How to choose a road bike and bike triathlon

We offer you a great deal of material on the choice of Mikhail Ivanov road bike. Today, the web is probably impossible to find a more understandable and sensible instructions on how to approach the topic. After all, if you decide to buy roadies, you will understand that nothing in this do not understand, and the cost of failure, given the cost of today's "apparatus", is very high when it is a high probability.

choose bicycle for trips around the city?

Most importantly, where we must begin - not with the choice of material or the frame mark, and with the selection of the correct size (Rostovka). You can use calculator.

It should be understood, however, that this calculator gives a very approximate matching and selectable frame size can vary in either direction. It would be good to take advantage of the recommendations of an experienced person. You also can not forget that, given the realities of our home business, the store can sell you a bike, which was originally not suitable for growth - simply because the seller needs to sell something. Another unpleasant moment - the lack of frames from different vendors a single standard frame size. When choosing a bike (frame) nice to go to the manufacturer's website and become familiar with the frame geometry, which shows all the major parameters.

Invalid frame selection nullify the purchase of even the most expensive components.

The next point - the bike is not necessary to collect in parts (it is done only by competent mechanics and give it to him), it is better to buy in the collection - it is easier. Quite a beginner will not feel absolutely no difference between the machine and the entry-level dorogushchim heaped bike. The only man planner serious training and racing, you need to attend to the acquisition of an additional pair good wheels, because of budget bikes sold in the assembly, the wheels tend to be very average (or very elementary level). The assembly of a custom bike in the workshop requires, as a rule, quite a different budget. If the novice cyclist is not confused by the price of 150 - 200 thousand rubles (and sometimes more), you can pick up all the ingredients yourself. But as a rule, for the money you can already buy a very good bike is quite professional-level assembly.

Now you can make a more detailed overview of the cycling equipment (thanks to Fedor millstone for preparing the pictures).

Frame

Frame - a major part of the bicycle, and is joined by all the other parts. The material from which made the frame will depend on many driveability of the bike. The frames are made of different materials, but here we will focus on three main encountered on modern bikes.

Steel frames (sometimes chromium-molybdenum) - the oldest material. Rama quite heavy, very strong, providing a comfortable ride (like "springy"). Of the minuses - bent, "walk" around the bottom bracket with high loads. At the moment the thing of the past, on such frames collect bikes very cheap price category (mainly mountain and children's). The exception is, perhaps, a couple of brands that produce steel frames premium, at a cost comparable to the expensive carbon (this includes Colnago and ...).

aluminum frames - a much more rigid than steel. Aluminum does not rust, but its strength is lower because in comparison with the almost infinite lifespan of a steel frame, the period of service of the frame made of aluminum alloy is much smaller. The aluminum frame is less "springy", but is much less comfortable because of the greater rigidity. Aluminum frames also features a much smaller weight compared with steel.

carbon frame - "last word" in cycling technology, the most "fashionable" material now. Despite the preconceived misconception that all carbon frames lighter than aluminum and steel, many of them are no better and sometimes worse. The advantage of carbon in the other - it is possible to "tune" so that the frame "springs" in one direction and has rigid in another. Manufacturing process frames carbon harder than steel and aluminum respectively, and much higher price. However, in recent years, the bicycle market is filled with a huge number of inexpensive carbon frames. This is due to the fact that the whole velokarbon (as well as the whole veloproduktsiya few exceptions) is made in China and Taiwan.

By purchasing a bike with a frame, it is necessary to understand that in the production of carbon frames is the most important design (not appearance and proper "tuning" of surface and internal stresses in the filaments) and compliance technologies. Frames that have not undergone the appropriate quality control and do not have the certificate producer, to acquire desirable.

In addition to the above three basic materials of construction for the frame, the frame of the component materials meet - to example, aluminum (or less frequently steel) frame with carboxylic rear upper feathers (or completely carboxylic rear triangle). Such frames are a class of aluminum (steel) though they possess (arguable) carboxylic certain properties.

