For many, taking on road biking for the first time can feel intimidating. There are plenty of details to plan ahead: Which route should you pick? How long should your ride last? You also need to make sure both your fitness level and your bike are ready to handle the physical effort and road conditions.
But there’s no need to worry! This guide breaks down the key steps for planning your first road ride. It covers nine essential areas so you can start your journey confidently and enjoy a rewarding first experience.
1. Assess Your Fitness
How is your current fitness level? Can you easily dash to catch a bus, or do you get out of breath climbing a flight of stairs? Be honest with yourself—this is not the time for heroics. We recommend keeping your first ride short and pleasant.
If you already have a moderate activity level, aim for a 15-kilometer ride and try to complete it within 1 to 1.5 hours.
If you’re less confident about your fitness, plan a route that includes a rest point around 10 kilometers. If you feel good, you can extend the distance. If not, simply turn back.
2. Wear the Right Helmet
Your most important piece of gear is a road bike helmet. Wearing one significantly reduces the risk of serious head injury.
Many quality helmets are lightweight and well-ventilated, designed for comfort during long rides.
A growing trend in helmet design includes technology that helps protect against rotational impacts. Some brands use third-party systems like MIPS, while others develop their own—such as Lazer’s KinetiCore.
It’s not enough to just wear a helmet—it must be worn correctly. An improperly fitted helmet won’t offer full protection. Make sure it sits level on your head, with the straps snug but comfortable.
3. Choose the Right Shoes
While you can ride in regular sneakers, road cycling shoes are generally lighter, more breathable, and stiffer, which improves pedaling efficiency.
They’re sleeker and more aerodynamic than everyday shoes and often come with a cleat system.
Take the time to find a pair that fits well. Cycling shoes vary widely in shape and sizing, much like bike saddles—it’s a personal choice.
Most road shoes come with three-bolt cleat mounts compatible with road pedals. Some offer two-bolt mounts for mountain bike pedals, and a few models support both.
Break in new shoes before a long ride to avoid discomfort or blisters.
4. Select Suitable Pedals
The best road bike pedals are typically single-sided clipless models that work with three-bolt cleats—though there are exceptions, like the Wahoo Speedplay Zero series.
While many beginners start with flat pedals, most road cyclists prefer being clipped in. This creates a secure connection between your foot and the bike, improving power transfer.
Some riders choose mountain bike-style pedals that accept two-bolt cleats. These allow for easier walking in treaded shoes and often feature double-sided entry, making them more beginner-friendly.
Practice clipping in and out repeatedly before hitting the road to build muscle memory.
5. Wear Proper Cycling Apparel
Just as there’s no rule against riding in everyday shoes or clothes, specialized cycling gear is designed to meet the specific needs of riders.
Consider investing in a good pair of cycling shorts—either standard or women’s-specific—with a built-in chamois. This padding helps keep you comfortable on longer rides.
Many cyclists also wear a cycling jersey, which wicks sweat and includes rear pockets to store snacks, tools, or your phone.
Form-fitting clothing isn’t just comfortable—it’s also more aerodynamic than loose clothes, helping you ride faster with less effort.
6. Bring the Right Tools
One of the great things about road bikes is how far they can take you, but that also means being prepared for flats.
To fix a flat, you’ll need tire levers and a pump. You can patch small holes with a repair kit, but many riders carry a spare tube for a quicker fix.
If your bike is set up tubeless, bring a tubeless repair kit. It includes plugs that help the sealant inside the tire close punctures so you can reinflate the tire with a mini-pump and keep riding.
Pack these items in a saddlebag or jersey pocket so they’re always within reach.
7. Plan Your Route
As mentioned earlier, start with a short ride on a route with minimal traffic and few steep hills. If that’s not possible where you live, consider driving to a more suitable area.
A loop route—like one around a reservoir or through a park with paved bike paths—is a great option.
To stay motivated, plan a mid-ride coffee stop. A good café break can lift your spirits and keep you energized.
Most GPS bike computers come with built-in navigation and allow you to download routes directly to the device.
Use apps like Strava or Komoot to find popular local routes rated by other cyclists.
8. Get Your Bike Ready
Before you head out, perform a basic safety check.
Set your saddle height so that when the pedal is at its lowest point, your knee is slightly bent. If you can place both feet flat on the ground while seated, the saddle is too low—this can strain your knees.
Tires should be properly inflated. Use a floor pump with a pressure gauge for accuracy. The right tire pressure depends on your weight and tire size.
Many online calculators and apps offer guidance. For an 80 kg rider on 700×25 mm tires, we suggest starting with around 100 psi in the rear and 90 psi in the front.
Lighter riders can lower the pressure; heavier riders should increase it. As you gain experience, try adjusting in 5 psi increments to find your sweet spot.
Familiarize yourself with shifting and braking before you ride. If you’re using clipless pedals, practice engaging and releasing them repeatedly.
Unclip one foot a few seconds before you stop to avoid tipping over.
When shifting, avoid cross-chaining—using the largest chainring with the easiest rear gears, or the smallest chainring with the hardest rear gears. This puts extra stress on the drivetrain.
Shift one gear at a time, and ease pressure on the pedals while shifting. This makes for smoother gear changes and reduces the chance of dropping the chain.
Practice riding with your hands on the brake hoods and in the drops. Make sure you can brake safely from both positions and switch between them comfortably.
9. Prepare Yourself
On ride day, eat a carbohydrate-rich breakfast—but not too heavy—and allow about an hour and a half for digestion.
For a shorter ride, you may not need to eat much, but it’s a good habit to carry a snack like a banana or an energy bar.
Keep a bottle of water or sports drink in your cage, and take a sip every 20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty.
Warm up with a few minutes of easy pedaling before you pick up the pace.
The rest is up to you. Get on your bike, enjoy the ride, have fun, and stay safe!
