Switching from Hybrid to Road Bike

dee4life2005

I took up cycling again at the end of march 2012, after having only cycled when I had a paper round as a kid some 15+ years ago. I was unsure I would really get in to it again, and what the roads/paths were like for cycling on so decided to purchase a hybrid instead of a dedicated road bike. I went for a Boardman Performance Hybrid Comp, which is heavish compared to a road bike, weighing 10.75kg excluding the saddle bag, lights, pump, bidons and mudguards.

Its fair to say that I've got the cycling bug big time, and since end of march I've covered 2300 miles, with 865 last month. I'm now seeing averages of 17mph+ quite regularly on my 20 mile (each way) commute to work which I do twice a week and 16+ on the longer / hillier routes up to 70 miles at the weekends.

I've been thinking about buying myself a road bike, something much lighter, possibly carbon and was wondering what gains - if any - I'd be likely to see ? My hybrid is currently running 700x28c Gatorskins.

Thanks.

team47b

I have a ridgeback hybrid and a cube road bike, just the transition to 23mm ultremo zx tyres is an eye opener, harder/more positive no absorbed energy.

I thought the hybrid was fast, now realise it's actually 'comfy' like an armchair by comparison.

The road bike makes you push yourself more, no more pootling

djone101

I went from a Scott Sportster hybrid to a Scott Speedster road bike and my 19 mile commute/ride home went from a best of 1hr 7m down to 1hr 3m. About 1mph faster average for me. As has been said the 23mm tyres added to the inherently more aero position makes all the difference. Getting back on the hybrid you notice how high the bars are.