Road Bikes are road specific bikes made from lightweight materials with gearing suitable for both fast speeds and climbing. Road Cycling has increased in popularity over the past 5 years and has been described as the "new golf" as more and more people take up the sport. Organised group rides called Sportifs have raised the game even higher, and many new owners of road bikes have been entering races - helping the popularity of the sport no end.
What road bike should I choose?
This question depends entirely on what type of cycling you'd like to do. If you have previously owned a mountain bike, but find the fat tyres and gearing too hard, then an entry level road bike can be great for exploring further afield. Look to spend your money in components - these are the gears/wheels etc. It is possible to buy carbon road bikes for less than £1,000 now - however the components on these bikes are basic, and it is possibly worthwhile going for an aluminium bike with good kit.
Fun, sport or race?
Generally, road bikes are graded into 3 categories. Fun is below £1,000. Sport would be £1,000 to £2,500 and Race typically up to £8,000. If you ride for fun then top end wheels etc may not be needed - but if you enter races then it is worthwhile spending that bit more.
Cheap Road Bikes:
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How to get started in Road Racing:
There is simply no buzz like racing shoulder to shoulder with other riders - all getting ready for the lung busting sprint come the end. The popularity of road racing has been consistent - however the ever tightening of local authorities policies about open road racing has given the squeeze to many local road bike races.
However, there are plenty of closed road events to get yourself involved with. First stop should be British Cycling, who are the governing body for such things, and one phone call will help you get started and take that first step towards being a road racer.
For those wanting a mass participation ride, but don't want the stress of racing, try one of the local sportif races/rides.
Happy cycling!
