High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! A road bicycle is a synonym for the term racing bicycle. As such, road bicycles have drop handlebars and multiple gears, although there are single and fixed gear varieties. A racing bicycle, commonly known as a road bike, is a bicycle designed for road cycling according to the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). The UCI rules were altered in 1934 to exclude recumbent bicycles. The most important characteristics about a racing bicycle are its weight and stiffness[citation needed] which determine the efficiency at which the power from a rider's pedal strokes can be transferred via its drive train and to its wheels. To this effect racing bicycles may sacrifice comfort for speed. The drop handlebars are positioned lower than the saddle in order to put the rider in a more aerodynamic posture. The front and back wheels are close together so the bicycle has quick handling. The derailleur gear ratios are closely-spaced so that therider can pedal at his or her optimum cadence. Other racing bicycles, especially those used in time trialling prioritize aerodynamics over comfort.