Two-wheel travel has evolved over the past few decades, and that includes the great strides made in road bikes and specialty designs. While popularity dived when mountain bikes hit the market, street bicycles once again gained in demand and the industry geared up for the onslaught. All ages enjoy freewheeling and entire families can get in on the act.
Recreational riding, touring and competition all involve the use of road or street bikes. If you''re a novice or expert rider in search of the right bicycle, you''ll be amazed at the many options.
By a very specific definition, road bikes are those that go fast, are generally lightweight and feature drop-bar handles. In a much broader sense of the term, road bikes are any bicycle used on pavement, trails, streets and highways. You''ll find them in many sizes for all ages. Specialized bikes also fall into this category, including:
Each classification of road bikes has its distinctions. Some feature greater comforts for long rides and multiple terrains, while others, including racing bikes, are trim and meant for hard surfaces only.
Choosing a road bike to fit your lifestyle and intended use is as critical as fit and price. You can expect to spend from $200 to more than $1,000 for a quality product that will give you long-lasting performance and enjoyment in any category.
In larger cities, many choose a commuter bike that is both rugged and comfortable. You may be excited about touring styles that will let you add storage compartments for packing supplies. Families tend to look for comfort designs that include flat-bar handles and heavy-duty frames. Many enthusiasts own more than one road bike style.
Main road bike categories are:
Within each category, you''ll find subgroups that offer styling choices.
Recreational bikes are perhaps most popular for all-around leisurely enjoyment. They''re a great choice for families and individuals who enjoy a few hours of riding on weekends. Some styles also have features for competition and distance riders.
These road bikes include such designs as:
Racing bikes are often at the top end of pricing. They''re lightweight and equipped for the greatest speed. They must be built for fierce competition, whether professionally or for friendly weekend road races. Various designs include those road bikes for long distance and time trials, each with a host of sport-specific features. They also absorb road noise, which plays to a rider''s energy consumption.
Specialty bikes include:
Touring bikes were originally popular for rides extending over one or more days. While fewer people are engaging in this type of ride that includes camping stops, these bikes can still haul gear with a design focused on ease of pedaling and load-shifting support for hills.
Utility bikes encompass a wide range of styles, but generally provide a rugged frame for daily commutes. You may find them listed as "city" or "urban" bikes, and their main purpose is to arrive at Point B under a variety of circumstances.
Utility bikes also offer conveniences designed for expected terrain, whether that''s mainly stop-and-go traffic or for traversing hills and rough roads. They feature fewer gears and incorporate many comfort features for that long, hard ride to and from work or school. Many of these road bikes also feature internal hubs to keep maintenance to a minimum. Utility bikes can fall into the hybrid category, but with a very specific purpose.
Americanbike.com (2005). Buying a New Hybrid Bike. Retrieved June 10, 2007, from the American Bike Web site.