|
|
| *Vultures Knob>>>Road Bike |
I currently have a 15 yr old Giant hybrid. What kind of bike should I get for long distance road rides? |
I currently have a 15 yr old Giant hybrid. What kind of bike should I get for long distance road rides? It depends what you mean by 'long rides'. If you're going to do 100 miles a day for several days in a row, you need a touring bike. This is because its comfortable over long periods, its strongly built to take a lot of use and its specially designed to take panniers and a heavy load. If you're going to ride fast over anything up to 100+ miles, but you're doing one day outings (or you're racing, or riding mainly for fitness) then get a road bike - light, fast, responsive (a thoroughbred amongst bikes). Like a thoroughbred horse though, these bikes need tender loving care to stay on top form, they're a bit skittish and they're fragile. They're also not the most comfortable ride, because they're built for speed, not comfort. If you're doing 50+ miles on mixed terrain and speed is less important than durability and stability, then get an ATB of some kind. Probably a hardtail with good front suspension. If you're mainly pottering about (even over quite long distances) and most of your riding is in the city, on road and light trails, then consider another hybrid. These are tough, flexible and easy to live with. There are some interesting gearhub ones appearing - they really make life easy. My first try-outs in each category: Touring - Cannondale, Specialised Road - Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale ATB - Klein, Specialised, Trek. Hybrid - Cannondale (especially the Vintage), Specialised It depends what you mean by 'long rides'. If you're going to do 100 miles a day for several days in a row, you need a touring bike. This is because its comfortable over long periods, its strongly built to take a lot of use and its specially designed to take panniers and a heavy load. If you're going to ride fast over anything up to 100+ miles, but you're doing one day outings (or you're racing, or riding mainly for fitness) then get a road bike - light, fast, responsive (a thoroughbred amongst bikes). Like a thoroughbred horse though, these bikes need tender loving care to stay on top form, they're a bit skittish and they're fragile. They're also not the most comfortable ride, because they're built for speed, not comfort. If you're doing 50+ miles on mixed terrain and speed is less important than durability and stability, then get an ATB of some kind. Probably a hardtail with good front suspension. If you're mainly pottering about (even over quite long distances) and most of your riding is in the city, on road and light trails, then consider another hybrid. These are tough, flexible and easy to live with. There are some interesting gearhub ones appearing - they really make life easy. My first try-outs in each category: Touring - Cannondale, Specialised Road - Bianchi, Trek, Cannondale ATB - Klein, Specialised, Trek. Hybrid - Cannondale (especially the Vintage), Spec chek out the giant OCR comps or a cannondale synapes. these bikes are designed specifically for longer/comfier rides, yet still provide a resposive and fast ride. the key is slight geometry differences than a racing bike, like longer chainstays provide a more stable platform and more shock absorbtion (they act as leaf springs) and also longer head tube gives you a more upright position. these are road specific bikes, not hybrids, but hybrids will work too, with a more comfy riding position, but not as fast and responsive as above. If you are riding for more the 200 kilometers I would suggest a bike that has a lot of cushion to it. I've always liked steel bikes cuz they give a better ride feel. If you are talking really long, something to ride across the country with, you need something strong and comfortable. If you get to a good bike shop and explain what you need, they'll set you up nicely. |
| Tags |
| Recumbent Bike Bmx Bike Kids Bike Schwinn Bike Cruiser Bike Road Bike Folding Bike Mountain Bike |
Bike Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |