Racing bikes and city bikes might appear similar in ways, but the differences are more dramatic than meets the eye. At first glance, you notice each type has drop handlebars, shifters, multiple gears and slender tires that are indicative of road bikes. A closer inspection accompanied by a test ride reveals distinct differences between racing and city bikes.
Frames and Weight
Overall, frame designs are relatively similar among racing and city bikes. However, if you parked your everyday commuter bike and set out on a racing bike, you might experience a sensation that something is missing. In fact, what's missing are pounds of overall weight. The Trek Madone SSL that's designed for world champion racer Lance Armstrong has a carbon fiber frame that weighs 950 g, or about 2.1 pounds. Conversely, Trek's 2100 production road bike for commuters and recreational riders has a 15-pound aluminum frame.
Handling
Those accustomed to riding a city bike with an aluminum or steel frame might find a racing bike difficult to handle at first. Metal frames afford a degree of balance and control because the bike's center of gravity is just above the pedal cranks. Lightweight racing bikes are dependent on the rider's weight, which elevates the center of gravity well above that of city bikes. It takes time to become familiar with the handling characteristics of lightweight racing bicycles.
Wheels and Tires
Although tire profiles are somewhat similar, wheel design and construction separate racing and city bikes. Most city bike wheels have a full complement of 32 spokes compared to a minimum of eight spokes on some racing wheels. Alloy wheels for city bikes are available through numerous aftermarket suppliers at fair market prices. Racing wheels are produced by a limited number of manufacturers and a top-of-the-line set can exceed the cost of an expensive production city bike.
Components
Racers modify certain components to reduce the overall weight of a bike. It's not uncommon for racing engineers to machine special handlebars, sprockets and build a lightweight chain for a particular event. You might outfit your city bike with similar components used on racing bikes, such as a lightweight crankset and titanium wheels. But the bearings, brake pads and even lubricants for your production bike differ from those on racing bikes. Aside from completely outfitting your city bike with racing components, you would have to change the frame for competitive racing.
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