ERIK'S TOP PICKS: ROAD BIKES

The first thing to remember about frame materials, whether it's carbon fiber, aluminum, or steel, is that the material is only as good as the engineering behind it. You can find great (and poor) bikes made from any of these materials.

Carbon fiber is a great frame material for two main reasons. One, it has an incredibly high strength- and stiffness-to-weight ratio. Two, unlike steel or aluminum, it can be manipulated in almost endless ways. This means a frame can be incredibly stiff in certain areas or directions, like those that turn pedal power into forward momentum. It also means a frame can have forgiveness in other areas to reduce road vibrations and impacts. This vibration damping is why road bike suspension forks, and often seatposts, are made of carbon fiber, even on bikes with aluminum and steel frames.

Aluminum has a better strength-to-weight ratio than steel. This allows manufacturers to manipulate tube shapes more than is possible with steel, resulting in remarkably lightweight and strong bicycles that still have great ride qualities in terms of efficiency and comfort.

Steel has a high strength and durability rating, and its properties generally yield a very comfortable riding bike. Of the three materials listed here, it's also the heaviest, which is why you don't find many road bikes made from steel today.

Road bikes used to be known as 10-speeds, referencing the five gears in back and two chainrings up front. Today you'll likely find 12, 11, 10, or nine gears in back and one to three chainrings. Though there might seem like a dizzying number of setups available, bikes will come with gearing setups to match the style of riding the bike is designed for.

As you move up in levels of components and wheels, you'll see a common theme: lower weight and higher performance. In terms of shifting, this will mean faster, crisper shifts. At the top end, you'll even move from mechanical to electronic shifting, which offers the pinnacle of performance. For wheels, they'll get lower in weight, more aerodynamic, or both.

One of the most significant innovations in road bikes is the incorporation of disc brakes. While the rollout of disc brakes on road bikes has happened slower than on mountain bikes, it is getting much more common because of the real advantages of braking performance. Read more about disc brakes on road bikes.

No matter how great a bike is, if it doesn't fit you well you'll never get the most out of it—or you. At ERIK'S we offer bike sizing services. We use our sizing process with every road bike to ensure you're on the correct size bike and that it's adjusted comfortably so you can focus on the ride. Stop into your local ERIK'S to find out more about our sizing services.

Before heading out on your road bike, make sure you have the essentials to stay safe, comfortable, and prepared for anything. Hydration is key, so bring a water bottle in a secure cage. Protect yourself with a properly fitted helmet and sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun and debris. A good pair of cycling shorts with padding will improve comfort on longer rides. Don’t forget front and rear lights to ensure you’re visible, even during the day.

Be ready for mechanical issues by carrying a spare tube, tire levers, and a pump that works with presta valves. A small saddle bag is perfect for storing your repair kit and any other necessities. Finally, track your progress and share your rides with a Strava account to stay connected with the cycling community.

Flat bar road bikes have flat handlebars at the ends and are one of the most popular bike categories. Often called fitness or active bikes, flat bar road bikes are comfortable, easy to ride, and efficient. They enable a neutral riding position that doesn't elongate the rider's body like a racer but also isn't too upright or relaxed. Flat bar road bikes are easy to steer and control while maintaining a comfortable body position.

Drop bar road bikes have handlebars that drop down at the ends and are engineered to be fast, efficient, and aggressive. They offer a greater variety of hand positions to suit your needs and make you more aerodynamic in the saddle. Several different types of road bikes feature drop bars, including endurance, performance, and gravel bikes.