Road Cycling - Do I really want a road bike or do I just think I want one? (sorry, long)

I've thought for a while that when I get "the dream bike" it would be a road bike. Maybe some sexy Italian bike, that kind of thing. Road bikes have a kind of romance about them that plain jane hybrids, or full suspension mountain bikes or recumbents or whatever just don't. Perhaps its something to do with pretending that one is a sleek and supple lycra-clad road warrior zooming down the trail. Sleek and slim I will never be, but a girl can dream, right?

Right now I'm riding on a Trek hybrid and quite honestly, I don't like it much. When I bought the trek about five years ago, I wasn't riding much. I picked it out based on, well, color. I was like, oh, that's a pretty color, and it's on sale too. The bike is too big for me, especially top tube length, as well as pretty heavy, what with my rack and baskets and all my junk. With being too stretched out on the bike, I think it puts too much pressure on my hands and I get numbness in my fingers when I do the really long rides. Oh, yeah, and I have an on and off saddle sore that just won't go entirely away. Obviously, I want to go into my next bike purchase with eyes wide open. I don't want to spend $900 or more and then find out I hate riding in the roadie position or that it makes my numbness worse.

I ride 20-30 miles, four or five times a week, sometimes more, like I might do 50 or 60 miles on a weekend. I used to ride mostly on paved or crushed limestone trails though that seems to have shifted to city streets mostly. My long term goals include bike touring and doing centuries as well as phasing out car use almost totally.

I'm taking a bike repair class and I talked about my dream bike a little with the instructor. He's trying to sell me (and everyone in the class) on recumbents. Which I think is all fine and well and it would certainly be a total cure for bike hands and saddle sores. But I've looked at the recumbents and they just don't have that romance. They seem as sensible as hush puppy shoes or going to bed early. They're not sexy like a roadie. I guess a big part of riding a bike for me is the romance factor. Why ride if it isn't there?

Advice? The "dream bike" is still months, if not years down the pike, but I'd like to start research and planning.

I certainly agree about the romance factor. If I had to choose between a second mountain bike or a second road bike, I'd take one of each, but if I REALLY had to choose I think I'd take a second road bike. I just kind of feel connected to a great romantic tradition when I get on my road bike--much as somebody holding a ball point might dream of being connected somehow to Shakespeare.

Hi there,

Judging from you plans, I think that you do need a road bike. I'm not sure what kind of geometry (maybe a relaxed touring kind), but definitely a roadbike. A roadbike would let you go faster, be more efficient, and if you have the right sizeing....you won't get any sores or injuries. Riding a roadbike is tons of fun too!

Enjoy!

I agree with Altwegg--and a road bike isn't impractical for commuting. The mountain bike was usually my choice for my commute, just because our streets are terrible; but my road bike wheels have taken some incredible jolts without going out of true, and punctures have been no more common than on the MTB. I have 700x23's on the road bike.

A local newspaper columnist who's travelled all over the world wrote that the only place he saw streets worse than Kansas City's was Beirut.

The word "infrastructure" seems unknown to government here.

Speaking of bulletproof wheels, I heard that the Mavic CXP 33 and Ksyrium were inderstructible. As for me, I've got Open Pros...and they're still true despite all the patches and potholes I hit here.

Hillary,

It sounds like you really need a new bike that fits.. ;)

You might want to start researching women's bikes. You know - bikes made just for women's bodies.

Trek (http://www.trekbikes.com/) makes the WSD series.
Terry (http://terrybicycles.com/) makes only women's bikes.

These are not the only manufacturers. Ask members of a bike club or at a couple of LBS that sell these and other "women's" brands.

I hope you can find what you really like. At don't buy a bike just because you like the color. ;)

Saddle sores and hand numbness can rear their heads anywhere.

A road bike can't be any worse than your situation now.

With two bikes to choose from, you might be able to hold off any pains by switching bikes on occaision.

For me, the biggest bang for the bike is a road bike. It's amazing how much more roll, efficiency, and speed you'll get.

Good luck!

Your dream bike sounds more like a fast-light touring bike than a competition road bike. I believe Waterford is your local purveyor of fine frames. A custom steel frame should figure in any cyclists fantasies.

Your cycling troubles probably stem from a badly fitting bike. Even a low-end bike can be fun, if it fits well. You dont have to adopt a racing crouch just because you are riding a lightweight road bike. Make the bike fit you, not the other way around.

