geebee

Would a straight bar road bike be much faster than a hybrid? In view of the fact that wind drag would be similar.
Trying to decide wich type to go for.
All views appreciated.

Regards
Gee Bee

khuon

I'm not sure it would be faster but it certainly won't be slower. I'm guessing it'll be a tad faster due to it probably being lighter. It'll also more likely be quicker because it'll probably have shorter chainstays and wheelbase. Of course this is generally speaking and not all hybrids have the same geometry just as not all roadbikes have the same geometry.

MichaelW

Flat bar road bikes are a "new" style, ie experienced riders have been using them for years. When club tourists are getting old, they swap the drop bars on the light-touring bike for flats.
They are a reasonably sound concept, light with narrow, fast tyres. The aerodynamics depends on how low and narrow the bars are. They can be just as aero as drops if they are set down low.
You can speed up a hybrid by fitting narrow tyres.

ChiliDog

I agree, it depends upon the hybrid. A Specialized Sirrus or a Trek FX series hybrid is pretty quick and relatively light, minus a front suspension. Gearing comes into play somewhat too. Also, go with a 700cc, narrower tire for speed.

I feel faster on my Trek 7500fx than I ever did on the road bike with similar average speed of 12-17mph for fast (for me) fitness riding. The Sirrus has closer to road bike geometry, the Trek closer to MTB geometry.

I'd say take them out for a road test and see what you think. A lot of it is the engine, of course. Comfort and fit is paramount in the decision, more than anything.

Coming from road riding, I enjoy my FX more now because it feels very comfortable and so I ride it more. Cane Creek bar ends help with giving you more options for hand placement on the bars-a great enhancement.

Poppaspoke

You can also go with the tradional road bike drop bars: a shorter top tube combined with a longer head tube yields a more upright riding position with less stress on the lower back and wrists (Rivendell bikes, for example). The usual set-up is to have the bars even with the saddle rather than several centimeters lower.This also has the advantage of more hand positions than a straight bar. Use narrow road tires inflated to 90 lbs with 32 spoke wheels set at moderate tension for a forgiving ride. This is fairly fast set-up compared to the typical hybrid. Aesthetically and functionally, you get a real road machine instead of the obvious hybrid appearance of a hybrid bike. lNot too good for gravelly bike paths, etc., though.

Robert Gardner

The conventional road bars should be faster at least in a sprint than flat bars. When you are in a sprint on the drop bars, you are not only in a more areodynamic position but your arms are strait forming a stable three point platform for your body to apply maximum power to your pedals through your legs. The bent body and arms on the straight bar gives you no such advantage.

lsits

I have both a flat-bar road bike and a hybrid. An Ibex Corrida and a Trek 7300. The flat-bar road bike is definately faster than the hybrid. This is probably due to a combination of lighter weight, lower handlebars, and skinnier tires with higher pressure. I also have bar ends which I have set up flat out to the front. This gives me the option of stretching out into a more aerodynamic position. Kind of like aerobars but not quite.

kingajo

I am looking at the Marin Flat bar Road bike. They have a series of bikes none as the ALP,Aerodynamic Lightweight Performance. They come in 3 levels of performance. The Highway One, The Mill Valley, and The Lucas Valley. 7005 Alluminum Frames with Shimano components. They start at $600.00. I will probably go with one of these. But I still need take one for a test ride. With my last road bike I couldn't keep my hands from falling asleep. But on my mtn bike with the bar ends I don't have that problem.

geebee

Thanks for all the info, a road bike came along super cheap so I grab it. Its only a cheapo Holstar Eclipse, but only been ridden twice so like new, paid $150 and it came with helmet and top quality lock.
The thing flies compared to my old mountain bike (Taget job I'm sure it was made of lead) and component quality and fit is much better.

Thanks all
GeeBee

Dahon.Steve

I like the idea of a flat bar road bike. But if I'm going this route, I would look for a steel bike like the Jamis Coda. There's nothing like a steel ride. Too bad there's no LBS around my way that carries one. ;-(