Transitioning from a hybrid to a road bike - what to expect?

[Catrin]

I went from a Cannondale hybrid to a road bike last summer. The biggest thing was just getting used to how light it was, especially at high speeds. My road bike is 10+ lbs lighter than the heavy hybrid, and at first it felt like I might blow off the road!

The speed didn't take much getting used to; that was the best part about the switch. I still ride my hybrid when I take the kids in the Burley, and whenever I start riding it, I can feel the heaviness and slowness of the hybrid.

Thanks for the comment about how different the weight felt on the road! My Gunnar will be about 15 pounds lighter than my LHT, though both are steel My tires will be of similar width though, at least at first, so that should help provide me a feeling of stability.

[linzq]

I *just* bought a road bike, as a transition from a mountain bike... I got the Cannondale CAAD10 with 105, and I adore it!

On my test ride, I could definitely feel every bump, but I loved the zippiness I got when accelerating from zero or even up a hill. It won out for me over some of the more touring-oriented "comfy" road bikes.

And it just felt right

I'll keep you briefed on how I do with it outdoors - right now I'm still trainer-only with this wet and snowy weather!

[linzq]

And as soon as I put on my bike shorts, it was 100x more comfortable, even just on the trainer...

[Geonz]

I went from a bulky hybrid... to a fast hybrid. 7500FX. (Now a 7.5 Fx Trek.)

However, you *do* feel more of the bumps! I still go back to my even bulkier hybrid for multi-day rides.

And... if it doesn't feel good riding it, I would not buy it. IMO it's like shoes. If they don't fit now, at least for me... they don't break in, they just break skin. HOWEVER!! If shorts made that much difference... go with your gut -- but NOT with "Okay, I'm supposed to be on a road bike. It's what other people ride."

I LOVE passing roadies on my hybrid The tires are skinny, it's light, and if I hunker down it's almost aero. And since I ride Bulky Bikes usually, I take off on it

[linzq]

I went from a bulky hybrid... to a fast hybrid. 7500FX. (Now a 7.5 Fx Trek.)

However, you *do* feel more of the bumps! I still go back to my even bulkier hybrid for multi-day rides.

And... if it doesn't feel good riding it, I would not buy it. IMO it's like shoes. If they don't fit now, at least for me... they don't break in, they just break skin. HOWEVER!! If shorts made that much difference... go with your gut -- but NOT with "Okay, I'm supposed to be on a road bike. It's what other people ride."

I LOVE passing roadies on my hybrid The tires are skinny, it's light, and if I hunker down it's almost aero. And since I ride Bulky Bikes usually, I take off on it

I absolutely agree. I think you just know when a bike is right for you - that's how I felt when I got mine, and what you should be looking for.

Do you have the option to test ride a few different bikes?

[Phaedra]

Thanks for the tips. I've decided not to rush and to keep test riding at least 5-8 more bikes, so I feel confidant in my choice - to sort of figure out what is a natural difference versus what is not the right fit.

Thanks for all the feedback. It's nice to hear from others who have made this transition.