Category Archives for Road Bikes Advice

What is a Randonneur Bike and Is it Right for You?

24″ Roadmaster Granite Peak Boys Mountain Bike (Black)

Randonneuring is a type of sport that is non-competitive and encourages individuals to cycle over long-distances. During each trip, riders encounter picturesque scenery and embark on a journey that is both refreshing and rewarding. During this activity, you are accompanied by people who are fun, supportive and believe in the happiness and joy that randonneuring brings.

Randonneuring involves “brevets” or events that have time and distance limits. Most individuals prefer to use whatever bicycles they have, whereas others prefer to use bikes that are optimized for randonneuring.

Is a Randonneur Bike Suitable for You?

It is difficult to state whether a randonneur bike is ideal for all cyclists. Depending on your preferences or whether you are new to randonneuring, you may not feel as though a bike of this caliber is suitable for you. Perhaps you are comfortable with how your current bicycle performs and this is entirely okay. You do not have to rush to purchase a randonneur bike immediately.

Some believe that a Randonneur Bike provides more comfort and support than road bikes, touring bikes, or mountain bikes cannot offer. Again, this depends on preferences and the understanding of how a randonneur bike operates.

How often you engage in the sport and whether or not you go on super long rides must be considered. If you are an avid cyclist who enjoys the thrill and excitement that randonneuring brings, you may deem it suitable to purchase a bicycle that is fit for these courses or, at least, optimizes your current bike to fit your requirements. Whether you purchase a bicycle specially designed for comfort during this sport, or you choose to enhance your current bike, a Randonneur bicycle does offer beneficial features.

What Types of Features Should Be Considered for a Randonneur Bicycle? 

To ensure that your bicycle is set up appropriately for Randonneuring, it is essential to include a number of items, such as a quality frame, disc brakes, large fenders (or a rear derailleur), high-quality tires, and comfortable seats and seat posts. Not only will they aid in an efficient ride, but also offer one of comfort. These additions are great for this sport as they guarantee that you will complete your brevet promptly. Below, the equipment is listed for your review.

Bell TRACTION Mountain Tire 24″ Black KEVLAR

Tires

Tires are the number one thing to consider when optimizing your bicycle for a randonneur. Decent tires, especially ones that are puncture-resistant offer a clean and smooth ride. They limit how often you must stop due to punctures and encourage a successful commute.

Another element to consider is a tire that rolls as smoothly as possible and reduces the energy that can be lost while the tire is rolling. Having a tire that offers these two things mentioned, ensures that you endure a sufficient ride.

Vittoria’s 37-622 Randonneur II Trekking Tire offers puncture resistance and, based on its design, rolls along quickly making it perfect for a great bicycle trekking experience. So, whether you are enhancing your existing bike or considering purchasing a randonneur bicycle, an agile high-performance tire is crucial.

Seats

Schwinn Wide Gel Comfort Seat

During a randonneur, you will be riding for a long period of time. Therefore, it is important that your bicycle seat offers you supreme comfort. After all, you want to ensure that you are comfortable and do not have to endure the pain that can arise from an unsuited seat.

Many bicycle seats are generic and do not offer everyone a unique feel or comfort. Opting for a seat that provides the right shape, material, and support is what is critical for your long journeys. Women and men have a different anatomy. So, finding one that is fitting for you, whether male or female, is also to be considered.

Deciding to try your seat before you buy it is a great idea. It enables you to see what you like and select the best one. However, the ideal factor is choosing a seat that reduces the feel of every bump in the road. A great seat to consider is Brooks Conquest Special Touring/Trekking Bicycle Saddle. It offers springs for soaking up bumps in the road. Also, it is made of leather and designed to provide comfort for long distances.

Handle Bars

Depending on the shape of the handlebars, this can add or subtract from the comfort of riding your bike. For most individuals, especially those that ride for an extended period, opting for the right handlebars can provide a better experience.

Randonneur handlebars provide cyclists with better options while riding. It enables you to choose which stance or position is better for your ride and the experience. Ergonomic bars such as a Somas’ Brevet Randonneur Drop Handlebar, allow you to find a position while riding that is fitting for your form.

 

Handle Bar Luggage with Map Sleeve

One of the ideal features for an optimized randonneur bike is to have handlebar luggage. These are ideal for randonneurs because these journeys are often unsupported. So, it is crucial that you have a compartment to hold all of your necessities such as food, water, your phone, or extra clothing such as a jacket or sweater.

