Bigbandito

I'm planning on picking up a hybrid next weekend. I'd like to eventually do some group riding, but have been concerned about being able to keep up with the roadies. Does anyone here have experience with group rides? Do you do them regularly? Is there such a thing as hybrid group rides?

Stormsedge

I am not aware of specific "hybrid" group rides (not to say there aren't any)...I've been on many organized rides where hybrids are not uncommon and have had my water bottles blown off by some...it is the rider.

johnny99

I've never heard of a hybrid-only group ride, but there are slower family-friendly group rides where a lot of people ride hybrids.

Skipjacks

The bike isn't the issue. It's the motor.

I've been passed by people on Wal Mart mountain bikes that weigh as much as a small car like I was sitting still.

The same rider is going to be faster on a roadie than on a hybrid. But the hybrid itself has no speed limit. It'll go as fast as the rider's legs can push it.

HTupolev

Group rides usually don't go by bicycle type, but by rough overall performance level. If your bike prevents you from riding with a fast group, ride with a slower group.

fietsbob

Yup, Depends on the group attitude.. social or ultra competitive?

rumrunn6

Rootman

It's a matter of finding the right group of people. I passed on many a group because they insist on a minimal speed, usually a lot higher than I can manage. A group of guys at my work finally put the fact together that we all like to ride, so most weeks this summer we've taken an evening ride together. We're as fast as the slowest rider - always me. I really appreciate them being patient with them. I've been riding for years and know a lot of neat rides, so I've been a bit of a leader for them. We just take it easy and an even pace. We enjoy talking and joking together. We have a few road bikes, a few hybrids and a few mountain bikes. At the end we hit a pub before heading home.

side_FX

erikua

I did group rides in Tucson on a Hybrid with the most epic ride including the 6,600 ft climb up Mt Lemmon on a 2008 Trek 7300. I did soon upgrade to a Trek 2.1 Road Bike as the Hybrid was heavy - but it's all on the motor. I was able to push that bike up the mountain with the group with no issue. Granted this was around 2010. I couldn't do that now - but I was in much better shape back then. Give it a whirl - remember it is ok to get dropped. But you got to see where you are in terms of riding capability in groups. Pedal on!

Pompiere

Even if you do keep up, be prepared to hear all the roadies tell you how much faster you would be on a real road bike.

All the group rides that I participate in are "no drop" rides. That means they will either adjust the pace to that of the slowest rider, or stop periodically to let everyone regroup. If there is a really large speed gap, they will have one of the group leaders stay back with the slow rider to make sure he gets home okay. The same club also has some training rides where they state up front what the expected pace will be and that they don't intend to wait around for you. If it is your first time with that group, they might cut you some slack if you overestimated your abilities, but politely ask you to go with a slower group next time.

bbbean 

Ask the people who organize the ride. Rides run the full gamut from chill social events to ultra competitive quasi-races.

travbikeman

Depending on where you live, there are non drop group rides or casual rides for touring cities and other areas.

I've been on a few and they can be fun, interesting or whatever you make of it.

Check out MEETUP, the site should have listings in your area.

The area I live in has a Bike Rockville in MD that many riders enjoy.

travbikeman

Oh and if your area doesn't have a casual riding group.....then...Start one! Create a route that has interesting sites to go biking around and be the tour leader. I'm betting there would be many people that would enjoy this.