Let's be clear: we're talking about bicycles here for racing. This means a low "ram" handlebar, a long top tube of the frame and an elongated position of the rider with a flat back. Combined with the typical geometry of a racing bike - 73-74 ° seating, stubby stays are bicycles that feel speed and react quickly but predictably. steering and you feel comfortable all day long if you are trained enough to stay in the saddle for that long.
Here I will talk about driving and handling. Other stats vary on any elite racing bike. Not everyone manages to hold out in a tilted position to the steering wheel due to the long stem; because of the low handlebars, the cyclist puts all his weight on front wheel which provides good grip and handling.
A good road bike must have a high-quality gear system - 53/39 front chainrings and a rear cassette with 11-23 stars. However, there is nothing wrong with using the compact 50/34 or wider sprockets. Even some pros use parts like this, and the latest Shimano pro-grade Dura-Ace kit includes an 11-30 cassette.
However, some things are vital. Racing bikes either have very light wheels or, even better, aerodynamic rims. Lightweight wheels add a little bit of speed on mountain roads, simply due to the overall light weight, but aero wheels always add speed, which greatly outweighs the lack of them from excess weight.
Lightweight and rigid frame as well required attribute 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 are considering buying a racing bike it certainly does - then you should opt for carbon fiber as it does. even the best metal frames are a couple of hundred grams heavier. But metals still have their virtues. For very tall cyclists, an aluminum frame might work - stiff but lightweight, and the characteristics of steel and titanium also have a lot of fans.
Caliper rim brakes are commonly used on racing bikes, but there are other options now. Shimano's Direct Mount brakes are tighter caliper brakes that are usually tucked under the stays for a more snug look.
But in last years breakthrough in brake systems steel disc brakes. Rim brakes are the way to go if you are going to race in the mainstream, but outside of the race you can experience all the benefits of discs that provide better braking performance while retaining the rims.
What are racing bikes suitable for?
In short: for driving fast. Including racing, of course, but you don't have to race to enjoy a racing bike, you can simply add the speed whistle of a speeding bike to the sounds of nature.
These bikes are great for any type of ride where speed is important, especially if you need to cover a decent distance. Carrying options are mostly limited to a backpack, but if you are careful with your selection, you can find a bike that will pull on 25mm tires and low profile Crud Road Racers or SKS Raceblade Longs fenders, so you will at least keep your butt dry and it will turn out to soak up in bed for a few minutes longer.
And if we talk about trips for several days? With the right bags and maybe some tweaks to the star system to compensate for the extra weight, you can be a great cyclist. However, race bikes are almost never equipped with rack mounts, and it can be said that it is not a good idea to try to make them yourself on a lightweight frame. Then you will hang on it the weight for which it was not intended, and the short rear stays of the road bike will not allow you to pedal if you put a rack with any load on the frame.
During events such as the transcontinental race, cyclists carry a minimum of luggage with them, sometimes supplementing their luggage with only a bag on the frame or on the handlebar. This is great if you are staying at a hotel or sleeping on the bus, and the alignment of the bag in line with your body does not greatly affect aerodynamics.
Five excellent racing bikes
The choice is huge, as is the variety of prices. To understand a little what is the price, we give below an example of five great bikes, the price of which is more like the price of cars.
B'Twin Ultra 700 AF - 900 €
More often than not, when we look at the performance of bikes, we highlight those places that need improvement or where they would be useful, but this does not apply to the B "Twin's Ultra 700 AF. This is one of the best options for the money in terms of price-performance ratio. ...
We don't want to say that there is nothing to improve in Ultra. With a rigid triple aluminum frame, it can easily accommodate some trinkets without overshadowing the main components.
In this case the Ultra 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 point, and even though the B "Twin has been trimmed down a bit with the RS500 compact (50/34) gearing system, it's still a very specific bike. without the 5800 series 105 chain, but you will hardly notice it.
Specialized Tarmac Sport - 1,345 €
We loved the bike's older brother, the Ultegra equipped. However, the youngest is also very attractive and well equipped and offers a very fast and fun ride, which is quite suitable for beginners riders.
As with the previous generation Tarmacs, it is easy to live with. There are no surprises in the management, it is very predictable and very easily fits into the home interior. This is a bike that can be used for a full day ride in complete comfort, as well as for diving into the winding and narrow chains of forest trails; for commuting and commuting; and, finally, for a walking trip on a lazy Sunday morning to the coffee shop. Ride and relax!
Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR - 2 160 €
If you want to achieve good results and show off on Strava, or just want fast, comfortable and easy riding, 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 7 kg, the SLR will be a real contender, even with the price - and it might even challenge direct salespeople.
