Bicycles racing sports and others. About a racing bike. The cyclist passes the intersection

What is the difference between racing bikes and regular bikes? Professional racing bike combines the best features of the most comfortable bike for disciplines such as road racing, triathlon, track racing, and cyclocross. These include the following characteristics: good inertia, low weight, aerodynamics, specific fit of the athlete to achieve the greatest pedaling efficiency.

Types of racing bikes

All road racing bikes do not have shock absorption, because it sways when riding and dampens vibrations. They also have narrow and large 700c wheels. The front wheel is most often spoked radially. This type of lacing is not used on the rear wheel as it may not be able to support the athlete's weight. The rest of the features will be discussed below.

Highway

These bikes are used for driving on smooth roads. Unlike some types of city road bikes (fixes), they have a free ride and a multi-speed transmission.

Road racing is a very dynamic sport. Cyclists on road racing bikes reach tremendous speeds. These bikes never have disc brakes. This is explained by the fact that when falling, you can severely cripple yourself and those around you with a brake disc.

Lightness is the main attribute of a racing bike. That's why the best riders ride high quality carbon frames as well as top end body kits. The frame has been lengthened for greater stability and aerodynamics.

The “ram” steering wheel allows you to change your landing right while driving: you can grab the steering wheel from above, and after picking up speed, grab lower part rudder

How to improve the efficiency of pedaling a cyclist? To do this, install on. They are needed to fix the foot on the pedals, due to which you can not only press on the pedal from above, but also pull it from below with your other foot. As a result, two legs will work at the same time, and not alternately.

Previously, this function was performed by touklips - special straps holding the leg. They are cheaper than contacts, but they hold the foot much worse. It is also more difficult to get out of touklips in case of an unforeseen situation. Their positive feature is that there is no need to buy special shoes. Clipless pedals require shoes with fastening spikes.

Excellent aerodynamics are given by the special geometry of the bicycle, narrow wheels and the “ram” steering wheel. The athlete stretches along a long frame and creates minimal wind resistance. The wheels are usually 28-inch tubular, very rolling. They do not have an aggressive tread, as they are designed for flat roads. The tires have only water-removing grooves.

Sometimes carbon fiber discs are installed on a road bike. So the bike becomes even lighter, and there is even less wind resistance.

A frequent occurrence for road bikes is the presence of a mount for a bottle (or even more than one) and a pump, while there is no way to put a rack. On a bike for speed competitions, the possibility of transporting goods is useless.

These bikes are highly specialized, because you can’t ride them on the ground, you can’t jump off the curb, and so on. A road bike is needed for fast riding only on paved roads.

Cyclocross (CX)

The frame of such a bike is more durable than a road bike. It is adapted not for asphalt, but for natural forest paths. The frame is designed somewhat differently from a road bike. First, the saddle position is not as high as the handlebars of a road racing bike. The landing is completely different, because here it is no longer just necessary to rush forward rapidly, but also to think over the trajectory of movement in order to successfully pass all the natural obstacles on the way. A sports cyclocross bike is designed for the fact that the cyclist will have to carry it on himself from time to time: go through viscous mud, water, and so on. This bike is easy to carry on your shoulder.

Cyclocross can be considered a hybrid of road and mountain bikes.

Off-roading also requires more grippy brakes and studded tires. Therefore, hydraulic calipers with brake discs are installed on CX bikes. Tires are wider than road bikes and also have a tread similar to mountain bikes. Thanks to these tires, you can ride a cyclocross bike in winter.

The CX bike can be equipped with a rack and bottle holders, so the bike can be used as a touring bike.

The ground clearance is increased so as not to touch the ground with the carriage, especially when cornering.

gear ratio designed so that you can drive in low gears. Obviously, you won't get as fast off-road as you would on the highway, which is why a cyclocross chainring is slightly smaller than a road bike.

Cables and hoses are located above the top tube of the frame, dirt and moisture do not clog in them, so the brakes and transmission work well even in harsh conditions.

