What equipment should you choose for road cycling ?

Do you want to get into road cycling ? While road riding is accessible to everyone, it requires equipment specific to the discipline. So, which kit should you choose to get the most out of this great sport ? Bike, helmet, kit, accessories… We tell you everything !

A bike suited to road cycling

To get started in road cycling, you will have to leave your bike in the garage and buy a road bike, designed specifically for this sport. Your new bike will have a curved, round or flat handlebar, for a forward-leaning, even tucked, racing position.
From classic models to ultra-aero racing bikes built for performance and competition, there is a huge range of choices !
A road bike is made up of different components that affect the price and therefore need to be taken into account when buying:
The frame: aluminium for entry-level and mid-range bikes, or carbon for greater lightness and stiffness. It is possible to choose an aluminium frame with a carbon fork, a good compromise for discovering road cycling.
The drivetrain group set with a double or triple chainset: choose a quality one suited to the terrain where you will be riding.
The wheels: rim width, construction, weight, disc brakes or rim brakes…
The bike tyres: tubeless tyres with an anti-puncture system, tyres with inner tubes, or tubular tyres.
When you are starting out, the priority is above all to choose a bike that fits you so you can enjoy comfortable rides and have fun on the road. You can then move up to higher-end bikes.

Clipless pedals

Have you ever seen a cyclist get off their steed ? Their duck-like walk may leave you puzzled… It is due to the stiff sole typical of road cycling shoes, which are needed to ride with clipless pedals.
Clipless pedals, what are they ? A clip-in system that allows you to link the shoe and the pedal together. This connection offers better pedalling efficiency as well as a smoother, more circular pedal stroke, since the rider both pushes and pulls on the pedals.
Beginners are sometimes reluctant to use clipless pedals because they are afraid they will not be able to unclip in time to put a foot down. Is that your case ? Nothing stops you from first riding with flat pedals before daring to switch to clipless pedals. It is a habit to get used to, and you learn it quickly ! Practise clipping in and out in a car park, on a quiet street, or right outside your home. Stay alert and take it easy. You will see, clipless pedals will change your life !
In any case, they are essential if you want to progress and aim for performance. A must-have step, but painless, promise.

A road cycling helmet

Riding on tarmac is not without danger. The risk of falling is ever-present: obstacles to avoid, corners to take, wet surfaces, collisions with other road users, group rides in the peloton… Unfortunately, an accident can happen very quickly.
Even if wearing a helmet is only mandatory for children under 12, you must absolutely protect your head when you go out riding. The road cycling helmet is an integral part of a cyclist's kit.
There are bike helmets at every price point and in every colour. The most expensive models will favour aerodynamics and lightness. When buying your road cycling helmet, make sure you choose a high-quality one that fits your head circumference for effective protection. It must provide good ventilation and be CE-certified, a guarantee of safety.

A complete cycling outfit

What equipment should you choose for road cycling ? One outfit for summer and another for winter, comfortable and breathable above all, so you can ride in optimal conditions.
Choose your clothing according to the 3-layer rule:
short-sleeve or long-sleeve technical base layers ;
a cycling jersey with 2 or 3 rear pockets ;
a thermal jacket in winter to protect you from the cold and bad weather.
You will need short bib shorts or long bib tights with a chamois pad in the crotch to absorb road vibrations. It is up to you to adapt your outfits and the different layers on your upper body depending on the season. If the wind is strong but the temperature is mild, you may prefer a lightweight windbreaker to a winter cycling jacket.
Other useful kit for cyclists: road cycling gloves (fingerless gloves or winter gloves) with padding, and sunglasses or clear glasses.

Accessories for the road cyclist's kit

Road cycling comes with a whole range of accessories available on the market.
Among the essentials:
a puncture repair kit, particularly useful for replacing a punctured inner tube and continuing the ride ;
one or more bottle cages so you can stay hydrated throughout your road ride.
For beginners who want to improve and take part in competitions, here are a few essential extras for training:
aero bars to install on the bike's handlebar;
a GPS cycling computer ;
a power meter ;
a cadence sensor ;
a heart-rate strap for monitoring heart rate ;
a turbo trainer for home training.