Choosing a road bike can be a very entertaining task if you have some knowledge of what you can find on the market and if you are clear about what you are looking for. But what happens if neither of these things are true? Maybe you are just getting started in cycle touring. Or maybe it’s been so long since you last got on a bike that you don’t know what all the different ranges and models are about. Or, simply, you don’t know where to begin. If this is your case, in this article we offer you some tips to help you choose the road bike that best suits you.

Endurance vs Climbing Bikes

Road bikes are increasingly lighter, more comfortable, more aerodynamic, and perfect for getting fit and enjoying the road. But not all are the same. One of the most common questions is whether to buy a climbing bike or an endurance bike. And although both can serve you well, they are not meant for the same thing. Depending on the type of use you are going to give it, you should opt for one or the other. If you love long rides on the road and are never daunted by the asphalt, an endurance bike will offer you the comfort you need to spend many hours on it without your back suffering too much. In other words: endurance bikes are for those who want to be comfortable on long rides on the road.

Climbing bikes are lighter and stiffer. They are also the most popular on the market. The reason for this name is because they aim to save as much weight as possible on every component, from the frame material to the bottle cages. They are designed for riding routes with elevation changes, especially for climbing and descending mountain passes. If a climbing bike has short chainstays and a longer top tube, an endurance bike has a higher head tube, slightly longer chainstays, and a shorter top tube. What does this mean? That on an endurance bike you ride with a straighter back, thus gaining comfort. On a climbing bike, the rider’s position is more stretched out.

In Spain, unlike other European countries with flatter profiles, road bikes with a climbing profile have always been more successful, designed for those who, rather than spending many hours on flat terrain, seek thrills on slopes and mountain passes. However, don’t get carried away by the general trend and evaluate the areas where you ride and what will really meet your expectations.

Two tips you shouldn’t forget

Knowing which type of bike best fits your preferences and riding style is important. But once you have decided on the geometry of your bike (endurance or climbing), you should pay special attention to the following factors:

1. Define your budget

You're not the only one this happens to; you leave home with an idea of what you want to spend and you always end up spending a bit more. When you're looking for a bike and haven't previously thought about what you want to spend, it's easy to be seduced by more expensive models that really offer more features than you'll actually use. You've probably heard about the advantages of electronic shifting, the comfort of having carbon wheels, or that latest model that has just been released. If you don't have a set budget, you're an easy target for unscrupulous sellers and you may regret it for a long time. On the other hand, if this is your first bike, remember that you'll need basic accessories like a helmet, gloves, clothing, and a water bottle.

A good way to get a suitable bike while saving money is by turning to the second-hand market. However, don't fall into the trap of haggling just to find the cheapest option. Keep in mind that if in 6 months you need to switch to a better bike or simply decide you no longer want to continue cycling, you can resell it. Depending on the type of bike you choose, you may be able to recoup your investment better or worse when you put it up for sale.

2. Choose the right size

A bike that's too small or too big for your height will soon become synonymous with immediate problems, such as back and joint pain.

>>> Guide to find out what your bike size is

Choosing the right bike size is a task that sometimes gets complicated by the different sizing standards used by different manufacturers. What we can tell you in advance is that your height is a good indicator for knowing what bike size you need, but it's not the only one. The height of your hips, or in other words, how long or short your legs are, is just as important.