All About Road Bikes

The range of road bikes in our time is striking in variety. These are models designed specifically for high-speed driving. They are designed for good asphalt surface. In this article, we will take a closer look at road bikes and find out what their pros and cons are.

Modern road bikes are produced not only for city driving, but also for cycling and marathons. The main distinguishing feature of such structures lies in the shape of their steering wheel. It forms the so-called "lamb horns." Due to the specific structure, the user is able to freely change the grip.

The design of modern road bikes involves a low and stretched fit. In this way better aerodynamics. There is also a transmission with high gear ratios.

The diameter of the wheels of modern road racers reaches 28 inches. Suspension suspensions are not provided for in the design, since they have an impressive weight. Most road bikes are lightweight. The lightest specimens have a mass of only 3-5 kg. Light weight is achieved through the use of advanced technologies and materials such as carbon, titanium, aluminum or magnesium.

The design of road bikes is distinguished by such basic features and characteristics:

• ultralight frame;
• large diameter wheels;
• smooth tires of small thickness;
• front fork high rigidity;
• well developed transmission;
• lightweight brakes.

The roadway frame is responsible for 2 main indicators - high strength characteristics and ease of construction. Thanks to these properties, the movement dynamics of the device, as well as a long service life, are ensured. To date, carbon frames are considered to be one of the most reliable and durable, but such elements make the bike more expensive. Models with aluminum frames are cheaper.

Rigid forks are provided in modern road racers because these bikes are designed to ride on smooth roads. An amortization fork in such a device would take on the role of a brake - the “iron horse” would constantly swing in an upright position and slightly accelerate.

Road bikes are produced with light tick brakes characterized by high modulation. If you compare them with other subspecies of the brakes, they have the most modest mass, which is very important for easy acceleration and vehicle speed.

Newly released models do not install pedals. This factor often causes buyers embarrassment and misunderstanding, especially if the bike of this type is selected for the first time.

Road bikes are in enviable demand. However, the purchase of such a vehicle should be decided, having got acquainted with all its strengths and weaknesses. Let's start with the good - consider the advantages of such bicycles.

• Narrow wheels and road tires are characteristic of them.
• As mentioned above, road racers are equipped with a special steering wheel, called “lamb horns”, with which the user can easily change the grip if desired. But this does not mean that absolutely all road bikes are equipped with such a detail. Some models also have standard straight handlebars (like mountain biking).
• These bikes are lightweight. They have a lightweight frame and wheels. All accessories for road racers do not have a large mass.
• A road bike can be considered multitasking. It is suitable not only for those people who just love to ride, but also for athletes.
• It will be possible to choose the best model for any user. Female and male designs, for example, have impressive differences in parameters.
• On such a bicycle a person can ride much faster and travel quite serious distances. Other types of bicycles in this respect are inferior to road racers.
• A wide range of road bikes is also a plus. Consumers have a great choice.

Let us dwell on the shortcomings of road racing.

• There is no rear or front suspension in the design of these devices, which many users attribute to significant shortcomings.
• Rough and rough roads for such bicycles are absolutely unsuitable. This factor is important to consider when operating them.
• The lion's share of modern road bikes is not equipped with special boot fittings (such elements are usually present in the design of tourist and mountain models). Of course, this does not mean that you will not be able to go to work on such an “iron horse”, you just have to stock up on a bag or backpack.

Choosing the optimal model of a road bike should be based on its size. On sale are models whose frames are of the following sizes:

• 49-51 cm - ideal parameters for a cyclist whose height is 157-163 cm;
• 51-54 cm - for the user growth of 163-170 cm;
• 55-57 cm - for a person with a height of 170-178 cm;
• 57-59 cm - for a cyclist with a height of 178-183 cm;
• 58-60 cm - for a height of 183-190 cm;
• 61-63 cm - for a height of 190-198 cm.

The more impressive the frame of the road bike is, the greater the weight of the cyclist it can easily support. For the most dimensional models, thick-walled pipes are used. Those bikes that are more modest in size differ in weight by about 150-200 g from models designed for a large size.

The weight of the design of a road bike largely depends on the material from which its frame is made. The most difficult are the options in which the frame part is made of steel.

Road bikes are divided into several varieties. Each version of such a transport has its own design features. Get to know them better.

One of the most popular road bike options. Otherwise, it is called a group or lightweight. This is a traditional model designed specifically for cycling on asphalt roads. The main goal of the designers here was to alleviate the mass of the structure. That is why in classic bicycles there are frames assembled from pipes of small thickness.

Similar models of road bikes are made for racing, and after all competitions are held for about 90-200 km along a winding track with slopes and ascents. To do this, these models provide a landing that brings only comfort during long-term operation. She is low and aggressive. The wheelbase here is short, due to which cornering is easier and more maneuverable.

Modern aerobikes are designed to solve the problems that the classic road racing models are oriented on. However, in these models, air resistance is significantly reduced when driving at high speed. The frame of such bicycles usually has more weight and costs more than other varieties. Landing here is even more aggressive, because it is poorly suited for very long trips over long distances.

Bikes of this type are distinguished by a frame for a more comfortable ride and the ability to install wider wheels. The weight of the structure is more, the aerodynamics resistance becomes more impressive. This is not the best choice when it comes to high speed racing bikes. As an exception, only those cases when the race passes along the track with paving stones can serve as an exception.