The CX most commonly uses contact pedals for MTB (mountain biking). They are less reliable, but it is easier to get out of them.

In general, a cyclocross bike is perfect for a person who wants everything at once. It is good to ride on it both on roads and on the ground, as well as go on long bike trips and participate in competitions. It can be ridden at any time of the year.

track

A track bike is not designed for anything other than riding a dedicated track. Bicycle hubs are designed to prevent free play. Spin the pedals - the bike rides, stop pedaling - slows down. That is why there are no brakes on track bikes, because you can slow down with pedals.

From track bikes to city bikes with a fixed gear

The wheels are made lighter by fitting high profile rims or carbon fiber rims. They are very good indoors, but dangerous on the street: the discs have excessive windage, and the wind can blow the bike sideways. The consequences for the athlete can be fatal. On a closed track, the discs perform excellently: they not only lighten the bike, but also give the bike good aerodynamics.

There are track bikes for racing:

• sprint,
• tempo,
• leadership.

Sprint and tempo bikes are practically the same. Only the lengths of the wheelbases, landing and some other characteristics of the frame geometry are slightly different.

Leader bikes are very different from other track bikes. Race for the leader is riding a special bike behind a motorcycle, increasing speed and braking when necessary. The leader bike looks rather strange: the fork is bent back, not forward, like all other bikes, but front wheel reduced.

There is a traffic limiter on the back of the motorcycle, showing the “air bag” area in which the cyclist needs to ride.

The aerodynamic properties of the bike are very important here, because a little something goes wrong, the bike leaves the zone of no headwind, and this can affect the outcome of the race. A pro race bike cannot be used in the city or even in other disciplines of track cycling. This bike is so highly specialized!

Bicycles for the Tour de France

The most popular road race in the world is the Tour de France. She gathers thousands of fans from all over the world. This race was first held in 1903 and has been attracting athletes who want to participate in such a large-scale event for more than a hundred years.

Competitors amaze the audience with their amazingly cool bikes. Let's consider some of them.

Scott Addict R2 TT: Scott Plasma 3

This bike is equipped with a seat post integrated into the frame, additional beds for comfort during long rides, and carbon discs are installed on it.

The rear brake mount is located on the lower stay. The best solution was to install the most high-tech equipment from Shimano, including transmission, brakes, rim. The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic system shifts gears smoothly and precisely.

Tubular tires from the equally well-known manufacturer Continental fit perfectly into the image of the bike.

This bike is not the pinnacle of engineering, but deserves admiring glances. It is equipped with hitch from Sram, FSA, Lightweight, Continental. Sram Red is professional shifting quality. Carbon parts - handlebars and high-profile rims - make this bike ultra-light.

Athletes of the Milram team ride it.

This Lapierre frame weighs just 850g. Including the rigid Easton EC90 carbon fork, innovative Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain, Ritchey stem and handlebars, and other bike components, the bike weighs 6.5kg.

Look 595 Origin and 595 Ultra

Look is a leading manufacturer of road bikes. The Campagnolo Super Record 2x11 chainring allows for smooth acceleration without injuring your knees. Zipp rims, the front wheel is spoked radially, which improves not only the ride quality of the bike, but also appearance.

The white wrapping looks great on a Full Speed ​​Ahead handlebar. The Fi "zi: k saddle was created specifically for marathons such as the Tour de France.

Pinarello is pure Italian. This is a unique frame with a reduced wheelbase, which results in a slightly curved seat tube. The bike is equipped with sunbeds. Campagnolo Super Record 11 made all the transmission and brake components for this bike. Wheels assembled from Easton and Continental.

A professional bike is always a specialized bike that cannot be used for other purposes and in other conditions. If you are not going to stubbornly engage in cycling, prepare for competitions, then you do not need an expensive racing bike. It is better to buy yourself a more versatile bike for the city and not too extreme off-road riding.

