Evaluate how well a Road Bike meets your needs and compares to competing products
If you've completed step one you've identified what you need in a road bike and you've learned about the different features of road bikes. While you were doing your research, you probably started the process of determining which features - and thus which type of road bike - will best meet your needs. Now you are going to continue that process, but in greater detail.
In this step you will
evaluate the road bikes available on the market to determine how well they meet your personal needs and establish, by a process of elimination, an initial short-list of contenders. Then you will compare these short-listed road bikes to find out which ones stand out from the competition.
Evaluate how well a Road Bike meets your needs
Your priority at this point in your evaluation is to find the available road bikes in the market that best meet your needs. You can save a lot of time during this activity by quickly eliminating any road bikes that are unsuitable because they don't meet your key requirements. For example, if you have a limited budget for this purchase then you can ignore any road bikes that clearly exceed your price limit.
If you are interested in only using your road bike for basic exercise, running errands, or seasonal use, there is no need for you to buy an expensive model. Some professional, customized models can cost more than a new car! So, if you are only going to use a bike for the basics, you don't need to worry about having 35 gears, a titanium sprocket, or a 72-degree seat angle. Instead, make sure the bike fits your body size and height, the seat is comfortable, and you will be able to make the necessary adjustments to suit you. If you are looking for a training or performance road bike, then you might want to concentrate on the weight and frame design. You might want an aluminum or carbon frame, while someone who simply wants to bike for pleasure would be fine with a steel one.
For road biking warriors who are going to be entering road races and even triathlons, you will need a high performance bike, where weight and aerodynamics are a central concern. Additionally, you will want a seat and possibly stem extensions that allow you to get the most power from correct posture while riding.
Tip: Don't expect bike manufacturers to make it easy on you when deciding frame sizes. Different companies use different bike-frame measurements. Many use what is called seat-tube sizing. However, it is much more effective to concentrate on which top-tube length and seat-tube angle is the most fitting and comfortable. Always get measured up for the right size frame.
If you are in the bike market for something much more simple - a quality road bike without all the extras, you might consider some companies that offer minimalist designs. They might offer only a few gears that are controlled by a high-quality derailleur. Many who go on touring bike trips choose the model that is the simplest to work on and has the best available frame quality and seat-design.
Otherwise, if you are looking for a road bike that you won't be using in races or training for performance events, then a normal steel-framed bike with quality sprockets, chainrings, rims and front fork might be all you'll need. Remember, shopping in a bike shop might mean that you can easily mix and match parts. It also means that you will receive helpful advice from a knowledgeable staff, and will not have to put it together yourself.
When you were considering your requirements in a road bike it's likely that you singled out certain factors such as bike type, weight, gears, suspension and cost as being of major significance. As with so many other products, the more features offered, the higher the price.
Buyz123 has created a checklist containing examples of major features; you can work from this checklist when evaluating how well various road bikes meet your personal needs:
Features Checklist
Type
- Fitness - medium-weight frame, comfort and performance centered
- Performance - used for training, time trials, light-weight frame
- Triathlon - light-weight, aerodynamic, not comfort centered
Construction
- Steel - heaviest, very durable, cheapest
- Chrome moly - steel alloy, lightweight, very durable, available in different grades, most common alloy
- Aluminium - lightweight, durable, used for performance bikes, medium-priced
- Carbon - tough, lightweight material, used for performance and racing, pricey
- Carbon Composite - tough, lightweight, used for racing, high price
- Titanium - toughest, lightest material available, used by pros, very high price
Size
- Overall frame size - 19” (48.3cm), 21” (53.3cm), 23” (58.4cm), 25” (63.5cm)
- Seat tube length - measurement of seat tube (pedal to seat tip)
- Top tube length - check for Lower Limb Inequality (LLI) measurements, normal is 22.8” to 25.9” (58cm to 66cm)
- Seat tube angle - KOPS Official Positioning is 73 to 75 degrees, shallower for longer legs
- Stem extensions - allows extension of seat posts, handlebars
Weight
- Racing bikes - below 15lbs (6.8kg), standard
- Regular performance bikes - 15lbs (6.8kg) and above, average 22lbs (9.9kg), 17lbs to 17.5lbs (7.7 to 7.9kg) ideal for all-around handling
Control Systems
- Cranks - average height: 140mm to 170mm, above-average height: 171mm to 185mm
- Toe Clip pedals - no special shoes required, fittings vary, direct insert
- Clipless pedals - cycling shoes required, foot fits into insert, promotes power conservation
- Double chainrings - regular, common chainrings, used in races
- Triple chainrings - heavier, more durable, used for long-distance riding
Derailleur (gears or sprockets)
- Single-speed bike - one gear only, not common (no derailleur)
