Converted from hybrid to road.
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2011 Look 566 Ultegra, 2010 Specialized Sirrus Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Converted from hybrid to road.
Thought I'd share my experience. I started cycling last year on a Specialized Sirrus, which is a great bike that I've enjoyed very much. It's more or less a flat bar road bike. I've put about 2,000 miles on it. As I got into the sport I found I liked the idea of endurance events. My first metric century was this past May. The last 20 miles were into a ~10mph wind, and it was tough. I decided then and there to start shopping for a road bike.
I've had a Look 566 relaxed geo road bike for about three weeks now. I completed my first imperial century last weekend. Here are my observations:
Road pro:
Requires less energy to go the same speed. You're more aero, and that makes a big difference as the miles stack up. My friend also completed the same century on his Sirrus and was unable to keep up with the pace. We started cycling at the same time with the same bike, except his has more carbon and nicer wheels than mine. We ride together four or five times a week, so our ability and training is more or less identical. He's shopping for a road bike now although, like me, he still loves his Sirrus.
Multiple hand positions with the drop bars meant my hands never got numb, even after 100 miles. Even with the extra positions offered by Ergon GC3s I would start having hand numbness on the hybrid after about 40 miles.
Road con:
The more aggressive position on even a relaxed-geo road bike is not a small change. There's a price you pay to get out of the wind. Muscles in my triceps and especially neck were sore. It took a day or two before I could turn my head normally. When I finished the century my upper body was done, but me legs could have gone on.
I'm looking forward to a 540-mile 7-day ride next June on my new road bike.
I've had a Look 566 relaxed geo road bike for about three weeks now. I completed my first imperial century last weekend. Here are my observations:
Road pro:
Requires less energy to go the same speed. You're more aero, and that makes a big difference as the miles stack up. My friend also completed the same century on his Sirrus and was unable to keep up with the pace. We started cycling at the same time with the same bike, except his has more carbon and nicer wheels than mine. We ride together four or five times a week, so our ability and training is more or less identical. He's shopping for a road bike now although, like me, he still loves his Sirrus.
Multiple hand positions with the drop bars meant my hands never got numb, even after 100 miles. Even with the extra positions offered by Ergon GC3s I would start having hand numbness on the hybrid after about 40 miles.
Road con:
The more aggressive position on even a relaxed-geo road bike is not a small change. There's a price you pay to get out of the wind. Muscles in my triceps and especially neck were sore. It took a day or two before I could turn my head normally. When I finished the century my upper body was done, but me legs could have gone on.
I'm looking forward to a 540-mile 7-day ride next June on my new road bike.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 194
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
well, I thought about starting a similar thread - although, I haven't been riding as long as you.
Even so, when I went from a Trek 7.3 FX to a Specialized Roubaix Comp - trememndous change for the better.
I know, lighter and more expensive bike.
Easier to get more Aero, different geometry - steers better, handles better - really nice.
I ride only on pavement. I guess the reason I got a hybrid was due to it having more similarities with the bikes I grew up with.
Love the road bike
Even so, when I went from a Trek 7.3 FX to a Specialized Roubaix Comp - trememndous change for the better.
I know, lighter and more expensive bike.
Easier to get more Aero, different geometry - steers better, handles better - really nice.
I ride only on pavement. I guess the reason I got a hybrid was due to it having more similarities with the bikes I grew up with.
Love the road bike
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2011 Look 566 Ultegra, 2010 Specialized Sirrus Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thought I'd share my experience. I started cycling last year on a Specialized Sirrus, which is a great bike that I've enjoyed very much. It's more or less a flat bar road bike. I've put about 2,000 miles on it. As I got into the sport I found I liked the idea of endurance events. My first metric century was this past May. The last 20 miles were into a ~10mph wind, and it was tough. I decided then and there to start shopping for a road bike.
I've had a Look 566 relaxed geo road bike for about three weeks now. I completed my first imperial century last weekend. Here are my observations:
Road pro:
Requires less energy to go the same speed. You're more aero, and that makes a big difference as the miles stack up. My friend also completed the same century on his Sirrus and was unable to keep up with the pace. We started cycling at the same time with the same bike, except his has more carbon and nicer wheels than mine. We ride together four or five times a week, so our ability and training is more or less identical. He's shopping for a road bike now although, like me, he still loves his Sirrus.
Multiple hand positions with the drop bars meant my hands never got numb, even after 100 miles. Even with the extra positions offered by Ergon GC3s I would start having hand numbness on the hybrid after about 40 miles.
