Hybrid for longer distance riding

[rhubarb_crumble]

I'm wondering which adjustments would need to be made to a hybrid for longer distance charity rides and sportives (100k and beyond) on mixed terrain - cycle paths, some unmarked terrain and roads.

From what I have read, it is perfectly possible to complete rides of this length on a hybrid, just not particularly enjoyable. I'm fairly new to 'proper' cycling, I'm averagely fit but do not do what I would consider strenuous exercise on a regular basis currently.

I have set myself the goal of riding 100km in about 4 hours by next May. I'm currently only doing 20K rides. The bike I have is an Apollo Hybrid, which retails at the £400 mark, though I bought it for less with an offer. It's in pretty good nick but feels heavy, as a result, I question my ability to complete long distances on it.

Do I just need to get fitter or can I make amendments (which wont break the bank)?
Would be grateful for any advice about this.

 

[vickster]

Bar ends
A good saddle
Clipless pedals
Slick tyres (thinnest you can fit on the rims)

Does the bike have suspension, that'll be your most limiting factor. Can you really get a £400 apollo?! (or just the usual Halfords BS to make it look like a bargain)

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

That's helpful, thanks. can you define a 'good saddle'?

Ha, I'm guessing it's the Halford's BS. I paid £200.

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

No suspension

 

[cosmicbike]

Nowt wrong with a hybrid for longer rides, I find it more relaxed and the more upright position is comfy, more so than a road bike with aggressive geometry.

 

[albion]

Have done 150K on my old heavy hybrid.

They are more comfortable on rough surfaces so just take your time and you will be fine.

 

[I like Skol]

'Hybrid' is a broad church and covers many different bikes. I guess your £200 Apollo is actually a pretty basic steel frame with low end components. I'm surprised it doesn't have some cheap suspension forks bolted on the front. However, not to be too snobby about it, it is a bike and is working so is probably as good a starting point as any.
If you can tell us the model or a bit about the spec then we can help with any worthwhile improvements that could improve the long distance suitability.

I have a hybrid and will happily do a 100 mile ride on it without a second thought, in fact I often need persuading to take my fancy road bike as I like the load carrying capability of my hybrid because it gives me somewhere to stash spare cakes and clothes

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

I hate the term "hybrid" but I suppose my bikes fit into that sweeping classification (ie: flat bars and not a mountain bike).

I've done eight rides of more than 100km so far this year including two imperial centuries and a 93 miler so can confirm that big distances are possible on this type of bike and even enjoyable to boot.

Another vote for bar ends and a decent saddle (I like leather saddles but realise they don't suit everyone).

The thing I'm not quite sure about is the 4 hour target for the 100km that you've mentioned, which would be 15.5 mph without any stops. I can do that kind of speed on shorter rides but my moving average is around 12 to 13.5 mph for the big rides and more like 10 to 11 mph when stops are taken into account. I'm sure 4 hours can be done but will be pretty hard work - fitting narrower slick tyres might be a good move.

 

[MikeW-71]

That's helpful, thanks. can you define a 'good saddle'?

One that fits you and stays comfortable. Since everyone is different, what is a joy for one person can be torture for another. Is the stock saddle comfortable? If it is, leave it.

Otherwise, if you'll be on-road all the way, some better tyres, possibly thinner than you have will help.

Mostly, get out riding and start to increase your distances. 100K in 4 hours is about a 15mph average, which is perfectly do-able on a hybrid.

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

Sounding promising then.
It's an alloy frame with steel forks, rigid suspension, 15kg. What else would be helpful to know?

 

[KneesUp]

...
Slick tyres (thinnest you can fit on the rims)

There is some evidence to suggest that thin tyres don't roll as well as thicker tyres

http://janheine.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/bicycle-quarterly-performance-of-tires/

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

It is a gel saddle and fairly generously sized, I find it fairly comfortable

 

[cosmicbike]

The best thing you can do is get out there and ride. 20km is a decent distance, if you do this 3 times a week you will soon notice an improvement in your health. Next step would be to aim for a longer say 40km ride and just build yourself up. Find a speed you are happy at, we can all do 10 miles flat out, but you need to keep going, so don't push too hard at the beginning.
One question. What size are the tyres, I assume 700c but what width, and are they smooth or knobbly?

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

I hate the term "hybrid" but I suppose my bikes fit into that sweeping classification (ie: flat bars and not a mountain bike).

I've done eight rides of more than 100km so far this year including two imperial centuries and a 93 miler so can confirm that big distances are possible on this type of bike and even enjoyable to boot.

Another vote for bar ends and a decent saddle (I like leather saddles but realise they don't suit everyone).

The thing I'm not quite sure about is the 4 hour target for the 100km that you've mentioned, which would be 15.5 mph without any stops. I can do that kind of speed on shorter rides but the moving average is around 12 to 13.5 mph for this kind of distance and more like 10 to 11 mph when stops are taken into account. I'm sure 4 hours can be done but will be pretty hard work - fitting narrower slick tyres might be a good move.

Yes, it is a broad term, I wasn't sure of the lingo, I suppose cheapo hybrid would be a better term.
OK, I'm being rather overambitious, I'd made an estimate based on other Q&As and projections of what I think I can do with several months practise. I'll alter it to 5.5 hours then, perhaps? It doesn't matter immensely at the moment to be honest, it's about getting through it at this stage.

The narrow slick tyres issue seems a bit controversial!

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

The best thing you can do is get out there and ride. 20km is a decent distance, if you do this 3 times a week you will soon notice an improvement in your health. Next step would be to aim for a longer say 40km ride and just build yourself up. Find a speed you are happy at, we can all do 10 miles flat out, but you need to keep going, so don't push too hard at the beginning.
One question. What size are the tyres, I assume 700c but what width, and are they smooth or knobbly?

700c, 35C, 16", moderately smooth