Road bikes are types of bikes made for long- distance rides and smooth surfaces like asphalt, tarmac or concrete roads. Normally they have light frames and the multi gear numbers ,which offer riders the ability to pedal at the flexible ,customizable speeds.
Similarly as Mountain bikes, the Road bikes market also have bikes for recreational, fitness purposes and racing, professional purposes.
The main thing that makes each type of road bike different compared with others is Geometry. Geometry is the largest possible distance between the bottom bracket and the saddle. Each different Geometry design makes the types of bike become a specific one. Basically, it allows you to move the body forward for the purpose of reducing the wind resistance and creating great comfort.
There are 4 types of Road Bikes
All-around road bikes
The all- around road bikes are the most common type of road bike and they are used by riders of all levels. They have a moderate level of frame stiffness that makes them quite nimble and a quick ability to be responsive at high speeds. The super light and durable material made them suitable with all different types of road and even climbing up the hill is not a hard job with this type of bike.
They are suitable for recreation,fitness, and commuting daily around the city.
Gravel bikes
Gravel bikes are bikes made for dirt, gravel and ,not pavement roads They often have more wider and stable tires. The adventurers usually choose these bikes and equip them with wide range of accessories like bags, racks and fenders. They turn them to be ideal bikes for adventure on more challenging terrain like gravel and dirt roads.
Endurance Road Bikes
Endurance road bikes are lightweight and designed for longer distance and variety of road surfaces .It is suitable for beginners ,daily exercisers and daily trainers as well. The bikes with comfortable geometry, and more upright riding position offer the great condition for fast riding. The riders always feel comfortable even with long distances during a long time of riding.
Aero Road Bikes
These are the most advanced bikes with aerodynamics design that make the bikes get the maximum speed. These bikes are always the choice of professional racers.
Material for making types of Road Bikes
Carbon fiber
Road bikes are often built from carbon fiber, which gives them an incredibly strong and lightweight structure at a relatively low weight. This means that the bike can perform better, and be more responsive, when ridden at high speeds. Road bikes are designed for long-distance riding, so they tend to have a fairly upright, relaxed position so that the rider can stay comfortable for long periods of time. They are also designed to be used with lightweight, high-performance tires, which maximizes the road bike’s performance on the road.
If you wish to have a light with extreme speed bike , a carbon fibre is a good choice for you
Aluminum
Aluminum alloys are also a great option when it comes to frame material. They are lighter than steel alloys but firm, light but providing a smooth ride. If you are looking for a road bike for fun and fitness, an aluminum frame is suitable for you.
High profile steel alloy
High profile steel alloy makes bike frame became strong and potential ability for long riding time
Components
Major components include: Drivetrain (crankset, rear cassette, chain, derailleurs, brake levers, gear levers) Wheels (rims, hubs, axles, spokes).Brakes, handlebars, seat and seatpost, pedals.
The materials for making these components mostly are aluminum alloy ,in some bikes front forks are made from carbon fibers.
Pedals
New high- end Road Bikes normally are sold without pedals. Riders have their own right to choose for them which types of pedals they like. Usually, clipless are more often the choice of riders. The shoes have cleats installed to pedals which helps the pedaling become more efficient . The design of shoes- pedals combination help riders easily turn their force to maximum to push the bike go ahead and also the possibility of quickly removing their legs in case of emergency
Frame
Choosing the correct frame size for your body geometry is the most important thing when you decide to buy a road bike. Because with the correct frame size, you will notice the comfort and enjoy the fun of riding. If the frame is too small or too large, you will not perform well with this.
Road bikes have frames up to 6 different sizes, from SX – XL size range. The frames for women are always different compared with frames for men .Manufactures produce frames for Road bikes based on human body’ biology geometry. Women’s torsos and arms are shorter than men. So the women’s frames are shorter along the top tube.
Road Bike, Hybrid Bike Frame size
Road bikes have a slim frame, made from durable lightweight materials, and thin tires. Because the uses are different compared to Mountain bikes. The road bikes have a different frame size, this is in order to create comfort for the driver. The design of frame is for directing and putting the rider’s weight forward , pushing the bike to run faster at the highest speeds.
Frame size = Inseam x 0.70.
| Driver’s height (centimetres) | Inseam x 0.70 (centimetres) | Frame size (centimetres) | Dimensions |
| 148 – 152 cm | 61 – 68 cm | 43 – 47 cm | XS |
| 152 – 160 cm | 69 – 75 cm | 48 – 52 cm | S |
| 160 – 168 cm | 76 – 78 cm | 53 – 55 cm | M |
| 168 – 175 cm | 79 – 81 cm | 55 – 57 cm | L |
| 175 – 183 cm | 82 – 85 cm | 57 – 60 cm | XL |
| 183 – 198 cm | 86 – 90 cm | 60 – 63 cm | XXL |
The bottom line
There are many types of Road bikes but choosing to buy a good one bike will depend on the 3 main things
- The frame materials
- Components.
- Design and brand name
The price of frames and components made from carbon fibers are higher than Aluminum alloy. And realistically ,they are more durable than aluminum alloy. The higher quality of the drivetrain will help the bike run smoothie and create more comfort.
Design and brand name are also the main things when it comes to the price point. New model design and a long famous brand name for sure will be more expensive than normal one but they ensure for you the value of the product.
Depending on your budget. You can find a decent road bike with a price from 500$-800$. If you buy one with less of expensive, it can come latter you have to spend more to buy components for upgrading.
