Racing Bikes Lighter Than Ever Before
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. Most people would consider this not a lot but when it comes to racing every gram counts. So which products are on the shelves right now that can make you and your bike lighter than ever?
Carbon fiber shoes. When it comes to cycle clothing, light and strong 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. There has always been a compromise with shoes, either on weight or on strength. New carbon fiber shoes however solve the problem by being very light but also incredibly strong
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.
Carbon bikes. The cyclist dream bike has to be the all-carbon fiber creation. These bikes have ultimate strength without being bogged down with excessive weight. Riders report that the ride comfort is also superb on carbon bikes, which bodes well if you are having to cover made kilometers on them at a time.where carbon fiber does currently slip up is the price of the stuff. It does not come cheap, which is why you’ll only see the top professionals using it for the time being.