Geometry
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From bike shop to mountain pass – a steed that meets your needs will vastly increase your pleasure in cycling. pic: ©Media24
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Carbon fibre frames are popular among endurance riders and racing cyclists for their strength to weight ratio. pic: ©Media24
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Start with getting the right frame size before dialing in your position with a bike fit. pic: ©Mike Cotty
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Sportive geometry is designed to offer more comfort for all day rides. pic: ©Media24
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Making sure that you have adequately low gearing will really help in the hills. pic: ©Media24
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Materials and rim profiles differ so check to see what is most suitable for your intended use. pic: ©Media24
Geometry
Traditionally, the geometry of the vast majority of road bikes was influenced by machines intended for racing. However, since the boom of sportive riding in the UK, and across the world, manufacturers have conceded that a geometry that’s perfect for a professional cyclist may not be ideal for the hobby or weekend rider.
The main differences between traditional ‘race’ oriented geometry and ‘sportive’ geometry are the length and angles of various tubes on the frame. For example, a frame that has been designed with the sportive rider in mind will offer a slightly more relaxed overall position.
A taller head tube will mean that less strain is put on the back, allowing the rider to sit in a more upright position, while a slacker head angle (typically around one-degree less than race geometry) will provide more stable and predictable steering.
To continue this theme, the overall wheelbase is likely to be longer than that of a racing bike too, again with the intention of making the bike easier to handle and more comfortable over longer rides and rougher terrain. Identifying the type of riding you will do most of (racing, sportive events, or weekend leisure rides, for example) will go a long way to helping to determine which type of geometry may be best for you.