General Cycling Discussion - Am I making the right choice for a bike style?

Right now we only have some bikes from wally world but we want to do some shorter treks (50-60 miles) this summer but next summer ramp it up significantly (300-400 miles). So, it seems to me that a road bike would be the best option for us for the longer run right?

Absolutely. For a ride of either of those lengths you'd want to right gear. Relaxed geometry road bike, a good saddle, clipless shoes and pedals, cycling clothing and lots of water. You need to attain comfort and efficiency.

The more pertainent question is which model, since there's huge variation among road bikes.

Many bikes can be used for touring, but I would suggest a bike with wider tires, lower gearing for carrying loads, besides the relaxed geometry blickblock mentioned. Bikes that will accommodate a rack and panniers would be nice for 300 to 400 mile rides.

Right now we only have some bikes from wally world but we want to do some shorter treks (50-60 miles) this summer but next summer ramp it up significantly (300-400 miles). So, it seems to me that a road bike would be the best option for us for the longer run right?

Is this 300-400 miles camping and self-supported or something more organized like a cross-state ride a la RAGBRAI? It makes a difference.

Also, your physical fitness, age, general health, tolerance for suffering and feelings about speed vs. touring will factor into the decision. Good luck. The right bike for you is out there, just do your homework and don't jump too fast.

The more pertinent question is which model, since there's huge variation among road bikes.

What do you mean by this? what are some of the "model" options?

Thanks for your help...I'm such a newbie!

Is this 300-400 miles camping and self-supported or something more organized like a cross-state ride a la RAGBRAI? It makes a difference.

Also, your physical fitness, age, general health, tolerance for suffering and feelings about speed vs. touring will factor into the decision. Good luck. The right bike for you is out there, just do your homework and don't jump too fast.
The first shorter ones (50-60 miles) will be self supported. I think it would be a good idea to have the RAGBRAI thing under our belt before a longer self supported trek. But to answer your question, the end game is to be on a self-supported several hundred mile trek.

As far as the other information, we are both pretty physically fit, in our twenties with generally good health. Not sure what you mean about the "tolerance for suffering" and what is the difference (in bikes) between "speed" and "touring". I was told that if I go a bike that was more conducive for cruising around and soaking in the landscape I would be complaining that it took me too long to get from point A to point B and that is why I should be more aware of tire width and pressure...what else should I weigh in to that decision?

sorry double post.

You will be much happier on a touring bike. If you want to race, then get a race bike. If you want to tour, which is what you described, then get a touring bike. They are far more comfortable and you can spend day after day in the saddle. Plus they allow for you to carry a lot more stuff, which you will like on the longer self supported rides. Not everyone can have a team car with extra food, clothes and water bottles.

What do you mean by this? what are some of the "model" options?

Thanks for your help...I'm such a newbie!

There are recreational road bikes, racing road bikes, time trial road bikes, triathlon road bikes, touring road bikes, etc. You want to get a touring bike.

The first shorter ones (50-60 miles) will be self supported. I think it would be a good idea to have the RAGBRAI thing under our belt before a longer self supported trek. But to answer your question, the end game is to be on a self-supported several hundred mile trek.

As far as the other information, we are both pretty physically fit, in our twenties with generally good health. Not sure what you mean about the "tolerance for suffering" and what is the difference (in bikes) between "speed" and "touring". I was told that if I go a bike that was more conducive for cruising around and soaking in the landscape I would be complaining that it took me too long to get from point A to point B and that is why I should be more aware of tire width and pressure...what else should I weigh in to that decision?

Self-supported touring is best done with a purpose built touring bike. A touring bike is a bit like a road bike but has a more upright position, a heavier duty frame, a longer more stable wheelbase, low gearing for climbing with a load, wide tires for shock absorbtion and load bearing and mount points for things like racks, bags and fenders. All of these things make a touring bike slower than a racing style bike.

All that said, people do self-supported touring on every kind of bike imaginable, just with not as much convenience or comfort. It's all about compromises. You won't go as fast on a touring bike as you would on a racing bike, but a racing bike will be hard to load and take camping. Spend some time on the touring forum here.