How to choose a road bike?

Here are some tips to keep in mind as you begin the search for a road bike.

When buying your first road bike, you need to know what type of bike suits you best. There are three main things to consider when choosing a road bike: budget, size, and type. Let us guide you in finding your perfect road bike.

1. Things to consider before choosing a road bike

Before embarking on an intensive search for your road bike, it's important to ask yourself the right questions to make an initial selection.

WHAT IS YOUR BUDGET?

Knowing how much you want to spend on such a machine is important, especially since they come in all price ranges! This way, you can select bikes that fit within your budget.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU PLAN TO USE IT?

If you plan to train every day, opt for a high-performance and comfortable bike intended for experienced cyclists. If you plan to ride mainly on weekends or during vacations, go for a bike with a good value for money.

HOW MUCH DISTANCE DO YOU PLAN TO COVER WEEKLY/MONTHLY?

The more hours you spend on your saddle, the more important the comfort of your bike becomes. This parameter determines the choice of frame rigidity and a more or less comfortable saddle, according to your preferences.

WHAT TYPE OF TERRAIN DO YOU PLAN TO RIDE ON?

If you plan on riding hilly or mountainous routes, go for a versatile bike with a triple crankset. For a first purchase, an aluminum frame and a carbon fork make an excellent compromise between comfort and performance.

2. Choose a bike for your size: Men and women

The first step to choosing the right road bike is to determine your size. As a rule of thumb, the bike height is appropriate if, when you are seated on the saddle, the tips of your toes touch the ground.

Note: The seat post should be several centimeters below the maximum, but the saddle should not be flush with the frame either. Before your first session, follow our tips to ensure an optimal position."

three cyclists talking as they take a break

3. Think about riding gear

Make room in your budget for gear that will contribute to your daily comfort. Although wearing a helmet is not compulsory in Canada, it is strongly recommended. It is incredibly useful if you fall, get thrown off or have trouble avoiding low obstacles.

Don’t forget to wear an outfit that’s suitable for your ride and the weather. It’s important to wear bike shorts in summer, long tights in winter, with quality pads. Wearing a base layer in summer and fall will properly wick away perspiration. Complete your seasonal gear with a short-sleeved jersey (for summer) and a long-sleeved jersey or jacket (for when temperatures drop).

Now you’re well prepared to choose your first road bike for your body type.

3. Helmets, shoes, apparel: Remember to get the right gear

Make sure to include the proper gear in your budget for your daily comfort. The helmet, even if not mandatory, is strongly recommended. It will protect you in case of a fall, debris projection, or low obstacle.

Remember to wear clothing that is suitable for your practice and weather conditions. Quality biking shorts, shorter in the summer and longer in the winter, with the proper padding, is essential. It many advantages such as a stretch fabric that stays snug to the skin, which avoids friction, a major source of irritation. It's also an asset for aerodynamics and optimal freedom of movement.

A cycling jersey, worn in both summer and winter, will be light and breathable, perfect for properly evacuating sweat. Complete your gear with a short-sleeved t-shirt in summer, or a long-sleeved t-shirt or jacket when temperatures drop.

4. Which type of road bike to choose?

A lightweight bike frame to slice through the air and race against the clock? A two-wheeler for leisurely weekend rides? Choosing the right type of bike for your practice is essential.

CYCLOSPORT, THE PURSUIT OF PERFORMANCE

Looking for the performance of a lightweight, technical, and dynamic bike? The Van Rysel range offers unique performance and riding experience for sporty and committed outings. Whether in carbon or aluminum, the aerodynamics of each bicycle model is guaranteed for endurance and comfort that can withstand the test of time!

CYCLOTOURISM, PLEASURE AND COMFORT ABOVE ALL

Are you more of an endurance rider, hopping on your road bike to enjoy beautiful landscapes while riding comfortably? Cyclotourism is a discipline that allows you to exert yourself while enjoying the wonders of nature. Nothing beats our range of Triban bikes for cycling pleasure. Their ErgoFit saddle provides maximum comfort for hours on end.

Which road bike to choose for beginners?

If you're new to road cycling, choosing the right bike can seem overwhelming with so many models and features available. However, focusing on the fundamentals is key, including comfort, safety, and quality. It's essential to opt for a bike with a frame made of durable materials such as aluminum or carbon, high-quality transmission, and road-worthy tires. Ultimately, the best road bike for beginners is one that fits your individual needs and budget.

Decathlon: Your bike store

Our passionate teams are always delighted to assist you in finding the perfect road bike for your needs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to upgrade for improved performance, Décathlon ensures that every ride is unforgettable with the best equipment possible.

Remember that our Workshops offer repair services for your bikes!

Cyclists, you now have all the necessary information on how to choose a road bike, tailored to your body type, budget, and discipline!

More like this

Road cycling etiquette: tips for beginners

Do you know the rules (official and non-official) that apply to cyclists in your region? Use this guide as a quick reminder of how to best share the road with others.

Road cycling trips near our Eastern Canada stores

The best road cycling routes and loops recommended by our team. These trips also happen to be near our Decathlon stores, which make perfect starting points to meet a friend, gear up, and start cycling!

man cycling near our Ontario and Western Canada stores

Road cycling trips near our Ontario and Western Canada stores

Les circuits et boucles de vélo de route préférés de notre équipe.

Cycling: don't let cool weather stop you!

Whether it's to get to the office, do your shopping, or for leisure, you've chosen to use a bike! Congrats on a great choice! As winter approaches, these habits will help you continue cycling despite the colder weather.

How to change a bicycle inner tube

Changing a bicycle inner tube may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite straightforward, and even gratifying, when you know what steps to follow.

Discover the complete guide to know which inner tube you should get

To choose the right inner tube, you need to determine three things: the size of your wheel, the width of your tire and the type of valve that is compatible with your wheel rim.

3 ways yoga benefits cyclists

Want to optimize your pedal stroke? The benefits of yoga are endless. When integrated into your cycling practice, yoga is the perfect complementary sport. Cyclists, here are 3 reasons to roll out your mat and start practicing yoga.

Cyclists, get re-centred with yoga

With a series of dynamic stretches and poses (asanas), yoga offers a variety of benefits that can help improve your cycling.