Road cycling is an excellent way to stay in shape, to ride with friends and family or to socialize. With 9 million cyclists in the UK, road cycling has become one of the favorite outdoor activities of the French. But is it difficult to choose between an aluminum or carbon frame? Discover this buying guide of the best road bikes of the moment!
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"Focusing on its speed, the Norcom Straight 2.3 signed by FUJI charms by the fluidity of its Shimano transmission and the grip of its Vittoria…"
"Finding a cheap road bike is difficult, but not impossible: the Scrapper is the proof. Its frame, carbon fork, Shimano transmission and disc brakes will…"
"This road bike is for professional and amateur cyclists looking for a competitive bike. With its aerodynamic carbon frame and 2x12 speed chain, you have…"
"The Trek Domane+ LT is the road bike to climb hills without spitting out your lungs. In addition, its electric assistance remains well dosed, to…"
"Aimed specifically at a female audience, Cannondale offers this Gravel bike for women who enjoy riding in the great outdoors."
Focusing on its speed, the Norcom Straight 2.3 signed by FUJI charms by the fluidity of its Shimano transmission and the grip of its Vittoria Rubino Pro wheels.
2 081 £ on Go SportRiding the Norcom Straight, you'll instantly rediscover the heritage of performance and quality seen in all FUJI road bikes. A Shimano Ultegra drivetrain makes shifting easy and optimizes the endurance of this model whose frame is available in 49 and 57 cm height.
An unfailing ally on long rides, the Norcom Straight 2.3 draws its speed and lightness from its aerodynamic monocoque frame, designed exclusively with carbon. You'll enjoy the grip of Vittoria Rubino Pro IV G2.0 700x28c tires and the unerring precision of its steering. To top it all off, the design was conceived to combine comfort and control, even over a very long distance.
Finding a cheap road bike is difficult, but not impossible: the Scrapper is the proof. Its frame, carbon fork, Shimano transmission and disc brakes will convince you.
1 199 £ on Go SportEven though this is a cheap road bike, it is true that this model meets the expectations of comfort, precision and speed. The Scrapper brand has equipped this road bike with a frame and a fork entirely in carbon to obtain a light structure and an aerodynamic effect. A successful challenge for this model with an adjustable seatpost and a weight of only 8.7 kg!
Designed to ride on a paved road, it will run at high speed thanks to its Shimano 105 transmission which allows it to juggle between its 22 speeds with ease. Its 23x622 LITHION 2 tires offer good grip for better control. And although it is not a gravel bike, it is equipped with disc brakes for an efficiency even on a slippery road.
This road bike is for professional and amateur cyclists looking for a competitive bike. With its aerodynamic carbon frame and 2x12 speed chain, you have everything to win!
4 400 £ on AlltricksIf this road bike is intended for competitions and sports races, it is because it combines speed, precision and reactivity. First of all, it has a full carbon monocoque frame with HOLLOW CORE CARBON TECHNOLOGY. This means that the inside of the frame has been hollowed out, which makes it light. Coupled with a G7 Pro Full Integrated Tapered Full fork, you get an amazing aerodynamic effect.
Weighing less than 7 kg, this road bike offers great performance. Its Campagnolo Record front and rear derailleurs make shifting easy, while its Hutchinson Fusion 5 700x25 tires offer good grip to reduce the risk of accidents. And of course, the combination of Prologo Dimension saddle, BH G7 seatpost and BH SL 1.5" headset has been designed for perfect ergonomics, even on a very long circuit.
The Trek Domane+ LT is the road bike to climb hills without spitting out your lungs. In addition, its electric assistance remains well dosed, to avoid any impression of riding a motorcycle.
4 399 £ on AlltricksRoad bikes were the last to go electric. A few years have been enough to catch up. The Trek Domane+ LT, the electric version of the latest Domane Disc 2020, is proof of this. Weighing less than 14 kg on the scale, the beast claims a range of more than 100 km in continuous use.
You can remove the battery in a few seconds to reduce the weight to 10.7 kg and have a real road bike. As for the motor, Trek chose the Fazua Evation Drive Pack with 60 Nm, which offers assistance up to 25 km/h. And as with any high-end road bike, the frame and fork are made of carbon fiber with a Shimano Ultegra 2 x 11 speed transmission.
Aimed specifically at a female audience, Cannondale offers this Gravel bike for women who enjoy riding in the great outdoors.
