To move on asphalt roads with high speed allow special models of bicycles. It is easy to guess that they got the name speed. Riding such a vehicle simultaneously maintains excellent physical shape, and allows you to enjoy speed. Of course, excessive maneuverability and high speed oblige you to be prepared.
Without special skills, do not take high-speed cycling, so it is better for beginners to prefer simpler models.
Features
For high-speed cycle models, the main characteristic, of course, is speed. To make it as high as possible, a high-speed bike is fraught with some design features. First of all, the frame is equipped with a rigid fork and is most often made of oval steel pipes. It is this form that makes transport more stable when driving at high speed. As for the brakes, they can be tick-borne. However, sometimes a disc brake is installed on one wheel, and the usual one on the other. This allows you to brake smoothly and at the right time.
The speed bike looks pretty impressive, but in fact it is very light. This is achieved by making the frame of alloys with aluminum, carbon and other materials. The wheels are narrow and always densely pumped. The steering wheel must have a special shape in the form of twisted lamb horns.
Riding such a bike should be extremely low for safety and speed.. An adult on high-speed models on smooth roads with good asphalt surface can reach a speed of 70–80 km / h. It should be borne in mind that tracks with pits or irregularities will interfere with the increase in speed. The description of the high-speed bike says that they are not equipped with luggage racks and mounts for them, as well as wings. This option is better not to choose if you want to get out on bike trips over rough terrain.
Records were recorded, when it was possible to develop speeds of 236 km / h and even 268 km / h on high-speed bike models. However, it should be borne in mind that to achieve such indicators, special flat tracks were chosen, and an air bell or a car moved in front of cyclists. This was necessary so that the transport does not throw back the air flow. On ordinary flat tracks, the maximum recorded speed on the bike is 145 km / h.
Advantages and disadvantages
High-speed cycle models have several advantages, among which are the following.
- The lifts are easy to overcome by engaging low gear.
- With headwinds less effort is spent.
- On flat areas, you can accelerate greatly.
- The vehicle can be adjusted very precisely to certain travel conditions. However, this is possible if a large number of gears are provided.
- Less fatigue due to simplified speed selection.
- Powerful brake system.
- Light weight.
Of course, with all the many advantages, speed bicycles have some disadvantages:
- high price;
- constantly need to service the transmission, as the chain and stars wear out quickly;
- when replacing the chain, you often have to put new stars;
- not suitable for all types of tracks.
Comparison with other types of bicycles
The main difference between a speed bike and other types is increased aerodynamicity. High average speed on smooth roads with good coverage is ensured by light weight and narrow tires. Among the differences noticeable steering wheel. Speed bikes belong to sports models.
From the usual city, first of all, optimal comfort is required when moving short distances around the city. Moreover, it is desirable in any weather and in any equipment. Ease of maintenance and a small number of speeds are also significant differences from speed. These types of bicycles for landing and steering wheel differ. So, a city bike with a direct wheel requires vertical landing on a wide saddle.
The presence of front and rear wings, as well as the trunk, are designed to provide additional comfort when traveling to work or when walking in the park. It is worth noting that among urban-type bicycles there are various models for both children and adults.
Mountain bike transport differs from high-speed transport primarily in its enormous popularity. This is due to the fact that he easily overcomes any track, including off-road. You can determine a mountain bike by its massive reliable frame, wheels with wide tires and “toothy” treads, a fork with shock absorbers, disc or rim brakes.
Among the similarities with high-speed models, it is worth highlighting a large number of speeds.
Variety of models
Bicycles can vary in many ways. The variety of options available is simply overwhelming. For example, cycling depending on the type of transmission is:
- with planetary hub;
- with a single speed system;
- with dual speeds.
Models are also distinguished depending on the number of speeds: single-speed, three-speed, multi-speed.
Depending on which roads these or those models are intended for, they are divided into off-road, sports, for asphalt. Among those that are intended for mountain roads, or rather, complete off-road, there are mountain, double suspension and fatbikes. All of them differ in power and enviable cross-country ability.Often in these bike bikes you can find 21 speeds. Such options are perfect for tourists and thrill lovers on the road.
Among sports can be distinguished highway, cyclocross, trial, BMX, track and chopping. The city highway allows you to sometimes develop a rather high speed, which allows it to be used in cycling. At cyclo-crosses, you can also drive, but only in places without roads. Their super strong frame, “toothy” tires and a special fit are perfect for this.
Trial and BMX models were created exclusively for various tricks. These are one of the few bicycles on which seats can be completely absent. Low frames and small wheels (18 or 20 inches) make them very recognizable.
Tracking is one of the most expensive, as it is considered professional. Often, such models can be seen on alloy wheels, which helps to increase speed. These bikes can be safely called the lightest. Of the features it is also worth emphasizing the lack of transmission and brakes. The wheels spin while the pedals spin, due to the special connection between them.
Fans of the triathlon choose cutting models with streamlined frames, narrow wheels and a rudder with a sunbed. Their cost, like any professional cycling, is quite high.
