How to choose a road bike

Despite the fact that city bicycles and their off-road counterparts – MTB are the most popular in our country, not all bikers prefer them. For a certain category of cyclists, a much more preferable parameter is the maximum speed that the bike can develop, as well as the ability to maneuver at high speed. The best option for such people are road bikes that can reach a sufficiently high speed, and therefore are perfect not only for all kinds of cycling races, but also for regular cycling trips and long journeys on a good asphalt road.

Top road bike manufacturers. Which brand should be preferred?

Due to the peculiarities of its own operation and the ability to develop a sufficiently high speed, special, extremely specific requirements are imposed on road bikes. They can be realized only by using high-quality control mechanisms and by the forces of those manufacturers who have been working in this field for a long time and clearly know how to ensure maximum safety while driving at high speed:

1. Giant;

2. Trek;

3. Scott;

4. Author;

5. Specialized;

When choosing a new two-wheeled companion, it is necessary to study both the technical catalog information provided by the manufacturer and the reviews of real users who have been using this or that bike for some time and who have managed to identify the advantages and disadvantages.

How is a road bike different from its nearest peers?

As with all types of cycling, all road bikes are equipped with a typical set of mechanisms and options, but they are designed for exceptional performance and maximum efficiency:

1. Road bike frames are almost always lightweight, with a low pedal carriage and a high saddle. This is done to maximize aerodynamics;

2. The wheels of any road bike are large, about 28-30 inches in diameter and are equipped with thin and narrow rubber, devoid of a pronounced tread. This is done deliberately to improve the roll and, as a result, the overall speed;

3. Road bike brakes are exclusively disc brakes as the most functional and effective. Basic models are equipped with mechanical brakes, more advanced ones carry hydraulics;

4. The handlebars of road bikes have a very original shape, nicknamed the 'ram's horns' because of their appearance. It was used to maximize aerodynamics;

5. The drivetrain of all road bikes, without exception, is the main element to which you should pay attention. Top quality workmanship, mechanisms from well-known Japanese manufacturers and at least 30 speeds – these are the main characteristics that the best road bike transmissions have;

6. The front fork must have a minimum travel of 150-200 millimeters and is made of aircraft grade aluminum, carbon or titanium. Only in this case will the maximum rigidity of the entire structure and high-quality shock absorption properties be ensured;

The main selection criteria. What to look for when choosing a road bike?

There are many criteria that determine the quality and functionality of any road bike, and it is their combination that determines the decisive importance when operating the bike at high speeds.

Bike frame

A key supporting element of the structure, to which very specific requirements are imposed. The bike frame must be sufficiently rigid and strong, but its weight must be kept to a minimum. Based on the above criteria, the following materials can be called suitable for production:

1. Aviation aluminum;

2. Lightweight magnesium alloys;

3. Titanium;

4. High modulus carbon fiber;

The first two materials are almost always found in models of the lower and middle price range, titanium and carbon fiber are the prerogative of exclusively top-end, most expensive models.

Frame size

A parameter that directly affects the comfort of the fit while riding. Unlike other models, all road bikes have a clearly defined frame classification. It includes six different classes, from XS (extra-small, height up to 14 inches) – bicycles designed for use by riders from 135 to 150 centimeters in height, and ending with XXL class models (frame height 24 inches), designed for people height of 2 meters or more. Between them are the S, M, L, XL grades, the frame of which is 16, 18, 20 and 22 inches, respectively;

Transmission functionality, crank and gear drives

The aforementioned units are the main mechanism for transmitting tractive effort to the rear wheel, it is they who have the most direct effect on the acceleration of the bike and its maximum speed. The vast majority of road bikes have the following types of transmissions:

1. The dual crank system is a mechanism that includes two leading chainrings, paired with a 10-12 speed cassette. The resulting combination gives a total of 20-24 speeds. Such a system is considered the most reliable, however, among the shortcomings, a low range of speed adjustments is distinguished;

2. The triple crank mechanism consists of three drive gears and a mechanical cassette of 9-11 elements, which gives a total of 27-33 speeds. This option is more preferable, but the increasing number of elements directly affects the overall reliability. The more mechanical elements, the higher the theoretical chance that one of them will fail during operation;

Wheels and tires

One of the most significant structural elements that have the most direct impact on the dynamics of acceleration and deceleration, as well as the overall roll of the bike. The best road bikes are equipped with lightweight aluminum or magnesium alloy wheels, and their diameter is at least 27-29 inches. Attention should also be paid to tires – the best for high-speed driving are compact tires with a small height and width of the profile and a typical road tread that provides maximum traction and promotes high speed development.

Pedals

An interesting feature that buyers immediately notice is the lack of pedals on road bikes. This looks somewhat unusual, since the pedals are the main interface between the rider and the bike. This is explained very simply – with a similar gesture, the manufacturer seems to hint at the need for careful selection of pedals for a particular athlete. There are a lot of factors: these are dimensions, form factor, materials and even the weight of the pedals, as well as the ability to interact with a certain type of cycling shoes. Pedals from Speedway, Shimano, Look are considered to be the best, and their products should be given the utmost attention.

Construction and type of braking system

Any seasoned rider will tell you that a road bike should accelerate well and stop even better. The braking performance is influenced by both the correct tires and the braking system itself with which the bike is equipped. For this class of bicycles, hydraulic disc brakes should be preferred – only they are able to stop the bike as quickly and efficiently as possible from almost any speed. As a last resort and on a tight budget, mechanical disc brakes should be considered. Brakes with U and V-brakes, as well as other models in which one of the elements is a wheel rim, are not used for road bikes due to their low efficiency.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose wheels for a bicycle, the secrets of choosing a chain for a bicycle and the peculiarities of choosing a mountain bike.

Road bike selection video

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.