Is the gravel bike truly the one bike that can do it all? They’re amazing, no doubt! But even still, the big question everyone wants answered is: how much slower is a gravel bike compared to a road bike? And importantly, will you be able to keep up with your mates on road bikes?
From TomsGuide.com
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Here are five things to consider before buying your first road bike
Road bikes are pretty awesome — designed with lightweight frames, narrow tires, and aerodynamic features, they allow you to achieve higher speeds with less effort compared to other types of bikes. If you love indoor cycling on one of the best exercise bikes but you also like to adventure then it’s highly likely you’ll enjoy the freedom of riding a road bike.
From the nuances of bike sizing to the intricacies of maintenance, there are a few things I wish I had known before buying my first road bike. Thankfully, it’s been two years now since I switched over from a mountain bike to a road bike and although I’m still learning new things about road bikes and road cycling I’ve picked up some valuable tips along the way.
Here are five things I wish someone had briefed me on before buying my first road bike.
Getting a bike with the right frame size is paramount when buying a road bike, or any bike for that matter. While various components of a bike can be adjusted for a better fit you can still end up sitting uncomfortably on a bike if you begin with the wrong frame size. Road bikes aren’t overly cheap so you want to make sure you are investing in something that fits you right and that you can comfortably ride for many years to come.
What are the real differences between gravel bikes and road bikes? With more road cyclists riding gravel bikes, Si investigated the top 5 differences between gravel bikes and road bikes, including tires, bike gears, bike frame shape and much more!
From MensJournal.com
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist looking for your next race bike or you’re just getting started, these are the road bikes to know this year.
By Berne Broudy
If you want to ride on pavement, whether that’s roads or bike paths, a road bike is the most efficient tool for the job. Within the realm of pavement pedaling, road bikes are ideal for a broad spectrum of pursuits, from getting fit to winning races.
Road bikes come with carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, or steel frames and forks, and they’re usually spec’d with stable and speedy 700C wheels with relatively skinny tires. That wheel and tire combo offers reduced rolling resistance and less drag than the chunkier tires found on mountain bikes and some gravel
Gearing: If your last road bike was an old ten-speed, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the range of gearing available on modern road bikes. While some have a single chainring and others have two, today’s models typically deliver a wider spread of gearing options for powering up hills and hitting top speed on flat pavement.
Geometry: If you’re a racer, you’ll want a bike that’s aerodynamic, which means it has the lowest possible wind resistance. It’s also good to opt for a frame with more aggressive geometry: When you’re riding, your torso will be close to the bike’s top tube. Although the bike can feel less stable when you’re descending or cornering, it’ll help you shave seconds off your time.
Planning on touring or doing long-distance rides? Opt for a bike with more relaxed geometry for a more comfortable body positioning and less fatigue after long hours in the saddle. You’ll also want to make sure it has the fittings for racks, bags, and bottles.
Image courtesy of Cannondale.com
Let’s be honest. We’d all love an extra bike. But if you can only have one, what bike do you go for? A Gravel bike? A Mountain bike? Maybe a Commuter? We’re here to tell you why the humble Road Bike is the only bike you need.
