Road cycling

Road cycling is the most widespread form of cycling. It includes recreational, racing, commuting, and utility cycling. Road cyclists are generally expected to obey the same rules and laws as other vehicle drivers or riders and may also be vehicular cyclists.

For the sport, see Road bicycle racing.
Utility cyclists in Beijing, People's Republic of China
A group of self-supported bicycle tourists crossing Ohio, USA
Bicycle racers at the 2005 Rund um den Henninger-Turm in Germany

Overview

Road cycling is an activity most commonly performed on a bicycle. Road cycling in its modern form was invented in Germany on Aug 12, 1817. There are many types of bicycles that are used on the roads including: BMX, recumbents, racing, touring and utility bicycles.

Dedicated road bicycles have drop handlebars and multiple gears, although there are single and fixed gear varieties. Road bikes also use narrow, high-pressure tires to decrease rolling resistance, and tend to be somewhat lighter than other types of bicycle. The drop handlebars are often positioned lower than the saddle in order to put the rider in a more aerodynamic position. In an effort to become more aerodynamic, some riders have begun using aerobars.[1] Who and when aerobars where invented is unclear but they seem to date back to the early 1980s.[2] The light weight and aerodynamics of a road bike allows this type of bicycle to be the second most efficient self-powered means of transportation, behind only recumbent bicycles due to the latter's higher aerodynamic efficiency.

Mountain bikes fitted with slick or semi-slick are also popular for commuters. Though less efficient, the upright riding position allows the cyclist a better view of traffic, and they can also be readily fitted with mudguards, cargo racks and other accessories. Mountain bikes are usually ridden on unpaved roads and tracks but they are not to be confused with cyclocross bikes.

A hybrid form of road cycling has been gaining solid ground lately called cyclo-cross. Cyclo-cross (sometimes CCX, CX, cyclocross) is bicycling off-road and not to be confused with mountain biking. Cyclo-cross bikes are nearly identical to traditional road bikes but tend to have a longer wheelbase, a higher bottom-bracket for improved clearance over obstacles and tread on their tires for the purpose of riding on unpaved roads and rough trails.

See also

References
  1. "Triathlon 101: A Guide to Aero Bars for Road Bikes".
  2. "Was the First Aerobar Really Not the First?". Triathlete. 2012-06-19. Archived from the original on 2016-12-26. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
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