Route on the road is the perfect activity to keep fit, make friends and explore the world.In addition, you can do it during your whole life, regardless of your age: with a tool as useful as a bicycle, there are no impacts that deteriorate your physique or wear your bones.As if that were not enough, the route bicycles are the favorites of those who love to compete, those looking for adventures or walks without complications.If you want a bicycle that will not forsake you in the longest stretches on the route, this is the guide for you.

When the time comes to buy a new bicycle, the bombardment of options that paralyzes us returns.It happens to all, each bicycle looks better than the previous.To help you make the best decision, we create this guide to compare the type bicycle types.When you know what you need, choose from the hundreds of alternatives will be a walk in the park.

To start, ask yourself the basic questions:

● How do you like to ride?

● Do you want to experiment with other cycling disciplines?

● What is your budget?

● How much experience do you have riding?

Some of these questions are easier to answer than others, and some will affect your final decision more than others.

For example, if you live in a flat area without hills in sight, an aerodynamic and more comfortable bicycle will probably be a better investment than a super light climb bicycle.If you only need a transport bicycle that helps you go to work and maybe some recreational walks on weekends, then you can download your budget a little more and get something equally good for your needs.If you are not a high -level cyclist but you are constant and passionate (and you have the budget), why not give yourself the taste and get the bicycle of your dreams?

If you are eagerly, these are the specific issues that we will deal with in this article:

What is a route bicycle?

Route bicycles are distinguished from the pile by certain modifications in its design, to give you faster speed and a competitive advantage:

● Aggressive position: made with the purpose of cutting the currents and minimizing your contact with the wind, the best road runners put you in a more athletic and aggressive position compared to other more relaxed types of assembly.An unexpected advantage of this is that they exercise more muscle groups, such as hamstrings and buttocks.

● Curved handlebars: Although you can get bar-plana bicycles, most will have the curved handle down.To allow you more positions to assemble and adjust to the land as you need.

● Thin tires: the most common tires in road cycling usually have 23 mm, 25 mm or 28 mm wide, although some for resistance can go 30 mm onwards.While before it would have been rare to see wider tires than this, the new trends in the world of resistance and bicycles "All Road" reach up to 33 mm.

● Without suspension: unlike MTBS, route bicycles generally do not need suspension.Most of the thirteen that you are going to travel on a road bike are plans and smooth, and do not need cushioning.If you prefer a little additional comfort, you can find it with thicker tires or greater flexibility in the frame.

● More changes: route bicycles have two dishes in their connecting rods and up to 12 pine nuts in the cassette, this gives you a range of up to 24 speeds.This wide arsenal allows you to pedal efficiently at full speed (in planes or descents) or have more strength and control in the climbs.

Add all this, plus its premium materials, and you will have the most comfortable bicycles for long trips, with the highest speed!

What type of route bike is better for me?

You can find all kinds of route bicycles for each type of land or runner profile.There are "aerodynamic" bicycles for flat roads, light "light" bicycles for slopes, resistance bicycles for long trips, all -terrain or serious bicycles for your adventures and recreational bicycles to give rides just for fun for fun.

Some will have benefits in different areas than others, and some delete the line between cycling disciplines, but in general you can distinguish one from the other if you know what to look for.

Aerodynamic bicycles

Aerodynamic bicycles are made for one thing, speed.They do not consider their weight or comfort much because their purpose is to challenge the wind and save you pedaling.Aero bicycles are distinguished from other bicycles due to their thickest profile, deep wheels and integrated components.The more they behave like a single piece, the better they will cut the currents.

The profiles of the tubes and the tires on the aerodynamic bicycles are generally thicker than the others, thus achieve a more aerodynamic surface and reduce contact with the wind.This makes them heavier, but faster.

The integration of its parts is another key feature.Components such as cables and brakes are often hidden outside the wind, with special designs that adapt to the figure of your frame, avoiding hindering the currents.

Thanks its largest tubes, aerodynamic route bicycles are also incredibly rigid, so they are the first option if you want to compete and go to full machine.Some of the most popular aeros include the Trek Madone, Specialized Venge, Giant Propel, and the Berria Belador models, Favoritas del Team Medellín.

