I've been riding to this bakery about 7 miles away every few weekends. I've done that on my hybrid. I would feel as though I did some workout by the time I got home.

This morning, I took my new road bike to go to that bakery for the first time. I chose the same route, and the trip took about the same time (60 minutes). However, I was clearly a lot less fatigued when I was back home - almost as if I had only begun riding. That came as a surprise to me.

What can make such a noticeable difference? I realize that the road bike weighs about 10 lbs less and has higher-end components (Ultegra vs Deore), but is that it?

Weight could be some of it if your ride is hilly. Better rolling tires is probably most of it. Being in a more aero position helps, too.

Better more appropriate fit?

Assuming your road bike is set up somewhat aggressively pushing less air is probably the main reason you noticed this.

The other thing is that a 14 mile return trip isn't very long and your body has adapted to it.

I have several bikes. I noticed that the rear wheels on my hybrid and mtb turns slower than on both of my road bikes. I believe that some bikes have some type of internal resistance that must be overcome in order for the initial rotation to begin. Once begun, it will continue to rotate, but will come to a complete stop much sooner than wheels with less internal resistance. It takes more energy to overcome this internal resistance.


My road bikes are so much easier and fun to ride!

This should not be noticeable for decent bikes. What you will notice is vast differences in rolling resistance.

+ 1 better fit

I'd bet on rolling resistance, too. I've ridden several bikes on the same commute for five years using tires from 25mm to 41mm, and from 55 to 110psi. The tires make far more difference than the type or weight of the bike.

Thanks guys. I've somehow never thought of tyre differences. Come to think of it, my 700x25 road bike tyres are skinner, lighter and have less treads than the 700x28 hybrid ones. The tyres on my hybrid must be thicker too - they are labelled as "flat resistant."

That may also explain why I've never had a flat on my hybrid since I bought it last summer, but I just got one on my road bike in the first three weeks of ownership.