Road Bikes

Road bike characteristics are typically drop handlebars and diverse gear settings, and are often associated with bikes seen on the Tour de France and weekend warrior cycling clubs. However, road bikes also include city commuter & hybrid bikes, touring bikes, folding bikes and triathlon bikes for the uber sports enthusiast.

Types of Road Bikes

The characteristic of the standard road bike are the drop handlebars and diverse gear settings give this a signature look. These are the ones you see on the Tour de France. The highly narrow high-pressure tyres look very slim and lessen the amount of rolling resistance while also being built into a frame that is highly light, aerodynamic, and ready for a coasting ride.

The first category are touring bikes which are used for carrying large loads and are comfortable, formidable, and capable. The second category of hybrid bikes are used for leisure and utility purposes, and they can go on paved roads, but they can also diversify into slightly unpaved roads and diverse settings. The reason they are called hybrid is because they can go on both types of terrain, but neither very well to the fullest extent. Having said that, they are great for general purpose cycling and are generally more affordable, perfect for beginners and intermediates alike.

City bikes are used for a certain purpose like for a commute, shopping experience, or dashing about doing errands in towns and cities. These are the kind that are often seen in Amsterdam, Oxford and Cambridge. Roadsters are a special kind of utility bike made in the UK. Recumbent are designed for diverse purposes like leisure, utility, or off-roading, but they are designed with the unique look of the rider sitting back in them and reclining.

When getting started, it is important to keep a few things in mind. In countries where riding bikes are considered normal, practical, and a part of everyday life, they take certain precautions that are not so well known in other countries. These precautions, however, can save your life or protect your property. For example, you should consider getting a bell for letting people that can’t see you know you’re approaching, lights to make others aware of you at night, kickstands to stop and start easily wherever there is no cycle rack, racks to help you store your bicycle outside your house, and chain guards to keep it safe in the event that someone decides to snatch it off the rack.

Map the route you are going to take when commuting so you don’t run into problems where you may not be able to go and you’ll have to turn around. Some people assume that a pavement will be present all the way to their destination, however, in many countries (including the UK) it isn’t legal to ride on the pavement. Some countries don’t give as much primacy to cyclists as others, and some towns are just naturally better suited for it.