Best Carbon Fiber Road Bike: Top 5 Reviews in 2017

Above and beyond titanium frames or aluminum frames, carbon fiber frames (or carbon frames) with carbon fiber forks have become a very popular material for most road bicycles these days–even entry-level road bikes It is lighter in weight than most other materials and is stronger with the right stiffness than many thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio being high. In fact, carbon fiber offers some of the lightest road bikes around. Even your local bike shop will now stock these amazing frames and at a decent price point.

Carbon fiber is designed with several composite material fibers connected together through an epoxy adhesive. It uses polyacrylonitrile and rayon compounds that have been connected by carbon atoms. These bike frames are lighter in weight and yet will not buckle under pressure while in use.

Considering how carbon fiber is strong and yet light in weight, it only makes sense that more companies that make road bikes are using this material. But what makes a good road bike and which bikes on the 2017 market are the best?

Here’s a look at five of the best bikes that you can check out for the 2017 season. These come with some intense and beautiful designs and functions that are intriguing and add quite a bit of support.

Colnago CLX Ultegra

In terms of how it looks the CLX Ultegra is somewhat similar to the V1r, a Colnago bike that was co-designed by Ferrari. But the Ultegra is still easier for all to handle without wearing out quickly. The Ultegra uses an 82.5 bottom bracket, thus establishing a better ride with more control. It can also work with mechanical and electronic shift options alike.

This is only around 18 pounds in weight as well. The slim design pairs well with 25-inch tires to create a smooth ride all around. The rims are also wide enough to give you a good support for keeping your balance without struggling or feeling too hard in its use.

Look 765 Disc

Look made this bike with a disc-brake system. This creates a stronger grip on the rear wheel as you stop. The disc-brake setup can also be adjusted with added lubrication to help keep it strong and functional. You’ll have to keep it maintained well enough over time to see that it won’t be too hard to use, though.

While the carbon fiber body itself is great, an added layer of flax linen is included in the fork and chain stays. This keeps the vibrations within the bike from being too intense. While this works best on flat surfaces, this could also be brought onto some rougher roads depending on your plans for biking. It’s a nice function that adds a better sense of support for your ride.

A 410 mm chain stay provides you with a better handling system. It manages more controls carefully and doesn’t add too much pressure as you use it.

Basso Diamante SV

Basso is unique in the carbon fiber world for making components for not only bikes but also for Formula 1 and World Rally Championship vehicles. This is fewer than 20 pounds in weight before paint is added onto it. Even after adding a nice paint job of your choice onto the frame, it still creates a beautiful look that isn’t too heavy or hard to use.

The Comfort Kit can be used on the SV to add two centimeters length onto the head tube. This makes the bars move up a bit higher. It does not require any spacers underneath the stem either. Of course, you can also remove the Comfort Kit if needed if you prefer a lower series of bars.

The bar height can also be adjusted with a series of small spaces that are 5 mm apart from each other. This creates a more precise fit for you. The direct-mounted brakes and support for mechanical and electronic drivetrains also make this a popular choice. Don’t forget to check out the elastomer that takes in vibrations and keeps shaking from occurring far too much.

Masi Evoluzione

Masi made this bike with a rather intriguing finish that includes several colors all over its vibrant body. But there’s a whole lot more to this attractive bike than just an intriguing look to its body. It also uses a nice carbon fiber design with a single piece and a fork that is perfectly sized without being rough or otherwise challenging to use in some way.

The tapered fork is extremely responsive and works quickly without too much effort. The bottom bracket shell offers a wide space for allowing the chain to move effortlessly. The wider range on the chain also makes it easier for you to lubricate its gears as needed. This keeps the bike moving on the road.

The direct mount brakes are easy to support as well. The internal routing also lets you use a mechanical or electronic drivetrain depending on what you might prefer using. This adds an extra bit of control that isn’t too tough and gives you a better sense of control so you will have a more appealing experience with it.

Basso Astra Disc

This last option is another choice from Basso. This is made with absolutely no metal reinforcements. It uses a full carbon fiber body while using a standard shape design. The spacers are slim while a tapered steerer fork keeps the bike easy to control.

The BB86 bottom bracket shell is a key part of what makes this useful. It offers an added amount of control that simplifies how well the bike works without adding too much drag. It also uses mid-size rims that support tube-base tires but aren’t too thick to where they add lots of drag. The pedals for the brakes are also carefully organized around the main handles to give you added control. Like the other Basso model you read about earlier, this also works with mechanical or electronic drivetrains depending on what you prefer to operate with.

