Road Bike vs Hybrid Bike: A Small Test
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Uphillfreewheeler asked me what I thought the average speed gain was by switching from my revolution hybrid to the giant propel. I said I thought it would be between 2-4 mph. Well here is a small test. Please note that these are only across very short segments so are not representative of how it would translate to a full ride with undulating terrain. You can see a comparison of that towards the bottom.
First I did a “cruising speed” segment in which I went along at my normal comfortable road speed. It was a flat section that had a small incline towards the end. The inclined section is where the propel really shone.
Second I did a seated hill climb to compare the bikes climbing ability. The propel was an average of 2 mph faster up hill but could probably be much faster if I were to push it.
Third was a small sprint section. It was a totally unfair comparison because the headwind was much stronger this morning when I was on the road bike compared to the afternoon when I tested the hybrid. Again the propel performed much better in the up hill section.
To see how this translates across a larger distance here are the strava links for two very very similar rides.
Road bike: average speed of 17.9 mph across 14.8 miles into a very strong head and cross wind. https://www.strava.com/activities/389129469
Hybrid bike: average speed of 13.5 mph across 17.8 miles. No head wind. https://www.strava.com/activities/290975233
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Hi, i doubt very between a hybrid bike and a road bike.
The speed is not the point but can you tell me which bike rides more
pleasant?
I’ve hired a road bike and it drove very nice and easy but i had the
feeling that the distance from my arms to the brake levers was to far. But
the straight handlebars from the hybrid bike looks like its gonna hurt
after a few hours because you have to hold your arms straight all the time.
I’m looking to get this bike. I was wondering is there a way you could
upload a video of the sound? Also a video of you at your top speed see what
you can get on this lovely bike?
I often cycle an 8 mile route there and back at only about 11.5 mph on my
very heavy hybrid type bike with mudguards and rear rack with panniers. I
recently did the same trip via a slightly longer route at an average speed
of 18 mph on my carbon fibre racing bike. I reckon my carbon fibre bike is
only about 1 mph faster than my old steel Holdsworth racing bike though.
Very interesting. Thanks for posting!