Question about Road bike?

Question

I live in a very hilly area and have been riding a moutain bike for a while i have a few questions about Road bikes as i'm intrested in getting a road bike.

1. Can you stand up on the pedals when going up hills on a road bike , and how hard is it to go up a hill?

2.there are some parts of the road i just can't go on, because the road is poorly maintained and there is lots of traffic , thus i must go on the footpath , but some on the entrences to the footpath can have 5+ cm gap between the road and the path , would the bike be affected by going over this gap?

3 how do they handle on road that is poorly maintained ie cracks , loss gravel, putholes , ect

4 , i'm probaly not going to go on a dirt road , but how do they handle on dirt roads?

5, and what should i be looking for in a road bike, when i buy one , (i won't pay much more then au$1000 )

Answer 1

As a confirmed roadie, let me give you some frank advice!



Hills are never easy and there are a number of techniques you can use to traverse them, depending on type of hill and conditions but yes getting out of the saddle and stomping on your peddles is one of them. You will find that on tarmac, you will climb better than you could on say a MTB!



With regard to road surfaces, that fact is, you are going to have to take things easy.



Roadbikes on the whole are more fragile and 'twitchy' than other bikes, a 700x23c wheel just cannot take the same abuse a 26" MTB wheel can! So when it comes to Gaps and kerbs, they are best avoided! alternatively you will have to slow right down and take it easy. As for Gravel - eeeek!!!



A standard road tyre has a smaller contact area with the road than your MTB and tread?? forget it!!



It sounds like you are probably looking for a Cyclo-cross type bike, these are similar to a 'normal' roadbike but the main thing that might appeal to you is chunky tyres!



My advice to you is to go to your local bike shop and get measured up! A standard Aluminium frame, Sora gearing, will suit you fine and be well within your budget, then spend some money on chunky tyres. (most cheap bikes have sturdy wheels and usually accept up to 32mm tyres quite easily) Check out your local bike shop though and take a look!



Possibly, I am overestimating your road conditions but it maybe that once you get used to it, you can think about upgrading to something a little more technical later on! (carbon forks, smaller profile tyres,etc.)



Best of luck mate!



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Answer 2

I put a flat bar my road bike, with the flat bar you have no problems standing up while pedaling. Handles well too. As for hills no problem as long as you have the right gearing.



I also have heavier duty rims and tires, 700X28C Armadillos. If you want to drive on dirt roads and paths on occasion go with 700X32C tires.



You're not going to win any races with it but makes for a fine commuter.

Answer 3

it is to freezing outside right now to ride the bike