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. The average decrease in weight that time trail bikes have seen in the last 10 years in quite amazing, dropping at a rate of 7-11 grams per year. Most people would consider this not a lot but when it comes to racing every gram counts. So which products are on the shelves right now that can make you and your bike lighter than ever?
Carbon shoes. When it comes to cycle clothing, strong and light is the key. Racers want their shoes to be very firm so that none of the energy that they generate is lost and instead all past into the crank. There has always been a compromise with shoes, either on weight or on strength. Solving this problem are the latest carbon fiber designs that have only recently been developed. These shoes boast superior strength without having any of the usual weight
Titanium 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. Some spokes are now being made out of carbon fiber but they have to be thicker in order to have adequate strength. The preferred option is now titanium spokes Zipp wheels now use and can be made to the same size steel ones, but are around half the weight.
Carbon fiber 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. Its a very comfortable ride as well according to those lucky enough to have had a go. The only downside to kitting yourself out with all this carbon fiber gear is the expense. Most people can not even afford the shoes, let alone the bike…for the time being at least.
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