GreenLizard said:
I am just getting into cycling and want to buy a bike. Originally my plans were to get a road bike, but I am now also considering buying a hybrid (multiterrain bike). I plan to do group rides with a local club, probably on the roads, but considering when I ride on my own I often ride on bumpy sidewalks and alleys, and jump high curbs, so I thought a hybrid might be better for me so I don't have to be too careful with it. But I have read on other forums that hybrids are slower than road bikes and are not good for group rides. What should I do?
Hey Green,
I work as a sales associate at a bike shop. It doesn't really account for much, but heres what i've learned thus far from my experience. From what you've written, there are a few factors that will determine what bike(s) you ultimately buy.
1- What the guys in your group ride; Its no fun if you're always playing catch-up huffing and puffing on a hybrid when everyone else is on road bikes. Conversely, riding a better bike than everyone else will put a damper on the friendly atmosphere of group rides. If you're planning on riding with a specific group, there are certain criteria that need to be met in order to "fit in" and its important to follow them or else you risk upsetting the group's dynamic. Purpose also plays a major role in this. Are you riding to get in shape or for the additional social bonus of riding with a group?
2- Terrain; Risky curb-jumps aside, bumpy terrain and the occasion (mild) pothole will not be a problem for a moderately priced (read: Aluminum or steel) road bike. So you can either change your riding style to fit the bike you're buying or you can buy a bike to fit your style.
3- Comfort; Comfort, age,l and overall fitness play a big role in what bike you buy. How much do you value the overall comfort of your ride? If this is a non-issue for you and all you want to do is be fast and keep up with the peleton, then a road bike is the perfect match. After that, things get a bit more hazy. There are a variety of "comfort" road bikes (i.e. Trek's Pilot series) that have most of the benefits of a road bike, but they aim at Touring consumer market and have a less aggressive geometry. On the other end, fitness hybrids (such as Trek's FX series and Giants FCR series) offer a majority of the benefits seen on hybrids (upright positions, cushy seat, etc) and wrapping it in a slicker package (faster components, fast wheels and tires, etc)
4-Budget; Last, but not least, you have to determine how much you're willing to pay. Hybrids are usually less expensive than road bikes but there is an overlap in the market when it comes to the lower end road bikes and the higher end hybrids and fitness hybrids. So for the price of a high-end hybrid you'll be comparing it to a moderately equipped road bike. All the previous points come in to play here, as well as how much of the cycling lifestyle you want to be involved in.
Regarding cyclocross bikes, this a great alternative and i second (or third) this suggestion. They're a durable and quick ride. Not the quickest, nor the most durable, but as far as what you're looking for, the best compromise between the two. Hopefully, i didn't ramble on about too many obscure aspects of cycling. Good luck in your cycling pursuits!
Cheers,