Road Bike Guide

Road bikes are more commonly associated with people who may wish to join a cycling club or prefer the posture and speed a road bike offers some people also prefer a road bike to cycle to and from work. A road bike is restricted to as the name says the road, it is not suitable for any type of off road use due to the nature of the wheel set and tyres.. As with all other types of cycles road bikes come in a variety of specifications, frame sizes and price points.

If you can stretch your budget we would recommend an alluminium frame as opposed to steel due the fact that they are much lighter in weight and will not rust our Giant and range of road bikes come with 10 year guarantees on their frames and rigid forks. Steel frames are still available they are a lot less expensive but are heavier and will eventually rust, but would suit someone working to a tight budget.

When considering purchase of a road bike the first thing we suggest is to contact us in order to help you with what should be considered, this could save you some time in the selection process and ensure the right choice is made.

Establishing your budget is a good starting point as you will or could need supporting accessories for security and safety such as cycle lock and cycle helmet if you intend to cycle outside daylight hours cycle lights are a legal requirement and if you commute you would benefit from pannier cycle bags. Many road cyclist enjoy the information of a cycle journey provided by a cycle computer.

There is essentially one type of braking system which is called a caliper brakes this brake system is easy to maintain and cost little in replacment brake pads.

The fame size you need is determined by the measurement of your inside leg particularly when choosing a mens type of road bike frame, the general rule is that you should be clear of the top tube when straddling the cycle by approx 2 inches. 

There is only one type of fork on a road bike known as a rigid fork  the front fork and rigid fork version can be used anywhere but bear in mind that the rigid fork whilst being more efficient provides no comfort with the front suspension on hybrid bikes and mountain bikes providing some shock absorption.

Road bikes are available in three types of materials, steel, aluminium and carbon. Steel is strong but heavy, aluminium is lightweight and rustless, carbon is very light and very strong but very expensive, in general the recommendation is to choose aluminium frames for most budgets.

Some road bikes known as tourers come with a full touring or commuitng pack which includes pannier rack and mudguards other road bikes come without these accessories. Another recent road bike as emerged and is refered to as sporting hybrids come without these accessories but can be fitted at anytime. For the person who commutes it is recommended to choose a road bike with a sealed bottom bracket bearing and if possible sealed wheel hubs this will reduce maintainance downtime and service cost.