What bike would you recommend for a century?

[Fredwina]

let me rephrase myself:
What's the most miles you've done in one sitting? and how soon do you plan to do said century.
Most of us could lose more wieght off our "engines" than what we'd lose by going to a more expensive bike.
The Sequioa has drops, does it not? Both JoBob and Moi do brevet rides, so we can't use areobars. In short, if you feel comfotable with the bike, there's no real need to get a high-zoot bike. You may want to, and that's fine. but don't expect a magic pill.

[jobob]

Both JoBob and Moi do brevet rides, so we can use areobars.

Aerobars? What are these aerobars of which you speak ?

[Fredwina]

Aerobars? What are these aerobars of which you speak ?

Never rely on a Dyslexic for advice
You can't use areobars in a Brevet

[SadieKate]

And aerobars in groups are a no-no also. Bad form and dangerous.

[HillSlugger]

I put aerobars on my Sequoia. Because of the more upright geometry it doesn't give the full aerodynamic advantages of aerobars on a race bike, but it gives me a riding position that gets all the weight off my hands.

[sundial]

Fredwina, I've put in 20 miles or so in one sitting so I am still breaking in the bike so to speak--and me. I am considering a century in October if I think I'm up to it.

So far the only thing I've changed is a 110mm to 100mm stem. I debated whether I needed to or not and I'll try the shorter one for now.

Cyclesome, I'm averaging about 14.5 mph with a cadence of 85. I feel pretty good after a ride and don't feel too spent. I just wondered if I would be able to go further on a lighter bike or if I just need to continue to train on this one. I guess what I'm wondering is.....do I need a different bike. Also, would a more aggressive position put more stress on the knees?

[jobob]

I would think a more aggressive position would put more stress on your back, shoulders, neck & arms.

[Starfish]

I've got a Sequoia Elite, and early on I took off the little bar-top cheater brakes and put aerobars on in their place. I do long rides, up to centuries so far, on this bike, and so far it is treating me well.

I dream of upgrading, but I've had this bike since 2004, and I am developing more personal opinions about what I would want, and why. However, the fact is, the Sequoia has been a great first bike for learning a lot of the ropes. It is pretty comfortable and stable for long rides.

Of course, fit is key. I can do a century on it without having a sore neck, etc, afterward, and did a couple centuries just fine before I put the aerobars on (although I do love my aerobars, despite getting questioned about why I really have them by many, many men working in bike shops). I ride alone almost all the time, and I just love the aerobars which help me on solo rides with a lot of headwind. They also not only give my hands a rest sometimes, but when I sit up and put my hands on top of the elbow rests, I can get yet a different body angle to change it up for climbing.

Anyhow, if the Sequoia fits, it will be great for a century!

[Fredwina]

Fredwina, I've put in 20 miles or so in one sitting so I am still breaking in the bike so to speak--and me. I am considering a century in October if I think I'm up to it.

I would try and work my mileage up to where you can do a metric(62 miles) w/o difficulties. Your avg speed sounds good.

[sundial]

I would try and work my mileage up to where you can do a metric(62 miles) w/o difficulties. Your avg speed sounds good.

That sounds like a good plan. I'll start working toward that goal.