A racing bike is one of the best options for improving fitness, long-distance riding, and high-speed movement on flat trails. Regular riding on a road model contributes to the harmonious development of all muscle groups. That is why a sports racing bike is increasingly chosen by experienced cyclists.

Features of racing bikes

Let us briefly consider how road models differ from other types of two-wheeled vehicles:

• lightweight frame, components and wheels;
• narrow tires;
• front fork, often made of carbon fiber;
• no rear or front suspension.

Purpose

Racing road bikes are designed for competition, but are often used as a means of transportation by ordinary sports fans. Designed models of this category for driving on surfaces with the most even coverage. Therefore, they are not recommended to move on unpaved, rough surfaces.

A racing bike is an ideal option for organizing multi-day bike tours. However, for long-distance rides, the presence of a support car is welcome, since road models are not suitable for transporting luggage. Such bikes do not have rack mounts, which are provided in the design of most tourist, mountain and urban models.

Frame

Buying a racing bike, future owners have to choose between frames made of aluminum and aluminum. The bulk performs well when driving on flat surfaces. However, this option is much cheaper compared to carbon fiber.

Frames made from carbon fiber provide increased load-bearing capacity and maximum cushioning during travel. However, their cost cannot be called affordable, due to the special complexity of the manufacturing process.

If you need a solid racing bike to ride for fun, to keep fit, in this case, it’s enough to stop at a road model with aluminum frame. When low weight and structural strength is of decisive importance for competitive activity, it is worth giving preference to a carbon fiber frame. In the latter case, athletes often resort to making it to order, in accordance with the parameters of their own body.

wheels

As noted above, the racing bike, the photo of which can be seen in this material, is equipped with narrow high-pressure tires. The surface of the latter contains a minimum number of protectors. Wheels designed with these features in mind provide a low level of friction on the road surface, which contributes to the development of higher speed.

The disadvantage of tires for racing bikes is the occurrence of vibrations even when in contact with minor bumps. Therefore, in order not to feel discomfort and not cause damage to transport, it is recommended to drive it exclusively on paved roads.

Steering wheel

Racing bicycles are equipped with handlebars, the geometry of which reduces the resistance of the oncoming air flow. Curved handles make it possible to control the transport by placing the body body parallel to the track during movement. As in others modern bicycles, the components that are responsible for braking and gear shifting are located on the steering wheel. All of the above points provide maximum convenience for the cyclist when high-speed riding is necessary.

Transfers

racing bikes high level have a wide range of gear shifting. Low ones are activated in case of overcoming long and steep climbs. High gears make it possible to save energy when driving on flat sections of tracks.

In the standard layout, a racing bike has 2-3 forward gears and at least eight rear-wheel drive gears. Collectively, mid-range road bikes have between 16 and 27 individual gear combinations.

Pedals

Most racing bikes do not have pedals as standard. This is due to the need to independently choose them for your own needs and features of shoes. A competent approach to the choice of pedals when buying a road bike in the future is largely reflected in the comfort of the ride and the achievement of the desired results. The optimal solution there will be pedals with a system of clip-on hooks, which make it possible not only to push, but also to pull the cranks up.

Speed

Cyclists who are remotely familiar with are inclined to believe that riding a road bike allows you to develop speeds that are several times higher than the limits available during mountain riding models. As practice shows, it makes it possible, on average, to move at a speed of up to 40 km / h, the most light racing bike.

The speed of a trained cyclist is about 25-35 km / h, which slightly exceeds the results of the owners of urban and mountain models. In general, the development of higher speeds depends on the driving style, proper fit, physical indicators cyclist and to a small extent from the model of the vehicle.

Race bike manufacturers

The main brands that are in demand among athletes: Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Bianchi. It is the bicycles of these brands that are most often preferred by professionals.

