What does 700c mean for road bikes?
2 Answers
Road bike 700c refers to the diameter standard of bicycle wheels. Here is the relevant introduction about road bicycles: Hardware requirements: The total length of the bicycle should not exceed 185 cm, the width should not exceed 50 cm, and the weight should not be less than 6.8 kg. The saddle length should be between 24-30 cm, the distance between the bottom bracket and the ground should be between 24-30 cm, and the diameters of the front and rear wheels must be the same. The maximum wheel diameter is 70 cm, and the minimum is 55 cm. The bicycle used should have a fixed gear and must not be equipped with shifting devices or brakes. Race setup: Since road races are held outdoors, safety is required, and there should be clear route markings. Every 5 kilometers, the distance to the finish line should be indicated. On uphill sections, there should be markings every kilometer. Near the starting point, there needs to be a looped section at least 800 meters long as a warm-up area.
The term 700c in road bikes actually refers to the tire size standard. I always found this number confusing, but it turns out that 700 represents a nominal diameter of approximately 700 millimeters, though the actual bead seat diameter is 622 millimeters. The 'c' stands for medium width, typically used for road bike tires ranging from 23mm to 40mm in width. This design ensures smoother rides with lower rolling resistance, making it much more efficient than the 26-inch tires on mountain bikes, while also allowing for higher speeds. I've experimented with different sizes before and found that 700c is particularly well-suited for paved roads due to its lightweight and excellent aerodynamic control, seamlessly integrating with the bike frame. When choosing, it's important to check that the tire width and pressure are compatible—for instance, narrower tires are better for speed, while wider ones offer better shock absorption. Overall, 700c is the standard for modern road bikes, and understanding the sizing can help in selecting accessories or upgrading the bike more precisely. I recommend beginners start with the standard 700c to experience its high-performance advantages.
