Which bike to bring to beach on vacation? Road or Hybrid?

I would bring my hybrid, especially if you plan to ride with your family. They won't be able to keep up with you on your road bike. You can still get your workouts in just might work a little harder

Of course that depends on the distance your training for too, sprint, hybrid fine, IM, you might need your road for your training sessions.

I'd bring both if possible.  It would suck to go down there and regret not having one of them.  I haven't been down there in a few years but used to rent a house in Buxton for a couple of years for vacation.  I think it partially depends on how far out into OBX your going.  The beginning is fine, then as you know, the road is down to pretty much one road for a long time with alot of sand on both sides.  I would have no problem trying to ride on the main road that goes through though and would definitely bring my bike just in case.  Obviously, the hybrid will be more fun though because you'll be able to go down all the little unpaved sandy roads where I wouldn't want to take my roadie...

Thanks for your response!  Definitely a sprint!  No IM for me!!

Acumen- we will be in Corolla.


Edited by Shanruns 2009-06-19 6:32 AM

We usually stay in Duck, and I ride to Corolla. That road does get crowded with traffic (don't ride on Sat or Sun), but I don't remember that much sand on the road. That road does not go near the beach until the very end at the north. In Southern Shores and especially Kitty Hawk, the road goes right next to the beach and there is much sand on the road.

Is sand a problem for road bikes? Having just bought a road bike, I am planning to take my road bike to OBX later this summer, and plan to leave the hybrid home.

Gary

Hybrid with offroad tires.  Better for rides with the kids.  You get more of a workout for the same distance.  And safer if you are not riding on bike paths.  I dumped my road bike on a railroad track crossing the road.  After that, unless its a bike trail, I use my mountain bike.  More escape options. 

First off, you will probably have a little better traction and handling around sandy areas.  Second, this bike will slow you down when with family.
When I travel with family, only bring MTN bike (not road).  Allows me to still exercise, but throttles me back some.  Otherwise, I'd always be way out in front of family.

ok, I live on the outer banks in Kill Devil Hills - The roads up around Corolla will be fine for the road bike - not much sand on them unless you go down to the end where the 4 wheel drive section starts.   AS for the salt air, I wouldn't worry about that for only 1 week.  Jus ttry to keep it covered up or inside at night.  Lube is your friend....

Biggest issue here is the traffic, especially on SAT/SUN and it is usually quite windy. 

I say bring them both if possible.

Thanks for all your responses!  I think I am just going to bring the Hybrid and not stress about it!  I will just make sure I get a good ride in on the road bike before I leave!

I'd bring the hybrid for sure.  Though it might not hurt to bring the road bike and get an early morning practice.  I'll be in Savannah next week with my GF and I'll be bringing my mountain bikes.  Mainly because of this...


Or you can rent a beach cruiser.  They come with 2 speeds.  Hard and damn hard which will make the road bike feel great!!!

The roads around Corolla are ok. I did a couple rides to the Wal Mart in Kitty Hawk from the Food Lion in Corolla last year without any problems. This year I am not bringing my bike so it can go to the shop and get a good cleaning. The one thing is clean your bike no matter which one it is when you get home to get all the sea funk off.