Which Bike For First Attempt At A Century?

I've decided to try to ride the Apple Cider Century in Three Oaks, Michigan next year.  I know that some of you have participated in it, and others have probably heard of it.  It's in late September on pretty good roads in southwestern Michigan.  A beautiful place at a beautiful time of the year.  I've been riding around that area recreationally for a few years, on occasion.

I am 58 years old.  I am FAR from an uber-biker.  I'm overweight but not a Clydesdale, and I'm already working on decreasing the weight of my bike's engine by 20 or more pounds by the time of the event.  I ride recreationally and for general transportation purposes year-round.  The most I have ever ridden in a day was from around 40th and Western in Chicago, where I live, to 3 Floyds Brewing Co. in Munster.  It was about 65 miles round-trip, including a lunch (and ale) break in which I made the mistake of eating a lot of pierogies.  By the time I made it home, I felt quite...tested.  That was a lot longer than I usually go.

I'll take any preparation advice people want to give.  But here's my specific question:  which bike?  I don't have a lot to choose from.  Just two, in fact:  a 1996 Trek 730 hybrid and a 1986 Centurion Ironman road bike.  Both are in good shape and are pretty close to factory spec, although they now have slightly better wheels than when new.  The 730 has bullhorn-type handlebar extensions and I added cyclocross brakes to the Centurion so I can ride in a more upright position.  The frame sizes are correct for me.  I have about any size tire available for the 730 from 28s to 38s.  I normally keep a 28 on the front of the Ironman and a 26 on the rear.  I don't ride fast and I'm not trying to race anybody.  The 730 is a very comfortable bike.  The Centurion is quicker and a bit edgier in ride quality. 

Any recommendations on which bike would be better for a century, or tips on preparation?  Luckily, I have plenty of time to do what I need to do.

Thanks!       

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Permalink Reply by Scott Chillson on December 3, 2015 at 11:33am

If somebody already said this I'd like to reiterate it: saddle, fit, and clothing are crucial to a good, long ride. I'm using the Brooks Cambium and the Brooks B-15, but my old (stolen) B-17 was a great saddle too. Get the good bib shorts on sale too. Oh, and a nice jersey or sweat-wicking shirt makes a huge difference. 

Beyond that, the Centurion will give you more hand position options and it'll be easier to duck into the wind. If it's the the Ironman model with the hot pink, purple and yellow paint than this isn't even a question: that's the bike you need, always. 

If you want to get really nerdy and swap stuff around, I like to use Panaracer 28c tires and I think that Bontrager and FSA make great, inexpensive road bars that have a nice flat grip profile between the brake hoods and the bar, especially for shimano. For Campy I prefer the Ritchey Classic. My latest favorite bar tape is Fizik Performance Soft Touch, 3mm–because it's durable and keeps its plushness all season. I always wear gloves on rides over 30 miles. 

I also started using a back rack on my century bike a couple years ago. Best decision. 

Permalink Reply by George Berlin on December 3, 2015 at 6:49pm
Here's my suggestion: go on the Amishland and Lakes ride in August, and do the 62 mile ride on Saturday, then hit the 37 mile ride that they had on Friday.

They're both pretty flat and it's a 3 day ride so you can build it up all in a row if you need to.

Then you have a month to get ready for ACC. And it's a freaking gorgeous ride, too!
Permalink Reply by Ken Hickey on December 5, 2015 at 1:18am

One of the best ways to prepare is ride, ride, ride. If you have the transportation, the Elmhurst Bicycle Club (  http://www.elmhurstbicycling.org/rides/currentride.aspx  ) does many training rides in early spring to prepare members for distance and hills. Rides are free and guests are welcome so long as you sign a waiver. Most rides are on low traffic suburban streets and frontage roads, some are hill training rides which you will need. Good luck on reaching your goal.

Permalink Reply by Elwood Gruschow on April 22, 2016 at 8:46am

  I know this answer is about five months after your post, but the weather is nice.   As for which bike to ride for an enjoyable 100 miles day, ride the one you previously enjoyed on a 80 mile day, after an enjoyable 60 mile day,  after an enjoyable .... (you get the idea)  

   I am over 65 and ride at moderate speeds on trips from the loop.  I either pedal from here or do  Metra - bike - Metra trips.  If you ( or any like minded person) are still interested in getting your gear and body ready for a century, consider private messaging me.  We can plan a few rides, short Lake Front Trail jaunts or up to loop to Wisconsin day trips.  I ride bike paths , paved and unpaved, where accessible.  I stop for all stoplights and at least slow down for all Stop signs.  All of my bikes have a rear rack.

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