Check around when looking for a carbon fiber road bike. The five options you just read about here are good choices to have in 2017, thanks to how they are well-designed and capable of giving you the best rides possible. These offer many great features and can be adjusted in a variety of ways based on the models you want to use.

4 Cool Cycling Jerseys You Can Buy Right Now

Any cyclist, especially those who are part of a cycling team, don’t just have a custom bicycle. They must have quality cycling gear or custom cycling clothing like cycling shorts, a custom cycle jersey or other custom cycling apparel too. You must buy great cycling clothing like a team jersey if you want to have a better riding experience. Naturally, you might think about finding a jersey that just looks great. While having a fine appearance while on the road might be appealing, you have to look for something that is comfortable and produces less drag.

You must have an option that handles moisture well. It should also be easy to spot in low light settings. Anything that offers a few good storage pockets helps too. Don’t forget about the ventilation in terms of how air moves in and out of the jersey or even how you can control it.

With all of these points in mind, here are four good options to have when finding an attractive cycling jersey. These are designed for most people to use and won’t be too hard to wear in a majority of cases. You will be surprised at what these options come with.

Tenn-Outdoors Coolflo Breathable Short Sleeve Jersey

Tenn-Outdoors sells a polyester jersey that comes in one of many colors. You can choose a yellow-gray option or a red-black, green-black, or black-blue design. These feature vibrant and easily visible colors that mix in well with each other.

The polyester fabric uses a high-wicking coating. This keeps sweat out of the way and ensures that the jersey won’t get heavier as you are going down the road. The zipper is also a non-slip model that goes deep through the middle and helps you to adjust the fit of the jersey.

Rubber waist grippers are included to keep the jersey around your hips so it won’t blow around. There are three real pockets on the jersey as well with one of them sized to hold a mobile phone. Those pockets are tight enough to keep things inside but still loose to where the materials will not be crushed by too much pressure on the inside.

Spotti Long Sleeve Cycling Jersey

Spotti makes this jersey with a solid black, blue, red, or green color depending on your preference. It is light in weight and yet has a durable body. It uses a powerful thread that allows your skin to breathe and improves upon your ventilation. It also manages moisture quite well as it can wick many materials away. This is light in weight and still feels smooth.

It also offers thermal protection during colder times of the year. While wearing this in a colder climate, the jersey will keep you comfortable as it helps to keep in the heat that your body naturally generates. This should keep you from wearing out quickly while out on the road.

The reflective Spotti logo can be found on the front and back parts of the jersey. It creates a good shine regardless of the color of your jersey. This makes you easier to spot on the road—an important feature for when you’re out in a tight space in the middle of the road.

The fabric also stretches quite well. You can adjust the fit on your jersey through the zipper on the front part of the jersey. This even has a few rear pockets that come with elastic closures. Silicon grippers are added to the hem to keep the back part of your jersey in its place as you are riding.

Zerobike Cycling Short Sleeve Jersey

This next choice from Zerobike uses a polyester body and has a full-length zipper on the front page. It comes with a good collar that is slim and yet creates a good fit around your neck. This is also available in one of eight different artistic designs.

The under mesh fabric under the armpit keeps this area dry and cool. This is essential when you consider how much sweating might come about around that part of your body.

Direct-vent panels are included around the jersey. These allow air to move around through your body with ease as you go forward. It keeps you from feeling hot or irritated in some manner. Of course, that zipper on the front part can also be used to help you get the most out of your workout while staying cool.

There are also three pockets on the back part of the jersey. Like with the other jerseys you’ve read about so far, these are made with elastic bodies to keep items intact while you move.

Pearl Izumi Quest Jersey

The Quest jersey has a little more of a pronounced neckline on it. This creates a nice fit without being too tight or otherwise hard to use. The three-quarter length front zipper is also hidden well into the front of the jersey. It isn’t overly visible but it’s not too hard to open for ventilation purposes.

The UltraSensor fabric transfers moisture well and keeps you from overheating. This is also a breathable material that keeps your body temperature in check.

The reflective body makes this jersey easy to spot in low light conditions. It does come in many colors including blue, red, yellow, white, and black. These colors are organized with some attractive styles that don’t look unusual or tough to handle and should add a good style to your outfit.

The semi-form fit allows the jersey to fit well around the curves of your body. You can always go for one size larger than what you normally wear if you want something a little looser without being too tight. Then again, your standard size should be easy to wear without being too gripping or rough on your skin.

These four cycling jerseys are great choices for you to find when you’re looking to get the most out of a great ride. Check these options out the next time you are looking to not only feel great but also make a bit of a fashion statement while you’re out on the road. You will have a good look at yourself when this is used properly and with a great fit all the way around.

