How to start your road cycling adventure?

The beginning of your road cycling adventure begins with the first step – choosing the right bike. It doesn’t have to be a machine for tens of thousands of Polish zlotys, a solid road bike that will suit a given posture and riding style will be enough.

It is crucial that the bike is optimally selected in terms of the frame size. Therefore, it is not possible to do without visiting a stationary store where we can “try on” different models on the spot. Buying a bike, online is not the best idea.

Bicycle frame size

Cyclists, endurance, gravel – individual categories of road bikes will differ from each other, including the body position assumed by the cyclist.

• The cyclists, so racing bikes, are characterized by low weight and frame geometry that forces a more sporty, bent position.
• Endurance – if your main goal is comfort and pleasure from riding, it is worth paying attention to models from the endurance category. These bikes are designed for longer distances, offering a more upright position, which significantly increases comfort during long trips. Their geometry helps relax the neck and back muscles, which is especially important for people who are just starting their adventure with road cycling.
• Gravel – or otherwise known as a gravel bike classified as a type of road bike, is a hybrid between a road bike and a mountain bike, created for riding on various surfaces, from smooth asphalt roads to gravel and forest paths. The key feature that distinguishes gravel bikes is primarily their versatility, allowing you to explore a wide range of terrain, from city connections to difficult trails. Equipped with wider tires than road bikes, they provide better traction and cushioning on uneven surfaces. Additional mounts for accessories that allow for easy attachment of mudguards, racks, additional water bottles and travel bags make them ideal for bikepacking and long trips. Gravel bikes have become the perfect solution for those looking for versatility and adventure, who want to explore a variety of terrains – from city paths, through gravel roads, to forest paths – without having to change equipment.

Point of view depends on the point of sitting - a few words about the bicycle seats.

After riding the first kilometers, you will be able to tell if the shape and type of the bicycle seat suits you, or if, for example, the handlebar tape is not too hard.

These first experiences on the road are extremely valuable, because they reveal what in the bike set requires minor adjustments or even major changes to make each subsequent ride even more comfortable and enjoyable.

If you notice that the bicycle seat is not comfortable enough – perhaps it is too hard or its shape does not suit your anatomy – it is worth considering replacing it. There are many types of saddles available, designed with different riding styles and cyclists’ preferences in mind, so you will certainly find one that will be perfectly suited to your needs.

The fate of your road is in your hands – how to hold on to go far

The same applies to handlebar tape. If you find it too hard, which makes long routes less comfortable, especially on poorer quality roads, the solution may be to use a tape with better shock-absorbing properties.

There are various tapes available on the market, including those with an additional layer of gel, which significantly improve comfort and reduce the feeling of vibrations.

An additional way to fit your bike even better is to use the so-called bike fitting – a service consisting of precise measurements of the cyclist’s body and only then adjusting the bike settings.

What to wear on your feet? (shoes and pedals)

It is also worth paying attention to how we feel while riding – whether the cycling shoes are comfortable, whether the outfit does not restrict movement, whether the helmet is properly fitted. In the case of shoes, the basic choice is whether you stick with “regular” platform pedals or switch to the so-called clipless system, shoes with cleats and clip-in pedals. Fears about using clip-in pedals are understandable, especially for beginner cyclists, but with proper preparation and practice, you can quickly get used to them. The key skill is to efficiently and naturally release the shoe from the clip in the pedal, so practicing this skill on flat ground or in a place where you can easily stop and keep your balance is very important at the initial stage. Over time, using clip-in pedals becomes natural, and the benefits they bring significantly improve the quality of your ride.

Plan your route and set off

When going on your first ride, choose a route you know, where at least for the first few kilometres you can focus on getting to know the bike and its reactions to your actions, without worrying too much about navigation.

During your first rides, it is important not to set yourself the goal of covering as many kilometres as possible. Instead, focus on getting the best feel for the bike and getting to know how it transfers your commands to the road, how it copes with bumps or how it reacts to changes in pace.

This is the time when you can experiment with different positions on the bike, find the most comfortable settings for your hands on the handlebars, adjust the height of the saddle and even adjust the tension in the pedals.

The first kilometres on the route are not only about physically getting to know the bike, but also mentally adapting to a new form of activity. Road cycling is a discipline that also requires the ability to concentrate and observe your surroundings.

It is on these first routes that you learn how important it is to anticipate situations on the road, how to cope with different weather conditions and how to enjoy every kilometre travelled.

Eat, drink, rest

When preparing for a ride, also remember about proper hydration and nutrition. An ideal snack on the road can be a bar or energy gel.

When preparing for a ride, also remember about proper hydration and nutrition. Long trips require a lot of energy from the body, so it is important to take water and snacks rich in carbohydrates with you, which will allow you to replenish your stored energy resources.

When planning longer routes, it is worth considering places where we can make a short stop for rest and regeneration. These seemingly mundane things can significantly affect the comfort and efficiency of your ride.

With each subsequent trip, you will become more and more in tune with your bike, and your skills and self-confidence on the road will grow. The first kilometres are just the beginning of this fascinating journey, during which not only your physical form, but also the perception of the world around you, will change. Road cycling is a passion that can turn ordinary routes into extraordinary adventures, and ordinary days into days full of challenges and satisfaction.