Resistance bicycles.

Resistance route bicycles are quickly becoming the champions with the public: a more relaxed position, stable driving and a great approach to comfort.Resistance are distinguished from other road bicycles due to their stable handling and an upright and comfortable position.In recent years, most resistance bikes joined disk brake fashion.In addition, they have a compact transmission configuration (below we will explain in greater detail what this means), the greatest free space allows you to use larger tires and additional damping mechanisms to further soften the road.

Sometimes you can find resistance bikes such as "sports bicycles", since they adapt perfectly to the most extensive route competitions and the great background events (of the longest racing in cycling).

When you think of resistance, don't think slowly.Very often, those of a company resistance are made with the same material as its best aerodynamic and light corridors, even with the same groups and similar wheel games.Its additional flexibility and a more upright driving position is what distinguishes them from the other route bicycles.

If you have you want to take advantage of each penny, most basic route bicycles will have a resistant design.But do not be fooled by how economical they are, you can also find resistance bicycles in the highest ranges.The models that move the most in the world of extensive tours are the Trek Domane, Specialized Roubaix, Cube Agree and Giant Defy.

Light bicycles.

Light or light bicycles are the favorites of those who want to compete with the flawm and cyclists seeking to conquer new peaks every day.If we talk about career bicycles, these are the Todras.

Livianas are agile and high -performance machines that focus on maintaining low weight and energy transfer as high as you can.In general, they do not have thin profiles of an aerodynamic bicycle or the steering tube and the extensive wheelbase of a resistance.Instead, they have light frames and are designed to perform at the maximum when they climb mountains and take off the offensive in the descents.

Many top -level light bicycles are below the minimum weight allowed by the ICU (the International Federation of Cycling Racing) of 6.8 kg.Fortunately, the general public is not obliged to comply with these rules.For you, this means increasingly low weights, brands compete day by day for offering you the lightest in the market.

Some popular examples of light bicycles include the Merida Scultura, Trek Emonda, Specialized Tarmac, Cannondale Supersix Evo, Focus Izalco Max and the Giant TCR.

Grave Bicycles.

Gravilla or Grave Bicycles are classified into a very wide category that allows you to access all types of land in a single bicycle.To achieve this, your bicycle must be lasting, comfortable and having enough performance characteristics.Adventure or gravel bicycles (although the clarification is worth, there are differences between these two terms) are usually similar to resistance bicycles, but with more free space for wider tires, disc brakes for optimal performance in all conditionslower climatic and transmission relationships to facilitate driving or extreme profiles.

With these bicycles it is where the line between cyclomontañism and the route is erased, with a good grave you can conquer all kinds of land without fear of breaking nothing, although if you plan to make pirouettes and jumps keeping the weight at least, you will be moresafe with an MTB in the lighter spectrum.

Paseo bicycles.

Tourism bicycles enter a slightly different category from gravel bicycles, not so focused on performance by assembling.They are heavier than other route bicycles, with emphasis on comfort, durability and ability to load your luggage.It is not uncommon to find fenders and racks in their kits, as well as more adjusted change relationships towards comfort.They are usually made of steel to allow you quick arrangements and confidence in the longest routes.A tourism bike will often have a more upright and stable driving position to make it easy to ride with three or four saddlebags.

For this type of bicycles you will need 30 mm or more tires, hopefully with disc brakes (because the force you need to stop is much greater), its handlebars can be curved or straight.In general, you will not want to compete much about a tourism, although they are perfect for a bikepacking trip.

Recreational or training bicycles.

Recreational bicycles do not have all the luxury of route bicycles to compete, but compensate for it in style.They focus on comfort and convenience.They are the best for beginners who seek to be active and get easily from point A to B.Normally they will have flat bars, wider tires, flat pedals and flexible change relationships for almost any situation.They are an excellent introduction to cycling and the perfect machines for those who just want to ride for fun.

Bike for Ruta de Barra Plana.

