WonderMonkey

Just ordered my n+1 bike. First road style bike ever. I've been riding hybrids in recent years. I'm sure it's going to feel very odd. Any advice from you clydes who have done similar?

2014 Raleigh Revenio 2.0

spdracr39

Nice ! I have both styles and I really enjoy the light weight and ease of riding on the road bike. My Hybrid is so comfortable but they don't really compare. I feel certain you will love it.

WonderMonkey

The seat on my current hybrid is small but certainly nothing like the stock version on this bike. That's going to take some getting used to.

Ray Dockrey

You can always change the seat out. Just because it comes with it doesn't mean you have to stick with it.

WonderMonkey

True. I'll give it a valid try and see how it goes.

MikeRides

Other than the handlebars and lighter frame how does a road bike differ than a hybrid ?

Enjoy your new bike, it's such an exciting time!

cafzali

A road bike has narrower wheels and tires that result in less rolling resistance, but it also has a completely different geometry. That's about more than just different handlebars and encompasses a variety of different measurements that result in a more comfortable ride.

jsigone

hip/leg rotation is increase on road bikes vs MTB/Hybrids. This is why the saddle is smaller and narrow tipped. OEM saddles takes few solid rides to break in the foam of the saddle, don't give up on it the first week. Unless of course you can't stay on it for longer then 10mins. If that the case your sit bones needs another size and/or style.

Pamestique 

Get a fitting... a good one where they can measure and adjust the seat, stem, pedals, cleats etc. Some minor adjustments will make the bike comfortable and smooth... didn't look up the specifications but consider 25" tire vs anything narrower, maybe even 28's. You will want to replace the seat... I have yet to know anyone who can ride on a stock saddle... many shops are willing to provide loaners to try out brands. Lastly understand how to ride a road bike... note the design of the brake hoods, your hands are intended to rest there. If you cannot comfortably reach the hoods or if you are cramped up, you will need a stem adjustment. Also remember you will be going from riding straight up or nearly so to more agressive, bent over. You may have to adjust the angle of the stem up alittle (15 degree rise) in order to feel comfortable.

Very pretty bike and good choice. Enjoy!

PS: adding... next new purchase... wheels. You may find the stock wheels need re-enforcement. You can either purchase better hweels or have the existing ones relaced.

WonderMonkey

I know there are some obvious differences but as for how it rides, not sure!

WonderMonkey

Thanks. I'll give it about 10 rides unless I just can't stand it as you mentioned.

WonderMonkey

Thanks for all the pointers. I am going to have the LBS guy initially fit me but after a small break in period I'm going to a guy around here that is outstanding at it. I want to ride it a bit so that I can feel the difference.

Yes on those wheels. Even though I've lost a great deal of weight and will continue to lose I don't know how much below 200lbs is safe for me to go. That's rough on stock wheels.

Null66

Uhm,
THAT IS A DAMN NICE BIKE!

spdracr39

A road bike goes faster with less effort and handles like a sports car. The more stretched out riding position actually is more comfortable (for me) over longer rides. A larger variety of hand positions allows you to keep your grip without your hands getting numb. Don't get me wrong I love my hybrid it just isn't the same type of ride.

WonderMonkey

Thanks! Spiffy color scheme as well. And as we all know cool paint jobs make you go faster.

WonderMonkey

Will I need a wheelie bar?

jc650

I think people way over react about wheels sometimes. My first road bike came with mavic cxp-22's and only needed re truing once after thousands of miles and I was 300 lbs to start. I did need to replace the crap 25 mm tires that came with it though and Ive been fine ever since. To me good tires is most important unless your really heavy which it doesnt sound like you are. I actually find my road bike more comfortable than my 29er mtn bike due to the amount of different positions I can put my hands in.

JReade

My mountain bike feels very sluggish compared to my roadies. Geometry and rolling resistance are really the ones that make me lean towards roadies. Even slick tires on a MTB make a big change, but it's still only 1 step.

antimonysarah

Nice! I rode a rental Raleigh Revenio recently, and it's a nice bike. (The rental was very much the wrong size, so it was kind of unpleasant, but I could still tell it was hitting that sweet spot of comfort and stiff for climbing.)

Along with the saddle, be prepared that you might need to change the handlebars -- like saddles, handlebar fit is super-important and is fussier on road bikes than on hybrids. Ride for a while (longer than you'll need to figure out if the stock saddle works) and if you are getting hand/arm/shoulder discomfort, you might need to fuss with handlebar fit.

One thing I always add to my road bikes is cyclecross/interrupter brake levers, which let me brake sitting up straight, which is handy in two places -- one, heavy traffic, and two -- descents where I want to brake both by air-braking (i.e. sitting up and turning my body into a sail and by actual braking). Us C/A folks tend to build up a lot of steam easily, and it's nice having more braking options. Granted, I also have really wussy hands, so my hands tire out braking in one position a lot more quickly than other people's. Just know that it is an option if you miss having brakes to hand when sitting up.

lopek77

This is a very nice bike and I know you will be very happy with it. If yours came with Vittoria Zaffiro tires /which are pretty much bomb proof/, keep them at max pressure or even little bit more. These are fast rolling, puncture resistant, but sides likes to crack fast if they flexes too much. When you are ready to replace them - Vittoria Rubino will be a big step up without spending a fortune.
Congratulations and remember "The more you dream, the farther you get"

WonderMonkey

I recently put slicker tires on my hybrid and it certainly made a difference.

WonderMonkey

Thanks, I'll keep all that in mind. With me wanting to use this as a commutor (in addition to my hybrid) and doing longer distance I'm going to want to be upright here in there for the reasons you stated.

I probably have medium wuss hands so your advice may be heeded.