Buying advice for road bike beginners: Which road bike and accessories are right for me?
Tour Magazin
· 01.06.2021
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Carbon or aluminium frame?
From a technical point of view, carbon is superior: It can be used to build lighter, stiffer and more comfortable frames - but then they are more expensive than aluminium frames. Also consistent aerodynamic frames are made exclusively from carbon fibres, which can be formed into (almost) any shape. The malleability of aluminium tubes is quite limited in this respect. However, aluminium frames are cheaper and usually more robust in everyday use. A lightweight carbon frame can withstand a lot when the bike is ridden, but it can break relatively quickly if the bike falls over accidentally. Even if you often transport your bike, you will have fewer worries with an aluminium frame. Steel is much more robust, but also heavier.
With wheels for 1,500 euros you usually get the more coherent overall package with an aluminium frame - equipped with better parts and therefore lighter, as the frame and fork only make up around 20 percent of the total weight. From approx. 1,800-2,000 euros there are already more than solid Speedster with carbon frame; their riding experience is not much inferior to that on much more expensive bikes. So what makes the difference to bikes costing around or over 10,000 euros? The latest innovations in gears, brakes, frame material and other components are initially limited to the very top models. This is because the manufacturers are pricing in the corresponding research and development costs. However, racing bikes are also subject to trends, and of course you also pay for brand names and image. And the pandemic-related product shortages in 2020 and 2021 are also contributing to the spiralling prices.
Which translation?
Almost all new racing bikes are equipped with two chainrings equipped. Triple drivetrains are only occasionally found on very affordable bikes. Drivetrains with just one chainring have long been the standard for cross bikes and are also becoming increasingly popular in new developments in the gravel sector, as in the case of the Sram Rival AXS drivetrain presented in spring 2021. This simple trend from the off-road bike segment has not yet caught on in the road bike sector. In 2017, the Aqua Blue Sport team was the first professional team to ride with just one chainringHowever, in the following season he changed his bike supplier, as the single drive of the 3T racing bikes proved to be impractical.
The most common is a crank with two chainrings with 52 and 36 teeth and a cassette with sprockets from 11 to 28 teeth. This transmission is a good compromise for undulating terrain; it has many gears and the jumps between the gears are small, which is considered biomechanically favourable and is pleasant to ride. You are better equipped for the mountains with a Compact crank with 50 and 34 chainrings teeth. On climbs with a gradient of well over seven per cent, even lighter gears are desirable; this is possible with cassettes that offer larger sprockets with up to 32 teeth. The current version of Shimano's Ultegra drivetrain with a long rear derailleur is the only road groupset that can even cope with 34-tooth sprockets, although these are still rarely available.
What makes you fast?
If you want to ride fast, you need to sit flat and streamlined on your bike. ThePosture of the driver makes up several km/h - with the same effort. Competition bikes offer the best conditions for a flat and therefore fast riding position. The price for this is a less comfortable position, for which the back and torso need to be better trained.
Aerodynamic material also helps: wheels and frame together can make you around one kilometre per hour faster with the same position. However, these advantages come at a relatively high price. Aero wheels cost from 1,000 euros upwards, and the price premium for aerodynamic frames is very similar. More favourable is the Tuning the tyres. You can get a pair of really good tyres for as little as 80 euros, which roll about 0.5 km/h faster than simple tyres. Low weight is also an optimisation goal. Lightweight tyres feel more lively when accelerating and save a little power on the climbs. However, the effect of weight tuning is usually dramatically overestimated. Wheels weighing up to 6.8 kilograms can be found at prices starting at 2,500 euros. Only at less than 6.8 kilograms is it guaranteed to be really expensive. High-end lightweight bikes like the Specialised Aethos cost five figures across the board.
Gain experience
Before buying a bike, the Try it outIf you have never ridden a road bike before, you should definitely hire bikes from specialist dealers, exhibitions, events or friends, try them out and get advice. Large, specialised road bike dealers are a good place to get information and look at lots of bikes. The large mail order companies also have shops with a large selection where you can get advice and try out bikes. They can be worth a trip. At very small dealers with a small selection, there is a risk of being sold a junk bike. On the other hand, there are very service-orientated dealers who measure customers (so-called Bikefitting) and only then order the right bike. There are also bike fitters who are not tied to specific bike brands so that they can choose the right bike for you from a range of different brands after taking your measurements. These specialists are a good point of contact for newcomers to the profession. However, if you know exactly what you want and already have a basic knowledge of mechanics, you will often find the best deals in mail order.
The most important road bike categories at a glance
Gone are the days when racing bikes differed mainly in terms of weight, colour and price. Anyone interested in a racing bike today must first decide what they want to do with it. The market is divided into two main categories: Bikes for racing and comfort-orientated models for extended tours. However, the boundaries are blurred and there are also specialists such as time trial bikes, cross racing bikes and gravel bikes. An overview of the most important categories and prices.
