Discover the training, gear and nutriton advice to make 2026 your perfect year of cycling. From buying your next bike to essential (and simple) maintenance jobs, and conqeuring the climbs to expert recovery tips, there's something for everyone.
The Essential Guide to Road Cycling 2026
Welcome
INSPIRATIONALD RIDES • ENGLAND WALES SCOTLAND
All About The Bike
READY… TO RIDE • New to the wonderful world of road cycling? Welcome on-board, you’re in for one helluva ride. And one made easier as our experts answer your common queries…
CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON • There are thousands of road bikes, hitting different price points and different riders. Here, we pin down four of the best, whatever your budget
Pinnacle Laterite 2
Trek Domane AL 2 Gen 4
Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2
Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 Di2
Marginal costs for major gains • Eight of the best-value investments you can make to boost your bike’s performance
Bike Chains • Looking after your bike’s chain will help you save money in the long run and boost your riding speed too
Saddles • How to set the correct saddle position on your bike for improved comfort and performance
Stop those Noises • Follow these pro mechanic’s tips to make your bike quieter
Train Smarter
Training with Power • If you’re serious about making every session count, a power meter is a must-have. Here’s how to extract the most from your wattage analyser…
Master your power meter • Use this seven-zone method of training to help you get the most out of each and every ride…
Air Force Won • Strong winds can be a cyclist’s cruellest adversary or their greatest ally. As the off-season gusts begin to howl, we reveal how to manipulate the wind to make training and racing a breeze
SAVE IT FOR A RAINY DAY • From summer showers to winter storms, rain can be a cyclist’s nemesis. But with sharp skills, good kit and a gritty mindset, you can turn an ordeal into an opportunity and enjoy the romance and rewards of wet-weather rides
THE SCRETS OF SOUPLESSE • Sculpting a smooth pedal stroke will electrify your performance – and boost your riding style. We reveal how to polish your pedal stroke like a pro
Ascend Like a Pro • Fly up mountains like Vingegaard with these gravity-defying training strategies, performance upgrades and fuelling tips
Ultimate climbing sets • Power your ascending with these winning workouts and essential cooldown sessions
ESSENTIAL CLIMBING GEAR • Smash those climbs with these lightweight winners
Decent Descents • Ride downhill in style with our ultimate guide to the exhilarating art of descending
Ultimate downhill sets • Build descending confidence and technique with these skills sessions
ESSENTIAL DESCENDING GEAR • Descend at speed and safely with these kit picks
Ride-Faster Fuelling
15 ways to fuel your riding • Changing what you eat before, during and after training can trigger different physiological adaptations, enhance your riding, and help you achieve specific goals. Here’s how to fuel to gain optimal results
RACE TO RECOVER • Recovery is not a sign of weakness – it’s the secret to faster, stronger and longer cycling, especially as you age. It’s time to train, eat and sleep your way to bigger and better goals…
Going the distance • Fuel yourself for the duration of your ride with these delicious slow-releasing carb recipes
Protein packed • Repair your muscles and accelerate recovery with our delicious duo of post-ride meals
Bite-sized energy • Cycle at your peak for longer thanks to these delicious homemade snacks
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