Road con:
The more aggressive position on even a relaxed-geo road bike is not a small change. There's a price you pay to get out of the wind. Muscles in my triceps and especially neck were sore. It took a day or two before I could turn my head normally. When I finished the century my upper body was done, but me legs could have gone on.
I'm looking forward to a 540-mile 7-day ride next June on my new road bike.
I've had a Look 566 relaxed geo road bike for about three weeks now. I completed my first imperial century last weekend. Here are my observations:
Road pro:
Requires less energy to go the same speed. You're more aero, and that makes a big difference as the miles stack up. My friend also completed the same century on his Sirrus and was unable to keep up with the pace. We started cycling at the same time with the same bike, except his has more carbon and nicer wheels than mine. We ride together four or five times a week, so our ability and training is more or less identical. He's shopping for a road bike now although, like me, he still loves his Sirrus.
Multiple hand positions with the drop bars meant my hands never got numb, even after 100 miles. Even with the extra positions offered by Ergon GC3s I would start having hand numbness on the hybrid after about 40 miles.
Road con:
The more aggressive position on even a relaxed-geo road bike is not a small change. There's a price you pay to get out of the wind. Muscles in my triceps and especially neck were sore. It took a day or two before I could turn my head normally. When I finished the century my upper body was done, but me legs could have gone on.
I'm looking forward to a 540-mile 7-day ride next June on my new road bike.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Geelong, Australia
Posts: 659
Bikes: Cannondale Supersix Hi-Mod / Scott Spark 930 / Scott Sportster 20 / Jamis Allegro 2.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm about to do the same - pick it up today actually.
I've had a my new Hybrid for about 6 months and have been doing 99% road kms...so I've decided to buy a road bike as well and save the hybrid for shorter river and trail rides.
I've ordered a 63cm SuperSix 5.
It was good to read the OP saying the difference is noticeable. I've had a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'm about to spend a lot of cash for not a lot of benefit. I've been doing 50-75km rides most weekends for a few months and my back tends to get a bit stiff and i stop for a little stretch near the end...I'm hoping the road bike will equal less effort and longer rides - after I get used to the position...although my position on the hybrid (due to my height) isn't exactly upright!
I've had a my new Hybrid for about 6 months and have been doing 99% road kms...so I've decided to buy a road bike as well and save the hybrid for shorter river and trail rides.
I've ordered a 63cm SuperSix 5.
It was good to read the OP saying the difference is noticeable. I've had a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'm about to spend a lot of cash for not a lot of benefit. I've been doing 50-75km rides most weekends for a few months and my back tends to get a bit stiff and i stop for a little stretch near the end...I'm hoping the road bike will equal less effort and longer rides - after I get used to the position...although my position on the hybrid (due to my height) isn't exactly upright!
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I'm about to do the same - pick it up today actually.
I've had a my new Hybrid for about 6 months and have been doing 99% road kms...so I've decided to buy a road bike as well and save the hybrid for shorter river and trail rides.
I've ordered a 63cm SuperSix 5.
It was good to read the OP saying the difference is noticeable. I've had a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'm about to spend a lot of cash for not a lot of benefit. I've been doing 50-75km rides most weekends for a few months and my back tends to get a bit stiff and i stop for a little stretch near the end...I'm hoping the road bike will equal less effort and longer rides - after I get used to the position...although my position on the hybrid (due to my height) isn't exactly upright!
I've had a my new Hybrid for about 6 months and have been doing 99% road kms...so I've decided to buy a road bike as well and save the hybrid for shorter river and trail rides.
I've ordered a 63cm SuperSix 5.
It was good to read the OP saying the difference is noticeable. I've had a nagging fear in the back of my mind that I'm about to spend a lot of cash for not a lot of benefit. I've been doing 50-75km rides most weekends for a few months and my back tends to get a bit stiff and i stop for a little stretch near the end...I'm hoping the road bike will equal less effort and longer rides - after I get used to the position...although my position on the hybrid (due to my height) isn't exactly upright!
#9
Senior Member
I've ridden about the same distance on my Giant FCR3500 that I bought in April, which is also pretty much a flat bar road bike, with bar ends. I have also ridden several metric centuries on it and just rode my first imperial century on it this week, but unlike you I won't be switching to a full road bike. Why? Because I've ridden a drop bar road bike before and I really don't like the posture of riding in the drops. I find that bar ends give me an aerodynamic enough position to cut through headwinds reasonably well, without forcing me to bend over as much as drop bars do.