Competition road bike
The archetype of the racing bike. Developed to go as fast as possible. Most important characteristics: light and stable. Recognisable feature: The saddle sits high above the handlebars. This forces the rider into a bent, aerodynamic riding position. Target group: Riders who regularly take part in licenced or amateur races. The market offers a huge selection in all price categories. In reasonable quality in specialised shops from around 1,000 euros, in mail order from 800 euros. There is almost no upper price limit. Up to 1,500 euros, models with aluminium frames dominate, from 2,000 euros carbon frames are the norm. Models with rim brakes were the norm until a few years ago, but are increasingly being replaced by bikes with disc brakes. Top bikes such as the Specialised Venge, Trek Domane or BMC Roadmachine are often only available as disc versions in the latest model years. In the 2021 pro peloton, only Pinarello is still represented with rim brake wheels.
Aero road bike
The latest evolutionary stage of the competition racer. Primary development goal: Good aerodynamics. Recognisable features: Streamlined frames and wheels, parts such as handlebars, brakes or seat posts are integrated into the system and often cannot be swapped for other products. Target group: Riders who want to utilise every potential advantage. Aero racers are widely used in professional sport. Aerodynamically good models start at around 3,000 euros, but still without fast wheels. The price of top models is often in five figures.
All-round road bike
They fill the gap between classic competition racers and aero specialists: modern all-rounders with aerodynamic attributes that are both light and comfortable. An interesting compromise for riders for whom the classics are too conventional and the aero racers too radical.
Lightweight road bike
Although weight is overrated as a relevant factor in competition, it is fascinating when manufacturers push the limits of design. The Storck Aernario Signature 2.0 weighs just 5.7 kilograms, but also costs 14,999 euros. Some of the lightest complete bikes on the market weigh less than five kilos.
Time trial bike
The terrain of these bikes is competitions such as triathlons or time trials. When the rider is fighting alone against the wind, optimised aerodynamics are what counts most. The frame is designed for a streamlined riding position. Essential: aero handlebars with supports for the forearms and aero wheels. Simple models from 2,500 euros, hardly any price limits in the high-end sector. The Cervélo P5x is currently one of the fastest time trial bikes - with an unmistakable look:
Marathon/Endurance road bike
Road bike and riding comfort? For a long time an irresolvable contradiction. This has changed with marathon racers. The main difference to competition-orientated models is the more upright riding position. Many models are equipped with 28 millimetre wide tyres and can be converted to 32 millimetre tyres. This offers noticeably more suspension comfort than narrow 23 or 25 mm tyres. Another feature is the wide gear range, which allows even less well-trained riders to enjoy climbing long and steep climbs.
Women's road bike
Women don't necessarily need different road bikes than men. However, they often need smaller models and usually have special requirements when it comes to components such as saddles and handlebars. Smaller female riders in particular therefore benefit from the rapidly growing range of women's racing bikes. For them, this increases the chance of finding a bike that fits perfectly. This is because the models are often available in very small sizes.
Gravelbike
This type of bike, which cuts a fine figure on tarmac as well as on dirt and gravel tracks, emerged as a trend from the USA a few years ago. Almost every road bike manufacturer now has its own gravel bikes in its portfolio, German bike manufacturer Canyon even presented its second in-house gravel bike in spring 2021. The competitor Rose was Backroad The best-selling bike model in 2020. Gravel bikes always have disc brakes and the riding position is much more upright than on classic road bikes, which is particularly beneficial for beginners. In addition to mounting options for mudguards, Panniers and more Bikepacking equipmentgravel bikes also score points with a variable tyre width of up to over 40 millimetres.
Cross/cyclocross bike
Off-road version of the racing bike with maximum 33 millimetre wide studded tyres. Originally a pure competition bike for special circuits; now also popular as a winter and bad weather bike. Disc brakes, tubeless tyres and single drive have been the norm in the cross sector for years. The Canyon Inflite are available in several price gradations starting at 1,399 euros.
Road bike gears at a glance
The selection of Road bike gears is huge, with three manufacturers vying for customers' favour. In addition to the market leader Shimano from Japan, the SRAM brand from the USA and Campagnolo from Italy also offer a wide range for every requirement and budget. Mechanical shifting systems are the most widespread, with Shimano's Ultegra being by far the most popular. Mechanical shifting systems are uncomplicated, light and inexpensive. However, electronic shifting systems are gaining ground, especially on expensive bikes. All three manufacturers now offer corresponding systems. With SRAM's eTap, the shifting commands are transmitted wirelessly. Electronic shifting systems are particularly worthwhile if you utilise the options that mechanical shifting systems do not offer - for example, additional shift buttons that can be mounted at different handlebar positions, as with Shimano's Di2 or SRAM's eTap system.