Buying a racing bike from an unverified manufacturer in order to save money, as a rule, ends with a quick failure of the main components, the need to endure discomfort during the ride, and in the worst case, the occurrence of critical damage to the frame. Professional racing bikes from reputable brands open up ample opportunities to improve the configuration for your own needs.

Landing

To determine the optimal fit when riding a racing bike, you should use the following recommendations:

1. When moving, your hands should lie on the steering wheel, and your fingers should be free to reach the gearshift elements and brake levers. It is desirable that in this position an angle of 90 degrees be observed between the arms and the body.
2. Making a choice, it is worth sitting on a bicycle. In this case, when looking at the front hub, the latter should be in line with the steering wheel. Otherwise, the landing cannot be called optimal.
3. It is better to stop on a racing bike model, the width of the handlebars of which is symmetrical to the width of the shoulders. This grip ensures the maintenance of clear and stable breathing during movement. At the same time, the operation of a model with a narrow steering wheel contributes to an increase in aerodynamic performance. However, the latter option is not very convenient for inexperienced athletes.
4. When placing the foot on the pedal parallel to the roadway, the leg should not bend at the knee. Installation according to the indicated principle indicates the correct setting of the seat height.
5. It is desirable that the plane of the seat is parallel to the ground. If at the same time there is increased discomfort during the ride, it is worth changing the angle of its inclination by several degrees.
6. When choosing a fit, the gap between the thigh in the top position and the elbow should be on the order of a few centimeters.
7. When riding a racing bike, it is recommended not to bend your back in the lumbar region. This is the only way to avoid unwanted stress on the intervertebral discs. In addition, such a fit allows you to breathe freely during active body movements.

Before settling on a specific race bike model, it's worth testing a few options. Having resorted to the help of a store consultant, you can narrow the circle down to a choice of several solutions. Even if the models have similar equipment and frame shape, the ride on each of them will be significantly different.

Before buying, it is recommended to ride each bike for 15-20 minutes, overcoming long and steep climbs if possible. It is worth choosing a model that provides increased comfort and is able to become a real extension of the body. Ideally, it should meet current and future needs, allowing you to gain experience and improve your fitness as you train.

When choosing your first race bike Special attention should be given to the frame. It is better to immediately give preference to high-quality and reliable. At the same time, savings can be obtained on completing the rest of the nodes, over time equipping the bike with parts of a higher level. It is recommended to start riding initially on good bike Because that's the only way to truly love this activity.

Indeed, such bicycles exist. They are called road or racing, they are designed for fast driving on roads with a good asphalt surface. How to distinguish such a bike and its other counterparts? Road bikes are characterized by a low riding position, lightweight body, handlebar bent downwards, narrow smooth and a large set of gears. At the same time, these bicycles are not well suited for other roads, are not suitable at all for tourism and are very inconvenient for pleasure riding.

By the way, a track bike, like a racing bike, is also a kind of road bike. It is only used for sports racing on the track and usually, unlike the racing one, it does not have brakes. By the way, a racing bike also does not have a brake on the rear wheel, only on the front, and you need to brake with the front brake very carefully so as not to roll over the handlebars. How to make cycling more comfortable and safe in

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According to research, more than a million bicycles are used in the world. Among this number, racing bikes are the most popular. Racing models differ in low weight (up to 9 kilograms) and focus on driving on special tracks and highways.

Racing bikes are divided into three groups:

1. Track;
2. Highway;
3. Cross.

Consider each type in more detail.

Racing bicycles (road)

A racing bike is equipped with brakes, has a speed switch and continues to move to a complete stop after pedaling stops.

He has increased the distance between the wheels. For ease of assembly without tools, parts are attached using an eccentric system. The wheels have a minimum set of spokes. At the racing bike a large number of gears - twenty or more. Some are switched using the front lever. For reliable fixation of the foot in the pedals and circular pedaling, the structures are equipped with contact pedals. Handlebar-mounted controls control the front and rear brakes. The package includes a bike saddle, a pump and a water tank.

