Road Bike Buying Guide
- Bike size
- Frame
- Groupset
- Clothing
- Accessories
- Position
- Where to go road biking
- Road bike maintenance
Bike Size
Choosing the right size for your very first road bike is crucial. If you end up with a bike that’s not adapted to your height, you could injure yourself and never take it out again. Size charts vary between companies, and consulting them before making your choice is highly recommended. They can be found on manufacturers’ websites. You will need to consider your height and the length of your leg up to your crotch.
Frame
The centrepiece of your future road bike, the frame is designed with various materials.
- Aluminum
The most commonly used material, aluminum has the characteristics of lightness, rigidity and durability. Aluminum frames are less expensive.
- Carbon
Carbon frames provide an excellent ratio of stiffness to weight. More expensive, this type of frame is very comfortable and has remarkable durability because it doesn’t corrode.
To learn more about the various types of road bikes, check out our blog!
Groupset
The groupset includes all the mechanical parts of your bike, such as the derailleurs, cassette, bike chain and shifters. It goes without saying that it has a significant impact on performance.
The main differences between an entry-level groupset and the pro models are as follows:
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Weight: Pro-level components are lighter than entry-level ones.
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High performance: More precise, faster gear shifting
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Brakes: Faster, more powerful braking with less effort on a pro-level groupset. An entry-level groupset tends to be equipped with mechanical brakes while more expensive models have more effective disc brakes.
If you’re more into recreational outings, check out our blog post about hybrid bikes.
Clothing
Have you sworn to yourself that you’d never wear the skintight outfits of cyclists you’ve come across? Well, think again! They are essential to fully enjoying your outings.
- Bib shorts
Bib shorts eliminate friction with the saddle that regular shorts could cause. The suspenders provide incomparable support regardless of your position on the bike. They reduce friction, and the chamois dampens vibrations better.
- Bike shorts
Without shoulder straps, bike shorts still offer an enjoyable level of comfort on the saddle. However, keep in mind that they are more prone to bunching. They reduce friction, and the chamois dampens vibrations.
- Bike jerseys
Available in many colours for all tastes, bike jerseys wick away moisture so you can comfortably pedal for hours. They also protect you from the sun’s rays and have aerodynamic properties.
- Socks
Now it’s time to express your personality! A good pair of road bike socks will keep your feet cool and provide better support for increased comfort.
Accessories
That’s it! You’ve made your choice according to your measurements and needs. Now let’s round out your equipment. Here are some essentials to get:
- Pedals
Whether you prefer clipless or flat pedals, road bikes are sold without them. The shoes you select depend on the type of pedals chosen. Clipless pedals are often favoured because they allow you to perform at a higher level.
- Shoes
Although you can ride a bike with your sneakers, getting a good pair of bike shoes is highly recommended. You will ride better and be more comfortable.
- Helmet
Of course, your head needs protection. A good helmet can make the difference between a crash without an injury and a serious accident. To make a wise choice, here are some tips to guide you.
- Accessories
Remember to equip yourself with bottle cages, water bottles and a saddle bag. These are must-haves for a successful bike ride. In addition, having a replacement inner tube on hand can get you out of sticky situations. You should also have a multi-tool and repair kit.
- Bike glasses
Whether it’s to protect yourself from road debris or the blazing sun, you’ll need sunglasses when you start racking up kilometres on a bike. To make an informed choice, don’t hesitate to consult our blog post on the subject.
Shop Our Selection of Road Bikes
Position
After choosing your road bike and equipping yourself with accessories, it’s time to adjust your bike. Although many Internet tutorials show how to perform a bike fit at home, there is nothing better than having a professional make the needed adjustments for a safe outing. This service, which is offered at Oberson, can prevent many different injuries.
Where to Go Road Biking
Quebec is brimming with beautiful bike paths throughout its territory: the Route verte offers more than 5,300 km of routes. It’s a safe bet that there is a beautiful path in your area. Oberson invites you to consult some of our favourites. And our asphalt enthusiast Charles suggests an outing in Gatineau. If you ever visit the rest of the country, here are some destinations to check out.
Road Bike Maintenance
It’s important to maintain your bike regularly; you’ll be able to enjoy the full potential of your bike during each outing. Furthermore, you’ll keep your bike in good condition for many seasons. Get the right cleaning products to keep up its mechanics. However, nothing beats a good tune-up by experts to make sure everything is in good working order. It’s important to have it done at the beginning and end of the season. And if you’re an avid cyclist, you should schedule a mid-season tune-up if you notice that your brakes are losing precision, the shifting is less smooth, or if you hear any creaking. You can consult our blog post that shows you how to tune up your bike.
That said, Oberson stores have trained technicians who use the best products on the market. They will also be able to detect potential breakages that you wouldn’t have otherwise noticed.
Now you’re ready to conquer the cycling routes. Being well equipped can make all the difference between a positive and negative experience. You’ll probably quickly develop a taste for the cycling lifestyle—pedalling in the fresh air on a beautiful sunny day! If you want to explore farther afield, consider installing a bike rack on your vehicle.
