QUICK-FIRE

Small gains still mean seconds off your PB... How important is it to have a carbon road bike? For a racing bike, a carbon frame is much lighter than aluminium, which essentially means that you’ll have less weight to carry. This equates to a faster ride, allowing you to fly up those hills. For a commuter or casual bike, a carbon frame isn’t totally necessary and it may be hard to justify the larger price tag. How do I find the perfect bike fit without spending loads? Height – your knee should be slightly bent when your foot is on the pedal at its lowest point, if it’s straight or locked then your seat is too high. Reach – your arms should have a slight bend in them when on the hoods, you’re reaching too far if your elbows are locking. Handlebars – your bars should be roughly the width of your shoulder blades, the lower the bars, the more aero, but such a crouched position isn’t natural and comes with practice.