Speaking of the Flat Bar.The term "Plana Bar" is a generalization for any route bicycle with a straight handlebar, but its quality and purpose may vary greatly.As we told you, most recreational bikes have a flat bar, but it is not uncommon to see race bicycles with straight bars instead of curved.

In a true bicycle for Ruta de Barra Plana, there are many more changes compared to those of curved mango, but the general performance and the equipment are practically the same.

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Frame materials.

The best road bicycles are made with carbon fiber, aluminum, titanium, steel or some alloy of these.Each material has different characteristics and will affect its price, comfort, weight and "fluidity" in general of the bicycle.In general, the "how" chose and took advantage of the material that their properties as such, and this is something that each brand plays in its own way.

Carbon fiber.

Rigid, light...and face.Carbon fiber can be easily molded in any way, allowing manufacturers to experiment with the pipe profiles and the shape of the frame to create whatever goes through their heads.The rigidity/weight of carbon fiber is the best in any material used for cycling, not for nothing is the favorite in the highest ranges.

Aluminum.

Aluminum is a strong metal that can be used to make light and rigid bicycles.In addition, it is easier to work than any other, which does the most economical option against carbon fiber.Choosing an aluminum frame can be the perfect solution if you want the highest performance for the lowest price.

Titanium.

With the prevalence of carbon fiber, it is uncommon to find a titanium frame, but little by little it is gaining popularity in the most artisanal bicycles.Titanium is relatively light, highly resistant and does not run like steel.Unlike carbon fiber and aluminum that can be easily molded, titanium is difficult to work, which makes it quite expensive, if you want a titanium bicycle, you will have to look for a specialist to do it for you, and maintainyour phone at hand if you want to make repairs.

Steel.

Like titanium, steel is more for artisanal bicycle workshops.Before aluminum and fiber appear, all bicycles were made with steel.Today we have the highest quality steel, much lighter and more resistant than the common one, on the other hand, this makes it much more expensive and difficult to work.Therefore, most manufacturers prefer aluminum or fiber to keep the balance/stiffness to the maximum for the lowest price.If you want a more traditional bicycle, steel is the material for you.

Types of brakes.

One of the most important decisions you should make when buying a new route bicycle, wheels or disc?.The main difference between a traditional tire brake bicycle and a bicycle with disc brakes is how and where braking forces are applied.

Tire brakes.

The force in the tire brakes (also called "of Rin") is applied directly against the wheels of your tire.It is the most traditional way to stop, and remains the most common for its simplicity and reduced weight.

A reinforced and textured braking surface on the edge of the tire, just below the tires, is responsible for the task of stopping.When you pull the lever, you tension a stainless steel cable (channeled towards the tweezers with a hose) connected to a brake clamp, which then applies force to the braking surface of the tire.

Disc brakes.

A much newer technology compared to tire brakes, disc brakes are based on the system of some cars and motorcycles, although the first cyclists to enjoy this wonder were the cyclomontañistas, the route has been adopting it little by little.We are living a revolutionary moment in our sport, every day more benefits are tested in favor of disc brakes, and it is a matter of time before all manufacturers produce bicycles exclusively for this system.

The disc brakes are called the name of a steel disk rotor on the wheel axis.From there, a brake clamp mounted in the frame or fork (always on the left) is attached to the rotor.For the route, we have two types of disc brake system, hydraulic disc brakes and mechanics.

Hydraulic disc brakes work with the help of brake fluid very similar to the one you would find in a motorcycle and cars system.An plunger is activated in the master cylinder located on the lever, this pushes the fluid through a hose to the clamp is squeeze the rotor.

Mechanical systems, on the other hand, work almost equal to tire brake systems and are operated by cables.Which means that you hay a lever, which then pulls the stainless steel cable that is then used to apply braking force to the rotor.Mechanic disc brake systems are simpler and are usually found in beginner bicycles.

Groups.

Of course, we can't talk about brakes without entering the subject of groups.A group includes brakes and transmission, that is, they are the system that controls everything on your bicycle, and you can't talk about one part without affecting another.

