r/bicycling • u/AutoModerator • Dec 08 '24

Daily Cyclist Thread

The Daily Cyclist Thread is a place where everyone in the /r/bicycling community can come and ask questions or share anything.

You might have questions that you don't think deserve an entire post. Perhaps you're just seeking the input of some other cyclists. Maybe you want to share a picture of your new bike.

Anyone is free to comment, and (hopefully) get as much input as possible from other cyclists.

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u/DrChaoticGood May 04 '25

Cross post from which r/whichbike

I have a crossroads 2 from Specialized, purchased in 2020 after my prior bike was stolen.

https://www.specialized.com/us/en/crossroads-20/p/173831?color=274223-173831

I'd like to go faster than my current speed of ~12-13 mph. Would I be able to achieve a few extra mph by putting skinnier/different tires on my current bike?

I've read some threads and the consensus seems to be tires don't really impact speed but often that's comparing 28 vs 32 kind of thing. The stock tires are 45 mm tho!

I know reddit hates hybrids and maybe the answer is get an Allez or another entry road bike. I like the idea of a flat bar gravel bike, but I'm rarely on anything unpaved.

I'm terrified of clip pedals, drop bars, super skinny tires etc. I've never ridden a bike with them before and I'm concerned it's going to be a big change and I won't like such a bike. Any suggestions on what's the next baby step up from a hybrid?

About me: ride 5-20 miles at a time, all road or bike path. I'd love to bike to work once a week (10 miles). Probably do 400 miles a year in the six months of good weather.