A week or so ago a local lbs sent me an email about an upcoming Cannondale test ride event. With not a whole lot to do I decided to stop by and ride some flat bar road bike or fitness hybrids or what ever they are called. My Fisher Zebrano is a comfort hybrid with the front and seat suspension and I was wondering how it compared (speed and comfort) to the more sporting models. Money is a big issue so I decided to look at bikes in the same general price range as my Fisher. I rode three different bikes Specialized Sirrus, Cannondale Quick 5 and the Giant Defy 3. I only took each bike for about a mile ride so the long (15-20 mile) ride effects are unknown compared to what I have. The Sirrus seemed almost exactly like my Fisher as far as weight, speed and comfort while the Quick seemed a little better as far as speed and about the same in other aspects. The only bike that seemed to offer a distinct advantage in weight and speed was the Giant Defy but of course it was the most expensive of the group. I also took the time to ask the clerk some questions about going from 35c to 28c tires on my bike, a change that he thought would give my bike a ride something similar to the Quick 5. It's not a huge improvement but, something I would notice.

Bottom line, for what I can afford the biggest improvement that I can make is to keep working on the engine and not worry to much about the bike at this point. I already knew this going in and the progress I have made just since early March (dropped 31 lbs) is very encouraging, but I am worried about the winter months keeping me off the bike since I am not a cold weather fan.

First of all, congrats on the weight loss and increased fitness. I'm on a similar journey having lost 45 lbs and toning up quite nicely from cycling and strength workouts at the gym. Certainly, working on the "engine" creates the most noticeable and cost effective improvement!

That being said, I found that the purchase of a bicycle dramatically increased my motivation and opened up a whole new world to me. I was going to wait until I dropped the first 40 lbs before I made the purchase, but my local bike shop owner encouraged me to get the bike sooner than later. That was some superb advice, and after losing the first 20 lbs I bought a Specialized Sirrus Limited. The second 20 lbs came off much quicker, and my enthusiasm for fitness, good nutrition, and overall health has skyrocketed!

So you might find that the new bike could provide that same sort of motivation. Or perhaps just upgrading some parts on your existing bike would do the same. Certainly, the narrower tires would provide some mechanical efficiencies that would be noticeable and appreciated. The three bikes that you are looking at would be a measurable upgrade from your Fisher, but as my bike shop owner said to me last week: "Before I spent $500 to save 200 grams, I'd reduce the weight of the engine by 10 lbs for free and get much better results". Sometimes I hate that guy.....

Talking about winter riding. You can consistently ride by wearing a softshell jacket with merino wool as base layer and a bib warmer. Balaclava to make your head toasty. Just avoid cotton material especially for the socks.