Although there has been an influx of newer types of road bikes that have come out over the last few years, the six listed below are still the most common types that you’ll find on the road today.
RACE
The name is pretty explanatory. Race road bikes are designed for racing and high speeds, so every aspect of the bike is designed to cater to this goal.
The frame of a race bike is going to be incredibly light, stiff, and provide a high amount of response. The bike’s gears are configured for higher speeds, with some middle gears suited for climbing. Wheels and tires are very skinny, and as lightweight as possible.
Additional features are kept to a minimum to ensure the weight remains as low as possible.
If you’re looking to go as fast as possible, a race bike is for you.
The majority of riders starting out will probably want to consider other types at first, and build to a race bike later on down the road.
SPORTIVE
Sportive bikes are similar to race bikes, but with a bigger emphasis on comfort.
This combination has made sportive bikes very popular for endurance events, and also as a general usage road bike. They still favor speed, but have some small tweaks that make a big difference in terms of posture and comfort.
The frame and seatpost are set up in a way that encourages a more upright riding position, rather than the forward-leaning position favored by traditional racing bikes. There is also more “give” in the frame’s construction, instead of the more rigid feel of a racing bike.
As for the gears, you still get a configuration that offers high speeds, but with expanded lower gears to help with climbing.
These lower gears allow you to climb without using as much energy. You may lose some speed, but again, the focus is on endurance and comfort. Disc brakes are also becoming more popular with sportive bikes.
If you prefer longer distance rides, or are looking for a faster bike that gives you more comfort, a sportive bike should be at the top of your list.
TIME TRIAL
Time trial bikes are like racing bikes, only designed to have even less wind resistance and even more speed.
Commonly used for time racing and triathlons, these bikes are about as fast as you can get, but this comes at the expense of comfort.
The frame of a time trial bike has large, flat tubing, and most of the bike’s components are hidden away to decrease wind resistance. The rider sits a lot lower on one of these frames, and there are aero handlebars that extend in the middle so the rider can extend forward even more and ride with their head downwards while still maintaining control.
Gears are bigger on time trial bikes, giving the rider some extended gears that result in even more speed. Wheels are almost always carbon fiber, and tires are on the skinnier side of the spectrum. Every last detail is intended to be as light and aerodynamic as possible.
These bikes are not ideal for any kind of casual use, and should only be purchased if you’re serious about time trial racing, or any kind of triathlon competition.
AERO
Aero road bikes are very similar to time trial bikes, and share a lot of the same characteristics. They are basically racing road bikes that have been merged with many of the aerodynamic features found with a time trial bike, but without going full-on with it.
Most of the frames are made from carbon, and feature the same lowered stance on a time trial bike, but a bit scaled back. Wheels and tires are light and skinny, and the gearing is basically the same as your average road bike.
If you want the speed of a racing bike, but only want a few extra aerodynamic features instead of going all the way with a time trial bike, an aero bike is the best choice.
COMMUTER
Like the name says, this bike type is for those that rely on a bike for transportation around town, often on a daily basis. They have a road bike build, but include numerous features and tweaks that are more focused on comfort and best balance bike than on speed and weight.
The frame is more conducive to an upright position instead of leaning forward. This is both comfortable, and allows the rider to stay upright and focus on traffic rather than leaning forward.
Frames will also have fittings for mudflaps and luggage racks for you to place your personal belongings on, rather than carry them on your back.
The weight of the frame is higher than an average road bike, but commuter bikes are still relatively low weight, especially when compared to other kinds of bikes.
Commuter bike wheels are stronger and more sturdy than other road bike tires, which also adds some weight, but offers better resistance to bending and bumps. Tires are a little wider, and may have a slight tread on them as well.
Handlebars can be either flat or the drop style, and disc brakes are increasingly popular, as they are easier to operate in mud and rain, and allow for some minor irregularities in wheel rims that may occur from bumps and bending. Gears are more inline with a racing bike, but with not as many speeds.
If you are looking to use a road bike as transportation, and want to be as comfortable and efficient as possible, a commuter bike should be your first choice.
TOURING
Touring road bikes are bikes designed for long distance rides, often for days at a time.
They have a more traditional racing bike build when compared to something like a commuter bike, but with additional features that are meant to make touring easier.
The frame is similar to a road bike, but has a more upright build that allows the rider to go back and forth between riding upright and leaning forward with ease. The frame is also a little thicker, and weighs a bit more than a racing bike.
There are almost always very skinny mud protectors on the front and back areas, that are positioned just above the tires. Wheels are tougher, and there are more spokes to provide better reinforcement against bumps and added stress from carrying loads for longer periods.
Gears are one of the biggest differences, as touring bikes aren’t built for speed.
The ratio is lower than a racing bike, with a wider range of mid-gears that give more choices when trying to pace yourself while remaining efficient. Tires are a little wider, and may have a slight tread for added toughness.
Touring bikes are for touring. If you plan on going for long distances while carrying luggage and belongings, a touring bike will make a huge distance in how your trip goes, and remains versatile enough for daily use as well, whether for fitness or commuting.
Information Source: BikesReviewed.com
