When it comes to road racing, particularly in time trials, everyone is looking to be a light as they possibly can. Pro cyclists are on very strict diets and watch their weight very carefully, but the racing bikes also need to pretty trim. Time trial bikes have seen the weight drop off them as the years have gone by, in fact by around 10g per year. Most people would consider this not a lot but when it comes to racing every gram counts. So what are the latest developments to come on scene, aimed at shaving another few pounds off?

Carbon fiber shoes. When it comes to cycle clothing, strong and light is the key. Firm shoes are vital in order to transfer maximum energy from the legs into the pedals. Traditionally there has been a tossup between using hard materials which were usually heavy or lighter ones that softer and not as effective. New carbon fiber shoes however solve the problem by being very light but also incredibly strong

Lightest spokes. Believe it or not, the weight of your spokes can add up to make a big difference in the overall weight of the bike. Some spokes are now being made out of carbon fiber but they have to be thicker in order to have adequate strength. The preferred option is now titanium spokes Zipp wheels have adopted and can be made to the same size steel ones, but are around half the weight.

Fully carbon bikes. The ultimate in performance racing is the bike made almost completely from carbon fiber. A bike made from this material will not only boast an amazing low weight but being strong enough for any type of racer. Its a very comfortable ride as well according to those lucky enough to have had a go.  The only downside to kitting yourself out with all this carbon fiber gear is the expense. It does not come cheap, which is why you’ll only see the top professionals using it for the time being.

5.
Energy bar or energy gel.
These are great for before and after events as the put all the carbohydrates your body has lost or is about to lose straight back in making you feel a lot better. There is even a gel that can help build muscles up taking around seven days to work. What's great about using the gel is that you can use it when you are in the middle of cycling.

4. Of course it had to be in the top five, the bike helmet
No real cyclist could really get anywhere without one of these. This really is only in the top five as it is so vital for cyclists to own one.The range of helmets out on the market is huge and some are even made to suite different weather climates.

3.The small onboard computer
This is certainly a must have for all riders who take cycling very seriously. Easily attached to the front of the bike they can record nine different pieces of data.

• Current Speed
• Odometer
• Trip Distance
• Elapsed time
• 12/24hr clock
• Average Speed
• Pacer
• Maximum Speed
• Dual Wheel
• Temperature
• Cadence

2. Wheels
At number two simply because I love to change the wheels on my bike. There are thousands of designs to use ranging from the plain wheels that come with every bike or various other ones like zipp wheels.

1.If your going out and forget this then do not bother carrying on, is the reason why this is at number one. Its not exciting, its not brilliant technology.
A simple water bottle comes in first simply because without it you would certainly not be able to carry out long stretches.

Well there you have it, the top five things to take with you and use when using a racing bike.

Bikes shops Sussex is a perfect example, have fun!

The great thing is riding a bike is a great way to keep fit and even if you do feel great about yourself then you could still use it to tone up pretty much every muscle in the body. I for one live near the South Downs so a bike like this is perfect for me but even if you do not want to compete then there are so many ways you could enjoy a bike like this.

You could take part in various charity events that not only benefit the charity in question but also help yourself to feel good in your fitness and in what you are doing. If you struggle to get out there and meet new people then getting ones of these bikes could seriously improve that. You could be pleasantly surprised on how meeting other people with the same interests as you could give you the confidence boost you may or may not need.
Of course once you have one of these fantastic bikes you are customise it in anyway you want ranging from bike pedals all the way too zipp wheels.

As well as all of this there is no limit on how you can alter the bike so you can have it in exactly the way you want it too peform.

So why not treat yourself this month to a brand new racing bike, their fast, trendy and a lot of fun if you really give it a go.