Hello,

This is my first post on these forums and tried searching for something to help me to no avail.

Anyway, I'm looking to start biking as a form of exercise and possibly on long rides with my friends (some of whom used to be competitive riders). My question is, should I buy a hybrid bike or a road bike? Odds are I would spend little time off pavement.

My main cause for concern is I want to know if the extra price of the road bikes is worth it in my situation. The salesman at the LBS suggested a Schwinn (I think) that was around $580. Thanks for any input.

If your going to spend ANY time at all off pavement a ture road bike isnt for you. A high end hybrid like the trek fx or fuji absolute will be great for fitness and some long and some off pavement (PACKED DIRT TRAILS not loose mud earth )rides but your friends on road bikes will drop you.

cyclocross

For exercise it doesn't matter what sort of bike you ride as long as it fits you and is comfortable.

If your friends are going to be pushing it on their rides, you won't be able to keep up on a hybrid, but even with a road bike it will take you a while to get to up to speed. If its a relaxed pace ride, you'll do ok on a hybrid, except that I find flatbars uncomfortable for long trips.

I suggest getting an inexpensive hybrid and later if you really get into riding, maybe a road bike.

How far off pavement? Rockie mts, or gravel path?

I have both a hybrid and road bike. I purchase the hybrid first and use it for commuting. I purchased a road bike later because I needed to be more comfortable for long distances.

I find the road bike is more efficient and comfortable. Road bikes have a variety of hand positions and can change them regularly so my hands dont get numb, etc...

If you are spending some time off pavement I would agree with the cyclocross suggestion. It's very easy to swap the tires for some thinner road tires and voila - you have a pretty capable road bike.

If your not going off road at all - my suggestion would be to try a touring road bike.

I hope that helps.

-R

I did exactly as this man says. I bought a $250 hybrid that looks sweet to get around on and will soon be buying a road bike in the area of $1,000. To me this is a good game plan as in my mind I am thinking I will actually be able to appreciate the road bike more. The only exception I can see is you are saying you may ride as a social thing? If you are going to be riding with other people a lot I would do some research and go ahead and get the nicest road bike you can afford. Don't jump into a purchase without research though.

Doesn't really matter all that much, as long as it doesn't have flat-bars. I'd recommend a touring bike or a cyclocross bike, having done a utility bike and demolishing my hands in the process.

If you want to ride with friends you'll have a lot more fun if you ride a bike that's similar to theirs. If they have hybrids, get a hybrid. If they have road bikes, get a road bike.