In type (use) frames are divided into frames of group races on the highway and races with separate start (also for triathlon). Recent differ somewhat in structure (they are harder and heavier and less maneuverable), also varies and attachments applied to this type of bike. First, you need to buy a bike for group races. Later, accustomed to planting, you can buy additional equipment (head on the steering wheel, called a sunbed), which will bring the bike to a "razdelochniku" (or triathlon). And only then, having mastered riding a sunbed, you can consider buying high-grade bike for the race with separate start (they are called TT bike, from the English. Time Trial). On racing with the permitted draftingom TT bikes are prohibited.

Fork

Fork is an important component of the frame, many manufacturers comes complete with frame. In most cases, the plug is made of modern carbon (sometimes with an aluminum or steel rod). Basically, all the forks are approximately equal in their characteristics.

Among the well-known manufacturers of frames can be called Trek, Cannondale, Cervelo, Pinarello, Colnago, De Rosa, Bianchi, Giant, Merida, Wilier (this brand is particularly popular in Russia), Cube, Focus, Orbea, Specialized, Scott.

wheels

wheels - is no less important (and therefore no less, and often more expensive) part of the bicycle. Racing wheels are divided primarily on klinchernye and pipe. Klinchernye have tire (clincher), which is located inside the camera. The wheel rim is shaped with sides that allows the clincher, as it were "hooked" him. Pipe wheels have bead, a tube (round in cross section and combining and the tire and a camera) is attached to the rim of a special adhesive. Pipe wheels because of the construction tubes have a much smoother running, moreover, the tube retains a very high pressure (up to 15 atm). But to change the tube in case of a puncture a lot more complicated than clincher, it is almost non-repairable, unlike a conventional camera, and the cost of its much higher cost of the clincher. Tube (Pipe and wheels) are used primarily by professional athletes in races where there are technical support cars, pulling a spare wheel.

The tubes do not fit klinchernym wheels and vice versa - do not fit the clincher of pipe.

However, recently there were also wheels with special rims under beckamernye tires, but beckamerki is not very common on the highway. Also known manufacturer Tufo produces special klinchernye tube, which can be put on klinchernye rim. But, for example, they are not suited to the wheels HED because of too wide rim.

Rim wheels are also made from different materials (mainly aluminum and carbon fiber), have a different profile - low, medium and high profile, t n.. aerokolosa or wheels with an aerodynamic profile (rim height 40 - 80 mm). The latter are used mainly in the road race across the plains, Time Trial and Triathlon (Along with such wheels in the race with a separate start and triathlon used as a rear wheel disk). The disc has the advantage at speed greater than 40 km. in hour. Aerokolosa (and disk too) have a feature - due to their high sail crosswind riding on them is dangerous and requires special skills. In some races, for example, in Kone, they are prohibited because of the strong wind.

Of the known wheel manufacturers can be called Mavic, Easton, Campagnolo, HED, Fulcrum, Zipp, Lightweight. The latter two produce some of the best (and expensive) wheels, which are used by professional racers and enthusiastic amateurs.

A little bit about the tires (clincher). They have a width of 20 - 23 mm, the pressure is maintained at 6 - 10 atmospheres (the best indicators weight - Katim - Clutch have Vittoria open corsa evo CX, Schwalbe Ultremo R.1 Evolution, Veloflex, Michelin Pro Race 3 or 4). As a rule, a good, light tires on wheels live long, so put it, mostly in the race. Clincher "podubovee" pozhostche and acc., Heavier, will "walk" longer.

Equipment

Attachments - it refers to the management system and bicycle transmission.

Handlebar, stem, saddle and seatpost, brakes - something without which we can not control the bike. The control system also include the brake pedals. Rudder and especially the saddle should provide a comfortable fit rider, so their choice should be taken seriously. The most well-known manufacturers of saddles - Fiz: k, Selle San Marco, Selle Italia, Selle SMP, Specialized. Since you spend long hours in the saddle, not the right choice saddle can lead to hemorrhoids and other troubles. Generally, about bicycle saddles can write a separate article.

seatposts about all the same. They differ in size, weight, manufacturing material (aluminum and carbon).

TO brakes presented one requirement - they must slow down. Brake pads eventually wear out and must be replaced. Brake pads are used for wheels with carboxylic rims are different from those used for aluminum.

