How To Choose a Road Bike
Road bikes are designed for road use only. They mainly focus on speed. They are more aerodynamic but more physically demanding to ride.
Frequently asked questions when choosing a bike
Is a road bike suitable for fast riding?
Road bikes are the best choice of bike for speed. Don't forget to choose a good quality road that doesn’t have cracks or is uneven.
Is a road bike suitable for beginners?
For complete beginners, we recommend a mountain or cyclo-cross bike. For those who have some experience, a road bike should not be a problem.
Can I ride a road bike on different terrain?
No. These bikes are designed specifically for roads - you will probably destroy your road bike if you ride it off road.
What is the sitting position like on a road bike?
The sitting position of a road bike puts your body at about a 30° angle from the floor. In this position you will better transfer power to the pedals, but it is also more demanding on your back.
What is important when choosing a road bike
Types of road bike type
There are different types of road bike currently on the market, and each serves a different purpose. Road bikes more suitable for sports riders, whilst for recreational cyclists a standard bike will be fine. So you can choose bikes based on what you will be using them for:
- Triathlons - these bikes combine speed with low weight and are easily carried
- Sports - standard sports bikes are fast and durable
- Racing - fast bikes designed for speed racing
Pedals for road bikes
Road bikes are equipped with a special type of pedal. They offer a larger surface for transmitting power to the pedals. As with other types of foot pedals, the cycling boot is firmly anchored in them (similarly to skis) and at the same time provides greater safety in the event of a fall than the often used clips.
Important parameters
Frame height
The height of the frame is most often given in inches or sizes S, M, L, XL and is determined by the distance from the foot to the groin, or by the height of the rider.
|
Height in cm |
Frame height according to marking |
|
|---|---|---|
| Up to 165 cm | 15", 16", S, up to 44 cm | |
| 160–170 cm | 17", 18", M, up to 48 cm | |
| 170–185 cm | 19", 20", L, up to 52 cm | |
| 185–200 cm | 21", 22", XL, up to 55 cm | |
| over 195 cm | 23", 24", XXL, 58–60 cm | |
|
* This table is only a guideline and may vary in exceptional cases. |
||
Frame material
Steel frames are strong and usually cheaper. Their disadvantage is that they are heavier and they rust.
The carbon frame is lighter, and the suspension and strength does not decrease over time.
The duralumin frame is cheaper, but at the same time heavier than the carbon one.
Construction
Most road bikes have a solid frame, suitable for fast road travel.
Brakes
The most common type is the v-brake, which brakes by rubbing the rubber surface against the rim. They are cheap and easy to maintain, but their braking effect decreases when in contact with water. The second type is the disc brake, which brake well in wet and dry conditions, but are more difficult to maintain. Both types can be operated by a cable or hydraulically.
Glossary of terms - wheels
Derailleur (converter)
The derailleur is a mechanism found on most bikes and is used to select the degree of resistance when pedaling/ to change gears. When selecting a low gear (uphill), it will allow you to pedal very easily, however with a high frequency or rotation. Conversely, when choosing a high gear on a straight road, you will not have to pedal with such a frequency and the ride will be more comfortable.
Frame
The size of the frame is given in inches or sizes S, M, L, XL and is best determined by the distance from the foot to the groin, or the height of the rider. The frames are steel, duralumin or carbon. Steel frames are heavier and are subject to rust. The advantage is their high strength and lower price. The duralumin frame does not rust easily and is relatively light. The carbon frame is the lightest of all, it is not subject to corrosion and there is no reduction in strength over time.
Fork
The fork suspension works using compressed air or a spring. The spring design is a cheaper option and provides slightly more sensitive suspension than the air design. The disadvantage is the delicate relationship between the force of the spring and the weight of the rider, or the effect that a change in the ambient temperature will have. Suspension using compressed air is suitable for sports and recreation.
The air pressure suspension can be adapted to accommodate the rider's weight. The compressed air suspension is very often used, although it is dearer. The fork locking function allows the fork suspension to be made firm. If the fork remains unlocked when driving uphill, some of the force that is transmitted to the pedals is absorbed by the fork.
Glossary of terms
Wheel diameter
Road bikes have 28-inch wheels with very narrow tires. These give the bike the ability to ride fast with minimal resistance. The disadvantage is the relatively high susceptibility to damage in the event of passing through more significant bumps or driving off road.