Hi Hilary!
Road bikes ROCK! I use mine for commuting, touring, training, and just about any other excuse I can find to be on two wheels! I hate to say it, but my poor old hybrid is actually getting dusty from lack of use! The hybrid was my first bike, and admitedly, I learned a lot from that machine. I averaged about 6.4 miles per day on that bike. Then, I got a road bike! Now, I average over 18 miles a day! (This includes the one day off per week that I don't ride!)
Many road bikes (IMHO) have the handle bars set too low for the typical rider. On both of my road bikes (yes, now I have 2!:D ) the first thing I changed was the stem! Mine both had the top of the handle bars 3 to 4 inches below the top of the saddle. This is fine for a racer who wants to get his/her back flat for less wind resistance. But, with a body the size of mine, I am going to have wind resistance no matter what position I am in, so I might as well be comfortable. Now, the tops of the bars are either level or within an inch of the top of the saddle. It is much more comfortable, and when I am going downhill, I can still get in the drops and go like crazy! And, having the bars raised and keeping your hands moving to different positions on the bars helps with the numbness of the hands.
As far as the saddle sore, I assume you wear biker shorts. The padding in them sure helped me! That and finding a saddle that fits should take care of the soreness problem. I had a chance to ride a Brooks saddle, and found it to be amazingly comfortable! But, at that price, I suppose it should be!!

Good luck to you!

P.S. My second road bike has a Waterford frame, and they are really nice! Very comfortable to ride.

If you're not sure about a road bike you could go to your LBS and check the used machines. Mine often has good quality bikes in all sizes for anywhere from $50 to $250. You can learn what you do and don't like about gearing, frame, pedals, etc. before you drop the big bucks for a carbon bike.

HillaryRose,

You are right to research and become educated on what is out there. In doing this you are also taking time to confirm what kind of bike you really want. When I first began looking beyond MTB, I thought I wanted a hybrid. The best advice I received came from a salesperson at a LBS in Wichita. She told me if I wasn't entirely sure between hybrid and road, and price was dictating most of my selection...I should save my $$$$ for a year and then buy a bike I would love. The year of saving gave me time to discover road bikes were where it was at. I was also able to purchase a 'new' 2000 road bike for almost half price due to 2001 models needing space. It wasn't an easy year to wait...and I almost drove my wife crazy...but it was the correct decision for me.

good luck

HillaryRose,

This has happened to me, also. My first bike purchase (mountain) was o.k., but I eventually decided I wanted a road bike. I got the road bike, and was very pleased.

When I was buying the road bike, my wife asked me (in front of the bike shop guy), "Is this the last bike you're going to buy?" The sarcastic tone was not lost on anyone.

Immediately, as if hearing this question 1,000 times before, the bike shop guy butted in with, "It doesn't usually work that way."
I kept silent.

The bike shop guy's prophecy seems to be coming true. I love my bike, but the longer you ride any bike, the more educated you become about 1) what you might prefer, and 2) the shortcomings of you own bike. It's an endless path...

Honestly, have you ridden a recumbent? You have to ride one, just to say you have done it (riding a comfy bike in the same position as driving a car is really a gas, and speed is good...you can actually relax and look at the scenery, not to mention the sky! Nothing like it.) Remember, you bought your first bike because of the "pretty color," so a "sexy" bike might also fall short. Not that a sexy road bike would be bad at all, you will love a bike that is fitted strictly for you. But what do you want: "sexy," or, "true love?"

But don't take my word for it. I have only ridden a recumbent. But that is my next goal for a purchase.

;)

pete
yeh these recumbent things are really neat , we don`t see many of them in the U.K probably because all the roadside hedges and walls make them a tad dangerous . One in front of me coming home from work couple of nights ago , man can they motor, my competitave edge urged me to catch up to him but he stayed well in front the 4 miles home .

HillaryRose,

I hear what you're saying about romance. Although a little voice in my head extolls all the virtues of recumbents, they just don't show up in my daydreams.

As far as advice, I echo the touring bike idea, especially as you say you want to do a little touring along with centuries. I had a hybrid that I used for five years, a heavy Raleigh that fit me OK. My commuting was episodic and I averaged no more than 1800 miles/year. In 1997 I bought an inexpensive steel tourer at REI, pretty much for your reasons. However, I started commuting more because it was more fun, and in 1998 my mileage was up to 3600 miles. With trepidation I did my first century in 1998, found it was a blast and did two more. In 1999 my mileage was 5200 miles, with 8 centuries; in 2000, 7100 miles and 12 centuries. Over time, my 32-mile commute became a 50- to 60-mile commute--the destination remained the same, but the journey became more pleasureable with the more responsive bike and therefore I extended the ride as much as possible.

