How to choose a racing bike: speed, photo, manufacturers of racing bicycles. The easiest racing bike

A racing bicycle is one of the best options for improving physical fitness, driving for long distances, high-speed movement along routes with an even surface. Regular driving on the road model contributes to the harmonious development of all muscle groups. That's why the sports bike is increasingly chosen by experienced cyclists.

Features of racing bicycles

Let us briefly consider the difference between highway models and other types of two-wheeled vehicles:

• Lightweight frame, components and wheels;
• Narrow tires;
• Front fork, often made of carbon fiber;
• No rear or front suspension.

Appointment

Bicycles racing road are designed for competitions, but are often used as a means of transportation by ordinary sports fans. The models of this category are designed for driving on surfaces with the most even coating. Therefore, it is not recommended to move on non-cobbled, coarse surfaces.

A racing bike is an ideal option for organizing multi-day bikes. However, when driving for long distances, the presence of a car-support is welcomed, since highway models are not adapted for baggage transportation. Such bicycles are deprived of fastenings for the installation of trunks, which are provided in the design of most tourist, mountain and urban models.

Frame

Purchasing a racing bike, future owners have to choose between frames made of carbon fiber and aluminum. The bulk of aluminum frames excellently behaves when driving on smooth surfaces. However, this option is much cheaper, compared with carbon.

Frames made of carbon fiber, show increased resistance to stress and the most effective depreciation during the movement. However, their cost can not be called affordable, which is due to the special laboriousness of the manufacturing process.

If you need a good racing bike for driving at your pleasure, maintaining a good physical shape, then it's enough to stop on the highway model with an aluminum frame. When the low weight and strength of the structure is decisive in choosing a bicycle for competitive activities, it is worth giving preference to the carbon fiber frame. In the latter case, athletes often resort to its manufacturing to order, according to the parameters of their own body.

Wheels

As already noted above, a racing bicycle, a photo of which can be seen in this material, is equipped with narrow high-pressure tires. The surface of the latter contains a minimum number of treads. Wheels, designed with these features in mind, provide an insignificant level of friction on the road surface, which contributes to the development of increased speed.

The disadvantage of tires for racing bikes is the occurrence of vibrations, even when in contact with minor irregularities. Therefore, in order not to feel any discomfort and not to damage the transport, it is recommended to move on it exclusively on paved roads.

Steering wheel

Racing bikes are equipped with rudders such as mutton horns, whose geometry provides a reduction in the resistance of the oncoming airflow. Curved handles provide the ability to control the transport, placing the body of the body parallel to the track during the movement. As in other modern bicycles, the components that are responsible for braking and shifting are on the steering wheel. All of the above points provide maximum convenience for the cyclist if you need a speedy ride.

Transmissions

High-level racing bikes have a wide range of gear shifts. Low ones are activated in case of overcoming long and steep climbs. High transfers make it possible to save energy when driving on flat sections of the trails.

In a standard configuration, a racing bike has 2-3 forward gears and at least eight rear-wheel drive gears. In aggregate, medium-level road bikes have from 16 to 27 individual gear combinations.

Pedals

The majority of racing bicycles do not have pedals in the base configuration. Due to the need to independently choose them for their own needs and features of shoes. A competent approach to the selection of pedals when buying a road bike in the future largely affects the ride comfort and the achievement of the desired results. The optimal solution will be pedals with a system of clip hooks, which give the opportunity not only to push, but also to pull the connecting rods upward.

Speed

Cycling enthusiasts who are distantly familiar with cycling tend to believe that driving on a highway allows you to develop a speed that is several times higher than the limits available during skiing on mountain models. As practice shows, it makes it possible to ride the lightest race bike on average at a speed of up to 40 km / h.

The speed of the trained cyclist is about 25-35 km / h, which is slightly higher than the results of the owners of urban and mountain models. In general, the development of higher speeds depends on the manner of riding, proper landing, the physical indicators of the rider and to a small extent on the model of the vehicle.

Manufacturers of racing bicycles

The main brands that are in demand among athletes: Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Bianchi. It is the bikes of these brands that are most often preferred by professionals.

The purchase of a racing bicycle from an unchecked manufacturer for the sake of economy usually results in a quick failure of the main components, the need to tolerate discomfort during driving, and in the worst case, the occurrence of critical damage to the frame. Professional racing bicycles from reputable brands offer ample opportunities to improve the equipment for their own needs.

Landing

To determine the optimal fit for riding a racing bike, it is worth using the following recommendations:

1. When moving, hands should lie on the handlebars, and fingers freely reach the gearshift and brake levers. It is desirable that in this position the angle of 90 ^° between the hands and the body of the body is observed.
2. Making a choice, you should sit on a bicycle. At the same time, when looking at the front bush, the latter must be on the same line as the rudder. Otherwise, landing can not be called optimal.
3. It is better to stop on the model of a racing bicycle, the width of the rudder is symmetrical to the width of the shoulders. Such a grip ensures the maintenance of a clear and stable breathing during the movement. At the same time, the operation of the narrow-rudder model contributes to an increase in aerodynamic performance. However, the latter option is not very convenient for inexperienced athletes.
4. When placing the foot on the pedal parallel to the roadway, the leg should not bend at the knee. Installation of the seat post, according to the indicated principle, indicates the correct setting of the height of the seat.
5. It is desirable that the plane of seating is parallel to the ground. If there is an increased discomfort during the ride, you should change the angle of its inclination by several degrees.
6. When choosing a fit, the gap between the thigh in the upper position and the elbow should be about a few centimeters.
7. When traveling on a race bike, it is recommended not to bend your back in the waist area. This is the only way to avoid undesirable loads on the intervertebral discs. In addition, such a landing allows you to breathe freely during active body movements.

Helpful Tips

Before you dwell on a specific model of a racing bike, it is worthwhile to test several options. Having resorted to the help of a store consultant, you can narrow the circle to select several solutions. Even if the models have a similar configuration and the shape of the frame, riding on each of them will be significantly different.

Before buying it is recommended to ride on each bike for 15-20 minutes, if possible, overcoming the long and steep climbs. Choose a model that provides enhanced comfort and is able to become a real continuation of the body. Ideally, it should meet current and future needs, which will allow you to gain experience and improve your fitness as you train.

When choosing the first racing bike, special attention should be paid to the frame. It is better to immediately give preference to quality and reliable. In this case, savings can be obtained by bundling with other nodes, eventually equipping the bicycle with parts of a higher level. Beginning to ride is initially recommended on a good bike, because only so you can really love this occupation.