Cycling is a sport that comes with a fair amount of essential equipment and kit and, for a lot of enthusiasts, that’s all part of the fun. Cyclists can get into very heated debates about the best way to slow down, what kind of jersey to buy and even how to cover your arms. So, knowing what basics you need to get started can be daunting for a new rider. Here’s a list of your cycling must-haves to get you kitted out for your first road rides.
A road bike
Budget and preference about the material the frame is made of will guide your choice of bike but the key thing in all cases is that the bike is the right size for your height and body shape.
The best way to buy a bike, especially the first time, is from a shop that offers a bike-fitting service because even a bike that’s a few centimetres too big or too small will be very uncomfortable after a couple of hours and can even cause overuse injuries. This is critical for road biking compared with mountain biking as you tend to stay in one position on the road.
A bike fit will make sure that both the height and position of the saddle and handlebars is correct, something that is quite difficult to do without professional help or experience.
Cycling shoes, cleats and pedals