Road Bikes

Road bikes are specifically designed to be used on paved surfaces. These tarmac specific machines have always traditionally been referred to as road racing bikes (or just racing bikes) but this is no longer the case in today’s market. Today there are far more versions of road bikes to choose from and each offers something a little different. Whether this is in terms of geometry, tyre clearance or luggage carrying compatibility. A road bike will traditionally have drop handlebars which enables the rider to obtain a low and narrow position on the bike which helps reduce the frontal area of the rider and improves aerodynamic performance. They will also have a reduced tyre clearance for the fitment of tarmac specific tyres. These narrow-fit tyres will be high pressure and usually have a slick tread to reduce rolling resistance and provide better grip. These bikes will also predominantly use derailleur gears to allow the rider to navigate different terrains.

All road bikes are available in a variety of materials and what you opt for will normally be dictated by the price bracket. These materials are steel, alloy, carbon or titanium. Race bike – The riding position is low at the front to reduce the frontal area and decrease wind resistance. Endurance or Sportive bike – The frame is taller at the front end and places the rider in a more upright position which helps to reduce fatigue over longer duration rides. Disc or Rim Brake – All modern bikes have caliper rim brakes or the increasingly popular disc brakes. Disc brakes are more powerful but at a cost of being slightly heavier. Hybrid bikes – Feature flat handlebars, a wider tyre clearance and disc brakes for added confidence. Touring Bikes – They are built to carry luggage so have a longer wheelbase to make them more comfortable and more efficient at carrying heavy loads.

All road bikes are available in a variety of materials and what you opt for will normally be dictated by the price bracket. These materials are steel, alloy, carbon or titanium. Race bike – The riding position is low at the front to reduce the frontal area and decrease wind resistance. Endurance or Sportive bike – The frame is taller at the front end and places the rider in a more upright position which helps to reduce fatigue over longer duration rides. Disc or Rim Brake – All modern bikes have caliper rim brakes or the increasingly popular disc brakes. Disc brakes are more powerful but at a cost of being slightly heavier. Hybrid bikes – Feature flat handlebars, a wider tyre clearance and disc brakes for added confidence. Touring Bikes – They are built to carry luggage so have a longer wheelbase to make them more comfortable and more efficient at carrying heavy loads.

Due to the many types of road bike and the difference in material that they are constructed from they can range from just short of a thousand to a few thousand pounds. The price is largely reflective of the materials that the frame is constructed from and also the equipment that is built onto it. Alloy and steel frames offer a more accessible price point to the world of road cycling. A good quality aluminium or steel tubed bike with a decent specification can reasonably expect to come in around the £1000 price point. A quality build around a carbon frame will start around about the £1500 mark, though there are 1 or 2 entry level models that can come in slightly lower at around the £1000 mark. With a Titanium bike you can expect to pay upwards of £2000 due to the difficult manufacturing techniques this type of frame employs.