Which type of Road Bike is best?

The "best" type of road bike depends on various factors, including your personal preferences, riding style, and intended use. Each type of road bike - aero, climbing, and endurance - has its own strengths and is designed to excel in different scenarios:

Aero Road Bikes: These bikes are built for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, with features like streamlined frames, deep-section wheels, and integrated components. They are ideal for flat terrain and racing situations where speed is paramount. Aero road bikes can be less comfortable for long rides due to their aggressive geometry and stiffer frames.

Climbing Road Bikes: These bikes are designed to be lightweight and responsive, making them well-suited for tackling steep ascents and mountainous terrain. They typically have lighter frames, compact gearing, and sometimes feature special design elements to enhance stiffness and power transfer. Climbing road bikes may sacrifice some aerodynamic efficiency for the sake of weight savings and agility.

Endurance Road Bikes: These bikes prioritize comfort and stability over pure speed. They typically feature more relaxed geometry, which places the rider in a more upright position, reducing strain on the back and neck during long rides. Endurance road bikes often have features like wider tires, disc brakes for better stopping power, and vibration-damping technologies to absorb road chatter. They are great choices for long-distance rides, rough roads, or riders who prioritize comfort over all-out performance.

Ultimately, the best road bike for you will depend on your riding goals, preferences, and the type of terrain you typically encounter. If you're primarily focused on speed and racing, an aero road bike might be the best choice. If you're tackling lots of steep climbs, a climbing road bike could be more suitable. And if you prioritize comfort and versatility for long rides, an endurance road bike might be the way to go. It's worth test riding different types of bikes to see which one feels the most comfortable and responsive for your needs.

Modern road bikes typically incorporate a range of features aimed at optimizing performance, comfort, and versatility. While specific features can vary between models and brands, here are some common characteristics found in many modern road bikes:

1. Lightweight Frames: Road bike frames are typically made from materials such as carbon fibre, aluminum, or occasionally steel, designed to provide a balance of stiffness, strength, and weight savings. Carbon fiber frames are especially popular for their ability to be tuned for different ride characteristics and weight reduction.

2. Aerodynamic Design: Many road bikes feature aerodynamic tube shapes and profiles aimed at reducing drag and improving overall speed. This can include features like teardrop-shaped tubing, integrated cockpit components, and aero wheelsets.

3. Electronic Groupsets: Modern road bikes often come equipped with high-quality drivetrain components from manufacturers like Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo. These groupsets may include features such as electronic shifting, precise gear changes, and a wide range of gearing options to suit different riding conditions.

4. Disc Brakes: Increasingly common on modern road bikes, disc brakes offer improved braking performance, especially in wet or challenging conditions. They provide better modulation and control compared to traditional rim brakes and allow for wider tire clearance.

5. Wide Tyre Clearance: Many modern road bikes have increased tire clearance, allowing riders to use wider tyres for improved comfort, traction, and versatility. Wider tires can also enhance stability and handling, especially on rough roads or gravel surfaces.

6. Integrated Cockpits: Some road bikes feature integrated handlebar and stem setups, creating a sleek and aerodynamic profile while also offering improved stiffness and control.

These features collectively contribute to the performance, comfort, and versatility of modern road bikes, allowing riders to tackle a wide range of riding conditions and preferences with confidence.

Should I buy a complete bike or custom build a frameset?

Whether to buy a complete bike or custom build a frameset depends on several factors, including your specific needs, preferences, budget, and mechanical expertise. Here are some considerations for each option:

Buying a Complete Bike:

1. Convenience: Purchasing a complete bike is often the most straightforward option. You can simply choose a model that fits your budget and desired specifications, and it's ready to ride out of the box.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: Complete bikes are typically cheaper than custom builds since manufacturers can leverage bulk purchasing discounts on components.
3. Warranty and Support: Buying a complete bike from a reputable manufacturer usually comes with a warranty on the entire bike, including the frame and components. 

Custom Building a Frameset:

1. Customisation: Building a bike from a frameset allows you to customize every component according to your preferences, including the groupset, wheels, cockpit components, and finishing kit. This level of customization enables you to create a bike tailored to your specific needs and riding style.
2. Performance and Upgradability: With a custom build, you have full control over the quality and performance of each component. You can prioritize certain aspects like weight, aerodynamics, or comfort and upgrade individual parts over time as your budget allows.
3. Fit and Geometry: Building a bike from a frameset allows you to choose a frame that matches your body dimensions and riding preferences more precisely. This can be especially beneficial if you have unique fit requirements or prefer a specific frame geometry.
4. Learning Experience: Building a bike from the ground up can be a rewarding experience, providing opportunities to learn about bike mechanics, component compatibility, and assembly techniques. It allows you to develop a deeper understanding of your bike and how it functions.

Ultimately, the decision between buying a complete bike or custom building a frameset depends on your priorities and preferences. If you value convenience, cost-effectiveness, and warranty support, a complete bike may be the better choice. However, if you seek maximum customization, performance optimization, and the satisfaction of building your dream bike, custom building a frameset could be the way to go.