Posts: 8,845
5/8/09 9:23 P

I was going to add some things, but then I read WONGERCHI's post...he pretty much covered it! I have a carbon fiber road bike as well as a cyclocross, and my positions are different on both. Just like Adrian...

Posts: 3,889
5/6/09 12:13 P

John:
If you're even remotely considering Dus then get a roadbike. Do NOT get a hybrid.

Your concerns about the saddle and being hunched over will be alleviated with a good bike fit. Your local bike shop will be able to put you in good hands - either they will do it, or they'll know someone who will. If a saddle's uncomfortable, change it. Your fitter will give you a starting point and every bike shop I know around here as a buy-try-return policy. Last winter I went through a half dozen saddles to find a good one for me. Saddle choice is VERY personal.

Being hunched over isn't as bad as you think. Again, it's all about fit - get fit right and you'll be golden. I actually have two different positions - on my cyclocross bike I'm more upright while on my roadbike I'm a little more stretched out. Both bikes do different things so my fitter and I made subtle changes to suit.

First thing though - get to a bike shop and RIDE some bikes. See what you like and don't like and then go from there.

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Posts: 550
5/6/09 7:01 A

i would recommend a road bike, and if you can afford it, go for carbonfiber.

carbon takes much of the vibration out of the ride.

if you are planning on racing and doing long rides and are at all competative, get the road bike. get fit for it at a shop that knows how to fit you. usually if there is an expert fitter there is some kind of charge that is associated with being fit. that charge is then waved if you by a bike from them. (dicks sporting good and performance dont have professional bike fittings)

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5/5/09 10:23 P

Hybrids are great for commuting to work or for short rides but for longer rides a road bike is more apropriate.

Getting the bike to fit is important for comfort. A good bike shop can get you in the ballpark but only miles and a bit of trial and error will let you dial it in.

Welcome aboard!

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5/5/09 7:38 P

Road bike for sure. Have you looked at recumbants? They take some getting used to, but are very nice to ride.

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Posts: 38
5/5/09 5:17 P

Are there any concerns other than the seat and being hunched over? The seat will not be the issue. Once you get used to riding for extended periods of time, it is not as horrible as it seems. There are various styles of seats that you will have to try out before you find the right one. Also, a good pair of cycling shorts and chamois cream can make a world of difference.
Proper bike fit can especially alleviate the strain. The hunched over appearance is not as painful as it looks! Your body will adapt, but your abs should support your body, so there is minimal strain on your back. If you do not prefer an overly agressive position, the bike shop can add risers to your stem to raise your position to more straight forward. Seat angles can also affect your position. Typically road bikes have 73 to 76 degree seat angles, where 74 is the most common. 76 is more aggressive (imagine a cyclist in aero position). There are so many things to consider before making the plunge! To ensure you make the right purchase, be sure to get fit before selecting the bike so you can be sure the bike's geometry is compatible for your frame! Happy shopping!

Posts: 38
5/5/09 4:59 P

I know how you feel!! My first real bike purchase, I bought a Specialized Tricross (road bike style with mountain bike capability - for cyclocross racing). I used this primarily for commuting and starting to log on the miles just getting into cycling. A few years later, I took a test ride on the Trek Madone 5.0 just to get a taste for carbon. I ended up purchasing the bike. It was a fabulous ride! This bike was definitely the kind to ride all day on. Recently, I upgraded to the Cervelo S2. I love this bike! I feel like I can fly on it!! I raced duathlons with my Trek and will do the same with the Cervelo. If you're looking to do racing, I would absolutely recommend purchasing a road bike. Nothing against hybrids, but it is not uncommon for folks to upgrade anyway. Unless you have the money to spend in time! It honestly depends on what purpose this bike will serve. I sold all my other bikes in order to upgrade, so I don't have a lot of the same type of bikes. It just took me a few before I knew what I was looking for and what I preferred. My Cervelo will be primarily used for racing/training rides. Just the other day I put money down for a single speed/fixed gear bike - this will be used for commuting and when I feel like riding dirty!

Posts: 67
5/5/09 4:31 P

go with road...i have 2 friends that bought hybrids and wish now they had road bikes. BUT, a hybrid makes it where you can do trails or gravel!

Post what you pick out!

Posts: 13,559
5/5/09 3:54 P

OK I eliminated mountain

its between Road cycle or hybrid comfort bike

If all goes well my long term goal is to enter a duathalon race

There is a charity bike ride Ride for Heart in Toronto June 7 but anything goes on that

Decisions I'm also concerned about the seat and being hunched over

JOHN

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