Let's be clear: we're talking about racing bikes here. That means a low mutton handlebar, a long top tube, and an extended rider position with a flat back. Combined with the typical race bike geometry of a 73-74° seat angle, the short chainstays are bikes that feel fast, respond quickly but predictably to steering, and feel comfortable all day long if you're trained enough. to stay that long in the saddle.
Here I will talk about driving and handling. Other specs vary on any elite race bike. Not everyone manages to hold out in the lean-to-handle position due to the long stem; due to the low handlebars, the cyclist leans on the front wheel with all their weight, which provides good grip and control.
A good road bike has a high quality gearing system - 53/39 front sprockets and a rear cassette with 11-23 sprockets. However, there is no shame in using a compact 50/34 or a wider range chainring. Even some pros use these parts, and the latest Shimano pro-grade Dura-Ace kit includes an 11-30 cassette.
However, some things are vital. Race bikes either have very light wheels or, even better, aerodynamic rims. Lightweight wheels add a bit of speed on mountain roads, simply due to the overall light weight, but aero wheels add speed all the time, which far outweighs the downside of them. excess weight.
A light and stiff frame is also a must, so it can be aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium or one of the steel alloys like Reynolds 931 or Columbus Spirit. If weight matters to you - and if you're considering buying a race bike it certainly does - then carbon fiber should be your choice. even the best metal frames are a couple of hundred grams heavier. But metals still have their merits. For very tall cyclists, an aluminum frame might be a good fit - stiff yet lightweight, and the characteristics of steel and titanium also have a lot of fans.
Usually, pliers are used on racing bikes. rim brakes but now there are other options. Shimano's Direct Mount brakes are tighter set calipers that are usually tucked under the stays to look neater.
But in last years disc brakes have become a breakthrough in braking systems. If you're going to race, you should use rim brakes, but outside of racing, you can take advantage of discs that provide better braking while still keeping the rims.
What are racing bikes good for?
In short: for fast driving. Including racing, of course, but to enjoy a racing bike, you do not have to race, you can simply add the whistle of the speed of a fast rushing bike to the sounds of nature.
These bikes are suitable for any type of trip where speed is important, especially if you need to cover a decent distance. Carrying options are mostly limited to a backpack, but if you're careful with your choice, you can find a bike that can handle 25mm tires and the low-profile Crud Road Racers or SKS Raceblade Longs fenders, so you'll at least have a dry butt as well. It will turn out to soak in bed for a few minutes longer.
And if we talk about trips for a few days? With the right bags, and maybe some changes to the sprocket system to compensate for the extra weight, you can be a great cyclist. However, race bikes almost never have rack mounts, and it's fair to say that it's not a very good idea to try to build them yourself on a lightweight frame. Then you will put on it the weight for which it was not intended, and the short chainstays of the road bike will not allow you to pedal if you put a rack on the frame with any load.
During events such as the transcontinental race, cyclists carry a minimum of things with them, sometimes supplementing the luggage with only a bag on the frame or on the handlebars. This is very convenient if you are staying at a hotel or sleeping on a bus, and the positioning of the bag in line with your body does not greatly affect aerodynamics.
Five Superb Race Bikes
The choice is huge, as well as the variety of prices. To give you a little idea of how much, here is an example of five great bikes that are priced more like car prices.
B'Twin Ultra 700 AF – 900 €
Most often, when we consider the characteristics of bicycles, we emphasize those places that require improvement or where they would come in handy, but this does not apply to B "Twin's Ultra 700 AF. This is one of the best options for this money in terms of price-quality ratio.
We do not want to say that there is nothing to improve in Ultra. With a rigid triple aluminum frame, you can easily place some "trinkets" on it without overshadowing the main components.
In this case, with regard to Ultra, it cannot be said that the price is not justified. It's not easy to find a bike with an 11-speed Shimano 105 system at this price, and even though B "Twin cut the cost slightly with the RS500 compact (50/34) gearing system, it is still a very specific bike. Shifting is slightly less clear without the 105 series of 5800 chains, but you hardly notice it.
