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The racing bicycle is prepared using aluminum and dual carbon fiber chain and seat stays. It is lightweight with a raised seat to give dynamic posture to the rider. The front and rear wheels are closely positioned for swift turning.
For superior aerodynamic efficiency, the racing wheel has a triangular cross-section that forms a teardrop with the tire. The number of spokes in the wheel are few — the reason being the necessity to reduce wind resistance and to add to overall efficiency. But in the case of hill climbing bicycles, the traditional box-sectioned rim is used.
The rims of the racing bikes are made of aluminum, which is lightweight and can be effortlessly molded. However, in other bicycles, molded carbon fiber is used to make the rim. These rims are lighter as compared to aluminum rims but they easily chip and crack when the wheel punctures. That is why the cyclists prefer cheaper and heavier wheels for training.
The tires are lightweight, narrow and have smooth treads to reduce road friction and wind resistance. They are inflated to a pressure of around eight bars. Majority of racing bicycles have tubular tires that are sewn round the tube and glued to the rim. More recently, bikers have been preferring the tubular clincher tires. However, opinion on the merits and demerits of the 2 tires remains divided.
The bicycle used for racing contains a carbon frame. Usually, its components are collectively referred to as a group-set. However, this does not include the fork, frameset, stem, wheel-set, bars, pedals, saddle and seat post.
Carbon-fiber is used to create most of the racing bike components. These include brake levers, high-end shifters, and cranks. Other than this, carbon-fiber is also used to make stems, handlebars, shoe soles, forks and seat posts. The reason for this is that carbon fiber is very light as well as a high capacity to absorb vibrations.
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Some of the essential specifications of racing bikes are:
— Wheels should be of equal diameter — between 70 cm and 55 cm — and have a minimum of 12 spokes ;
— The maximum length should be 185 cm and the maximum width 50 cm;
— The saddle should be between 24 cm and 30 cm in length
— The distance between the bottom bracket spindle and the ground should be between 24 cm and 30 cm
— The maximum internal distance between the front fork ends should be 10.5 cm, and of the rear stays 13.5 cm;
— The minimum weight of the bicycle should be 6.8 kg.
Tagged with: bicycle parts • bicycle type
Filed under: Bikes