Riding a road bike tests a certain sportsman-like pride. Therefore, riders pay great attention to their own safety, consideration for the safety of others, and manners.

However, I feel that I haven't deeply considered the safety of the road bike itself, which supports these aspects.

Here, I would like to re-examine "Road Bike Safety."

1. Road bikes incorporate a wealth of noteworthy technology!

For example, when comparing road bikes with other genres (cars, motorcycles, etc.), one is surprised at the unrestrained use of cutting-edge technology.

The sophisticated precision of mechanical parts, the lightweight and strength-optimized design of frames, and so on, are countless.

However, a question arises here.

Since bikes are not encased in a shell like cars, they are undoubtedly a sport with inherent risks, and that's precisely why they have such an irresistible appeal. But with such a pursuit of performance, one wonders if safety is adequately considered.

As you all know, there are two types of safety: active safety and passive safety.

And it goes without saying that road bikes excel in maneuverability and stability, which are key to active safety.

Therefore, here I would like to focus mainly on passive safety.

2. Are there standards for road bike safety?

① UCI Rules

The most famous are the rules of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale).

These detailed rules govern participation in races.

Among these, what many of you are familiar with is the inverse weight limit of 6.8 kg.

This limits the weight reduction of the bike body to 6.8 kg, and its purpose is to prevent excessive weight reduction and prioritize safety.

In this way, the UCI not only sets competition rules but also meticulously determines the safety of the bike body itself, which has a significant impact on commercially available road bikes.

Therefore, compliance with UCI standards serves as a major benchmark for judging product quality.

It goes without saying that ICAN's product manufacturing is also based on UCI premises.

② ISO4210

In addition to this, there are quality standards such as the EN standard, which integrates BSI (British Standards Institution) and DIN (German Institute for Standardization), and Japan's SBBA (Sports Bicycle Association). However, currently, ISO4210 is considered the most comprehensive safety standard.

This standard sets criteria for the entire structure of road bikes, and I would like to examine it in detail.

3. Road Bike Safety: Frame

ISO4210 sets standards for the following parts of the frame:

・ Frame and front fork assembly: Impact test for both load drop and frame drop

・ Fatigue test under pedal load

・ Fatigue test under horizontal force

・ Fatigue test under vertical force

・ Static strength test and safety test of handlebar assembly

・ Fatigue test of handlebar and stem assembly

・ Static bending, dynamic impact, and bending fatigue test of front fork

You can see that it's a rather extensive menu.

It can be understood that it checks for metal fatigue in each part, and particularly emphasizes strength against frontal impacts.

Even ordinary bicycles have standards, but road bike standards are stricter, and safety checks are particularly thorough.

4. Road Bike Safety: Wheels

Regarding wheels, ISO4210 specifies the following:

・ Wheel and tire assembly clearance

・ Static strength test

・ Wheel retention condition

・ Quick release mechanism check

・ Rim, tire, and tube check

Regarding wheels, only static tests are specified, with no dynamic tests. However, reliable manufacturers typically conduct various additional dynamic tests, also considering UCI regulations.

5. Road Bike Safety: Brakes

The ISO4210 inspection items for brakes are as follows:

・ Manual brake system strength test

・ Braking performance test (dry/wet)

・ Heat resistance test

This is as expected, but it is noteworthy that braking standards for wet weather conditions are also specified.

6. Road Bike Safety: Handlebars

The items related to the handlebar area are as follows:

・ Steering assembly: Static strength test and safety test

・ Handlebar and stem assembly: Fatigue test

It is very reassuring that not only strength but also safety items are included here.

7. Road Bike Safety: Pedals/BB/Crank

Regarding pedals/BB/crank, the following applies:

・ Pedal/BB assembly: Static strength test

・ BB impact test

・ Drive system: Static strength test

・ Crank assembly: Fatigue test

The BB impact test is very reassuring.

By adding the manufacturer's unique dynamic tests to these, it can be said that the safety around the BB is ensured.

8. Road Bike Safety: Saddle

This is the final item in ISO4210. It concerns saddles.

・ Static strength test

・ Saddle/seat clamp fatigue test

・ Seatpost fatigue test

・ Seatpost static strength test

Seatpost strength is also an important point. It goes without saying that manufacturers conduct actual riding tests on finished bikes.

9. Extra for Safety: Helmets and Lights

① Helmets

Fit is the primary concern for helmets.

Asian fit helmets, designed for Japanese head shapes, are recommended, but it's best to try them on in-store. If they are from a reputable manufacturer, there should be no safety issues.

Lightweight is also important. This is an undeniable point for comfortable long-duration riding. It can be said that more expensive helmets are lighter. Around 200-250g is perfectly fine.

More expensive helmets often incorporate various innovations in ventilation, but good ventilation also reduces air resistance, which is important for races and other competitive events.

For use in races, a helmet with a JFC seal is required. Furthermore, the CE EN1078 standard is even more rigorous.

② Lights

When considering safety at night and in tunnels, a certain amount of light output is required, along with being lightweight.

For the front, a light that can illuminate 10m ahead, with a luminous intensity of 400cd (candela) or more, or a luminous flux of 400-1000lm (lumens) is desirable.

For the rear, a red or orange light visible from 100m behind, with a brightness of 10-15lm, that can be constantly lit is recommended. It is advisable to use it effectively in conjunction with a reflector.

10. Summary

As we have seen, it is clear that manufacturers pay considerable attention to road bike safety.

The rest is about proper maintenance and attention to safety during riding, that is, what the rider themselves should be careful about.

Enjoy a fulfilling cycling life with the best possible riding experience.

ICAN supports you.