Claremont Cycle Depot: bicycles & sporting goods

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Road bikes at Claremont Cycle Depot

At Claremont Cycle Depot, we try to stock a variety of road bikes from leading manufacturers at all price points. We currently have bikes from the following four builders:

Trek

Trek has a wide variety of road bikes for every rider, from the casual to the racer.

Trek Road Bikes

Specialized

Specialized has ten different styles of road bikes, each designed scientifically for how your body works.

Road Bikes by Specialized

About road bikes

Bicycles have been ridden on paved surfaces since paving began. The modern road bike is descended from what you usually think of as being a "ten speed." Road bikes usually, but not always have:

"dropped" handlebars
multiple gears (way more than 10 these days!)
a seat that looks uncomfortable, but really isn't
"caliper" brakes that stop the bike by gripping the wheel rims
tires with either no tread or a very shallow tread
a frame is a "triple triangle" design with no suspension

This broad category can be then divided by the type of riding that you want to do with the bike.

Racing bikes

Racers want the most efficient ride possible, sometimes regardless of price and durability (for the pros anyway). The frame and components are as light as possible. The frame is stiff to avoid losing precious energy in frame flex; comfort comes second. The close-ratio gearing is often changed depending on the course. Some subcategories are:

Time trial and triathlon bikes, which have different frame angles and handlebars ("tri" bars) and wheels, are designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency.
Cyclocross bikes, which have knobby tires, lower gearing and a higher bottom bracket, are designed to be raced over an offroad circuit that requires frequent dismounts and running. Very popular in Europe and growing in popularity here.

Touring bikes

Touring bikes have to be able to go on any paved (and sometimes dirt) road, regardless of incline, while carrying whatever you might need. The durable frame is designed to be comfortable for long rides and has eyelets for attaching racks and panniers. Wider range gearing (usually 27 "speeds") is usually accomplished with a triple chainring on the front and a wider-range cassette on the back.

Most people want something in between these extremes: a bike that's fairly light and efficient, but still comfortable. Let us know what type of riding you do, or plan to do, and we'll help you pick the bike that's right for you.