Performance and Competition

Real Race, Road, Time-Trial or Criterium Style Bikes
You could think of a bicycle like this as a piece of serious athletic equipment. Usually bikes like this are geared very high, are very light, have aggressive riding positions, short wheel bases and are very expensive. There is a fair amount of variation here, because a time trial race bike where a single rider or team of riders is racing the clock, is different from the kind of bicycle used in 100 miles road races. Still, these are serious bicycles, for serious riders.

Do I Have To Be A Racer?
Well, no, not at all! Interestingly enough, most professional bicycle racers are sponsored. The very expensive machines they pedal are usually given to them. However, you and I can buy a bike exactly like Jan Ulrich rides. And if you are comfortable in the riding position that a racer is in, and are in shape to manage the higher gearing, you will have a blast! Race bikes are light, quick and responsive. They are fun to ride and beautiful to look at.

Lots of triathletes ride time trial or bikes specifically designed for triathletes. The neat thing about triathlons, is there are many different levels of competition. Clearly a bicycle designed for this application with its short wheel base and aero bars isn't the same kind of bike you'd amble along the bike path with your friends. Still, if you wanted to ride by yourself, for some distance, real fast, this kind of bike would be a good choice.

HOME