Apart from the brakes, the group is made up of connecting rods, plates, chains, cassette, tensioners, derailrs and shifters of your bicycle.All this creates the perfect system that propels your bicycle and, as your budget raises, the efficiency, durability and performance of your changes increase while the weight decreases.

Each new part that you get and climb in your group will be of better materials.The basic groups are made mainly made of regular aluminum and steel, with a little more investment you will have better alloys, to reach the top with materials such as carbon fiber and titanium.

Transmission.

The proportion of your changes varies according to the purpose of the bicycle.Transmission relationships and their range are a combination of the amount of dishes in the front of your bicycle and teeth in each of them;Another important factor is the amount of pine nuts in the cassette and its teeth.

Most route bicycles will have two or three dishes.Some recreational, walking and beginners will have 3 (they are known as "triple"), but this exception more than the rule.Thus, two dishes are the standard, in recent times there have been route bicycles with only one, as in the mountain.Have a single dish minimizes the mechanical problems that could occur (the less parts, the less probability that something will be broken) and simplifies the changes to the cassette.

Bicycles with two dishes are usually divided into "regular", "compact" or "semi-compact" configuration.A regular configuration has a large dish with 53 teeth and a small 39 dish, it is the most common configuration for professional runners.The compact configuration has a large dish with 50 teeth and the little one with 34, this provides you with a easier pedaling ratio compared to the regular.Finally, we have a relatively new option, the semi-compact configuration is at the midpoint, the large plate with 52 teeth and the small dish with 36.

A "triple" will normally have a large 50 -teeth dish, one average of 39 and a small 30.

The configuration of the front dish is the basis for gear ratings that go with the cassette.This consists of several pine nuts or gears that can be changed to strengthen or relax the relationship of your transmission.Modern cassettes have 9, 10, 11 or 12 teeth.

The most common relationships in a cassette are 11-25t or 11-28t, that is, the smallest gear will have 11 teeth, and the largest 25 or 28.The others are the transition to move from one change to another is not so abrupt.The greater the difference between the small and the largest gear in the cassette, the more the chain will have to move and the lower the consistency of your cadence (the rhythm of your pedaling) between speeds.

Choosing a bicycle with small dishes and a cassette with greater proportion in the back will provide you with a greater variety of changes and an easier relationship to pedal.A bike with larger dishes and a smaller cassette helps you maintain extreme speeds, but it will not help you so.Unless you are competing, the first option is for you.

Wheels and tires.

The wheels for the route are composed of a bushe.A good wheel game can with everything that Montes, your bushings will be reliable, you can stop efficiently, and you will have sufficient stiffness to transfer your energy, keeping the weight to a minimum.

The width and depth of the tires will largely determine how it moves and how it feels.The tendency is that modern tires are wider than previous generations to provide better aerodynamics and a higher volume of air on tires, resulting in greater comfort.This agrees with the new fashion of thicker tires that improve the efficiency of rotation and passing your comfort when working with less pressure.The depth of the tire affects the aerodynamics of the wheel and the handling of a bicycle.The deeper the RIN, the more aerodynamic it will be, but it will also be more difficult to control, because the currents will have the greater the contact area with your wheel.

Tires.

It is worth knowing the three types of tire for your route wheels, according to your style of riding (and the type of wheel you have) there will be tires made to your measure."Clincher", "Tubular" or "Tubeless", each cyclist has its opinions and the wheel will specify with what type is compatible.Most road bicycles on the market use Clincher tires, which need interior tires to contain air.Tubular are for sponsored professionals, because they can be extremely expensive.While the tubels are an emerging technology on the route, they are basically the clincher, with all its advantages, without the tires.

Dimensions of your bicycle.

Knowing your dimensions is a huge part in the comfort of your bicycle.Having the appropriate height and width in each part will help you enjoy more while you are moving and you will want to do it more;We would dare to say that among better comfort, farther speed, now you understand the true importance of a bicycle of the right size.

Bicycle frames are usually measured in centimeters, to represent the seat length.From time to time, brands facilitate life a little by assigning a size (S, M, L, etc..) at each height, even if you do not have these measures if you want something that fits you perfectly.

