Mountain Bikes | Road Bikes | Apparel | Upgrades | The Buy List
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Prized Possession (Above)
An all-carbon dragster that even a newbie could pilot, the Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2 definitely isn't your first road bike and probably isn't your second—but if you crave speed and comfort, it is unequivocally your dream machine. Engineering sets this 14-pound (6-kilogram) rig apart from other featherweights: Specialized has stiffened the frame laterally to resist side-to-side forces and increased what bike geeks call "vertical compliancy" (up-and-down flexibility). Meaning? You can climb hills like an express elevator, then bomb down bumps without losing a filling. A Tour de France trophy you'll want to ride all day ($8,500; specialized.com). |
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Two-Timer (Above)
Cyclocross teamsters aren't the only guys in need of a versatile machine. Whether you're a weekend rider, a daily commuter, or both, chances are you'll be mixing some trail with road. The Scott Cyclocross Team is faster than a mountain bike and burlier than a thoroughbred roadie. Key ingredients include a straight-blade carbon fork to take the edge off rattling, slightly knobby tires on 700c road wheels (for traction in the dirt), and caliper brakes for stopping in all conditions. True, this 20-pounder (9 kilogram bike) doesn't roll as quickly as a pure road racer—but it will always get you from A to B ($1,930; scottusa.com). |
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Best Buy (Above)
You're ready for a serious road bike but not a second mortgage. Consider the Schwinn Peloton. Its all-carbon frame is nearly identical to Schwinn's $4,300 race model, the Peloton LTD, and it delivers snappy performance without finicky brittleness. Expect consistent steering as you swoop into fast, high-angle turns. The tradeoff: Despite Shimano 105 shifters, most components are uninspired. We suggest dropping a few hundred extra greenbacks on stiffer wheels ($1,700; schwinnbike.com). |
Mountain Bikes | Road Bikes | Apparel | Upgrades | The Buy List
League of American Bicyclists:
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