Also, purchasing a handlebar bag that offers a compartment for your map ensures that it always remains in sight. There is never a need to stop and rummage through your bag to find it. Instead, it remains in clear view, which is perfect for keeping you on track.

A vendor by the name of BV on Amazon.com offers an affordable handle bar bag. It offers a removable map sleep that is positioned on top of the bag.  It also provides various compartments such as a mesh holder with bungee cords for holding drinks. Reflective lining for night riding along with handles and shoulder straps for touring is also offered.

Another bag to consider is NTMY’s bicycle bag. It is much smaller than the prior one mentioned. For cyclists who enjoy using their smartphones for guidance during the ride, this one offers a clear PVC pouch for better viewing and easy access.

Randonneur Bike

Nashbar’s Touring Bike, a randonneur bike, offers all of the features necessary for a comfortable and successful long-distance ride, minus the handlebar luggage and the seat for reduced impact. It features Vittoria Randonneur tires that are durable and easy rolling. It also has handlebars that are essential for promoting an efficient ride. Additionally, it provides gear changes that allow you to enhance your ride to suit different types of terrain.

Bottom Line: Should You Purchase a Randonneur Bike?

The need for a randonneur bike is dependent on your experience in riding long distances. If you are a randonneur expert, you can identify your needs for a bike that can provide you with a better ride.

If this is you, then a randonneur bike is better suited. For someone who is just beginning, there is no need to consider purchasing a randonneur bicycle right away. Instead, you can alter the bike you have presently, by buying add-ons and other features that optimize your bike for a smooth randonneur.

Royalbaby RB14B-6G BMX Freestyle Kids Bike, Boy’s

Razor High Roller BMX/Freestyle Bike, 20-Inch, Black/Green

Dynacraft Men’s 26″ 21 Speed Alpine Eagle Bike

Best Specialized Road Bikes in 2018

GMC Denali Road Bike

A road bike is typically used for paved roads. It is not designed necessarily for courses with less than stellar conditions. Uneven terrain and rough paths are not typically traveled on with road bikes.

These bikes are used on tarmac or smooth sidewalks and are quite exceptional for competitive cycling. They are designed to travel at high speeds and can take riders great distances as long as their limbs allow them to do so.

However, despite the limiting nature of traditional road bikes, there are road bikes that are specially designed. Some of these road bikes offer enhanced features such as disc brakes, carbon fiber frames and carbon forks, hybrid components, and other characteristics that riders find appealing. These enhanced features provide cyclists an enriched experience. Below is a list of the best specialized road bikes in 2018.

AFTERPARTZ NV-5 G3/ HS1 Bike Disc Brake Kit Front and Rear

Road Bike with Disc Brakes

When road bikes were first manufactured, these were designed with rim brakes. As technology improves, the design and performance of these bikes have also done the same. These types of brakes did not provide immediate stopping. The technology used, opted for pads that relied on applying friction to the rim of the rotating wheel. This form of technology did not provide a complete stop. Instead, it delivered a much slower or gradual cessation leaving cyclists to apply pressure to their brakes sooner in the hope of stopping in time. Another disadvantage of these restraints was their tendency to wear down quickly. As this occurred, it became more of a problem to stop.

Today, the market is seeing an increase in road bikes that are being made with disc brakes as they impart improved technology and faster stopping. TommasoSentiero Tourney Adventure Road Bike with Disc Brakes for 2018 is an ultimate example of this advancement. It reveals the same performance and speed as an adventure bike due to its 3×7 Shimano Tourney Groupset that features 30/39/50T Claris crankset and 12x28T Tourney cassette. However, TektroLyra disc brakes deliver a more improved stopping power, especially during harsh and extreme weather conditions.

Along with its robust disc brakes, this road bike is built with steel for superior durability and strength. It also offers Tommaso TC-20D rims and stability of 28 spoke rim which is equipped to handle a variety of road conditions.

2018 Tommaso Sentiero Tourney Adventure Road Bike with Disc Brakes

Adventure Touring Road Bike 

Adventure touring road bikes are made for individuals that seek versatility because they are so adaptable. For this very reason, many individuals love this type of bicycle.

They are perfect for various terrain including forest pathways and gravel. These bikes also perform well on smooth sidewalks. Adventure touring road bikes operate efficiently and they are optimized to deliver exceptional power. Regardless of where you wish to travel with them, they deliver every time.

