Focus racing bike

Every road bike buyer probably asks themselves this question: Should I buy a carbon frame or an aluminum frame? Carbon racing bikes have long been the norm. Aluminum racing bikes have a reputation for being cheaper and more robust. They can therefore be interesting for beginners. At Focus, carbon fiber models dominate the racing bike range. With the aero carbon frame of the IZALCO MAX, racing cyclists benefit from very low weight as well as from the shape of the aero tubes, which is only made possible by carbon. But it is not just the aerodynamics and weight that benefit from the properties of carbon. The fibers now also enable more comfort and ergonomics - which is why the material is also popular with more endurance-oriented racing bikes such as the Paralane.

For a long time, rim brakes dominated racing bikes - today, disc brakes are the first choice for racing cyclists. They not only have advantages in wet conditions, but the braking force can also be better controlled. Disc brakes also allow greater freedom when it comes to choosing wheels and tire width.

Classic racing bikes have long impressed with their narrow tires. If you look at the current racing bike models, you will see much wider racing bike tires mounted. 25 to 28 mm are also mounted on the fastest race bikes. With wider tires, a lower air pressure can be used - the rider benefits from more comfort. If you occasionally ride your racing bike on gravel or dirt roads, you can mount wider tires (28 mm - 30 mm): They roll on the road in a similar way to narrower models, but are less prone to punctures and can handle small off-road passages. If you want to zoom along forest paths without a care in the world, wide tires between 30 and 40 mm give you complete freedom.

Unlike a mountain bike or trekking bike, a racing bike's gears are operated using the brake levers. Hydraulic or electronic gears are now also available for racing bikes, and these are installed in the high-end range.

When it comes to racing bikes, we usually talk about a gear group. The three major suppliers Shimano, Sram and Campagnolo dominate the market. Focus relies on Shimano and Sram. Each manufacturer offers different classes of gear groups. In general, the more expensive a group is, the lighter it is.

The gear ratio also plays a decisive role in the character of the gear system. Two chainrings are standard today, but sometimes only one chainring is used on gravel or cross bikes. Road cyclists are well advised to go with a crank with 52 and 36 teeth and a cassette with pinions from 11 to 30 teeth. For anyone who rides a lot of hills or wants lighter gears, a compact crank with 50 and 34 teeth and an 11-34 cassette is worth considering.