Hybrid or Road?
dantheman
Posts: 15
in General Chat
Hi all,
I've recently been training for my first tri on a big hefty mountain bike that ive had for years. Loads of things have been going wrong on it, and so i think its time for a new bike.
I dont really want to spend too much, but i'm unsure what to go for. I like the idea that I can take a hybrid on paths, trails etc. But i just have a few questions:
- What is the weight difference between the two?
- Can you put aerobars on a hybrid?
- What would you go for?
I've recently been training for my first tri on a big hefty mountain bike that ive had for years. Loads of things have been going wrong on it, and so i think its time for a new bike.
I dont really want to spend too much, but i'm unsure what to go for. I like the idea that I can take a hybrid on paths, trails etc. But i just have a few questions:
- What is the weight difference between the two?
- Can you put aerobars on a hybrid?
- What would you go for?
0
Comments
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Focus_Mares_Disc_2009/5360037601/
Have a look around Wiggle - you should start to get an idea of weight differences by comparing hybrids, road bikes and cyclocross bikes.
My husband sys that my company should just my wages directly to Wiggle, thereby bypassing the middle-man (woman).
blurredgirl
blurredgirl
Another option is to keep your MTB and get it fixed, then you can use it off road..change the tyres to slicks for training when the weather is poo on road. Then you can buy a lighter weight road bike for Tri's and higher milage. I use my MTB for training because it is heavy. Then when you get on your road bike it absolutly flies! I get about 5/6 mph higher speed and hills are much easier(I do have a compact chainset) 40/100k on the road bike is easy. may be harder on a heavier cyclocross bike, and a pain in the ar*e on a MTB. I'm planning lots of off road riding on my MTB this year at Cwn Carn and Afan Forrest (Xterra) to improve my fittness this year.
I personaly think this would be a good option.
Pigsy
Having bought the bike i now have some new food for thought. Is there anything I should be changing/adding? For example, the peddles. Do people use the clip in style ones for tri? Or do they use standard ones?
Clip in peddles (will give you a better and more efficient peddle stroke.you will need the shoes too)
Cycle computer(with cadance)
Water bottle and holder.
Other than that..just ride the bike.
I am assuming you have a cycle helmet.
Pigsy
I wish i spent a bit more to get a really decent bike first time but didnt realise how much i'd enjoy riding.
I thought £1000 was a lot to spend on a bike but you can get a really competitive bike for 1k and 0% finance from places like Certini in Plymouth and other bike shops. They'll advise you on fit and maintenance too.
Once i got my bike i spent loads on wiggle gettin all the bits i 'really needed and couldnt live without' like tights with padded ass and pumps, tubes, shoes and pedals- went for look keo classic. Google them to get reviews and prices.
New tires, rear cassette and camelback, list goes on.
Basically tho u dont need alot other than a bike, helmet and trainers to compete in triathlon.
I just buy bits coz i like shiney new stuff and i found wiggle. I'm sure i'm not the only 1 tho.
Anyway take it easy and hope u enjoy your training and racing! : )
I nearly did the same - but the other Carrera I looked at was only available in small ... so I ended up with the Virtuoso (£50 cheaper when I bought it though ) - I am really happy with it - I am no great athlete and for now it does the job for me - and ultimately for the cost of it when I do upgrade its not a waste of money and can be used as a winter bike or commuter.
Defo, that was my thinking exactly. I hope to get a few races under my belt with this bike (providing i survive the first!) and then I can always upgrade in the future and not see my first purchase as a waste of money.
The hybrid would be ok for your first tri, but you'll be hooked, train and compete more. You'll want a 'decent' race bike; That I promise you!!!!
Seen this a lot before, it's been said here lots before, but still people fall in the same trap.
My 2 pence: borrow a friends race bike to do a tri and save for the best bike you can afford![image]http://forum.220magazine.com/micons/m8.gif[/image]