Among the asphalt options distinguish city bike, cross hybrid, touring and folding. All these models are small in size, at comfortable speeds, equipped with a boot and everything you need to travel around the city. Moreover, the folding is often small, which makes it convenient to store. Also in all the variety of two-wheeled vehicles it is worth paying attention to such models as cargo, bike trailers, electric bicycles, tandems, unicycles, choppers, cruisers.
Manufacturers Overview
Among the many manufacturers of high-speed bike bikes, it is worth highlighting some. For instance, Forward is known for its high quality, which is even confirmed by professional reviews. In their cycle models, reliable brakes, suspension, high-quality materials, durable wheels that overcome any weather conditions were especially praised. It is also worth noting the stylish design and adequate price. Of the shortcomings, a not too comfortable steering wheel with sliding handles is most often noted.
The manufacturer Stinger focused on a variety of models, among which there are suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals. The company entered the Russian market in 2002. Currently, the model range includes more than 50 units of bike bikes. Particular emphasis is placed on mountain options, BMX, dual-suspension, urban, female and teenage. The company skillfully combines good quality with affordable prices.
Stern can be considered a young manufacturer of bicycle equipment, which in Russia gained fame only in 2012. The main direction of the company is the creation of cycling for walking along city streets and forest paths. Not suitable for those who are able to travel hundreds of kilometers per month. Another advantage of the products of this brand is inexpensive repair. For example, a new carriage will cost only 500 rubles.
BMW is known for its bright and extravagant bikes that are suitable for extreme riding and professional stunts.. Recently, models with aluminum alloy wheels have been especially popular. Such bikes have excellent aerodynamic properties. Of course, high quality and originality cost a lot of money.
According to user reviews, significant disadvantages and the impossibility of repair prevail among the minuses.
How to choose?
A huge number of high-speed bike models are presented in stores, so it will be simple and difficult to choose at the same time. Many types of bicycles can be attributed to high-speed, including hybrids, MTB, road, highway.
Before choosing, you should think in advance what the bike will be used for, i.e. what roads they will ride on it. For example, classic two-wheeled vehicles with a planetary hub are suitable for moving along city streets. But for tourists and lovers of mountain peaks, it is better to choose options among fatbikes or double suspensions with large wheels.
An important role in choosing a bicycle is also played by its price. If you want to spend as little as possible on vehicle maintenance or repairs, you will have to pay as much as possible. In the event that you need a cycle bike for infrequent walks, you can stop at economical models. It will be useful to familiarize yourself with well-known brands in advance to avoid fakes. Cycling should be comfortable. To do this, pay attention to the frame, in particular, its shape, size, weight, color. Someone will like the bright option in yellow or lilac, while someone will prefer white or pink. It is worth noting that distinguish between male and female version of the frame.
It is desirable to choose speeds for yourself so that you can fairly evenly distribute forces on any road. Taking into account your height is very important, otherwise the landing will be wrong, and fatigue will begin to appear too quickly. It is better to find special tables that indicate how to choose a frame for a specific height. Of course, you need to pay attention to how the bike feels when you sit on it.
The degree of professionalism in cycling should also be considered. For beginners, it is better to stay in the category of cycle models for lovers. While experienced craftsmen can pick up interesting sports options. In the latter case, it is worth being prepared for considerable prices.
Among all the parameters, sympathy is final. Even the coolest bike will not please if he does not like his appearance or is uncomfortable when riding. Experts recommend that before making a purchase, drive or at least sit on several models.
It is better to choose carefully and slowly, since not only ride comfort, but also health depends on the result.
Operation tips
Choosing the right bike, I want it to last as long as possible. For this, it is necessary to regularly inspect it and keep it clean. However, you still need to learn how to use the speed model correctly. For proper operation of sprockets and chains it is important to switch when the load is minimal. For example, you cannot change the speed in the middle of the rise, so as not to create an excessive load on the switch.
If elementary rules are not followed, an open circuit or transmission failure may occur. It is best to make the switch a little earlier, while there should not be too much skew of the chain. Of course, when the bike is 3-speed, here with the shift everything is simple and clear. For models with 6 or more speeds, it is worth learning, for example, by looking at special tables with a painted set of suitable gears.
It is important that the cadence is not maximum, but optimal, approximately 60-100 revolutions per minute. With a long climb uphill for a ride, a lot of effort is expended, and this is dangerous for health. To avoid this, just turn on the low speed and the pedals will spin easier, and the load on the back and joints will decrease. On a flat road or on a descent, on the contrary, it is necessary to switch to the highest speed so that when you press the pedal, an effort is created.
Periodically lubricate the chain. However, even in this case, it can switch with some difficulties. The reasons must be sought in the stretched cable, which is pulled by the lever on the switch. Sometimes interference occurs due to excessive contamination of the cable jacket, which is eliminated by its complete replacement.
It is also important to regularly adjust the rear and front derailleur, this can be done independently or in the workshop.
See how to switch gears correctly on a bicycle so that there are no problems, in the next video.