Racing Bicycles: Light And Fast

The Tour de France has existed for over 100 years. It is the most well-known bicycle race in the world, bar none, covering more than 2200 miles over the course of 23 days. Although it takes place primarily in France, its route often passes through neighboring countries. It is a test of endurance, skill and some of the most technologically advanced bicycles ever made. The bikes used in the Tour de France are racing bicycles, specially designed to deal with the numerous demands cyclists must put on them during a race. The requirements of a racing bicycle are defined by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the cycling association that oversees all competitive cycling events around the globe.

Racing bicycles are designed to do one thing-go fast. To that end, there are two important characteristics to this kind of bike. One, it is light weight, which means that the cyclist has to put in less effort to propel the bicycle; and two, its makeup is as aerodynamic as possible, up to and including the position assumed by the cyclist. It is the combination of these two attributes that allows the racing cyclists to attain the speeds they do for the amount of time required.

Every component of a racing bicycle is designed to weigh as little as possible. The wheel rims, for example are usually made of aluminum alloy, a very lightweight material. Alternatively, some bicycles have carbon fiber rims, which weigh even less. Most such rims have triangular cross-sections, which allow for greater aerodynamic efficiency. To further reduce weight and increase aerodynamics, many racing bicycle wheels have as few spokes possible. Some high-end wheels have spokes with bladed cross-sections, which further reduce wind resistance. The tires of racing bicycles are lightweight, narrow and have a thin, smooth tread. They are inflated to a very high pressure, which increases the potential speed of the bike.

The term "groupset" refers to the mechanical components of a racing bike, which exclude the frame, fork, wheelset, bars, stem, pedals, saddle and seatpost. Derailleur gears are an essential part of any groupset. These gears consist of a chain, multiple sprockets (wheels with teeth), and a mechanism that shifts the chain from one sprocket to another. This system is what allows the racing cyclist to adjust his or her speed and effort according to the terrain. The shifting mechanism can be located on the bike's stem, handlebars or frame, but total integration systems utilize combine brake and shift levers that allow the cyclist to shift gears without moving his or her hand. Derailleurs were developed in the late 19th century and aside from the introduction of total integration, they have changed little since that time.

There are a number of different manufacturers who produce complete bicycle groupsets, including Shimano, Campagnolo and Mavic, although the first two are probably the most well known. The various companies have different design philosophies, and cyclists are often loyal to one brand over all others. As with the non-groupset components, the mechanical elements of a racing bicycle should weigh as little as possible. As a result, carbon fiber has become popular in the manufacture of such elements. They are used for shifters, brake levers, cranks and parts of derailleurs.