How much difference will a proper road bike make????

gatehouse
gatehouse Posts: 8
edited September 2009 in Road buying advice
Please can you give me some advice?
I currently have a cheap Ridgeback Hybrid and go out on 60 mile runs which I find quite hard work (it takes me just under 4 hours). My local bike shop recommended a Specialized Roubaux and said I'd find it so much easier and faster on such a bike. I can't see it though, what real difference will it actually make? - surely it's all about the pedalling!! Does anyone know what the actual improvement will be from my current bike (£280) to something expensive (around £1500) in percentage terms or time taken, for instance, will 60 miles only take me three hours instead of 4 or will it just shave a few minutes from off of my time?. I'm sure it will feel better to ride one of these expensive bikes but are there any standardised performance figures from one bike to the next like you get with cars?

Comments

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    What size tyres have you got on your hybrid?
  • gatehouse
    gatehouse Posts: 8
    hi,
    I've just had a look and they are 28mm tyres.
  • gatehouse
    gatehouse Posts: 8
    hi,
    I've just had a look and they are 28mm tyres.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    Cheers, what size wheels?

    If you have the road size (28inch rather than the MTB 26inch) then you could get some thinner tyres such as 23 or 25mm.

    Then there would be quite a small difference in pace.
  • gatehouse
    gatehouse Posts: 8
    Thanks, they are 28inch heels. So if i were to put some thinner, faster tyres on it would make a real difference to my current bike or should I shell out on the Specialized one that the guy has recommended in the shop?
  • skinson
    skinson Posts: 362
    Thinner tyre, clipless pedals, and you should be knocking around 1/2 an hour off your 60 milers. To be honest I don't think I'd like to go that far on a hybrid. I do own a hybrid, but find after a couple of hours on it I've had enough.
    Dave
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,665
    gatehouse wrote:
    Thanks, they are 28inch heels. So if i were to put some thinner, faster tyres on it would make a real difference to my current bike or should I shell out on the Specialized one that the guy has recommended in the shop?

    It would certainly be cheaper!

    But yes, you would go faster. Especially if you get some good 23mm tyres.

    The good thing about a road bike is the variety of hand positions you can adopt and a more aerodynamic position.

    If, however, you are just looking for an excuse to buy a new bike then you have come to the right place! :D
  • pabloweaver
    pabloweaver Posts: 444
    gatehouse wrote:
    Thanks, they are 28inch heels.

    oooo kinky ! 8)
    http://www.northcheshireclarion.co.uk/

    Great club in and around the Warrington area.
  • guilliano
    guilliano Posts: 5,495
    A road bike is designed to fast and efficient over distances, with a variety of positions to help you stay comfortable. A Hybrid is a good mode of transport for shorter distances and allows a more diverse range of riding (light off road, canal tow paths, that sort of thing) but there will be a HUGE weight difference between the bikes you are talking about, as well as a difference in gearing. The best thing to do is try a road bike (may have to pay £30-40 for a days demo) and ride your usual route to see the difference.
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/guilliano/
  • Downwardi
    Downwardi Posts: 132
    Difference between a Hybrid and Road Bike is you pedal to move on a hybrid but you pedal to go faster on a Road Bike.
    FCN 8 Hybrid
    FCN 4 Roadie
  • careful
    careful Posts: 720
    As napoleonD said, the main difference is likely to be comfort over long distances and a more aerodynamic position. Having said that, you are right that the main factor is the person pedalling. If Cavendish and I swapped bikes and sprinted for the line I know who would win. It is nice to have the right tools for the job though - even if your abilities dont always match up.
  • gatehouse
    gatehouse Posts: 8
    Thanks everyone for all your advice. I am gong to try out a road bike and see what difference it makes. I like the idea of renting one for a day and doing my usual 60 miles to see if it reduces my time (and suffering!). I live in SW London. Where can one rent a good road bike for the day? Also I'm six foot five so will need quite a big frame!
  • grahamcp
    grahamcp Posts: 323
    Makes a huge difference. I commute on a Specialized Globe hybrid, which I already stuck thinner tyres on, and if I average 14mph I'm doing well. I'd be going an easy 25% faster on any of my road bikes, including the £500 single-speed, plus I'd have a lot more enjoyment in the process. To me, 60 miles on a hybrid would be unthinkable!
  • galaxyboy
    galaxyboy Posts: 168
    If you're doing 60 miles in just under 4 hrs on a hybrid you will be able to knock out a good time on a roadbike. I have been riding a dawes galaxy for a couple of years and although road bike shaped the 32mm tyres and the 14kg weight certainly slows you down. When I got to similar times for a 60 mile run on it I knew I was ready for something a bit quicker. I now have a ribble sportive and the difference is immense, top and average speeds are up and the effort is a lot less. I have not been on a 60 miler since getting the new bike but managed to fit in a 40 miler last week which took 2hrs 20 without too much effort. The one thing that still impresses me is the acceleration I am able to do on this bike that I will never be able to do on the galaxy. :D

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