Nothing is more iconic to bicycling than the traditional performance road bike. They conjure iconic mountain summits, long rides through gorgeous countryside, and heroic battles for the podium. They deliver a responsive ride and excel in general road situations. Performance bikes are usually excellent climbers, but also can be a real boon in windy conditions where an aero bike might be blown around. However, race-oriented models do sacrifice a little bit of comfort and compliance in favor of superior stiffness.

Aero road bikes are built to save time, cheat wind, and maximize your potential. Using advanced manufacturing techniques, highly shaped tubes and wind tunnel testing, aero bikes can give you a significant advantage over traditional equipment. The deep-section tubing uses a little more material than their performance cousins, so they frequently weigh a few hundred grams more, and aero bikes can be buffeted by crosswinds due to their increased tube sizes.

Endurance bikes really excel when the going gets rough. Longer wheel bases, taller head tubes, larger tire clearance, and tuned construction generally lend more stability and compliance: perfect for long rides and bad roads. They are not as light as a traditional road bike, and don't provide the aerodynamic advantage of an aero bike. But, their smooth ride keeps you comfortable and consistent over rough terrain. This actually saves energy, leaving you stronger, faster, and more relaxed at the end of the day.

Triathlon bikes are designed for setting PRs, racing against the clock, and efficiency during the toughest multi-sport events. They’re packed with loads of tri-specific features like optimized aerodynamics for long distances and storage for fuel on race day.

Spend less time pedaling up hills, and more time flying down the roads. Electric road bikes have high-capacity batteries that make ascending climbs a breeze, giving you extra power on longer rides. Lightweight frames plus pedal assist technology let you fly like the wind while still getting a great workout in. E-road bikes are the best way to cover more distance while also keeping pace with cars when you’re cruising the streets. The boost of additional power means more mileage and more fun.

Road bikes commonly use 2 chain rings, paired to a ten- or eleven-speed cassette. The front derailleur shifts the chain across the chain rings while the rear derailleur moves the chain from cog to cog. Value-minded bikes will have fewer cogs (or speeds) on the cassette. A drivetrain  with 2 chain rings and 10 cassette cogs will have 20 speeds (2 x 10).  The more speeds on a cassette, the smaller the gaps between shifts. Say  you're pedaling up a hill and your legs are starting to burn—a downshift on a 10 speed cassette will be less noticeable than a downshift on a 7  speed cassette.

Electronic shifting is becoming more common on road bikes. Instead of the traditional cables used to move  derailleurs, electronic systems use servos, programmable switches, and a battery. These systems are incredibly fast, and can be programmed in almost limitless ways.

Weight, hub engagement, and shape all  have massive impact on how well a bike performs. With advances in carbon fiber, aluminum, and tire technology, rims are getting lighter, more aerodynamic, and faster. A lighter rim decreases the rotational weight  of a wheel, making it easier to accelerate and change direction. Another factor to consider is shape. Deeper, more aerodynamic rims save energy over a long ride, but can be troublesome in crosswinds.

Some wheel systems include  tubeless-compatible rims and tires. Tubeless systems use a sealed rim  and special tire that locks into place. This allows riders to run lower, more comfortable tire pressures and provides additional protection from flats. This is a special system and can be complex to get set up, but  is relatively trouble free once you're going.

Modern mountain bikes use disc brakes to deliver excellent stopping  power and control in a wide variety of conditions. A brake lever actuates a caliper; pistons in the caliper compress the brake pads on to the rotor which, in turn, slows the wheel. There are two types of disc  brakes: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical brakes use a cable to actuate the caliper. These brakes are are easy to service, and work  great in cold temperatures. Hydraulic brakes use hydraulic fluid to  actuate the pistons, just like you would find in a car or motorcycle.  They have more stopping power and better lever feel, or modulation, than mechanical brakes. They do require a bit more maintenance and periodically must be "bled" of air, for optimum braking performance. 

Road bike frames are typically made from carbon, aluminum, steel, or titanium, each offering distinct advantages. Carbon frames are lightweight and stiff, providing excellent power transfer and a smooth ride, making them a favorite for performance-focused riders. Aluminum frames are affordable and durable, offering a balance of weight and responsiveness suitable for beginners and budget-conscious cyclists. Steel frames are known for their strength and comfort, providing a classic feel and excellent vibration dampening on long rides. Titanium combines the durability of steel with the lightweight properties of aluminum, making it a premium choice for riders seeking performance and longevity. Choosing the right frame material depends on your priorities, whether it’s speed, comfort, budget, or durability.