Blood, sweat and tears – that’s why you love your racing bike

What you need to know to optimise your workout

Finding the right racing bike can take time – the devil is in the detail. Going for the right frame material is key. Beginner racing bikes are often made of aluminium and boast great value for money. Made of steel, vintage racing bikes are a bit heavier. Carbon and titanium frames are the lightest ones you can find, but are also the most expensive, as it takes a lot to produce these frames. More and more manufacturers equip advanced racing bikes with disc brakes, as these are better suited for wet roads and long downhill cycling. However, disc brakes aren’t as light as rim brakes. Gravelbikes are becoming a huge hit in the world of cycling. They’re similar to racing bikes but equipped with studded tyres and slight tread, making them suitable to cycle on gravel roads and forest trails.