Road bikes
Your road bike guide: Finding and maintaining the perfect road bike
What is a road bike?
A road bike differs significantly from other types of bicycle due to its lightweight frame, narrow tyres, curved drop-bar handlebars and aerodynamic shape. All these elements help ensure that you need to expend less energy to reach high speeds. The structural safety of modern road bike frames is guaranteed by strict international testing procedures in accordance with ISO 4210-6:2023, which test frames and forks under extreme loads. This makes road bikes ideal for fast rides and intensive training sessions.
Why are road bikes so popular?
The growing popularity of road bikes is also reflected in current market figures: according to ZIV market data for 2024, classic road bikes account for 5.0% and gravel bikes as much as 6.5% of non-motorised bicycles in the German market. Not only do they offer enormous fitness and endurance benefits, but they also provide the thrill of racing and the adventure of the open road. Ongoing technical development, coupled with the trend towards innovative designs, makes them particularly attractive. Furthermore, the road bike community is constantly growing, a sign of just how much you’ll be swept up in the excitement once you dive into the world of road bikes.
The benefits of road bikes
A road bike offers you numerous benefits :
- It improves your fitness, boosts your stamina and strengthens your cardiovascular system.
- Road bikes are environmentally friendly, as they are an excellent alternative to motorised transport.
- Another advantage is the chance to discover new routes and landscapes, whether you’re cycling to work every day or setting off on adventure rides.
What types of road bikes are there?
Over the years, different types of road bikes have emerged to meet different requirements. Some new trends and innovations have also crystallised for 2025.
| type | Properties | area of application |
|---|---|---|
| Classic road bike | Lightweight construction, narrow tyres, aerodynamic geometry | Road racing and fast rides |
| Gravelbike | Wider tyres (28–30mm), more comfortable geometry | Unpaved roads and off-road adventures |
| Cyclocross bike | Rugged construction, off-road optimised components | Mud races and off-road adventures |
| Aero road bike | Optimised aerodynamics, integrated sensors | Speed records and time trials |
| triathlon / time trial bike | Special aerodynamics, special seat geometry | Time trial and triathlon races |
| E-roadbike | E-drive, modern electronics, improved range | Supported road cycling, longer tours |
What should you look out for when buying a road bike?
Choosing the right road bike is crucial for long-term enjoyment and optimum performance. Here are some important aspects you should consider:
Important questions to ask before buying:
| question | Note |
|---|---|
| What frame size do I need? | Consider your height and stride length for an optimal riding position. |
| Which frame material is suitable for you? | Carbon offers low weight and high rigidity; aluminium is robust and less expensive. |
| Which groupset suits your riding style? | Try out models from Shimano, SRAM or Campagnolo. Test rides help you decide. |
| Which braking systems do you prefer? | Disc brakes offer better braking performance in wet conditions; rim brakes are lighter and often more aerodynamic. |
| Which wheels would support your performance? | When choosing wheels, pay attention to weight, profile and material. Carbon wheels are usually lighter and stiffer. |
Frame size and choice of material
Choosing the right frame size is crucial for the comfort and efficiency of your road bike. A frame that is too small or too large can not only impair performance, but also lead to physical discomfort in the long term. Scientific vibration analyses prove that carbon frames have a higher specific stiffness compared to steel and at the same time offer significantly lower vibration transmission (R.M.S. acceleration values), as a comparative study on steel and carbon frames shows. Also compare the differences between a carbon road bike and an aluminium road bike: Both materials have specific advantages and disadvantages that vary depending on your budget and your requirements.
groupset and braking systems
When it comes to groupsets, brands such as Shimano and SRAM are available; independent weight measurements show that the SRAM Red AXS, at 2,461 g, is currently the lightest electronic groupset on the market, narrowly beating the Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 (2,507 g), as documented by road.cc in a direct comparison. A test ride will help you experience the difference in shifting speed and precision for yourself. The braking system also plays an important role: whilst modern road bike disc brakes perform well even in wet conditions, rim brakes are often lighter and offer better aerodynamics on dry roads.