3 519 £ on AlltricksThis women's Gravel Bike, aggressive on rough trails and smooth on pavement, has a Shimano GRX 800 Wide drivetrain that works in concert with a Shimano HG601 11-speed chain. Its carbon frame is equipped with the Kingpin Suspension System, which makes the bike smoother and more shock-absorbing on rough trails.
Let's talk about the Lefty Olivier fork, which makes this Gravel Bike stand out from the crowd. A travel of 30 mm allows it to absorb shocks, to gain in maneuverability and precision. An aerodynamic frame for a great vivacity, wide wheels of 47c to adapt to the most uneven paths. Comfort is taken care of by a Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite saddle to find the right position. A real little jewel offered by Cannondale to the ladies!
Discover how the HUTCHINSON TORO CX 700 x 32 mm tires on this cheap road bike grip on trails and paved roads. The result of an exceptional work with the SHIMANO CLARIS transmission!
640 £ on Go SportThe Scrapper Spego Gravel refers to this gravel bike at less than 1000 euros and is available in sizes S, M and L. Suitable for different body types, it has a height of 48, 52 and 57 cm respectively. To compensate for the stiffness of the aluminum frame, the manufacturer has opted for a carbon fork that makes riding easier and more precise. The carbon allows to have a road bike with a correct weight, 11,3 kg.
Wheels with rims of 17 mm width and 28 mm height work together with HUTCHINSON TORO CX tires in 700 x 32 mm to combine speed and grip on all types of tracks. The SHIMANO CLARIS transmission, 2x8 speeds, is there for more speed and reliability, while the disc brakes, 160 and 140 mm (front/rear), will be lively and smooth to control the stops. For this price, it is a very well equipped bike!
Yes, it is possible to find a road bike for less than 500 euros! Even if it is not intended for high level competitions, it is a bike that may surprise you. Give it a try!
196 £ on Go SportContrary to popular belief, decent road bikes don't have to cost a fortune! For less than 500 euros, you can get one that is fairly well equipped. This one has a sturdy aluminum frame and a half-bent fork. This makes this road bike so versatile that it's just as suitable for an outdoor ride as it is for going to the office.
Even though this inexpensive road bike is priced at less than 500 euros, you should know that it enjoys a unique comfort thanks to its ergonomic design adapted for prolonged use. Its KENDA K193 700x28C tires have a good grip and its V-Brakes are very efficient even in case of emergency stop. Weighing only 11 kg, it is equipped with a smooth Shimano 21-speed transmission, allowing you to ride at high speed, and an SR Suntour XCE crankset.
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The best road bike under 1500 euros
The best professional road bike
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TOP OF THE TOP | CHEAP | HIGH END | ELECTRIC | FOR WOMEN | LESS THAN 1000 EUROS | LESS THAN 500 EUROS | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
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9/10 |
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OUR SELECTION |
FUJI Norcom Straight 2.3
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SCRAPPER SPEGO 150 2.1
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BH G7 PRO 6.0 CAMPAGNOLO RECORD
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Trek Domane+ LT
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Cannondale TOPSTONE WOMEN'S LEFTY
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SCRAPPER SPEGO GRAVEL
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SCRAPPER SPEGO 105 1.8
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Focusing on its speed, the Norcom Straight 2.3 signed by FUJI charms by the fluidity of its Shimano transmission and the grip of its Vittoria Rubino Pro wheels.
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Finding a cheap road bike is difficult, but not impossible: the Scrapper is the proof. Its frame, carbon fork, Shimano transmission and disc brakes will convince you.
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This road bike is for professional and amateur cyclists looking for a competitive bike. With its aerodynamic carbon frame and 2x12 speed chain, you have everything to win!
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The Trek Domane+ LT is the road bike to climb hills without spitting out your lungs. In addition, its electric assistance remains well dosed, to avoid any impression of riding a motorcycle.
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Aimed specifically at a female audience, Cannondale offers this Gravel bike for women who enjoy riding in the great outdoors.
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Discover how the HUTCHINSON TORO CX 700 x 32 mm tires on this cheap road bike grip on trails and paved roads. The result of an exceptional work with the SHIMANO CLARIS transmission!
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Yes, it is possible to find a road bike for less than 500 euros! Even if it is not intended for high level competitions, it is a bike that may surprise you. Give it a try!
