| While we all can't be Lance Armstrong in the Tour de | | | | very strong and durable material that is very light. |
| France, we can enjoy riding through the great | | | | The most elite (and expensive) bikes are made from |
| outdoors on a road bike. Road biking is fast growing | | | | Titanium. Often referred to as the "space age metal", |
| sport that not only gets you outside, but gets you | | | | Titanium is very light weight and strong. Titanium also |
| physically fit as well. Road bikes are designed for | | | | has the benefit of being corrosion resistant as well. |
| speed. They have light weight frames and thin high | | | | Bikes made with Titanium are expensive and definitely |
| pressure tires for gliding over hard road services. | | | | intended for high end cyclists. |
| Most new cyclists will want to start with a quality bike | | | | If you aren't sure exactly which of the various frame |
| that won't break the bank. The primary driver of a | | | | options are right for you, take a test ride. Riding a bike |
| road bike's cost is the frame. Bicycle frames are | | | | made from the different materials is the best way to |
| made from various different materials. The materials | | | | make the right choice for your road bike. |
| drive the cost. Most high end road bikes are made | | | | In in addition to the frames, the various components of |
| from light weight but strong materials. Bikes on the | | | | the bike, including wheels, gears, and brakes can make |
| lower end of the price range have frames made from | | | | a big difference as well. After all, who wants to be in |
| either steel or aluminum. Aluminum is lighter but offers | | | | the middle of their ride and having to fight with the shift |
| a harsher ride. Steel of course is stronger and heavier, | | | | mechanism. |
| but offers a smoother ride due to the extra weight. | | | | The right bike for you will boil down to a combination |
| Working our way a little further up the price scale, | | | | of price, comfort, features and style. When buying your |
| medium priced bikes offer frames with some | | | | road bike, focus on getting the best frame you can |
| components and parts made out of carbon. Many | | | | buy. Components such as brakes, shifters, seats, etc |
| medium priced bikes have aluminum frames with | | | | can all be upgraded later, but the frame is the core of |
| carbon forks. Even further up the price line are bikes | | | | the bike. |
| that have both frames and components made from | | | | Most importantly once you do purchase your bike, get |
| carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is a material that consists of | | | | out there and ride it! |
| thin fibers made primarily of carbon. Carbon fiber is a | | | | |