Cycling is all about going fast – not only to win races but for sheer joy of riding hard and tight turns. Race bikes feature steep steering angles and longer stems to customize fit perfectly to each rider’s form.

Geometry favors more bent-over positions for optimal aerodynamics, but this may make long rides feel less stable. Endurance bikes feature more upright riding positions with space for wider tyres.

Speed

No matter if it is sprinting to the lights on a busy road, climbing Alpe d’Huez or keeping pace with other riders in a paceline, these bikes were made for speed. Our group test revolves around power meters readings but, to achieve maximum results these bikes must meet additional criteria as well.

Light and aerodynamic bicycles must meet certain criteria to provide optimal acceleration, including low weight for fast acceleration and design features to deceive the wind like deep-section rims, hidden cables, and aero seat posts. Furthermore, large gear ranges are necessary for steep climbs as well as fast speeds on flat terrain; an 11-30 cassette gear ratio would help if half-wheeling (riding alongside another without matching their speed, an impropriety in group ride etiquette).

Comfort

Racing bikes provide more aggressive riding positions that may be disconcerting to newer riders, while their slack head tube angle may cause them to lean back, increasing turn effort while making turning more complex.

Endurance and comfort bikes are designed for casual recreational riding, often featuring wider tires for increased comfort while their geometry leans more toward efficiency at lower speeds.

These bikes typically feature step-through frames to make mounting and dismounting easier for riders, and feature low standover heights for an upright feel that helps balance and safety in traffic. Many are also fitted with suspension forks or seatposts to absorb bumps on rough roads; more recently these bikes even boast flex zones in their frames to further reduce vibration and shock.

Aerodynamics

At speeds above 10 mph (16 km/h), air resistance (drag) becomes the dominant force that cyclists must overcome. Drag is caused by creating turbulent wakes when pushing through air, and requires energy to overcome.

For maximum drag reduction, riders can minimize pressure differences between front and back tires as well as optimize bike geometry and clothing shapes – for instance a long-sleeved Lycra skinsuit without rubber coating over hair can reduce aero drag by 7.5% over sport clothing.

Riders can improve the aerodynamics of their bikes by reducing weight. Furthermore, riders may opt for aero frames made of carbon fiber or other lightweight metals as well as subtle features like deep rims and hidden cables which contribute to saving energy.

Weight

Lightest road bikes are built for speed and agility with lightweight frames, skinny tires that reduce rolling resistance, low stack height, aggressive geometry and setup features, which professional riders use during UCI road races.

Race bikes can also make excellent daily commuting vehicles, bikepacking with rack mounts attached, gravel riding or adventure riding options; especially if your flexibility allows for comfortable racing-style seating position. They may not be best suited to long periods of high adrenaline action however; endurance bikes may be better.

When it comes to improving speed, few improvements are as helpful as becoming more aerodynamic. Leaning forward and tucking your elbows and knees closer will save more energy than dropping some grams from weight loss.