- Fixed-gear bike - one-gear ratio, change gear by hand (no derailleur)
- Multi-gear bikes - includes 1 to 30 or more gears
- Rear Derailleur - high-normal design, or low-normal design
- Front Derailleur - generally E-Type Design
Front Fork
- Steel - heaviest, most durable (better for mountain bikes)
- Carbon, aluminium, titanium - lightweight, effective absorption
Wheels, Tyres (Tires)
- Wire-bead based - regular tires, include tubes, made of rubber
- Foldable Kevlar - professional tires, won't puncture, bendable
- 700c, c = rolled-out circumference x 23mm (0.9”) tire width
Saddles (Seats)
- Race - made of titanium, minimum padding, narrow shape, stiff
- Gel - shock absorbing, sleek, medium weight, wide, support bones
- Suspension - removes pressure points with holes
- Wide/cushion - made with springs, heavy, comfortable
- All leather - hard to find, absorbs heat, great for touring
- Alternative design seats - various designs to eliminate pain, provide comfort
Women-Specific
- Suspension forks - less compression
- Seats - designed for pelvic adjustments
- Frame Size - designed with frame and wheel ratios in mind
Accessories & Support
- All-in one tools, torque wrenches, bottle cages, seat packs, pumps, handle-bar adjusters, panniers, cyclometers
- Warranty, manual, lessons from bike shop or manufacturer, telephone hotline
There are a lot of features listed here, and some of them may not be relevant to your particular requirements. So, work your way through the list and assess how each of these features impact on your road bike needs. You can then create a personalized checklist of the features you really require in a road bike.
Once you have finished evaluating the road bikes available for sale in the light of your personal needs and arrived at a short-list of 'possibles' you are ready to progress to the next stage. This involves comparing the road bikes one-on-one in order to find those that really stand out.
Evaluate how well a Road Bike compares with competing Road Bikes
Comparing the items on your interim short-list, one to another, is an important part of the purchasing process - we all want to buy the best product we possibly can. So once you have established a short-list of road bikes that meet your needs it is time to evaluate how well they compare in fine detail. This way you can assemble a select list of road bikes that stand out from the crowd.
Questions to ask yourself:
Which road bike on my short-list offers the best value for money?
Which of these road bikes best meet my needs?
Which of my short-listed road bikes has the best warranty?
Which road bike is the easiest to ride?
Which of the road bikes seems of the highest quality?
Which road bike do I like best?
By answering these simple questions, you are actually eliminating road bikes that aren't absolutely right for you. This is an excellent time - if you haven't done so already - to evaluate how well your short-listed products measure up in the following areas: Physical Quality, Warranty Conditions and Accessories & Extras.
Physical Quality
Regardless of the method you use when purchasing the road bike, you need to find an opportunity to examine the product to evaluate how well it is made, and to check that it is truly suitable for you and your purpose. This is the time to examine the quality of the materials, and how well the road bike is put together. Check the assembly - is the road bike solidly constructed? It's also important to examine the road bike from the perspective of ease of use. How easily is the road bike prepared for cleaning and maintenance? Are the controls easy to use? Make sure the road bike fits you physically, and that it is user-friendly - some road bikes look great on paper, but unexpected problems will show up when you finally get your hands on them.
Physical Inspection Checklist:
- Materials - quality, appearance
- Assembly - all parts held together securely, good quality fittings
- Solidly constructed - stable, no loose components
- Proper fit of removable parts - easy to remove and replace, fit snugly
- Controls - visible, easy to use, accessible, clearly labelled
- Size - appropriate for surroundings and purpose - fits user correctly
- Appearance - well finished, appropriate color, neat fittings etc
- Easy and comfortable to ride
Warranty Conditions
Similar products may be available with significantly different terms and conditions, and you want to get the best deal you can. Parts and labor are often covered under separate warranties, for different time periods; sometimes there can be a significant difference in the warranty offered with one model compared to that offered with the next model up. It is particularly important to investigate any conditions that might void a warranty, such as accidental damage.
Warranty Checklist:
- Duration - check the specifics
- Parts, Labor
- Exactly what is covered
- Exactly what is excluded
- Conditions or actions that may void the warranty
Accessories and Extras
When evaluating similar products, it is a good idea to include accessories in your assessment. You need to be clear about exactly what accessories are necessary to run the product to its full capacity, and whether these are included with the purchase. What other facilities are required - do you need a helmet, for instance?
Accessories Checklist:
- Accessories - included or extra cost?
- Upgrades - will the bike need upgrades, what are the costs?
- Compatibility issues - will it work with your existing equipment?
- What else will you need to fully utilize this bike?
Once you've worked through the Evaluation step you will have a final short-list of road bikes that meet your needs and stand out from competing products on the market. It's time then to move on to the third and final step: Purchase.
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