Sportive / Endurance Road Bike
Where the design of road bikes has been led by racing for decades, manufacturers are only now starting to sit up and take notice of the thousands of people who enjoy riding on the roads but do not race. Sportives are timed, mass-start endurance events (not races) where riders complete a pre-arranged route together for happiness and health. These are usually signposted, supported rides with feed stations and mechanical assistance along the way.
A sportive bike differs from a race bike in that the geometry is more relaxed, allowing riders to sit more upright and observe their surroundings. Sportive frames also often feature shock-dampening design features intended to smooth rough roads and save the rider from the fatigue associated with absorbing these shocks themselves.
Gearing on sportive bikes tends to be slightly lower, with a wider range than their road racing counterparts. This provides a spread of gears suitable for use by the average rider (as opposed to a professional racer) and the increased range means that even unfit or novice cyclists can make it over hilly and mountainous terrain.
The only other area where sportive bikes tend to vary from road racing bikes is in the choice of tyres that are specified. Whereas 23mm tyres have historically been favoured on racing bikes, sportive bikes are equipped with 25mm+ tyres that can be run at lower pressures for more comfort and (surprisingly!) less rolling resistance.
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