And really, I just don't think that a full on road bike would give me many advantages over my hybrid. The roads here are pretty bumpy and I wouldn't want to be running any narrower tires than the 28s I've got on my bike now. Further, I don't think I'd get that much faster with a full road bike, as I can cruise relatively easily at over 30km/h on flat roads without a headwind.
Everybody is different, of course, but that's my $0.02.
And really, I just don't think that a full on road bike would give me many advantages over my hybrid. The roads here are pretty bumpy and I wouldn't want to be running any narrower tires than the 28s I've got on my bike now. Further, I don't think I'd get that much faster with a full road bike, as I can cruise relatively easily at over 30km/h on flat roads without a headwind.
Everybody is different, of course, but that's my $0.02.
#10
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wichita
Posts: 4,903
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
If it is just hand position that is the problem there are other options. To me the drop bar thing about long range comfort is just a myth. They were designed for racing after all, not comfort.
However, if you don't have much weight on your hands due to supporting yourself primarily with your core, that will definitely help both (more correctly, ALL) bar types reduce hand and wrist fatigue.
Flexibility matters a lot. I cannot and will not get into the crazy positions that pro road racers do, seat 8+ inches above their bars. More reasonable for average riders is around 2-3" drop. Some folks ride road bikes with bars even or above their seat, and some flatbar road bikes are much lower. Bar alone doesn't make the positioning, of course!
I've got both and prefer the flat bars. Everybody is different though. Best to borrow one and try it before you drop a lot of coin.
My hybrid is still very useful to me because I bought one that is nearly a hardtail MTB, with a very good suspension fork. Before getting a road bike, I was very concerned about maintaining a balance between on and off-road tire performance. Now I have very aggressive 35mm cyclocross knobbies on it, and they're terrible on the road but they're quite good on technical singletrack. I only ride that bike on the road if I'm doing a short ride (under 15 miles) with friends & family who have hybrids or MTBs, and they ride slowly between 10 and 15 mph.
There is absolutely no contest between my road bike and hybrid on the street, even when I had street-biased tires. (Caveat: I never ran 25mm true road tires on my hybrid.) It's significantly lighter, more hand positions, shifts better*, and I have many logged rides where I can prove that for the same perceived rate of effort on the same path I was going faster on a road bike. My hands and wrists feel better because I have a lot more hand positions and I switch them every few minutes. I ride in the drops going into the wind or downhill-- I actually use everything the bars have to offer.
Anyway, none what I've written should be controversial. We're all here because we love bikes and want to discuss them and learn from each other. Pick the best bike for you, your budget, and your riding conditions! Better yet, have several bikes that are optimized for different types of riding.
*Footnote: my hybrid has Shimano Deore drivetrain and it isn't nearly as smooth operating as my road bike's SRAM Rival. However, my wife's hybrid now has full SRAM X9 and it is really good. So, no, road drivetrain isn't always better than MTB. And some hybrids do have road drivetrains.
Last edited by ColinL; 08-26-11 at 08:04 AM.
#11
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,155
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Lex, has it been six months already? Should I feel guilty for encouraging you to purchase the Scott?
I don't see the need for two bikes for recreational riding unless you ride off road, in which case, a road bike and a mountain bike makes more sense than a road bike and a hybrid.
Perhaps you could put a rack on your hybrid and use it as a utility vehicle. Commuting to work and or getting groceries, etc.
I was purely a utility biker for many years before I started participating in the hybrid forum. Since then, I've been inspired by reading about the rides of other hybrid riders and have begun doing occasional recreational rides of between 100 and 200 miles in length. My average speed is slow, but I can't blame my bikes. If I really wanted to go faster, I'd rent a car.
I don't see the need for two bikes for recreational riding unless you ride off road, in which case, a road bike and a mountain bike makes more sense than a road bike and a hybrid.
Perhaps you could put a rack on your hybrid and use it as a utility vehicle. Commuting to work and or getting groceries, etc.
I was purely a utility biker for many years before I started participating in the hybrid forum. Since then, I've been inspired by reading about the rides of other hybrid riders and have begun doing occasional recreational rides of between 100 and 200 miles in length. My average speed is slow, but I can't blame my bikes. If I really wanted to go faster, I'd rent a car.
#12
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,155
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I've ridden about the same distance on my Giant FCR3500 that I bought in April, which is also pretty much a flat bar road bike, with bar ends. I have also ridden several metric centuries on it and just rode my first imperial century on it this week, but unlike you I won't be switching to a full road bike. Why? Because I've ridden a drop bar road bike before and I really don't like the posture of riding in the drops. I find that bar ends give me an aerodynamic enough position to cut through headwinds reasonably well, without forcing me to bend over as much as drop bars do.
