When it comes to road racing, particularly in time trials, everyone is looking to be a light as they possibly can. Pro cyclists are on very strict diets and watch their weight very carefully, but the racing bikes also need to pretty trim. Over the years the weight of time trials bikes had dropped quite dramatically, around 50g average over 5 years. If you’re thinking this is nothing, there are a million riders who will testify to just what a difference this makes. So what are the latest developments to come on scene, aimed at shaving another few pounds off?
Carbon fiber shoes. When it comes to cycle clothing, strong and light is the key. Racers want their shoes to be very firm so that none of the energy that they generate is lost and instead all past into the crank. Traditionally there has been a tossup between using hard materials which were usually heavy or lighter ones that softer and not as effective. New shoes made from carbon fibre are the answer to both problems, being a great deal lighter and most shoes and much stronger also
Titanium spokes. Believe it or not, the weight of your spokes can add up to make a big difference in the overall weight of the bike. Carbon fiber spokes are available but their strength is not that affective when they so thin, so they are made thicker and have an impact on aerodynamics. The preferred option is now titanium spokes Zipp wheels now use and can be made to the same size steel ones, but are around half the weight.
Fully carbon bikes. The ultimate in performance racing is the bike made almost completely from carbon fiber. As mentioned previously, this makes the bike incredibly strong but does not compromise on weight. The comfort of the ride is also something that has impressed those who have trialled carbon bikes, which is of course important.where carbon fiber does currently slip up is the price of the stuff. Until the price of carbon fiber comes down dramatically, it will always the material of the elite.
