Cycling may have been getting some negative press following the Lance Armstrong Affair, but it is a growing sport, one that is quite popular with squash, tennis, racquetball and badminton players. In large part it’s because even though running and jogging are considered cross-training, they are also quite hard on the joints whereas cycling is largely impact-free (as long as you avoid dogs running across your path and of course potholes!)
Bicycles are efficient, eco-friendly and fun to ride. Choosing a bike, on the other hand, is not a simple task. If you are in the market for a top of the range bicycle, here’s the best of 2013.
Best Triathlon Bike – Felt DA2 Triathlon
Have you got the need? The need for speed? Felt DA2 will be your new best friend. With its aerodynamic brakes to the Felt TTR1 aero tyre, every detail is designed for cyclists who love to race against the clock. Speed isn’t the only key feature on the DA2 and when it comes to riding quality, Felts aero bikes always have a reputation for smooth, efficient, and energy-saving for long haul performance. The DA2 is no exception to this.
The Bayonet feature is Felts biggest drawcard. By moving the forks steer tube outside the frame, they have been able to increase front-end stiffness and ultimate steering precision, making it the fastest in the world. It’s also 20% lighter than other Ultra Hybrid Carbon Advanced performance bikes due to the high fibre resin ratio in the modulus materials. It also helps that the fat nosed saddle, makes for an amazingly comfortable ride.
Best Mountain Bike – Santa Cruz Tallboy LTc
This mountain bike isn’t just a pretty face. The original Tallboy took the cycling world by storm for its world class innovation, now their new model has set a new standard for the mountain bike industry. It’s been said that the Tallboy LTc, lets riders do the things that previously you couldn’t, or wouldn’t do.
Here’s what the judges of Bike Radar had to say ‘With an all-new front end including chain guide tabs, armour strips and a screw-through rear axle, the Tallboy LTc is both stiffer and hungrier for chaos than the original.’
Best Road Bike – Boardman Team Carbon 2013
The Boardman Team Carbon give riders the benefit of the same frame that won gold in Beijing, but at a fraction of the cost. Coming in at less than a grand is a rarity for a carbon frame, but that doesn’t mean it lacks in durability.
The frame features an aerodynamic down tube profile, oversize box section, chainstays for amplified power transfer, internal rear brake cable routing and improved gear cable routing through the head tube. Thanks to its comfy wishbone seat, the Boardman Team Carbon is best for weekend riders who prefer cruising at a leisurely pace.
Best BMX Bike – Kink Launch 2013 BMX Bike
This is the best budget BMX on the market. Although, you have to assemble it yourself, your local bike specialist can put it together for you a matter of minutes – check out 99bikes.com.au for a rough pricing guide.
It’s a sturdy machine that you can take on any type of terrain, from trails, to streets, to ramps. The Kink Launch is ideal for beginners to the sport and gives riders an easy to learn system with a high end feel.
What do you look for when buying a new bicycle? Tell us in the comments below.
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