Absolutely hooked -- road bike vs hybrid or both????

[Kalidurga]

Do I need to be fit by a LBS or do you think Hudson Outfitters can do as good a job? (They seem to have knowledgeable people and a bike repair shop.) Thanks for any suggestions.

Hi Lynda,
I love Jamie at the HTO in Gaithersburg. He seems to be a great bike tech and is very patient with all the nit-picking I've done since buying a Specialized cyclocross bike from him earlier this year. As far as fitting, though, HTO does not have a great fit kit. Jamie steered me in the direction of Tom at The Bicycle Escape in Frederick, who does an authorized Serotta fitting and is a dealer in Specialized bikes. I'm going to have a full fitting with Tom next spring, but he's already helped me with my handlebar issues. I'd highly recommend that you give Tom a call.

In addition, I'd suggest that you check out the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic forums here at TE. MdHillSlug and I are riding together this Sunday, and a few of us are planning another ride on Sunday, 11/18. We'd love to have you join us!

[LAB]

Small world, Kali! Jamie also sold me my bike and he is a real sweetheart. I think a fitting would be my next step to ensure that this bike is right for me. Last thing you want is an injury. (I'll write you privately about riding.)
Thanks! Lynda

[HillSlugger]

I have hand issues with my hybrid (numbness and tingling) that are greatly lessened on my road bike. I still need to get the stem length dialed in but the multiple hand positions afforded by the road bike are a real help in regards to long-term comfort for me.

Go get a real fitting on your road bike. It's likely to make a world of difference.

I hope you'll join us on a ride sometime.

Nicole

[LAB]

Thanks, Nicole. I see you are another local! Interesting that your hybrid bothers your hands more than the road bike. I agree that when I've riden the road bike I can and DO change hand positions a whole lot!

Yes, I hope to ride with you all someday soon....

Lynda

[recycle613]

congrats on the new bikes!

there's alot of good advice here already. I just wanted to add that a smidge larger tire and a dot less psi can really soften a ride without slowing it down much. If everything seems just a little harsh you could try 28s run at 90-100 psi ... maybe even just in front ... to ease the road vibrations some. It'll still be a quicker and much more responsive ride than your hybrid.

best of luck!

[Bluetree]

Hi Lynda,

Welcome to TE.
If you're looking at the Dolce Elite, please be aware that for the 2007 model, Specialized downgraded some of their components from the 2006 model. They also dropped the MSRP from $1300 to $1100. If you can get a reduced price for last year's model (something that LBSs often do) you'll get a better bike for your buck.
Also, don't "assume" your bike size because of your height. You'll need a fit before you know for sure, and bikes of the same size all vary by manufacturer. It all depends on your leg length, torso length etc. For example, I am 5-1 and ride a 48cm Dolce. However, the 47cm Giants and Treks were too big for me.

Good luck!

[LAB]

Wow, Bluetree! I am seriously stupid! Here I am thinking that the 44cm is right for my height and now learn that you're 2" shorter than me and use a frame that's 3cm longer than mine!

I am now convinced the best thing that I can do for myself is to get a proper fitting. Kali was kind enough to recommend a place about 30 miles from where I live, so I am just going to do it! If my current bike is the wrong size, then I will simply sell it and buy a bike that is properly fitted for me. I just can't enjoy my ride when I'm in physical discomfort. Perhaps the bike shop that fits me will kindly purchase my bike!

I just keep on learning......and thank you all for the wonderful suggestions.

LAB

[light_sabe_r]

I have hand issues with my hybrid (numbness and tingling) that are greatly lessened on my road bike.

Ya know I've developed a CRACKING wrist since riding my hybrid. I hope it'll clear up when I get my roadie