Road Bikes

Make sure you buy the correct size road bike. Choosing the wrong size can lead to uncomfortable riding and can even lead to injuries such as strains as well as muscle sores. For an in-depth look at road bike sizing, check out our Ultimate Road Bike Size Guide blog.

For those getting into road riding, an entry level road bike costing less than £1000 would suffice. For many riders, a mid-range bike can offer a great mix of high performance at a relatively affordable price point. Mid-range bikes are a key market for the bike industry, meeting the mass market demand has led to some great bikes to be had in the mid-price sector. There is generally a bigger jump in performance from entry-level to mid-range, than from mid-range to top end bikes.

If you would like to ride on tarmac but also venture onto trails, tracks, canal tow-paths and green lanes, then a gravel bike could be the answer. The only downside to gravel bikes is a slight reduction in on road performance. This difference could be even less, if you have a spare set of wheels with road tyres fitted, these can be easily swapped and can provide the best of both worlds. If you are keen to ride roads and the prospect of getting dirty doesn’t appeal, just go for a road sportive / endurance bike.

A good entry level road bike is likely to feature an aluminium frameset, components from a known groupset manufacturer and branded wheels & tyres.

Mid-range road bikes feature a carbon or aluminium frameset, a mid-range groupset (for example Shimano 105 / Ultegra, Campagnolo Potenza / Chorus, Sram Rival /Force)

High-end road bikes feature a premium carbon frame, a top tier groupset and a high quality wheelset. Finishing kit components, (bars, stem, seatpost, saddle etc) will be branded and hi spec.

Checking online reviews can reveal what owners think of their bike far more accurately than manufacturers marketing words. A broad cross section of reviews should provide a general consensus of opinion.  

While you are legally allowed to ride on most roads, some are better than others in terms of safety. This is very dependent on where you live. As a general rule, many riders would try to avoid busy main roads where there is high traffic volume, lots of junctions and no provision in terms of cycling infrastructure. Quieter roads or off-road shared use paths or bike lanes are generally better in terms of safety.

Keep the bike clean! There are parts on your bike which will wear out through normal use (cassette, chain and brake pads), keep your bike clean and lubricated to maximize the lifespan. It is also easier to check the bike over when it is clean. If the bike is kept clean and lubricated it shouldn’t need much attention mechanically. Most routine maintenance jobs are pretty easy to do, see our blogs here, alternatively seek a reputable, skilled bicycle mechanic.

Yes, flat bars can be installed on road bikes, however they would need new gear change levers & brake levers, as flat bars are designed for mtb style shifters and levers. A good way to test whether this would be a good option is to ride a lot on the tops (of drop bars) with hands positioned on the flats, out from the stem, obviously this isn’t as wide as with a flat bar, but it would give an indication of reach fit.

If you are struggling for comfort, it could be a broader bike fit issue. Seeking the services of a bike fitter could help find other bike-fit issues which is making saddles uncomfortable. Another possibility is that you could need more time riding, this would allow your sitting-area time to ‘firm-up’ and get used to being seated.

Yes they do! You, your ride mates and your bike will keep cleaner on filthy rides if you fit mudguards. The extent to which they work depends on your bike and the type of mudguards fitted. Fitting full mudguards and mudflaps gives the best coverage, if your road bike will fit them. Even short mudguards on MTB's can do a decent job of reducing the amount of mud and gloop spraying up.

To get on Zwift you will need; A Zwift compatible Trainer, Computer / Laptop / Pad, bluetooth / Ant+ connection transmitter, internet connection. Check the Zwift.com website for full details of suitable hardware.

No. Road bike wheels for disc brake road bikes are not compatible with rim brake bikes. Also, some disc road bikes which came out before through axles became standard used quick release hubs. Some modern wide rim wheels might not fit on older bikes with less clearance.

Disc brakes offer more powerful braking and smooth modulation. Disc brake bikes feature through axle mounting for the wheels, this provides a more solid connection between the wheels and frameset. However! Many riders don't need powerful braking and don't want the extra weight of hydraulic bisc brakes, in addition riders with rim brake race wheels might want to keep using them.

Electronic gear change systems have become more common during the last few years. Instead of using powerful springs to operate derailleurs, small motors move the derailleurs.Either wires or wireless technology are utilised to implement the gear shift. Electronic gears make shifting easier, but not necessarily more reliable or more accurate. Gear shifting reliability and accuracy are reliant on clean, well adjusted derailleurs & cables, as well as clean, non-worn cassette & chain.

If you cannot lock up you bike somewhere inside your destination, it is really important to find somewhere, ideally visible from where you are. If you have to lock your bike outside in public, try to find somewhere which has people passing by to deter thieves and make sure your bike lock is up to the job. Lock your bike to something which is immovable, put the lock through the wheels and frame, if your lock isn’t big enough to get through both wheels and the frame, consider getting an extra lock for your front wheel. Hide the key opening away from passers-by and try to make your bike less steal-able to the potential thief, stickers and tape over expensive bike brand names can help.

It is usually cheaper to buy a full bike because the manufacturer has the economies of scale purchasing components, and they can usually do this more cost effectively than the individual. However! If you want a specific build that the manufacturer doesn’t offer or if you want to use your existing wheels or components you have sitting collecting dust in the garage, it may well be cheaper to build your own.

Yes, MTB pedals and shoes are ideal if you walk as well as ride your road bike. MTB shoes have recessed cleats which makes them much easier to walk on.