The Road Pro is worth taking a closer look at. Silver paint with a mirror effect makes it stand out from others, especially in the sun; you will definitely be noticed.
However, beauty is not only in looks. In the harsh world of cycling, where bicycles begin to go through all the possible thorns, Boardman knows exactly what's what, and a good racing bike only begs for opportunities to overcome difficulties. He enjoys both driving on asphalt, going downhill along the very edge of a narrow path, and competing for speed in the ascent.
Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Dura-Ace - 2 550 €
There are several brands that associate with aluminum, like Cannondale with its legendary CAAD series - "Cannondale advanced aluminum design". American company has made a name for itself with aluminum frames, and while they have invested heavily in carbon fiber in recent years, the dedication to aluminum remains at a level that few have.
The new CAAD12 is a highly polished bike with a level of comfort that will leave you wondering why you would buy anything else at all, and of course why aluminum has been a popular material for such a short time, only during the development of advanced technology in racing bicycles. in the 90s. It's so light that it outshines many carbon fiber road bikes tested by us over the years. This is nothing short of a miracle.
Shimano's Dura-Ace shifting system and hydraulic disc brakes are expensive icing on a wonderful cake. The brakes give a feeling of solidity and immense strength, even with just one finger pressing the brake lever, and the subtle modulation ensures that the wheel does not lock. The star system 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 €
Trek Madone 9 series characterizes the latest technology feel like a fast and comfortable ride, but as is often the case with innovative engineering, nothing good can be cheap. However, this bike is exceptional.
In short, the Madone 9 is an aerodynamic racing bike that delivers comfort with a Trek's IsoSpeed decoupling that significantly dampens bumps and bumps. The effect is subtle but very noticeable.
The combination of IsoSpeed and aerodynamic frame profiles gives the Madone 9 the quirky feel of combining soft seating and super speed. He quickly picks up speed and keeps it nicely.
The climbs on this bike are wonderful. It is punchy on short steep climbs, agile when you come off the saddle, and feels comfortable when you keep your hands on the Madone XXX for long rides.
Question 1 of 15
1 .
Are the Rules violated in the situations depicted?
Right
f) tow bicycles;
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
d) while driving, hold on to another vehicle;
f) tow bicycles;
Question 2 of 15
2 .
Which cyclist doesn't break the rules?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
b) move on highways and roads for cars, as well as on the carriageway, if there is a nearby Bike Lane;
Question 3 of 15
3 .
Who should make way?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists are obliged to give way to others. vehicles moving along the road.
Question 4 of 15
4 .
What kind of cargo is allowed to be carried by a cyclist?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
22. Shipping
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.4. The cyclist can only carry such loads that do not interfere with the ride of the bike and do not create obstacles for other participants road traffic.
22. Shipping
22.3. The carriage of goods is permitted provided that it:
b) does not violate the stability of the vehicle and does not complicate its management;
Question 5 of 15
5 .
Which cyclist violates the Rules when transporting passengers?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Not right
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 old, carried in an additional seat equipped with securely fixed footrests);
Question 6 of 15
6 .
In what order will vehicles go through the intersection?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Not right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At the intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on 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 an intersection of equivalent roads, the driver of a non-rail vehicle must give way to vehicles approaching from the right.
Tram drivers should also be guided by this rule. At any unregulated intersection, a tram, regardless of the direction of its further movement, has an advantage over non-rail vehicles approaching it on an equivalent road.16.14. If the main road at an intersection changes direction, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed by each other and drivers driving on secondary roads.Question 7 of 15
7 .
Cycling on sidewalks and footpaths:
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.6. The cyclist is prohibited from:
c) move along sidewalks and footpaths (except for children under 7 years old on children's bicycles under the supervision of adults);
Question 8 of 15
8 .
Who has priority when crossing a bike path?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists are obliged to give way to other vehicles moving along the road.
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.5. If the cycle path crosses the road outside the intersection, cyclists are obliged to give way to other vehicles moving along the road.
Question 9 of 15
9 .
What is the distance between groups of cyclists moving in a column?
Right
6. Requirements for cyclists
Not right
6. Requirements for cyclists
6.3. Cyclists moving in groups should 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 movement distance between groups of 80-100 m.
Question 10 of 15
10 .
Vehicles will pass the intersection in the following order
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on 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.
Not right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on 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 same direction, as well as to vehicles moving along an equivalent road in the opposite direction, straight or to the right.
Question 11 of 15
11 .
