Racing Bikes | Bikes

There’s a huge choice of racing bikes from Olympic standard cycles to entry level racing bikes. Racing can be anything from an International team event to a short race with your local club.

You can start the sport with a standard road bike and upgrade to a racing bike when you have conquered the basics. The great thing about cycling is you can progress at your own rate and get fit and have fun while you do.

Entry level racing bikes start at reasonable prices, so it’s easy to get yourself kitted out with something suitable for beginners. You are looking for a solid, light construction and a bicycle that will give you a comfortable ride.

Professional racing bikes can be less durable and lighter than entry level bikes. Top end racing bicycles are built for speed and may not last as long as entry level bikes, but if you’re looking to cycle in the Tour de France you’ll want a performance cycle. Experienced racers keep their top end cycles just for the races and train on sturdier quality road bikes.

Racing bikes can be made from many different materials including aluminum, steel, carbon fibre and titanium. Professional cyclists are looking for peak performance and maximum comfort, so the design is equally as important as the material used in the construction of the bike. Gearing systems, frames, pedals and wheel’ designs are improved every year.

There is a good choice of manufacturers to choose from such as Specialized, Trek and Cervelo, so it pays to take your time and compare products. The internet has lots of information and is a great way to learn about racing bikes. Check out online stores and call them to ask their advice. Go along to a club and talk to members before you make your decision. Experienced riders will be happy to share their thoughts and experiences with you. A good tip is to buy last year’s model. They will be less expensive and usually the differences from one year to the next are minimal.