Cross bikes

Cross bikes differ from the previous type in a frame of increased mass, durable wheels, tilt of the steering wheel and saddle. Racing structures are oriented to cross-country distances.

track models

These are highly specialized racing bikes designed exclusively for riding on sports tracks. In addition to being lighter than others, racing bikes have the largest frame angle. These racing models have one fixed gear, so there is no ability to change gears. The bike does not have brakes either, so to stop, it drives a few extra laps, gradually slowing down. You won’t be able to ride a racing bike if you don’t pedal, because the wheels and pedals are rigidly fixed with a chain. In order to maintain speed in a race, you need to maintain an appropriate cadence.

The configuration of a typical track bike is such that the rhythm is maintained up to 120 rpm.

The size of the wheels, made of ultra-light materials, is 40 millimeters wide and reaches 28 inches in diameter. These two components help to reduce acceleration time to a minimum.

The load on the wheels during the race is large, which is why the quality of fastening is subject to increased requirements. Since replacement is rare, strong nuts are used instead of quick-release clamps. The spokes on the racing bike are also missing - instead, a solid carbon layer is used.

The shape of the saddle and low seating position provide a comfortable position: you can ride a mountain bike for a long time. Add the convenience of wheels of different diameters. The curved steering wheel resembles the shape of a ram's horn. In addition, the bike has enviable aerodynamic properties and downforce. In order to increase the inertia, the number of components should be washed to a minimum, and in order to avoid injuries from falls, a special fastening is used - tuklips, which are straps with which the foot is attached to the pedals.

A rigidly fixed foot does not slip, therefore, there is no drop in speed. This type of racing bike is not available in stores, because they are produced for major competitions (on order).

Track bikes fall into three categories:

1. For leadership races;
2. Tempovyh;
3. Sprint.

The frame assembly of the first group has fundamental differences: the diameter of the front wheel is reduced, the fork is slightly bent back, the single-tubes have a different design, the saddle is located non-standard.

It is difficult for an inexperienced eye to find differences between the last two, except for the striking unusual position of the steering wheel and saddle. In fact, there are more differences. They concern the dimensions of some parts, the dynamic characteristics of the frame, the base distance

About Look

The history of the company began in France in 1951. At first, the company specialized in the production of equipment for skiers, in which it succeeded. But fame came to her after the development and presentation of the first frame made of carbon. Since then, its popularity has been counting down in another area - cycling. Today, the company's line of business is the manufacture of accessories and spare parts for racing bicycles using high-strength materials and innovative technologies. The unique design and elegance of the lines are the main differences between the racing bikes of the famous brand.

Well-known company Look and sports achievements: on bicycles with components of this company, the largest competitions have been won more than once (1985 and 1986).

The widespread introduction of the company's developments in the design of mountain bikes falls on the beginning of the 21st century, when it was engaged in the production of frames, pedals and other accessories.

Bicycle frames for mountain bikes(track)

Let's take the L96 Speed ​​track bike as an example. Its design is borrowed from the legendary 496 model. The new design has improved aerodynamic performance, reduced total weight, increased power, but retained the fantastic strength and efficiency that once brought success to the prototype known as the 496. The use of carbon materials helped to achieve the goal.

The racing bike fork is designed to give the best compromise between flex, handling and stiffness while controlling the weight, which has not changed and stayed below the limit.

The design of the steering wheel aims to improve the aerodynamic properties. Adds convenience to the design of the seat mount, which allows you to adjust the parameters.

KEO Classic Pedals

The surface of the pedals is rough with numerous recesses, which prevents the feet from slipping and ensures the reliability of the supporting surface. Optimum tension is achieved thanks to the adjustable spring. The highly reliable design withstands up to 90 kilograms of pedal center load and 100 rpm for up to 2 million cycles. It is important that the clips are compatible with any shoe.

Racing bike accessories

Nozzle for sports shoes of the racing KEO Grip bike has protection that ensures complete safety while riding. It is compatible with different type shoes.