Giant Road Bikes Reviews and Buying Advice

Giant Bicycles is one of the top names in the world of road bicycles. The company offers many good choices but you should compare each one carefully so you’ll have a clear idea of whether a road bike or a mountain bike might be more suitable and attractive for your needs.

Giant makes its bikes with aluminum frames or carbon frames in a number of different series. These are made for different riding needs. One line works for all kinds of roads while another focuses on larger rims. Another mountain bike series is made with women in mind. Each line has its own great features that add a unique look that makes your bike more attractive and useful.

TCR Advanced Bikes

Giant makes a number of lightweight road bikes in its TCR Advanced line. These are designed with lower handlebars and tall seats to create a better racing position. The models are stiff and capable of handling loads of shocks. These bikes focus on racing use.

The SLR 0 wheels in this line are designed with lighter weights. This creates a more comfortable body and adds a bit of extra support for riding.

The fork bodies are also slim enough to handle plenty of steering functions without being too tight or otherwise hard to use. This adds to the quality of the bike without making it too hard to use.

Propel Bikes

You can also find many bikes in the Propel line. These use thicker wheels with bigger rims that support more aerodynamic functions. This means that the bikes can keep you moving at a consistent rate and don’t require too much pressure, what with the wind on the bikes not being as much of a hindrance as you might think.

The rims are large enough to cut down on the drag you experience. The spokes are also flat in their organization. Carbon fiber is especially featured among Propel bikes. This material is popular for being lighter in weight than aluminum and steel and still capable of handling weights.

It will not break apart easily. It is true that the Propel series costs a little more—what with carbon fiber being relatively expensive—but the benefits are certainly worthwhile.

Defy Bikes

The Giant Defy series is made for endurance biking needs. These road bikes use disc brakes to create an added amount of control. The head tubes are taller in height and give you a more comfortable ride all the way through. This adds a comfortable feeling that is easy to enjoy and doesn’t add much of an issue to its design.

Speaking of disc brakes, the Giant Defy series uses a hydraulic system for them. This creates a better total setup and adds a sense of comfort all the way around.

Contend Bikes

The aluminum-built Contend bike series uses short chainstays. The head tubes are also tapered to make steering a little easier to handle. Rim brakes are included on most Contend bikes although the Contend SL Disc uses disc brakes as the name suggests.

Contend bikes are made for endurance riders. The key difference between the Contend and Defy series is that the Contend bikes use aluminum bodies and are less expensive than the Defy bikes made with carbon fiber compounds.

AnyRoad

Those who are going to head out on a variety of roads will benefit from bikes in the appropriately named AnyRoad series. These bikes are made for use on rough off-road spaces and asphalt alike. This does especially well with an upright seating position. Cables are also used on some AnyRoad bikes for braking.

These work with added levers to add a bit of extra braking control. This is a feature unique to the AnyRoad series that is not too hard to apply.

Liv Envie and Avail Series

The Liv Envie and Avail series of bikes are designed with women in mind. These are designed with aluminum bodies for the most part and offer comfortable contoured seats designed to fit in with a woman’s body shape.

These bikes are made with carbon fiber bodies to keep them light in weight so it won’t be tough for women to use them and move forward on them.

Buying Advice

With so many types of Giant road bikes to choose from, you might have a tough time figuring out which is right for you. There are a few pointers to follow when choosing a great bike option that you know works well enough for your riding demands:

• Think about how long you will be on your bicycle for during a typical riding session. The Defy series is better if you have a much longer route to go on.
• Take a look at how many hills or valleys you will go through versus the flat surfaces you might be around. Check and see that whatever you are using is comfortable and not too hard to handle.
• Consider how smooth the ride will be if you’re going to be on a rough surface. A lighter body that can handle more pressure like on the TCR Advanced series might be best for your needs if you want something that doesn’t create loads of shocks are you are riding.
• Look for the Propel series if you want something that offers less drag. The carbon fiber design keeps the weight down so the drag will not be significant.
• Regardless of the series you are interested in, make sure your bike of desire isn’t too bulky or heavy. You need something that you know is safe and simple for you to handle without being too rough or hard to propel.
• Don’t be too concerned about the variations in the prices of these bikes. The bikes are typically found in the $1,000 to $2,000 range. Therefore, you are not necessarily going to find any significant outliers on either side of the pricing spectrum.

Good luck in your search for a great Giant road bike. With so many options, you are certainly bound to find one that fits your riding style and your comfort requirements.

