Start road biking – Our advice
Do you want to take up road cycling, but aren’t sure where to start?
Rest assured, it’s perfectly normal. From the choice of bike and equipment, to the basics you need to know, and even the fear of riding in a group or on the road, there are plenty of questions to ask when you start out.
The good news is that you don’t need to be an expert, ride ultra-fast or have competition gear to enjoy yourself. The most important thing is to set off at your own pace, with the right information and a little self-confidence.
On this page, we share with you all the things we wish we’d known when we started out : practical advice, real-life experiences and feedback for women who want to take the plunge into road biking.
Our aim is to help you pedal with pleasure, progressing at your own pace and according to your own desires! We’re off!
Road bike tips
You don’t need the latest carbon bike with built-in sensors to have fun on the road. That said, the wrong gear can quickly put us off, since it can cause pain… And here’s a spoiler: road bike gear (including the bikes themselves) is often not designed for women’s body types!
To avoid mistakes (and unnecessary purchases), we’re sharing with you our tips for getting the best road bike equipment, but also for feeling comfortable on your bike in general. Our aim? Find what really suits you, without breaking the bank, and ride with pleasure and serenity.
Automatic pedals are often the biggest source of stress for beginner cyclists! With Joséphine from Giant Strasbourg, we explain step by step how to get started without apprehension, with the right gestures and reflexes. Our video tips for getting started with car pedals Understanding the principle of automatic pedals First of all, a quick reminder: […]
Automatic pedals are often a source of apprehension for beginner cyclists. Rest assured, we’ve all been there! We’ve put together a complete guide for you, to be discovered on video, with a short summary of the key points in the article. We’ll look at why auto pedals are useful, how to choose and adjust them, […]
Let’s start by busting a myth. No, a sore ass is not normal! Choosing the right saddle is a crucial part of any cyclist’s equipment, but it’s far from simple. A saddle is chosen according to your morphology (pelvis width), your riding style, your budget and, above all, the way you feel… Follow the guide, […]
Cycling shorts… If their half-sticky, half-diaper look is a bit of a deterrent at first, they’re still one of the must-have accessories when you’re cycling. The trick is knowing how to choose them when you’re a woman, so I give you my advice in this article! Men’s or women’s shorts? Not only are the cuts […]
Cycling in winter can be a real pleasure (yes, it can!), provided you’re well equipped to cope with the cold without sweating too much. The aim is to keep warm, while avoiding the dampness that can quickly become (very) uncomfortable. Here’s all the advice you need to choose the right outfit. Watch the video The […]
The weather’s nice, it’s warm, it’s not too windy – it’s the perfect day to saddle up. So you don’t have to spend too much time thinking about what to take, I’ve put together a checklist of the essentials for your bike outing. Clothing In case of cold or rain Nutrition and hydration Safety and […]
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or new to the Little Queen, spending a few hours in the saddle can be hard on the body. In this article, before you get on your bike and after a ride, discover my tips on how to best prepare your body before you ride and then relax it post-ride. […]
Many cyclists are reluctant to go out when the weather turns fickle. Rain, wind, cold or heat, each weather condition presents its own specific challenges. Understanding the impact of outdoor conditions on the body, so you can adapt your equipment, manage your effort and adjust your diet, means you can train safely and enjoyably outdoors […]
mechanics
Bike mechanics—a real headache for many… even if you’ve been riding for a while. That doesn’t mean you have to be an expert to have a blast on your road bike.
On the other hand, mastering a few simple tasks—like changing a tube—can really save you a lot of hassle on a ride. These are the basics that give you peace of mind and let you stay self-sufficient on the road. And if it still seems a bit unclear, don’t worry: Emma, our expert mechanic, has put together clear and easy-to-follow tutorials to walk you through everything step by step. That’s sure to boost your confidence and let you ride with peace of mind!
