Category of road bikes 

We divide road bikes according to the type of use into: 

• recreational and sports,
• racing.

Recreational and sports road bikes

These are bikes intended for the general public and for those who want to enjoy a comfortable ride on the road. They have a comfortable more upright position for a pleasant driving feeling. A modern subcategory consists of sports, so-called endurance bikes. They resemble racing bikes, but are still comfortable and have a nice geometry (seat) for all day trips. Thanks to the wider tires, they can also handle, for example, gravel roads.

Racing road bikes

With these bikes, great emphasis is placed on low weight, aerodynamics and power transmission when pedaling. The racing bike has excellent riding characteristics at high speed. The disadvantage is the aggressive geometry, where due to better aerodynamics, the rider's seat is tilted forward, the handlebars are low and the seat is uncomfortable for most recreational cyclists. If you want a bike that wins stages at the Tour de France, this is the category for you. These bikes are mainly suited for the road and riding off it is quite uncomfortable.

Women's road bikes

There are women's road bikes for women . Unlike men's bikes, the frame geometry has a shorter length and they also have a more pronounced top tube slope. They tend to be an ideal choice for smaller women. They are produced in racing as well as recreational and sports variants.

What parameters to consider when choosing a road bike

Road bike frame material

Suitable material and geometry of the frame allow efficient transmission of force when pedaling. Cheaper bikes have an aluminum frame. Disadvantages of aluminum include, for example, shorter service life, higher weight and poor absorption of vibrations or unevenness. The advantage, on the other hand, is the low price.

Carbon frames, on the other hand, are characterized by low weight, high stiffness while maintaining the absorption of vibrations during driving. They tend to be quite a bit more expensive than aluminum frames, but the reward is a modern frame that has excellent driving characteristics.

Road bike frame size

There is no universal table for determining the exact size. Nowadays, each manufacturer has its own specific sizes and geometries, each of which suits someone else. Consult an expert on the given brand to choose the appropriate size. In addition to size, for example, the length of the frame, the slope of the upper frame tube and other parameters that have a great influence on comfort and the resulting sitting position play an important role. Another frame will be suitable for a recreational rider who goes on a trip twice a week and another for someone with racing ambitions.

Road bike frame size reference table for figure

You can read more about frame sizes and choosing the right frame in our articles:

How to choose the right wheel size

How to choose a bike frame and measure its size

Entangled road bikes (entanglements)

In the case of a road bike, it is especially true that the entangled wheels (strings) have a great influence on its driving characteristics . The most modern road bikes use tall carbon rims , which are characterized by high inertia when riding and low weight. The disadvantage is the high price and low impact resistance. 

Thanks to their inertia, they drive excellently at high speeds, they are not very ideal for hills. That is why it is good to choose a reasonable compromise – carbon wheels with a rim height of approx. 40 mm. Aluminum wheels may be a better option for recreational riders . Although they are heavier, they last much longer and can be purchased much cheaper.

Road bike brakes

Rim brakes used to be standard on road bikes, but you don't see them as often anymore. Disc brakes are common on modern bikes these days. The disadvantage can be higher weight and the need for professional service. The biggest advantage, on the other hand, is the excellent braking effect in any weather.

You can read more about choosing brakes for a bike in our article:

Bicycle brakes: What to focus on when choosing and how to tell when it's time to change the pads

The best brands of road bikes

The most expensive brand is not necessarily the best. But the brands we know from TV and big road races are proven. Thanks to this, it offers modern geometry and provides excellent driving characteristics. For many cyclists, the bike brand can also be a matter of prestige. The best bicycle brands include classic Italian companies such as Colnago , De Rosa , Pinarello . Alternatively, other global companies such as Specialized , Cannondale , BMC , Trek and others.

Road bike components and accessories

Road bikes differ not only in the frame, but also in their components and equipment. The most important parameter is the gear set ( shifter , derailleur and shift levers ). The more expensive and better the set, the lower the weight, the better and more precise the functionality. The highest gear sets are already electronic. The advantages include high precision and easy shifting. The disadvantage can be the high price.

Overview of the use of gear sets:

• Recreational bikes - Shimano Sora, SRAM Apex, Campagnolo Veloce,
• Sports bikes - Shimano 105, SRAM Rival, Campagnolo Centaur, Campagnolo Athena,
• Racing wheels - Shimano Ultegra, Shimano Dura Ace, SRAM Red, SRAM Force, Campagnolo Chorus, Campagnolo Record.

Finding the right road bike can be a daunting task. With these types that we presented in the article, it should not be a problem to choose the right road bike for your needs.