The need for speed Hybrid/Road

[tonphil1960]

hi all, I picked up a Trek 7100 Hybrid a few months ago after a long break from riding. I noticed right away that the gearing is much lower than anything I rode before. I am thinking about a road bike for the spring so I can get the speed up. Yesterday I did 29.6 MPH on the hybrid going down a slight grade and pedalling my ass off. alot of work for a little speed I think.Would it be advisable to change the cassette on this bike to get a little more juice. I do like the bike alot and am worried that a road bike will screw up my already screwed up back.

T hanks Tony

 

[keydates]

If you have a bad back, you probably shouldn't get a road bike.
Things you could do to gain some speed (it may be expensive):
1. Get slicks if you don't have them already.
2. Bar ends might help, although it might also hurt your back.
3. Better cassette or chainrings. Smaller rear cog, bigger front chainring. Possibly go with road style gearing (something like a 52/42/30 in front, and 11-23 cassette). Not sure how practical this is...it may be too expensive or even not even possible to do this.
4. Get a flat bar road bike. Road gearing, narrower tires/wheels, etc.