Each manufacturer will have different sizes and descriptions of Marcos: what is a S for one brand could be m for another.Likewise, different bicycle models of the same manufacturer can have different sizes for almost equal measures.For example, a light bicycle of 54cm and a 56cm aer.It is always better to consult with the manufacturer and know the model of your bicycle to confirm.The two key measures to know what you want will be the height of the armchair and the reach of the handlebar, keep them into account and you will have everything you need for most measures.

The dimensions of your bicycle can be complicated, so be sure to consult in your local workshop, let the experts take care of advising you if you do not know what you need.We cannot remind you enough, with a bicycle to your measure, you have more than half of the battle won.

Budgets.

There is no greater question and limiting for your assembly than the budget.You can find good route bicycles in the entire price range, recreational beginners can cost as little as copy $ 1000,000 or you could find bicycles of the highest range per copy $ 30'000,000 to the sky.

Leaving aside what you are going to invest, remember that the perfect bicycle is the one that best suits your needs.When you spend more on a bicycle, you are paying for weight, rigidity, resistance and performance;But what really matters is that Montes, if you have higher demands (that is, if you want to compete) you will have to invest more, but a bicycle for fun will not cost you much.

The frames of the frame and the fork will change as the price increases, usually passing from aluminum steel and then to carbon fiber.The groups will have a similar progression starting with the most common steels, and then progressing to higher quality alloys, then the best engineers, carbon fiber and titanium arrive.Wheel games also pass from aluminum to carbon fiber, with better bearings and greater shelf life.

Keep this in mind while you read what you can find according to each budget.Sometimes, you don't need to ride with a higher range frame to simply go out.

Low range: COP $ 3,000,000

This range is for beginner cyclists and recreational corridors.You will have some good quality components, but the approach is comfort and resistance.Bicycles in this range will normally have an 8 or 9 speed cassette with a double or triple connecting game that provide 16, 18, 24 or 27 changes to facilitate the pedaling.You will surely find tire brakes, if you invest a little more you can mount with disc brakes.

Most likely, the frame is made of aluminum or steel and the fork with an aluminum and fiber mixture. El set de ruedas y sus llantas serán más pesadas ​​y robustas, pero puedes reemplazarlas fácilmente.

Between COP $ 3,000,000 and COP $ 6'000,000.

Here, the most important question is whether to choose an aluminum or fiber frame.Both are light, rigid and offer comfortable displacement.The answer depends on you and the brand you prefer, we advise you to go more for one of good alloys than a mediocre carbon.An extra of this range is that the alloys will be of excellent quality, with almost the same benefits as carbon fiber.

Middle range: COP $ 6'000,000 and COP $ 12,000,000.

The price goes up and we enter the field of competitions.The weights are reduced, the changes become more fluid and the speed in general increases.You can find the performance characteristics that we tell you: as the aerodynamic profiles of the tubes, the deep profile wheels and the most aggressive geometries, and with the price it also increases your comfort.

You will probably find 11 -speed cassettes with a double crane game.The groups that you will normally find will be on the sides of SRAM Rival or Shimano 105 and Ultegra.The frame will be made of high quality aluminum or carbon fiber, with forks almost exclusively of fiber.The wheels will be lighter and may be made of carbon fiber.The tires will become more flexible and provide less resistance when rolling, which makes it easier to mount with less effort.Most of the frames of this ranges are fiber, so your priority will be to choose the best group and wheels.

High range: between COP $ 12,000,000 and COP $ 21,000,000.

We approach the top of quality.Bicycles in this range have nothing to envy to those of professionals, you are very unlikely to find a single defect with this quality level.The most important decision should you take now is what type of bicycle buy: Aero, Light or resistance?(Read what we explain above).

Regardless of what you choose, the weight will be reduced to the maximum, the changes will be simple and the wheels will be the best.The cassettes are going to be 11 speeds with a double connecting game.And you can find groups such as Sram Force and Red, Shimano Ultegra and Dura-Ace and Campagnolo Potenza and Chorus.And the best, now they come to play computer -assisted groups.

