MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE GEAR PRO

You’ll need a different bike for enduro or downhill racing. A bike with a steeper head tube angle and shorter wheelbase will “maintain agility at low- and mid-speed maneuvers,” says Zack Vestal, Niner’s marketing manager. Races are often won on the climbs, so you want an efficient system more than a plush one. Mountain Bikesįor cross-country bikes, look for models with 80 to 100mm forks and about the same in the rear if you go full-suspension. If that really matters to you, look for equipment that was tested in the wind tunnel, not just given aero features. Most road race bikes also now have aero frames and parts.

For example, Cannondale’s SuperSix EVO (size 58) has 584mm of stack and a reach of 399mm, but the race-oriented Synapse is 26mm taller and 6mm shorter. That puts you in a more aggressive position for better handling and aerodynamics, though you’ll sacrifice some comfort over the course of the ride. These typically have shorter stack heights and longer reaches than recreational road bikes. Gravel and endurance bikes offer higher stack heights, increased tire clearance, and frames designed more for stability than aerodynamics. Road racing bikes are long, low, and often aero. Here are some key factors to look for no matter what type of races you plan to enter. On road, cyclocross, and cross-country mountain bikes, experienced riders typically prefer lower handlebars because they put them in a more powerful position, as well as giving them better control over the bike, says Tom Kellogg, owner of custom brand Spectrum Cycles. Compared to standard bikes, race bikes typically weigh less and have stiffer and more efficient frames with geometry dialed for faster handling. Weight, strength, components, and geometry all play important roles in how a bike will perform. Finally, tri bikes, see Canyon’s Speedmax CF 7.0, start in the $2,500 range.Įvery type of racing places unique demands on riders and their equipment. And full-suspension cross country bikes cost more-the Specialized Epic Comp runs $2,900.

MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE GEAR PRO

Race-ready hardtail mountain bikes, like the Trek Pro Caliber 6, start around $2,000. The Cannondale CAAD 12 Ultegra is a great deal at $2,200. Though you can find some models for less, most race bikes start at around $2,000 and get more expensive from there.

Typically the more you pay, the lighter a bike will be-weight is generally more important to racers that recreational riders. Just like any bike, the prices of race bikes vary widely. Carbon frame, BRAIN suspension, and carbon wheels.

Mountain bike race gear