- You are here:
- Home »
- Road Bikes Advice
- » Road Bike Types
Road Bike Types
Road bikes are great for pavement use such as commuting, long distance rides, fitness, and racing at high speeds.
They have lightweight handlebars that drop downward putting you in an aerodynamic position. This position transfers your energy to enable you to go at a faster speed.
There are different types of road bikes. Each road bike has a specialized structure and components that suit different road biking needs.
-
Cyclocross Bikes
Cyclocross bikes are lightweight but tough on pavement as well as dirt trails and grass. Most cyclocross bikes are built with semi-knobby tires to adapt to different terrain challenges. These bikes are ideally used by riders taking laps around different pavement.
-
Racing Bikes
Racing bikes are made of carbon fiber or aluminum which has a very light weight and super slim design. They can turn corners quickly because of their aggressive geometry with steep angles. They are intended for aerodynamic biking that is fast on flat pavements and can go up hills.
-
Touring Bikes
Touring bikes have a strong build that can carry heavy loads on their front and rear racks and have multiple attachment points for pumps, water bottles, racks, lights and more.
Compared to other road bike, touring bikes have a longer wheelbase which has a lower center of gravity and are therefore easy to control. They also have disc brakes for more stopping power while carrying loads on challenging terrains.
-
Endurance Bikes
The features of endurance bikes are similar to the features of racing bikes. The difference is that endurance bikes are built with frame geometry that lets you ride in a comfortable position.
They have lower angles, taller head tubes and inclined top tubes to reduce stress on your back and neck. They also have wider tires for a more comfortable ride and flat handlebars for heads up riding.
-
Triathlon Bikes
Triathlon bikes are known for their unique handlebars that allow you to crouch forward while riding to reduce wind resistance. They have a special design for maximized aerodynamic properties.
This bike is not intended to use during mass start races; the racer riding a triathlon bike starts on his/her own.
-
Flat Bar Road Bikes
Flat bar road bikes have lightweight frames and have relatively narrow tires and flat or upright handlebars. They have a light but powerful performance without you having to ride in a drop handlebar riding position.
Most tires of flat bar road bikes are wider which adapt to challenging pavement. They are also called fitness bikes or performance hybrid bikes and they can also carry cargo and other loads.
Despite the varying types of road types, they are made from sturdy and light-weight materials that make them great for high speed biking.
Road bikes are made of one or more combination of the following materials:
- Carbon fiber. This material can be controlled into aerodynamic shapes and can be tuned for maximum strength and stiffness. But despite its sturdy built, carbon fiber is lightweight which is essential for a road bike.
- Aluminum. This is a very lightweight and stiff material too. It is popular for having power transfers and stiffness.
- Steel. Traditionally, steel is a very popular material for making bikes. It is best for its comfort, durability and strength. It is also easy to repair when it encounters bends or dents.
- Titanium. It is also known for its lightweight property that offers a smooth ride similar to the riding quality of steel.
There are also other kinds of bikes such as tandem bikes, folding bikes, recumbent bikes, city bikes, mountain bikes and more. But among these kinds of bikes, road bikes are perfect for high speed biking along pavement.
Some types of road bikes, though, have designs great for rough terrain and grass trails too. Choose the right type of bike based on your cycling performance and cargo needs.
