What to look for when buying a new road racing bike?

Question

Does anybody know what I need to look for when buying a new bike for road racing. What features does it need to have?

Answer 1

1. Fit.  If it does not fit you, you won't ride.

2. frame material.  Aluminum, steel, carbon fiber, titanium

3. components.  this is the drive train of the bike and could be affected by your wallet.

4.  wheels.  If this is your first racing bike you may not know that wheels are the cause of most weight.  and the heavier the wheel when it rolls rides like it weighs even more.  

My advice is always find a bike shop you trust and discuss your wants and needs with a professional.  That way you will get the bike you want and one you can be happy with for a long time.

Answer 2

Depends on your budget but don't scimp out on wheels or components. Start with nothing less than Shimano 105. You're racing? So you probably want an alluminum frame or maybe steel. Geometry and fit are next. Go to your local bike shop (LBS) and talk to them. Getting the bike fitted to you is the most important thing with a road bike. People and bikes are built differently. I have shorter legs and a long torso so I like Cannondales myself.

Answer 3

"Which is a better bike, a Trek or a Specialized?

Or Cannondale or Orbea or Scott or Schwinn or Cervelo. We're asked "Which brand is better?" almost daily. While each brand has its diehard fans, we can't answer the question. It's not because of any political reason, but because it's not the right question to ask--you're buying a bicycle, not a brand. .."

Bike Buying Tips: Buyer Be Wise;...Here we answer 10 of the most common queries to help you find the right bike.

By Bicycling Staff

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

Bicycling & Mountain Bike reviews  

http://www.bicycling.com/gear/channel/0,...

The Burning Questions

12 common bike-shopping dilemmas explained, demystified and simplified

http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,6610,...

Answer 4

in my experience, within a range it is more about you as a rider than the bike.  in other words, you dont have to buy the most expensive machine in the store to race and be competitive.  though weight may be a factor on hills and accelerating out of corners, it tends to make a difference when two riders are fairly equal.  what you'll find is usually in most races the bike isnt winning or losing it for you, it is more your fitness and training versus the others.

when i say within a range, buy a bike that is within reason.  it should be under 20lbs, and i wouldnt do anything less than a 105 equipped bike.  i am a big guy, so i like alluminum.  the problem with carbons is if you can't buy a good carbon, you will get a whimpy bike. it will ride nice, but no perform well, and the bigger you are the worse it is.  alluminum alloys are pretty equal in all price ranges.  you know you will get something that is going to compete well.  the biggest downside you hear is the ride is harsh, but we are talking racing here, not a sunday stroll.  it isnt that much different than others, and we are talking a lot of price difference, but do what is best for you.

the one spot to splurge on is wheels.  it is okay to get an entry level bike with heavier wheels.  you need a set you can train on anyway, but as soon as you can spend some money and buy a set to race on.  light wheels are a good way to get more speed out of your bike.

Answer 5

It depends on what discipline of road racing your planning to do; Time Trialing, Hill Climbing, Long stages, Short stages etc.

Generally a good road racing bike needs to be light, streamlined and relatively comfortable, so carbon forks or a carbon frame is a good start. For the gearing you need something with some nice hard gears so you can get some good speed up on the flatter stages. This kit needs to be of a relitavely good spec too; Shimano Ultegra/Dura Ace or Campagnolo Chorus/Record level.

The wheels could do with having slight aero rims but disc wheels are pretty useless unless your time trialing so don't spend to much on the wheels. The tyres need to be narrow though if they're too thick then it'll be very hard work out on the road, thinner tyres will reduce friction.

Most of all it needs to fit you well otherwise its not worth having, it depends on the disipline but it has to be quite comfortable and also get you in the right riding style for your dicipline. E.g. Time Trialing - Low and streamlined.

All this kit for a decent road bike will cost anything from about £700 upwards. I recommend Trek, both me and my dad have them and they're very good value for money. Depending on how much your willing to spend and how serious you are with the whole thing the 1 series are very good for less competitive racing, i own a 1.7 and its fantastic!  If your willing to spend a bit more then the Madones are very good. My dad has just bought a 4.1 and he loves it.

Other manufactures you could consider are Giant, Weiler Specialized and Scott.

Hope this helps ;)

Answer 6

For me it is always a light alloy frame and deep rimmed wheels. Other than that I don't have too many preferences. I do however fit aerobars to all of my roadbikes nowadays as they can make a substantial difference to your cycling proficiency by giving you a more aerodynamic posture.

Answer 7

Agree with all good answers above.

If you ride a mountain bike ( as I do ) aswell then it might be an advantage to buy one with 9 speed on the cassette ( as opposed to some bikes which have 10 speed ) then you can swap cassettes between bikes and you only need to keep one chain and links in stock

Answer 8

The most important aspect is that the bike is the right size and that it fits you, (and not the other way around). So make sure the frame geometry and the frame size are the right ones for you. Go to a good shop and get some advice on this issues.

The hardest thing to change in a bike due to cost is the frame. So make sure you get as good a frame as you can. Aluminium, steel of carbon fibber components are more a matter of personal choice. There are advantages and disadvantages to them all. Once again, according to budget and needs, get good advice from a reputable bike shop.

Other components are easier to grade up, but after the frame get as good as you can gearing. Decide before any thing else if you only need(want) two chain rings in front or three, for they are also hard to change in the future (money wise). If you have the right size  frame, the geometry is comfortable for you and the proper gearing has been chosen, the rest will "fall " into place. There could be room for up grading if necessary, but it will be easier and cheaper to do in the future.

Do not be flash by shiny colours, paint jobs, etc. some not so flashy bikes could be as good or better than more flashy looking ones. Also it doesn't matter if it is a 2008 model or not, maybe it dosen`t even matter as much if it is brand new, as long as the criteria established before is met.

Once again, go to a reputable bike shop, the best way not to go wrong, and then ask and ask, and ask again. Take your time once you are there. If necessary tell the clerk when will it be a good time to come and devote his attention to your needs. They will appreciate this and help you out better too.

That is my view point, hope it helps.

Answer 9

FIT.

Answer 10

A saddle is a must. A man here locally got arrested for riding a bike without one. No trousers etc either. At a convent. The nuns were not amused. 2 wheels would also be a help. The rest is optional.