Fast Road Bikes for Breaking Personal Records
There’s no doubt that speed is what makes cycling such an exhilarating sport. Those in pursuit of fast road bikes will not be short of options, but there are some key questions you’ll probably want answers to before you buy. Are aero bikes faster than lightweight bikes? Can you buy performance? Which bikes push the boundaries when it comes to aerodynamic design?
Before we delve into the world of aero frames and cutting-edge components, let’s look at the rules around racing bikes…
Are Fast Road Bikes Safe to Ride on the Road?
The world governing body of cycling, UCI, has its own set of regulations racing bike manufacturers are advised to follow around the weight and design of the frame. They established a set of standards to ensure the safety, quality, and prestige of not only bikes but equipment and cycling accessories too.
Buying a UCI Bike Approved machine is one way to ensure you’re buying a fast road bicycle while guaranteeing safety and getting value for your money. However, some brands are still pushing the boundaries of speed, ignoring the regulations set out for competitive racing. Specialized is one example.
Celebrated for its ride quality, the Specialized Aethos weighs 6.454kg, which is just below the UCI regulation weight of 6.8kg. Unless you’re planning on competing in a UCI event, you’re not going to be breaking any rules by shaving seconds of your lap times on this bike.
Aerodynamic vs. Lightweight Bikes
What makes an aero bike fast? And are they faster than their lightweight rivals? The best aero bikes can indeed make you faster without having to put in more effort. This is mostly down to the deep, more oval-shaped tubes, which reduce drag. Combine this with other components, such as streamlined disc brakes and deep-section aero wheels, and you’ll be pushing the limits of pedal-powered speed in no time.
Lots of testing has gone into trying to prove that lightweight road bikes are equally as fast as their aerodynamic counterparts, but with apparatus and testing conditions varying from manufacturer to manufacturer, it’s very hard to quantify. As a rule, however, more tubular designs are quicker than their round-tubed rivals and require less watts for speed gains out on the road.
Are racing bikes uncomfortable?
Good news – no longer do performance road bikes have to be uncomfortable to ride over longer distances. Some journeys not only require speed but comfort as well. All-rounder road bikes, in more recent years, have started to feature more tubular aero features. While the tuning may not be as extensive as full aero racing bikes, you’re guaranteed to go significantly faster than a round-tubed design.
If you’re looking for all-day saddle comfort, seating position plays a huge part in both ride feel and speed on the bike. While higher seat positions and lower handlebars can increase your speed, ensuring that you keep a straight back and a relaxed overall stance is essential when you’re on a long-distance ride.
How to choose a fast road bike
First things first, decide on your budget. Bikes vary significantly in price, so knowing what you are willing to spend will narrow down your options. Next, assess your riding style, and what your goals are. Are you a competitive cyclist looking to upgrade for your next race? Or are you a recreational rider who enjoys long-distance days out? Again, this will slim down the search for aerodynamic road bikes for racing or endurance bikes for longer efforts.
Finally, getting the right fit is crucial for comfort and efficiency, so make sure you measure yourself correctly for the right frame size or ask the experts for advice.
Remember, choosing a fast road bike is a personal decision influenced by your riding style, preferences, and budget. Take your time, do your research, and consider these steps to ensure you find the perfect bike that will enhance your cycling experience.
