Which road bike to choose to start with?

If you want to start cycling on the road, before you ask yourself how to progress in cycling, you are probably wondering which road bike to choose to start with. We explain in detail in this article what criteria to take into account to choose the right bike for your practice.

A bike with the right size

Every bike comes in a variety of frame sizes to fit the majority of the population. It may seem obvious, but it's important to choose the right size bike to start. Indeed, a bike that is too small or too big will quickly prove to be unpleasant, uncomfortable, or even dangerous during your rides.

To choose the right size bike, you need to take the right measurements beforehand. The most common method is to measure the height of your crotch, from the ground to your perineum. Once you have this measurement, you will need to multiply it by 0.65 to get the correct frame size.
Obviously, since the length of the torso and forearms can vary between two people of the same size, this measurement remains indicative and, in case of doubt, it will be preferable to approach a cycle store to proceed with other measurements to refine your choice.

What budget should you budget for your first road bike?

Buying a bike represents a certain budget, more or less, depending on your criteria and needs. This price can range from €500 to several thousand euros for high-end models.

For a first bike, of course, if you are just starting out, there is no need to buy a ten thousand euro race bike, which is the one used by the cyclists on the Tour de France. Instead, we advise you to choose a good value for money by turning to an entry-level or mid-range model between 800 and 1500 euros or so that you can upgrade or change later if you get a taste for road cycling and want to push yourself even further. Beyond that, you can also indulge yourself with a carbon bike and better equipment, especially if you want to have a more advanced cycling practice later.

And, if the price is still too high for you, you can eventually reduce it by buying a second-hand bike.

How do I choose my road bike to start out?

When you're just starting out, have no cycling experience, and have never ridden a bike before, choosing your first road bike can seem overwhelming. Here are a few tips on how to make sure you don't go wrong.

First of all, if you're just starting out in the sport, you'll need to go in search of a comfortable bike, i.e., one that doesn't benefit from racing geometry. For this, you'll need to look more towards models designed for cycle touring or endurance.

For a first bike, if you stay within a budget of less than 1500 euros, it will be better to favor a good aluminum frame (possibly with a carbon fork) rather than an entry-level carbon frame (often less comfortable).

You'll also need to take care to choose your developments and drivetrain carefully (the most common brand is probably Shimano). To start the bike, triple chainrings are almost non-existent anymore, we advise you to opt for a compact crankset (50x34) that will be quite versatile. As for the rear drivetrain, opt for an 11-32 cassette if possible, or even 11x34 if you live in a mountainous area. On the contrary, if you live in a very flat area, the 11x30 should suffice.

When it comes to the braking system, you'll have a choice between rim brakes and disc brakes. The latter braking system is said to be safer, especially on wet roads, but regarding this point, it will really be a matter of personal taste.

If the saddle that came with your bike doesn't work for you or feels too firm, simply change it. There are a multitude of models, more or less light, more or less comfortable, in order to adapt to each cyclist.

The original wheels on entry-level bikes are often quite heavy. If you're enjoying the bike and want to upgrade after a few months, changing your bike's wheelset could be your first item of improvement in terms of weight but also the bike's reaction on the road.
Finally, regarding wheels, most bikes at this price point come with tubeless tires but, if you change them, there's nothing to stop you from switching to tubeless later.

Now that you have all the elements in hand to start road biking, how about finding out more about how to start road biking and how many miles should you ride when you're just starting out? And, finally, did you know that it's possible to start road cycling at age 50?