Ten Tips for Improving Hybrid Performance
07-15-14, 05:16 PM
#26
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Totally true, and I wish this had been posted a few months ago! 
I always thought that the goal for speed was to shift up to the highest gear and then power through it, shifting down only when you were really struggling. It was puzzling to me that my wife could easily outpace me on her bike, even though she wasn't anywhere near her highest gear. I eventually noticed that all of the hardcore cyclists were pedaling with a much higher cadence than I was, and that it was rare to see anyone on their absolute highest gear.
Lesson learned: shift for cadence, not gear number. Your legs still get a workout and become stronger. I've been doing this for a few weeks and even though it initially felt as if I was cheating by lowering the pedaling resistance, I find that I'm now taking the same trails at one gear level higher (7) and occasionally reaching for the highest gear (8) whereas previously I was one down (usually on 6 and only occasionally shifting up to 7). Whereas I used to always ride on the largest crank arm, I now stick to the middle. It has been pretty exciting for me.
Now looking into going clipless. Bought some used Shimano M324's for cheap (platform on one side, clip-ins on the other so that I can get used to them) and found used mountain-style biking shoes for cheap as well. Got the clips screwed in and already practiced clipping in and out while stationary... it feels both awesome and frightening to be "bolted" to the bike like that. First test will be this weekend.
I always thought that the goal for speed was to shift up to the highest gear and then power through it, shifting down only when you were really struggling. It was puzzling to me that my wife could easily outpace me on her bike, even though she wasn't anywhere near her highest gear. I eventually noticed that all of the hardcore cyclists were pedaling with a much higher cadence than I was, and that it was rare to see anyone on their absolute highest gear.Lesson learned: shift for cadence, not gear number. Your legs still get a workout and become stronger. I've been doing this for a few weeks and even though it initially felt as if I was cheating by lowering the pedaling resistance, I find that I'm now taking the same trails at one gear level higher (7) and occasionally reaching for the highest gear (8) whereas previously I was one down (usually on 6 and only occasionally shifting up to 7). Whereas I used to always ride on the largest crank arm, I now stick to the middle. It has been pretty exciting for me.
Now looking into going clipless. Bought some used Shimano M324's for cheap (platform on one side, clip-ins on the other so that I can get used to them) and found used mountain-style biking shoes for cheap as well. Got the clips screwed in and already practiced clipping in and out while stationary... it feels both awesome and frightening to be "bolted" to the bike like that. First test will be this weekend.
07-15-14, 05:45 PM
#27
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It seems to me your thread was started, to make a hybrid bike close to road bike performance. You advised skinnier tyres, padded shorts etc. The very same things you bagged, on your original post.
Last edited by giantcfr1; 07-15-14 at 05:53 PM.
07-15-14, 05:59 PM
#28
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A hybrid should be a hybrid. A road bike should be a road bike. It's fine to give tips to go a little faster, but if someone wants road bike performance they shouldn't buy a hybrid.
I think the OP was well intended, though.
I think the OP was well intended, though.
07-15-14, 07:20 PM
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So why would you make this statement, other than assuming people on road bikes and people wearing knicks are less than other cyclists?
It seems to me your thread was started, to make a hybrid bike close to road bike performance. You advised skinnier tyres, padded shorts etc. The very same things you bagged, on your original post.
It seems to me your thread was started, to make a hybrid bike close to road bike performance. You advised skinnier tyres, padded shorts etc. The very same things you bagged, on your original post.
07-15-14, 07:33 PM
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Not really. I was giving advice on making the bike faster - not fashion advice. I was satirizing riders who want to look the part by buying nice equipment and "cool" clothes. I don't know about you, but I love it when I sense bike snobbery from a road cyclist then go by him on the flat.
07-15-14, 07:34 PM
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So why would you make this statement, other than assuming people on road bikes and people wearing knicks are less than other cyclists?
It seems to me your thread was started, to make a hybrid bike close to road bike performance. You advised skinnier tyres, padded shorts etc. The very same things you bagged, on your original post.
It seems to me your thread was started, to make a hybrid bike close to road bike performance. You advised skinnier tyres, padded shorts etc. The very same things you bagged, on your original post.
07-15-14, 07:38 PM
#32
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I don't get this at all. A hybrid can run the spectrum of being more road-oriented or more off-road oriented, and still BE a hybrid. It makes no more sense to say that those who want a faster hybrid should just get a road bike than it does to say that those who want suspended forks on their hybrid should just get a mountain bike. The whole point of a hybrid is to bridge the gap - at any number of different points - between those two extremes.
07-15-14, 07:39 PM
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07-15-14, 07:46 PM
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Not really. I was giving advice on making the bike faster - not fashion advice. I was satirizing riders who want to look the part by buying nice equipment and "cool" clothes. I don't know about you, but I love it when I sense bike snobbery from a road cyclist then go by him on the flat.
07-15-14, 07:57 PM
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Pretty straightforward. Been around BF, and this board, a long time.
When I come across a thread/post(s) that warrant serious response, I provide it. When I come across the same that don't, I consider myself free to respond appropriately.
When I come across a thread/post(s) that warrant serious response, I provide it. When I come across the same that don't, I consider myself free to respond appropriately.
07-15-14, 08:04 PM
#36
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07-15-14, 08:15 PM
#37
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I am far from personally frustrated and not even remotely close to upset. Providing an opposing viewpoint is different than just railing against the uselessness of the topic of discussion. Just curious why one would devote multiple posts to a topic they find to be of no value. It strikes me as odd. Of course, people are entirely free to be as odd as they like.
