Sports bikes: features and tips for choosing

More and more people are choosing cycling as leisure or even sports activity. However, if ordinary walks around the city can be done by purchasing any model you like, then more serious tasks will require special sports bikes.

A professional sports bike is designed for various sports, so the description of the device and its features will differ in each situation. For example, a freestyle device weighs quite a lot due to a powerful frame, but the weight of a racing bike is kept as low as possible. All structures consist of the same parts, but they are made according to different requirements.... Frame, wheel, handlebar and saddle designs, as well as brakes, gear shifting and damping systems, may differ. However, all sport bikes are to be cared for in the same way.

The owners are required regular checking of the front and rear wheel cameras... The available pressure must be appropriate not only for the requirements of the particular sport, but also for the rider's weight and tasks. The owner will have to assess the condition of the transmission, and periodically rinse and lubricate the chain with gears. Since various pieces of debris stick to the moving parts of the bike during trips, it is important to remove them, since their effect can destroy the mechanism.

Sports bicycles are used for various competitions and therefore meet the requirements inherent in a particular discipline. It should be mentioned that there are not only bicycles for men, but also specially designed for women. The women's bike has the same qualities, but with a lower frame and generally more refined design. There are also sports bicycles for children, designed for children who have reached the age of 8.

Eat like customized models for boys and girls, as well as universal, repeating the structure of adult bikes, but with a smaller size. The weight of the children's bike is 13 kilograms, and the frame height reaches 400 millimeters.

The road bike is so named because it is used for racing that takes place on the highway. They are designed to to move quickly on an asphalt road, therefore, they are equipped with narrow but strong wheels and a special steering wheel that can be controlled in various positions. The extended landing frame significantly improves aerodynamics. The positive features of this design include its light weight and lack of shock absorption. Road bikes are made from carbon, aluminum or titanium.

The wheel diameter is 28 inches, and the tire profile sizes range from 18 to 28 millimeters. A weak tread pattern is also characteristic of such a model.

The number of spokes is only 20 or even less, which makes the structure lighter and allows it to be used not only on asphalt, but also on mountainous terrain. There is no cushioning so as not to add weight, and there is no particular need for it. But the front fork is made rigid, on which it is necessary to fix the wheel.

Road bikes also have a developed transmission, and the number of speeds is about 27 options. Such road structures can move at a speed of 70 kilometers per hour. Some models weigh about 6 kilograms, and some reach a maximum of 11 kilograms.

A racing bike is used for races that take place on a track. Since the device is required to develop high speed, the design itself is simplified as much as possible and looks swift and light. The materials used have the required strength, but low weight. The rear wheel is in most cases solid and the frame is shortened to increase structural rigidity. The bike seat is mounted above the handlebars in order to increase the aerodynamics of the landing.

The brakes are either completely removed or simplified to a "tick" design located on the front wheel... The racing bike weighs only 9 kilograms.

The triathlon bike is used in the triathlon stage, which is a bicycle race. Light weight and well thought-out design allow for maximum speed and good aerodynamics. The bicycles are equipped with a "ram's horn" or "lounger" steering wheel, which is equipped with special pads that allow you to comfortably position your elbows. The lounger also allows you to lean on the steering wheel from the wrist to the elbow, which contributes to improved aerodynamics.

The number of possible speeds reaches 22 options. The brakes are made rim, and the saddle is shortened. Both the frame and the fork are made of carbon to reduce weight.

For trial and freestyle, it is customary to use the same kind of two-wheeled device.

Freestyle and trial bikes have a very strong frame that can withstand the stunts that come with them.... For the same purpose, the wheels are also transformed - they have a large number of spokes, and the size of the diameter ranges from 20 to 24 inches. The curved handlebars help you better balance. There are no speeds in this design, in general, and a more durable brake is installed - a rim brake. The rear wheels are wider than the front wheels. It is also necessary to add that the steering wheel is made in such a way as not to entangle the cables when implementing tricks and acrobatics.

It should be added that road bicycles are also usually divided into three subtypes: racing, universal and walking. Thus, racing bikes are either a subset of road bikes or are considered on their own. The same can be said about the walking bike, which is often referred to as a hybrid.

The racing device is purchased by professionals who can be sure they own a bike that meets all the requirements. Its main difference from the universal one is that the racing one forces the body to be kept in a horizontal position, and the universal one - in an inclined position, at about 70 degrees. A universal bike is used for trips of a maximum distance of 250 kilometers, passing about twice a week, as well as for group rides, arranged several times a year.

Especially popular among cyclists is the Specialized brand is a native of America. The work of the company began with the production of a series of mountain bikers. Today, transport devices of this brand are recognized for their unusual damping system, which becomes rigid on a flat surface and activates on bumps.

Performs well and Taiwanese manufacturer Giant, supplying the market with bicycles suitable for extreme riding. Relatively low cost and a large variety of models attract buyers from all over the world.

Many cyclists prefer products high quality Trek brandknown all over the world. The company produces road bikes, mountain bikes, as well as children's, women's, city, tourist and many others.

Again in Taiwan was born and recognized brand Merida, today it is a world leader with production not only at home, but also in Germany.

Bicycles Scott brands manufactured in America. The company looks forward to a great future, as the high strength of lightweight frames and the support of the manufacturer in critical situations attracts athletes.

German manufacturer Cube known for its original design and functionality of the bike components. By the way, the frames are painted using reliable technology from BMW, and some models are decorated with laser engraving.

American bicycles Cannondale are manufactured using all innovative technologies. The brand was one of the first to choose aluminum for the manufacture of frames and is still considered one of the best manufacturers of lightweight and durable structures in the world. In the 2000s, the weight of the bike of this company was even below the established norm.

We must not forget about bicycles of the Gary Turner company, with a lifetime quality guarantee. The low weight of the structures is ensured by an aluminum frame, welded in the shape of a triangle in an unusual way. Frames of expensive models are made of carbon fiber, which has additional strength.

There are several important parameters to consider when choosing a sports bike. First of all, you will need clearly understand the purpose of the purchase, since different sports have different characteristics. In selecting the ideal design for a particular type of activity, all parameters are taken into account, from the shape of the steering wheel to the diameter of the wheels and the presence of a braking system. For example, a racing bike should be as light as possible, but a stunt design should have a powerful frame. In addition, it also takes into account individual characteristics of the vehicle owner.

Bicycle for adults Must be adequate for the height of the person, have a comfortable seat and comfortable pedals. Experts, in general, recommend spending about a third of an hour on the chosen structure before buying. In addition, it would be good to think about the weight of the bike, because a fragile girl will simply not be able to carry a heavy bike.

The bike is made from different materials, which directly affects its cost. The brake systems also differ, the mechanism of which can be rim, cast discs, tick-borne, foot or hydraulic.

For a beginner cyclist, it's best to start with a road design. At the time of purchase, the height of the steering wheel is determined based on the height of the buyer. As a rule, this parameter is adjusted for most models. It is better to take the saddle with gel inserts, which have the required softness and prevent numbness and muscle squeezing. For a start, it is better to choose thicker tires, since thin tires are quite difficult to manage, especially in combination with large wheels.

The longer the frame, the faster the cyclist gets tired, which, of course, is completely unnecessary for a beginner athlete. However, if the frame is too short, the cyclist may fall while driving. Therefore, the choice of the frame must again be related to the height of the person.

It is important to study the brakes with particular care, since adjusting and repairing this part is directly related to the preservation of human life and health. When buying, of course, the price of the bike is also taken into account. The more complex the design, the more expensive it will cost. A folding bike, by the way, also has a higher cost.

How to choose a road bike is described in the next video.