By Travis Mann
For new bicyclers it is important to think about what kind of bicycling you will be doing. Most people will be either mountain biking or road biking. Road bikes are specially engineered for paved surfaces and fast speeds. Mountain bikes are designed for rugged terrain and stability. Road bikes were originally developed for racing and have some unique features. For beginners I have outlined some of the features of current bicycles for road riding.
Frame
The type of material the frame is made of depends on the price. The ideal frame is lightweight yet sturdy. The low-end frames are made of either steel or aluminum. Neither is especially lightweight, but the more you pay, the weight tends to decrease. As the frame goes up in price, components begin to be swapped out for more premium materials such as carbon fiber. High-end frames are made of newer, more expensive materials like titanium.
Wheels
The wheels of a road bike are narrow and under high pressure when fully aired. They are designed to decrease friction with the road by minimizing contact with it. These wheels are not the most comfortable, but there is no argument that they are the fastest.
Handlebars – The handlebars go out from the stem to form a T, but then they curl downward. This allows riders to grip either the T-section or the under-section so they can hunch down, reducing wind resistance. This position also maximizes the power that can be produced by pumping the legs.
Gears
Gear combinations are varied but, generally, high. While road bicycles of the past had only 10 gears (10-speeds), they now have from 16 to 28 gears.
Pedals
The type of pedal is a platform, but the specific style may vary. Some platform pedals come equipped with toe clips. Sometimes clipless pedals are used so the rider can clip cleats to pedals. This cleat/pedal combination allows the rider extra power by driving the pedal through the full rotation.
I hope this introduction helps answer some of the basic question new riders often ask or maybe are afraid to ask because they don’t want to look like a newbie. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. You will find that most bike riders are friendly and jump at the chance to introduce someone new to the sport. Look for a local bike shop, stop by and get to know the regulars. You’ll be hooked and helping other beginners in no time.
How To Fit Your Road Bike Video
Click here to view the embedded video.
–About–
I am Travis and I like to travel the country and write about it. One of my favorite locations is the Cohutta Wilderness area of Chatsworth Georgia. If you plan on visiting the Chattahoochee National Forest I highly recommend staying at my favorite Georgia Cabin Rentals. If you will keep reading I will keep traveling and writing about it.
Source: Cool Biking Zone – Your source for great cycling, sports and fitness articles!
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