My only other advice is to budget for a saddle search. The LBS will probably be good about swapping saddles, if the stock version is obviously not what you're looking for, but it may take a few tries to find one that will be the best for those 100-mile days. There have been a number of extensive threads in the forum about saddle choice, and it usually boils down to being a choice with so many personal variables people end up saying, "Brand X worked for me, but YMMV." It took me five tries to find mine.

Good luck on the dream bike!

I'm also interested in what a road bike has to offer. But , of course, I have no clue where to start. I know absolutely zip about the things. Mountain biker. But I find myself spending more an more time on pavement and not on mountains plus I think something as light and with as little contact with the ground as a road bike, it would be only an advantage as far as commuting is concerned.

I'd love to see how a road bike would or could help me with hill climbing. My GT does ok but I always get the feeling that its too BIG and too W I D E for road riding. Thin tires and a light frame sounds like a breath of fresh air compared to all the resistance of and weight of a mountain bike.

Hello, I think for general use (touring/commuting/century) a good place to start is the right frame size. you will want to make sure the frame has eyelets to allow for panners/rack setups. the component group, I would use shimano 105, this will allow for a double or triple front chainring setup plus it will last and is cost effective. The wheels can make or break a bike. I think a good mavic rim w/ 105 hubs is a good all around setup if you run a 700c x 25 tire you will be able to do all of the afore mentioned styles of riding with confidence. all you will need is the motor hope this helps Vikeaz

Thanks for the good advice everyone. I've decided to start looking for a used cheapie road bike, just to try it out first before I invest. I think I found a vintage Raleigh on the web, but haven't heard back from the guy selling it if it's still available. None of the local bike shops around here sell used bikes. I imagine because they couldn't be 100% sure the "used" bikes weren't stolen.

When it comes time to buy the "dream bike" I'll be doing a lot of test riding. I'll definitely ride several recumbents, just because I know the advantages they have. Of course, what I want is true love and sexy. Sometimes one can get them both in the same package. Fortunately, one never need be bike monogamous. :) Maybe someday I'll own both a road bike and a recumbent. I know that my husband is leaning towards a recumbent for his dream bike, so I'll probably want one to keep up with him.

I'm also definitely considering a custom frame for this dream bike of mine. Anyone have any experience with Rivendell bikes? I saw their website and those bikes are just too gorgeous for words. Not as expensive as i'd thought either, but the waiting list is like a year and a half.

HillaryRose,
Let me throw out a possibility. Here in New Orleans, a much smaller metropolitan area than Chicago, there are always several bikes for sale in the classifieds, especially Friday through Sunday. Usually there are a couple of old Schwinn 10-speeds. Now Schwinn ain't Bianchi, Trek, or Colnago, but it is a decent brand, and 10-speed certainly isn't state of the art. Many of these bikes were hardly ridden and have been sitting in someone's garage for years. This may be an unorthodox way to go about it, but if you could get an old Schwinn 10-speed in good shape for about $50 (the normal price around here) plus new tires and tubes, it would give you a chance to try out a road-type bike for almost nothing. You could get an idea of how it feels and what things you would like to change. After a few months, you would have a good idea of exactly what to look for. When you get your dream bike, you could sell the old one for what you paid for it or keep it for a spare. Heck, you might even luck onto a great deal in the classifieds; I did.

Old 10-speeds are easy to work on. I used one as a guinea pig to try out procedures I was unsure of so I would know what I was doing when I performed them on my good bike. Doing this, I learned enough to feel comfortable disassembling, cleaning, and re-greasing all the bearing groups (hubs, headset, bottom bracket) on the old Bianchi I lucked onto. The result was a bike better than new.
Regards,
Raymond

Originally posted by HillaryRose
Anyone have any experience with Rivendell bikes? I saw their website and those bikes are just too gorgeous for words.
I have a riding friend who got a Rivendell a year ago to supersede his 1961-vintage tourer. It is a beaut, wonderfully constructed--a classic. Next time I see him I'll ask him for a critique and pass it along.

HillaryRose, anything "sexy" is in the eye of the beholder or your conditioned state of mind. It took me months to learn to appreciate recumbent design because it was so far "outside the box" compared to the traditional diamond-frame design I have been conditoned from childhood to identify as the image of the only true road bike. Yes, some recumbents to me look like high-school shop welding projects with lawn chairs stuck on them, but I also found some designs, notably Dutch low racers, to be worthy of terms like "elegant" and even "sexy." From a pure design standpoint, a couple are worthy of MOMA Collection status in my opinion. Of course recumbents don't have the benefit of a romantic history in racing, mainly because they were banned by the UCI 67 years ago, but they are nevertheless the fastest bicycles in the world, bar none. Riding a beautifully designed one over a long distance can be a true revelation in pure biking experience way beyond "sex appeal."

p.s. I'm a bent enthusiast you can see, but not an evangelist. I also ride my Specialized when the mood strikes me.