A relatively new subspecies of road bikes, which managed to gain great popularity. Here are present comfortable frame from endurance, wide tires, disc brakes. On the model warmed up, you can safely ride on asphalt, and on dirt, and on a gravel road. Since the class of bikes in question is new, manufacturers often resort to various experiments and produce original copies, for example, with a shock absorber.

This is a special sports discipline, which consists in riding on sand, mud and even snow in the conditions of a not very long ring track. Cyclocrosses differ from standard road lanes with larger rubber - 32-42 mm. Here there is a deep tread, a high carriage unit. The comfort level of these bikes is not the highest, so they can be considered highly specialized.

Road bikes of this type are produced specifically for cycling. The design of the track models is simple and understandable, so they have proven themselves well as urban bicycles.

The main distinguishing feature of track road lanes is a fixed gear - there are no speed switches here. There are brakes in these models (as opposed to the widespread belief that they are absent), but you have to brake not manually, but only by slowing down the movement of the pedals.

Highly specialized models of road bikes, made for individual races with a separate start. Suitable for triathlon. But this group bike is not intended for group trips, since the level of its maneuverability leaves much to be desired.

Road lanes of this type are equipped with a soft and comfortable frame made of steel or titanium. In terms of external characteristics, such a technique can strongly resemble a vintage bicycle of the 70s.

Touring is a road bike that is designed for leisurely trips, but long in time or even taking several days. The wheelbase here is lengthened, which provides the device with high stability. A vertical landing is supposed to be as comfortable as possible for a cyclist.

Thanks to the chic assortment, modern consumers have the opportunity to choose the perfect road bike for every taste, color and budget. It is recommended to give preference. exclusively branded models, since such devices are usually of impeccable quality. We will conduct a short review of the most popular manufacturers that produce reliable and durable road rails.

Top manufacturers are opening a brand from Taiwan, producing high-quality bicycles in a huge assortment. Giant offers a choice of customers models whose frame is made of steel, aluminum or carbon fiber. In the assortment of the manufacturer you can find not only bicycles of different types, but also accessories and components for them.

A well-known brand that boasts a rich assortment of bicycles of various modifications. Branded products meet all the requirements and standards. On sale you can find both classic and professional Scott road bikes. Models are equipped with both disc and rim brakes. Frames are made of aluminum or carbon.

A well-known and popular brand that offers consumers a choice of high-quality bikes of various modifications. Highways of this company are famous for their convenience, high stability, maneuverability and durability.

A major European brand that produces not only bicycles, but also sportswear and bicycle accessories. Author offers both adults and children, as well as folding bicycle models. The brand produces urban, tourist, mountain varieties of bicycles. Author's road rails are made with a lightweight aluminum frame.

The Italian road bikes of this brand are famous not only for the highest quality, but also for the corporate color. Over time, the colors of bicycle structures replaced each other, but not significantly. The green shade has remained predominant for a long time, but modern consumers have the opportunity to choose a model and more interesting color schemes. In the assortment of the company there are both expensive and budget copies of road racing.

Choosing a quality and reliable road bike is not so difficult. The main thing is to build on a number of basic criteria.

• Rostovka (model size). This is one of the most important parameters that must be taken into account when choosing a highway. There are special calculators that allow you to correlate the size of the frame of the bicycle with the growth of the cyclist. Often, dimensional parameters are indicated on the official websites of certain brands.Before buying a bike, it is advisable to try it out - take a ride to see if it suits you. You can also stand above the frame so that it is located between the legs. The ideal distance from the groin to the frame is 10 cm, and the minimum is 6 cm.
• The material the frame is made of. The quality of cycling, as well as its reliability, will depend on the frame part. On sale there are roadways with a frame of aluminum, steel or carbon fiber. It should be borne in mind that steel options are heavy, aluminum ones are lighter. Lightweight carbon frames are also considered, but in some models their mass exceeds steel specimens. Each model must be carefully studied and inspected so as not to make a mistake with the choice.
• Frame design features. Road racers are produced for races with a separate or group start. Separate models are not so maneuverable, heavy and very tough. Novice cyclists are advised to select road bikes for a group start. With such models it’s easier to get used to landing.
• Saddle and steering wheel. Before buying the selected road bike, you must make sure that you are satisfied with its saddle and handlebars. Management of the "iron horse" should be as comfortable as possible. This is especially true for models purchased for long distances and long trips.
• Power sensors. It is worth paying attention to these elements of the bike. There are 3 types of sensors: PowerTrap, which is built into the hub, Look Kleo + Polar, located in the pedals, and CRM, which is located in the pedal hub and is not tied to one specific wheel in the design. The most expensive are PowerMeter sensors, which add a couple of thousand dollars to the cost of the bike.
• Star system. The chain in the design of the roadway is put on the front system, where there are different sized stars. For beginners, small, 2-star systems of 50 or 24 cloves are great. With them, it is easier to overcome slopes and climbs. There is a double and standard system of 39 and 53 teeth. The latter options are suitable for experienced riders, as they allow you to develop impressive speed.
• Manufacturer. It is recommended to select only branded bicycles. In the modern market, many large well-known companies have established themselves, producing high-quality and durable products that can be trusted.
• A store. If you want to pick up a really high-quality and reliable bike, you should go for it to the store with an impeccable reputation. You can visit a monobrand outlet, if any, in the city. It is not recommended to purchase such equipment in street shops or from dubious merchants. Such products are unlikely to last long, and there will be no guarantee for them.

The following video tells about the mistakes of beginners when riding a road bike.