This time, I'll briefly introduce the different types of road bikes. You should be able to grasp it in 5 minutes. Let's take a look together.

1. Aero Road Bikes

Aero road bikes prioritize aerodynamics, not only reducing wind resistance but also emphasizing gliding through the wind as much as possible.

Since 85% of the resistance a rider needs to overcome comes from themselves, reducing the rider's wind profile is the reason for this. Therefore, a short head tube presents a smaller frontal area to oncoming wind for an aerodynamic frame, which can reduce drag. Generally, the head tube of a mid-sized aero road bike is less than 140 mm, whereas for an endurance frame, the head tube often exceeds 160 mm.

Major Brands: Giant Propel, Trek Madone, Specialized Venge, Cervelo S5, Scott Foil, Canyon Aeroad, Merida Reacto, Bianchi Oltre XR4, ICAN, etc.

2. All-Rounder Road Bikes

Many characteristics of all-rounder road bikes lie between aero road bikes and endurance road bikes, making them a popular choice for general riders and group leaders. While not as comfortable as endurance road bikes, they are definitely more comfortable than aero road bikes. They are stiffer than aero road bikes, but better than endurance road bikes. Despite their lighter weight making them more nimble, their handling feel is stiffer than endurance road bikes, on par with aero road bikes. Braking performance is not as good as endurance road bikes, but superior to aero road bikes, which compromise on braking for aerodynamic performance.

Brands: Giant TCR, Specialized Tarmac, Canyon Ultimate, Cervelo R5, Pinarello Dogma F10, BMC SLR01, ICAN, etc.

3. Lightweight Road Bikes

As the name suggests, lightweight road bikes must be as light as possible.

Let's take ICAN lightweight road bikes as an example. The complete weight of the Aero A8 road bike is only 6.9kg, while the A9 is slightly heavier at 7.98kg (excluding pedals), making lightweight road bikes lighter than ordinary bicycles.

Brands: Trek Émonda, Cannondale SuperSix EVO, Merida Scultura, Scott Addict SL, ICAN, etc.

4. Endurance Road Bikes

The purpose of endurance bikes is comfort, health, and durability. Characteristics of endurance road bikes include a high head tube, low reach, and a long wheelbase. They were first created for professional classic races like those in northern France, which have incredibly rough surfaces and are high-speed races. They try to eliminate rider fatigue caused by road vibrations. Endurance road bikes are made to be more flexible, with larger internal clearances, and tires that absorb more vibrations to allow for greater shock absorption.

Brands: Giant Defy, Scott Solace, BMC GF01, Canyon Endurace, Merida Ride, ICAN, etc.

5. Classic Endurance Road Bikes

Classic endurance road bikes are a type of endurance road bike designed for classic road races. They are mainly used for riding on rough roads or long distances, and the bikes offer a more comfortable ride than standard endurance road bikes. To cope with old cobblestone roads, classic race road bikes have wider tires, a relatively high head tube, longer rear forks, a longer wheelbase than other road bike types, and the rear fork, seat tube, or head tube often have elaborate vibration absorption designs. Classic bikes also have unique filtering technology, adapting to all-weather comfortable riding for the rider.

Brands: Trek Domane, Specialized Roubaix, etc.

6. Time Trial (TT) Bikes

TT bikes have a frame with a more aerodynamic riding position than typical road bikes, which can more efficiently reduce wind resistance at high speeds and reduce physical exertion by reducing rest. By adopting a standard 700c wheelset with an aerodynamic frame and wheelset, the speed of TT bikes has been further improved. As a type of competition bike in road cycling races, TT bikes are strictly limited by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), with regulations covering frame geometry, seat tube angle, fork shape, handlebar angle, and even wheel diameter.

Brands: BMC TimeMachine, Cannondale Super Slice, Cervelo P5 Three, Specialized SHIV TT, Canyon SpeedMax, Colnago K Zero, Factor Slick TT, etc.

7. Triathlon Bikes

Triathlon bikes and TT bikes look somewhat similar, but because triathlon bikes are not restricted by the UCI, they can have more exaggerated and advanced aerodynamic frame designs, which can reduce more body wind resistance than TT bikes. Furthermore, in terms of geometry settings, triathlon bikes are basically for triathletes/enthusiasts. Riding is about resting, allowing athletes to maintain a comfortable posture to delay body fatigue as much as possible for stable output. Therefore, triathlon setups prioritize comfort and have a wide elbow stance. Also, triathlon bikes generally have an integrated hydration system in the frame.

Brands: TREK SpeedConcept, Specialized SHIV, Canyon SpeedMax, Cervelo P5X, Scott Plasma, etc.

8. CX Road Bikes (Gravel Bikes)

Off-road bikes can also be called CX road bikes, and another type of off-road vehicle that extends from them is called a Gravel Bike. Off-road bikes are the originators of bicycle cross-country and have a history of 100 years. Gravel bikes are not the same as CX road bikes; gravel bikes have extremely strong adaptability to road surfaces, making them suitable for daily commuting, outdoor hiking, or light off-roading. Due to the comfortable riding feel and cool appearance of gravel bikes, they have been highly praised in many Western countries in recent years, leading to a buying boom. Currently, gravel bikes are commonly seen in Canada, the United States, and parts of Europe.

Brands: Blue Norcross SL, Cervelo C5, Norco Search, Specialized Diverge, Giant Anyroad, Santa Cruz Stigmata, Giant TCX, Cannondale SuperX, ICAN, etc.