What makes them specialized is their relaxed configuration. Adventure touring bikes offer a shorter reach and their wide tires accompanied by solid wheels illustrates their ability to manage long rides and rigorous roads. Also, they provide their riders with racks so that they can bring items along for their journey.

Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle identifies as an adventure touring bicycle as it is in accordance with the geometry of an adventure bicycle. It features an alloy frame and steel forks, which provide excellent strength and durability.

Its design is comprised of a 2×7 drivetrain with Shimano Tourney derailleurs, an integrated Micro shift shifters/brake lever combo. It also features mechanical disc brakes, which are adequate in maintaining a relaxed and safe ride.

For the comfort of its riders, there is a frame bag that has been incorporated into the design. This bike provides an extensive front rack for panniers and mud racks as well. It also features a bottle opener. This bicycle enables its riders to pack suitably and securely for their voyage. Cable routing for three single water bottle cage mounts along with two additional on the steel forks ensure cyclists remain hydrated and equipped for the road.

This adventure or touring bicycle is ideal for individuals that enjoy getting out and exploring what is available to them on different terrain. It provides the best cycling experience and assures that they will be prepared for a smooth and efficient ride.

Hybrid Mountain Bike 

A hybrid mountain bike incorporates a bicycle that is ideal for everyday riding but is also able to tackle almost any kind of terrain. To put it plainly, it is a mix of a road and mountain bike, and it is preferred among riders for its commuting purposes. It is a very flexible bicycle, and it is a favorite for this reason.

ORKAN 27.5″ Mountain Bike Hybrid Bike is the quintessential illustration of this type of bicycle. It is made with a steel frame and reliable suspension forks and weighs only 35 lbs. These fantastic features guarantee that riders are cushioned from bumps and vibrations in the road. Such an element offers cyclists a smooth and secure ride.

It also provides an eye-catching design. This hybrid bicycle also extends 21 speeds along with a Shimano rear derailleur shift for switching gears effortlessly. It delivers an adjustable seat that riders can easily maneuver to suit their frames. Overall, the features exhibited by this hybrid mountain bike demonstrate the flexibility and versatility of crossbreed bicycles.

Afterword

Specialized road bikes provide versatility and they are loved for the additional benefits they afford. They offer cyclists improved rides founded on durability, adaptability, and advanced features. These bikes ensure that riders who traditionally enjoy commuting on standard roads can seek adventure whenever. They are not limited to the typical characteristics that road bikes frequently provide.

The bicycles mentioned in this article are top-rated bikes that answer to the requirements of each specific road bike category distinctly. They offer characteristics that are unique and fundamental to its designated rider.

Should you be looking for a road bike that is specially designed, consider the ones mentioned above. With the excellent features that each one offers, you are likely to find one that is suitable for your lifestyle and needs.

Mongoose Men’s Elroy Adventure Bike 700C Wheel Bicycle, Blue

ORKAN 27.5″ MTB Shimano Hybrid 21 Speed Mountain Bike Mountain Bike Grey & Orange

Basecamp Specialized Bike Helmet with Detachable Magnetic Visor Sunglasses Goggles

Best Gravel Bikes 2017 and 2018: Recommendations from an Expert

2018 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes

A gravel bike is virtually an adventure bike that is built for a variety of surfaces. Unlike some road bikes that are designed for riding on the sidewalk or road, gravel bikes are more versatile. They are made for exploration and people who find pleasure in discovering new places.

This type of bicycle is quick on the road and can undertake a number of routes and surfaces such as gravel, farm tracks, tarmac, and other surfaces that many other bicycles are incapable of handling. Pretty much wherever you wish to venture with your bicycle, a gravel bike can get you there.

Commuters and adventurers of all sorts will find pleasure in using a gravel bike. They quickly adapt to different surfaces and offer supreme comfort especially in different weather conditions.

If you are looking for a gravel bike to buy, consider these top picks mentioned below. Their features and principal characteristics are reviewed to aid with your purchase.

Diamondback Bicycles’ Haanjo Tero All-Road Bike

Diamondback Bicycles’ Haanjo Tero All-Road Bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. It is described as lightweight due to its fully-butted aluminum frame, but it delivers undisputable strength, steadiness, durability, and comfort that cannot be ignored by its riders. The benefit of this bicycle is that it quickly adjusts to various surfaces whether smooth or rigorous.

