Editing Road bicycle

{{Short description|Bicycles designed for traveling at speed on paved roads}}
{{More citations needed|date=October 2010}}
[[File:RacingBicycle-non.JPG |thumb|300px|An aluminum road bicycle made by [[Raleigh (bicycle)|Raleigh]] and built using [[Shimano]] components. It uses wheels with a low spoke count for reduced air drag.]]
[[File:Bicicletta Bianchi 1950-1952 - Museo scienza e tecnologia Milano (cropped).jpg|thumb|300px|The steel frame racing bicycle by the Italian company [[Bianchi (company)|Bianchi]] used by [[Fausto Coppi]] to win the 1949 [[Milan–San Remo]] race]]
The term '''road bicycle''' is used to describe bicycles built for traveling at speed on paved roads.  Some sources use the term to mean [[racing bicycle]].  Other sources specifically exclude racing bicycles from the definition, using the term to mean a bicycle of a similar style but built more for endurance and less the fast bursts of speed desired in a racing bicycle; as such, they usually have more gear combinations and fewer hi-tech racing features.  Certain of these bicycles have been referred to as 'sportive' bicycles to distinguish them from racing bicycles.<ref>{{cite book|title=Cycling and Society|year=2007|publisher=Ashgate Publishing Limited|isbn=978-0-7546-4844-4|page =10|url=http://www.ashgate.com/default.aspx?page=637&title_id=7172&edition_id=9721&promotion_id=f7b7a1a8-482e-4d16-afb7-96035317c735&calcTitle=1|editor1=Paul Rosen |editor2=Peter Cox |editor3=David Horton }}</ref>

Compared to other styles of bicycle, road bicycles share common features:

* The [[Bicycle tire|tires]] are narrow, high-pressure, and smooth to decrease [[rolling resistance]]
* The [[Bicycle handlebar|handlebars]] are bent ("dropped") to allow the rider position to be leaned forward and downward, which reduces the forward vertical cross-sectional area and thus highly reduces the [[Drag (physics)|air resistance]]
* They usually use [[derailleur gears]]; however, [[Single-speed bicycle|single-speed]] and [[Fixed-gear bicycle|fixed-gear]] varieties exist (which often are used city-wide, due to simple maintenance from their simple designs).
* They either use [[disc brakes]] or [[rim brake]]s (although there might be technical differences, for example, road bike calliper brakes use shorter and wider pads than mountain bike cantilevers)
* The bicycle is of lightweight construction using materials such as aluminium alloys or carbon fibre.
* They usually use clipless [[Bicycle_pedal|pedals]] and special shoes in contrast to flat pedals, usually installed on mountain bikes.

The term ''road bicycle'' can also describe any type of bike used primarily on paved [[road]]s, in contrast to bikes primarily intended for off-road use, such as [[mountain bike]]s. Several variations of road bikes include:

* [[Touring bicycle]]s are designed for [[bicycle touring]]: they are robust, comfortable, and capable of carrying heavy loads
* [[Hybrid bicycle]]s are designed for a variety of recreational and utility purposes.  While primarily intended for use on pavement, they may also be used on relatively smooth unpaved paths or trails.
* [[Utility bicycle]]s are designed for [[utility cycling]]: are a traditional bicycle for commuting, shopping and running errands in towns and cities.
** A [[Roadster (bicycle)|roadster]] is a specific form of utility bicycle developed in the UK.
* [[Recumbent bicycle]]s are designed for a variety of recreational and utility purposes, but are characterised by the reclined riding position in which the cyclist is seated.
* Vintage road bicycles, also known as classic lightweight bicycles, are generally older bicycles with frames which are manufactured using [[steel]] tubing and [[Lugged steel frame construction|lugs]].  Certain examples of this bicycle type have become collectors' items, with potential values of several thousand [[United States dollar|dollars]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Kone|first=Michael|title=Vintage Lightweight Pricing Guide|url=http://www.sheldonbrown.com/vrbn-a-f.html|publisher=Sheldon Brown|access-date=23 October 2010|author2=Sheldon Brown }}</ref> Other cyclists prefer this type of bicycle to those manufactured using modern techniques because they are "practical, versatile, durable, repairable, and timeless, regardless of current popular trends."<ref>{{cite web|last=Barnard|first=Alan|title=Long-Term Road Test: Rivendell Sam Hillborne|url=http://www.ecovelo.info/2010/06/27/long-term-road-test-rivendell-sam-hillborne/|publisher=EcoVelo|access-date=23 October 2010}}</ref>
* An endurance bike, also known as a sportive bike, is a type of road bicycle designed specifically for long-distance riding and comfort. Unlike traditional road racing bikes, endurance bikes have a more relaxed geometry that allows for a more upright riding position.
* A [[flat bar road bike]], also called a '''fitness bike''', is a relatively new style of bicycle. It is simply a road bike fitted with a flat handlebar and MTB-style shifters and brake levers.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/article/whats-the-best-bike-for-cycle-commuting-29898
| title = What's the best bike for cycle commuting?
| author = John Stevenson
| publisher = Bike Radar
| date = 26 April 2011
| access-date = 14 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
|url=http://urbanvelo.org/sram-doubletap-10-flat-bar-road-shifters/
| title = SRAM DoubleTap 10 Flat-Bar Road Shifters
| author = Urban Jeff
| date = 8 February 2010
| publisher = Urban Velo
| access-date = 14 July 2011}}</ref> This combination provides a light, fast bike with a more upright riding position that is more comfortable and gives a better view in traffic. Flat bar road bike are commonly used for commuting, urban and fitness riding.

== See also ==
*[[Racing bicycle]]
* [[Outline of cycling]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Road Bicycle}}
[[Category:Cycle types]]
[[Category:Road cycles]]