Road cycling
Your First Road Cycle
By Joe Duff
Fan of Cycling
@Joeduff97
Why try this
I first tried road cycling while training for a half Ironman and instantly fell in love with it. Being out on quiet roads, on a good day, with no distractions — it’s a different kind of freedom.
What you actually need
- A road bike (obviously)
- A helmet
- Front and rear lights (even in daylight)
- A bottle holder
Nice to have:
- Clip-in shoes
- Cycling shorts / bibs (for comfort on longer rides)
- Tyre repair kit
- Tri-bars
How to Start:
- Look at buying a bike and take it out a decent test ride (you don’t need to spend thousands straight away)
- Get your helmet, lights and bottle holder at the same time — don’t leave it for later
- Pick a short, flat and scenic route
- Go for your first ride
What to Expect
It might feel uncomfortable at first — especially the saddle. You might not go as far or as fast as you expected. That’s normal. The goal isn’t performance, it’s just getting started.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Spending too much on a full setup before you know you enjoy it
- Thinking you need all the gear (you don’t)
- Jumping straight into long or difficult rides
- Using clip-in shoes too early. Get used to the bike first
How to Make It Easier
- Go with a friend
- Choose a route you already know
- Ride during daylight hours
- Stick to flat, quiet roads
How to Make It Harder
Ready for more?
- Add some hills to your route
- Set yourself a distance target
- Try clip-in shoes for more efficiency
- Ride multiple times in a week, increasing distance each time
You don’t need the perfect setup or loads of experience — just a place to start.
Tried your first ride? Tag us — we’d love to see it.
Got tips? Share them and help someone else get started.