road bikes

Thin-tired speedsters

Road bikes are bicycles designed for speed on paved surfaces, characterized by lightweight frames, thin tires, and dropped handlebars that allow riders to lean forward in an aerodynamic position.

They're built for efficiency over distance rather than ruggedness: She commutes on a road bike but takes her mountain bike on trails.

Racing bikes are the most specialized type.

Related

criterium · saddle · time trials · cassette · paceline · group ride · carbon fiber · climb · sportive · derailleur · aerodynamics · rolling resistance · fork · gear ratios · lycra · chain · pedals · competitive cycling

Categories
Opposites
terrain/surface type

road bikesmountain bikes

Bicycles for rough terrain

trail bikes · off-road bikes · MTB · fat bikes · dirt bikes

design philosophy

road bikesfat bikes

Bicycles with extra-wide tires

cargo bikes · beach cruisers · commuter bikes

Family

road, bike, bicycle, roads, roadway, biking, bicycles, biked, motorbike

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G