**What are some of the different types of Road Bikes... and what ever happened to 10 speeds?**

OK, I've finally stopped calling them "10 speeds" and started calling them (more appropriately) Road Bikes (even though I had my own 10 speed up until just last year). Today's road bikes commonly range from 12 to 21 speeds and usually fall into the Touring, Sport and Racing bike categories. Below is a brief description of these common Road Bike categories.

Types of Road Bikes

Touring Bikes

This type of bike is designed to provide comfort for long distance rides. Touring Bikes are an excellent choice long distance road and trail rides. The drop down handlebars provide comfort, good control and multiple hand positions. Twenty one speeds should help you to handle any incline that you encounter and cantilever can handle heavy load braking.

Sport Bikes

This type of road bike falls between touring and racing bikes. Although I usually think of a "hybrid" as a cross between Road and Mountain bikes, this bike can be considered a hybrid road bike... The sport bike is not as light as a racing bike but more responsive than a touring bike. The sport bike also has drop down handlebars for comfort and control and the aerodynamic design allows for faster speeds. If you are into rides of 10 miles or more and want a little more intensity and speed, this would be a great choice.

Racing Bikes

These bikes are built for speed (obviously). They are ultralight, aerodynamic and have the thinnest tires. A short wheel base allows the bike to respond to the slightest movements and the typical 12 to 18 gears will get you to top speed quickly and keep you there.

My personal preference in this category is a touring bike, based on my style of riding (trails and distance mostly), although I currently have a mountain/road bike hybrid...

Articles and Resources

Cycle Computers (bike speedometers, odometers) A good cyclecomputer is one of the most useful and interesting accessories that you can have on your bike. Speedometer, Odometer, Trip Meter, Date and Time, Riding time vs Elapsed time, averages... Many wireless models are available too!

Bicycle Accessories Having the right bicycle accessories available when you need them makes the difference between just another ride and a ride that you don't really want to end. (bicycle lights, bags, mirrors, hydration packs and water bottles, locks, car racks...)

Bicycle Clothing Mostly what you really need as far as bicycle clothing goes, of course, is what makes you comfortable (some people may require more style to be comfortable than others :-) ).

Bike Parts If you ride bikes, you are going to be needing bicycle tires, tubes, bicycle wheels, cables, chains and chain cleaner kits, brake shoes and other bicycle parts and accessories pretty regularly. Here are some great online sources.