From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bicycles designed for traveling at speed on paved roads
The term
road bicycle
is used to describe bicycles built for traveling at speed on paved roads. Some sources use the term to mean
racing bicycle
. Other sources specifically exclude racing bicycles from the definition, using the term to mean a bicycle of a similar style but built more for endurance and less the fast bursts of speed desired in a racing bicycle; as such, they usually have more gear combinations and fewer hi-tech racing features. Certain of these bicycles have been referred to as 'sportive' bicycles to distinguish them from racing bicycles.
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Compared to other styles of bicycle, road bicycles share common features:
- The
tires
are narrow, high-pressure (100 psi (700 kPa) or higher), and smooth to decrease
rolling resistance
- The
handlebars
are bent ("dropped") to allow the rider position to be leaned forward and downward, which reduces the forward vertical cross-sectional area and thus highly reduces the
air resistance
- They usually use
derailleur gears
; however,
single-speed
and
fixed-gear
varieties exist (which often are used city-wide, due to simple maintenance from their simple designs).
- They either use
disc brakes
or
rim brakes
(although there might be technical differences, for example, road bike calliper brakes use shorter and wider pads than mountain bike cantilevers)
- The bicycle is of lightweight construction using materials such as aluminium alloys or carbon fibre.
- They use clipless
pedals
and special shoes in contrast to flat pedals, usually installed on mountain bikes.
The term
road bicycle
can also describe any type of bike used primarily on paved
roads
, in contrast to bikes primarily intended for off-road use, such as
mountain bikes
. Several variations of road bikes include:
- Touring bicycles
are designed for
bicycle touring
: they are robust, comfortable, and capable of carrying heavy loads
- Hybrid bicycles
are designed for a variety of recreational and utility purposes. While primarily intended for use on pavement, they may also be used on relatively smooth unpaved paths or trails.
- Utility bicycles
are designed for
utility cycling
: are a traditional bicycle for commuting, shopping and running errands in towns and cities.
- A
roadster
is a specific form of utility bicycle developed in the UK.
- Recumbent bicycles
are designed for a variety of recreational and utility purposes, but are characterised by the reclined riding position in which the cyclist is seated.
- Vintage road bicycles, also known as classic lightweight bicycles, are generally older bicycles with frames which are manufactured using
steel
tubing and
lugs
. Certain examples of this bicycle type have become collectors' items, with potential values of several thousand
dollars
.
[2]
Other cyclists prefer this type of bicycle to those manufactured using modern techniques because they are "practical, versatile, durable, repairable, and timeless, regardless of current popular trends."
[3]
- A
flat bar road bike
, also called a
fitness bike
, is a relatively new style of bicycle. It is simply a road bike fitted with a flat handlebar and MTB-style shifters and brake levers.
[4]
[5]
This combination provides a light, fast bike with a more upright riding position that is more comfortable and gives a better view in traffic. Flat bar road bike are commonly used for commuting, urban and fitness riding.
See also
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References
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