What is so special about road cycling?

Why should you even start road cycling, and what's important when you're just beginning? You might find the answer in this article.

You surely know the feeling – you've wanted to try something for years, but there's always a catch. Some wonder if they'd even enjoy it, for others, finances might be an issue, or our roads and traffic, the strange looks from others, why we even bother squeezing into lycra… Is it even worth it?

Of course, it is! So, this article will be more of a motivational-philosophical piece with a few (hopefully) good tips.

What will be your motivation?

I'll approach this article from a somewhat personal perspective, though I'm no guru. It generally holds true that without motivation, any goal is very difficult to achieve. Of course, it's different for everyone – losing weight, building fitness, having fun, discovering new places… Or other reasons we can chat about over a beer in the evening. 🙂

What's important, however, is to stick to your motivation and occasionally remind yourself of it. Or find a new one. Over time, you might even reach a stage where you just want to ride your bike for no reason at all – it'll simply draw you to it. So wait, is a bike actually a drug?

Temper your expectations: A pricey bike won't make you a star

We have our motivation, now we can set goals. But it's important that they are more accessible and achievable at first, and last but not least, to remain patient. Nobody loses 20 kg in two months, and nobody starts riding 200 km routes after just a few rides on a 'road bike'.

Unfortunately, the current performance-driven era – more kilometres, more Strava kudos – probably works against us here.


However, you can also have exaggerated expectations from your bike, and this applies not only to beginners but also to some more advanced cyclists. I still fondly recall the times when I bought my first used bike, and guys with road bikes worth half the price (!) could regularly drop me.

Sure, a lighter or aero frame might save a few seconds, but ultimately, it's always about the same thing – riding, riding, riding. No amount of carbon can replace honest training.

A clearer mind and a stronger personality

A great thing about cycling is that I often find myself… well, I can't even say 'alone with my thoughts.' 🙂 Simply put – I sometimes 'wake up' while pedalling, having been thinking about completely different things in the meantime. When I return home, I might be physically exhausted, but my mind is completely clear and reset.

On the other hand, group riding strongly resonates in road cycling. With friends in the draft, you experience countless amusing moments...

And cycling unequivocally affects a person's psyche in terms of resilience. Every climb, every headwind, sore legs, and hours in the saddle hone willpower. Otherwise, any sane person would probably turn back home at the first obstacle.


Physical benefits are probably also widely recognised by the general public. Here too, everyone will surely find their own thing; for me personally, it's mainly metabolism. From that, there could even be a typical tabloid headline: 'Women hate him – he eats a ton and doesn't gain weight!' 🙂

Cars - the enemy of road cyclists?

Let's try to look at it from a different perspective. Gravel riders or mountain bikers often argue that there's more peace in the woods and fields than among cars. That's certainly true.

On the other hand, we have plenty of beautiful paved roads that are inaccessible to cars, or where traffic is minimal. Just avoid main roads, explore some third-class roads, and you'll immediately feel safer.

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Riding on asphalt also has several other bright sides. For one, just push the pedals a bit, and you're suddenly 'flying' at 40 km/h on the flats. Higher speed automatically means more kilometres covered in the same amount of time compared to, for example, MTB or gravel.

And fortunately, the road isn't as limited by weather – I often find myself hesitating even a few days after rain whether to go into the woods or not… Well, I don't feel like washing my bike every time. This also means longer intervals between services. And in most cases, even a beginner can handle that.


I'll conclude with my own experience – I've always been more of an adventurous type, rarely focused on performance or averages. Instead, I always wanted to come home with great experiences. Everyone can choose their own path..