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by Parker BashlineThere are lots of reasons for cycling on the road and there are numerous different types of road bikes. The four main types of bikes for road bike cycling are road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and folding bikes. All of these types of bikes also have many different designs so choosing the right bike for you can be a big decision.
What type of bike you choose to ride on the road depends on how often you will use it, the purpose and distance of the journeys you make, as well as which type of bike you feel most comfortable riding, as they all have different riding positions.
Usually road bikes are lightweight as they are designed primarily for speed, and they have drop handlebars so the riding is position is low and aerodynamic. They also have skinny tyres, and they are the common choice for racing and experienced road bike cyclists.
Road bikes can essentially be divided into two sub-categories - touring bikes and racing bikes. Touring bikes are excellent for long distance rides and cycling holidays, while race bikes are designed for acceleration and speed.
Touring bikes offer lower gear ratios, which makes them suitable for carrying luggage with you on long tours. On the other hand racing bikes are very light and have rigid frames. They enable the maximum transfer of power from the legs to to the wheels, for a quick, smooth ride.
A popular choice of bike for commuters nowadays is a hybrid bike. They are also popular for keeping fit and leisure rides. They are basically a combination of a mountain bike and a road bike, as they have some features of both. They have flat handlebars that create an upright riding position like a mountain bike, but fast spinning wheels like a road bike.
Mountain bikes have tyres with substantial tread as they are designed for off-road riding, but they can also be changed to road cycling if you already have one and want to cycle on the road without another huge cost. To adapt a mountain bike you can just swap the tyres for narrower, smoother tyres. This will decrease resistance and make cycling on the road easier and faster.
If part of your commute to work involves cycling on the road but part of it uses public transport, the ideal bike for you is a folding bike. These get rid of any worries about where to leave your bike at work or at home, as they simply fold up so you can take them with you.
Whichever bike you decide on when road bike cycling make sure you are clearly visible to other traffic on the roads. Wear reflective clothing and use lights on your bike. This is really important for your safety, whatever bike you are riding.
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Get more information on road bike cycling, and equipment before you go out on the road.
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