And really, I just don't think that a full on road bike would give me many advantages over my hybrid. The roads here are pretty bumpy and I wouldn't want to be running any narrower tires than the 28s I've got on my bike now. Further, I don't think I'd get that much faster with a full road bike, as I can cruise relatively easily at over 30km/h on flat roads without a headwind.
Everybody is different, of course, but that's my $0.02.
And really, I just don't think that a full on road bike would give me many advantages over my hybrid. The roads here are pretty bumpy and I wouldn't want to be running any narrower tires than the 28s I've got on my bike now. Further, I don't think I'd get that much faster with a full road bike, as I can cruise relatively easily at over 30km/h on flat roads without a headwind.
Everybody is different, of course, but that's my $0.02.
#13
Senior Member
Indeed it does. I have no idea why more hybrids don't come with something like that, especially hybrids that are more road-oriented. It's far lighter than a regular suspension fork, and if you aren't doing a lot (or any) off road riding, it's got enough travel to soak up pretty much any bump.
#14
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,155
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
Cannondale had a short travel Headshok on some of their road bikes years ago, but I guess it didn't sell. Roadies eschew comfort. "HTFU"
https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...iple&Type=bike
I coveted a Silk Road when they were new. I didn't see the downside. I guess it added a little weight.
https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...iple&Type=bike
I coveted a Silk Road when they were new. I didn't see the downside. I guess it added a little weight.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
What makes them comfortable is having a lot of places to put your hands. I haven't looked for pics of your bike, Talldog, but I would bet money you have bar ends. Plain flat bars cause hand fatigue because you can only grip them normally, or very shallow with your fingertips and then you can't shift or apply the brakes.
Last edited by Talldog; 08-26-11 at 08:01 PM. Reason: sp
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Posts: 160
Bikes: 2011 Look 566 Ultegra, 2010 Specialized Sirrus Sport
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I really cannot agree about the placebo claim. On the 60-mile ride on my hybrid I average 15.0mph with 3,000 feet vertical. On the 100-mile roadie ride I averaged 15.7mph with 4,000 feet vertical. On the flats speed was between 18-20mph most of the time. Longer, more difficult, yet still faster. The engine is the same, the bike is not. Whatever placebo effect there might have been was long gone by the time I finished.
I am nowhere near being an elite athlete. I'm a 40-year-old man with bad joints and a Lipitor prescription. But I'm not trying to convince anyone to do anything, just wanted to share my experience in my quest for a bike that suites my goals. I have no agenda.
I spent perhaps 15% of the time in the drops during descents and sometimes on flats when I wanted to change positions. About 15% on the bars when climbing or wanted to change positions. The remainder on the hoods. If you're able to ride a flat bar for that distance without any hand issues, that's great. I wasn't able to and the road bar took care of that issue for me, so I'm happy.
I am nowhere near being an elite athlete. I'm a 40-year-old man with bad joints and a Lipitor prescription. But I'm not trying to convince anyone to do anything, just wanted to share my experience in my quest for a bike that suites my goals. I have no agenda.
I spent perhaps 15% of the time in the drops during descents and sometimes on flats when I wanted to change positions. About 15% on the bars when climbing or wanted to change positions. The remainder on the hoods. If you're able to ride a flat bar for that distance without any hand issues, that's great. I wasn't able to and the road bar took care of that issue for me, so I'm happy.
#17
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Maryland
Posts: 5,155
Bikes: rockhopper, delta V, cannondale H300, Marin Mill Valley
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
It's possible you could ride 60 miles now without the hand problems. I've found that problems I had during my first century resolved themselves simply by riding more. You (and your hands) are in better condition now. An increase in average speed of less than 1mph may also be due to the fact that your conditioning has improved.
Whether your increased speed is due to improved fitness, placebo effect or a faster bike, or quite possibly all three, you're riding longer and faster and enjoying it more.
Not for everybody, but I wouldn't mind having one.
Whether your increased speed is due to improved fitness, placebo effect or a faster bike, or quite possibly all three, you're riding longer and faster and enjoying it more.
Not for everybody, but I wouldn't mind having one.
#18
Ha ha ha ha ha
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Gold Coast; Australia
Posts: 4,554
Bikes: 2004 ORBEA Mitis2 Plus Carbon, 2007 Cannondale Bad Boy Si Disc, 2012 Trek Gary Fisher Collection Marlin WSD 29er Aldi Big Box (Polygon) 650b
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 11 Times
in
7 Posts
#19
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wichita
Posts: 4,903
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I found your comparison compelling. Considerably more distance, faster. That's objective. Much easier and more comfortable-- subjective, but hardly a placebo.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
It's possible you could ride 60 miles now without the hand problems. I've found that problems I had during my first century resolved themselves simply by riding more. You (and your hands) are in better condition now. An increase in average speed of less than 1mph may also be due to the fact that your conditioning has improved.
