Road Riding Essentials
Bikes are booming these days as more and more people discover (and rediscover!) the benefits of cycling.
Freedom, joy, fitness, health, transportation, family connection — whatever the reason for opting for two wheels, one thing is for certain: bikes are essential.
But what are the essentials you need for your rides?
This is part one of a three-part “Essentials” series. Get mountain biking essentials here and bike commuting essentials here!
The bike
The first essential needed for road riding is, of course, a bike!
Road bikes are mainly ridden for fitness and recreation. This type of bike is generally light, strong, comfortable, and fast. The typical road bike features drop bars and smooth, skinny tires. Its geometry is designed with long distance rides of varied elevation profiles in mind.
Even within the road bike category, there is an array of styles. Although most will work out just fine for you in most riding situations, it’s best to match the model to your own unique priorities for ultimate comfort and performance.
For example, if you envision particularly long days (and even days on end) in the saddle, a long distance touring model would be best. If you aspire to race, there are styles designed specifically for speed and aerodynamics.
The Trek Domane is especially comfortable, the Trek Madone is renowned for speed, and the Trek Émonda particularly excels for KOMs, sprinting, and crits. Most models have clearance for wider tires to adventure on gravel roads.
Learn more about the different types of road bikes we recommend here, and don’t hesitate to ask our crew for guidance on which model will best suit your needs.
Nutrition and hydration
Since road rides typically involve long distances and a bit of exertion, it’s important to carry plenty of water and proper nutrition.
Most road bikes can accomodate two water bottle cages. It’s a good idea to fill one bottle up with electrolyte hydration, or at least bring some powder or a tablet to add along the way.
Generally, when on a road ride, cyclists fill up water bottles along the way; however, this may not be prudent or possible during the pandemic, so keep that in mind as you plan your route.
Be sure not to skimp on nutrition. Depletion of glycogen stores in your muscles and liver can cause sudden fatigue and energy loss commonly known as “bonking.” Stay fueled up with energy bars, gels, and/or blocks.
Check out this article on what to eat and drink during rides of any length.
Road cycling jerseys make it easy to stash snacks and other essentials.
Road cycling shoes come in a wide range of styles and colors, with cleats specific to your pedals.
Cycling gloves, too, come in a wide range of styles and colors, including those specially designed for chilly rides.
The most important piece of safety gear is, of course, your helmet. Choose hi-vis yellow for optimum visibility.
Protection and apparel
The clothes and protective gear you wear are essential for comfort and safety.
The most crucial piece of protective gear, of course, is your helmet. Protect your head with a well-ventilated helmet, preferably in hi-vis yellow. Check out the helmet technology and the lids we recommend in our helmet guide.
Additionally, protect your eyes with sunglasses (a lightly tinted lens is best), and your hands with gloves, which also absorb shock. Gloves come in fingered and fingerless styles.
A jersey made specifically for road riding is highly recommended. Not only is it designed to wick moisture and help regulate your temperature, it will have back pockets that you can stash your nutrition, phone, and Chapstick, etc. in. Your best bet is to choose a jersey in hi-vis yellow for best visibility.
Be prepared for a change in weather with a breathable waterproof or water resistant windbreaker. Again, a hi-vis yellow will make you stand out to motorists. Most cycling jackets will pack down smaller enough to fit in your saddle bag or a jersey back pocket.
A padded cycling short will keep your sensitive parts comfy and unchafed; be sure to slather on the chammy cream before you take off.
A cycling shoe specific to the type of pedal on your bike and a sock made of a suitable material for the season complete your kit; add a reflective/hi-vis leg band for added visibility.
Be sure to keep your lights charged and run them every single ride.
Lights
Lights are critical, not only for riding at night, but during the daylight hours as well. Using front and rear daytime running lights (DRLs) every single time you ride significantly adds safety.
Learn more about DRLs and other visibility tips here.
Tools & tire care
Select Trek road bikes boast a compartment in the frame that accommodates all the tools you need for your ride, and a special bag that keeps them together.
A saddlebag will hold other essentials, such as a multi-tool, patch kit, tire levers, tube, and hand pump or CO2 cartridge and inflator.
Some hand pumps can be mounted right on the bike frame, which frees up space in your saddlebag.
Even better, you can ditch the saddlebag entirely if you have a Trek road bike model that boasts integrated storage in the downtube.
This “secret compartment” — Bontrager Integrated Tool Storage (BITS) — is the simplest and cleanest way to carry a flat kit.
The BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag is specifically designed to fit in this spot, and easily accommodates your spare tube, tire levers, and CO2 cartridge and inflator. The compact BITS Integrated Multi-Tool also tucks perfectly into this spot.
Fenders may not be “essential,” but they sure do make for a more comfortable ride by keeping you dry in inclement weather.
Beyond essential
Certain accessories may not be “essential” but certainly offer added safety, convenience and/or comfort.
Consider a mirror to easily check on traffic behind you, a bell to alert a pedestrian or other cyclist that you’re approaching, a handlebar holder for your smartphone, a GPS cycling computer for navigation and to track your ride stats, and/or fenders to minimize water and mud spray.
Waterproof shoe covers are a beautiful thing in wet weather. Choose hi-vis because moving parts in a bright color are especially noticeable.
If you plan on stopping anywhere, even for a minute, be sure to carry a sturdy bike lock.
For more information on bikes, apparel, protection, and accessories, browse the Trek website, then swing by or give us a call to see what we have in stock. Special orders available.
Happy road riding! Tag us in your social posts — we’d love to share your stoke!