Modern pedal called "contact" (eng. clipless), they hold the shoe by a castle and a special spike, allowing to achieve the effect of "circular pedaling" (when it is possible not only to "push" the pedal down, but also how to "pull" it up).

pedals have a different structure (depending on the manufacturer), and the weight, but functionally very similar. Spikes, shoes attached to the lower side, wear while walking. They can be to purchase separately. The most well-known manufacturers - Look, Time, Shimano.

Speaking of pedals, contact, it is impossible not to say a few words about cycling shoes, because without them, the use of contact pedals, and indeed training-race riding, is simply impossible. Among the considerable number of different manufacturers should be selected is not a brand, but above all comfortable shoes. It should be understood that the cyclist's shoe intended not to walk and for cycling (cadence), so the term "comfortable" here acquires a specific meaning: the shoe should not be too loose, it tightly wraps the foot, at the same time the fingers do not abut in the toe. In the upper part, they are generally different locks (Velcro; It depends on the design and manufacturer), providing delay-weakening of the cyclist. Among the well-known manufacturers velotufel be called SIDI, DMT, Shimano, Diadora, Northwave, Gaerne, Bont.

triathlon shoes differ from conventional bicycle shoe follows:

• Velcro fasteners instead to be able to undo the move,
• hole for water drainage in the sole,
• loop on the end to be able to tie shoes to the frame in the first transit and quickly unbutton at the entrance to the second transit

A few words about thorns. Spikes are set by two parameters: the length of the foot (ears spikes should be clearly opposite the base of the thumb and the direction of the front end of the stud. You can do to stop was directed inwards, clearly ahead or a little sock out this greatly affects the ligaments of the knee joint and is very individual, but it is important to remember that if you ride sore knees and ligaments by 90 percent from improper installation tenon.

Look for spikes. There are three colors of red, gray and black. They differ in play. In red is the big, black at all. Better for amateurs with average gray backlash.

brake Levers (Shifters, STI, Ergopower) at the present cycle combined with the shift lever, so together with the front and a rear derailleur, the system (with the rods leading stars), and the rear chain gear (cassette) refers to transmission (Drivetrain).

switches (Front and rear) - a simple device actuated switch handles via cables, they are almost indistinguishable on the principle of action, so to them, we do not stop will.

cranks They are available in several sizes (under different length legs): 170 mm, 172.5, 175, 177.5, 180. Two leading stars occurring combinations - 53-39 teeth (large and small star resp.), 52-42, 55-42 (for races with separate start). Recently, the system was extended, "CD", where the combination of stars 50-34. This system is used mostly enthusiasts, professional athletes are found only in races with steep ups.

Cassette (Driven gears, putting on a special rear wheel drum) is 9-10 (in Campagnolo 10-11) stars. Cassettes have a different set - 11-21 (the smallest and largest gear), 11-23, 12-25, and so on.. The cassettes can be changed by removing only one rear wheel (also required spec. tool). The cassette with the set 11-27 has a wide transmission range, but for the star 27 requires a special rear derailleur with an extended rear "foot".

Chain eventually wear out. The total length of it slightly increases, leading to deterioration of the cartridge gears and systems. To prevent this, the chain must be replaced. The chain also requires regular lubrication. As a general rule, it should be done every 150 - 200 km run, if it enters into the rain all the grease washed out, so you need to rinse the circuit (it is more convenient to do it with the help of a special device), and grease. The best lubricant - are those that dry up, leaving the film - these lubricants do not collect dirt and stain equipment.

Transmission manufacturers only a few. The largest and most famous - three. This Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo. Each of them produces a sample of different levels and, consequently, prices. Contrary to popular belief, all work groups of the same manufacturer, do not differ in terms of reliability and differ only by weight, and the presence in the upper (more expensive) groups of parts from titanium or carbon and a special treatment (Varnishing).

All groups of products compatible with each other, but are not compatible with other manufacturer teams. Between Shimano and Sram have compatibility only for the cassettes - you can put, for example, the rear wheel on the cassette Sram Bicycle equipped with lifting Shimano, and vice versa (with the proviso that both transmissions are on the same number of stars cassette). There is also the compatibility of all manufacturers in the system (connecting rods), and that's all.

