Nothing can quench your thirst for speed like a state-of-the-art piece of technology with a propulsion system, powered by nothing more than your own body with an occasional help from gravity. Bicycles work on a very simple principle. They are basically a frame with a pair of wheels and a gear system that transfers the power from your legs into the wheels. Sounds pretty simple, but the amount of science and precision involved in producing today’s race bikes is actually mind boggling, from finding the perfect light-weight materials to reducing friction and resistance to a minimum. With a modern race bike, an average cyclist can reach speeds up to 40 km/h, while the highest speed record is an amazing 139,45 km/h.
Nowadays we have a huge range of race bikes for sale varying in design, performance, quality, and of course, price. Of course, you can walk into a bike store, throw some cash at the counter and walk away with any of the race bikes for sale, or you can do a little homework, get the most value for your money, and buy a race bike that will fit you perfectly and serve you for years to come. So, here are some of the things you might want to consider when buying a new race bike.
The frame is the foundation of the bike, to which all the other components are attached to. This means it needs to be very strong, durable, but also light-weight so that it doesn’t slow you down. The frame can be made from a wide range of materials and alloys, with the most common being steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. Aluminum is an inexpensive light-weight choice. Steel is very strong and comfortable, but because of the weight, it is more suitable for touring where speed is not that important. If you want something more exotic, that is both very strong and light-weight, then you should go for titanium, however, have in mind that it is difficult to work with, which is why it’s one of the most expensive options. Probably the most wanted material today is carbon fiber which used to be very expensive, but today it is available at a reasonable price, but have in mind that not all carbon fiber frames are of the same quality.
Next, you will need quality components. Most manufacturers assemble their parts into groupsets designed to work together. Some of the most reputable manufacturers are Shimano, Campagnolo, and SRAM, but Shimano is definitely the most popular choice. Components manufacturers offer different levels of quality and price for their components. The groupsets usually include brakes, hubs, chain, cassette, bottom bracket, shifters, deraileurs, crank, and so on. As you spend more, the parts get lighter and perform better.
Other things you need to consider are the size of the bike, the wheels, breaks and so on. Feel free to ask the customer support for more info. Most of the staff in bike stores is very experienced in the field and will be more than happy to help you make the right choice.
And finally, here is some bonus music that will help you keep a fast pace while you are riding.
