There Is A Road Bike For Everyone
...and Wheelworks has them all
WHY WHEELWORKS?
When shopping for a bike you want to find the bike that best fits your needs. At Wheelworks we know that there is much to be considered when it comes to purchasing a road bike, and we are here to provide you with expert advice. As one of New England's largest bicycle retailers, we have many road bikes in stock, built and ready for you to test ride. When you visit us, you can test ride different sizes, styles, and brands - all in the same place. Don’t know if you are 54 or 56? No problem! Not sure what the differences between a performance bike and an endurance bike are? We’re happy to share our knowledge about the all the road bike variations. Looking into the differences between BMC, Pinarello, Cervelo, Orbea, Specialized, or Bianchi? Let’s chat!
FEATURES
Road bikes are lightweight and efficient. The handlebars are usually a distinctive, drop style, allowing the rider to position themselves for the least amount of resistance so that they can reach top speeds and cover long distances. This style of handlebar also allows a rider to have multiple hand positions, increasing comfort while riding.
Road bikes normally have a fairly narrow tire to decrease rolling resistance and increase speed. If you are looking for a bike with a wider tire you may want to check out gravel bikes.
Shop Road Bikes
Road Bike Materials
Aluminum
Aluminum is the most common material for bike frames and wheels. It is lightweight and inexpensive. However, you will feel vibrations and bumps in the road, so the ride is harsh compared to carbon.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon is widely regarded as the best material for road bikes. It is lightweight and vibration damping, offering an amazing riding experience. It is also expensive. Plan on spending at least $3K, most likely more, for a carbon fiber bike.
Steel
Steel is the original material used to make bicycles. This vintage style is mostly sought after by custom bike builders and cycling enthusiasts. Steel offers a comfortable ride, but can be heavier.
Titanium
Titanium is mainly used in custom bikes builds. People enjoy it because it offers the strength of steel and the lightness of carbon. If you are in the market for a Ti bike, you most likely have a very specific style and build in mind.
Things To Consider
Price
We recommend knowing how much you want to spend before you begin shopping for a road bike. The entry level price for a road bike is typically around $1,000. At this price point, you can get a good bike to begin riding. Road bike prices can quickly climb up to $2,500 - $3,000, especially once you start looking into full carbon bikes. After considering the frame material, there are other features such as electronic shifting and carbon wheels that add up. Depending on the specific components of your bike, prices can enter the $5,000+ (and beyond!) range.
The Style of Riding
Are you looking for a road bike that can do-it-all and take you from short commutes to longer wekeend rides, or a specialist machine like a triathlon bike? It’s important to take the time to think about how you will be using your new bike, so we can help you find exactly what you are looking for.
Sizing and Fit
Although sizing is fairly straightforward, fit is everything when it comes to buying a road bike. We highly recommend scheduling a fit appointment after purchasing your bike. You could buy the best bike in the world, but if it doesn’t fit your body properly, then it is about as useful to you as a flat tire.
Clothing and Accessories
Once you have the perfect road bike picked out, it’s time to think about the riding essentials - your clothing and accessories. Shoes, helmets, cycling-specific shorts, water bottle cages, bike computers, seat bags, and more are all part of your bike purchase. It’s important to think about these accessories ahead of time and factor them into your budget. Even if you are just starting out, these are the essentials that can make or break your ride.
We’re Here For You
If this sounds like a lot to think about, we are here to help. Our friendly sales staff is here to assist you with your next purchase no matter how big or small. We are experienced professionals, and we’ve seen every scenario you can imagine. Our goal is to make your bike-buying process easy and stress free as possible. Give us a call, email, or stop by today to get started. After all, the sooner we help you find the perfect bike, the sooner you can pedal into your next adventure!