Bicycle Races?

Question

I want to start riding my bicycle in races, please list bicycle that would be good, how long bicycle races are and anything else you need to know about racing!! Thank You!!

Answer 1

Check out your local bike shops. Ask for info on local events and bike clubs. Also try www.meetup.com for local groups with the same interest in cycling and racing.

Answer 2

I did my first bicycle race last fall.  It was 42 miles.  I  was very well prepared for the race, but I think  that  it was probably too far for my first race.  They also  had a 21 mile race at the same event, and  I wish I'd done the shorter one instead.  If  I do the race again this  year, I'm going to do the shorter one.  Even though I'd done many 50 mile rides before that race, it's a different story to ride that far at race pace.

The best advice I can give for someone that wants to ride in a bicycle race is to do organized group rides.  There are probably various semi-formal weekly group  rides in your area.  Ask your local bike shop about any group  rides that are at your ability level.  Group riding skills are absolutely essential for road racing.  Plus, you can get ideas about bicycling from other group riders.  

As far as picking out a bike, I'm of the firm philosophy that it's not about the bike, it's about the rider!  My bicycle is an old  steel racing bike from that mid '90s, that I paid $200 used.  I can ride as well or better than some guys that have  $2000 bicycles.  Sure, my steel bike might be 5 lbs heavier and the components aren't nearly as good, but at my ability level that 5 lbs not going to make a ton of difference.  If anything, I should worry about losing 5 lbs off my gut,  rather than paying $1000 to  lose 5 lbs off my bike. haha

For you, I'd probably recommend buying from a bike shop, though.  They can ensure  that the bike fits right and that the bike is sound, mechanically.  Plus they can stand behind the bike if anything goes wrong, as well as helping you do routine maintenance.  As for picking your bike, try to test ride as many different bikes as the shop will allow.  That's the only way you can know if the bike feels right for you or not.  People can talk all they want about different brands, styles, etc of  bike, but  my feet hitting the pedals is the only way to know what bike is right for ME.  

Good luck, I hope do great in your first race! :)

Answer 3

Brands: Canondale, Lemond, Specialized, Quintana Rue, and Giant.

Distances: Anywhere from 3 miles to 60 miles. (could be longer if it's a tour)

For more tips watch the tour de france this summer. (The whole thing, not just 5 min.)

Answer 4

Bmx bike!

chromed wheels yeaaa!1

good luck in the racee

Answer 5

Start reading some bicycling magazines to get an idea of what racing bikes are recommended and to learn more about the actual races, but keep in mind that no one can tell you what bike to buy.   It's like asking what running shoe is best; it depends a lot on the individual and what they need.  Someone with a long torso and short legs needs a different bike than a person with long legs, long arms, and an average torso.    Also, budget is a major factor.  Pro cyclists ride bike that cost around $10,000 and up. Yes, really.  An entry level half-way decent road bike is a grand minimum.