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Road bikes are built for riding on paved surfaces. They have narrow, smooth tires, lightweight frames, sporty geometry, and drop handlebars. These features make them ideal for long-distance rides, helping you conserve energy. Road bikes are the fastest and most efficient type of bike.
However, they are not suitable for rough terrain and can be less comfortable than other bikes. Their aggressive riding position and lack of suspension may not suit everyone.
In this guide, you’ll learn more about the types of road bikes, their components, benefits, and drawbacks.
The Pros and Cons of Road Bikes
The following table summarizes the main features, benefits, and disadvantages of road bikes compared to other bike types.
| Feature | Road Bikes | Gravel Bikes | Hybrid Bikes | Mountain Bikes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geometry | Endurance or performance oriented | Endurance or performance oriented | Usually endurance or upright Sometimes performance oriented | Usually more upright |
| Suitable for | Paved roads | Paved, gravel, dirt, or forest roads | Paved, gravel, dirt, or forest roads | All types of terrains |
| Unsuitable for | Most terrains except paved roads | MTB-like terrain | MTB-like terrain | Paved roads |
| Versatility | Low | Great | Good | Great |
| Gearing | 2X Sometimes 1X | 1X or 2X Sometimes 3X | 3X or 2X Sometimes 1X | 1X or 2X Sometimes 3X |
| Suspension | No suspension | Sometimes front suspension Occasionally suspension seat post | Sometimes front suspension | Front suspension Rear suspension |
| Brakes | Disc or rim | Usually disc brakes | Disc or rim | Disc or rim |
| Maneuverability | Good | Good | Great | Great |
| Relative comfort | Bad | Good | Good | Great |
| Handlebars | Dropped | Dropped | Flat or curved | Flat |
| Tyres | Narrow | Narrow or wide | Narrow or wide | Wide |
| Wheels diameter | 700c | 650b, 700c | 700c, 26″ | 26″, 27.5″, 29″ |
| Browse | Road Bikes | Gravel Bikes | Hybrid Bikes | Mountain Bikes |
Types of Road Bikes
Road bikes come in various types, each designed for specific riding styles and purposes. Understanding the differences can help you choose the right bike for your needs, whether it’s for speed, comfort, or versatility.
Here is a brief explanation of each road bike type:
- Endurance Bikes are designed for long-distance comfort. They have relaxed geometry and slightly wider tires (above 30mm).
- Performance Bikes are focused on speed and responsiveness. They have a more aggressive geometry that pushes the rider into a more aerodynamic riding position. They are usually also stiffer.
- Aero Bikes are built for aerodynamics and speed. They are stiff and have deep-section wheels and frame shapes that minimize wind resistance. They are ideal for flat and fast rides and sprinters.
- Touring Bikes are designed for carrying loads over long distances. They have durable frames, multiple mounting points for racks and panniers, and comfortable geometry for extended rides.
- Gravel Bikes are versatile bikes made for mixed terrain, including paved and gravel roads and light trails. They feature wider tires (above 35mm) and often include mounting points for additional gear.
- Cyclocross Bikes are built for cyclocross racing on mixed terrain. They have knobby tires, lightweight frames, and high bottom brackets for better clearance over obstacles.
- Time Trial Bikes are optimized for time trials. They have aerodynamic frames and unique handlebars to reduce drag, focusing entirely on the most aerodynamic riding position.
- Triathlon Bikes are similar to TT bikes but specifically designed for triathletes. They don’t follow UCI rules and have some unique features (like water compartments) suitable for triathletes.
Road Bike Features Explained
Let’s dive deeper into the most important road bike components and features.
Frame Material and Geometry
The frame is crucial in determining the bike’s performance and handling characteristics. Road bike frames are typically made from materials such as carbon, aluminum, steel, or titanium. They are designed to be lightweight, stiff, and aerodynamic. But this also depends on the type of road bike.
Road bike frames generally have a longer top tube and a shorter head tube than mountain bikes. This design helps riders adopt a low, aerodynamic position, reducing drag and increasing speed.
The two most common road bike geometries are endurance and performance. Endurance geometry offers a more upright and comfortable riding position, while performance geometry, found on racing bikes, is designed for speed and efficiency.
Wheels and Tires
Road bike wheels share characteristics similar to those of the frame. They are designed to be stiff, aerodynamic, and lightweight. Budget-friendly wheels are typically made of aluminum, while high-end options use carbon. For more details, check out my article comparing aluminum vs. carbon wheels.
