Bikers-500 miles in one week-what type of bike?

I am thinking seriously about going on a week long bike trip across NY state this summer. It averages about 70 road miles per day.

Currently I have a mountain bike from Target which is fine on the rail trail that I ride on mostly. I frequently take 20 mile or so trips. ( I never did any mountain biking-I guess that was what the store had years ago before I got into it a bit:)

I spin also. Money is an issue but I think I should get another bike. Road bikes are pricier than hybrids- what exactly is a hybrid for and is it ok for this kind of riding? I know it sits more upright-not sure I would like that. I am checking craigslit and see a Giant OCR3 for 300-but it is not a woman's bike (do I need a woman's bike?) Also see a Giant Sedona woman's for 100. And know I can buy a Diamondback new for under 300. Giant Roadbikes seem to start at 700 and that is too much.

Any advice? I trust CCers the most! I know there is a Cycling forum and will probably do the dreaded double post but there didn't seem to be a lot of activity over there.

Thanks in advance!

Well 500 miles a week is A LOT. Specially for someone who only been doing 20 mile trips. When is it in the summer?

Personally I wouldn't want to ride 500 miles a week on a hybrid. Not effecient those saddles are not all that good for long rides. Specially back to back rides. I highly recommend a road bike.

You don't really need a womans bike, but the bike needs to fit. Women "specific" bikes have slighlty different geometry which suites some women better. That is not to say that regular bike would not fit you. Women "specific" bikes also come in smaller sizes then regular ones, and with 650cc wheels versus 700cc.

My honest advice is to make it a goal for next year. Save up some money get a descent road bike that fits and increase your millage.

UD

Thanks UD-hadn't seen you in a while!

I know its alot and I may not do it this year. I'm rather impatient though and I really need to get away and clear my head. It is fully supported and they have a "Sore Fanny" option that is 35 miles which I know I can do no problem. (Plus when I read that 62 year old grandmothers have done this......)

Yeah, I don't think a hybrid would be good. Definitely want to check out a bike shop near my home that does fitting.

A road bike would be best for sure. 70 miles a day is a lot. I would really try to take some time to "bike condition" prior to the ride. I am casual rider...I guess I log about 400 miles a month. I "think" I could do it. I mean it would be pushing it, but I could do it...even as a casual 42 year old rider.

As far as bike go, not all hybrids are created equal. What I mean is that a bike like the Giant Sedona has fatter tires where the Trek 7.1 FX WSD (wsd are Trek bikes designed for women) has skinnier "road" type tires. The skinnier tires would be easier over the long haul. We have a Trek 7100 and a Trek 7.1FX and both are great bikes for cruising along on pavement. I wouldn't hesitate to ride 70 miles on either, but I would much prefer a road bike for 70 miles a day for several days.

My wife has a Diamondback Vital2 and she loves it. It is super comfy with suspension in the front forks and in the seat post. It has decent tires, so it moves along fairly well. It is perfect for 15-20 mile casual rides. I think it was less than $300, but I am not sure you would want to go 500 miles in one week on it. Then again, I have seen people on insanely long rides on their mountain bikes with fat treaded tires, so what do I know?

You are right about clearing your head. Biking is awesome for that. It is a great stress reliever. I am a relative newbie, but I ride at least 3-4 times a week. I would look into a decent bike that fits in your budget and start pushing yourself. You can always upgrade your bike later and you can always do the 500 tour next time. I decided that when I get 1000 miles in this summer, I am going to reward myself with a Trek 1.5 road bike.

As the other posters stated, optimally a road bike is best for long distances on the road because of the lighter weight and thinner tires: they were built for riding long distances efficiently and with less effort than a hybrid or mountain bike.  Often you get what you pay for.  Even though it will cost more initially, going to a bike shop to try the different models to find the one that feels best to you and to be properly fitted to the bike will save you so much frustration in the long run.  This could be your goal for next year, perhaps since money is factor.

Since money is a factor, an intermediate step toward doing more miles with your current bike more comfortably/efficiently, purchase an extra set of tires and/or wheels that you can swap out.  They sell smoother tires that are better for the road than your current knobby ones.  If you aren't sure what you need, take the bike to your local bike shop and let them know your goals and they can set you up with the right tires.

