Hybrid vs Flatbar Road Bike

[carinapir]

Thanks hall monitor, but she asked different questions.

[Zen]

Thanks hall monitor, but she asked different questions.

That type of comment is rude and uncalled for. This is not that type of forum.
Yes she did ask several different questions but the exact same points are being discussed. If both threads are merged it will give better results to both posters.

Happy Thanksgiving.

[featuretile]

I have evolved thru several bikes in a short time. The Specialized Hybrid Globe lasted about 3 months. If you live in an area that is flat and you plan on riding about 10-15 miles, it's just fine (forget half a century). It was comfortable and very stable, but I could not keep up with other riders. It is heavy and slow. I outgrew it very quickly. I am 57. I wish I had skipped that one, but I hadn't ridden in 25 years and wanted the least intimidating bike I could find.

Then I bought a Specialized Vita Sport (which is the women's version of the Sirrus) flat bar road bike. This bike I would recommend. It did not feel any scarier than the first bike, and weighed about 23 lbs. instead of 35 lbs. That weight difference really is important. You would not grow out of this bike as fast and regret the purchase. I wish I had bought this one as my first bike.

But, I live in a very hilly area - nothing is flat - and I started to ride with a club. A few days ago, I was casually looking thru craigslist and I saw a brand new (2 year old had not been used) Specialized Ruby road bike for a very good price. I actually bought it and went for my first ride today. I never thought I would get a road bike. It sounded like way too much bike for me. But after about 9 months, I was ready. I can go faster on this bike and it felt great! But this bike would probably not have been a good first bike. I could have ridden the Vita longer if this bike wasn't so cool. I may sell the Vita to a friend or put it up on craigslist. I am in central CA.

One thing about the Specialized brand vs. the Trek brand bikes. The Specialized bikes seem to have higher handlebars and give a slightly more upright position. The center of the crank is more forward so you are not leaning forward so much. The Specialized women's flatbar and road bikes also have a slanted top tube - not step thru, but still easier to get off. So, I would suggest you try Specialized before you buy a Trek.

[kimikaw]

Gonna second the at least give Specialized Vita a look recommendation. I was looking at the Trek FX series, and also the Vita. After comparing components and price and trying them both, I ended up focused on the VIta - but then went to the shop and did a bit of a left turn

Ended up with a Specialized DOlce Sport (their entry level road bike), but swapped out the tires to 25cc because I was a bit afraid of the skinny road bike.

As mentioned, the top tube on both is quite slanted and easy to get on and off.

[Catrin]

Thanks for all of the good suggestions. My spinning instructor, who is going with me in February to the LBS has also suggested I look at Specialized models. I want something that can handle roads as well as bike paths, and what I am getting from this discussion, and others that I've read, that the style of tires really make a difference. This makes sense... and it just means that I have research to do over the winter.