Specialized Tarmac Sport – €1,345
We liked the Ultegra-equipped big brother of this bike. However, the younger one is very attractive and well equipped and offers a very fast and exciting ride, which is quite suitable for novice riders.
As with the previous generation Tarmacs, it's easy to live with. There are no surprises in handling, it is very predictable and fits very easily into the home interior. This is a bike that can be used for a day trip in complete comfort, or for diving into winding and narrow chains of forest trails; for commuting and commuting; and, finally, for a stroll on a lazy Sunday morning to a coffee shop. Ride and relax!
Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR – €2,160
Whether you want to achieve good results and show off on Strava, or just want a fast, comfortable and easy ride, then the Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR should be at the top of your list. With features such as a full carbon frameset, SRAM Force kit, Mavic Ksyrium wheels and a weight of just 7kg, the SLR is a real contender, even considering the price - and it can challenge even direct sales professionals.
The Road Pro is worth a closer look. Silver paint with a mirror effect makes it stand out from the rest, especially in the sun; you will definitely get noticed.
However, beauty is not only in appearance. In the harsh world of cycling, where bikes start to go through all sorts of rough patches, the Boardman knows exactly what's what, and a good racing bike only begs for opportunities to overcome the odds. He likes to ride on asphalt, go down the hill along the very edge of a narrow path, and compete for speed in the ascent.
Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Dura-Ace – €2,550
There are several brands associated with aluminum, like Cannondale with their legendary CAAD - "Cannondale advanced aluminum design" series. The American company has made a name for itself in aluminum frames, and although they have invested heavily in carbon fiber in recent years, the dedication to aluminum remains at a level that only a few have retained.
The new CAAD12 is a very polished bike with a level of comfort that will make you wonder why you would buy anything else at all and of course why aluminum was a popular material for such a short time, only during the development of advanced technology in racing bikes. in the 90s. It's so light it outshines many of the carbon road bikes we've tested over the years. This is nothing but a miracle.
The Shimano Dura-Ace shifting system and hydraulic disc brakes are expensive icing on a wonderful cake. The brakes give a feeling of solidity and tremendous power, even with just one finger on the brake lever, and the subtle modulation ensures that the wheel doesn't lock up. The system of stars is just a song; when mechanical shifting is so easy to use, you wonder why you wanted an electronic Di2.
Trek Madone 9.9 – €10,200
The Trek Madone 9 Series features cutting-edge technology that feels fast and comfortable to ride, but as is often the case with innovative engineering, nothing good comes cheap. However, this bike is exceptional.
In short, the Madone 9 is an aerodynamic race bike that delivers comfort with Trek’s IsoSpeed decoupling to noticeably smooth out bumps and bumps. The effect is subtle but very noticeable.
The combination of IsoSpeed and aerodynamic frame profiles gives the Madone 9 a whimsical feel of a combination of soft seating and super speed. It quickly picks up speed and holds it beautifully.
The climbs on this bike are great. It's punchy on short, steep climbs, nimble when you're off the saddle, and feels comfortable when you've got your hands on the Madone XXX's handlebars for long rides.
Racing road bikes or group racing road bikes are the most popular type of road bike. They are designed for high-speed walks, fitness, training, brevets (marathons) or for participation in road competitions. These bikes are presented at several levels - from beginner to top, so that every person, whether it be an athlete or an amateur active rest, I was able to find a bike to suit my abilities and needs. Equipped with shorter frames for a comfortable fit and 25mm to 28mm wide clinchers, recreational racing road bikes are suitable for beginners and veteran cyclists alike who find it difficult to ride long stretch road bikes due to their age. Advanced and top level racing road bikes have similar racing geometry and can be used for both fitness and competition. Currently, disc brakes and electronic transmissions are starting to become common among the top models of racing road bikes.
