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Before you ask yourself how to get better at cycling, no doubt you're wondering how to get started with road cycling? Indeed, when you know nothing (or almost nothing), it is not easy to take the step. So, in this article, we explain everything you need to know to start road cycling.
Who can ride a road bike?
Biking is a great sport for your health that can be done by anyone. Unlike sports like running which are impact sports, cycling is a wearing sport. Therefore, it is a gentle sport for the joints that can therefore be suitable for most people. Moreover, it is often recommended for rehabilitation after an accident or for resuming a sporting activity after a long period of sedentary life.
Depending on your age, medical history and/or if you have never practiced sports before, before you start cycling, it will nevertheless be preferable to perform a check-up with your GP or to perform a stress test at a cardiologist to make sure you can get on the road without any problems.
In short, when it comes to getting back into sports, cycling may well become your best friend.
How to choose your bike to start road cycling.
To start road cycling, you're probably going to have to make the purchase of your first road bike. And with so many choices out there, you may well feel a little lost. So we're going to try to help you in this choice with some tips and criteria to consider.
Buying a road bike means a certain budget. Before you know if you'll really like it, there's no need to invest in a high-end, expensive bike. It will be better to aim for good value with an entry-level or mid-range model with an aluminum frame. A carbon frame would be lighter, but also more fragile and especially more rigid.
The most important criterion, even if it seems obvious, will be to choose a bike in your size. Indeed, a bike that is too small or too big will quickly prove uncomfortable.
The most important criterion, even if it seems obvious, will be to choose a bike that fits your size
You'll notice, outside of entry-level bikes, that most manufacturers now use disc brakes on bikes. While this may seem safer on big descents or in the rain, it's not really a consideration and the choice between pad brakes or disc brakes is mostly a matter of your personal taste.
You'll notice that most manufacturers now use disc brakes on bikes
In terms of equipment, the ones you'll need to pay particular attention to will be more about development: that is, the crankset at the front and the derailleur at the rear.
Next will be the question of choosing pedals: flat or automatic? While automatic pedals allow for a smoother, more optimized pedaling experience, at first it might be safer to opt for classic pedals with a pair of sneakers. Once you feel more comfortable on your new bike, you can then consider a pair of automatic pedals and bike shoes.
How to equip yourself to start road cycling
To practice cycling, you need to acquire some additional equipment.
The first item directly concerns your safety. To protect yourself in the event of a fall, it's crucial to use a bike helmet during your rides. Ditto, to protect your hands, and for more comfort, we also advise you to buy a pair of gloves.
For your comfort, we recommend you to invest in a bike shorts: this will prevent you from pains and very unpleasant heating up at the saddle. You can also complete your outfit with a cycling jersey with pockets to store your personal belongings.
Later, you can complete your outfit with other accessories (jacket, windbreaker, cycling shoes, etc.) depending on the season.
How to get started with road cycling.
Now all that's left is for you to start road biking. Just one piece of advice so you don't get discouraged too quickly: get into it gradually. Start with short distances and increase the mileage each week as you ride. Don't forget to warm up at the beginning of each ride, remember to drink and eat regularly during your training.
And, before you head out for a ride, remember to check the condition of your bike and especially the inflation of the tires.
Now that you have all the elements in hand to start road biking, how about finding out more about how many miles to ride when you're just starting out and which road bike to choose when you're just starting out? And, finally, did you know that it is possible to start road biking at age 50?
