"plus-sized" biker riding STP - should I get a new bike?

[KnottedYet]

When you say STP "double century" do you mean you are going to do the whole thing in one day? If you're planning the double century, yes, I'd say you need to get a long-distance bike ASAP!

If you're doing it in 2 days, you might be able to modify your current hybrid to make it comfortable for the ride. Depends on what you've got and what's bothering you the most.

Can you take the bike to your LBS and tell them what you want to do, and what bothers you on your bike, and see what suggestions they have? You can change handlebars, seat, crank lengths, etc. on your current bike, or they might use your experience with the hybrid to help them choose a roadie that will meet your needs.

I am impressed that you went 37 miles without bike shorts! Very impressed! (I'd probably faint)

BTW, I sit pretty upright on my roadie. Really, bar height vs. saddle height all depends on what works for *you*, so don't be afraid "break the rules."