Asterisks. Losses of speed are minimal, which is facilitated by a rigid design. Due to the use of a special method of processing the teeth, the quality of gear shifting has become better. Release them for different meanings diameters and speeds.

connecting rods the lightest on the bike market. Their weight is 320 grams. At the same time, this did not affect the rigidity in any way. It is easy to install and replace the connecting rod thanks to the adjustable spindle bottom bracket shape. The cranks are compatible with any kind of modern pedals.

Steering wheel streamlined, increasing aerodynamics, meets UCI 3:1.

Video: Beijing 2008. Cycling track

Let's be clear: we're talking about racing bikes here. That means a low mutton handlebar, a long top tube, and an extended rider position with a flat back. Combined with the typical race bike geometry of a 73-74° seat angle, the short chainstays are bikes that feel fast, respond quickly but predictably to steering, and feel comfortable all day long if you're trained enough. to stay that long in the saddle.

Here I will talk about driving and handling. Other specs vary on any elite race bike. Not everyone manages to hold out in the lean-to-handle position due to the long stem; due to the low handlebars, the cyclist leans on the front wheel with all their weight, which provides good grip and control.

A good road bike has a high quality gearing system - 53/39 front sprockets and a rear cassette with 11-23 sprockets. However, there is no shame in using a compact 50/34 or a wider range chainring. Even some professionals use such parts, and the kit latest version Shimano pro-grade Dura-Ace includes an 11-30 cassette.

However, some things are vital. Race bikes either have very light wheels or, even better, aerodynamic rims. Lightweight wheels add a bit of speed on mountain roads, simply due to the overall light weight, but aero wheels always add speed, which far outweighs the disadvantage of them from excess weight.

A light and stiff frame is also a must, so it can be aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium or one of the steel alloys like Reynolds 931 or Columbus Spirit. If weight matters to you - and if you're considering buying a race bike it certainly does - then carbon fiber should be your choice. even the best metal frames are a couple of hundred grams heavier. But metals still have their merits. For very tall cyclists, an aluminum frame might be a good fit - stiff yet lightweight, and the characteristics of steel and titanium also have a lot of fans.

Usually, caliper rim brakes are used on racing bikes, but there are now other options. Shimano's Direct Mount brakes are tighter set calipers that are usually tucked under the stays to look neater.

But in last years breakthrough in brake systems steel disc brakes. If you're going to race, you should use rim brakes, but outside of racing, you can take advantage of discs that provide better braking while still keeping the rims.

What are racing bikes good for?

In short: for fast driving. Including racing, of course, but to enjoy a racing bike, you do not have to race, you can simply add the whistle of the speed of a fast rushing bike to the sounds of nature.

These bikes are suitable for any type of trip where speed is important, especially if you need to cover a decent distance. Carrying options are mostly limited to a backpack, but if you're careful with your choice, you can find a bike that can handle 25mm tires and the low-profile Crud Road Racers or SKS Raceblade Longs fenders, so you'll at least have a dry butt as well. It will turn out to soak in bed for a few minutes longer.

And if we talk about trips for a few days? With the right bags, and maybe some changes to the sprocket system to compensate for the extra weight, you can be a great cyclist. However, race bikes almost never have rack mounts, and it's fair to say that it's not a very good idea to try to build them yourself on a lightweight frame. Then you will put on it the weight for which it was not intended, and the short chainstays of the road bike will not allow you to pedal if you put a rack on the frame with any load.

During events such as the transcontinental race, cyclists carry a minimum of things with them, sometimes supplementing the luggage with only a bag on the frame or on the handlebars. This is very convenient if you are staying at a hotel or sleeping on a bus, and the positioning of the bag in line with your body does not greatly affect aerodynamics.

Five Superb Race Bikes

The choice is huge, as well as the variety of prices. To give you a little idea of ​​how much, here is an example of five great bikes that are priced more like car prices.

