Which equipment to choose for road cycling?

Want to get into road cycling? While road biking is accessible to everyone, it requires discipline-specific equipment. But then, what equipment should you choose to fully enjoy this beautiful sport? Bike, helmet, outfit, accessories ... We tell you everything!

A bike adapted to road cycling

To start road cycling, you're going to have to put your bike in the garage and buy a road bike, designed specifically for the sport. Your new bike will offer curved, round or flat handlebars, for a reclined or even prone position in a racing gait.
From classic models to ultra-profiled racing bikes for performance and competition, there are plenty of choices!!
A road bike is made up of different elements that influence the price and are therefore to be taken into account when buying:
The frame: aluminum for entry-level and mid-range bikes or carbon for more lightness and rigidity. It is possible to choose an aluminum frame with carbon fork, a good compromise for the discovery of road cycling.
The drivetrain with a double or triple chainring: select it of quality and according to the environment where you will practice the bike.
The wheels: rim width, composition, weight, disc or pad brakes...
The bike's tires: tubeless tire equipped with an anti-puncture system, tire with tube or tubular.
When starting out, the priority is above all to choose a bike that fits in order to make comfortable outings and enjoy riding. It will then be possible to upgrade to higher-end bikes.

Auto pedals

Have you ever seen a cyclist dismount? His ducking gait can be perplexing... It's due to a stiff sole characteristic of road bike shoes, which are necessary for riding with automatic pedals.
What are automatic pedals? A fastening system to solidify the shoe and pedal. This union offers better pedaling efficiency as well as a rounder pedal stroke, as the rider both pushes and pulls on the pedals.
Beginners sometimes display a certain reluctance toward automatic pedals, as they fear they won't be able to get their shoes off in time to put their foot down. Is this your experience? There's nothing to stop you from riding with flat pedals first before you dare to switch to automatic pedals. It's a skill you can learn quickly! Practice putting on and taking off your shoes in a parking lot, on a busy street or down the street from your home. Be alert and take it easy. You'll see, automatic pedals will change your life! In any case, they are essential to progress and aim for performance. A necessary passage, but without pain, I promise.

A road bike helmet

Riding on asphalt is not without its dangers. The risk of falling is omnipresent: obstacles to avoid, turns to negotiate, wet pavement, collisions with other road users, riding in a pack... Unfortunately, an accident can happen quickly.
Even though helmets are only mandatory for children under the age of 12, you must imperatively protect your head when you go out riding. The road bike helmet is an integral part of the cyclist's equipment.
There are bike helmets at all prices and in all colors. The more expensive models will favor aerodynamics and lightness. When purchasing your road bike helmet, be sure to choose a quality helmet that fits your head size for effective protection. It must allow good ventilation and be CE standard approved, a guarantee of safety.

A complete cycling outfit

What gear should you choose for road cycling? An outfit for summer and another for winter, comfortable and breathable above all to practice cycling in optimal conditions.
Choose your clothes according to the 3-layer rule:
short-sleeve or long-sleeve technical underwear;
a cycling jersey with 2 or 3 pockets on the back;
a thermal jacket in winter period to protect from cold and bad weather.
You will need short or long shorts lined with a chamois in the crotch to absorb shocks. It's up to you to adapt your outfits and upper body thicknesses to the season. If the wind is blowing hard, but the temperatures are pleasant, you may prefer a light windbreaker to a winter cycling jacket, for example.
Other useful equipment for the cyclist: reinforced road cycling gloves (mittens or winter gloves) and sunglasses or clear glasses.

Road cyclist gear accessories

Road cycling comes with an array of commercially available accessories.
Among the essentials:
the puncture kit, particularly useful for changing your punctured inner tube and continuing the ride;
one or more bottle cages to keep you hydrated throughout your road ride.
Regarding beginners looking to progress and compete, here are some extras essential for training:
extenders to mount on the bike handlebars;
a GPS bike computer;
a power sensor;
a cadence sensor;
a cardio belt for heart rate;
a home trainer for training at home.