Dual Suspension Mountain Bike: Dual Suspension or Rigid Mountain Bikes for Beginners

You want to start cross country mountain biking or need a downhill mountain bike and you are looking for the best deal in your price range. However, you’ve got to be careful when choosing a mountain bike if you’re just getting started. You must have a model that is easy to control and can handle shocks.

However, there are many factors that go into such bikes. Do you require an aluminum frame or steel mountain bike frame, durable wheels and tires, need a specific wheel size, rear shocks, rigid forks, a hardtail, disc brakes, looking for a specific suspension design… the list is endless. You can’t just pick one type of bike and assume that it will work perfectly for you every step of the way.

When choosing a great bicycle, however, you have to look carefully at the type of mountain bike and how it is designed. You can opt for a dual suspension or rigid mountain bike. These are divided up mainly based on the suspension features that they come with. Each option has its own advantages over the other.

Even with the great choices out there for mountain biking in your price range, you have to be cautious when choosing something for your ride. The one that is right for you will vary based on the specific demands you hold for your ride, as well as the types of trails you will take your bike out on. While neither the dual suspension nor the rigid style is truly better than the other, the application for your ride should make all the difference in your decision.

What Is a Rigid Bike?

A rigid mountain bike is also known as a hardtail bike. This is designed with a shock-absorbing suspension around the front fork.

Such a bike works with a lightweight design. It is easy to lift up and propel in many spots. It also has a smoother steering feature that responds quickly. If used carefully enough, it should not be tough to use on a gentle path. It’s also great if you’ve got a wide-open space for traveling.

Also, a rigid bike can handle some obstacles. It works better on lighter obstacles like small rocks or even some tree roots. You don’t want to take it over any extremely rugged surfaces, though.

A rigid bike uses a singular piece in its frame. This creates a slightly triangular shape. The rear wheel is in a proper set place so it remains stable. It also creates a stronger surface when used right.

What Is a Dual Suspension Bike?

As the name suggests, a dual suspension bike uses two different suspension setups. It offers separate suspensions on the front fork and back areas.

By taking in more shocks, this works better on rougher routes. It also handles obstacles like larger rocks or wet spots quite well.

This bike uses two pieces on its frame. They are connected by a series of pivots. These help to keep the ride steady and without being too bumpy. The two sections can move independently from each other. The separate suspension features on both halves make this possible.

How Intense Will Your Ride Be?

When choosing one of these bikes, you have to think about how intense or rough your mountain trail ride will be. A rigid bike is better if you have a lighter or smoother trail. A dual suspension bike works best if you have a rougher ride planned.

A dual suspension choice is also great if you have a slight downhill slope to work with but is not too intense to where you might need a separate downhill bike.

What Support Do You Require?

The amount of support you need while sitting on your bike is crucial to your riding success. You can choose a rigid bike if you don’t feel pain regularly while pedaling.

Meanwhile, a dual suspension bike is better for people with back issues. It offers a bit of extra support for those who are sensitive to the shocks they might experience while riding.

What About Drops?

Drops often occur on a trail when you go from one surface to another in a short period of time. A dual suspension bike will work best if you have a downhill ride with plenty of drops all around. This kind of bike takes in drops and shocks with ease.

What About Going Uphill?

A rigid bike is better if you want to get uphill. A rigid bike makes it easier for you to propel it as the bike often comes with a lighter weight. It also responds well to the twists and turns you might come across as you pedal uphill.

The pedals on a rigid bike typically require less pressure for them to move. This is crucial when you’re trying to get up a good incline. Considering how an uphill ride might be a little more predictable in terms of what you’d find on the trail, a rigid bike will work perfectly. You won’t be at risk of running into unexpected surfaces all that quickly.

What About Maintenance?

A rigid bike clearly requires less maintenance. It doesn’t have as many moving parts on it. Still, you should check on the gears on the bike if necessary. Different gears can create various levels of pressure but they can also support faster speeds provided that you switch from one gear to the next in enough time.

Meanwhile, a dual suspension bike needs regular maintenance of its links and pivots. The rear shock also requires new seals on occasion. You might have to replace such a seal once a year. Such a bike can be found in a multi-speed or single-speed variant but either one will have to be maintained properly. You might have to lubricate the multi-speed gear shifter once a year to keep it from locking up.

Summary

In conclusion, you should think carefully about your riding style and trails you will head out on when figuring out which bike is right for you. A rigid bike is perfect for uphill rides or ones that don’t entail many rough surfaces.

A dual suspension model works better if you are sensitive to shocks or you’re going either down on the slope or around a rugged surface. Check on your needs for a bike before heading out on the trail so you’ll have a choice that fits in perfectly with your needs.