Road Cycling Tips: Mastering the Pavement

While cycling on the trail offers a unique experience, riding on the open road is the pinnacle for many cyclists. Tackling those sweeping, man-made bends is a thrilling, often serene undertaking, with the feeling of tyre running over tarmac providing an incomparable tactile experience. 

Getting to the point where you feel like you’ve mastered the pavement can take a while, but it’s worth it. This guide has been written to help you start that journey, with a bunch of tips that the intrepid road cyclist should find extremely helpful…

Road cycling tip #1: fail to prepare, prepare to fail 

Before you step out (or pedal out) onto the road, it’s important to invest in the right gear. Finding the right bike, ensuring that bike fits with your frame, investing in clothing that protects and boosts cycling efficiency — not to mention finding adequate safety gear — there’s a lot that goes into preparing for the road. 

Find your bike

The right bike makes all the difference when it comes to how much you’re going to enjoy your road cycling, and how well you’re going to perform. Select a bike that fits your frame and performs well. Bonus tip: if you get one you genuinely love, it makes those 5am starts approximately 15% easier. 

Cycling shoes and pedals

Road cycling shoes with clipless pedals provide better efficiency by securing your feet to the bike. This means more consistent power transfer, and reduces the likelihood of your feet slipping off the pedals. If you’re just starting out, you may not need these yet, but for anyone hoping to achieve mastery of the road, they’re a useful tool. 

Cycling apparel

Variable weather conditions can make the road a hostile place for cyclists, and so investing in rain-resistant jackets and other items of clothing is important. For enhanced comfort, especially on longer rides, moisture-wicking jerseys and padded cycling shorts are close to non-negotiable. 

Safety items

A helmet is a must, even on shorter rides. In addition, high-visibility clothing will make you more visible and therefore safer. Arguably the most important point on this list. 

Road cycling tip #2: respect the road (and the dangers it poses)

Unfortunately, we live in a world optimised for vehicles (though considering the constant traffic jams we cycle past every day, it’s not optimised very well) and as a result, cyclists need to be extra careful when it comes to personal safety. In order to master the pavement, understanding the rules that govern it, and hazards to look out for, is non-negotiable. 

Have a basic understanding of road laws

Having a grasp on the basics of your country’s road laws is hugely important. Getting familiar with these rules (such as right of way, lane positioning and more) ensures your safety, leads to smoother interactions with drivers, and ensures you’re riding legally. 

Signal your turns

Aim to give as much information to those you share a road with as possible. Use hand signals to indicate turns or lane changes. 

Ride predictably

Avoid sudden movements and swerving. Always be aware of your position on the road and how you’re currently being perceived, especially in busy or narrow areas. 

Know your hazards

Potholes, debris, items that have fallen off of cars — as a cyclist, you need to be aware of the world around you, and the items that could lead to a crash. 

Road cycling tip #3: adapt to varying conditions 

Different roads require different strategies. Adapting to the specific conditions of the road you’re on is key to maximising your performance — and safety. Whether you’re riding on smooth, dry roads with minimal bends or winding your way around short, sharp turns in the rain, each surface and terrain offers unique challenges and opportunities. 

Steep hills and climbs

Climbing hills is a completely different challenge to flat, straight roads. You’ll need to adjust your technique to maximise efficiency and ensure you don’t gas out. Make use of lower gears, a consistent cadence, and elevated body position to ensure you reach those peaks with a little left in the tank. 

Technical, winding roads

Roads with sharp turns and unpredictable curves require more finesse and anticipation. More common in rural or hilly / mountainous areas, you’ll need to adjust frequently for both sharp bends and potential obstacles. Slow down before turns, make sure to control your line, and never take your eyes off the path ahead.

Wet or slippery roads 

When cycling in rainy conditions or on roads with slippery surfaces, safety is a top priority. Wet roads have less traction, especially when cornering. Take it slower, focus on riding smoothly, and give more space between you and other cyclists / vehicles. 

Road cycling tip #4: train hard and smart

In order to show the road what’s for, you’ll want to build speed and endurance. You’ll do that naturally when riding, but if you aren’t consistently pushing yourself, you’ll plateau, and speed and endurance gains will be hard to come by. 

Incorporate interval training

By alternating between high-intensity sprints and moderate recovery periods, you can improve your cardiovascular capacity and muscular power, enabling you to ride faster for longer. Training like this pushes your limits, forcing your body to adapt to more intense efforts. 

Example: on a flat road or slight incline, ride as hard as you can for 30 seconds. Ease off for 90 seconds, maintaining a slow, consistent cycling speed, then sprint again for 30 seconds. Repeat this for 5 minutes, and keep upping the time as you get fitter and stronger. 

Add long, steady road rides

Long steady rides are key when it comes to building endurance. These rides should be maintained at a moderate pace, allowing you to ride consistently over an extended period of time. By regularly pushing your distance and time, your body will adapt, improving stamina. 

Example: most cyclists aim for one to two long rides per week, gradually increasing distance by 10% or so each time. During your long rides, maintain a steady pace and practice efficient, optimised pedal strokes. 

Mastering the pavement: follow our road cycling tips, and you’ll be golden

Getting confident and not just comfortable with road cycling takes time, effort and patience — as is the case with most good things. By focusing on prep, understanding the rules of the road, adapting to different conditions, and training smart, you’ll be well on your way to mastery. 

Confidence is key when it comes to feeling comfortable on the road. If you’d like some help building it up, we’ve got just the blog for you.