Road bikes
A road bike is a bike designed to be ridden on a paved road. Of course, all other types of bikes can also be ridden on the road, but road bikes are optimized to be as efficient as possible. On off-road terrain, such a bike will perform poorly.
The road bike has several features that distinguish it from other types of bicycles:
- Special frame geometry. The road bike frame has a more angled steering column angle. This provides a more aggressive and aerodynamic stance for the cyclist.
- Smaller wheel width. The wheels of a road bike are 700 mm in diameter and 23 to 28 mm wide. This reduces friction with the road and increases speed and handling.
- Bald tyres. The tyres of a road bike have no or minimal tread. This also reduces friction and increases speed. However, it makes the tyres more slippery on wet or muddy roads.
- Lightweight components. The components of a road bike such as frame, fork, handlebars, saddle, brakes, rims, spokes, etc. are made of lightweight materials such as aluminum, carbon or titanium. This makes the bike lighter and more maneuverable.
- Fewer gears. The gears of a road bike are usually no more than 20 to 30. This makes shifting easier and reduces the weight of the bike.
A road bike has its advantages and disadvantages that need to be taken into account when choosing.
Advantages of a road bike:
- High speed. The road bike allows high speeds on smooth roads thanks to its aerodynamics, lightness, and narrow tyres.
- High efficiency. A road bike maximizes pedaling energy thanks to its geometry, stiffness, and low friction.
- High handling. A road bike makes it easy to change direction thanks to its small turning radius, lightness, and responsiveness.
Disadvantages of a road bike:
- Low comfort. A road bike is not very comfortable for riding on rough roads because it has stiff suspension and does not absorb shocks. It can also cause fatigue and pain in the back, neck, and arms because of its aggressive stance.
- Low roadability. A road bike is not very passable off-road because it has low ground clearance, slippery tyres and low wheel pressure. It can also get damaged from rocks, branches and potholes.
- Low versatility. A road bike is not very versatile as it is not suitable for carrying loads, long journeys or extreme sports. It is also difficult to modify, or adapt to other conditions.
Recommendations for choosing a road bike:
- Buy a road bike if you want to ride quickly and efficiently on tarmac roads for work, competitions, or just for fun.
- Do not buy if you prefer to ride in forests, fields, on winter roads, and other off-road terrain.
When choosing a road bike, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Frame size. The frame size should match your height and leg length. A frame that is too big or too small will be uncomfortable and dangerous to ride. You can use special tables or advice from a retailer to determine the frame size.
- Frame Material. The frame material affects the weight, strength, and price of the bicycle. The most common materials are aluminum, carbon, and titanium. Aluminum is the cheapest and lightest material, but it is stiff and prone to corrosion. Carbon is the most expensive and lightweight material, but it is brittle and difficult to repair. Titanium is the strongest and most durable material, but it is heavy and expensive.
- Brake type. The type of brakes affects braking performance and safety. The most common types of brakes are rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes are the simplest and cheapest brakes, but they are less effective on wet or muddy roads and wear out the rims. Disc brakes are the most effective and safest brakes, but they are more complex and expensive to maintain.
- Number of gears. The number of gears affects the ability to find the best riding mode for different slopes and terrain. The most common number of gears is 20-30. This is sufficient for most situations on the road. More gears can be unnecessary and make shifting more difficult. The smaller number of transfers is 10-15. This is suitable for those who prefer to drive at the same speed or do not want to bother with switching. The greater number of transfers is 40-50. This is suitable for those who want to have maximum flexibility in choosing the driving mode for different conditions.