We Know: All About Buying a Racing Bike
What are the most important things to remember about buying a racing bike?
Racing bicycles are specially designed, first, to adhere to the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the premier organization for bicycle racing; and second, to be as light as possible while keeping the rider as aerodynamic as possible. Drop handlebars with optional extensions and a raised seat keep the rider as close to parallel to the road as possible, decreasing the area of his or her body that can contribute to drag and slow the bike. In proportion to other bikes, the front and rear tires are closer together, enabling the bike to turn more efficiently, and gears are set more closely together than in standard bikes so that the experienced cyclist can pedal at his or her optimum pace.
Racing bikes are highly specialized, and professionals depend on their bikes being set to their optimum performance specifications. The loss of a bike prior to or in a race can make the difference between winning and coming in last.
Are there different types of racing bikes?
The three primary types of racing bikes are track bicycles, designed for indoor racing; mountain bikes, designed for racing offroad; cyclo-cross or cycle speedway bicycles, for long-distance outdoor racing on a regular track; and recumbent bicycles, which are categorically excluded from the UCI regulations but which are the fastest bicycles in the world.
Who are the best manufacturers of racing bikes?
Many professional cyclists swear by custom-made bicycles, but these can cost thousands of dollars. Manufacturers who make most professional racing bikes include:.
It's not only the bike manufacturer that's important. The manufacturer of the components of the bike can be just as crucial. Some of the best include:
Components together (excluding frameset, fork, wheelset, bars, stem, pedals, seat, and seatpost) are called the groupset. High-quality groupsets purchased from the above component makers are what make a really good racing bike.
What else is important to a racing bike?
The wheelset is crucial. The more easily they spin and less friction on all surfaces they have, the faster the bike will go. Because steep grades need some friction but less weight, different types of wheelsets may be used for hill-climbing as opposed to flat surfaces. Other factors affecting your wheelset's performance include:
What are the UCI's specific requirements?
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