Originally posted by bentrox!
but they are nevertheless the fastest bicycles in the world, bar none.

I trust you know of which you speak, but man, the the thought of being dropped by a recumbent?

Now I'm gonna be looking over my shoulder all the time.

Originally posted by Greg


...the the thought of being dropped by a recumbent?

Now I'm gonna be looking over my shoulder all the time.

Why bother? If I understand the original post of this thread, "romance" is the primary criteria for a "dream bike", not ultimate speed or performance. Given that, it shouldn't matter who or what may smoke you as long as you still feel "sexy" on your road bike. Right, HillaryRose?

Originally posted by HillaryRose
I'm also definitely considering a custom frame for this dream bike of mine.

Check out Waterfordbikes.com (nebill referred to it earlier)

Classically elegant custom frames. Beautifully simple craftsmanship, lugs not as ornate as Rivendell.

Okay, I've looked at some of the dutch recumbents on the internet (yellowbikes/optima) and i will concede that some of the super low racing ones might almost be considered sexy. Also, the 'bents from Reynold's Weld lab are pretty cool as well. I'm still not sure on the "romance" of them. The recumbents I was thinking of, the only one's carried by my LBS, are BikeE. To me, they look like a lawn chair fastened to an I beam, perched on top of two dinky little wheels. I refuse to ride something that ugly. :p

While I do want to be able to go faster than I can now on my trek, I'm not worried about becoming a speed demon. I'm always going to get smoked by some rider or another. I know for some people, the name of the game is to be the fastest around, but that's just not realistic for me. I'm definitely concerned about comfort and I think a lot of that issue would be solved with a custom built frame, maybe with the more relaxed geometry of a touring bike.

Hmmm...I've been thinking about why "romance" is a qualifier for a dream bike for me. I think it goes back to my personal philosophy which is taken from a quote by William Morris. "Have nothing in your house which you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." I prefer, when possible, to have my possessions be both. Maybe it's because I'm an artist. I definitely love the look of the lugged frame vs. the tig welds of a typical modern frame. I also love the idea that with a custom crafted bike, I'd be riding what basically amounts to a work of art (as all fine hand crafted objects are, to my eyes)

Ah, road bikes.

I think there's a place for more than one type of bike in every serious cyclists stable. The road bike for long miles and a mountain bike for the off-road stuff.

Get one that fits by all means, you can get fitted to a certain point in a shop, but you should really make the final adjustment yourself. Fore and aft position of the saddle, handlebar height and saddle height are all things you need to work out yourself.

In other words, learn all you can about frame fit etc so you can make adjustments yourself. There is no substitute for an informed trial and error period before finally settling on a position that's right for you.

Oh yes, I too own a Waterford, best money I've ever spent on a bike.

Felix, I have to agree with you...the Waterford frames are really nice! Mine is so comfortable, it is almost hard to believe! The Rivs are really beautiful, too, and I love thier web site! They don't beat around the bush, they tell it like it is as far as fit and function go! As a matter of fact, I replaced the stem on my Paramount to raise the handlebars as suggested on the Riv site, and ended up with an even more comfortable bike!

Romance can be characterized as having high ideals of purity and devotion, with a disposition toward the adventurous...sounds like me on my Paramount! :D

Hi Hillary,

apparrantly, I am the only one here that really LOVES hybrid bikes. Mine has served well, on all types of pavement, for over 9000 miles including two RAGBRAI's (week-long cycling events in IOWA).

The really important thing is fit. From your post it sounds like you need a shorter, and possibly higher stem. If you are getting saddle sores there is a good chance the saddle is too wide and/or too plush. If you still have the saddle that came with the bike it is almost certainly too cushy.

I would suggest spending a little money trying to make your current bike fit better. The lessons learned from this will apply to any bike you purchase in the future.

P.S. How come nobody cried "foul" about the recumbent evangelist trying to sell the whole class on a new bike?

Cycletourist,
We are all very secure in our cyxuality and tolerant of the less fortunate who are not at that stage of evolution where they can cycle upright.


(Bentrox!, you know I'm just messin' with ya!)

FOUL! I really can't stand recumbents. I've tried one, and did not dislike it, but, as a class, they seem to be the kinds of bikes that are designed by under-employed physics post-doctoral students... and ridden by them, too. They may be efficient, they may be good for you... but I've heard that about a whole lot of bland food that I don't like either.

Go for the road bike. Go for one that is racey, fast and in a flashy colour. Go for 120 km rides with other roadies and learn about the sheer joy of pushing your physical limits and of sharing the mystique of a century of performance cycling.

