Racing bike: key info about equipment, clothing and frame size

Hop on your racing bike to explore new destinations and see familiar places in a new light. Getting started with racing biking is a rather expensive business; you need to buy a racing bike and the appropriate clothing, shoes and other equipment. All told, that can quickly add up to several thousand francs. After all, even comparatively inexpensive racing bikes can be on the pricier side. Once you’ve got everything, though, you’ll be set for a few years.

Want to get into racing biking? Here you’ll find answers to the key questions about buying a racing bike.

What equipment is essential for racing biking?

Apart from clothing, there are certain pieces of equipment that you should always have with you on your racing bike tour. These include:

• A bike pump and repair set: the most common issue while you’re out and about is a hole in the inner tube. That’s why you should pack everything you need to repair it – jacks, multitools and patches. They’ll usually see you right. If your tyres are tubeless, pack some patches and the plug tool.

• A drinking bottle: it’s easy to forget, but you need to take it with you on every tour.

• A GPS device: while you can manage without one, it makes navigation easier and gives you an overview of your training. Travelling in unfamiliar regions with no navigation aids is pretty tricky: constantly stopping to find your way will take you out of your groove. When you’re getting started, you can also use a smartphone holder and a navigation app.

• Bicycle lights: you should always have your bicycle lights with you (especially your rear light) – even in summer. Although the days get light early and stay light until late, when you’re in a tunnel, for example, it’s important that others can see you clearly. Many routes over Alpine passes lead through tunnels with no lighting at all, so a front light is also a must-have in these cases.

• A bike lock: it’s not strictly necessary, but if you’re planning to leave your racing bike unattended when you stop for lunch or a break, say, it’s better to lock it up somewhere to be safe.

What clothes should I wear when racing biking?

The right clothing ensures a comfortable, aerodynamic ride on a racing bike. Breathable, close-fitting but not restrictive jerseys and padded cycling trousers are important. They protect against friction, cushion any shocks and distribute the pressure from the hard saddle. Originally popular among gravel bikers, cycling trousers with side pockets have also become a common choice for racing biking. When choosing your cycling jersey, look out for pockets where you can stash your smartphone, snacks or extra clothing, for example. A classic jersey with a collar and zip has the benefit of keeping your neck warm as you go downhill and allowing good ventilation as you go uphill.

A windproof jacket is important in chillier temperatures – otherwise you can get cold quickly, especially during descents or breaks. You’ll be more aerodynamic with arm warmers and a gilet, and this also allows you to adapt to the temperature better. The same goes for your legs: knee or leg warmers extend your cycling shorts when temperatures are low. Gloves are also a crucial accessory for racing bike tours in spring and autumn; ones with a gel pad are particularly comfortable.

You need cycling glasses no matter the weather – sunny or cloudy. The glasses not only protect you from the sun’s rays, but also from insects and wind that makes your eyes water and thus impacts your vision.

Buying a racing bike – how much does an affordable racing bike cost?

Racing bikes start at several hundred francs, and can quickly reach several thousand francs. Most racing bike frames are made of either carbon or aluminium, both of which are very lightweight. Carbon racing bikes are usually a bit lighter, but tend to be more expensive.

If you want to buy an affordable racing bike, check out second-hand options. Make sure that the drive (chain and sprocket wheels) is in order. In principle, racing bikes suffer less wear than mountain bikes, for instance, so they retain more of their value. New racing bikes suitable for beginners start at around CHF 700. A racing bike with a carbon frame usually costs over CHF 1,000. More expensive racing bikes usually have better components installed, such as a higher-quality gear shift, which are often lighter and longer lasting. Disk brakes, by contrast, are heavier than rim brakes, but offer greater safety in traffic as they offer more direct transmission.

Transa doesn’t sell racing bikes, but we offer a wide range of cycling accessories, cycling clothing and equipment.

How can I choose the right cycling helmet?

A cycling helmet should fit snugly, but not dig in anywhere. The best approach is to measure your head roughly one centimetre above your eyebrows. Because manufacturers’ size specifications differ (as with shoes), this measurement gives you a reliable and comparable value. It’s important that the helmet is well ventilated and can let the heat escape on hot summer days, especially for longer tours with your racing bike.

Frame size and body height: how big does my racing bike need to be?

It’s important to pick the right frame size so that you can sit comfortably on the saddle and transfer your power to the pedals – and ultimately the road – in the best possible way. Good posture when riding a racing bike protects your shoulders and neck, which carry a lot of weight while cycling. Different frame sizes suit people of different heights. It’s important to note that, even if two cyclists have the same height, their frame sizes may vary depending on their body’s proportions. The following information is therefore only a guide. It’s always best to be able to test-ride your racing bike before you buy it.

The following values provide a rough overview of which frame sizes are suitable for particular heights:

• Height: 160–165 cm – frame size: 48–50 cm

• Height: 165–170 cm – frame size: 50–52 cm

• Height: 170–175 cm – frame size: 52–54 cm

• Height: 175–180 cm – frame size: 54–56 cm

• Height: 180–185 cm – frame size: 56–58 cm

• Height: 185–190 cm – frame size: 58–60 cm

• Height: 190 cm and above – frame size: 60–62 cm

Which shoes do I need for racing biking?

Shoes for racing bikes are lightweight and stiff, ensuring that the power is transferred as directly as possible to the pedals. They should be tight but not pinch. Thanks to a click system, the shoes attach to the pedals as you ride, and are released with a small twist as you get off the bike – this requires a little practice at the start. Velcro-and-loop fasteners and twist fasteners are popular closure options, allowing the shoes to be easily adjusted so they are tighter or looser.

There are two systems: in racing biking shoes, a large plate is attached to the front part of the shoe with three screws. This ensures that power is transmitted directly and highly effectively. If you’re just getting started, however, an SPD system (Shimano Pedaling Dynamics) with a small plate is sufficient. They don’t transmit the power quite as directly, but it’s more than adequate. In addition, it’s more comfortable to walk while wearing this system and it’s easier to click in. This makes pedalling off easier, for example at a light signal.

Transa doesn’t currently have any racing cycling shoes or pedals in its range, but we do stock cycling shoes for gravel or mountain bikes.

How can you maintain racing bike equipment properly?

Proper care and regular maintenance of your equipment ensure the longest possible service life and safe cycling. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

• Cleaning your racing bike: clean your racing bike regularly, especially if any dirt is visible. It’s best to use a mild detergent and a soft sponge to protect the paintwork and the components.

• Chain: after cleaning, oil or wax the chain so that it glides smoothly over the sprocket wheels.

• Check the air pressure: the recommended air pressure varies depending on the tyre; this information is printed on the tyre. Well-inflated tyres help you go faster because the resistance from the tyre to the road is lower. This saves energy.

• Check your brakes: make sure the brake pads have enough profile. How long they last depends on your riding style and the brake pads themselves. Descents that require frequent braking shorten the service life, as do tours in wet weather. In addition, brake pads wear out at different speeds depending on their quality. As a rough guide, most should last 1,000 kilometres, and some should exceed 3,000 kilometres.

• Tighten any screws: most screws indicate how much, in Newton-metres, they should be tightened. You can do this with a special torque wrench, but even if you don’t have this special tool, check regularly to see if the screws have come loose.

• Storage: in a dry place, to prevent rust from forming. What’s more, it’s best to keep your bike out of direct sunlight, as this protects any rubber parts.