What to do about 2nd bike?

[IANative]

I got into cycling via my hybrid because a bad back and dicey knees couldn't take running anymore. Rode it a lot (for me) for 18 months. Really liked it, but wanted to go faster on pavement. Got my Roubaix 6 months ago, and I haven't even seen my hybrid since then. I like the idea of having a second bike, but I'd at least like to ride it once a month or so. I have a lot of crushed limestone trails in the area, but I haven't been tempted to ride them w/ the hybrid over riding pavement w/ the Roubaix.

What might I get more use/enjoyment out of in a second bike? Should I trade the hybrid for a cross bike? A Secteur to back up my Roubaix? An Allez for the short rides? Or the Sectuer/Allez for a winter basement bike? (Yes, I'm a Specialized homey.) Or, is my desire for a second bike just a solution looking for a problem?

For the record, I'm not a cycling freak (not yet, anyway). I ride 3-4 times/week, 15-25 miles per ride. Working on building up to more frequent rides and longer distances.

[10 Wheels]

Sell it and get a touring bike.

Bike touring on the road is a great adventure.

[twodownzero]

I am keeping my hybrid, but I agree that getting a cross bike is not a bad idea, and if your hybrid is worth something, that might be the way to go.

[IcySmooth52]

I have to say, my cross bike has served me well as a second bike. Wet weather on the road or light trails. (Doing the cyclocross sport it was designed for is a ton of fun too!)

[aztimm]

I'm in a similar situation, but I started with a Specialized TriCross. I got a Tarmac about a month ago. Initially, I just transferred the MTB pedals over, so I couldn't ride it (it had no pedals). Finally I got some Speedplay pedals (and new shoes) for my Tarmac. Even so, I haven't ridden the TriCross since.

I figure I'll hang onto the TriCross for a while. Maybe use it if I'm riding with slower people (I hate to say that...), or want a recovery-ride and do some canal trails. It would make a good backup bike, if mine is ever in the shop, can't ride it, etc. If I end up not using much by the end of the year, I'll consider selling it.

[SlimRider]

Keep your hybrid. Eventually, you'll want to switch up and ride something different. You're just feeling the newness of the road bike style right now. One Saturday or Sunday morning you're gonna wake up feeling like a hybrid ride.

Besides, hybrids are too versatile to give up!

[Terry66]

I built up a Salsa Vaya touring/commuter bike complete with "fredly" fenders, racks, etc. I usually only ride it when I do weekend touring or when it is raining. It has its purpose and it isn't meant to be my everyday bike.

I am also in the process of building up a matte black aluminum frame with a full Ultegra group to use as a bad weather bike for my groups rides and also for my 17yo son to ride. He has started to show an interest in cycling to keep in shape in the off season.

[RollCNY]

When I side lined my Specialized Sirrus, I got a single speed kit and a single chain ring for the front. Put on 28's with little knobs and it became the mild off road / crushed limestone, putter with the kids bike. Was a fun toy for a while. Was also a nice take out of town bike, where I wasn't really worried about it getting beaten up in transit.

I have since gotten rid of it, and picked up two others, so no real substantive advice other than consume. America needs you to buy a bike.

[milkbaby]

Ride your secondary bike (hybrid) to run errands, commute to work, meet friends at the coffee shop, to cruise some easy trails or fire roads, and when it's raining so you don't want to ride your Roubaix but still want to ride! Enjoy!