SHK

Hi guys I need some help from you roadbike experts. I currently own a 2013 Raleigh Cadent FT1 hyrbid. I ride 2-5x averaging 15 miles per ride, and one 50 mile ride with my friends weekly.

My legs hurt after 50 miles.

My question is how big of a difference would a road bike benefit me? Compared to my current bike how much would I need to in order to actually have a better bike as far as parts/performance. From my understanding a cheaper road bike wouldnt be any better than the bike I currently own.

I understand a lot of it had to deal with my own physical capability.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

Frank72

Go to your local bike bike shop and try a some road bikes. See what feels good to you. Find out what size bike you need. If you live near a Performance Bike shop they probably have some great deals this time of the season.

When trying bikes see if you like an endourance style bike or something more aggressive.

Once you know your size you can even buy used and get more bike for your money.

rmfnla

The problem with going to Performance is he will be dependent on them for warranty work.

The Santa Monica store has butchers for mechanics and the shop area is the messiest I've ever seen, never a good sign...

memebag

I don't think a road bike will make a big difference from the hybrid you have now. I looked it up online. It doesn't have shocks. The tires are a bit wider than road bikes. It doesn't look crazy heavy or anything. The way to make your legs feel better after 50 miles is to train up to do a century.

I have a hybrid and a road bike. The road bike is a little lighter, a little faster and a little better suited to long distances, but the difference isn't big.

Maelochs

You probably need to spend about $3000----before you get a new bike.

First off, you need to buy a jersey in a color you don't like---pink and brown is a good combination. Then you need some expensive cycling shoes---buy a brand which you can only mail-order, so you can test and try to return several pairs which don't fit ... and then find out the companies don't honor their warranties.

Matching socks and gloves are next---don't spend more than $100 for both together ( I know, some will say I am cheap.)

The most important bit of kit is sunglasses. These can usually be had for less than $500, but you won't get the really good ones for that price---you know, the ones with unpronounceable names which work just as well as the $5 kind.

Matching shorts are okay, but if you shop around, you should be able to find some bib overalls for about $200 ....

Oh, yes, you wanted to know about a bike ....
There it is. You have a decent bike. A road bike will be a tiny bit lighter and a tiny be more efficient, but your legs hurt not because of the bike but because you are using them hard. So ... your legs will keep hurting, but you will go 60 instead of 50 miles.

After a while you will find yourself going 75 or 100 miles and your legs won't hurt---that is a sign that you have gotten lazy and need to start pushing harder.

Best way to avoid leg pain is to get an electric bike.

Pendergast

What's your typical cadence? Switching to an easier gear than what you usually ride and learning to spin faster might help with the hurting legs problem.

Inpd

That's a 25 pound bike as I recall. Do you do a lot of climbing. Then a lighter road bike will help a lot. That bike also has Altus level MTB components. For $1000 you should be able to get from Performance or BD a decent bike with most of the 105 groupset which is far superior to what you have now.

FXjohn

the geometry of a road bike is MUCH more efficient and faster. no comparision.

SHK

Thank you guys for the input! 1000$ Is a little more than I'd like to spend but who can put a price on a hobby that also give you exercise right? Ill keep convincing myself lol.

I will be visiting my LBS next week just to see what the road bikes feel like. Cant believe I didnt think of this one myself


I dont have cadence sensor on my cyclo computer.. but recently found out the difference between mashing and spinning. So this past week I have tried a higher cadence and found I can maintain a good speed with less effort so I will continue to test this out!

..and yes the goal is a century! but Ill need to order my jersey, sock, shoes, sunglasses, and shorts first!.. and shave my legs.

SHK

Ribble Gran Fondo Shimano 105 Bike of the Week - - Ribble Cycles

How about this?

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble...mano-105-5800/

or this.

Lt Stonez

Less than 1000£
2016 Giant Defy Advanced 3 Composite Road Bike Black Silver £918.99
920£

2016 Specialized Roubaix SL4 Carbon Road Bike - Black/Green £899.99
899£

Giant and Specialized are great brands, and you will get more for your bike when its time to sell it.

cycleheimer

What are your friends riding? If it's leisurely mileage, a touring bike might be something to look at. Just a different thought on the matter.

aplcr0331

I went from a 26lbs Fuji Hybrid to a 20lbs Ghost road bike. That's my only experience. The difference was immediate and remarkable. I cannot say enough how amazing it was to switch.

Never going back. But I'm sure you're different than me.

Good luck.

SHK

One has a 2015/16 Kestrel Talon

Other has some sort of hybrid from the UK.

Our ride I suppose could be considered leisurely but we are slowly increasing our pace as we gain experience.

Amigo_Frio

The Raleigh Cadent is an excellent bike! Keep riding it, but gradually increase your time in the saddle by extending your riding distances. Eventually, you'll find that your leg pain will fade with time and experience.

practical

A road bike can be a more rewarding ride if you like drop bars. If you don't like drop bars, you can get a used road bike and convert the drops to flat bars. Or you can upgrade your hybrid by making sure you have a good tires (28mm) with a psi of 100 or or higher for pavement. Bring your grips in (make your bar narrower) so that your arms are almost straight ahead. Put a mirror on the end of the bar - this will really increase your confidence on roads and if traffic. Use toe clips or clipless and learn to spin more than mash. Don't add any accessories unless you really need them. Pick places on your rides where you can sprint and really get a good leg and lung burn going. This will build your stamina. Get a simple bike speedometer so you can know your speed.

PaulRivers

Like a few other posters, I looked up your bike, and it looks like it's not to bad. Just a road bike with a flat bar and Vittoria Randonneur 32mm tires.

The tire size is pretty good at 32c. The tire itself - Vittoria Randonneur - has a reputation for good flat protection but a slow rolling tire that's not very comfortable with poor rolling resistance. Basically a reliable tire if you're cheap.

You might be able to significantly improve the speed of your bike by buying better tires. For around $50 / tire, my suggestion would be either a Continental gp4000s in 28mm (fastest, but a little smaller could be a less comfortable ride) (Choose 700x28 from the dropdown):
https://amzn.com/B01AJERK9K

Or a Schwalbe Marathon Supreme in 32mm (the smallest size they make right now, the bigger size would likely be the more comfortable ride but a little slower, it's the fastest tire I know of this size):
https://amzn.com/B004YICD9U

SHK

So I finally took the plunge after test riding many roadbikes.

I was originally going to get the Specialized Allez E5 sport for 915$..

But then wait? The DSW Elite model was on sale for 944$..

But then wait the SL Comp model was on sale for 1095$!

So I ended up spending a total of about 1.2k$ but feel like ive got the bike that will last and perform! Cant wait should be in in about a week!

Thanks again for all your guys help!

black_box 

Since you're doing 50 miles... what are you eating and drinking while on that length of ride? Do you have a rest stop during the ride for a snack?

SHK

Yeah we will have a pit stop or a few. Usually to refill or buy something. Generally we carry things like granolabars, bananas, and beef jerky. Water always and maybe a gatorade or coconut water in between.