A racing bike is one of the best options for improving physical fitness, long-distance driving, high-speed movement on evenly-covered tracks. Regular riding on the road model contributes to the harmonious development of all muscle groups. That is why sports bike racing is increasingly chosen by experienced cyclists.
Features of racing bikes
Let us briefly consider how highway models differ from other types of two-wheeled transport:
- lightweight frame, components and wheels;
- narrow tires;
- front fork, often made of carbon fiber;
- lack of rear or front suspension.
Appointment
Road racing bicycles are designed for competitions, but are often used as a means of transportation by ordinary sports fans. Models of this category have been designed for riding on surfaces with the most even coverage. Therefore, it is not recommended to move on non-paved, rough surfaces.
A racing bike is ideal for organizing multi-day bike tours. However, for long-distance races, the presence of a support car is welcomed, since road models are not suitable for transporting luggage. Such bicycles lack fastenings for the installation of luggage racks, which are provided for in the design of most tourist, mountain and city models.
Frame
When purchasing a racing bike, future owners have to choose between frames made of
carbon fiber and aluminum. The bulk of the
aluminum frames works great when driving on even surfaces. However, this option is an order of magnitude cheaper than carbon fiber.
Frames made of carbon fiber demonstrate increased resistance to stress and the most effective cushioning during movement. However, their cost can not be called affordable, due to the particular complexity of the manufacturing process.
If you need a solid racing bike to ride for pleasure, maintaining good physical shape, in this case it is enough to stop on a road model with an aluminum frame. When low weight and structural strength are crucial when choosing a bike for competitive activities, it is worth giving preference to a carbon fiber frame. In the latter case, athletes often resort to its manufacture to order, in accordance with the parameters of their own body.
Wheels
As noted above, a racing bike, a photo of which can be seen in this material, is equipped with narrow high-pressure tires. The surface of the latter contains a minimum number of protectors. Wheels designed with these features in mind provide a low level of friction on the road surface, which contributes to the development of increased speed.
The disadvantage of tires for racing bicycles is the occurrence of vibrations even when in contact with minor irregularities. Therefore, in order not to feel discomfort and not cause damage to vehicles, it is recommended to move on it exclusively along paved tracks.
Steering wheel
Racing bikes are equipped with rudder-
horn type handlebars
, the geometry of which provides reduced resistance to oncoming air flow. Curved handles make it possible to control transport by placing the body casing parallel to the track during movement. As in other modern bicycles, the components that are responsible for braking and shifting gears are located on the steering wheel. All of the above points provide maximum comfort for the cyclist, if necessary, high-speed riding.
Gears
High-level racing bikes have a wide range of gear changes. Low are activated in case of overcoming long and steep climbs. High gears make it possible to save power when driving on flat sections of tracks.
In a standard layout, a racing bike has 2-3 forward gears and at least eight rear-wheel drive gears. Collectively, mid-range road bikes have between 16 and 27 individual gear combinations.
Pedals
Most racing bikes do not have pedals as standard. This is due to the need to independently select them for your own needs and features of shoes. A competent approach to the choice of pedals when buying a road bike subsequently largely affects the ride comfort and the achievement of the desired results. The best solution would be pedals with a system of clip hooks, which make it possible not only to push, but also to pull the rods up.
Speed
Cyclists who are remotely familiar with
cycling are inclined to believe that riding on a roadway allows you to reach speeds that are several times higher than the limits available when riding mountain models. As practice shows, it makes it possible on average to travel at a speed of up to 40 km / h the lightest racing bike.
The speed of a trained cyclist is about 25-35 km / h, which is slightly higher than the results of owners of urban and mountain models. In general, the development of higher speeds depends on the riding style, proper landing, the physical characteristics of the cyclist and, to a small extent, on the model of the vehicle.
Racing bike manufacturers
The main brands that are in demand among athletes: Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Bianchi. It is bicycles of these brands that are most often preferred by professionals.
Buying a racing bike from an unverified manufacturer in order to save, as a rule, ends with a quick failure of the main components, the need to endure discomfort during the ride, and in the worst case, the occurrence of critical damage to the frame. Professional racing bicycles from reputable brands open up wide opportunities for improving equipment to fit your own needs.
Landing
To determine the optimal fit when riding a racing bike, it is worth using the following recommendations:
- When moving, your hands should rest on the steering wheel, and your fingers should easily reach the gearshift elements and brake levers. It is desirable that in this position, an angle of 90 ° is observed between the hands and the body body.
- When making a choice, you should sit on a bicycle. At the same time, when looking at the front hub, the latter should be in line with the steering wheel. Otherwise, the landing cannot be called optimal.
- It is better to stop on the model of a racing bike, the width of the handlebar of which is symmetrical to the width of the shoulders. This grip ensures the maintenance of clear and stable breathing during movement. At the same time, the operation of the model with a narrow steering wheel helps to increase aerodynamic performance. However, the latter option is not very convenient for inexperienced athletes.
- When placing the foot on the pedal parallel to the roadway, the leg should not bend at the knee. The installation of the seatpost, according to the indicated principle, indicates the correct setting of the seat height.
- It is desirable that the seat plane is parallel to the ground. If at the same time you feel increased discomfort during the ride, it is worth changing the angle of its inclination by several degrees.
- When choosing a fit, the gap between the thigh in the upper position and the elbow should be about a few centimeters.
- When riding a racing bike, it is recommended not to bend your back in the lumbar region. This is the only way to avoid unwanted loads on the intervertebral discs. In addition, such a fit allows you to breathe freely during active body movements.
Useful Tips
Before stopping on a specific model of a racing bike, it is worth testing several options. Having resorted to the help of a store consultant, you can narrow the circle to the choice of several solutions. Even if the models have similar equipment and the shape of the frame, the ride on each of them will be significantly different.
Before buying, it is recommended to ride each bike for 15-20 minutes, if possible overcoming long and steep climbs. Choose a model that provides increased comfort and can become a real extension of the body. Ideally, it should meet current and future needs, which will allow you to gain experience and improve physical fitness as you train.
When choosing the first racing bike, special attention should be paid to the frame. It is better to immediately give preference to quality and reliable. At the same time, savings can be obtained on the configuration with the rest of the nodes, over time equipping the bike with parts of a higher level. Initially, it is recommended to start riding a good bike, because this is the only way to truly love this activity.