Top of the Line Road Bikes

When you buy a bike, price is often indicative of quality. In short, you get what you pay for. That means lots of people are interested in buying the best bike they can afford, so they’ll have a nice ride, and a durable machine. However, deciding which top of the line road bike is a good buy and which isn’t worth the money can be tricky. Here’s some basic information to help you get the right bike.

Pick the Right Frame

Frame material can make a big difference in the way your bike performs. Some are lighter, stronger, and cheaper than others. In general, steel is strong but heavy. Aluminum is light, but often weaker. Titanium is strong and light, but expensive, as is carbon fiber. However, a higher end frame made of any of these materials will solve some of the problems they have better than less expensive models. You’re not only paying for the material the frame is made from. You’re also paying for the engineering to make it perform well. Don’t be tempted to get a cheaper frame made from a prestigious material like carbon fiber. Sacrifices have probably been made to make that frame less expensive.

Another part of getting a good frame is making sure that it fits you correctly. Most people, who haven’t been correctly fitted to a bike, ride one that’s too short for them. Ideally, you should be able to extend your leg almost fully on the downward stroke, without the frame being so high that you can’t straddle it at stops. Talk to a reputable bike seller to find a frame that’s the best fit for you. This is actually more important than the material the frame is made of. If you’re not able to ride efficiently, the extra edge you get from a quality frame material won’t be much help.

The components you put on the frame also matter. While ordinary ones will do the job, higher quality components allow for more precision. Again, it’s important to fit your purchase to the way you ride. Getting the maximum number of speeds available won’t give you a big increase in quality of ride if you mostly cycle in flat areas. Gearing is more important when you need to change the difficulty of pedaling to match the terrain. People who bike more often, and are in better shape, will usually need fewer gears. Those who are trying to get in shape will prefer a larger number of adjustments, so they don’t have to strain while riding. Remember that it’s better to enjoy cycling and ride often than it is to get a heavy workout every time you get on the bike.

Bike Style

Bike style is also important. If you’re mostly going to be on pavement, a light road bike is probably your best bet. However, for areas with uneven paving, or off-road riding, mountain bikes, or hybrids between the two are more effective. They’re heavier, but they offer better stability than many lighter bikes intended for more level surfaces. Once again, it’s your riding style and habits that determines the best bike for you. While buying top of the line is a great idea, getting a bike that doesn’t fit always spells trouble.

February 15 2008 | Road Bikes | 1 Comment »