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Frame material
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Carbon
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Carbon
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Carbon
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Carbon
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Carbon
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Aluminum
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Aluminum
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Front/rear drivetrain
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Shimano Ultegra Di2 Components
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Shimano 105 22-speed transmission
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Campagnolo Record 12v
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Shimano Ultegra R8000
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Shimano GRX 800 Wide (no rear derailleur)
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SHIMANO CLARIS
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SHIMANO Tourney/RD-TX35/Revo-shift
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Tires
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Vittoria Rubino Pro IV G2.0 700x28c
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23cx622 LITHION 2
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Hutchinson Fusion 5 700x25c
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Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 120 tpi, 700x32c
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WTB Venture TCS Light, 650 x 47c
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HUTCHINSON TORO CX in 700 x 32 mm
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KENDA K193 700x28C
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Weight
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9.38 kg
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8.7 kg
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6.9 kg
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13.56 kg
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-
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11.3 kg
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11.5 kg
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Brakes
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A discs
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A discs
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A skates
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Hydraulic disc brakes Shimano Ultegra R8070
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A hydraulic discs
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A discs
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V-Brake
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The choice of frame material is particularly important because it forms the backbone of your bike. Indeed, it connects the saddle, the wheels and the pedals. It must therefore meet a requirement of robustness and reliability to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Il faut nettoyer après chaque sortie si vous utilisez le vélo de route de manière intensive. D'ailleurs, le simple fait de ranger le vélo à la maison nécessite un nettoyage minutieux. Si vous utilisez le vélo au quotidien, lavez-le une fois par semaine. Si vous le prenez 2 ou 3 fois par semaine, nettoyez-le tous les mois.
Peu importe le prix du vélo, les équipements nécessaires à son nettoyage restent les mêmes. Il vous faudra notamment un seau, un chiffon propre et sec, des brosses pour vélo, des éponges, des sprays vélo ou des lingettes nettoyantes, un dégraissant, du lubrifiant vélo, de la graisse et de l'huile pour chaîne de vélo. Equipez-vous d'un outil multifonction pour vélo, cela vous sauvera la mise dans bien des situations !
Avant de démonter le vélo, installez-le dans un endroit propre et sec. Il doit y avoir assez de place pour se déplacer sans problème. Un support vélo est vivement conseillé. Si vous n'en avez pas, contentez-vous de retourner le vélo ou posez-le contre un mur ou un arbre.
Enlevez les roues. Disposez le repose-chaîne sur la patte arrière droite du cadre de votre vélo. Si vous n'utilisez pas de support de vélo, enlevez les roues et laissez pendre délicatement la chaîne. Démontez ensuite les accessoires lavables, comme le bidon, la sacoche ou le GPS.
Appliquez du dégraissant vélo ou du dégrippant WD40 sur les pignons arrière, les plateaux et le dérailleur. Aidez-vous d'une brosse à poils souples. Essayez d'atteindre l'intégralité de la transmission tout en frottant délicatement.
Pour le dégraissage de la chaîne, vous avez le choix entre 2 options. La première consiste à brosser et frotter la chaîne en faisant tourner le pédalier. La seconde nécessite un boîtier nettoyant qui va frotter minutieusement le dessus, le dessous et l'intérieur de la chaîne.
Dans les 2 cas, laissez le dégraissant agir 5 min sur tous les endroits traités. En général, laisser au dégraissant le temps d'agir suffit pour préserver les pièces concernées. Mais si vous avez de gros dépôts noirs, il faudra laisser le produit agir plus longtemps.
Commencez le rinçage si et seulement si le dégraissant a dissous la graisse. Rincez en particulier les zones dégraissées pour vous débarrasser du dégraissant. Le tuyau d'arrosage est conseillé, voire un nettoyeur haute pression avec un réglage modéré pour ne pas abîmer les composants fragiles. Un seau d'eau et une éponge suffisent pour le cadre et les roues.
Les saletés les plus visibles devraient avoir disparu après ce premier rinçage. Il est temps de frotter avec de l'huile de coude et un nettoyant vélo. Appliquez le produit sur une éponge puis frottez la chaîne, les plateaux, les rayons et les roues. Préférez une brosse ronde pour les moyeux et les recoins difficiles d'accès. La brosse dure est indiquée pour les pignons arrière et les plateaux.
Après voir frotté, effectuez un dernier rinçage afin d'éliminer toute trace de dégrippant ou nettoyant. En effet, ces produits auront un impact tout aussi néfaste que les salissures à long terme. N'hésitez pas à rincer abondamment, de haut en bas pour être sûr de ne rien rater.
