More and more people are choosing to ride a bicycle as a leisure activity or even a sports load. However, if ordinary walks in the city can be made by acquiring any model you like, then more serious tasks will require special sports bikes.
Features and device
A professional sports bike is designed for various sports, so the description of the projectile device and its features varies in each situation. For example, a freestyle device weighs quite a lot due to the powerful frame, but the weight of the racing bike is made as low as possible. All designs consist of the same parts, but performed to different requirements.. The design of the frame, wheels, steering wheel and saddle, as well as brakes, gear shifting and shock absorption systems may differ. Nevertheless, care for all sports bikes remains the same.
The owners are required regular inspection of front and rear wheel cameras. The pressure should correspond not only to the requirements of a particular sport, but also to the weight of the cyclist and his tasks. The owner will have to evaluate the condition of the transmission, and the chain with gears should be washed and lubricated periodically. Since various fragments of debris stick to the moving parts of the bike during trips, it is important to remove them, since their effect can destroy the mechanism.
Before the start of the bicycle season, the reliability of the joints and the chain tension, as well as the integrity of the wheels, must be checked.
Kinds
Sports bikes are used for various competitions, and therefore meet the requirements inherent in a particular discipline. It must be mentioned that There are not only men's bikes, but also designed specifically for women. A women's bike has the same qualities, but an understated frame and, as a rule, a more refined design. There are also children's sports bicycles designed for children over 8 years old.
There is how individual models for boys and girls, and universalrepeating the structure of adult bikes, but with smaller sizes. The mass of the children's bicycle is 13 kilograms, and the height of the frame reaches 400 millimeters.
Highway
A road bike is called that because it is used for racing on the highway. They are designed to to quickly move along an asphalt road, therefore, they are equipped with narrow but strong wheels and a special steering wheel that can be controlled in various positions. The extended frame used for landing significantly improves aerodynamics. The positive features of this design include its low weight and lack of depreciation. Road bikes are made of carbon, aluminum or titanium.
The diameter of the wheel is 28 inches, and the dimensions of the tire profile range from 18 to 28 millimeters. A weak tread pattern is also characteristic of such a model.
The tires of a road bike are inflated to high pressure to increase their resiliency and speed.
The number of spokes is only 20 or even less, which makes the structure easier and allows it to be used not only on asphalt, but also on mountainous terrain. There is no depreciation so as not to increase weight, and there is no particular need for it. But the front fork is rigid, on which it is necessary to fix the wheel.
Road bikes also have a developed transmission, and the number of speeds is about 27 options. Such road structures can move at a speed of 70 kilometers per hour. Some models weigh about 6 kilograms, and some reach a maximum of 11 kilograms.
Racing
Racing bike is used for races that are held on the track. Since the device is required to develop high speed, the design itself is maximally simplified and looks fast and light. The materials used have the required strength, but low weight. The rear wheel in most cases is solid, and the frame is shortened to enhance the rigidity of the structure. The bicycle seat is mounted above the handlebar in order to increase the aerodynamics of the landing.
The bike does not have a gearshift system, and the pedals are free.
The brakes are either completely dismantled or simplified to a “tick” design located on the front wheel. The weight of a racing bike is only 9 kilograms.
Triathlon
The triathlon bike is used in the triathlon at the stage representing a bicycle race. Light weight and thoughtful design allow you to reach maximum speed and provide good aerodynamics. Bicycles are equipped with a steering wheel of a modification of “lamb horns” or “sunbed”, which is equipped with special pads that allow you to comfortably position your elbows. “Lounger” also makes it possible to lean on the steering wheel from the wrist to the elbow, which helps to improve aerodynamics.
The number of possible speeds reaches 22 options. The brakes are made rim and the saddle shortened. Both the frame and the fork are custom made from carbon to reduce weight.
For freestyle
For trial and freestyle, it is customary to use the same kind of two-wheeled device.
The small size of the wheels, the low-mounted saddle and the unusual geometry of the frame make it possible to implement all kinds of tricks.
For trial
Freestyle and trial bicycles have a very powerful frame that can withstand the stresses involved in performing stunts. For the same purpose, the wheels are also transformed - they have a large number of spokes, and the diameter size ranges from 20 to 24 inches. A curved steering wheel helps to maintain a better balance. There are no speeds in this design, in general, and the brake is installed more durable - rim. The rear wheels are wider than the front. It is also necessary to supplement that the steering wheel is made in such a way as not to entangle the cables during the implementation of tricks and elements of acrobatics.
