Road Bikes vs. Hybrid Bikes
06-28-08 | 10:44 AM
#51
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 40
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I ended up buying the Sirrus! I absolutely love it. I just rode 22km with tons of hills. It was exhausting but also exhilarating whenever I rode down hills. I was having a blast. I will try to get some pictures soon in case anyone wants to see! Thanks again for all your help guys.
06-28-08 | 12:51 PM
#52
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,033
Likes: 0
I ride a Specialized Sirrus Hybrid, and I swear by it. It's fast like a road bike, but versatile. I can even take it offroading on moderate trails. I've had it for about 7 years, no major repairs. Hybrids are almost as popular as the fixed gears here in San Francisco, and more practical given all the hills.
06-29-08 | 08:52 AM
#54
well hello there
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,491
Likes: 390
From: Point Loma, CA
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
I commute all the times on different types of bicycles. As long as you can jam everything you're commuting with into one backpack, you can ride anything.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
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Two wheels good. Four wheels bad.
09-09-08 | 09:20 PM
#55
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: St. John's Newfoundland
Bikes: In process of buying - probably a Norco Yorkville
Hey ducksa ... I'm in St. John's also and I'm facing the same decision as you were. I have it easier though - I don't have as much money to spend - narrows it down 
I am also looking at a hybrid, specifically the Norco Yorkville ... I can actually get it for about $100 off right now. Unfortunately it will be a purchase 'sight unseen' - but as you said, there's not a lot of floor stock in hybrids here locally (6 LBSs)
I've been riding my father's Giant Sedona LX for the past 2 or 3 weeks ... it's awesome !!! I haven't really ridden bike much since I was a teenager (30 yrs or so) but I'm realizing how much I love it.
Just thought I'd say hi to a fellow citizen. See you on the roads I guess
I am also looking at a hybrid, specifically the Norco Yorkville ... I can actually get it for about $100 off right now. Unfortunately it will be a purchase 'sight unseen' - but as you said, there's not a lot of floor stock in hybrids here locally (6 LBSs)
I've been riding my father's Giant Sedona LX for the past 2 or 3 weeks ... it's awesome !!! I haven't really ridden bike much since I was a teenager (30 yrs or so) but I'm realizing how much I love it.
Just thought I'd say hi to a fellow citizen. See you on the roads I guess
09-09-08 | 09:31 PM
#56
it's easy if you let it.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,124
Likes: 2
From: indoors and out.
09-09-08 | 10:26 PM
#57
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
I've been adding bags to my commuter to get enough space for the things I carry, but then the bike ends up looking kind of clunky.
09-09-08 | 10:31 PM
#58
it's easy if you let it.
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,124
Likes: 2
From: indoors and out.
Really? It's been 20+ years since I've ridden with a backpack, and all I can remember is that it wanted to slide off on one side or the other- very awkward. Are there backpacks designed for bicyclists that don't move around as much? (Forgive my n00bness on this subject).
I've been adding bags to my commuter to get enough space for the things I carry, but then the bike ends up looking kind of clunky.
I've been adding bags to my commuter to get enough space for the things I carry, but then the bike ends up looking kind of clunky.
09-10-08 | 08:58 AM
#59
You gonna eat that?
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,917
Likes: 543
From: Fort Worth, Texas Church of Hopeful Uncertainty
Bikes: 1966 Raleigh DL-1 Tourist, 1973 Schwinn Varsity, 1983 Raleigh Marathon, 1994 Nishiki Sport XRS
Thanks for the recommendation. I'm not sure if I'd rather go with bags on the bike or a backpack, or a combination of the two. I'm still figuring this commuting stuff out.
09-10-08 | 11:14 AM
#60
Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 333
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin, CA
Bikes: Trek Domane, Soma Smoothie, Surly Big Dummy/Pacer/KM/Ogre, and a revolving collection of vintage stuff
I've got a shoulder bag that I ride with now, but I'm gonna have to trade up for a larger messenger bag due to the upcoming increase in cargo. Go check out an REI, they have TONS of options.
09-10-08 | 11:51 AM
#61
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 411
Likes: 0
From: Toronto
Bikes: 1976 20" folding Triumph Trafficmaster
Military surplus stores are great places to get backpacks that are useful and wearable and won't disintegrate or fall off at inopportune times. I have a little mini-backpack that's supposed to have been Danish military-issue, and it's just big enough to hold my purse, my lunch, and a few books. It sits right up on my shoulder blades and doesn't move.
That said, I much prefer panniers for long rides, as I can't stand getting sweaty under the backpack.
That said, I much prefer panniers for long rides, as I can't stand getting sweaty under the backpack.
09-10-08 | 02:23 PM
#62
down in the drops
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington, NC
Bikes: Miele Doral, Bianchi Boardwalk, Cannondale R300
I recently switched from a Giant Cypress ST to a Bianchi Boardwalk... I enjoy riding a lot more now, and my commute is down from 25 to 21-22 minutes. As far as I can tell, it's essentially a road bike with flat bars. And the drivetrain is so very, very nice. I have a back rack on it with a trunk and, if needed, two large panniers. It works quite well for grocery runs that way.
