Bikes-N-Drums

Please excuse my lack of knowledge here: these may seem like stupid questions but I know very little about road bikes. Although I understand the basic mechanical differences between these bike styles, I don't understand the difference in performance between the bikes. I imagine the hybrid bikes to be essentially 'slower' than road bikes due to the gearing, tire width and in some cases the frame. Am I on the right track?
I have a hybrid and a mountain bike and have ridden only on the streets for quite a while. The hybrid with thin Ultra 2000s is significantly faster than my mountain bike with 'city slicks', although I am unable to reach the avg mph on the hybrid that most people report as a 'moderate pace' on their road bikes. I am wondering if by switching to a road bike, I might see another significant increase in performance (?). Or should I just pedal this thing harder? It's hard to tell... my hybrid seems about equal in weight to many road bikes and I was able to pick up a little more speed when I added drop bar ends.... I guess what I'm getting at is this: should I be able to expect the same performance from my modified hybrid as I could with a road bike? Thanks for putting up with my rookie questions.

Bbmoozer

Hi B and D... I just went thru this whole thing myself... I have a hybred Cannondale now. I want more speed! I looked at touring bikes, cyclocross, and roads.
I just bought a road bike but it's on order so I don't know yet if I'll be faster. I would expect I will be due to bigger gears, more aerodynamic, and tires. I do know tho...that some of the power is supplied by the engine (me) so I have to work on keeping my cadence fast.
See if you can test ride one or borrow a friends to check it out.
Sarah

mechBgon

I'm guessing the road racer will still make you faster than even your customized hybrid. Can you rent or borrow one to try it out?

pokey

For fast and agile,the hybrid will never be the equal of a road bike.I have seen srong riders on hybrids that were pretty fast,but they would be faster on a road bike,especially on longer distances where effenciency comes into play.The upright position,gearing, tire size and weight to a degree all work against the hybrid for speed.Some changes to a hybrid are posible for more speed,but it will still be lacking.

tourist

Think of it as trying to soup the family 4 door. It'll go faster than other family cars, but the sports car is still going to win the speed race.

Bbmoozer

Hey Tourist...LOVE that analogy!

hillyman

Hey Bikes & Drums, I wouldn't expect a big jump in speed going from hybrids to roadbikes.The main question to yourself is are you more comfortable sitting upright or are you comfortable in the drops?Your main change in speed will be from being more aero on a roadbike.Its just easier to improve because you can 'use more of the bike'.Getting faster is only obtained by going faster.I'm happy being a 14 mph average.I may be slow but I get there,and I SEE the sights. Ride how you want to ride.

tourist

Hilly - I'm with you all the way on your assesment of the hybrid ride. They are more than adequate road performers that can go fast. I love mine. But, if you want to go fast there is no substitute for skinny smooth tires and light, responsive bike. If a nice romp, at moderate distances, is your thing a hybrid is as good as it get for a pleasant ride.

And, Drums, Hilly is right on another count ride how you want.

Stor Mand

Same here. Depends on the hybrid and its components. I have a Sirrus Pro which is basically a road bike with straight bars, 27 speed, skinny road tires, very light & fast ... actually, it has better components than a lot of road bikes in that price range.
Oh yeah, I put aerobars on for when I feel the need to get out of the wind and go faster.

flow2east

What is your objective? What is your altimate goal?

A person will alway go faster on a road bike (always) than a hybrid.

Are you training to race? Road bike
Are you riding for exercise? does not matter
Are you riding with family? hybrid
Or do you just want to go fast? road bike

I average about 16 mph on my road bike.
I average about 14 on hybrid
I average about 12 on mtb with my kids in a trailer.

However, they are all fun for different reasons.

Here is an idea, get both.

Stor Mand

Again, this still depends on the hybrid and the person. They are not all geared the same, even in the same model line-up.

Having both is not a bad idea either.