Century and amatuers

[SadieKate]

Hi, Cyclesome. You can do a metric century (60 miles) on any bike on which you feel comfortable and, no, we're not professionals. Not even good at pretending to be.

Most folks use road bikes with drop bars for the more aerodynamic position, the multiple hand positions, the narrow tires with less rolling resistance, the lighter weight, etc. All of this translates into higher speeds for the same energy output.

If you want to do the century on your hybrid (and lots do), I'd recommend you look at the route start and close times. Calculate the number of hours that the course will be open (they'll SAG you in if you're too late) and then look at your average speed as you ride longer and longer distances. Calculate in the time you will spend at each rest stop and see if you think you can complete the course in this time. Be sure you take into account difference in terrain, such as more hills, than your training rides.

Go for it!