![]() A longer wheelbase also adds some stability as speed increases. You want as light a bike as you can afford (because it makes pedaling easier), but you also want to look for one with frame angles and components that will keep you happy over many miles.Ĭonsider a bike with a slightly taller head tube and a shorter top tube, which puts you in a more upright position than a pure race bike and takes the strain off your back and neck. Instead, most are created to meet the needs of riders who are commuting long distances, riding for fun or fitness, or who like exploring new places they can reach only by bike.Ĭomfort is just as important as speed. Trevor Raabįew bikes in this category are designed for racing, the most notable exception being the Cannondale CAAD Optimo 4. Bikes for racing are longer and lower, allowing the rider to get into a more aero and aggressive position. Get the Right PositionĮndurance bikes are designed for comfort, with a high handlebar height and short reach that takes the pressure off the hands and lower back. This alone is a great reason to upgrade to a new bike. You have more control and less hand fatigue, and they require less maintenance than older rim brakes. Discs offer better stopping power than rim brakes, especially in the rain and on dirt and gravel roads. You’ll also likely find hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes on less-expensive bikes. Wider tires can be heavier, so if you’re strictly looking to do faster rides on smooth roads, tires in the 25mm range will work better. And they grip better on dirt and gravel, opening new exploration routes. The extra width softens the road because you can run lower tire pressure without fear of flatting. Models with tires 28mm or wider are now common. Recently, affordable road bikes have started to come with the same wider, versatile tires found on their expensive counterparts. The additional cogs allow smaller jumps between gears for faster shifting and a wider overall range that lets you pedal more efficiently without sacrificing top-end speed. However, some-like the Motobecane Gran Premio Elite-come with 11-speed drivetrains. Also, bikes are getting fewer gears in the back, with 8- and 9-speed drivetrains becoming commonplace. Although many gravel models now have 1x drivetrains (one front chainring) that simplify shifting and require less maintenance, 2x drivetrains (two front chainrings) are still the most common on the road. Recent advances in shifting are also making their way to less-expensive bikes. stripped What to Consider Simpler Drivetrains (If You Want Them) Plus, manufacturers are producing sub-$1,000 rigs focused on cycling’s hottest trends- gravel and adventure riding. As high-end tech trickles down, many new (or newly updated) models with price tags around a grand or less come with disc brakes, carbon forks, and other features typically found on more expensive bikes. You can find a new ride without investing thousands. ![]() "Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." The Best Cheap Road Bikes for Less Than $1,200 Trevor Raab
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