Task 1 of 15
1 .
Are the Rules violated in the situations depicted?
Right
f) tow bicycles;
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
d) hold on to another vehicle while driving;
f) tow bicycles;
Task 2 of 15
2 .
Which cyclist does not break the rules?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
b) move on motorways and roads for cars, as well as on the carriageway, if there is a bicycle path nearby;
Task 3 of 15
3 .
Who must give way?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists must give way to others. vehicles moving along the road.
Task 4 of 15
4 .
What loads are allowed to be carried by a cyclist?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
22. Shipping
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.4. The cyclist can only carry such loads that do not interfere with the control of the bike and do not create obstacles for other participants. traffic.
22. Shipping
22.3. Carriage of cargo is permitted provided that it:
b) does not violate the stability of the vehicle and does not complicate its management;
Task 5 of 15
5 .
Which cyclist violates the Rules when carrying passengers?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
e) carry passengers on a bicycle (with the exception of children under 7 years of age who are transported on an additional seat equipped with securely fastened footrests);
Task 6 of 15
6 .
In what order will the vehicles pass through the intersection?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Wrong
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of their direction. further movement.
16.12. At the intersection of equivalent roads, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
This rule should be guided by each other and tram drivers. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has an advantage over non-rail vehicles approaching it along an equivalent road.16.14. If the main road changes direction at an intersection, drivers of vehicles moving along it must be guided by the rules for passing intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be guided by each other and drivers moving on secondary roads.Task 7 of 15
7 .
Cycling on sidewalks and footpaths:
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
c) walk on sidewalks and footpaths(except for children under 7 years old on children's bicycles under adult supervision);
Task 8 of 15
8 .
Who has the right of way at the intersection with the bike lane?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles moving on the road.
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists must give way to other vehicles moving on the road.
Task 9 of 15
9 .
What distance should be between groups of cyclists moving in a column?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Wrong
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.3. Cyclists, moving in groups, must ride one after another so as not to interfere with other road users. A column of cyclists moving along the carriageway should be divided into groups (up to 10 cyclists in a group) with a distance of 80-100 m between groups.
Task 10 of 15
10 .
Vehicles will pass the intersection in the following order
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
Wrong
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.13. Before turning left and making a U-turn, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the opposite direction, as well as to vehicles moving on the same road in the opposite direction straight or to the right.
Task 11 of 15
11 .
The cyclist passes the intersection:
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.3. The signals of the traffic controller take precedence over traffic signals and traffic signs and are mandatory. Traffic lights other than flashing yellow take precedence over road signs priority. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with the additional requirements of the traffic controller, even if they contradict traffic signals, traffic signs and markings.
16. Passage of intersections
16.6. When turning left or turning around at the green signal of the main traffic light, the driver of a non-rail vehicle is obliged to give way to a tram in the same direction, as well as vehicles moving in the opposite direction straight or turning right. This rule should be guided by each other and tram drivers.
Task 12 of 15
12 .
Flashing red signals of this traffic light:
Right
8. Traffic regulation
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.6. To regulate traffic at railway crossings, traffic lights with two red signals or one white-moon and two red signals are used, having the following meanings:
a) flashing red signals prohibit the movement of vehicles through the crossing;
b) a flashing white-moon signal indicates that the alarm system is working and does not prohibit the movement of vehicles.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with a prohibitory signal of a traffic light, an audible signal may be turned on, additionally informing road users about the prohibition of movement through the crossing.
Task 13 of 15
13 .
Which vehicle driver will pass the intersection second?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road changes direction at the intersection, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must be guided by the rules for passing the intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be guided by each other and drivers moving on secondary roads.
Wrong
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving along a secondary road must give way to vehicles approaching this intersection of carriageways along the main road, regardless of the direction of their further movement.
16.14. If the main road changes direction at the intersection, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must be guided by the rules for passing the intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be guided by each other and drivers moving on secondary roads.
