Its an amazing fact but sometimes in road racing, a few grams can mean the difference between winning and losing. Pro cyclists are on very strict diets and watch their weight very carefully, but the racing bikes also need to pretty trim. Time trial bikes have seen the weight drop off them as the years have gone by, in fact by around 10g per year. If you’re thinking this is nothing, there are a million riders who will testify to just what a difference this makes. Lets look at the newest lightweight components available to buy?
Carbon fiber shoes. When it comes to cycle clothing, strong and light is the key. Firm shoes are vital in order to transfer maximum energy from the legs into the pedals. There has always been a compromise with shoes, either on weight or on strength. New carbon fiber shoes however solve the problem by being very light but also incredibly strong
Lightest spokes. Believe it or not, the weight of your spokes can add up to make a big difference in the overall weight of the bike. Carbon fiber spokes are available but their strength is not that affective when they so thin, so they are made thicker and have an impact on aerodynamics. The preferred option is now titanium spokes Zipp wheels have adopted and can be made to the same size steel ones, but are around half the weight.
Fully carbon bikes. Having a bike that is made up of 90% carbon fiber is something most people can only dream of. A bike made from this material will not only boast an amazing low weight but being strong enough for any type of racer. The comfort of the ride is also something that has impressed those who have trialled carbon bikes, which is of course important.where carbon fiber does currently slip up is the price of the stuff. Most people can not even afford the shoes, let alone the bike…for the time being at least.
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