Beginner’s Guide to Road Cycling: Everything You Need to Know to Start Strong
So you’ve caught the cycling bug. Maybe it was that crisp feeling of freedom on your last ride, or maybe you're looking for a new way to level up your fitness. Either way, welcome. Road cycling is more than just two wheels and a helmet — it's a lifestyle. At Ardei, we’re all about making that lifestyle bold, stylish, and beginner-friendly. Here’s everything you need to know to start strong and ride with confidence.
What Kind of Bike Should You Get?
For road cycling, look for a lightweight frame (aluminum or carbon), drop handlebars, and road tires. As a beginner, you don’t need the flashiest setup — a well-reviewed, entry-level road bike from a reputable shop or brand will set you up nicely.
Pro Tip: Fit matters more than the value of your bike at this point. Visit a local bike shop and get properly sized. An uncomfortable bike can kill your motivation and cause injuries. We love to go to Chris Soden to get our bikes fitted, and Alpha Bicycle Studios for our regular bike maintenance. Luckily they’re both in the same shop down in Littleton, Colorado.
How Far Should You Ride as a Beginner?
Start with 10–20 km (6–12 miles) rides and gradually build up. Focus on time in the saddle, not speed. You’ll improve quickly with consistency.
Quick benchmark: If you can ride for 45 minutes without needing a break, you’re ready to level up.
What to Wear on the Bike
You don’t need to dress like the pros, but proper cycling kit makes a big difference:
-
Jersey: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, with back pockets for snacks/gear. Try our Boujeecletta Jersey (Black & Yellow) — made with breathable Italian fabrics and bold enough to stand out on your first group ride. Or check out the Monochrome Logo Jersey (Men's) for a clean, classic option.
-
Padded shorts or bibs: If you're not using padded shorts yet, it's worth looking into as you level up. Your undercarriage will thank you. Take a look at our Black Cargo Cycling Bib Shorts (Men’s). Note: you don’t wear underwear with these.
-
Chamois Butter/Cream: to avoid chafing, we recommend using a chamois butter and apply generously in the areas where your undercarriage meets the saddle.
-
Helmet: Always.
Check out Ardei’s full jersey collection for breathable, high-visibility gear designed for the road.
Essential Gear Checklist
-
Helmet
-
Mini pump or CO2 inflator
-
Spare tube + tire levers
-
Water bottle & cage
-
Cycling-specific sunglasses
-
Lights (front + rear)
Optional but helpful:
-
Clip-in pedals + shoes (once you're comfortable)
-
Cycling computer or GPS app
Safety & Traffic Tips for New Riders
-
Ride with traffic, not against it.
-
Use hand signals before turning or stopping.
-
Stay predictable and avoid sudden movements.
-
When passing other riders or pedestrians, make sure to call out and pass on the left
-
Make eye contact with drivers when crossing intersections.
-
Be seen: wear bright colors or reflective elements. The Tidebreaker Jersey is a perfect example of performance meets visibility.
Nutrition and Hydration 101
Nutrition and hydration needs are very individual from person to person. As a general rule of thumb, for rides under 60 minutes, water is usually enough. For longer rides:
-
Eat something carb-based 1 hour before.
-
Sip your drink regularly, and make sure to add electrolytes to your drink – especially when riding in the heat. You’ll want to finish approximately 1 bottle (500mL-750mL) per hour.
-
Bring an energy bar or gel for anything 90+ mins, and consume around 60g-90g of carbs every hour.
Use your jersey’s rear pockets to stash ride fuel or a compact tool kit
How to Improve Fast
-
Ride 3–4 times a week, even short ones.
-
Mix up routes with hills, flats, and city traffic.
-
Join a beginner group ride to learn pacing and bike handling.
-
Join our Strava group to be the first to know when we’re hosting group rides
-
Track progress using apps like Strava, TrainingPeaks, Garmin Connect
FAQs: Road Cycling for Beginners
Do I really need special clothing to cycle?
You don’t need to go full Tour de France, but padded shorts and a moisture-wicking jersey will massively improve comfort. Ardei's kits are designed for beginners who want comfort without sacrificing bold style.
How do I fix a flat tire?
Bring a spare tube, tire levers, and a mini pump. Plenty of YouTube videos show you how — and practice makes perfect.
Should I use clip-in pedals as a beginner?
Start with flat pedals. Once you're confident with balance and stopping, clip-ins help improve efficiency and power transfer.
Is road cycling safe?
Yes, if you follow traffic rules, ride predictably, and stay alert. Start on bike paths or quieter roads to build confidence.
How fast should I be riding?
Beginners typically average 12–16 km/h (8–10 mph). Focus on building endurance first, then speed. Take this time to learn to listen to your body, and ride at what feels good for you; you should be able to hold a conversation at easy paces.
Start Slow. Ride Bold.
Every strong rider was once a beginner. The key is showing up, riding consistently, and having gear that makes you excited to get back in the saddle. At Ardei, we’re here to make sure your ride doesn’t just feel good — it looks good too.