16 Crossings
Wrong
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.3. Traffic lights have the following meanings:
A signal in the form of an arrow, allowing a left turn, also allows a U-turn, if it is not prohibited by traffic signs.
The signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional (additional) section (sections), turned on together with a green traffic light, informs the driver that he has an advantage in the direction (directions) indicated by the arrow (arrows) over vehicles moving from other directions;
f) a red signal, including a flashing one, or two red flashing signals prohibit movement.
A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional (additional) section (s) together with a yellow or red traffic light signal informs the driver that movement is allowed in the indicated direction, provided that vehicles moving from other directions are allowed to pass unhindered.
The green arrow on the plate, installed at the level of the red signal of a traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals, allows movement in the indicated direction when the red traffic light is on from the rightmost lane (or the leftmost lane on one-way roads), subject to the provision of an advantage in traffic to its other participants moving from other directions to a traffic light signal allowing movement;
16 Crossings
16.9. While driving in the direction of the arrow switched on in the additional section at the same time as the yellow or red traffic light, the driver must give way to vehicles moving from other directions.
While driving in the direction of the green arrow on the table set at the level of the red traffic light with a vertical arrangement of signals, the driver must take the extreme right (left) lane and give way to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions.
Indeed, such bicycles exist. They are called road or racing, they are designed for fast driving on roads with a good asphalt surface. How to distinguish such a bike and its other counterparts? Road bikes are characterized by a low riding position, lightweight body, handlebar bent downwards, narrow smooth and a large set of gears. At the same time, these bicycles are not well suited for other roads, are not suitable at all for tourism and are very inconvenient for pleasure riding.
By the way, a track bike, like a racing bike, is also a kind of road bike. It is used only for sports racing on the track and usually, unlike racing, it does not have brakes. By the way, the racing bike also has no brakes on rear wheel, only on the front, and brake using front brake You need to be very careful not to make a somersault through the steering wheel. How to make cycling more comfortable and safe in
A racing bike is one of the best options for improving fitness, long-distance riding, and high-speed movement on flat trails. Regular riding on a road model contributes to the harmonious development of all muscle groups. That is why a sports racing bike is increasingly chosen by experienced cyclists.
Features of racing bikes
Let us briefly consider how road models differ from 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.
Purpose
Racing road bikes are designed for competition, but are often used as a means of transportation by ordinary sports fans. Designed models of this category for driving on surfaces with the most even coverage. Therefore, they are not recommended to move on unpaved, rough surfaces.
A racing bike is an ideal option for organizing multi-day bike tours. However, for long-distance rides, the presence of a support car is welcome, since road models are not suitable for transporting luggage. Such bikes do not have rack mounts, which are provided in the design of most tourist, mountain and urban models.
Frame
Buying a racing bike, future owners have to choose between frames made of aluminum and aluminum. The bulk performs well when driving on flat surfaces. However, this option is much cheaper compared to carbon fiber.
Frames made from carbon fiber provide increased load-bearing capacity and maximum cushioning during travel. However, their cost cannot be called affordable, due to the special complexity of the manufacturing process.
If you need a solid racing bike to ride for fun, keep fit, in this case, it is enough to stop at the road model with an aluminum frame. When low weight and structural strength are critical for competitive performance, a carbon fiber frame is the way to go. In the latter case, athletes often resort to making it to order, in accordance with the parameters of their own body.
wheels
As noted above, the racing bike, the photo of which can be seen in this material, is equipped with narrow tires high pressure. The surface of the latter contains a minimum number of protectors. Wheels designed with these features in mind provide a low level of friction on the road surface, which contributes to the development of higher speed.
The disadvantage of tires for racing bikes is the occurrence of vibrations even when in contact with minor bumps. Therefore, in order not to feel discomfort and not cause damage to transport, it is recommended to drive it exclusively on paved roads.
