How to choose a road bike

Despite the fact that city bikes 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 bicycle is capable of developing, as well as the ability to maneuver at high speed. The best option for such people are road-class bikes that can develop at a high enough speed, and therefore are perfect not only for all sorts of cycling races, but also for regular bike tours and long journeys along a good asphalt road.

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The best manufacturers of road bikes
How is a road bike different from the closest analogues?
Main selection criteria

The best manufacturers of road bikes. Which brand should be preferred?

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

Giant;
Trek;
Scott;
Author;
Specialized;

Choosing a new two-wheeled friend, it is necessary to study both the technical catalog information provided by the manufacturer and the reviews of real users who have exploited a particular bike for some time and had time to identify the strengths and weaknesses.

How is a road bike different from the closest analogues?

Road bike differences

As in the case of other types of cycling, all the “road workers” are equipped with a typical set of mechanisms and options, but their execution is designed for exceptional performance and maximum efficiency:

The road bike frame is almost always lightened, has a low pedal carriage and a high saddle. This is done to maximize aerodynamics;
The wheels of any "highway" have a large, about 28-30 inches diameter, and are equipped with a thin and narrow rubber, devoid of a pronounced tread. This is done deliberately to improve roll forward and, as a consequence, the overall speed;
Road bike brakes are exclusively disc as the most functional and efficient. Basic models are equipped with mechanical brakes, more advanced carry hydraulics on board;
The handlebars of road bikes have a very original shape, known as "ram horns" because of their appearance. It is used to maximize aerodynamics;
Transmission of all motorcycle bikes without exception is the main element to which attention should be paid. Top quality workmanship, mechanisms from well-known Japanese manufacturers and at least 30 speeds - these are the main characteristics possessed by the best transmissions of road bikes;
The front fork must have a stroke of at least 150-200 millimeters and is made of aircraft-grade aluminum, carbon or titanium. Only in this case will the maximum rigidity of the whole structure and high-quality depreciation properties be ensured;

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

There are quite a few criteria that determine the quality and functionality of any road bike, and it is their combination that determines the crucial importance when using a bike at high speeds.

Bike frame

The key supporting element of the structure, to which there are well-defined requirements. The frame of the bike should be sufficiently rigid and durable, but its weight should be minimal. Based on the above criteria, the following materials can be called suitable for production:

Aviation aluminum;
Lightweight magnesium alloys;
Titanium;
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 - the prerogative of only the top, most expensive models.

Frame size

Parameter that directly affects the convenience of landing while driving. Unlike other models, all road bikes have a clearly defined frame classification. It includes six different classes, starting with the XS (extra-small, height up to 14 inches) - bicycles designed for use by riders between 135 and 150 centimeters, and ending with models of class XXL (frame height 24 inches) designed for people an increase of 2 meters or more. Between them are the classes S, M, L, XL, the frame of which has a height of 16,18,20 and 22 inches respectively;

Transmission, crank and gearing functional

road bike transmission

The above nodes are the main mechanism for transferring traction to the rear wheel, they have the most direct impact on the acceleration of the bike and its maximum speed. The vast majority of highway workers have the following types of transmissions:

Dual crank system is a mechanism that includes two leading front stars, 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, but among the shortcomings there is a low range of speed adjustments;
The triple system of the 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 preferable, however, an 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 elements of the structure that has the most direct impact on the dynamics of acceleration and deceleration, as well as on the overall spin of the bike. The best road bikes are equipped with lightweight wheels made of lightweight aluminum or magnesium alloy, and their diameter is at least 27-29 inches. Attention should be paid to the tires - the best for high-speed driving are compact tires with a small height and width of the profile and a typical road tread, providing maximum traction and promoting high speed.

Pedals

An interesting feature that customers immediately notice is the lack of pedals on road bikes. It looks somewhat unusual, since the pedals are the main node of the interaction of the rider and the bike. This is explained very simply - with a similar gesture, the manufacturer as if hints at the need for careful selection of pedals for a specific athlete. There are a lot of factors: these are the overall dimensions, the form factor, the materials and even the weight of the pedals, as well as the opportunity to interact with a certain kind of bicycle shoe.The best are pedals made by Speedway, Shimano, Look, it is their products that should be given the closest attention.

The design and type of brake system

Any experienced rider will say that a road bike should accelerate well and stop even better. The braking performance is influenced by both the right tires and the brake system with which the bike is equipped. For this class of bicycles, disc hydraulic brakes should be preferred - only they can stop the bike as quickly and efficiently as possible at almost any speed. As a last resort and with a limited budget, attention should be paid to disc mechanical brakes. The brakes of the U and V-brakes systems, as well as other models in which one of the elements is a wheel rim, are not used for road bikes due to low efficiency.