Wheels vary in rim depth and width. In the past, riders often used tires as narrow as 18mm. However, research and experience have shown that wider tires are faster and more comfortable. Today, 28mm tires are the standard, but there’s a growing trend toward even wider options, up to 36mm on endurance road bikes.
Road bike tires have a smooth tread pattern, which reduces rolling resistance and makes them ideal for paved surfaces. This sets them apart from gravel bike tires, which are designed for rougher terrain.
Deeper rims improve aerodynamics but add weight and reduce stability in crosswinds. So, if you want to make the right choice, make sure to read my guide on choosing road bike wheels.
Drivetrain
A bike drivetrain typically includes the cranks, chainrings, chain, cassette, and derailleurs. Chainrings are in the front of the bike, while a cassette is in the rear. Today’s road bikes have 11-spd or 12-spd (spd = speed) cassettes. However, beginner road bikes still can have a lower number of speeds.
Most road bikes have 2by (2X) groupsets, but there are 1by or 3by road bikes. Those with Shimano road groupsets typically have one of the following:
- Compact chainrings with 50/34T (T = teeth)
- Semi-compact with 52/36T
- or standard 53/39T
Those with SRAM groupsets usually have 50/37T, 48/35T, or 46/33T.
It can be overwhelming for beginners to orient themselves in drivetrains. So, what is the influence of the number of teeth?
The more teeth, the larger the chainring and the harder the gears. With the cassette, it’s the exact opposite. The larger the sprocket, the easier the gear.
Groupsets are mechanical or electronic. The electronic ones are more convenient but also more expensive. But once you try them, you probably won’t look back.
See the following table that summarizes road bike groupsets and their price range.
| Level | Shimano | SRAM | Campagnolo | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | Claris | Mechanical | ||
| Entry | Sora | Mechanical | ||
| Entry | Tiagra | Apex | Mechanical | |
| Mid-range | 105 11spd 105 12 spd 105 12 spd Di2¹ | Rival Rival eTap AXS¹ | Centaur | Mechanical |
| Mid-range | Force | Chorus | Mechanical | |
| Pro | Ultegra Di2 | Force eTap AXS | Chorus EPS | Electronic |
| Pro | RED | Record Super Record | Mechanical | |
| Pro | Dura-Ace Di2 | RED eTap AXS | Super Record EPS | Electronic |
¹Shimano 105 Di2 and Rival eTap AXS are electronic groupsets.
Handlebars and Shifters
Drop handlebars are a key feature of road bikes and offer several advantages over flat bars. They provide multiple hand positions, each suited to different needs, such as sprinting, descending, riding on flat roads, or climbing.
Shifters and brakes are mounted on the handlebars for easy access. They are integrated, allowing you to control both gears and brakes using the hoods.
With technological advancements, integrated cockpits—where the handlebar and stem are a single piece—are becoming more popular. They allow for internal cable routing, giving bikes a cleaner look and better aerodynamics. However, they are harder to maintain due to limited cable access.
Choosing the right stem length and handlebar width is essential for a comfortable fit. For beginners, I recommend starting with a standard, non-integrated handlebar. This approach helps you figure out the dimensions and bike geometry that work best for you before upgrading. Replacing cockpits can be expensive, so this strategy helps you avoid unnecessary hassle.
Brakes
Most modern road bikes now come with disc brakes, pushing rim brakes out of the market. (Source) Mechanical disc brakes are common on budget-friendly bikes, while hydraulic disc brakes are typically found on higher-end models. This article explains the differences, pros, and cons of each.
Disc brakes offer better performance, especially in wet conditions. However, if you live in a flat area and don’t race, rim brakes can still be a good option. Remember that rim brakes limit your ability to use wider rims and tires. To learn more, read about the differences between rim and disc brakes.
Saddle
Road bike saddles are usually narrower and more elongated than other types of bike saddles. Many riders, myself included, find them uncomfortable. I prefer saddles with a cutout or a prostate relief channel, as these reduce pressure on sensitive areas and help prevent numbness or discomfort.
Remember that more padding or a softer saddle doesn’t always mean better comfort. The shape of the saddle matters more. Check out my guide on choosing a bike saddle to help you find the right fit.
Conclusion
This is just a quick introduction to road bikes. To learn more, check out my guide on How to Choose a Road Bike. It provides detailed information about different types of road bikes and their components.
If you’re curious about the sport itself, my Road Cycling Beginner’s Guide covers everything you need to know. It includes tips on equipment, riding techniques, nutrition, clothing, and more.
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