The cyclist will pass the intersection:
Right
16. Passage of intersections
Not right
8. Traffic regulation
8.3. The signals of the traffic controller have priority over the signals of traffic lights and the requirements of road signs and are mandatory. Traffic light signals, except for the flashing yellow one, take precedence over road signs priority. Drivers and pedestrians must comply with additional requirements of the authorized official, even if they contradict traffic signals, road 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 to vehicles moving in the opposite direction straight or turning right. Tram drivers should also be guided by this rule.
Question 12 of 15
12 .
Flashing red signals of this traffic light:
Right
8. Traffic regulation
Not right
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.6. To regulate traffic at level crossings, traffic lights with two red signals or one white-lunar and two red signals are used, having the following meanings:
a) flashing red signals prohibit the movement of vehicles across the level crossing;
b) a blinking white-lunar signal indicates that the alarm is operational and does not prohibit the movement of vehicles.
At railway crossings, simultaneously with the prohibitory signal of the traffic light, the sound signal, additionally informing road users about the prohibition of movement through the crossing.
Question 13 of 15
13 .
Which vehicle driver will pass the intersection second?
Right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on 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 at an intersection changes direction, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed by each other and drivers driving on secondary roads.
Not right
16. Passage of intersections
16.11. At an intersection of unequal roads, the driver of a vehicle moving on 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 at an intersection changes direction, the drivers of vehicles moving along it must follow the rules for driving through intersections of equivalent roads.
This rule should be followed by each other and drivers driving on secondary roads.
16 Passing intersections
Not right
8. Traffic regulation
8.7.3. Traffic signals have the following meanings:
A signal in the form of an arrow, allowing a left turn, also permits a U-turn, if it is not prohibited by road signs.
A signal in the form of a green arrow (arrows) in the additional (additional) section (s), included together with a green traffic light signal, informs the driver that he has priority in the direction (directions) of movement 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 an additional (additional) section (sections), 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 unimpeded.
A green arrow on a plate installed at the level of a red 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), provided that the traffic advantage is given other participants moving from other directions to a traffic signal allowing movement;
16 Passing intersections
16.9. While driving in the direction of the arrow included in the additional section simultaneously with 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 vertical signals, the driver must take the rightmost (left) lane and give way to vehicles and pedestrians moving from other directions.
A racing bike is one of the best options for improving fitness, long-distance riding, high-speed movement on tracks with flat surfaces. Regular driving on the road model promotes the harmonious development of all muscle groups. That is why sports racing bikes are increasingly chosen by experienced cyclists.
Features of racing bikes
Let's briefly consider how road models differ from other types of two-wheeled vehicles:
- lightweight frame, accessories and wheels;
- narrow tires;
- a front fork, often made of carbon fiber;
- lack of rear or front suspension.
Appointment
Road racing bicycles are intended for competition, but are often used as a means of transportation by ordinary sports enthusiasts. Models of this category are designed for driving on surfaces with the most even coverage. Therefore, it is not recommended to move on them on unpaved, rough surfaces.
A racing bike is ideal for organizing multi-day cycling tours. However, when driving over long distances, the presence of a support car is encouraged, since road models are not suitable for transporting luggage. These bicycles are devoid of mounts for the installation of roof racks, which are provided in the design of most tourist, mountain and urban models.
Frame
When purchasing a racing bike, future owners have to choose between frames made of and aluminum. The bulk is excellent when driving on flat surfaces. At the same time, this option turns out to be an order of magnitude cheaper than carbon fiber.
The frames are made of carbon fiber for increased load resistance and maximum cushioning during travel. However, their cost cannot be called affordable, due to the particular laboriousness of the manufacturing process.
If you need a solid racing bike to ride for fun, keep fit, then opt for a road bike with an aluminum frame. When low weight and structural strength are critical for competitive performance, a carbon fiber frame should be preferred. 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 high-pressure tires. 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 increased speed.
The disadvantage of racing bike tires is that they generate vibration even when they come into contact with minor irregularities. Therefore, in order not to feel discomfort and not cause damage to the transport, it is recommended to move on it only along paved roads.
Steering wheel
Racing bikes are equipped with rudders of the type, the geometry of which provides a decrease in the resistance of the oncoming air flow. Curved handles make it possible to control transport by placing the body of the body parallel to the track during movement. As with other modern bicycles, the components for braking and shifting are located on the handlebars. All of the above points provide maximum convenience for the cyclist when high-speed riding is required.
Transmission
Racing bikes high level have a wide range of gear changes. 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 configuration, a racing bike has 2-3 forward gears and at least eight rear-wheel drive gears. Combined, mid-range road bikes have 16 to 27 individual gear combinations.