B'Twin Ultra 700 AF – 900 €

Most often, when we consider the characteristics of bicycles, we emphasize those places that require improvement or where they would come in handy, but this does not apply to B "Twin's Ultra 700 AF. This is one of the best options for the money in terms of price-quality ratio .

We do not want to say that there is nothing to improve in Ultra. With a rigid triple aluminum frame, you can easily place some "trinkets" on it without overshadowing the main components.

IN this case with regard to Ultra, it cannot be said that the price is not justified. It's not easy to find a bike with an 11-speed Shimano 105 system at this price, and even though B "Twin cut the cost slightly with the RS500 compact (50/34) gearing system, it is still a very specific bike. Shifting is slightly less clear without the 105 series of 5800 chains, but you hardly notice it.

Specialized Tarmac Sport – €1,345

We liked the Ultegra-equipped big brother of this bike. However, the younger one is very attractive and well equipped and offers a very fast and exciting ride, which is quite suitable for novice riders.

As with the previous generation Tarmacs, it's easy to live with. There are no surprises in handling, it is very predictable and fits very easily into the home interior. This is a bike that can be used for a day trip in complete comfort, or for diving into winding and narrow chains of forest trails; for commuting and commuting; and, finally, for a stroll on a lazy Sunday morning to a coffee shop. Ride and relax!

Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR – €2,160

If you want to achieve good results and show them off on Strava or just want a fast, comfortable and easy ride, the Boardman Road Pro Carbon SLR should be at the top of your list. With features such as a full carbon frameset, SRAM Force kit, Mavic Ksyrium wheels and a weight of just 7kg, the SLR is a real contender, even considering the price - and it can challenge even direct sales professionals.

The Road Pro is worth a closer look. Silver paint with a mirror effect makes it stand out from the rest, especially in the sun; you will definitely get noticed.

However, beauty is not only in appearance. In the harsh world of cycling, where bikes start to go through all sorts of rough patches, the Boardman knows exactly what's what, and a good racing bike only begs for opportunities to overcome the odds. He likes to ride on asphalt, go down the hill along the very edge of a narrow path, and compete for speed in the ascent.

Cannondale CAAD12 Disc Dura-Ace – €2,550

There are several brands associated with aluminum, like Cannondale with their legendary CAAD - "Cannondale advanced aluminum design" series. The American company has made a name for itself with aluminum frames, and although they have invested heavily in carbon fiber over the years, the devotion to aluminum remains at a level that only a few have retained.

The new CAAD12 is a very polished bike with a level of comfort that will make you wonder why you would buy anything else at all and of course why aluminum was a popular material for such a short time, only during the development of advanced technology in racing bikes. in the 90s. It's so light it outshines many of the carbon road bikes we've tested over the years. This is nothing but a miracle.

The Shimano Dura-Ace shifting system and hydraulic disc brakes are expensive icing on a wonderful cake. The brakes give a feeling of solidity and tremendous power, even with just one finger on the brake lever, and the subtle modulation ensures that the wheel doesn't lock up. The system of stars is just a song; when mechanical shifting is so easy to use, you wonder why you wanted an electronic Di2.

Trek Madone 9.9 – €10,200

The Trek Madone 9 series characterizes latest technology felt in a fast and comfortable ride, but as is often the case with innovative engineering, nothing good comes cheap. However, this bike is exceptional.

In short, the Madone 9 is an aerodynamic race bike that delivers comfort with Trek’s IsoSpeed ​​decoupling to noticeably smooth out bumps and bumps. The effect is subtle but very noticeable.

The combination of IsoSpeed ​​and aerodynamic frame profiles gives the Madone 9 a whimsical feel of a combination of soft seating and super speed. It quickly picks up speed and holds it beautifully.

The climbs on this bike are great. It's punchy on short, steep climbs, nimble when you're off the saddle, and feels comfortable when you've got your hands on the Madone XXX's handlebars for long rides.