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Earlier this year, I had to decline participation in our local MS150 (Houston to Austin) ride because of work intrusions. I promised myself I'd tackle it next year. I know we have ~9 months before the MS150, but with the gorgeous (if hot) weather we've been having, I'm starting to think about it. I'm curious what recommendations you guys would have about equipment?

My current ride is a two year old Trek 7300 (hybrid). It's a fine bike for what it is, but I suspect there are better choices for a 150-mile road trip. So far the riding I've done has been strictly casual - mostly on the hike-and-bike trails we have around here.

I'm less concerned about brand (i.e. I know Trek, Specialized, etc. all make good stuff) but rather what to look for? For example, is a carbon fiber frame worth the extra $$$ for someone in my position?

Thanks in advance,
-David

... can't recommend a bike, but i would suggest you either get a true roadie or swap out your treads for something less knobby... and get the best seat you can afford.

Oh, I definitely plan to get a "true roadie". Thanks for the advice about the seat - seems obvious, but I hadn't thought of that.

o another thing, i swapped out my drop handles on my road bike for flats and it was the best thing i ever did to that bike... ride quality/enjoyment improved immensely after that simply mod.

... and if you're gonna remain a casual rider, i'd stick wit something cheaper than carbon fiber. i feel that any benefits one may gain from these frames will prolly be negligible to amateurs.

isn't this ride over two days? btw, i did the 25 mile MS bike tour and it was lots of fun... good luck!

Thanks ... yes, this ride is over 2 days. Something like 80-90 miles the first day, and the balance the following day.

Will I "remain a casual rider"? Probably, if for no other reason than work requires near-constant travel (I'm out of town 4-5 days/week), so any kind of robust training plan for competitive purposes would be difficult to pull off.

Thanks for the advice!

well i'd work on exercises to build your cycling stamina that way your body will be ready to take on the MS ride. check out this link...

http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-4-20-15681-1-P,00.html

hope it helps...

I'm doing the MS Ride for my 2nd year. Started adding some mileage each week to my bike since I tend to go through periods where it collects dust. ha!

But from what I have seen, at least here in CA, people amazingly do the MS Ride from road bikes to mountain bikes... even tandem beach cruisers...? I did the ride as my first bicycling challenge, and I did a lot of training and was amazed how simple it was. Then I found out how many people were out there as true beginners riding their one time a year ride.

All that to say... I think a pretty low end bike will work for this ride. That is what I have and it did great, and hopefully does great this October as well.

Have fun with the ride!

I wrote about this in another post, but please remember to get your bike fitted properly before the ride. You don't want to get shoulder, neck or back aches from having the wrong fit. It could make a fun ride into a miserable one.

So have you had your ride yet? My MS Ride is in less than a month out here in CA.