I was in that same indecisive spot and had been haunting my LBS (and craigslist) for weeks looking for a cheap roadbike. But when I spotted that used Biatch for for $300, I couldn't resist and am glad I didn't. Knowing what I know now, I'd happily put full MSRP for a new one if I had to.
I was in that same indecisive spot and had been haunting my LBS (and craigslist) for weeks looking for a cheap roadbike. But when I spotted that used Biatch for for $300, I couldn't resist and am glad I didn't. Knowing what I know now, I'd happily put full MSRP for a new one if I had to.
09-10-08 | 05:02 PM
#63
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,391
Likes: 2
From: Snowy midwest
Looking for some opinions on whether or not I'll need a hybrid bike for my daily commute. I am dreading making the wrong decision and ending up with an inefficient or poor bike! It will be my first significant bike purchase.
I will be riding to work (about 6 miles each way), but also riding for pleasure. I think I'll want something fairly fast, which makes me lean towards a road bike. However the conditions of the roads here really aren't the best. I imagine that I'll be riding over small cracks on side of the road for stretches. There are also some nicer roads for pleasure riding and I might be able to find an alternative route with nicer roads for my commute. I do not plan on riding offroad at all.
Like I said, I think speed will be important for me. I'd like to be able to get to work fairly quickly. I've read that hybrids can cut 5-7MPH off your average speed. That's a lot to lose when you're talking about riding 14-18MPH in the first place! However I don't want to buy a road bike if it can't tackle small cracks/ruts and an occasional pothole.
I should also mention that the terrain around here is very hilly. I will be climbing or descending either a light or steep grade virtually everywhere I go. Another reason why I'm leaning towards a road bike.
I will be riding to work (about 6 miles each way), but also riding for pleasure. I think I'll want something fairly fast, which makes me lean towards a road bike. However the conditions of the roads here really aren't the best. I imagine that I'll be riding over small cracks on side of the road for stretches. There are also some nicer roads for pleasure riding and I might be able to find an alternative route with nicer roads for my commute. I do not plan on riding offroad at all.
Like I said, I think speed will be important for me. I'd like to be able to get to work fairly quickly. I've read that hybrids can cut 5-7MPH off your average speed. That's a lot to lose when you're talking about riding 14-18MPH in the first place! However I don't want to buy a road bike if it can't tackle small cracks/ruts and an occasional pothole.
I should also mention that the terrain around here is very hilly. I will be climbing or descending either a light or steep grade virtually everywhere I go. Another reason why I'm leaning towards a road bike.
I got a chuckle out of the big concern. So, what did you decide to go with? You can hardly go wrong when buying a bicycle, so don't sweat it too much. Follow your intuition and all will be fine.
I doubt you will notice a 5 to 7 mph advantage on a hybrid - what are you talking about - a hybrid e-bike?
If you are averaging 14 to 18 mph on your commute already, then you are riding faster than most commuters (I think the average commuter speed is about 12 mph). I will be intereseted to hear your findings, but unless you are riding a single speed coaster brake fat tire Schwinn Phantom from 1957 now, it is hard to imagine "upgrading" to a hybrid and suddenly pumping out 24 mph.
Buy the best you can afford. Use your head. Give the bikes a test run. Have fun. Ride on. Please post your impressions about the bike.
09-10-08 | 05:06 PM
#64
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,391
Likes: 2
From: Snowy midwest
Hey ducksa ... I'm in St. John's also and I'm facing the same decision as you were. I have it easier though - I don't have as much money to spend - narrows it down
I am also looking at a hybrid, specifically the Norco Yorkville ... I can actually get it for about $100 off right now. Unfortunately it will be a purchase 'sight unseen' - but as you said, there's not a lot of floor stock in hybrids here locally (6 LBSs)
I've been riding my father's Giant Sedona LX for the past 2 or 3 weeks ... it's awesome !!! I haven't really ridden bike much since I was a teenager (30 yrs or so) but I'm realizing how much I love it.
Just thought I'd say hi to a fellow citizen. See you on the roads I guess
I am also looking at a hybrid, specifically the Norco Yorkville ... I can actually get it for about $100 off right now. Unfortunately it will be a purchase 'sight unseen' - but as you said, there's not a lot of floor stock in hybrids here locally (6 LBSs)
I've been riding my father's Giant Sedona LX for the past 2 or 3 weeks ... it's awesome !!! I haven't really ridden bike much since I was a teenager (30 yrs or so) but I'm realizing how much I love it.
Just thought I'd say hi to a fellow citizen. See you on the roads I guess
That means your father must be around 65 years old - and he has a Giant Sedona LX that he lent you? You father seems like a real hipster. Is he on BikeForums? If not, get him on here! Have him PM me so I know who he is and can keep an eye out for his posts.
We've got to have him tell us about bicycling "back in the day". Think about it, he might have been lugging newspapers on some double top-tubed Western Flyer ballooner back in the 1950's!
Cool.
