Criteriums are high- s peed races that take place on paved roadways, typically on tight-knit city streets. These races occur over a closed circuit and usually involve a predetermined number of laps. The best bikes for these races tend to be lightweight, stiff, and relatively low to the ground.

Criterium-optimized road bikes will often feature: Short wheelbases for increased turning ability. Very short chainstays, and a slightly shortened top tube. Forks with an increased rake (slope angle) to reduce trail. Bikes with reduced trail handle more responsively – albeit at the cost of stability.

Consequently Criterium racers will often choose bicycles with: a wheelbase shortened as much as possible, for increased turning ability, with the shortest chainstays possible, and a slightly shortened top tube (often causing some toe overlap with the front wheel on smaller frame sizes). forks with increased rake to reduce trail.