Garfield Cat

Once you get that road bike, you will be spending more money on upgrades. You might save immediately if you make a deal with the bike shop and switch to a better set of wheels. When the budget is 1,000; its more like 1,500

Afdica

+1

Bingo!!

I use the hybrid to ride with kids, commute, and run errands. I use the road bike for when I "plan" a ride and just want to enjoy riding for the sake of riding.

nondes 

I switched from a hybrid to a road bike a dozen years ago and haven't looked back. Hybrid may still be useful for utilitarian biking if you do that, using panniers and carrying a lock. Road bike will feel more lively, more an extension of you especially with clipless pedals. Be sure to make full use of the drop handlebars to change position for comfort, to make it easier in a headwind, and to add a bit of momentum on downhills.

Afdica

What's to be afraid of?? It's the people that are alive that you should be more wary of.

Biker395 

Haven't you seen the movies?!? My God, man!

Afdica

I guess zombies are very "real" to you.

Biker395 

They're everywhere. Video games. Movies. They couldn't do that if they weren't real, could they?

tsl

Ah yes, but most of the "residents" are older than the movies. So they don't know!

Afdica

Hardly.........but we digress...

lenA

I have 3 distinctly different bikes for my 3 distinctly different personalities

Len-Betty-Carlos

Mountain Mitch

It's Tiagra or 105. Don't want you looking like too much of a newb when you go into the bike shop!

And either would be fine but for your price point I'd look at Tiagra since to get 105 they'll probably skimp on other less important parts - like the frame!

maddmaxx 

I am just completing that move now. (perhaps pics next week when the last of it is done)

My old road bike has become a flat bar bike with some touring elements using everything I have found that I like over the years. For a hint, 25mm rear, 23mm front tires. 50/34 compact double mated to an 11/32 wide range cassette (AW coded 8 speed with no large jumps in tooth counts). Light duty seatpost rack. Mirrors lights etc.

rocdoc

How about a cyclocross bike? It's a nice in-between, no?

TromboneAl

Are they really that different? Here is a comparison between a Fuji Absolute and a Cannondale Synapse:



You might figure out if your bike is really too small for you. If it's not, or if it's just a matter of buying a longer stem, for example, you could put drop bars on your current bike, as sreten suggested, and save a lot of money.

OldTryGuy

The only reason I would get rid of my old-cheapo 7-speed hybrid would be to buy a new one. I use it for shopping, running errands and even ride it on A-club rides. A few weeks ago I completed a 61 mile solo training ride on it. A great workout.

Steve Sawyer

You're coming into the sales season right now. Most of the manufacturers introduce new models in August/September I understand, and they like to move out the older models. For a 54 (if that is your correct size) you shouldn't have too much trouble finding one in your size, but they will become scarcer as time goes by. I bought my first road bike in the spring of this year, and ended up paying top $ because all the 2012 models were pretty much gone. I only found one that was in my size, at a great price, but it wasn't the bike I wanted based on test rides. I was told by more than one shop that the best time to get a smokin' deal on a new bike is from September through the run-up to Christmas if you're willing to go with last year's model, which is usually just fine unless there is some must-have new feature or configuration that is ONLY available on the new models.

If you decide to get a new bike rather than tinkering with the hybrid, keep in mind that you're buying a bike shop, not just a bike. If you're lucky enough to live in a metro area that has a large number of bike shops, make the rounds, talk to the folks selling the bikes, and take a few test rides to see what appeals to you, and gauge how you're treated by the bike shop. Note too that today you don't need to make an all-or-nothing decision. Something like a Specialized Sirrus puts a flat bar on a frame with road-bike geometry and slightly wider tires (28mm) that you might find more appealing than a drop-bar road bike.

Even if you do decide to go with a road bike, you'll need to test drive several models before you decide which one is most likely to make you happy, so you might as well start early!

maddmaxx 

I'm of the opinion no. They are the result of a race class that requires that design.

Blue Belly

I don't know your bike well enough to pick it apart. Riding uphill takes fitness & a good fit. Flat bars aren't generally good for climbing. Many road bikes focus on weight. A little extra isn't a huge detriment but, I'd put my money into wheels, when it comes to weight. I've thrown drop bars & decent wheels onto a hybrid & made it a good bike to take along on a camping trip with the family. As stated, it really depends on what you are going for.

Garfield Cat

You better make a decision soon.

nbseer

Just ordered the Giant Defy 2 with Tiagra components after taking a test ride at my LBS. The guy spent time with me, was personable, so I decided to skip the huge chain bike store in the city and go with him. Now I've got to figure out clipless.. or start with mini toe clips? Dunno..
Anyway, thanks for all the great advice from you guys.

DnvrFox

Platforms work ok until you get the rest of the bike figured out. At least that's what I would do until comfortable on the bike.

Notgrownup

I bought a Cannondale Quick 5 and rode it for a month and traded it for a CAAD8... It performs better and i feel like i get a better workout out of it...I am 48 250 lbs and most rides are below 30 miles also...I really should've got a Synapse but that wasn't an option at the time...If i had to pick today i would get a Roubaix or a Synapse... i have changed my CAAD to be like a Synapse and now i am comfortable....

roccobike

What he said. If you're doing 30 milers on a hybrid, you're probably ready for longer and faster rides on a road bike. A road bike will open doors for you to ride with clubs, that's always a blast. One recommendation, be sure to get a carbon fork on the road bike. You don't want aluminum. Steel is better, but carbon forks are the best for absorbing shock.

Notgrownup

I got the combo pedals....they are Forte and have SPD clips on one side and platform on the other side and i like them for now. I will upgrade later but for a starter pedal it worked great for me.

jimmuller 

For someone who hails from Loovil you certainly have a good sense of what is important!

As for which type of bike, one thing to consider is that a road handlebar offers better hand positions. With a flat bar your palm must always face downward. That's not ergonomic. For example, in order to bend your elbows to lower your body into a wind or to push a bit harder you must stick your elbows out sideways. A road bar offers 4 or 5 possible riding positions and most of them let your palms face inward. Much better.