Whether your increased speed is due to improved fitness, placebo effect or a faster bike, or quite possibly all three, you're riding longer and faster and enjoying it more.
Not for everybody, but I wouldn't mind having one.
Whether your increased speed is due to improved fitness, placebo effect or a faster bike, or quite possibly all three, you're riding longer and faster and enjoying it more.
Not for everybody, but I wouldn't mind having one.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Probably that, LOL. My main "hybrid" is a Trek 7.9FX (2009) and my road bikes are a Gary Fisher Cronus (2010) and a Trek Pilot 5.2 OCLV (2006). I guess I'm just an old motocross racer who likes flat bars for all the right reasons.
PS: I know how to fit bikes.
However, I have been thinking about this a little more though and I think you are probably right .... sort of, LOL. In the end, everything is relative. I tend to relate everything to my own situation, which is less than ideal for various reasons. Plus, I am inherently cantankerous, opinionated, and argumentative. I have tried to change but it is futile ...
PS: I know how to fit bikes.
However, I have been thinking about this a little more though and I think you are probably right .... sort of, LOL. In the end, everything is relative. I tend to relate everything to my own situation, which is less than ideal for various reasons. Plus, I am inherently cantankerous, opinionated, and argumentative. I have tried to change but it is futile ...
Last edited by Talldog; 08-27-11 at 05:37 PM.
#22
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wichita
Posts: 4,903
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
A 7.9FX is a heck of a bike... a flatbar carbon road bike more than a hybrid, IMHO, but that's neither here nor there.
PS dirtbiker here too, still ride now and then. Mostly enduro but I scare myself on my 2007 yz 250 a few times a year.
PS dirtbiker here too, still ride now and then. Mostly enduro but I scare myself on my 2007 yz 250 a few times a year.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 463
Bikes: Several
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Two stroke I hope. I had a KTM 250SX thumper a few years ago and was underwhelmed. I'm from the 2 stroke era. Still have a "03 KDX 220 and a Yamaha DT200R road/dirt bike but my riding has wound down. Could never warm up up to the thumpers really, so the SX, although a technical marvel, was short lived. This is a bicycle forum so I will cut it short at that, as I could talk about dirt biking all day (at least from the retro perspective ... I'm from the DeCoster, Mikkola, Hannah era). Closing thought ... off road dirt biking was the the most rewarding and fun sport I have ever participated in, bar none ... my biggest lament is that I can no longer do it due to age (sigh), time, and lack of accessible riding areas.
#24
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wichita
Posts: 4,903
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
As a five year-old I had a massive poster of Bob Hannah at Unadilla. But yes-- 2 stroke yz250. My enduro is a XR650R, beast of a machine but no motocrosser.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Geelong, Australia
Posts: 659
Bikes: Cannondale Supersix Hi-Mod / Scott Spark 930 / Scott Sportster 20 / Jamis Allegro 2.0
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Lex, has it been six months already? Should I feel guilty for encouraging you to purchase the Scott?
I don't see the need for two bikes for recreational riding unless you ride off road, in which case, a road bike and a mountain bike makes more sense than a road bike and a hybrid.
I don't see the need for two bikes for recreational riding unless you ride off road, in which case, a road bike and a mountain bike makes more sense than a road bike and a hybrid.
With regards the other comments about speed between hybrid and road bikes...I took the new supersix on its maiden voyage yesterday - an 80km loop of the bay that I've been doing for the last month on the Hybrid. The result: 2:44 vs. 3:23 the previous week on the hybrid. An average speed of 29.2km/h vs. 23.6km/h...I reckon that's more than a placebo effect. The SuperSix is carbon and weighs a bit over 5kg less than the hybrid. Thinner tyres too...dunno if that helps or not (Iv'e read conflicting posts on that one).
My back was a little sore after it though - nothing major. I was on the hoods about 75% of the time and on the bars a lot towards the end...never once reached for the lower bars...felt too much of a stretch.
With reference to the seat to bar drop someone else was talking about I have a pic of my bike setup for me with a pretty sever drop. Seems pretty aggressive to me...but this is more a result of being 6ft 5 rather than wanting a particularly aggressive riding position.
Last edited by Lexi01; 08-28-11 at 10:38 PM.