuting (some versions of "urban" bikes with 700c wheels are flat bar road bikes), but I felt the hybrid was not for me any more.

Story 2:
I used to do the MS-150 from Boston to Provincetown with some friends. A friend of the team leader was from the San Francisco area and rode a hybrid. Lord, she was a strong rider! I asked her what she was doing on a hybrid, she'd do so much better on a road bike. Well, she actually took what I said to heart, as the next year I saw her...she was on a road bike, and beating the socks off all of us!!! She thanked me for the suggestion, got a road bike, hooked up with a local group and was doing all sorts of crazy rides and enjoying every minute of it!!

[Thistle]

Story 1:
I did ultimately pick up a flat bar road bike for commuting (some versions of "urban" bikes with 700c wheels are flat bar road bikes), but I felt the hybrid was not for me any more.

I think that's what the CRX 4 (giant) i fell in love with yesterday is. i too want to move on from my hybrid. I love it, but i've been thinking of moving on, and i found something i love more in the bike shop yesterday, and i'm too scared to go right to a road bike. I'm overweight and scared of being on skinny tyres and dont think i can "drop" down to the handlebars. but oddly enough, i'm more nervous about losing my little "shocks" in the front fork... although mimitabby (another thread) thinks it's fine unless i'm jumping.... and i'm definitely not jumping