Get road bike now or wait?

[Thorn]

But...(hey, someone has to be the damper on the buy-party ), buy it if the price is right and you get a good deal. Don't buy it for the speed. My gut says the bike shop is exaggerating. Depending upon the hybrid, if you're running narrower tires and smooth tread, your speed improvements won't be that dramatic. Yes, it will be faster; yes, you'll be more comfortable for the long haul; but in the end, it all depends upon the engine. I saw about 1-1.5mph switching from my hybrid.

That said, of course, by someone who is always planning her next bike purchase It is an addiction.

[squirrell]

But...(hey, someone has to be the damper on the buy-party ), buy it if the price is right and you get a good deal. Don't buy it for the speed. My gut says the bike shop is exaggerating. Depending upon the hybrid, if you're running narrower tires and smooth tread, your speed improvements won't be that dramatic. Yes, it will be faster; yes, you'll be more comfortable for the long haul; but in the end, it all depends upon the engine. I saw about 1-1.5mph switching from my hybrid.

That said, of course, by someone who is always planning her next bike purchase It is an addiction.

I use the tires that came with the bike. slightly knobby ones. although they're about wore out right now. I've put close to 1200 miles on them since April!

Can you get slick tires for Hybrids? Would that help the speed?

[mimitabby]

you can get slick tires absolutely. and it will improve the ride immensely.
you will NOT believe the improvement!

[arielmoon]

Firstly, good for you on the weight loss!

Secondly, I couldnt really afford a road bike but I caved and used the plastic. So instead of saving I am paying it monthly to my credit card and I am loving every minute of my new bike!

Best of luck whatever you decide but you must post a pic of the new bike if you get one!

[Thorn]

you will NOT believe the improvement!

Yep. You'd be surprised. DH's hybrid came with knobby tires; my hybrid had a smoother tread. I should never have told him to get the slicks! Once he went to slicks, he was no longer dragging behind me. I'm the stronger rider between us, but when he has a good day.....ooohh, I'm in trouble.

If your hybrid is always used on the road, replace your tires with higher pressure slicks and you'll see a difference. It might buy you time to make the road bike decision when you're ready.

[squirrell]

Going to load up the bike and go to my nearest LBS--60 miles away!--tomorrow and check in to slicks then! they're supposed to have used bikes there, too, so I can check it out.

[violette]

Going to load up the bike and go to my nearest LBS--60 miles away!--tomorrow and check in to slicks then! they're supposed to have used bikes there, too, so I can check it out.

I had bought slicks for my MTB and it was almost as fast as my road bike. You'll see a HUGE difference, believe me.

[Zen]

my LBS always has a sale of last years unsold models in the spring. That's when I got a deal on my newest and favorite bike.

Then again, they are selling a lot more bikes this year.

I'd wait. Finding the right bike takes time.

[andtckrtoo]

If you're worried about getting used to the bike in 3 weeks - I wouldn't worry about that. I did a metric century on a rented road bike because all I had was a mountain bike. I had no problems (except for the fact that the metric wa 2 days after I climbed Mount Princeton and my thighs were screaming - but that's another story). I wouldn't exactly recommend that, but it is doable.

As for the hybrid vs the road bike - you'll see a difference. Maybe not 20%, but you'll see a difference.

And when to buy? Whenever you feel comfortable. I agree that right now is the best time to get a good deal. Check 'em out and if you find one you can afford and absolutely love, go for it. If you don't, well, then Spring is when it was meant to be.