Road frames, also known as a racing frames, is a frame designed for competitive road cycling. The most important characteristics about a racing frame are its weight and stiffness which determine the efficiency at which the power from a rider's pedal strokes can be transferred to the drive-train and subsequently to its wheels. To this effect racing frames 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 the rider can pedal at his or her optimum cadence. Other racing frames, especially those used in time trialling prioritize aerodynamics over comfort. For recreational road cycling, the racing-style bicycles with drop handlebars used to be the norm in the 80s, along with the touring bicycle, (a drop-handlebar bike with a slightly longer wheelbase to provide a smoother ride and less sensitivity to steer and balance disturbances). These designs, called "road bikes" or colloquially, "roadies" or "racing bikes", have been making a come back in reicent years and are fast becoming the 'bike of choice' for most riders