Gonna try to make a long story short.
> used to ride often like 5 years ago, 6 days a week.
>20 miles was my before work ride and I did 60-84 on my days off
> bike was a Trek FX1 I bought new at the time
> always wanted to reach 100 miles but never could get out of the high 80s
> dropped riding due to moving farther from the bike path I rode on and life in general
> got an e bike last week and while I'm loving it, I want to get a regular bike and start doing some distance again once I build my body up
> I took it on the metro to get on the bike path again and felt so happy like I used to on my FX1
I'm heavily considering getting a road bike since I'll have my e bike for the commuting and errands I use it for. If I was once able to get into the 80s on my FX1 is 100 more achievable on a road bike?
by Glowingtomato
6 Comments
If your speed is low I’m not sure it makes much of a difference. But I can’t really imagine averaging (on a flattish course) 20 mph on a hybrid.
All else being equal, then yes, it’d be easier to go longer paved distances on a road bike. The bike will be lighter, the tires will have less rolling resistance, the position will be more aerodynamic. Your average speeds will likely go up, making it easier to get greater distances in the same time on the bike.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll automatically be more comfortable on a road bike, especially if you’re used to a hybrid or commuter geometry. If it’s an option, I’d try renting one for a day to see if you enjoy the position and riding experience before you commit to anything. It doesn’t matter that you’re faster if you’re unable to spend as much time in the saddle.
Yes it’s easier but it’s achievable on any bike. I have done it many times on a loaded bikepacking bike riding on dirt. Just set a slower pace and keep moving. Keep breaks short and try to keep eating and stay hydrated. If you can already do 80 miles, you should be ready for a century.
the bike itself won;t matter that much
usually though a road bike is a bit more efficient
and a road bike rider may be more used to long trips – that will be the main thing, you 🙂 not the bike 🙂
and if the route is hilly, the weather hot or cold, rainy/sunny, your endurance/speed,
i mean what made you stop at 80?
road bike might make the 25% difference
but it wlll be more about you
”f I was once able to get into the 80s on my FX1 is 100 more achievable on a road bike?” — MAYBE !
get a road bike only if you want one
i don;t think it would make more than 5% difference though
seriously what was the limit before ? tiredness, discomfort, boredom,
bring enough water and [high calorie junk] food
yiou have to drink before you are thirsty
and don;t burn yourself out at the start
It’s not the bike but the engine powering the bike. Any bike can do 100 miles. If the engine is no good, it doesn’t matter what the bike is.
Idk what these people are saying that a road bike wont make much of a difference vs a hybrid when riding a century. I cant imagine riding a hybrid longer than a few miles to do errands or a very, very casual ride with friends/kids. 1200 feet over 84 miles is very flat, and youll be flying on a road bike compared to a hybrid.
There will be an adjustment period. You will have to work on bike fit. Core strength matters more on a road bike since you arent as straight up and down like a hybrid. You will have way more hand positions on a road bike. The gearing is better. You will get up to speed faster. Any climbs will be easier. There is a reason people buy road bikes.