Blackman Bicycles Road Racing Bikes

We have added a selection of road bikes for you to look at online - click here to check the categories available to you or if you know what you want, click any of the following links to see what is in that category. Be sure to rip in store for a test ride today!

Definition of a Road Bike

"A road bike or racing bike is a streamlined bicycle with narrow tyres designed for riding at speed on sealed surfaces. A road bike is generally considered the fastest of the bicycle family - perfect for going long distances in a relatively short time."

The Value of Modern Technology

Bike technology has come a long way in the past 10 years. It seems like only yesterday that road bikes with STI levers (integrated brake and gear changer assembly) were only found at the very elite end of competition racing however this kind of setup which allows you to keep your hands on the bars while braking or gear changing, is now available on even entry level racing bikes priced at under $1000.

If you take a look at the gorgeous GIANT OCR 3 you might be forgiven for wondering what else you could possibly need in a bike. And for most of us, the answer is nothing! Now while the GIANT OCR 3 'entry level' bike would have the guys riding the Tour De France salivating ten years ago, it is really only the starting point these days because improvements in technology have created new toys that go even faster!

Race Vs Recreation

So just what is the difference between an $799 GIANT OCR 3 and a top of the line $9000 COLNAGO (which is the kind of bike they are now riding on the tour)? The three key attributes that differentiate a fully fledged race bike, such as the COLNAGO, from the very sexy GIANT OCR 3 are weight, frame geometry and gearing.

As you progress up the range from a GIANT OCR 3 to say the GIANT OCR 2 (RRP $999) the frame stays the same but you gain lighter, more durable and higher end components.

Enhancements include:

Reduced spoke count for lighter wheels
Carbon fiber forks and seat post (carbon fibre is stronger and lighter than steel and alloys and it absorbs more road vibrations)
Clip on styled peddles
Better group set (gears and STI levers etc) that weigh less and offer slightly more fluid performance.

What You Need Vs What You Want

Naturally we all want the best but it is important to realise that from $799 up, everything is a sensational ride! There are advantages to the above enhancements however none of these changes are necessary to get out there and go blazingly fast as a weekend rider.

That said, if you ride more regularly or are thinking about joining a cycling club, the added benefits of owning a GIANT OCR 2 over the GIANT OCR 3 are compelling. Clip in pedals could be added to a GIANT OCR 3 later for around $100 however the improved group set (9 speed rear cassette over and 8 speed) plus carbon fibre forks and seat stem and lighter wheels are cheaper to get now with a GIANT OCR 2 rather than added later.

Lifestyle

Interestingly, the 8 speed rear cog on the GIANT OCR 3 delivers much the same high and low ratios as top end race bikes. The main difference is that there are less steps in-between. Gearing is far more critical in a race environment. Extra steps are added to make it easier to maintain a regular cycling cadence. Bikes such as the GIANT OCR range are perfect for lifestyle riders who want speed and quality components without sacrificing comfort. GIANT OCR achieves this by offering a slightly longer wheelbase and more realistic gearing for everyday use. (The OCR range has a three cog 'lifestyle' set-up at the front so on steep hills or if towing a trailer you can gear down and pedal up steep inclines more easily).

Competition

Top end competition bikes are ergonomically designed for one purpose. Speed. A shorter wheel base which delivers a highly responsive bike for greater maneuverability and explosive break-away sprints and acceleration.

Blackman Bicycles stock the full GIANT OCR range (3, 2, 1 and Zero which is actually a pro race bike). Blackman Bicycles also stock the COLNAGO CLX and everything in-between the two types of road bikes including:

Giant
Scott
Colnago
GT
Argon 18
BT
Jamis

Getting the Right Fit for Your Body

One topic not yet discussed is fit. Just like people, bikes come in all sizes so no matter which bike you want or need, you will need to be measured up to ensure the bike you buy will fit you properly and deliver maximum performance.

"For every bike sold up until Christmas eve 2008, Blackman Bicycles are offering a complimentary bike evaluation and fitting plus a free water bottle. We will also give you a great discount on any accessories brought at the same time as your bike or for the next 28 days. Pop into either our Parramatta, Blacktown or Penrith stores and mention this offer today". shoes

Popular accessories for Road Bikes

Water bottle and cage
Cycling computer
Cycling jersey and shorts
Cycling shoes (clip in style)
Light weight pump and tool kit

TIP: If you are after the ultimate bicycle on a limited budget, learn how you can get your dream bike today under a flexible payment plan called Flexiway. It is just for cyclists and it is available right now. Click here for more information. (www.flexirent.com.au)

Flat Bar Road Bike

The flat bar road bike or 'roadie' as it is known, is a modern addendum to the road bike. Offering a more stable and easier riding position than a traditional road bike due to the wider span of the flat handle bars. The up-right vantage also makes it easier to keep an eye on traffic. All this combined with the cost saving of a bike with no need for STI group-sets has made flat bar roadies very popular with commuters and weekend riders alike.

"A Flat Bar Roadie offers all the advantages of a road bike with a better riding position for keeping an eye on traffic"

Riding Position

If you like the riding position of the flat bars, there are considerable cost savings buying an entry level flat bar roadie over an equivalent road bike with curly handle bars. The flat bars make use of less expensive gear levers than the advanced STI group-set required for curly bars and this means savings of $300 or more.

In all but the top end flat bar roadies, which differ little from their curly barred counter parts, each bike comes standard with a suspension seat post and slightly lower gearing than a traditional road bike for a starting price of around $499.

"The addition of a nice wide gel seat makes an entry level flat bar roadie a fast and comfortable bike for riding city streets or suburban paths alike".

Upgrades

Of course, you can always find a way to make up those extra dollars in component upgrades and some flat bar roadies are as highly specked as any competition bike. At this level, the type of bars you employ are simply a matter of personal preference.

TIP: If you are after the ultimate Flat Bar Roadie on a limited budget, learn how you can get your dream bike today under a flexible payment plan called Flexiway. It is just for cyclists and it is available right now. Click here for more information. (www.flexirent.com.au)

Store Locations

PARRAMATTA 382 Church St, (02) 9683-6555

PENRITH 87-93 Henry St, (02) 47-313048

BLACKTOWN 5 Alpha St, (02) 9621-8158