To really benefit from the autonomy of a bicycle, it’s best to be equipped to deal with a puncture: so a tool kit is essential. But what should you pack? In this article, I propose 4 lists of tools to carry, depending on your type of outing. Complete bike tool kit video 1. Small repair […]
Changing an inner tube is the first thing you need to learn if you want to cycle independently. On a mountain-bike tire, it’s pretty straightforward. On narrow road tires, there are a few tricks you need to know. Watch the beginner video tutorial The tools The base Extra tools Remove wheel Shoe brakes (where the […]
Changing a chain may seem technical, but with the right tools and a few tips, there’s nothing to worry about. A worn chain can affect smooth gear shifting and can break. So it’s essential to know how to replace it. Follow this step-by-step guide to carry out this operation and extend the life of your […]
Punctures: a cyclist’s nightmare… With a tubeless installation, you can limit roadside repairs. A good preventive will seal small leaks on its own, and for larger ones, you can use a wick. Here’s how to repair your tubeless tire. Watch the video tutorial Tubeless: how does it work? Unlike a conventional tubeless tire, a tubeless […]
hardware testing
Here are all the gear reviews for road bikes conducted by the La Sportive Outdoor team. They’ll give you ideas for equipment and let you know our opinion on specific gear.
In this article, I present the Rapha Explore Bar Bag, which I use on my road bike. I give you my opinion on this small, lightweight pannier after a comprehensive test lasting several years. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less How do I use the Rapha Explore Bar Bag? The […]
The Restrap Stem Bag is a stem bag that attaches to the bike for quick access to your essentials: a water bottle, snacks or even a small camera. A handy little accessory! After numerous outings with it, here’s my detailed review. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less How do I […]
Having had the opportunity to preview the brand-new Coros Dura GPS, I was able to see the significant evolution of this device from its first iterations to its current version. Here’s my detailed review of this promising newcomer to the world of GPS computers for cyclists. Test video summary My summary What I liked What […]
The Gorewear Endure jacket is a top-of-the-range cycling jacket designed to withstand the elements while remaining quite breathable and compact. It has become one of the must-have items I take with me on my cycling trips. Here’s my detailed review of this jacket, which in my opinion is one of the best waterproof bike jackets […]
After several months’ use of the Garmin Edge 1050, I’d like to share with you my detailed feedback on this top-of-the-range GPS computer. We’ll explore what makes the Garmin Edge 1050 one of the best GPS meters on the market, highlighting its strengths and innovations, as well as a few shortcomings that could be improved. […]
It’s time to tell you about the shorts that have been with me for a while now, Wilma’s Wild women’s shorts with removable chamois, for use during or outside your period! I give you my opinion and the results of a months-long test of these shorts in this blog post. Test video summary Opinion summary […]
Introducing the cycling shorts for women cyclists from French brand Reines, which are both technical and aesthetic, and can be worn on or off your period. Here’s my review after a full test. Test video summary My summary I liked I liked it less How do I use the Reines short cycling shorts? The Reines […]
I tested the Julbo Intensity sports sunglasses with Spectron HD lenses, versatile eyewear designed for dynamic sports. I give you my detailed opinion after a few months’ use for cycling and trail running. My summary What I liked What I liked less Test video summary How do I use Julbo Intensity eyewear? Julbo Intensity sunglasses […]
Get inspired
Because sometimes, we need to be inspired, to dream and to listen to what women have to say… Here are some inspirations from women cyclists. Tales of sporting adventures or episodes of the Sportive Outdoor podcast in which inspiring women talk about road cycling… There’s plenty to inspire you!
In June, I completed my first ultra road bike race: the Race Across France (RAF) 300. I’m taking you with me on this adventure between Malaucène and Mandelieu la Napoule, a 300 km bike ride with 6,000 m of ascent. Candice’s video interview Listen to the podcast interview Why RAF 300? The idea had been […]
To take part in the Tour de France Women’s Stage with Zwift is to experience part of the Tour’s myth from the inside. For one day, hundreds of amateur cyclists come together on the roads used by the professionals, to share their passion and push back their limits. Here’s a look back at my experience […]
A long weekend on the calendar, an ultra-cycling race to prepare, two friends with a thirst for adventure: all the ingredients for a great pannier bike ride. I’m taking you on board this journey between Annecy and Embrun, which took us up some of the Alps’ most emblematic mountain passes (it wasn’t easy!). D-1 – […]
Three years after taking my first steps on a road bike, it was time to embark on my first cycling trip. Living in Annecy, the Mont Blanc tour appealed to me because of its proximity and beauty. On the menu, 350km with 8,500m D+, a great outing that we decided to complete with a friend […]
In May 2024, I took part in the BikingMan Corsica, a 1,000 km ultracycling race, with 19,000 m of positive elevation gain, to be completed in less than 120 hours, and all in complete autonomy. Here are five essential lessons Corsica has taught me, beyond the breathtaking beauty of its landscapes. Photos in this article […]