Une fois le rinçage terminé, essuyez le vélo. Commencez par la chaîne, les étriers et les dérailleurs. Séchez ensuite le cadre et éliminez toute trace visible. N'hésitez pas à mettre le vélo à l'envers pour empêcher l'eau de stagner dans les tubes du cadre. Assurez-vous également que les trous d'aération sous le vélo soient bien débouchés pour évacuer l'eau.
Designed for riding on pavement and cobblestones, this bike offers a sporty, very horizontal, but not comfortable body position. This aerodynamic posture allows for maximum speed while minimizing wind resistance. The road bike is noticeable for its characteristic handlebars, its slim and very smooth wheels and its light frame.
The road bike is a must have if you like speed. It's primarily suitable for training and road racing.
It's a mix of the strengths of the road bike and the mountain bike. Cyclocross is perfect for racing in the off-season. It rides on grass, dirt roads, asphalt, gravel... Outside of racing, the cyclocross is used for training or commuting, as a velotaf.
The big advantage of cyclocross is its ability to ride on a wide variety of surfaces. It is designed for intense courses. In this respect, only the Gravel can stand comparison.
The Gravel is halfway between the road bike and the cyclocross. Its versatility is its main advantage. It's fun to ride, especially because of the shorter, less extreme frame, offering a more upright riding position. The tires are also wider, with a larger wheelbase to better grip the ground.
Most bike enthusiasts ride for fun and/or to stay in shape. If you're one of them, you'd probably like a more upright and comfortable riding position. The Gravel is just the thing.
This road bike is noticeable for its upright handlebars and aggressive frame geometry. The steeper angles and low seatpost and handlebars improve aerodynamics. This way, the triathlete keeps his or her strength up after the swim and for the run to come! Note the deep rims and the wheels with few spokes.
On a triathlon bike, everything has been optimized to reduce wind resistance. More aerodynamic than a road bike, it is not made for long runs.
If you had to choose between a road bike and a mountain bike, which would be more appropriate?
The road bike is intended for both private and professional use. There are more and more road bikes on the market today, including electric models. Unlike mountain bikes, road bikes are slimmer and more aerodynamic to achieve higher speeds and are more suitable for everyday use on paved roads.
The mountain bike is also called a mountain bike or endurance bike. It is suitable for riding on rough, unpaved terrain. Compared to the road bike, this type of bike is more robust and shock resistant. It emphasizes stability and balance, unlike the road bike, which focuses more on speed.
If you want to have a means of transportation adapted to daily travel on roads and regular dirt roads, adopt the road bike. The mountain bike will suit you better for hiking and riding in the mountains. If you are a bike lover, don't hesitate to buy both types to vary the sensations.
To ride a mountain bike regularly, you need to live near a mountain bike trail. If you don't, you'll have to drive to a trail, which is more costly when there is a road nearby. Opting for a road bike therefore allows you to enjoy cycling at any time that suits you.
Cycling on the road helps to tone the heart muscle and improve blood circulation throughout the body. Indeed, when you pedal on the road, it is easier to adjust your pace and speed. This allows you to build up your lower limbs and also to tone your body. Regular cycling considerably reduces the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
A road bike requires very little maintenance. Your parts last longer and are easier to clean. It is a very compact bike that can be cleaned in any way, even if some parts need special treatment. It saves you a lot of time and money. It also contributes to the protection of the environment.
While riding on the road, you will meet many passionate and friendly cyclists who will be happy to help you. You will make new friends who will accompany you on your simple rides or training sessions. These rides together will give you unforgettable memories.
Taking up road biking is a great adventure. You can choose your geographical area, your pace and your route. You will discover the world by travelling unknown roads. It's a means of transport that can take you anywhere, and help you feel a great sense of freedom.
Cycling is good for your health. It is a complete sport that works the muscles of the thighs, legs, arms, back, etc. About two thirds of the muscles are used. Cycling is also good for your breath, cardiovascular system and blood pressure. It improves endurance and keeps you fit.
Cycling promotes venous return and blood circulation, but also flexibility, coordination and balance. As a result, your sleep will be improved, which will naturally de-stress you. And what better way to fight depression than to discover beautiful landscapes and breathe fresh air?
