Road bikes, to each their own!

You’ll recognize a road bike by its curved handlebars, transmission and size of its wheels which are much thinner than the ones you find on a mountain bike. Road biking is made for people who want to ride, explore, get in shape or even go to work. It’s accessible to anyone!

There are three categories of road bikes which are defined by their geometry: aero, endurance and performance.

Aero

If you are looking to break records and win the final sprint on Les Champs-Élysés, the final stage of the Tour de France, the aero bike is for you! Specifically made to be aerodynamic, which makes it very fast, this bike features an aggressive geometry with a tighter fork angle. It has a longer reach and a shorter stack.

The bike’s construction lies on power and speed. Here, nothing is left to chance, the materials used are heavier, the tubes are made to be aerodynamic.

Endurance

Comfort is number one on your list? The endurance bike is made for you! This bike has a shorter reach and a longer stack which puts the rider in a more upright position. Here, aerodynamics and speed are not at the forefront of the conception, it’s build for comfort and long rides.

The endurance bike features a more open fork angle and longer wheelbase which gives it stability. It’s designed to give you all the comfort you need and love during your long rides. These features are perfect for first time buyers: the more you use it, the more confidence you will gain. Grand Fondo aficionados will especially love the endurance bike! The VR range by Felt is the definition of endurance biking.

Performance

The performance bike is the most versatile of them all. It allows the rider to climb hills efficiently and travel long distances. Reactive, it has a longer reach and a shorter stack. This type of geometry allows the rider to have a more inclined position toward the handlebars, which is ideal to gain speed!Driven by performance, its lightweight construction makes it an excellent climber.

The FR range by Felt and the Speedster by Scott are excellent examples.

Whether you are a speed demon or a leisure rider who loves to explore roads that lead to an awesome microbrewery for a well-deserved pit stop, the performance bike is for you!

Carbon or Aluminium? 

Here’s a question you must ask yourself when shopping for a road bike, it’s important to understand the quality of both materials used in the construction of bike frames and forks.

On the one hand, aluminium is lightweight, reactive and an excellent value. On the other hand, although more expensive, carbon offers many advantages. It’s stiff, ultra lightweight, durable and comfortable.

At the end of the day, it’s important to consider your objectives, expectations and intentions in order to choose a bike that will meet your needs. How much will you use your bike? What is your level of fitness? What type of outings are you planning to do and where? These few criteria will help you define your profile so you can find the bike of your dreams!