Cycling and Aerodynamic Efficiency

Made of aluminum and dual carbon fiber chain and seat stays, the racing bicycle provides a dynamic posture to the rider trough it is lightweight and raised seat. For swift turning, the front and rear wheels are closely arranged. The racing wheel forms a teardrop with the tire because of its triangular cross-section, built for greater aerodynamic efficiency. To reduce wind resistance and to add overall efficiency the number of spokes in the wheel is low. But still, when it comes to hill climbing bicycles it is used a traditional box-sectioned rim.

Because of their lightweight and easily moldering, racing bikes rims are made of aluminum. In spite of those properties, some bicycles carbon fiber is used to make the rim, because these rims are lighter but they tend to crack easily and chip when the wheel punctures. This is the reason for which the riders prefer cheaper and heavier wheels for training.

To reduce wind resistance and road friction, the tires are lightweight, narrow and have smooth treads. They are inflated to a pressure of around 8 bars. Many bicycles have a sort of tubular tires that are sewn round the rube and glued to the rim. Recently, cyclists started preferring tubular clincher tires. In spite of this, the opinions regarding the merits and demerits of the two tires still remain divided.

The bicycle use for racing presents a carbon frame, and its components are referred to as a group-set. The frameset, fork, wheel-set, bars, stem, pedals, saddle and seat post are not included in the group-set.

Most racing bike components are made of carbon-fiber. For example, high-end shifters, brake levers, cranks are made of carbon-fiber. Also, stems, handlebars, shoe soles, forks and seat-posts are also made by carbon-fiber. Carbon-fiber is often used because is very light and has a high capacity to absorb vibrations.

Important specifications of racing bikes:

1. Wheels: equal diameter, between 70-55 cm, have a minimum of 12 spokes

2. Maximum length: 185 cm

3. Maximum width: 50 cm

4. Saddle length: between 24 and 30 cm

5. Distance between the bottom bracket spindle and ground: between 24 and 30 cm

6. Maximum internal distance: between front fork ends 10.5 cm and of the rear stays about 13.5 cm.

7. Maximum weight: 6.8kg

Yes, the true is you do only get what you will pay for, so get the best bike you can possibly afford. Always a good idea is to look around the magazines and the online shops and manufacturers sites and also dont forget your local bike shop until you get what you looking for, but be careful not to make your friends too jealous!