What is used for road cycling?
Unlike mountain biking, road biking takes place on paved roads, whether asphalt, concrete or gravel . Road bikes are designed for speed and efficiency. Road bikes are typical:
- narrow tires
- light frame
- aerodynamic shape
A typical road bike has handlebars with two levers for shifting gears and brakes.
How to start with road cycling?
If you're tempted to try road cycling, it's important to get off to the right start. Here are some tips:
- Get a suitable bike: Before investing in an expensive bike, borrow it from a friend or rent it from a bike rental shop. This way you will find out whether road cycling suits you and what type of bike suits you best.
- Invest in essential gear: A bike helmet is absolutely essential. A cycling jersey, trousers, cycling gloves and cycling glasses are also recommended.
- Learn to drive safely: Familiarize yourself with the rules of the road and learn basic hand signals. Choose quiet cycling routes with less traffic to start with.
- Start slowly and gradually increase the load: Do not force yourself into long and difficult routes right away. Start with shorter rides and gradually increase the distance and increase the pace.
- Join a community: There are many cycling clubs and online communities where you can meet people interested in road cycling. Shared rides are more fun and motivating.
Road cycling is a great way to improve your health, fitness and mental well-being. It's also a fun and exciting way to spend your free time and explore new places. So what are you waiting for? Get on your road bike and go on an adventure!
Advantages of road cycling: Why choose this great sport?
Road cycling is more than just fun on two wheels. It offers a wide range of benefits for physical and mental health, making it an ideal sport for people of all ages and fitness levels. If you are looking for an active way to spend your free time while improving your overall health, road cycling is for you.
Physical benefits:
- Improves cardiovascular health: Strengthens the heart and lungs, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.
- Increases muscle mass and strength: Strengthens the legs, calves, buttocks and core, improving overall fitness and muscular endurance.
- Burns calories and supports a healthy body weight: This is a great way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
- Strengthens bones: Cycling is an activity that helps strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis.
- Improves immunity: Regular cycling strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of colds and flu.
Mental benefits:
- Reduces stress and anxiety: Cycling is a great way to unwind and de-stress. Physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins, hormones of happiness, which improve mood and overall well-being.
- Improves concentration and memory: Regular cycling can help improve concentration, memory and cognitive function.
- Boosts Self-Esteem: Achieving goals and overcoming challenges on the bike can help boost self-esteem and confidence.
- Provides an opportunity to socialize: Cycling with friends or joining a cycling club is a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Other benefits:
- It's ecological transport: Road cycling is environmentally friendly and produces no emissions.
- It's an affordable sport: You don't need expensive equipment to get started with road cycling. All you need is a bicycle in good technical condition and basic equipment.
- It's fun: Cycling is simply a fun and exciting way to spend your free time and explore new places.
Road cycling is a great sport that offers a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health. It's also a fun and affordable way to spend your free time and explore new places. If you are looking for an active and healthy lifestyle, road cycling is the right thing for you.
How to choose a road bike
Choosing a quality road bike depends on your individual needs, preferences and budget. However, there are a few key features you should consider when looking for a road bike that will serve you well:
Frame:
- Material: The frame can be made of different materials such as steel, aluminum, carbon or titanium. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Steel frames are durable and affordable, aluminum frames are light and stiff. Carbon frames are the lightest and stiffest, but also the most expensive, and titanium frames are light, stiff and durable, but also very expensive.
- Size: Frame size is important for riding comfort and efficiency. A road bike should match your height and limb length.
- Geometry: Frame geometry affects the rider's position on the bike and affects comfort and performance. There are many different frame geometries, from racing to comfort.
Components:
- Gear Group: The gear group includes derailleurs, cassettes, cranks and chain. A high-quality group of gears will allow you to shift gears smoothly and accurately.
- Brakes: Brakes are important for your safety. There are many different types of brakes such as brake shoes, disc brakes and hydraulic disc brakes. Disc brakes are more powerful and reliable than brake shoes, but they are also more expensive.
- Wheels: Wheels are made of rims, tires and tubes. Quality wheels are light, rigid and aerodynamic. Tires should match the type of terrain you will be driving on.
- Saddle and handlebars: The saddle and handlebars should be comfortable and adapted to your anatomy.
Other features:
- Weight: A lighter bike is easier to ride uphill and accelerate.
- Aerodynamics: An aerodynamic bike is faster on the flat and downhill.
- Price: The price of road bikes can range from several hundred euros to several thousand euros.
Tips for choosing a quality road bike:
- Determine your budget: Before you start looking for a bike, determine your budget. This will help you narrow down the choice of bikes you can afford.
- Try out different bikes: Before buying a bike, try it out in a store. Make sure that the bike fits you well and is comfortable to ride.
- Ask for advice: If you are not sure about choosing a bike, ask for advice from a salesperson at a bike shop or an experienced cyclist.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZQK_7_3Y7E
EXIsport tip:
Do you know Basso bikes? These Italian road bikes belong to the top in their segment. If you like dynamic riding, Basso road bikes are the right choice for you. The sporty design and high geometry of the frame helps to reduce air resistance.
By buying a quality road bike, you invest in your health and fitness . With a little planning and research, you can find a bike that will serve you well for many years.