The road bike is one of the oldest and most popular of all varieties of bike available. If you are mainly going to be riding on tarmac, and distance or speed are priorities, you’ll want to invest in one of this sort. These bicycles have lightweight frames designed to allow aerodynamic posture without discomfort, and are designed for racing in most cases. Using a road bike is certainly highly recommended, and among the preferred are the Colnago Bicycles and the Fuji Bicycles.

Road bikes generally have narrow tires that are kept at a high pressure, and which are smooth surfaced – they do not have the uneven surface you might associate with mountain bike tires. These reduce contact with the road, giving you the minimum amount of rolling resistance. However, when it comes to bumps and stones they allow you to feel more – that’s why they’re best used on tarmac that’s in good repair.

You will need to think about the frame, too. Road bike frames are made from many different materials, and the costs vary depending on the way they’re made and the material. Lighter frames are usually more expensive – better suited to climbing. Heavier bikes lead to slower times for competition riders. This may or may not be important for you.

A lot of basic level bikes have frames of either aluminum or steel, with aluminum slowly and gradually taking up more and more of the market. Neither is a bad choice, but each has its pluses and minuses. For instance, aluminum frames are built to be especially stiff, which results in a slightly harder ride. Steel frames are heavier, but offer more flex, and can handle bumps a little better. How do you know which one is the best choice for you? Test as many as you are able to and make your mind up which one feels the best.

You will start to see bike frames made from different materials as bike prices increase. The front fork, for instance, may be made of carbon fiber – a strong, but light material. Top quality bikes may have an entire frame made of carbon fiber, offering great strength and lightness. Even more sophisticated bikes are made of titanium and other high end materials. Most of these bikes are bought only by serious cyclists, since they are not cheap to buy.

Handle bars are another important factor. On road bikes, they generally project straight from the base, then curl under so that riders who want the least wind drag can bend forward. Riders are also able to sit in a position that’s more upright and keep their hands at a higher position on the bars. On road bikes, brake levers and gear shift are normally handle bar mounted, offering more control.

Be aware of riding position, too. Most modern road bikes are designed to allow cyclists to bend forward, allowing them to put the most power from the hips and legs into the pedals, and lowering their wind resistance. This aerodynamic position is good for short term speed, but can be unpleasant in the long term, leading to pain in the hands and arms.

Road bikes usually come with many gear speeds – eight or nine gears and two or three chain rings – allowing anywhere from 16 to 27 different gear combinations. You will also usually get platform pedals which come with toe pedals, but pedals without clips are also to be found. They give you the option of pedaling the bicycle on the upstroke as well as the downstroke.