Steering wheel
racing bikes equipped with rudders such as the geometry of which reduces the resistance of the oncoming air flow. Curved handles make it possible to control the transport by placing the body body parallel to the track during movement. As in others modern bicycles, the components that are responsible for braking and gear shifting are located on the steering wheel. All of the above points provide maximum convenience for the cyclist when high-speed riding is necessary.
Transfers
racing bikes high level have a wide range of gear shifting. Low ones are activated in case of overcoming long and steep climbs. High gears make it possible to save energy when driving on flat sections of tracks.
In the standard layout, a racing bike has 2-3 forward gears and at least eight rear-wheel drive gears. Collectively, mid-range road bikes have between 16 and 27 individual gear combinations.
Pedals
Most racing bikes do not have pedals as standard. This is due to the need to independently choose them for your own needs and features of shoes. A competent approach to the choice of pedals when buying a road bike in the future is largely reflected in the comfort of the ride and the achievement of the desired results. The best solution would be pedals with a system of clip-on hooks, which make it possible not only to push, but also to pull the cranks up.
Speed
Cyclists who are remotely familiar with are inclined to believe that riding a road bike allows you to develop speeds that are several times higher than the limits available during mountain riding models. As practice shows, the lightest racing bike makes it possible on average to move at a speed of up to 40 km / h.
The speed of a 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 driving style, proper fit, physical indicators cyclist and to a small extent from the model of the vehicle.
Race bike manufacturers
The main brands that are in demand among athletes: Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Bianchi. It is the bicycles of these brands that are most often preferred by professionals.
Buying a racing bike from an unverified manufacturer in order to save money, as a rule, ends with a quick failure of the main components, the need to endure discomfort during the ride, and in the worst case, the occurrence of critical damage to the frame. Professional racing bikes from reputable brands open up ample opportunities to improve the configuration for your own needs.
Landing
To determine the optimal fit when riding a racing bike, you should use the following recommendations:
- When moving, your hands should lie on the steering wheel, and your fingers should be free to reach the gearshift elements and brake levers. It is desirable that in this position an angle of 90 degrees be observed between the arms and the body.
- Making a choice, it is worth sitting on a bicycle. In this case, when looking at the front hub, the latter should be in line with the steering wheel. Otherwise, the landing cannot be called optimal.
- It is better to stop on a racing bike model, the width of the handlebars of which is symmetrical to the width of the shoulders. This grip ensures the maintenance of clear and stable breathing during movement. At the same time, the operation of a model with a narrow steering wheel contributes to an increase in aerodynamic performance. However, the latter option is not very convenient for inexperienced athletes.
- When placing the foot on the pedal parallel to the roadway, the leg should not bend at the knee. Installation according to the indicated principle indicates correct staging seat height.
- It is desirable that the plane of the seat is parallel to the ground. If at the same time there is increased discomfort during the ride, it is worth changing the angle of its inclination by several degrees.
- When choosing a fit, the gap between the thigh in the top position and the elbow should be on the order of a few centimeters.
- When riding a racing bike, it is recommended not to bend your back in the lumbar region. This is the only way to avoid unwanted stress on the intervertebral discs. In addition, such a fit allows you to breathe freely during active body movements.
Before stopping at specific model racing bike, it is worth testing several options. Having resorted to the help of a store consultant, you can narrow the circle down to a choice of several solutions. Even if the models have similar equipment and frame shape, the ride on each of them will be significantly different.
Before buying, it is recommended to ride each bike for 15-20 minutes, overcoming long and steep climbs if possible. It is worth choosing a model that provides increased comfort and is able to become a real extension of the body. Ideally, it should meet current and future needs in order to gain experience and improve physical form as you train.
When choosing your first racing bike, special attention should be paid to the frame. It is better to immediately give preference to high-quality and reliable. At the same time, savings can be obtained on completing the rest of the nodes, over time equipping the bike with parts of a higher level. It is recommended to start riding initially on good bike Because that's the only way to truly love this activity.
