Whilst it is theoretically possible to ride any type of bike on a road there are some, which are suited to this purpose and others that are more specialised for off road antics. As you might imagine road bikes fall into the first category and they have been developed to make sure that racing on tarmac surfaces at top speeds is possible. As a result, their low profile, thin wheels, aerodynamic frames and ride position which push the user forward to minimise drag make them very distinctive. They are not suitable for everyday use but for those who are serious about racing and exercise, they are a great accompaniment.
Fans of the Tour de France will know that road bikes are intrinsically linked to this daunting event. As you may know, the professional market means that there are plenty of racing bikes, which can cost many thousands of pounds and feature the type of cutting edge technology that can give professionals the edge. The good news for amateur riders is that not only can you easily buy exactly the same bike as might be used by champions like Lance Armstrong, you can also get much cheaper options. These will not leave you with a hole in your finances but can still provide you with high speed thrills on your own or as part of a cycling club.
A number of different components go into making road bikes. At the lower end of the market you will find that frames tend to be made of aluminium and some will come with integrated carbon components. As you raise your budget you will start to see a lot more carbon throughout the bike, as this is lighter and stronger than metallic alternatives.
Anyone who is familiar with mountain bikes will be aware that most possess multiple gears in order to provide versatile riding and traction across different terrains. Whilst there are road bikes with gears in certain situations you will find single speed road bikes, which provide direct control over the rear wheel without any intervening, alternating cogs to change the ratio. This is not universal across all road bikes and in many cases you will be better off choosing a multi-speed bike in order to enjoy a more flexible ride, but this is a good, cheap option for some.
Weight is an important consideration when you are looking at road bikes. Every extra ounce will require that you exert yourself a little bit harder and lose a little bit of speed so serious riders will want a bike which is as light as possible. This is also a concern in other cycling categories but if you want to compete on any level of significance you will need to check the vital statistics of a road bike carefully to see how it compares with other bikes of the same type.
A road bike is a no nonsense customer that will perform the task of road racing with aplomb, although it can be seen as lacking the versatility that might otherwise make it suitable for everyday use.