09-10-08 | 06:48 PM
#65
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Jacktown, MS
Sorry for cross posting in several threads, but I'm a bit obsessed with a couple of bikes at the moment. Any opinions here on the Marin Muirwoods or Swobo Otis/Dixon? I have a pretty short commute with one slightly nasty hill. I've been riding my 1985ish Bridgestone 10-speed - which has held up surprisingly well, but isn't quite as comfy (or speedy, but maybe that's just my legs' fault) as I remembered it. The Muirwoods price range ($500ish) is more realistic. But, maaaan those Swobos sure look/read sweet.
https://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bi..._muirwoods.php
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...?cPath=201_207
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...?cPath=201_204
https://www.marinbikes.com/2008/us/bi..._muirwoods.php
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...?cPath=201_207
https://www.swobo.com/catalog/product...?cPath=201_204
09-10-08 | 07:23 PM
#66
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
i've been riding my dawes SST single speed for my commute for a few months now, and it's quick and fun and light and simple. I hadn't ridden my Trek 7200 for a while, but I rode it last weekend for a ride with some friends. It was so unbelievably comfortable and I had forgotten how comfortable it was. Even the extra weight of the rack, fenders, folding baskets, it was just such a pleasure to ride.
I am still going to ride the single speed to work for the workout, but I think on my weekend rides I'll use the trek.
I am still going to ride the single speed to work for the workout, but I think on my weekend rides I'll use the trek.
09-10-08 | 09:11 PM
#67
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: St. John's Newfoundland
Bikes: In process of buying - probably a Norco Yorkville
Hey Mike ... you're pretty observant. You're right ... I just turned 48. Dad is about 71 or 72. My 2 brothers and I gave him the bike for a birthday a few years back. One of those brothers is a fairly avid biker, and he also happens to be one of those guys who MUST buy good gear, whatever the endeavour. Got a great deal through his connections. So Dad ends up with a beautiful bike. I agree - it's pretty cool for a 70 year old - I get some interesting reactions when I tell people who owns the bike.
He's not what I'd call a big-time serious biker ... however, he usually uses it quite frequently for getting around town, and some treks are quite long. He said we'll have to get together for a ride when I get my bike, and I said I have to get my stamina up first. Imagine saying that to your 70 year old father! I'm still afraid he'll embarrass me
I'll tell him about the forum. Not sure if it will be into joining ... I actually got him on Facebook a while back, but he never did 'get' it But I can understand that. This forum might be different It's an awesome forum, btw.
I'll pass along your message
He's not what I'd call a big-time serious biker ... however, he usually uses it quite frequently for getting around town, and some treks are quite long. He said we'll have to get together for a ride when I get my bike, and I said I have to get my stamina up first. Imagine saying that to your 70 year old father! I'm still afraid he'll embarrass me
I'll tell him about the forum. Not sure if it will be into joining ... I actually got him on Facebook a while back, but he never did 'get' it
But I can understand that. This forum might be different It's an awesome forum, btw.I'll pass along your message
09-10-08 | 10:26 PM
#68
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 5,391
Likes: 2
From: Snowy midwest
Hey Mike ... you're pretty observant. You're right ... I just turned 48. Dad is about 71 or 72. My 2 brothers and I gave him the bike for a birthday a few years back. One of those brothers is a fairly avid biker, and he also happens to be one of those guys who MUST buy good gear, whatever the endeavour. Got a great deal through his connections. So Dad ends up with a beautiful bike. I agree - it's pretty cool for a 70 year old - I get some interesting reactions when I tell people who owns the bike.
He's not what I'd call a big-time serious biker ... however, he usually uses it quite frequently for getting around town, and some treks are quite long. He said we'll have to get together for a ride when I get my bike, and I said I have to get my stamina up first. Imagine saying that to your 70 year old father! I'm still afraid he'll embarrass me
I'll tell him about the forum. Not sure if it will be into joining ... I actually got him on Facebook a while back, but he never did 'get' it But I can understand that. This forum might be different It's an awesome forum, btw.
I'll pass along your message
He's not what I'd call a big-time serious biker ... however, he usually uses it quite frequently for getting around town, and some treks are quite long. He said we'll have to get together for a ride when I get my bike, and I said I have to get my stamina up first. Imagine saying that to your 70 year old father! I'm still afraid he'll embarrass me
I'll tell him about the forum. Not sure if it will be into joining ... I actually got him on Facebook a while back, but he never did 'get' it
But I can understand that. This forum might be different It's an awesome forum, btw.I'll pass along your message
I know how you feel about your paps being in good shape. My Dad worked at a ski mountain as a guide in the Rockies well into his 70's. I went skiing with him and he patiently noodled around with me until he finally said, "son, I would like to get some skiing in before the days over, so let's meet at the lodge at 5:00" Can't blame him really. Like they say, "No friend's on powder days".
09-10-08 | 10:33 PM
#69
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 237
Likes: 2
If you have a laptop or shoes, or anything behind a little bit of light clothing, backpacks are a disaster on any ride longer than a few miles. At least get a front basket.
