Road biking is a wonderful way to stay fit, explore the outdoors, and appreciate new surroundings. Whether you seek a leisurely ride with scenic views or a challenging workout, road biking can meet your needs. It’s also an eco-friendly mode of transportation, making it ideal for environmentally-conscious individuals. Read on for valuable insights on road bike and gear selection, riding techniques, and biking etiquette.
Choosing a Road Bike
Road bikes are designed to optimize speed and performance on well-maintained, paved paths. Equipped with drop-bar handlebars and slender 700c wheels, they come in various frame materials like steel, aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber. To choose the right road bike, ensure it fits you properly with about one inch of clearance between your body and the top tube when straddling the bike. Consider your intended use (recreation, competition, or commuting) and budget, which will influence the bike’s components and quality.
What To Wear
Road cycling apparel offers comfort, aerodynamics, and functionality. Cycling jerseys often have front zippers for ventilation, a longer cut in the back for coverage, and back pockets for essentials. Bike shorts, tights, or bibs come with stretchable fabric and a padded liner called a chamois for comfort on long rides. Don’t forget fingerless gloves with palm padding, arm and knee warmers, and a lightweight, packable rain jacket. In colder conditions, opt for full-fingered gloves and overshoes. Look for clothing with reflective strips for better visibility during night rides.
Gear and Accessories
Safety is essential, so wear a properly fitting road bike helmet that meets safety standards. Consider helmets with MIPS technology for added rotational force protection. Road bike shoes are designed to efficiently transfer power to the pedals, especially with clipless pedals. Practice using clipless pedals to improve your riding experience. Carry essential tools, like a spare tube, tire levers, pump, and a bike multi-tool, in a small saddlebag for on-the-go maintenance. Invest in headlights, taillights, and reflectors for better visibility during night rides or adverse weather conditions.
How To Ride
Maintain a steady cadence, ideally between 80 to 100 revolutions per minute (rpm), by shifting gears according to the terrain. Pedal efficiently by imagining you’re scraping mud off your shoe during the bottom of the pedal stroke. Learn how to shift gears properly using the front and rear derailleurs and avoid cross-chaining to prevent chain issues. When descending, shift your weight back and maintain a centered position on the saddle to navigate sharp turns smoothly. While turning, lean the bike into the turn rather than your body, and pedal gently on the inside of the turn.
Rules and Etiquette
When cycling on the road, ride in the same direction as the traffic and stay as far to the right as possible. Follow traffic rules, stop at red lights and stop signs, and use hand signals to communicate with drivers and fellow cyclists. If riding with others, ride single file to allow cars to pass safely. Be courteous to other road users and coexist peacefully on the road.