How many kilometers should you ride on your first routes? What is the best bike to get started in this cycling discipline? Getting started in road cycling
, whether you are new or coming from another cycling discipline, can seem intimidating. Many images associate it with speed, high performance, or technology. Too often, it is presented as a 100% competitive category, instead of conveying what it really is: a very fun way to ride a bike. Here are some tips or recommendations to enjoy it from the very first moment.
Choose the right bike
Choosing a road bike is not a trivial matter. It will depend on your budget and your way of understanding cycling. There are models on the market aimed at meeting different needs, with various capabilities and geometries. Some are more focused on performance and speed, others are more climbing
and lightweight; some are more comfortable and suitable for long rides. Perhaps these last ones, the so-called endurance bikes, are the right choice for a beginner road cyclist. Especially because of their balanced geometry, which anyone can easily adapt to. It is true that the position on a road bike is, in itself, less comfortable than that of an urban bike
or a MTB
. That is why you must pay close attention to the frame size. Making a mistake here can have disastrous consequences.
➡️ How to choose the right bike size
In any case, it’s a good idea to go to a bike shop with experience, where they will advise you according to your needs, help you choose the right size, the appropriate gear ratio, etc... In short, it’s a good meeting and advisory point for your new stage as a road cyclist.
👉 Surely this interests you. At Tuvalum you can find high-end road bikes, but also models like these; for less than 1,500 euros, they offer you a good cost-performance balance for your first pedal strokes. Click here and take a look.
And if you have doubts about which bike model is most suitable for you, try Tuvalum’s recommender
, where we help you find the one that best fits your profile.
Leave nothing to chance
Be prepared and leave nothing to chance. Before heading out with your brand-new road bike, make sure the drivetrain looks like new. A minimum of maintenance should include regular cleaning and lubrication of the chain. Always in this order, as attached particles could damage the gears.
You will avoid those damn creaks and prolong the life of your drivetrain. Don't even think about putting new grease over old grease just because you're in a hurry. You'll only end up filling the chain with a grimy paste.
➡️ Wax or oil to lubricate your bike chain, which is better?
Check your tire pressure. It's the only thing keeping you in contact with the road. And that's no joke. All tires show the recommended maximum and minimum pressures on the sidewall. But don't push it to the limit. The theory says that the ideal pressure measured in bars should be 10% of the combined weight of cyclist and bike. Buying a floor pump with a pressure gauge is, therefore, essential. In any case, the inflation of our tires will also depend on external factors, such as the condition of the road. When it comes to wheels, you don't need to spend a fortune, but you should invest a bit in your bike's shoes. Buy the best tires you can afford.
Find a group
Sometimes, riding solo is a very pleasant experience. The problem is when you have no other option. Ideally, you should join a cycling club and have the chance to share rides with like-minded people. After all, cycling is an activity with a strong social component. It's not just about pedaling, but also about changing your environment, joking with the group, etc... If you commit to a group, it will be easier to go out and ride when conditions aren't ideal, or when you have to get up earlier than usual. You'll learn from your teammates how to ride in a peloton, which is essential. Especially if you aspire to make progress and participate in some event alongside other cyclists. Inevitably, riding in a group will help you fine-tune your preparation because there will be times when you'll have to push yourself not to fall behind. Thanks to your group mates' experience, you'll learn about mechanics and maintenance... In short, you'll progress more and faster. But: when joining a club, observe and don't show off too soon, no matter how strong you feel. Be prudent.
➡️ How to ride in a peloton without messing up: 12 practical tips
Stay calm on the bike
Pedal without fear. You may know cyclists who are terrified when facing the road and motorized traffic. This is quite common, for example, among riders that come from MTB. It is true that road cycling carries a risk. But don't let fear grip you and stop you from enjoying your passion for cycling. Use common sense. It is important to make yourself visible, know the regulations, and anticipate dangers. On the road, ride as close as possible to the shoulder. Always maintain a straight and predictable trajectory (especially if you are riding in a group), and always look back if you are going to make an overtaking maneuver or change your path.
➡️ Mandatory traffic rules for cyclists (and the most common fines
In the city, behave like any other vehicle, since the regulations protect you. Take your lane and do not ride next to the curb, as it is more dangerous. Above all, make yourself seen and respect all traffic signs. It is possible that some driver will not understand this, but you will get home safe and sound. Anticipate and look drivers in the eye to foresee their reactions at the wheel.
Make yourself visible
A rear light is an element you should not do without. Always ride with the rear light on; if possible, in flashing mode. But don't settle for just any model or the cheapest one, as your safety is at stake. It is important that it has a 180-degree opening angle. This way, you will be visible not only from behind but also from the side; it will give you extra safety when riding in the city or in areas full of intersections and crossings. One recommendation: when you get home from your bike ride, make it a routine to immediately recharge your lights. This way, they will be ready for your next ride. [irp posts="7091" name="How to choose lights for your bike"] Although not as important as good lights, the color of your clothing also matters, of course. Especially when you go out without lighting. Therefore, strike a balance between fashion and safety. And if you have to choose, opt for the latter. Nowadays, many cycling outfits come in plain and low-contrast colors, which does not help safety. In low light conditions, avoid dull colors, grays, black... Various studies state that the most visible colors from a long distance are, in this order: green (far above the rest), white, and yellow.