07-15-14, 08:31 PM
#38
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I am far from personally frustrated and not even remotely close to upset. Providing an opposing viewpoint is different than just railing against the uselessness of the topic of discussion. Just curious why one would devote multiple posts to a topic they find to be of no value. It strikes me as odd. Of course, people are entirely free to be as odd as they like.
Let's move on.
07-15-14, 08:37 PM
#39
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I feel certain that the irony of that statement is lost on you. Indeed, let's move on.
07-15-14, 08:45 PM
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Its just a toy for me, these bikes. Hybrid or road bike. Lets all take a breather.
07-15-14, 08:46 PM
#41
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And here I thought Canadians had a reputation for being polite!
Back on topic, some people in this forum express regrets over not purchasing a road bike. My initial concern is that we should make it clear that a hybrid is, by definition, somewhere in between and always will be. Something has to give if there is to be a compromise.
Back on topic, some people in this forum express regrets over not purchasing a road bike. My initial concern is that we should make it clear that a hybrid is, by definition, somewhere in between and always will be. Something has to give if there is to be a compromise.
Last edited by VTBike; 07-15-14 at 08:53 PM.
07-16-14, 12:14 AM
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07-16-14, 03:09 AM
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hi guys...i am going all out to upgrade my 2013 Fuji Absolute 1.4...i do hope it can rival the road bike setup and cruise at 40kph.will upgrade everything from the original bike,leaving just the frame...hopefully it works
07-16-14, 03:31 AM
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Buy a new bike! If the intention is to go fast, you will find that air resistance will have the biggest impact on speed. Drop bars will help with that.
07-16-14, 03:34 AM
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meh....i hv paid a deposit for a road bike.only for racing..i wanna be fit with my hybrid bike...bsides,i love hybrid bikes compare to road.advantage: versatility.
07-16-14, 08:10 AM
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Meanwhile, the flip side, because hybrids are hybrids:
Is increasing the off-road/bad road surface performance of hybrids basically a tires game? Swap the 28s for knobbier 32s? Unlock the front suspension if that's an option. I guess also wider handlebars, with a slight rise, and proper bar ends would help? Or are those really only helpful for more technical mountain biking?
(To be clear, I have a dedicated mtb for singletrack, but increasing the off-road viability of my Vita could open up some cool new weekend rides, and I can't imagine I'm alone in this!)
In the spirit of this thread I should probably also suggest baggy shorts and 5-10s.
Is increasing the off-road/bad road surface performance of hybrids basically a tires game? Swap the 28s for knobbier 32s? Unlock the front suspension if that's an option. I guess also wider handlebars, with a slight rise, and proper bar ends would help? Or are those really only helpful for more technical mountain biking?
(To be clear, I have a dedicated mtb for singletrack, but increasing the off-road viability of my Vita could open up some cool new weekend rides, and I can't imagine I'm alone in this!)
In the spirit of this thread I should probably also suggest baggy shorts and 5-10s.
07-16-14, 08:12 AM
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I've never understood the "You have to ride my way," sentiment. If someone wants to ride a hybrid and try to get as much out of it as possible, why is that a bad thing? It's their bike.
07-16-14, 08:36 AM
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in terms of hybrid vs road...its all ends up with the rider preference.as a hybrid bike user,sure,we want to go fast...as well as comfort.we just wanna get the best of from cycling,not aiming to wear the yellow jersey of TDF.i m pretty sure after miles of riding a hybrid,we shud be ready for road bike fitness.but when the time comes,do we switch bike n go on a road?still,i will stick to my hybrid
07-16-14, 09:27 AM
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Not everyone that wants to go further or faster is looking for road bike performance. The experience, conditioning, and usage for riders varies. Better tires, bar ends, adjusting handlebars are all worthwhile suggestions for some riders, and at reasonable costs too.
For some of us out of shape older riders it's just a question of extending our enjoyable riding range from something modest like 10 miles to 20 miles (substitute your own numbers if these seem laughable).
This is the hybrid section, so I'm not going to rail against hybrids as such here. As an old, out of shape rider getting back into more bicycling a few years ago I bought a hybrid as a lighter bike that fit my budget from among the choices at my LBS. Learned a lot. One of those things I learned from my usage, my needs, and my condition was that a touring bike was better for me. That LBS had zero touring bikes a few years ago, and I wasn't touring, so why would I ask for one? In the mean time, tires, bar ends and handlebar tweaks helped me get more usage and enjoyment out of my hybrid.
For some of us out of shape older riders it's just a question of extending our enjoyable riding range from something modest like 10 miles to 20 miles (substitute your own numbers if these seem laughable).
This is the hybrid section, so I'm not going to rail against hybrids as such here. As an old, out of shape rider getting back into more bicycling a few years ago I bought a hybrid as a lighter bike that fit my budget from among the choices at my LBS. Learned a lot. One of those things I learned from my usage, my needs, and my condition was that a touring bike was better for me. That LBS had zero touring bikes a few years ago, and I wasn't touring, so why would I ask for one? In the mean time, tires, bar ends and handlebar tweaks helped me get more usage and enjoyment out of my hybrid.
07-16-14, 10:05 AM
#50
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I take my 28s on crushed gravel and groomed (dirt) woodland trails all the time. No problems at all. When riding in such areas I'm not going for maximum speed - that's what roads are for.
Now if you're talking rocks and heavily rutted trails with gnarly roots popping up all over the place, then 28s would not be the best choice.
Now if you're talking rocks and heavily rutted trails with gnarly roots popping up all over the place, then 28s would not be the best choice.