What does Sportive mean? (newb question)

[MrKawamura]

Hi,

I have seen this term next to certain bikes in catalogues, looked it up on internet and it seems it's a kind of event/race. Could somebody please explain a bit more about it and what is different about a "sportive" bike?

I havn't found a web page that explains the basics...

Thanks.

 

[when eddy ruled]

you got it right when you say a sportive is an event/race. some people treat it as a social ride with friends, others race it like theres a world champions jersey at the end.

a sportive bike tends to be a race bike with more comfortable geometry ie higher bars, shorter top tube, easier gearing. you want the lighter weight of a race bike but not the super aero position or high gears as most sportives are of reasonable distance (100 to 200km) and usually hilly.

 

[MrKawamura]

Great, thanks for the reply. Very helpful.