It must be added that road bikes are also divided into three subspecies: racing, universal and recreational. Thus, racing bikes are either a subspecies of road bikes, or are considered independently. The same can be said about the walking bike, which is often referred to as a hybrid.
The racing device is purchased by professionals, who can be sure that they own a bike that meets all the requirements. Its main difference from the universal one is that racing forces you to keep the body in a horizontal position, and universal - in an inclined position, at about 70 degrees. A universal bike is used for trips up to a maximum of 250 kilometers, passing about two times a week, as well as for group rides arranged several times a year.
Finally, the walking bike has the usual direct wheel and allows you to keep the body in a straight position.
Brands
Especially popular among cyclists The Specialized brand is from America. The work of the company began with the production of a series of mountain bikers. Today, transport devices of this brand are recognized for their unusual shock absorption system, which becomes rigid on a flat surface and activates on bumps.
It shows itself well and Taiwanese manufacturer Giant, marketed bikes suitable for extreme riding. The relatively low cost and a large number of diverse models attract customers from all over the world.
Many cyclists prefer products high-quality brand Trekknown throughout the world. The company produces road bikes, mountain bikes, as well as children's, women's, city, tourist and many others.
Again in Taiwan was born and recognized brand Merida, Today it is a world leader with production not only in the homeland, but also in Germany.
Products are characterized by high quality, unusual design and very reasonable cost.
Bicycles Scott brands made in america. The company has a great future, as the high strength of light frames and the support of the manufacturer in critical situations attracts athletes.
German manufacturer Cube known for its original design and functionality of the components of the bike. By the way, the frames are painted using reliable BMW technology, and the design of some models is accompanied by laser engraving.
American bicycles Cannondale are made using all innovative technologies. The brand was one of the first to choose aluminum for the manufacture of frames and is still considered one of the best manufacturers of lightweight and durable structures in the world. In the 2000s, the weight of the bicycle of this company was even lower than the established norm.
Do not forget about Gary Turner bikes, with a lifetime quality guarantee. The light weight of the structures is ensured by an aluminum frame welded in the shape of a triangle in an unusual way. The frames of expensive models are made of carbon fiber, which has additional strength.
It is necessary to mention the suspension system, made specifically for bicycles, which reduces the buildup and improves the quality of pedaling.
How to choose?
To choose a sports bike, you need to consider several important parameters. First of all, it will take clearly understand the purpose of the purchase, as different sports have different characteristics. In selecting the ideal design for a particular type of activity, all parameters are taken into account from the shape of the steering wheel to the diameter of the wheels and the presence of a brake system. For example, a racing bike should be as light as possible, but the construction for tricks should have a powerful frame. In addition, individual characteristics of the owner of the vehicle.
Bicycle for adults It should correspond to the growth of a person, have a comfortable seat and comfortable pedals. Specialists, in general, recommend spending about a third of an hour on the chosen design before buying. In addition, it would be nice to think about the weight of the bike, because a fragile girl will be corny will not be able to carry a heavy bike.
A bike is made of different materials, which directly affects its value. Brake systems also differ, the mechanism of which may turn out to be rim on alloy wheels, tick-borne, foot, or hydraulic.
By the way, it is customary to sell road sports bikes without pedals, which makes it possible to choose the most suitable part for a particular leg.
It is better for a novice cyclist to start with a road construction. At the time of purchase, the height of the steering wheel is determined by the height of the buyer. As a rule, this parameter is adjustable for most models. The saddle is best taken with gel inserts, which have the required softness and prevent numbness and crushing of muscles. For starters, it’s better to choose a thicker tire, since it’s quite difficult to drive thin tires, especially in combination with large wheels.
The longer the frame, the faster the cyclist will get tired, which, of course, is completely unnecessary for a novice athlete. But if the frame is too short, then the cyclist may fall while driving. Therefore, the choice of frame must again be related to the growth of a person.
It is important to study the brakes with special care, as the adjustment and repair of this part is directly related to the preservation of human life and health. When buying, of course, the price of the bike is also taken into account. The more complex the design, the more expensive it will cost. A folding bike, by the way, also has a higher cost.
How to choose a road bike is described in the next video.