On a road bike, you can be Merckx, Coppi, Anquetil, Hinault or any one of the other greats of the last century or this one [sorry, I only know some of the current womens' greats, like Longo, Millward and Bessette]. You can be part of something... a club, a peloton or a tradition...

And I'll be honest, I've NEVER seen anyone on a 'bent sprint 60 km/h into a headwind, or take a 12% grade, 7 km climb at 28 km/h. Never.

'Bents are the birkenstocks of the bicycle world...



;-)

Hillary. You must decide yourself, what you like to do and how you like to do it. No one else can answer that for you.
My goal. Exercise, training, touring, and just riding from point a to b. Hybrids are not sleek enough to travel long distances. I have a hybrid. When I use it for local errands, I do not even put its mileage in my mileage log. Does not fit my definition of cycling. ONce in awhile you feel like moving fast.? Hybrids have more drag. Seat position? Right fit. I have no problem with fatigue on my road bike, unless it is an endurance ride. All seems very comfortable to me. Can you ride on a road bike and any other of interest to you, for more than just around the block. Maybe rent the variiations of bikes that you might be interested in. give them a real test. Just be sure you have an expert sales person fit you correctly before you do your test ride.

Dear HillaryRose,

I tell ya, I get no respect around here!

The fishin’s been great, though! Chum the waters with a little bent bait and, BAM! Just like that, three strikes!

"cyclotourist" thinks recumbent riding makes you an evangelist. Truth is I enjoy all three of my bikes for their variety of riding experience. I’m always broadening my horizons (and I’m not talking waistline here!) Heck, I’m a damn Renaissance man, not an evangelist! You’re an artist, HillaryRose, so you can appreciate that, I’m sure.

"RainmanP" struck my funny bone. His light-hearted jest was clever and funny. If I’m stickin’ my neck out, I can't afford to be thin-skinned, can I?

WOW, "velocipedio"! He mighta suffered a severe bout of metaphoric apoplexy had I told him I was actually a black, Jewish, gay recumbent bicylist! Thank God he doesn’t know about my unicycle. Jeez, talk about gettin’ no respect!

Yours truly,
The Rodney Dangerfield of bicyclists

Originally posted by bentrox!
WOW, "velocipedio"! He mighta suffered a severe bout of metaphoric apoplexy had I told him I was actually a black, Jewish, gay recumbent bicylist! Thank God he doesn’t know about my unicycle. Jeez, talk about gettin’ no respect!
UNIcycle? Wassammatawidyah? TWO wheels too much for you? Dont tell me -- it's a 'bent unicycle, right?

Well, uh, yeah... in fact, it is.
http://www.unicycling.com/garage/recumben.htm
You should see it sprint!

Hey Bentrox,

I never said recumbent riding makes one an evangelist. Read the original post. Then read mine again.

I objected only to the guy evangelizing. I don't care what product he was pushing.

cycletourist,
Dang, you're right! The original post never mentioned evangelist!
BTW, the Trek hybrid I rode this summer was quite comfortable and I don't know why some roadies don't take them as serious bikes.
(There I go evangelizing again! Someone stop me, please!) :p

I find this thread very interesting, because I think I have been through most of the emotions described in it while looking for my "real" bike.

Twenty five years ago, I ditched my 10 speed because I didn't even enjoy it. Months ago I bought a city bike (three-speed SRAM hub) because in Holland, you do. And I fell in love.

It was never a choice for me - road all the way. But after doing my research, I found it was just as inexpensive to have a custom bike built as to get one off the shelf. And it will fit.

It is basically a racing frame, but with one additional cm on the chain stays, one more degree in the fork, and - per one of the recent replies regarding back angle - be four cm higher in the head tube. Unless you really know your bikes, I suspect it will look like a racer to you. It will to me.

It is lugged steel, and has bosses in the rear to add a platform should I want to carry something more than a saddle-bag. Which is unlikely, because that is the job of my city bike.

Performance is one issue. But romance is definitely another. As an Army brat, I was lucky enough to live in Italy in the late 50s. I still have a strong affinity for it. So having Columbus tubing in the frame; TTT bars and stem; Ambrosio wheels; and Campagnolo running gear (made in Vicenza - the town I lived in!) only makes it better.

Definitely romance. I am only glad that I can be romantic about something at my age. :D

Cheers...Gary

There is nothing more attractive than a stripped down road bike or a well equipped tourer. I'm lucky having one of both

Go for it, you'll love it, but make sure it fits.

I think people get caught up on the hype of MTB's forgetting the weight (unless really expensive) fixed riding position and increased rolling resistance. Do not succumb!