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.
It seems that cycling becomes more popular as a sport every day and new makes of bikes pop up all the time. Most frequently bikes are made from some form of steel but as technology advances, so more materials have become viable options. A very popular alternative at the moment is aluminium, which is even now being used in snowboards and surfboards. Lets take a better look at the qualities of aluminium and see how it compares to steel?
Strength. Steel frames tend to boast approx twice the strength of an aluminum frame, which could suggest that aluminum would not be suitable for high impact bike riding. However, because of the fact aluminium is such much lighter than steel (40% lighter) the frames can afford to be thicker and thus match the strength of steel. However, there are some occasions where the forces put on a bike frame require quite strong steel and aluminium just would not be suitable.
Performance. aluminium has about 33% of the stiffness that steel has. Whilst you would automatically think a more forgiving ride would result, bike riders tend to say the opposite is true. Many say that they find steel-framed bikes have greater comfort. Aluminium bikes do outperform steel bikes in some sectors such as road racing and hill climbing events due to their better weight but again, most choose steel for bike riding that requires great strength of frame
Cost. The cost of a frame is dependent on various things, most commonly the steel or aluminum quality. There are now steel products on the market that are light enough to almost rival aluminum, however the cost for these is often quite large. Also, as aluminum use becomes more widespread, is costs in lower end products is coming down. However, due to the fact steel is more readily available and is the standard for most new and second hand bikes, it is usually cheaper than aluminium.
Bikes are made up of hundreds of components, everyone being important in its own right. You wouldn’t be able to ride without pedals, handlebars, a stem or most other bike accessories for that matter. One element that is integral to the movement of the bike and the transition of power from the rider to the wheels is the chain. This incredible piece of engineering is utilized in equipment and machinery all over the world and is responsible for many different tasks. However, chains do break down and malfunction if not looked after properly. Here are the 3 main reasons why you need to give your chain some regular TLC.
Long life.Rust and corrosion is a common occurrence in chains due to their metal makeup. Bike chains are even more prone to this as they are often exposed the elements quite a lot. You should really clean the chain thoroughly after every use and then give it a good oiling with a suitable grade oil. This will prevent any corrosion taking place and should also prevent the chain from ceasing up. Once a couple of links do not move freely, the function of the chain is severely compromised.
Damage to bike. A whole host of other component can become damaged by a bike chain that is not being looked after. One component that works closely with the chain is the crankset and this can become burred and scared by a bad chain. Another part that can easily suffer harm is the derailleur, which is also in constant contact with the chain. Racing bikes are even more prone to this their mechanisms are very finely tuned.
Rider harm. A chain that is not in a good way will also pose a risk to whomever is riding the bike. If enough links cease up then the chain can jam and sometimes bring the wheels to an abrupt stop. If you are riding at any sort of speed this can cause the rider to be thrown from the bike and receive untold injuries, especially if you are wearing fragile cycle clothing
Guest post today as I am not a fat, pale pig 
If you are reading this and thinking you need to lose a bit of weight before you get into that bikini/trunks/swimming shorts this summer then read on. In addition, if you are like me when it comes to the summer you do not want to be seen as a fat pale pig wearing swimming shorts. I for one would at least like to eliminate the pig part of that sentence. So why not treat yourself to one of those bright shiny racing bikes.
The thing is riding a bike is a great way to keep fit and even if you are quite happy with the way that you weigh, riding a bike is a brilliant way to tone up all those muscles. I for one live near the South Downs so a bike like this is perfect for me but even if you do not want to compete then there are so many ways you could enjoy a bike like this.
ANother great thing about having a racing bike is that you can take part in a load of charity events that benefit not only yourself but many other people that you could raise money for which is a thing to be proud of doing. As well as this one of these bikes could seriously help social lives. By meeting other people who are into the same thing as you it is surprising how many of the same hobbies you could have in common.
Of course once you have one of these fantastic bikes you are customise it in anyway you want ranging from bike pedals all the way too zipp wheels.
There really is no limit on how you can alter the bike you have so that it performs in the way that you want it too.
So why not treat yourself this month to a brand new racing bike, their fast, trendy and a lot of fun if you really give it a go.
These top five are not just for the bike but for the owner too when out and about riding. Get those bike pedals ready because here they come.
5.
Energy bar or energy gel.
These are great for before and after events as the put all the carbohydrates your body has lost or is about to lose straight back in making you feel a lot better. There is even a gel that can help build muscles up taking around seven days to work. Of course the gel can also be used on the move.
4. Of course it had to be in the top five, the bike helmet
No professional cyclist can go anywhere without one of these. Only really in the top five simply because it is simply vital to own one.Of course it cannot be forgotten just how many different helmets there are with some even made for hot or cold weather.
3.The mini bicycle computer
Having this is what really makes you a proffessonal cyclist in my opinion. These are so easily attached to the bike and can really help out during a training session.
- Current Speed
- Odometer
- Trip Distance
- Elapsed time
- 12/24hr clock
- Average Speed
- Pacer
- Maximum Speed
- Dual Wheel
- Temperature
- Cadence
2. Wheels
At number two simply because I love to change the wheels on my bike. There are thousands of designs to use ranging from the plain wheels that come with every bike or various other ones like zipp wheels.
1. At number one is the most important thing you need on a long riding trip. There is a reason why I haven't kept mentioning whats at number one and that is simply because it is a boring one.
Water bottle is at number one purely because out of all the things you do not want to be dehydrated when out riding.
Well there you have it, the top five things to take with you and use when using a racing bike.
Bikes shops Sussex is a perfect example, have fun!
