Serious road biking requires specific accessories to enhance your enjoyment of the sport. These are the most popular accessories, as well as those recommended by experienced cyclists.
Cyclometers
Nowadays, options are more diverse than ever. Whether it's an analog odometer, a GPS odometer like the Garmin Edge, or even your phone, you have a variety of options for keeping track of your speed, distance covered and pedaling frequency. It's a useful tool for evaluating your effort and managing your energy during a ride. With GPS odometers and phones, it's now possible to record your rides on sites like Strava, where all your routes are stored and you can analyze your performance.
Puncture kit
Given the long distances covered and the long hours spent in the saddle, road cyclists generally suffer more punctures, hence the importance of carrying a spare inner tube and the tools needed to change the puncture. Kits can be assembled à la carte or are sometimes sold as a set. You'll need tire levers, a Co2 cartridge or mini-pump to inflate the tire, and at least one inner tube. A kit is easy to carry in a saddlebag or jersey pocket.
Pedals and shoes
In road cycling, pedals and shoes substantially increase comfort, efficiency and performance. Automatic pedals force the cyclist to ride in the correct position, resulting in a better, more efficient pedal stroke. Moreover, road shoes have a rigid sole that maximizes power transfer to the pedal, in addition to being light and airy.
A cyclist could also choose mountain-type pedals and shoes to avoid being encumbered when walking, as the mountain-type cleat is smaller and can be hidden in the sole of the shoe.
The jersey
We recommend using a cycling jersey, as it's more comfortable, more aerodynamic and less hot. Thanks to its rear pockets, you can carry your cell phone, puncture kit and food. Several cuts are available to suit your preferences.
Nutrition
Neglected by many cyclists, food is important on outings lasting more than an hour. Eating on the bike is an important habit to develop, and will prevent you from ending your rides flat, completely drained and in a bad mood. Food is available in the form of bars, gels and even jujubes, and carries well in a jersey pocket.
Electrolytes shouldn't be neglected either. On a hot summer's day, you lose a lot of electrolytes through perspiration, and it's crucial to replace them. Several products exist, and the most popular come in powder or tablet form that you put in your water bottle, or in gel form that you can eat.
