What is a competition road bike?
The competition model is the Formula 1 racer among racing bikes. There are essentially three trends: fast aero bikes, versatile all-rounders and lightweight mountain bikes. The specialists share a common goal: they want to get from A to B as quickly as possible and promise maximum performance. Compared to endurance racing bikes, you sit much more stretched out on racing bikes. The suspension comfort is also usually less than on a marathon bike. Even if the appeal of riding a state-of-the-art racing bike like the top stars is great: There are better alternatives for inexperienced amateur athletes or beginners.
What makes the frames of competition bikes special?
With their aggressive frame geometry, competition racing bikes are the antithesis of endurance bikes suitable for long distances. A short head tube and long top tube place the rider in the flattest and therefore most aerodynamic riding position possible. The quotient of stack (actual frame height) and reach (actual frame length) as a key figure for the riding position is usually around 1.40. Special cockpits can additionally reinforce the racing position. By comparison, values of 1.55 or more are the norm for endurance racing bikes. The industry consistently uses carbon as a material in order to realise the lightest possible models (see below). Depending on the orientation of the competition racing bike, the carbon tubes are aerodynamically optimised. Streamlined tube cross-sections, especially on the head tube and down tube, lead to less air resistance and make the model faster. Fully integrated handlebar/stem units and wheels with high rims also favour aero performance, which TOUR determines for all competition bikes in the GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad. Because more carbon is used for the flat frame shapes, an aero bike is heavier than an all-rounder or lightweight model.
How is the driving behaviour?
In contrast to the classic endurance racing bike, competition models are more agile and can be steered more directly round bends. The wheelbase varies between 980 and 1000 millimetres. Aero specialists tend to be smoother and in some cases also slower than lightweight bikes. By definition, all-rounders lie between the two extremes.
Which tyres fit?
The good old 23 millimetre narrow racing tyres have long since become obsolete on competition bikes. The current standard is 28 millimetres. Tyres of this size offer the best compromise between comfort and rolling resistance - and compensate for the small aero disadvantage compared to narrower tyres. The frame and fork now also allow space for up to 32 millimetre tyres on race models. Depending on the width of the carbon rim, the tyres can be slightly wider in reality. Most competition racing bikes roll on modern TLR tyres (Tubeless-Ready), which can be ridden either with a tube or with sealant. The latter option is also favoured by the majority of the World Tour peloton.
What do I need to bear in mind when translating?
While the framesets of the competition bikes are also ridden by professionals, the gears of the commercially available bikes are usually somewhat lighter. The most common is the semi-compact crank with 52/36 teeth. Paired with a relatively small sprocket set (10-30 teeth), it takes a few kilometres of training to be able to turn the crank even on steep terrain. Bad news for fans of mechanical shifting technology: new models are almost exclusively equipped with electronic groupsets from Shimano or SRAM. Campagnolo drivetrains are rarely found on specialist dealer bikes.
What do competition road bikes cost?
Unfortunately, the manufacturers also pay for the technical expertise that goes into the race models. You can hardly find competition bikes for less than 3000 euros. The average price is around 5000 euros or more. There is almost no upper limit to the prices. The professional bikes from the best-known manufacturers are usually well into the five-figure range.
What do competition racing bikes weigh?
Thanks to high-quality frames, exclusive shifting technology and lightweight carbon components, the lightest versions undercut the UCI weight limit of 6.8 kilograms. Expensive aero specialists are at least 400 to 500 grams heavier. In the lower price range, complete bikes can weigh up to nine kilograms due to heavy aluminium add-on parts.
What are typical representatives?
Cannondale SuperSix: Fast all-rounder
Giant TCR Advanced: Extremely light climbing specialist
Pinarello Dogma F: At home on any terrain
Specialised Tarmac SL 8: Top dog among the race all-rounders
Wilier Filante SLR: Combination of aerodynamics and lightweight construction
Julian Schultz
Editor