Refine your pedaling technique
If you are starting out in road cycling, it is the perfect time to avoid picking up bad habits. Over time, unlearning and improving becomes more complicated, although not impossible. Do not take the expression by pushing the pedal literally. Think of the bike's crank arms as if they were the hands of a clock. Instead of pedaling with kicks between 2 and 6, focus on pedaling smoothly. Distribute the effort between 12 and 8 with a more rounded pedaling. You will work more muscles and notice improvement in the medium term. Try to maintain a high and regular cadence, from 70 to 90 pedal strokes per minute.
➡️ What is the best pedaling cadence on a bicycle?
If you're not used to them, clipless pedals can be a bit intimidating. But don’t worry, you’ll get used to them pretty quickly. Platform (flat) pedals are, of course, an option, but with clipless pedals you’ll go much faster and with maximum safety.
Start little by little
Go on your first rides alone, without pressure, and with the goal of gaining confidence. This way, you'll find your own rhythm, shift gears when necessary, or keep track of your mileage. You can start with 20-30 km two or three times a week. For someone used to cycling, it may seem insignificant, but it's not bad at all for a start. The fundamental rule is to start gradually. Over the years, we have all seen many people give up after a couple of rides because they demanded too much from their bodies and fell out of love with cycling.
Check the weather forecast
Plan your rides taking the weather forecast into account. Cold is no excuse; but if it rains, it's best to stay at home. Pay special attention to the wind forecast. Ideally, you want to return home with a tailwind. If you want to have everything under control, there are plenty of apps available, such as Accuweather
, Windfinder
and many others.
➡️ How to ride a bike against the wind without dying trying
Train smart and set goals
Avoid going out like crazy. Some people do real juggling acts to achieve even a minimal training routine: studies, family, work... What happens is that we tend to compensate for the lack of kilometers with excessively demanding rides, which destabilize our bodies and go against proper preparation. Also avoid this absurd rule of three: the more hours pedaling, the more progress. Wrong. It's better to apply the rule of less is more and respect rest days. Train with quality. Design routes that force you to change your pace and you’ll improve quickly, even if you don’t rack up a lot of kilometers. Don’t forget to do long rides periodically to get your body used to it, but don’t get obsessed.
You have many options. A long ride of about 4 hours on the weekend, plus two rides of a couple of hours during the week, can be a good formula to reach good fitness and set yourself some sports challenges, such as participating in cycling events. Remember that setting goals will help you put more effort into your road cycling outings. Don’t focus your training on speed or the number of kilometers. Focus on pedaling time, cadence, and heart rate. A cycle computer will always be a good ally. And if you have a power meter, even better, although it’s not common for beginner cyclists.
Equip yourself wisely
Take care of your gear, starting with your helmet and good glasses, and continuing with your clothing. Especially in winter. A typical mistake is to overdress. When it's cold and you head out the door, you should feel just warm enough. Not more, not less. When standing still, you should feel a slight need to start pedaling to warm up a bit more. If you overdress, you'll sweat excessively on the first climb, feel uncomfortable, and your performance will suffer. Below 10-11 degrees, we recommend adopting the three-layer method: a thermal shirt close to the body, a long-sleeved jersey on top, and a winter jacket. This way, you can adjust your warm clothing with thicker or thinner garments, depending on the temperature.
One of the best investments you can make to start road cycling is a good pair of bib shorts. Without a doubt, a more suitable option than one with a waistband or elastic (though something is better than nothing). Bib shorts ensure a good fit and no seams, which prevents unnecessary chafing and irritation. Needless to say, this garment should be worn without underwear, as it is specifically designed for that purpose. And if you want to avoid irritation at all costs in your most sensitive areas, you can use a specific cream to apply to the chamois of the shorts. Once the clothing question is settled, you should equip yourself with some basic tools. At the very least, those that allow you to repair a flat tire on the road. All you need to start is a spare inner tube of the right size, a pair of tire levers, and a small pump. It also wouldn't hurt to carry a basic multitool for small adjustments, like saddle height.
Don't mess around with food
Take care of your nutrition before, during, and after your rides. You should discard some clichés: stuffing yourself for breakfast, gorging on pasta or rice the night before a ride. Of course, your energy stores should be full before you leave, but putting more energy into your body than it can handle can be counterproductive. Instead, follow a daily healthy eating routine and don't forget to eat during your ride. What happens when we push our bodies beyond our limits? Well, then you get bonks or exhaustion, cramps, etc. These are problems caused by lack of training or by a lack of food or hydration. As for the first, the only solution is to train more. As for eating during your bike rides, there are no exact measures, but there is a golden rule: drink before you feel thirsty and eat before you feel hungry.
For efforts that do not exceed 60 minutes, a water bottle would be enough. If your route is around three hours, you should consume carbohydrates. From there, you should also include proteins. However, limit fats, as they make digestion more difficult. When you get home, don’t overdo it either. In fact, after a demanding effort, you might not even feel hungry until a few hours have passed.
As we understand it, road cycling is more about enjoyment than suffering. At the beginning, don’t worry too much about pushing your limits, competing, or upgrading your bike with the latest available technology. When you are starting out, it’s best to limit your gear to the essentials, without skimping on safety. From there, you can continue to grow. Train regularly to increase your endurance and set yourself small, achievable short-term goals. This way, you’ll soon see results and your motivation will grow. It is better to gradually go from shorter to longer routes than to have to reduce the intensity because we have exceeded our limits. Without a doubt, your first outings will be the most physically difficult. However, you’ll discover how quickly your body is able to adapt to the effort. Now all that’s left is to ride on the roads and have fun.