Road Bike Guide: Everything you need to know about road cycling

Riding bike has been experiencing a real boom for several years. Especially the Netflix series "Tour de France. In the main field." has aroused the general public and encouraged even more people to start endurance sports. If you are just at the beginning and want to know how to select the perfect racing bike, increase your performance or move safely on the streets, then you are exactly right here. Our comprehensive racing bike guide answers all your questions and offers valuable tips for beginners and experienced racing cyclists.

What do you find in this blog article on racing cycling?

Discover all important information about equipment, security, racing bike routes, racing bike competitions or the perfect training.

Overview:

General: The most important information and tips about racing cycling

Racing bike beginner: What do I have to consider? Tips for starting

• Select the right racing bike: Pay attention to the area of ​​application for the racing bike. Depending on the requirement, there are differences in the frame material (carbon vs. aluminum), the frame size and the equipment. The appropriate frame size results from your body size and the stride length. 
• Equipment - ideal string for racing cyclists: Invest in a well -fitting helmet, racing wheel glasses, pleasant clothing, gloves and suitable racing bike shoes. 
• Start with short distances: As a beginner, it is advisable to start with shorter routes to gradually increase your fitness and skills.
• Drive in the group: Especially at the beginning, driving in a group is a lot of fun and you have the opportunity to learn from others.
• Traffic rules and security: Hold on the traffic rules. Drive defensive and forward -looking to recognize dangers at an early stage. Use hand signals to display changes of direction.
• Regular training and balanced diet are important.
• Don't forget to drink: Keep with water enough during your trips and increase your performance.
• Care and maintenance: Keep your racing bike in good condition by cleaning it regularly and waiting. Check the tires, brakes and circuit before each trip.

Is racing cycling dangerous?

Like many other sports, racing cycling can also bring certain risks and potential dangers. The potential danger depends on various factors, including driving behavior, the surrounding area, traffic, equipment and the experience of the racing cyclist. If you are starting racing cycling, you should definitely approach slowly to familiarize yourself with the high speeds and get a sure feeling.

What categories are there?

When cycling, there are different disciplines that differ depending on the type of activity and terrain. The most common categories are the following:

• Racing cycling on the street (Road Racing): best known and most common category of racing cycling; On paved roads; in competition form as a single race or stages race
• Time trial (Time Trial): individual speed and endurance in the foreground; Set certain route in the shortest possible time
• Mountain racing (Hill Climbing): The focus on climbing skills and perseverance; cope with steep climbs
• Criterion (criterion): short, closed circuit in urban areas; complete several rounds
• Gravel cycling: New category; apart from paved roads on gravel paths and unpaved road; Combination of paved roads and off-road stretch

Racing bike speed: How fast can you be?

• Average speed on the racing bike for beginners: 20 to 25 km/h average speed
• Racing bike Average speed hobby driver: 30 km/h
• Racing bike speed professionals: over 40 km/h
• Fun Fact: 42.03 km/h was the average speed of the Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard in 2022

How much does it cost to start racing cycling?

Every beginning is difficult - and expensive. This also applies to racing cycling. Of course, you cannot say how much all the equipment for racing cycling costs. All in all, the total costs for starting racing cycling could be between € 850 and € 3000 or more. It is also advisable to check second hand whether there are cheap offers. Objects for security such as racing bike helmet or racing bike glasses should be bought again.

Everything about racing bike: films, series and podcasts

You just can't get enough of racing cycling? No problem! Here are some recommendations for you that you should definitely check out. 

• Series: Tour de France. In the main field.
• Film: Anton Palzer. Breaking the cycle.
• Film: The Program - at any price
• Film: Unbrakeable
• Documentation: Wonderful Losers: A Different World
• Podcast: Just Ride
• Podcast: The cycling podcast

Equipment: What should you have when driving?

The right racing bike clothing: What do I have to consider?

Racing bike clothing is not the same racing bike clothing. There are differences in the material, in shape and cut. Depending on your needs and your physique, you should select a comfortable and well -fitting clothing. In general, the racing bike clothing is closer and easier to cut than MTB clothing. The outfit consists of either a jersey and pants or a skinsuit.

Protection and safety on the racing bike: Suitable helmet and racing wheel glasses are a must-have

When driving a racing bike, the helmet and racing glasses are particularly important in order to be perfectly protected. The glasses should be large to be safe from wind, dust and insects and to offer your eyes to protection against sunlight. When buying, make sure that the racing bike helmet fits your glasses. Only if the two components complete optimally can they protect you wonderfully.
Naked Optics Insider Tip: We tested a few racing bike helmets for you. You can find all recommendations here.

Racing bike shoes: buy cheap and much more

The racing bike shoes have the important function to guarantee optimal power transmission. A distinction is made between click and flat pedals. Robust flat pedals and shoes are necessary for MTB trips. Racing cyclists, on the other hand, rely on click pedals to be firmly connected to the bike. This prevents the shoe from slipping away and you have more control when driving. In addition, click pedals are generated with each pedal phase, which in turn accelerates the drive. Who is looking for cheap racing cycling shoes, Should definitely drop by here.

Racing bike nutrition: This is how you effectively increase your performance

A healthy and balanced diet is the be -all and end -all - this also applies to racing cycling. This allows you to increase your performance on the racing bike and call up at top performance. It is particularly important that you pay attention to optimal timing and the right amount. If you give your body the nutrients at the right time, it can cause an enormous difference. In general, the following applies to nutrition: consume little industrial sugar and fat and incorporate sufficient carbohydrates, proteins and fresh fruit and vegetables into the nutrition plan. On long trips, a lot of racing cyclists also rely on high-carb drinks, gels and bars.

Credits: Mathäus Gartner, Florian Dorn