Hello, this is ICAN. This time, this content is for you if you meet the following requirements.

• You like bicycles, but think road bikes are a bit intimidating.
• You want to go on long rides by bicycle.
• It would be great to make friends through cycling.
• You like tinkering with machines.

Since you've come all the way to the road bike page, you might fit all of these. We'll keep things straightforward. We hope you'll read to the end.

How to Buy

① Purchase at a shop

A shop where you can consult on various matters will be a strong ally. However, there are quite a few rural areas that lack such shops.

② Purchase online

You can get it at an overwhelmingly lower price. Some people point out issues with assembly and maintenance, but with a reputable manufacturer that provides thorough manuals, you might be surprised at how easily you can get started. You'll need to register for theft prevention, but in most provincial cities, large bike shops, of which there's usually at least one, are happy to register bikes purchased elsewhere. It would be perfect if you also asked them to check the complete bike and perform a fitting at the same time.

Price

Road bikes are not cheap, but once you experience how they ride, you'll surely understand why.

① Entry-level around 100,000 yen

The quickest way to get into the world of road bikes is to buy one in this class. The majority are made with aluminum frames. They are well-made and enjoyable for long touring. Once you understand your preferences and riding style, you can then upgrade to a higher-end model. At that point, this first bike will likely be very useful as a sporty, everyday commuter.

② Best-selling grade at 150,000-200,000 yen

If you want to ride one bike for a long time, this class or higher is recommended. The main components are at a level that can satisfy the demands of intermediate cyclists. You can choose between aluminum or carbon frames.

③ Mid-grade at 300,000-400,000 yen

Even when cycling friends gather, a bike in this class will be more than impressive. If you're considering racing, you can start with this class. They use high-grade carbon frames and high-end main components.

④ 1,000,000 yen class

This category features high-end models fully geared towards racing. Unfortunately, they are not recommended for beginners.

Frame

Frame materials are mainly aluminum or carbon. Carbon, which is carbon fiber solidified with resin, is becoming the mainstream for road bikes due to the high degree of design freedom and its lightweight nature. Aluminum, on the other hand, is cheaper and stronger than carbon, and easier to handle, making it a suitable material for entry-level bikes.

Size

Sizes are indicated by frame height. You can choose the appropriate size for your height. For fine-tuning, you can adjust the saddle height, fore-aft position, and handlebar height.

Components

Components refer to all the mechanical parts that make up a bicycle, such as derailleurs and brakes. Famous manufacturers include Shimano from Japan, Campagnolo from Italy, and SRAM from the US. Each manufacturer offers 4 to 6 different grades. By checking these grades, you can get a general idea of the bike's value.

Design and Color

I truly believe it's okay to choose based on shape and color if you're undecided. You'll naturally grow more attached to a bike you think looks cool.

Durability

There's an interesting statement in a certain manufacturer's instruction manual: "The lighter and more expensive it is, the lower its durability." While it sounds like a black joke, it's a fact that vividly illustrates how a road bike is a piece of sports equipment designed for optimizing time.

What to prepare in addition to the bike itself

• Pedals Road bikes do not come with pedals. This is because each buyer chooses what suits them. As you get used to it, you'll need clipless pedals that integrate with your shoes. For beginners, we recommend pedals that are clipless on one side and suitable for regular shoes on the other. They can be found for just under 10,000 yen.
• Items to attach to the bike Front and rear lights, bell, bottle cage, saddle bag
• Items to always carry on the bike Cable lock, puncture repair kit, spare tube, bottle
• Items to wear Helmet, gloves, sunglasses, (apparel)
• Items to keep at home Floor pump (with pressure gauge for high-pressure Presta valves)

That's quite a list, isn't it?

Once you order your bike, gather these items before it arrives. That will be an enjoyable task in itself. Budget 40,000 to 60,000 yen for these. Helmets start from around 7,000 yen. Apparel and cycling computers can be bought later.

ICAN's Recommended Road Bikes for Beginners

①Taurus 167,300 yen

This is a bike with extremely high cost performance. It features a carbon frame and a full Shimano 105 component set, resulting in a highly satisfying finish. At 7.85kg, it's wonderfully lightweight.

②A18 252,978 yen

This model also stands out for its high cost performance. It's a full carbon model with carbon wheels. Furthermore, the components are the high-end SRAM FORCE.

③A9 440,984 yen

It features a high-grade full carbon frame and SRAM FORCE components. This is a well-equipped bike for those considering racing. It also has disc brakes.

Summary

We've covered the basics of buying a road bike for beginners. To summarize, here's what we discussed:

• There are two ways to buy: at a shop or online.
• Prices around 100,000 yen, and then 150,000-200,000 yen, are recommended.
• Frame materials are aluminum or carbon, and sizes should be chosen according to your physique.
• There are quite a few items to get in addition to the bike itself.

Whether you think "This is a lot of work" or "This sounds fun" is entirely up to you... but we know that you'll eventually find yourself leaning towards the latter thought. ICAN supports your cycling life!