Haanjo Tero offers mechanical disc brakes, operated by a cable pull system, which provides excellent grip and ensures a sure stop. Together, these features offer riders more assurance while out on the road.

It also boasts Shimano 2×8 speed shifter set with 16 speeds. This ensures that riders continue to excel while advancing different hills and gradients. For individuals that are real road warriors and enjoy cycling instinctively through various trails and heights, this feature serves as a great benefit.

Additionally, it offers Kenda Flintridge 700x40c tires. These set of tires are widely set.  They provide more speed, a smoother ride and better control on the road; all aspects that are ideal for a bike that adapts well to different terrains.

Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike

Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike is a bike that has been optimized to provide its riders with the ultimate flexibility. It has been made of hydroformed aluminum. A material formulated by Tommaso Bikes with their meticulous geometry system. It offers guaranteed durability that will survive the test of time and various road conditions.

It provides accuracy and smoothness while shifting due to its full Shimano drivetrain.

This bicycle’s gearing, due to Sentiero’s 12-25T Claris cassette and Claris 30/39/50T crankset enables riders to access various courses that other comparable bikes cannot undertake. Additionally, its Corsa TC-20D wheelset provides accessibility to various grounds including gravel.

Its 32c all-terrain tires ensure exceptional handling of the road regardless of the weather conditions. Tommaso Sentiero Compact Gravel Road Bike steel fork offers additional stability and its avid BB5 disc brakes contribute to its reliability and accuracy for stopping.

Raleigh Bikes’ Willard 2 All-Road Bike

Raleigh Bikes’ Willard 2 All-Road Bike is a well-constructed bicycle and can adapt quickly to different roads such as gravel or dirt. It offers exceptional manageability and control regardless of road conditions. Also, the bike’s carbon forks along with its alloy-tapered steerer delivers excellent performance and comfort for its rider.

Its 40c tire fitment is broad and robust, so individuals have very little to be concerned with while on their course. Due to its AL-6061 Alloy Gravel frame, elastomers, and Seatpost, it reduces vibrations, shock, and enables individuals to engage in rough riding with comfort.

Its mechanical disc brakes make it incredibly responsive to stopping. Willard 2’s SRAM 1X drivetrain with 11-42t wide range cassette, provides various gears that enable you to ride comfortably. So, if you are riding up a steep hill or battling the wind, you can alter the speed to suit these conditions.

These Gravel Bikes Vary in Size & Must be Assembled

Should you decide to order any of these bicycles, be aware of what size you are seeking. They are offered in various sizes. The purpose of this is to guarantee a pleasurable ride regardless of your height. If it is too large or small, you will not be comfortable during your journey. So, be sure to choose the right size so that you may genuinely take advantage of its benefits.

To do so, you can speak directly with the suppliers of these bicycles. They can provide the most assistance. Alternatively, you can follow this bike fit guide to gain a better understanding of which bicycle size is ideal based on your height and inseam.

It must also be mentioned that all of the gravel bikes in this review arrive unassembled. Be prepared to do so some building as they require a certain degree of assembly. They are delivered in pieces, and if you are not familiar with bikes, they must be taken back to your local bike shop for completion. In fact, it is recommended that you do so to ensure that all parts are correctly aligned and damage is avoided.

Raleigh Bikes Stuntman All Road Bike, Brown, 54cm/Medium

2018 Gravity FSX 1.0 Dual Full Suspension Mountain Bike with Disc Brakes

How to Choose the Best Gravel Bike?

All of the bikes listed offer various advantageous and unique benefits. Pay close attention to the qualities they offer. A substantial feature that they all afford is their precision power stopping capabilities. This characteristic is extremely beneficial for gravel bikes, which are designed for speed and agility, so you certainly want a bicycle that can stop on command.

Tires are also important factors and it is important to be mindful of the advantages that gravel bikes provide. Some gravel bikes offer tires that are a tad wider than others as they add more traction. Overall, wider tires are better as they tend to roll more efficiently than those that are narrower. Be considerate of this when choosing your gravel bike and select a bike that provides a larger width. You’ll enjoy a better ride.

GMC Denali Road Bike, Black/Green, 22.5-Inch/Medium

Raleigh Bikes Willard 2 All Road Bike, Grey, 58 cm/Large

Tommaso Sentiero Gravel Disc Road Bike – Matte Black/Red – XL

Best Raleigh Road Bike Options in 2018