Hydraulic disc brakes are taken for granted, as well as carbon fiber or tires with high -end alloys.Unless you prefer a bicycle tailored to steel or titanium, your frame will almost be carbon fiber safety.

The highest range: between COP $ 21'000,000 onwards.

At the top of cycling, the relationship between price and quality is blurred, everything is so extremely good that it doesn't matter so much how much you invest.Here, the only thing that matters is your comfort and your preferences, each component of your bicycle will be made in your image and likeness.

In this price range, frames will be the best carbon fiber, as light and rigid as they can become (at least with modern technology).In addition, the transmission will be like watchmaking and wheels the lightest and most aerodynamics.An electronic group will be almost guaranteed, beasts such as SRAM Red, Shimano Dura Ace and Campagnolo Record and Super Record.

The bicycles in this range will be replicas of the legends, tailored and with each piece perfectly adapted to whatever you want.

Route accessories.

Buying the bicycle is the first step, it's a matter of time before you want more.Things as simple as good shoes, pedals and spare parts will make your life much easier.It is worth including them in your budget to reveal the true capabilities of your bicycle.In addition, there is no lack of stores that make one or another discount if you buy these accessories and kit components with your new bike.

Do your homework.

Do the exercise to list your needs, answer the questions we asked you at the beginning of this article and be realistic with your budget.

Pause for a second to the videos of cats on YouTube and take the opportunity to investigate the types of bicycles and look at reviews of the components you have in mind.Many brands share videos about their star products, and you can use them to give you a clear image of their specifications and uses, but do not create everything you see, keep a critical and objective attitude, as if you were to spend your fortnight in parts (whichYou will surely do).

You do not lose anything reading guides and information about what is moving in the world of cycling, not only what color is fashionable at this time, investigate new technologies and make sure that what you want to achieve will not be obsolete in a year.Weight, comfort and security are key considerations.What type of cyclist does the bicycle adapt?As we already told you, you might want the world's lighter bicycle, but without mountains to climb and only straight on your way, you may want to change your plans towards an aer.

If you are looking for a high performance bicycle, find out what competitors they use in the races and how they have gone with them.If it is not the favorite of any of your GC favorites, what does it matter?That a bicycle is not the protagonist of the WorldTour does not mean that it is not excellent for professionals as much as the hobbyists.

Do not stay alone with our opinions.Magazines, websites and other blogs will give you valuable information, usually with much more detail than an online video.And taking advantage that you are already looking.

Test.

When you find out everything there is to learn about your dream bike, it's time to mount it.Take a visit to your local store where you are in inventory and reserve a drive test.Only then will you know if the weight, size and geometry are correct for you.

When you are finally on your machine, try to simulate what will be a normal walk if you buy it.That is, if you want to climb, look for slopes and promotions.If what you want is to take the speed at full, pedaling everything and notice how it behaves in the sprints.If you want it for walks, experience how it reacts to weight and how solid it feels.

Don't be fooled by new parts and what they tell you in the store.Think well if you want and if you are in good condition.If you have doubts at the time of purchase, the answer may not like when you arrive a year later.

Of course, not all stores test Drives.Especially for higher or lower range bicycles.Unless the store has an entire fleet for tests, you can often give you what you have in the inventory, and not all stores want to risk their new bicycles.Unfortunately, you will sometimes have to be content with your task online to have security in your purchase.

Find a bargain.

Bikeexchange is the perfect place to find bargains any day of the year, here are some tips to find the best bicycle at the best price:

● End of the year: The end of the fiscal year is a good time to get your bicycle.Retailers seek to liquidate old stocks to give way to the new ones, and this gives you the perfect opportunity to get this year's model (or the past) on offer.Route bicycles normally have new generations every 3 years, so if you get a 2018 model, you can mount the latest technology until 2021!(Or until you go from another bicycle, whatever comes first)

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Congratulations to finish this brick!It was worth going into detail with everything you need to take off on the route, if you already have a little more experience by riding, you want to read our guide on how to complement your performance with good nutrition, training when you have little time

Share this guide with your friends passionate about bicycles and follow us in networks to keep up to all that moves in the world of cycling!

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