The buycycle road bike guide
What types of road bikes are there? Here you will find all the information about road bike types and the specifics of each type.
What types of road bike are there?
The variety of road bike types is great, that's already taken in advance. Different demands, terrains and goals require different designs. Which types of road bikes there are now and what there is to consider in the individual designs, we explain to you in this ultimate buycycle road bike guide.
Once upon a time there was a racing bike...
By definition, a racing bike is a very light bicycle designed, built for racing. It is intended for use as a piece of sports equipment and for road cycling and is therefore characterized by a lightweight construction and the reduction to the components that are indispensable for riding. If you really want to participate in competitions with it, since the year 2000, according to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), it has a minimum weight of 6.8 kg. You can recognize racing bikes by the narrow rims and tires and the narrow handlebars (the UCI regulations allow a maximum of 50 cm). Mostly these are handlebars or horn handlebars, which allow different grip positions. So far so good.
Starting from the so-called classic racing bike, however, other types of racing bikes have emerged over time that look similar at first glance, but on closer inspection show clear differences. The special properties are based on clearly defined requirements, based on which individual aspects (aerodynamics, weight, durability, etc.) have been optimized.
We generally distinguish between road bikes for flat routes, for mountain and hilly landscapes, for long distances and the so-called all-rounders. We will introduce you to the individual types in the following.
1. the mountain goat
Racing bikes for mountain and hilly terrain or actual bicycle races are initially characterized by a low weight. The frame is thereby often made of carbon fiber, alternatively also of titanium. In addition, these road bikes allow a very agile steering and control, which facilitates jetting in curves, especially in steep descents. The body position while driving can be varied via various settings(saddle position, stem length, spacers, etc.), although this is generally designed more for long rides and is therefore somewhat more comfortable than on sports racing bikes. Still important is the size of the chainring, which can influence the cadence on steep climbs. Here applies on the mountain often "less is more". Some compromises are made in the aerodynamics, also the durability of the bike is conditioned by the materials used.
Conclusion: unbeatable on the mountain and a generally good all-rounder.
2. time trial bikes and aero bikes
For long plains, time trial races or a triathlon, the time trial bike is suitable. Weight and comfort are deliberately thrown overboard here, what counts here is only to offer the wind as small an attack surface as possible to save energy and achieve maximum aerodynamics. Thicker frames paired with an integration of the individual components and rims are crucial. So you will hardly see any cables or protruding brake pads on an aero bike. In addition, the tube cross-sections often match the shape of the tires to save additional millimeters that could be exposed to the wind. Thus, the aero wheel is designed and built for a clearly defined purpose, so it is considered an absolute specialist. For a mountain ride, we would therefore rather not recommend it. Who wants to advance as quickly as possible on the flat is well served.
Conclusion: Unbeatable on the flat, but comfort is written in small letters. But that's not the point.
3. endurance road bikes
"I'm off then" would probably come to our lips on an endurance road bike. The balanced geometry including longer wheelbase, high head tube and resulting upright seating position give us an above-average comfortable driving experience. In addition, a high stability and robustness are provided. Drives with compact transmission, wider tires and various damping mechanisms make riding a pleasure. The frequently installed disc brakes increase safety and protect the arm muscles. This equipment thus allows the covering of long distances, among other things in the course of multi-day tours and on different terrain. Naturally, the air resistance is somewhat higher than on an aerobike or a classic road bike. In addition, the somewhat higher weight plays a role in long uphill climbs, although this can be counteracted somewhat by selecting the individual components.
Verdict: An ideal companion for long-distance enthusiasts with low racing ambitions.
4. gravel bikes
Gravel, forest and meadows are best conquered with a gravel bike. For some years now, more and more passionate road cyclists have been switching to the "off-road alternative", because the Gravel is an all-rounder and all-roader that sets no terrain-related limits to riding fun. These road bikes are characterized by resistant and flexible frames, achieve greater ground clearance via raised bottom brackets and can cope with wider tires with tread on any surface. Combined with lighter suspension, gravel bikes therefore allow both on-road and off-road riding. This flexibility naturally leads to poorer performance on the straight road, although there is still a clear difference to a mountain bike. Those who do not want to do without their road bike but still like to ride off the beaten track will find a more than acceptable compromise here.
Verdict: For connoisseurs of all types of tracks in search of their one-for-all.
5. our recommendation
Ultimately, every road bike is fun in its own way, as long as you use it properly. Whether on the mountain, on the time trial course or now also in the forest, the variety of road bike types has something to offer for everyone. For the indecisive, endurance bikes in particular are a good solution, as they offer many features, high comfort and good safety, without falling off on the mountain or on the flat.
