Hybrid Bicycles - 1st MS 150 Ride Help!

Hi

This is my first MS 150 experience this coming October. I want to buy a hybrid bike (since I hear that's the best bike style to ride during that distance.... is that so?). I have a road bike with clips, but since my terrible spill... I haven't rode on it again!!!!!!!!!!:cry:

Okay, so do you have a recommendation for a bike that has good speed and under say $300-400?

Please let me know. I need to begin riding and preparing. Also, where's a good place to buy this bike? Thanks in advance!

Hi

This is my first MS 150 experience this coming October. I want to buy a hybrid bike (since I hear that's the best bike style to ride during that distance.... is that so?). I have a road bike with clips, but since my terrible spill... I haven't rode on it again!!!!!!!!!!:cry:

Okay, so do you have a recommendation for a bike that has good speed and under say $300-400?

Please let me know. I need to begin riding and preparing. Also, where's a good place to buy this bike? Thanks in advance!

When I rode the MS150 I saw quite a few '01 to '07 Specialized Sirrus'. My recommendation is to look for a used on on Craigslist. A used road/Cross or touring bike would also work well. I rode on my '88 Sirrus (at this vintage it was a racing bike as opposed to flat barred road bike/hybrid) which is the more traditional ride. It worked well, but the 39 year old engine was a little too weak in the hills. I was really wanting a granny gear of a triple.

Spend your money to reconfigure your road bike.

I assume that it fits and if there is nothing terminal, then its just a matter of getting comfortable with riding again.

If you feel too bent over, get a raised stem to bring your hands up.
If you've been riding with toe clips, get some spd style pedals and shoes.
If you aren't comfortable with narrow tires, put on something wider. Try some 28s or 32s.

A hybrid bike with a flat bar will not be comfortable over the type of distance that you will be riding. And you won't want to ride a $400 hybrid for 75 miles.

Spend your money to reconfigure your road bike.

I assume that it fits and if there is nothing terminal, then its just a matter of getting comfortable with riding again.

If you feel too bent over, get a raised stem to bring your hands up.
If you've been riding with toe clips, get some spd style pedals and shoes.
If you aren't comfortable with narrow tires, put on something wider. Try some 28s or 32s.

A hybrid bike with a flat bar will not be comfortable over the type of distance that you will be riding. And you won't want to ride a $400 hybrid for 75 miles.


+1 What I said earlier is just one option, but if you already own a roadbike the more cost effective plan is what droobieinop just said here.

Good Advice, and you already know your own bike.... just change it to suit you.....

Thanks to all for the feedback... I will probably for economical reasons, make the transition with my own bike.. Who has money to spend like that these days anyway?

Thanks to all. I will move forward with your advice. You guys are awesome!

Just in case someone sees this and doesn't have a road bike to tweak. I disagree about a $400 bike not being suitable for a 75 mile ride. With bar ends, I rode my Sedona for 68 miles in one day, and I weighed over 300 pounds. Someone in a better state of fitness would obviously be able to ride 75 miles in a day. Admittedly, at that time, I was in the best shape I had been in for years due to lots of miles on the bike.

I just say this because I would hate for someone to miss out on a ride they wanted to do simply because they didn't think they could afford a good enough bike, because someone here said a $400 bike would never do.

I think a ride like the MS 150 is more suited to a drop bar bike for the aerodynamics and for the various hand positions... but I think it can be done on a lot less bike than some people would propose.

We are all entitled to our opinions, and this is my opposing view. ;)