Racing Bike

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A racing bike will become a priority when your inner Lance Armstrong begins to show. Check out this advice on what to do before and when you go shopping.

Road Racing Bicycle Image

Weight is a factor

One of the most important things to know about road racing bikes is the lighter they are, the faster they can go. The heaviest bikes are those constructed with all-steel frames. The next heaviest are bikes made with a steel frame, carbon forks and a seat post. Carbon forks make for a lighter, smoother ride, because the carbon “gives” more on bumps. The lightest bikes are all carbon construction.

Often you’ll pay $1,000 or more for every pound you can shave off the weight of your racing bike. Think about this: you can save the same by losing one pound of your OWN weight and save the $1,000. So don't get too caught up in the weight game.

Check the gears

Look for 12-18 gears. Having many gears on your bike will greatly increase your hill climbing speed during races. Whether you need two or three gears in front depends on the type of terrain that you will be riding on. If you regularly ride in hills or mountains, you will probably want a third "granny" gear up front.

Talk to the salespeople

They should be very enthusiastic and helpful in helping you find a road racing bike that’s right for you. Most people who work in bike shops are bike nuts more than happy to bring a new rider into their bike centric world. You can probably buy a bike a little cheaper through eBay or classifieds, but a good bike shop will more than make up this small difference with quality service. Spend an extra $100 and make sure you get just the right bike.

High-quality components

Shimano and Campagnolo are two of the best-known and most trustworthy bike component providers. Chances are if you find a road racing bike featuring either of their components, you’ve found a solid bike.

Take your racing bike for a test ride

Be sure you’re riding a bike that has a proper frame for your size. A good bike shop should spend a lot of time ensuring that you have just the right fit. Take the road racing bike for a test spin to see how comfortable a fit it is for you. Buy a road racing bike with an adjustable seat, because the handlebars of racing bikes are low, meaning you’re going to be hunched over while riding. With an adjustable seat, you’ll be able to alter the position you hold your body in with just a few turns.

Racing Bike Prices

Entry-level road bikes with an all-steel frame and low-end components will cost about $500-$800. Mid-level road bikes have carbon forks and seat posts, and components that are usually three quality steps down from top of the line models cost $800-$2,000. High-end racing bikes cost $2,000-$6,000 and are built for racing athletes. They have top-of the-line components and are built with all-carbon and other composites weighing 1one or two pounds lighter than mid-level models.

Top Road Bicycle Manufacturers

Where to buy a racing bike

Probably the best place to buy is at a local bike store. You’ll want the right fit, personal adjustments and will need the customer service. Also, many of the top brands simply do not sell online.

Here are some Web sites where you can find road racing bikes:

Bike Smart offers a vast inventory of bicycles and accessories. You can search the merchandise by vendor, components, accessories, frames, clothing and bikes. Be sure to visit the closeout sections for bargains.

Amazon.com has a good selection of bikes, parts, accessories, clothing, tools and footwear in its cycling department.

Jenson USA offers road and cross bikes plus every necessary biking accessory you can think of, including helmets, tools, hydration systems, pumps and fenders.

eBay is a good place if you know exactly what you want. Many triathletes absolutely MUST have the latest-and-greatest, so they frequently dump the previous models at eBay, where you can scoop them up at a good discount.


 


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