No matter for what passion but, for ultimate Fahrtwinderlebnisse on two wheels you should find your new racing bike of the heart at buycycle! We certainly have something for you in the offer and take your current bike also gladly!
All road bike types at a glance | buycycle
What do you actually understand by a racing bike?
The variety of road bike types is great, that's already taken in advance. Different demands, terrains and goals require different designs. Which types of road bike there are now and what there is to consider in the individual designs, we explain to you here.
Once upon a time a racing bike
By definition, a racing bike is a very light bicycle designed, built for racing. It is intended for use as a piece of sports equipment and for road cycling and is characterized by a lightweight construction and the reduction to the essential components for riding. If you actually want to participate in competitions with it, since 2000, according to the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), it has a minimum weight of 6.8 kg. Today's racing bikes usually have narrow rims and tires, and handlebars with either a bow or horn, which allow different grip positions and are narrower than the usual handlebars (UCI regulations allow a maximum of 50 cm). So much for the starting position.
Starting from the so-called classic racing bike, other types of racing bikes have emerged over time that look similar at first glance, but sometimes have significant differences in the details. The special properties are based on clearly defined requirements, based on which individual aspects (aerodynamics, weight, durability, etc.) have been optimized. This is at the expense of complementary properties.
We generally distinguish between racing bikes for flat routes, for mountainous and hilly terrain, for long distances and the so-called all-rounders. The individual types are described in the following.
The mountain goat
Racing bikes for mountain and hilly terrain or actual bicycle races are initially characterized by a low weight. The frame is thereby often made of carbon fiber, alternatively also of titanium. In addition, road bikes allow a very agile control, which facilitates cornering, especially in steep descents. The posture can vary over various settings (saddle position, stem length, spacers, etc.), although this is generally designed more for long rides. Still important is the size of the chainring, which can influence the cadence on steep climbs. Here applies on the mountain often "less is more". Cutbacks are made partly in aerodynamics, also the durability is conditioned by the materials used.
CONCLUSION: unbeatable on the mountain, generally good all-rounder.
Time trial bikes and aero bikes
For the long plains, time trial races or a triathlon, the time trial bike is suitable. Weight and comfort are deliberately neglected here, the only thing that counts is to offer the wind as small an attack surface as possible to save energy. Thicker frames paired with an integration of the individual components and rims are decisive. Thus one will hardly get to see cable work or protruding brake pads at an aero wheel. In addition, the tube cross-sections often match the shape of the tires to save additional millimeters that could be exposed to the wind. Thus, the aero wheel is designed and built for a clearly defined purpose, so it is considered an absolute specialist. For a mountain finish, we would therefore rather not recommend it. Who wants to advance as quickly as possible on the flat is well served.
CONCLUSION: unbeatable on the level, but comfort is written in small letters.
Endurance road bikes
"I'm off then" would probably come to our lips on an endurance road bike. The balanced geometry including longer wheelbase, high head tube and resulting upright seating position cause a high level of riding comfort. In addition, high stability and robustness are provided. Drives with compact transmission, wider tires and various damping mechanisms make riding a pleasure. The frequently installed disc brakes increase safety and protect the arm muscles. This equipment thus allows the covering of long distances, including in the course of multi-day tours and on different terrain. Naturally, the air resistance is somewhat higher than on an aerobike or classic road bike. In addition, the somewhat higher weight plays a role in long uphill climbs, although this can be counteracted somewhat by selecting the individual components.
CONCLUSION: For long-distance enthusiasts with low racing ambitions.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel, woods and meadows are best conquered on a gravel bike. For some years now, more and more passionate road cyclists have been switching to the "off-road alternative" to escape congested bike paths and busy roads. These road bikes feature durable and flexible frames, achieve greater ground clearance via raised bottom brackets and come on wider tires with tread. Combined with a lighter gear ratio, gravel bikes therefore allow both on-road and off-road riding. This flexibility naturally leads to poorer performance on the road, although there is still a clear difference to a mountain bike. Those who do not want to do without their road bike but still like to ride off the beaten track will find a more than acceptable compromise here.
CONCLUSION: For connoisseurs and more choice in the selection of routes.
Ultimately, every road bike is fun in its own way, as long as you use it properly. Whether on the mountain, on the time trial course or now also in the forest, the variety of road bike types has something to offer for everyone. For the indecisive, endurance bikes in particular are a good solution, as they offer many features, high comfort and good safety, without falling off on the mountain or on the flat.
If a certain passion develops over time, we at buycycle are sure to have something on offer and will gladly accept your previous bike!