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Road Bikes

Both racing and touring bikes can be classified as road bikes, as well as general purpose bikes used for everyday commuter or utility use. The term is most often used however, to denote the type of bike used for racing.

The frame of a racing bike is made of light materials and designed for maximum power transfer – this means the rider will be positioned so that he or she is leaning forward for better aerodynamics and allows for a more efficient pedaling motion. Unfortunately this is generally not as comfortable as a more upright position would be for long periods.

In addition, the tires of road bikes used for racing are usually very thin and smooth – this reduces air resistance and makes for a smoother ride. They are generally unsuitable for off-road use so some riders prefer a more balanced type of road bike, often called a city, commuter, or hybrid bike, used for practical transportation and comfort rather than speed.

Hybrid bikes are a cross between mountain and road bikes, and the amount of influence from either type can vary – a commuter bike may share some of the light construction and form of a racing bike while a more general city bike will usually forego the thin racing tires for wider tires that allow the rider to navigate poor quality roads or hazards such as potholes and curbs that may be encountered in everyday travel.

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