Welcome to the second part of our series, where we discuss the most important requirements a bicycle should meet, depending on its intended use. In the previous installment, we wrote about bicycles designed for the city. This time, we'll focus on vehicles designed for speed enthusiasts and record-breaking cyclists, as well as avid athletes, presenting road bikes and, as a separate category, triathlon bikes.
Road bike – the most important requirements
For several years now, road bikes have become as common in bike shops as mountain and city bikes. More and more people are recognizing the benefits of fast road riding, and this is certainly influenced by the continued success of Polish road cyclists in the world's most important professional races and the commercial success of our local Tour de Pologne. Which bike should you choose if you want to follow in the footsteps of Michał Kwiatkowski and Rafał Majka?
When it comes to road bikes, a crucial attribute is weight – the lower the weight, the higher the speed with less effort. Therefore, the frames of these bikes are lightweight. Frame length is also crucial, as selecting the optimal length for your height will allow you to maintain a perfectly inclined, aerodynamic riding posture that promotes better performance. Frame length is closely related to the rider's leg length, measured from the ground to the crotch. There's currently a wide selection of frames in various sizes available on the market.
28-inch wheels must strike a balance between fewer spokes and lower weight, which promote better performance, and durability. Durability is especially important on many Polish roads, where cyclists can encounter unexpected potholes that can damage the wheels. Most road bike wheels have rider weight limits. Wheels without weight limits, made of durable materials, can be quite expensive – even several thousand zlotys.
Road bike tires aren't a major expense. For hobbyists, standard wire tires will suffice. If you ride frequently and at high speeds, it's worth investing in folding tires made of better materials. They provide better grip and durability. For road riding, we naturally choose tires without tread or with a very light tread, which will make riding on wet surfaces easier. The optimal tire width is 23 mm.
The choice of additional components, such as the handlebar or saddle, depends on the user's preferences. It's worth testing different variants to choose the one that provides comfort. Fortunately, these components aren't very expensive.
Triathlon bike
Triathlon bikes, unlike road bikes, feature a slightly shorter frame, which makes riding them while maintaining an aerodynamic silhouette more comfortable for the muscles. This requires conserving energy for running.
When choosing wheels for a triathlon bike, it's worth allocating a significant portion of your budget for them, as in this sport, they determine your performance more than the frame. If possible, even carbon wheels are worth considering.
For less experienced users, the remaining features of triathlon bikes are more a matter of personal preference and comfort. Of course, it's important to remember to use treadless tires.
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