Riding a road bike is an excellent alternative for losing weight and slimming down. You will burn more calories, even at rest, while increasing your muscle mass and your basic metabolism. You'll also be able to get rid of the feeling of heavy legs, as the pedalling motion improves venous circulation.
In our opinion, the best brands of road bikes in 2022 are :
BH BIKES or Beistegui Hermanos is a Spanish road bike manufacturer with centuries of experience in this field. They are known for their professionalism, and you can easily trust their top of the range road bikes that never disappoint.
FUJI is one of the most important references in the world of road bikes, and it never stops innovating to offer quality and robust bikes. It is not a surprise when you look at its years of experience, a brand founded in 1989, and the attraction of the Japanese for cycling: FUJI is based in Japan.
It is one of the very first manufacturers to have abandoned steel in favour of aluminium and carbon fibres to manufacture their bikes. It offers more ergonomic road bikes without sacrificing reliability and robustness. It offers high-end road bikes.
The brand has always been based on unwavering principles: to offer products of the highest quality craftsmanship and to bring the joy of cycling to a wider audience. Today, the brand is very popular with road bike enthusiasts. They are strong, light and reliable.
Scrapper is a French manufacturer with over 20 years of expertise in the design of road bikes and sports equipment. The company, which was born at the foot of the Vercors mountains, offers a wide range of road bikes for professionals and amateurs alike, in a variety of budgets.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
To find the right position on a road bike
First of all, you have to keep in mind that the road bike is meant for road cycling. In every sport, whether professional or amateur, there is always the notion of endurance. To stay on the seat of your road bike for long hours, your body will need to be leaning forward at a 45° angle to the horizontal.
To adjust the derailleur cable tension
The derailleur cable will make it easier to shift gears and influence the speed of your road bike. If it's not in tune, your road bike won't perform well and you'll have trouble accelerating. Adjusting this cable is done by hand by pulling to adjust the clamp screw while the chain is placed on the small sprocket and second chainring. Use your calf to adjust the tension and find the right setting that allows for smooth and easy shifting.
To get your body used to the position
On a road bike, it's clear that at first you won't be any more comfortable than on a conventional bike where you have a slightly sloping back. Not only will your body be placed horizontally, but you'll even lean forward. The key word: exercise! The first few miles will be the hardest, but the more you practice, the more you'll get used to it. Prefer routes of less than 20 km to start!
To have the right reflexes on a road bike
Some safety rules are necessary to ride a road bike. Keep your thumbs on the handlebars; this will help you control the bike even if you hit an obstacle. Brake before the turn and downhill, never during. Make it a habit not to look at the handlebars, but to look at the road: see far and enjoy the horizon! Finally, when you ride along an open stretch of road, note that this will be the best time to test speed levels!
To last a long time on a road bike
Because road cycling is among the intensive sports practices, you'll need to refuel before you set out on your adventure. Starchy foods and slow sugars will be your best allies. Don't minimize hydration, there's a reason water bottle holders are placed near the bike frame and seat.
If you plan to take your road bike on a trip, you'll need a bike rack to attach to your hitch ball, car roof or tailgate. This equipment makes it easy for you in that you won't have to disassemble your bike, and it will be secure with arms and straps that will hold it firmly.
If you're just starting out and want to experience all the benefits of road bikes, you should invest in sturdy models with aluminum frames. They're solid and reliable, they're just fast enough to get you in the mood for adventure, and they're not expensive. In our comparison, you'll find road bikes for under €1000 and under €500.
There are a few criteria to consider when choosing a road bike. This goes from the definition of the frame material, aluminium or carbon, to the choice of brakes, disc or rim, the type of wheels, the type of road bike, the nature of the transmission and even the intended uses.
For endurance on a road bike, your body should ideally be leaning forward at a 45° angle to the horizontal. It's even better if you bend your arms slightly. To achieve this optimal position, you can adjust the recoil, height and inclination of the seat.
If you feel a malfunction in the gear system of your road bike, you can repair it yourself by adjusting the tension of the derailleur cable. Place the chain on the smallest sprocket and the next chainring. Tension the cable by hand to adjust the clamping screw, then test the gear shift. Use the knob to adjust the tension until the shifting becomes smooth.
Like clothing, road bikes come in a variety of sizes depending on the user's body type. To determine the ideal size for your road bike, measure the distance from the ground to your groin when you are standing. Multiply this value by 0.65 for a standard road bike and by 0.21 for other types of road bikes.
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