Pedals
Most racing bikes do not have pedals as standard. This is due to the need to independently select them for their own needs and shoe characteristics. A competent approach to the choice of pedals when buying a road bike in the future is largely reflected in ride comfort and achievement desired results... The optimal 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
Cycling enthusiasts who are remotely familiar with the tendency to believe that riding on a road bike allows you to develop speeds that are several times higher than the limits available during riding on mountain models. As practice shows, it makes it possible, on average, to move at a speed of up to 40 km / h. light racing bike.
The speed of a trained cyclist is about 25-35 km / h, which is slightly higher than the results of owners of urban and mountain models. In general, the development of higher speeds depends on driving style, correct landing, physical indicators the cyclist and to a small extent from the vehicle model.
Racing 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 usually ends up 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 bicycles from reputable brands open up ample opportunities for improving the complete set according to your own needs.
Landing
To determine the optimal fit when riding a racing bike, you should use the following guidelines:
- When moving, your hands should lie on the steering wheel, and your fingers should freely reach the gearshift elements and brake levers. It is desirable that in this position an angle of 90 ° between the arms and the body is observed.
- When making a choice, you should sit down on a bike. In this case, when looking at the front hub, the latter should be in line with the steering wheel extension. Otherwise, the fit will not be optimal.
- It is better to stop on a model of a racing bicycle, the width of the handlebars of which is symmetrical to the width of the shoulders. This grip ensures that a clear and stable breathing is maintained during movement. At the same time, the operation of the model with a narrow rudder 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 road surface, the leg should not bend at the knee. Installation according to the specified principle indicates correct setting seat height.
- It is desirable that the plane of the seat be parallel to the ground. If at the same time there is an increased discomfort during driving, it is worth changing the angle of its inclination by several degrees.
- When choosing a fit, the gap between the hip in the upper 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 loads on intervertebral discs... In addition, this fit allows you to breathe freely during active body movements.
Before settling on a specific model of a racing bike, it is worth testing several options. By resorting to the help of a store consultant, you can narrow the circle down to choosing several solutions. Even if the models have a similar configuration 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, if possible overcoming long and steep climbs. It is worth choosing a model that provides increased comfort and is able to become a real continuation of the body. Ideally, it should meet current and future needs in order to gain experience and improve physical fitness as you train.
When choosing your first racing bike Special attention should be given 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 initially recommended to start skating on good bike, because this is the only way you can truly love this occupation.
The bike was first shown at the Critérium du Dauphiné, a French road race where new bikes are often tested before being released to the Tour de France. The bike weighs only 640 grams (with a frame size of 56 centimeters) and is the lightest of all models of the manufacturer.
Trek plans to launch this miracle into serial production. The Emonda could thus become the world's first lightest production road bike. Weight with all components - 4.65 kilograms.
Nuance: only bikes weighing 6.8 kilograms or more can take part in the Tour. So the engineers still have a place to “roam”.
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX
This bike is perhaps the best balance of weight and aerodynamics, which plays a decisive role in road cycling. All thanks to the wind tunnels that make up the frame of this time trial horse from Canyon.
Source: feedthehabit.com
Specialized S-Works McLaren Tarmac
The brand new S-Works first appeared before the start of the Giro d "Italia (the Italian analogue of the French Tour). And its modification by McLaren was presented a few days before the start of the Tour de France 2014. The peculiarity of the latter is that it is made of a special alloy of carbon fiber. this makes the bike frame 10% lighter than the standard bike frame.
- EE Cycleworks brakes;
- Roval CLX40R wheelset;
- Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 hardware.
Source: cyclefit.co.uk
Merida Reacto KOM
The Taiwanese bicycle company Merida has also tried to combine good aerodynamics and a light weight... The result is a bike that, when fully loaded (along with the Shimano Dura-Ace attachments and the Fulcrum Racing Speed XLR wheelset), gained 6.8 kilograms.
Today there are only 3 such bicycles. One of them belongs to Rui Costa, a Portuguese professional cyclist, 3-time winner of the Tour of Switzerland, winner of 3 stages of the Tour de France, world champion in a group race (not to be confused with Rui Costa, a former Portuguese footballer) ...
Source: thaimtb.com
Pinarello dogma f8
This road wonder was developed in collaboration between Pinarello and Jaguar. The result is a road bike that:
“12% stiffer, 16% more balanced, and 42% more aerodynamic. And we saved 120 grams in weight “- say the engineers at Pinarello, the Italian sports bike manufacturer.
The fate of Jaguar is also far from the last: British automakers carried out an aerodynamic examination of the frame in a special wind tunnel.