The beginner should look at the group average (in this Shimano 105 or Ultegra, Sram - Force, Campagnolo - Centaur or Athena, Chorus), where there is a trade-off of price - quality. Full details can be found on the websites of manufacturers.

You can also add a few words about the additional devices that may be needed for the rider training and racing. This bike computers, heart rate monitors, power meters.

Training and racing with power sensor (PowerMeter) fundamentally differ in efficiency. Speed ​​and heart rate do not give an objective picture of the work. In this case, any of the PowerMeter adds $ 1,000. to the cost of the bike.

There are several types of power measurement sensors.

Summarizing all the above, the recommendation would be: a beginner with a limited budget necessary to pay attention to a bicycle with aluminum frame (or inexpensive carboxylic not from producer posh - Merida, Focus, Trek, Scott) and carboxylic fork lifting Shimano 105 - Ultegra, (Sram Force, or Campagnolo Centaur - Athena), wheels Fulcrum Racing 3 or 5, Campagnolo Zonda, Mavic Ksyrium Elite.

If the budget is more, it is possible to think of another pair of wheels - Falcrum Racing 1, Campagnolo Eurus, Mavic Ksyrium SL.

If the budget is not the deciding factor, then you can choose from the great thoroughbred carbon frame (eg, Cervelo, Colnago, Pinarello, Look), different wheels (Zipp, top Mavic or Campagnolo, Fulcrum, Lightweight) and a top linkage (Shimano Dura Ace, Sram Red, Campagnolo Record or Super Record).

Well, if funds allow, it is possible and on a custom bike consider ...

Now - on the theory - to practice.

Here are links to the bikes of different price categories:

Up to 50 000 rubles.
http://www.velostrana.ru/cube/2012/road/roadway/peloton-race-compact/
http://www.omnishop.ru/goods/road/2012_orbea_aqua_t105

up to 100 000 rubles.
http://www.kant.ru/show_good1.php? t = bikes & id = 807853 & id_razdel = 27
http://velosport.ru/catalog/items.php? cid = 1 & id = 1 & pid = 1103

up to 300 000 rubles.
http://www.uventasport.ru/product/27793/Vel_shosseinyi_Orbea_Orca_SDR_2012
http://velosport.ru/catalog/items.php? cid = 1 & id = 1 & pid = 1171
http://www.velo-butik.ru/velosiped/shosseinye/6469-giant-tcr-advanced-sl-1-isp-2012-2012.html

In the category of "up to 300 000 rubles." Bike (the first link) for a lot of money is a top-end frame and obveski (Dura Ace), but equipped with a mediocre wheels.

See the second link - quite an expensive machine with good wheels and the frame, but the linkage Ultegra (not a top, second from the top after Dura Ace).

Cyclists can buy in foreign shops (such as chainreactioncycles.com, wiggle.co.uk). But we must remember that for the duty-free transfer is necessary to package the bike kept within 40,000 rubles. (Without shipping costs). Otherwise you'll have to pay a fee amount in excess of those same 40 thousand at the rate of 30% (the cost of delivery again here is not included). Only a very cheap bike you can buy it goes without saying that in such a store.

Finally, another way - to buy a bike in parts and assemble it at the mechanic. Of course, this is not the cheapest option, but there is an opportunity, for example, select the frame or the wheels of a higher class, and save on the rigging, and so on. D. Given that many components can be purchased from foreign online stores at prices often far below, than in Russian stores, in some cases it is necessary to think about this method of acquisition bicycle. In any case, this option is most suitable for those who have some experience and thinking of buying a second or third cycle.

I have two bikes on Cervelo S2 Ultegra c aerokolesami HED, system 53/39 and 11/27 cassette. And Cervelo P2 on Dura Ace.

It is important to remember that dorogushchy beautiful unit will not go himself. Rides rider, not the bike. And if the legs and heart weak, no Pinarello with zipami not help you go faster. You have to train. A train with a mind to help you book "Bible cyclist».