Hybrid for longer distance riding

[annedonnelly]

That sounds about the distance of the Great North Bike ride - an annual charity ride. People do that on all sorts of things including hybrids. I've done it twice on my Revolution hybrid - complete with mudguards and panniers. I think it took about 5 hours - including refreshment stops.

As long as you're comfy on the bike there's no reason you can't go as far as you like.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Pedals, seat, and handgrips are your three points of contact. I think the idea of barends, a comfy saddle, and good pedals to your liking will help the miles roll by easier, as will padded shorts. I also prefer 28mm tires on my Cannondale this time of year, then go up to 38s when winter comes, although I usually use an old, no suspension Trek MTB in winter.

 

[jefmcg]

Here's me at the end of my first 100km http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/cycling-to-brighton-with-only-one-gear.84143/#post-1513155

You'll be fine.

But replace the gel saddle. That will cause problems

 

[compo]

I've done 3 x Dunwich Dynamos on my Trek FX7.3 hybrid without issue. As has been said, nowt wrong with hybrids for long distance.

 

[albion]

If you're wanting to start riding longer distances on your Apollo, check the bearings out first. ...

That is best done by riding it. Once a beginner too I'd certainly advise going by the motto there that 'if it ain't broke don't try to make it so'.

 

[Eagone]

Hi
I started cycling last November (hybrid or as some would call it a flat bar road bike), and gradually increased the distances from 20k to 30 to 40 to 50, then finally completed the Great Nottingham Bike Ride in June at 85k in 3 hrs 28 minutes so 100k would be possible with some effort in under 4 hours. Done a couple more 50 milers since, would suggest entering in some mid range events to give you something to focus your training on.

So good luck and keep at it and keep us informed of your progress.

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

Good advice. I had an Apollo (is that a 'chicken' in Spanish?), and the wheel bearings were not well adjusted when I checked them. After adjustment they were fine, but the bike weighed about the same as a moped!

Steve

Very closely, alternatively the Spanish think chicken is the food of the gods.

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

Again, only thing I'd change now on my Sirrus would be adding bar ends. The ability to change riding position would really help. Aside from that, give it a good service and make sure everything is spinning right, then ride, if the saddle isn't right, you'll work it out,

Okie does, thanks, I've found some well regarded bar ends on Amazon.

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

Hi
I started cycling last November (hybrid or as some would call it a flat bar road bike), and gradually increased the distances from 20k to 30 to 40 to 50, then finally completed the Great Nottingham Bike Ride in June at 85k in 3 hrs 28 minutes so 100k would be possible with some effort in under 4 hours. Done a couple more 50 milers since, would suggest entering in some mid range events to give you something to focus your training on.

So good luck and keep at it and keep us informed of your progress.

Sounds like you've made great progress. still think I might have been a tad overambitious.

Definitely - I will be moving to North Yorks, looks like there's a pretty active scene there.

 

[rhubarb_crumble]

Thank you very much to all for your advice, hugely appreciated.

 

[HovR]

That is best done by riding it. Once a beginner too I'd certainly advise going by the motto there that 'if it ain't broke don't try to make it so'.

I'd respectfully disagree. The majority of the time you can't feel the state of the wheel bearings whilst riding until it's too late, the bearings are shot and you need new hubs.

Even a complete newbie should be able to take off their wheels and spin the axle by hand, which is all that is required to check (note, not fix) the bearings. How else would they fix a puncture?

The best way (in my opinion) to learn bicycle maintenance is by doing - you won't learn by riding the bike in to the ground and hoping it'll fine.