What is a road bike, can't they all go on the road?

26-07-21 | Simon

We use the term road bike to cover any type of bicycle that is mainly designed to be used on hard and smooth tarmac style roads (anywhere where you would normally drive a car). Traditionally road bikes have been designed with drop style handlebars (to provide multiple hand positions and put the rider in an efficient and aerodynamic position), larger diameter 700c wheels (a larger wheel covers more ground per revolution = faster and uses less energy) and thin, high pressure tyres of 23-32mm width (to reduce rolling resistance = faster). A road bike is also designed to be lightweight and modern road bikes often use various designs to improve aerodynamics. Road bike frames are most generally constructed from carbon fibre, aluminium, steel or titanium. Road bikes are used in well known races such as the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia.