New Bike

[BrynCP]

I've had a Giant hybrid bike for 6 months and gone from a few miles to more regular 40+ mile rides. I am now considering a road bike, hopefully to provide more comfort on those longer rides and longer. I try and do 15 miles each day with 40+ on each of Saturday and Sunday.

Things to bear in mind, are that I am still just over 15 stone / 214lbs and I am 6'2"/35" inside leg, 30 years old. I would prefer a more comfortable, relaxed position I think. I don't currently bother with mudguards or carrying anything other than essentials (my mudguards are still in the box). I do struggle up hills on my hybrid, although I have continuous problems shifting to the lowest chainring so I often climb them on the middle.

My budget can go up to £800. There are none of the big stores, other than Halfords, local (Hull), however there are Giant, Trek and Specialized dealers all close and an Evans 35 miles away.

 

[Kies]

Giant Defy 2 (2014) - taller headtube, so a slightly relaxed "touring" geometry. I started out at 15.5 st on my Defy - no issues then or since

 

[Sharky]

Can you get to Planet X.?
Sheffield or Barnsley?
Never been, but see lots of their bikes. Wish they had a shop in kent.

Cheers keith

 

[BrynCP]

Giant Defy 2 (2014) - taller headtube, so a slightly relaxed "touring" geometry. I started out at 15.5 st on my Defy - no issues then or since

Thanks. There are two local giant dealers, tempted to visit the one I didn't buy my current bike from as they've had two goes at the front dérailleur and neither time has it lasted more than a short while.

Can you get to Planet X.?
Sheffield or Barnsley?

Both are an hour's drive away, just have to consider if the bike needs to go back for any free service / warranty work, esp. if the bike needs to be left a while, which would mean two journeys.

 

[theloafer]

what about this ...boardman cx team love mine relaxed touring" geometry low gearing take a rack and guards heres mine great all rounder

 

[Cyclist33]

I've had a Giant hybrid bike for 6 months and gone from a few miles to more regular 40+ mile rides. I am now considering a road bike, hopefully to provide more comfort on those longer rides and longer. I try and do 15 miles each day with 40+ on each of Saturday and Sunday.

Things to bear in mind, are that I am still just over 15 stone / 214lbs and I am 6'2"/35" inside leg, 30 years old. I would prefer a more comfortable, relaxed position I think. I don't currently bother with mudguards or carrying anything other than essentials (my mudguards are still in the box). I do struggle up hills on my hybrid, although I have continuous problems shifting to the lowest chainring so I often climb them on the middle.

My budget can go up to £800. There are none of the big stores, other than Halfords, local (Hull), however there are Giant, Trek and Specialized dealers all close and an Evans 35 miles away.

Hmmm, longer rides, I'd say a hybrid is more comfy.

 

[Pale Rider]

Hmmm, longer rides, I'd say a hybrid is more comfy.

True, but a road bike is faster so the OP will be more uncomfortable for less time.

 

[Cycleops]

Hmmm, longer rides, I'd say a hybrid is more comfy.

I guess this debate will run and run but only you will know which you prefer(after trying both options).

 

[BrynCP]

Hmmm, longer rides, I'd say a hybrid is more comfy.

True, but a road bike is faster so the OP will be more uncomfortable for less time.

Interesting; I have been led to believe due to more hand positions etc. they can be more comfortable. I know I can get bar ends etc. but that is one thing on my hybrid, I feel I want to move my hands around and am very limited.

 

[Big Nick]

I'm in the same position as the OP and looking for a road bike for long(er) rides but the choice is completely mind boggling!

Something else I'm factoring in is a degree of 'future proofing' so I won't need to upgrade again so soon or if I do the resale/residuals are ok!

 

[Pale Rider]

Interesting; I have been led to believe due to more hand positions etc. they can be more comfortable. I know I can get bar ends etc. but that is one thing on my hybrid, I feel I want to move my hands around and am very limited.

Comfort is an individual thing, so you need to try a couple of road bikes to see what you think.

Hybrids, with their podgy tyres, tend to offer a more pliant, damped ride in terms of bump absorption - less jolting and jarring is more comfortable.

Then there is the riding position, on road bikes the rider is bent over, with more pressure on hands, but less pressure on backside - it's one of the reasons road bikes have narrower, harder saddles, although most riders still need padding in the shorts.

Being bent over is good for speed - less wind resistance - and clipped in you will feel more connected to the bike.

A bike that fits and suits you is very satisfying to ride, no matter what type it is.