Bike racing includes including stage races, time trials and triathlons. Because of the wide range of riding styles and ability levels, there isn't an all-around "best" racing bicycle. However, when choosing the best racing bike for your particular needs, look for general features such as a sturdy, lightweight frame to maximize aerodynamics, adjustable features to match riding styles and high-quality components for improved performance.
Design
Racing bicycles are commonly made from aluminum or carbon, but the best lightweight frames are made from carbon fiber. The carbon frames are designed to maximize aerodynamics that ultimately increases speed and power potential during the race. Specific handlebar designs, including aerobars on time trial and triathlon bikes, also improve aerodynamics. The total weight of the bike frame ranges from about 1 to 3 lbs. on high-end racing bikes, while the best racing bikes for beginners can be about 15 lbs.
Adjustments
Because riders have different riding styles and body sizes, the best racing bicycles have several size and feature adjustments. You can adjust the seat post angle to accommodate different races to maximize power transfer during every pedal stroke, and change the size of the wheels for smaller riders. Most bike models are available in more than 10 sizes, so choose the size that best fits your body.
Components
The components on the best racing bicycles improve the overall performance of the bike by allowing smooth shift changes along with efficient power transfer from the pedals to the chain and tires. Common high-end components for the fork, crankset and gears are also made from carbon fiber to minimize additional weight. The best racing bicycles for beginners may contain basic components that can be upgraded as riding and ability levels improve.
Price
The price range on the best racing bicycles depends on the quality of materials and components, as well as any special designs or technologies. Entry-level beginner racing bicycles can cost less than $3,000 as of 2011, but professional-grade racing bicycles with the lightest frames and best components can cost more than $10,000. As a general rule, as the price increases, so does the overall performance of the bike.
References
- Pointy Helmet Coaching: Top 10 Triathlon Bikes for 2010; Marty McCrory; March 2010
- Beginner Triathlete; Entry Level Bikes for Beginners; Michel Charette
- "Bicycling" Magazine; Tarmac SL3 DI2; April 2010
- "Bicycling" Magazine; Addict RC; April 2010
- "Bicycling" Magazine; Project 1 5-Series Madone; April 2010
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