Road bicycle

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A carbon fiber frame racing bicycle by the French company LOOK

The steel frame racing bicycle by the Italian company Bianchi used by Fausto Coppi to win the 1949 Milan–San
Remo race

The term road bicycle is used to describe bicycles built for traveling at speed on paved
roads. Some sources use the term to mean racing bicycle. Other sources specifically
exclude racing bicycles from the definition, using the term to mean a bicycle of a similar
style but built more for endurance and less the fast bursts of speed desired in a racing
bicycle; as such, they usually have more gear combinations and fewer hi-tech racing
features. Certain of these bicycles have been referred to as 'sportive' bicycles to
distinguish them from racing bicycles.[1]
Compared to other styles of bicycle, road bicycles share common features:

 The tires are narrow, high-pressure (100 psi (700 kPa) or higher), and

smooth to decrease rolling resistance
  The handlebars are bent ("dropped") to allow the rider position to be leaned
forward and downward, which reduces the forward vertical cross sectional
area and thus highly reduces the air resistance
 They usually use derailleur gears; however, single-speed and fixed-
gear varieties exist
 They either use disc brakes or rim brakes (although there might be technical
differences, for example road bike calliper brakes use shorter and wider pads
than mountain bike cantilevers)
 The bicycle is of a lightweight construction
The term road bicycle can also describe any type of bike used primarily on paved roads,
in contrast to bikes primarily intended for off-road use, such as mountain bikes. Several
variations of road bikes include:

 Touring bicycles are designed for bicycle touring: they are robust,

comfortable, and capable of carrying heavy loads
 Hybrid bicycles are designed for a variety of recreational and utility purposes.
While primarily intended for use on pavement, they may also be used on
relatively smooth unpaved paths or trails.
 Utility bicycles are designed for utility cycling: are a traditional bicycle for
commuting, shopping and running errands in towns and cities
o A roadster is a specific form of the utility bicycle developed in the
UK
 Recumbent bicycles are designed for variety of recreational and utility
purposes, but are characterised by the reclined riding position in which the
cyclist is seated
 Vintage road bicycles, also known as classic lightweight bicycles, are
generally older bicycles with frames which are manufactured
using steel tubing and lugs. Certain examples of this bicycle type have
become collectors' items, with potential values of several thousand dollars.
[2]
 Other cyclists prefer this type of bicycle to those manufactured using
modern techniques because they are "practical, versatile, durable, repairable,
and timeless, regardless of current popular trends." [3] The preeminent site on
the golden era of cycling is Classic Lightweights [4]
 A flat bar road bike, also called a fitness bike, is a relatively new style of
bicycle. It is simply a road bike fitted with a flat handlebar and MTB-style
shifters and brake levers.[5][6] This combination provides a light, fast bike with a
more upright riding position that is more comfortable and gives a better view
in traffic. Flat bar road bike are commonly used for commuting, urban and
fitness riding.