Eleven: Still standard
All higher-quality groupsets from the three manufacturers Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo have cassettes with eleven sprockets Standard. Only inexpensive groupsets such as the Tiagra from Shimano or the Apex from SRAM are still based on ten sprockets. You have to decide between a narrow gradation with small gear steps (e.g. 11 to 25 teeth or 11 to 28 teeth) or a wider graded cassette (largest sprocket up to 32 teeth). The differences between the gears are somewhat greater here. On the other hand, cassettes with a wider gear range also offer uphill gears; in combination with a compact crank with 50/34 teeth, a ratio of almost 1:1 is available. However, this requires a rear derailleur with a longer cage. With the spread of eleven-speed cassettes, triple cranks have almost disappeared from the market. Only Shimano with the Tiagra and Campagnolo with the Athena groupset still offer triple drivetrains. For the gravel sector, Campagnolo has developed the Ekar Group In autumn 2020, even a single circuit with thirteen pinionspresented.
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Road bike brakes at a glance: Disc or rim brakes
The discussion usually revolves around two arguments: critics of disc brakes complain that they are heavier and more complex to maintain, while supporters swear by their better function in wet conditions and on long, steep descents. The truly revolutionary aspect of the disc almost fades into the background: bikes with disc brakes allow more freedom in the choice of wheels and tyres than those with rim brakes. Some frames allow tyres up to 40 millimetres wide, which drastically extends the range of use of a bike. Anyone who frequently leaves the asphalt is advised to choose a disc model simply because of the many possible variations.
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Finding the right road bike saddle
Even the best bike is no fun if the saddle doesn't fit. Many manufacturers have developed measurement systems that allow you to make a pre-selection at the dealer; some dealers also provide saddles for test rides.
Many saddles are available in different widths to suit different sit bone distances. As a general rule, soft-padded saddles are usually only comfortable for the first few kilometres; good saddles have firm padding and a flexible saddle cover.
In addition to width and length, a basic distinction can be made between perforated saddles, which have a cut-out in the centre section, and stepped saddles, which have a stepped profile towards the nose. A new trend, particularly in the competition-orientated sector, has been the development of Short saddles established.
Which Saddle system suits which driver? We scrutinised 21 models with three testers.
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Road bike pedals at a glance
Shimano SPD-SL
Robust, tried and tested, uncomplicated, widely used. Easy to get on and off. Models with low spring preload for easy entry and exit are available for beginners. Relatively durable boards with acceptable running characteristics. The weight and quality of the bearings vary with the price.
Prices 45 Euro (SPD-SL PD-R540) to 320 Euro (Dura-Ace PD-9000 with carbon body) >> available here
Look Kéo
Look from France invented the system pedal.
There are plates with high, medium and no lateral freedom of rotation. Models with low spring preload are recommended for beginners. You can run reasonably well with the cleats under your shoes, but they are prone to wear.
Prices from 30 euros (Kéo Easy) to 250 euros (Kéo Blade 2 with titanium axle) >> available here
Shimano SPD PD-A520
No law requires road cyclists to wear shoes that you can't run in. Mountain bike shoes are also suitable for road cycling. For road cyclists who want to go their own way, Shimano offers the SPD PD-A520 pedal. Visually, it looks like a road bike pedal; the mechanism is similar to the SPD MTB pedals.
Price 55 Euro >> available here
Speedplay Zero
Minimalist pedal for advanced users. Plate mounting and entry are somewhat more complicated than with competitor systems. Unrivalled low height, which is considered biomechanically favourable. Also very durable.
Prices Zero Chrome-Moly with steel axle approx. 130 euros; Zero Stainless with stainless steel axle approx. 170 euros >> available here
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Road bike tyres
In the past, you could tell the fastest bike by its thinnest tyres. But that is history. The modern racing bike is built on wider tyres; and the aerodynamic optimisation of a bike determines how fast it is much more than in the past. Today, 25 to 28 millimetre wide tyres are normal, and more is possible - also thanks to disc brakes. The ride feel can be varied with more or less air in the tyre
and finely adapt to the route. Even professional cyclists are delighted with the smoother ride and the added comfort. The wider tyres do generate a little more air resistance, but this can almost be compensated for with the help of aerodynamically designed, wide rims. Even the best time trial pros only use 22 millimetre narrow tyres on the front wheel when the asphalt of the race track is absolutely first class.
The routes you want to ride are decisive for choosing the best tyre and therefore also for the bike concept that suits you. What is the best way out of the city? Along the edge of the main road? Or through the forest? Wide tyres free you up. Are tarmac-free routes the rule in your area? Then tyres between 30 and 40 millimetres are ideal. Good-natured on gravel, still fast on the road. On short off-road routes, 28 to 30 millimetre wide tyres can also be sufficient - then the riding experience is even more like that of a classic racer.
Trend: Tubeless
The Pro One from Schwalbe is one of the lightest tubeless tyres on the market. It can also be ridden as normal with a tube.
Lightweight, low rolling resistance, puncture-proof: the Gran Prix 4000 S2 from Continental (in 23, 25 and 28 millimetre widths) is always a good choice. The reference among road bike tyres for years.
