The truth is that you can’t buy happiness, but you can buy a good bike, which is close. Road cycling is an environmentally friendly activity and terrific exercise, that can be done on multiple levels. For instance, you can go for a cardio workout, scenic or slow ride. You can use your bike for transportation or recreation, or for both. Here are some tips for all beginners.
How To Dress
Road biking apparel is designed for comfort on the bike. Bike tights, bibs, and shorts have lots of stretch for full freedom of movement and include a padded liner to provide comfort in the saddle.Biking shirts often feature zippers for ventilation, sleeves, and shoulders designed for arms forward comfort and back pockets for easy on-the-go access. If you are thinking about updating or buying cycling clothing you should think about buying a lightweight pack able rain jacket, wind vest, arm and knee warmers, finger less gloves with palm padding, bike shorts, tights or bibs,Short-sleeved jersey and moisture-wicking base layer. Full-fingered gloves, overshoes, soft-shell jackets and long-sleeved equivalents will keep you warm when it’s cold. Jackets with reflective strips will make you more visible at night.
How to Choose A Road Bike
Road bikes are designed to be ridden on paved surfaces and are typically fast and light with skinny 700c wheels and drop-bar handlebars. Most of them are made of carbon fiber, titanium, aluminum or steel. Bikes are sold in a variety of frames sizes, so pick one that fits you properly. Your budget and how you intend to ride it (for commuting, competitively or recreationally) are some of the main things that may affect your choice of bike.
Gear and Accessories
- Road Bike Shoes and Clipless Pedals
The truth is that you can ride a bike in just about any shoes, but if you ride your bike regularly, you should choose cycling shoes. They are usually paired with a compatible pedal and this clipless shoe pedal combination offers excellent control with a minimum amount of your energy lost.
- Road Bike Tools
Be sure to carry a spare tube, pump and tire levers, because a flat tire is the most common mechanical failure that may happen to you on the road. Think about what you will need to add to your bike repair kit and put it in a small saddlebag.
- Lights and Reflectors
Taillights and headlights are essential for use in bad weather and at night. They range from high-end lighting systems that light up the road ahead to safety models that help motorists see you in dim light. Taillights are red. You can choose lights that can be attached to your bike, helmet or pant leg.
- Water Bottle and Cage
You should find a water bottle cage that can securely hold a plastic bottle with a capacity of at least 500ml. For a longer ride, consider a hydration pack with its own water reservoir.