If you are a smaller/average (height) woman, a woman's bike may fit better.  I am tall for a woman and women's bikes are actually too small for me, so I buy men's.  But the flip side to that is they do make smaller men's bikes, too.  Again, the best thing to do is go to your local bike shop and try all sorts of models, men's and women's until you find what is right for you.  And you will know it when you get on the 'right'  bike; it will just feel right/good.

Good luck, and happy, safe riding!

That is a really good idea about swapping tires out. The bike shop I would go to, not only fits you for the bike but also offers a " ride it up to 3 times and if you don't like it you can trade" deal which I think is awesome.

I am 5-6" with a bit of a longer leg /shorter torso.( I say this because my BF's legs are shorter than mine and he is 5"10"!!). So not sure if I am average, but if I buy something new-I would definitely get fitted.

I understand what everyone is saying about wait til next year and it is good advice. I plan on riding intensely through the month of June.  The website says if I can get in 500-1000 in training including a couple of 70 mile days I should be ok. If I can't do it/hate it/ or get hurt or something then I won't sign up. This has been a hellish year-I sell Real Estate and my BF was laid off for the whole winter. We have no vacation planned and I really feel the need to get away and accomplish something/soul search.

I can definitely relate to wanting to get away and accomplish something/soul search, and biking is a really nice way to escape for a few hours or longer (as you seem to be planning!) :)  Organized rides for charity or with bike clubs can be nice getaways, or at least a chance to go somewhere different or see something different while getting exercise!  Since you mentioned NY, here are  some neat sounding rides that are in NY: www.bicycleshows.us And if you Googled other rides/bike clubs in your particular region, you may find other options that sound good, too!

Last year I did an out-of-state charity ride and really enjoyed it because all the scenery was 'new' to me, not the same-old same-old scenery in my area.  Whatever you do, I hope you find what you are looking for!

Hey!

As an amateur cyclist I only have one thing to say, it`s the words of wisdom I got from my dad before my first 45 mile trip: call me once you hit 30 miles so I know you`re halfway there.

Boy, was he right! Your stamina and energy levels decrease exponentially during longer rides. And I`m pretty sure (though I`ve never been riding for more than one day at a time) that on the start of day 2 you won`t be nearly as perky as on the start of day 1.

I`m not trying to burst your bubble here, but I was in the same boat as you not long ago. After averaging 10-20 miles a day for several months, I took an 80 mile trip and it practically rendered me useless for the next couple days. I was using a mountain bike and it was a pretty hilly ride, but still..

You have to factor in everything from hills, to frontal/lateral wind or bad weather, to soreness due to various slightly uncomfortable details which don`t make any noticable difference in short trips, but trust me, they can make or break you over long distances. Even something as minor as a backpack strap rubbing against your shoulder can turn into serious pain after hours of pedaling.

You should practice a lot beforehand and know your limits and the way you react under various circumstances. After all, this is supposed to be fun and a way to unwind and enjoy yourself. When it starts to feel stressful and become a burden, it`s not worth your free time anymore.

Good luck!

used 18-speed Cannondale road bike (men's) just as you described. It is in need of a tuneup, and could use brake pads, new tires, and adjustment of the derailleur, chains, brakes, etc. It's a lightweight bike, a pretty dark maroon color. It had toe clips at one point but I took them off because I don't like them. I'm asking $150.

Anyone know if this is a decent bike? It is not a name I have heard alot about. Also any women riders aout there who ride a men's bike and are happy with it. I am 5'6".

Thanks for your thoughts.

Cannondale is the name of the company. It sells many different models, so without knowing what model it is it's impossible to tell. Looks like what he is selling has 9 gears at the back and a double at the front. Another question is what size is it. It can be the greatest deal ever, but if the bike doesn't fit it's not worth it.

UD

Definitely going to try it before I buy-just a bit worried that I may think it is good and then not wind up happy. Wish an entry level new bike weren't so pricey. Going to check ot a used shop nearby too.