The importance of wheels
Road bike wheels are crucial to your bike’s overall performance. Lightweight, stiff and aerodynamically optimised wheels influence not only the ride dynamics, but also the handling and energy expenditure whilst riding. A high-quality wheelset can make the difference between an efficient and a tiring ride.
Top road bike brands at STATERA Bikes
At STATERA Bikes, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of road bikes. The leading brands featured here offer the highest quality and innovative technologies :
BMC Switzerland
BMC road bikes impress with innovative designs and state-of-the-art technology, which is also used in professional cycling. One example is the current BMC Teammachine SLR 01, which was confirmed as an extremely lightweight climbing bike in an independent test by rennrad-news.de, with a total weight of just 6.6 kg, a frame weight of 700 g (painted, size 54) and 32 mm tyre clearance.
Cervélo
Cervélo road bikes stand for the highest precision and performance. Ideal for ambitious cyclists who refuse to compromise.
Cube
The extensive range also includes a Cube road bike, which strikes a balance between quality and value for money. A must-have for anyone looking for a reliable bike.
Focus
A Focus road bike is characterised by its high stability and state-of-the-art technology. Perfectly tailored to the needs of discerning riders.
Lapierre
Lapierre road bikes combine French cycling tradition with modern lightweight carbon construction. The Xelius DRS series offers a wide selection of entry-level models with Shimano 105 right through to high-end builds with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.
How do you look after your road bike properly?
Regular maintenance of your road bike is essential to ensure optimal performance and safety in the long term. The following tips will make all the difference :
- Cleaning and lubrication : Remove dirt and brake dust after every ride and ensure the chain is lubricated regularly.
- Component checks : Check the brakes, gears and wheels regularly for wear and tear.
- Tyre replacement : Keep an eye on tyre wear and replace them if the tread depth falls below the recommended level.
- Chain maintenance : Keep the chain clean and lubricated to ensure smooth gear-changing performance.
FAQ
Ist ein Gravelbike langsamer als ein klassisches Rennrad?
Gravel Bikes bieten zwar einen etwas höheren Rollwiderstand, sind aber durch breitere Reifen und robustere Komponenten komfortabler – vor allem auf unbefestigten Straßen. Sie sind ideal, wenn du auch abseits der asphaltierten Straßen unterwegs sein möchtest.
Welches Rennrad passt zu mir?
Die Wahl des passenden Rennrades hängt von Deinen Fahrzielen, Deinem Budget und Deinen persönlichen Präferenzen ab. Eine Probefahrt hilft Dir, das richtige Modell zu finden.
Welche Rennradschuhe und Helme sind empfehlenswert?
Rennradschuhe sollten eng anliegen und eine gute Kraftübertragung bieten. Rennradhelme gibt es in verschiedenen Varianten – vor allem Leicht- und Aerodynamikmodelle sind sehr beliebt.
Was kostet ein gutes Rennrad?
Die Preise variieren stark. Einsteiger-Modelle beginnen bei rund 1000€, während High-End-Rennräder bis über 10.000€ kosten können. Entscheidend sind die verwendeten Materialien, die Schaltgruppe und das Gesamtpaket.
Warum setzen fast alle Rennräder im Sortiment auf Carbon-Rahmen?
Carbon bietet das beste Verhältnis aus geringem Gewicht und hoher Steifigkeit. Wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen zeigen zudem, dass Carbon-Rahmen signifikant weniger Vibrationen übertragen als Stahlrahmen, was den Fahrkomfort auf langen Strecken spürbar verbessert. Alle Rahmen müssen zudem die strengen Prüfverfahren der ISO 4210-6:2023 bestehen, um die strukturelle Sicherheit zu gewährleisten.
Welche Schaltgruppe ist besser: Shimano Dura-Ace oder SRAM Red AXS?
Beide Schaltgruppen gehören zur absoluten Spitzenklasse der elektronischen Schaltungen. Die SRAM Red AXS ist mit 2.461 g aktuell die leichteste Option, während die Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 mit 2.507 g nur knapp schwerer ist. Die Entscheidung hängt letztlich von persönlichen Vorlieben bei Schaltlogik und Ergonomie ab. Eine Probefahrt bei STATERA Bikes hilft Dir, den für Dich passenden Unterschied zu erleben.