JungleCat

I'd like to start covering more distances such as century rides and possibly a ride across America within a few years. I currently ride a 29lb Bridgestone MTB from the early 90's so I'm looking to increase speed partially by losing bicycle weight. I initially looked at hybrids such as the Marin ALP series and Cannondale Road Warrior but in doing the research, the information about other bikes is confusing me now. I'm wondering whether I should consider a higher performance road bike?

Another thing I'm getting overloaded on is components selection. Just looking at the hybrids mentioned above, how can I compare the value of going from a Marin Fairfax (Retail $640) to a Cannondale Road Warrior 1000 (Retail $1,399)?

I'm willing to spend upto $1500 but if a $600-800 bike does the job so be it.

late

Hi,
this is a process of elimination in the beginning. Pick a number, any number. Let's say a grand. If you can find a bike shop to do a fitting, get it. It will help clear up some of the confusion. Now, this may sound odd, but completely ignore components. You want a bike that fits and feels good when you ride it. If it has less than stellar components, when they wear out, just replace them with better ones.

But in the end, it all boils down how much you like it wwhen you are riding it. Don't
take short test rides.

pseudobrit

Increasing speed is best done by increasing aerodynamics which is best achieved on a road bike (rider position is critical).

my58vw

You have to decide what type of bike you are looking for first... comfort vs speed, etc. Once you have made that decision then you can look at the price range and what feels good. Ride several bikes and see what you like then worry about smaller things like components.

Components can be changed (look at my bike, nothing stock) but the frame can not easily...

53-11_alltheway

I was faced with this same question when I first started riding. If you are going to be riding on the road only forget about that flat bar stuff and get the road bike.

theopowers

1. You should definitely consider a road bike if you are talking about going these distances.
2. A bike marketed as "performance" often means that it is designed to go fast. Comfort both in terms of shock absorption and body position may be sacrificed by these bikes.
3. Component price is usually a result of weight, aesthetics, and marketing. You don't want junk, but most of the higher-end stuff has benefits only for racers. And lighter weight often equals less durability.
4. Perhaps consider a "sport road" bike - popular on charity rides - or even "touring" road bikes for something like riding across the country. You might repost your question in the touring forum.

slvoid

Aerodynamics, momentum, inertia, and friction from tires are all the things that are biasing this decision towards a road bike.
A basic one with sora components can be had for around $600 and given the right rider, will outperform my litespeed by a mile.

JungleCat

You have confirmed my suspicions. A road bike definitely seems like the way to go for my current type of riding and future goals. Back to the drawing board. I'll leaf through the "Under $700" sticky post; seemed like many great suggestions there as a starting point.

Thanks.