Beyond the Spin Studio

These changes help ensure cycling outdoors feels good rather than causing aches and pains. This means that you'll be more comfortable and biomechanically optimized for longer rides outside. Getting a bike fit while still riding indoors can help you get used to any changes before heading out onto the road.

Get the Right Cycling Shoes  

SHIMANO IC indoor cycling shoes can certainly be worn outdoors, but picking an outdoor-specific shoe will give riders the best tool for the job. Outdoor cycling shoes feature extra protection and are designed to guard your feet against the elements. Plus, they are typically more durable and will last longer as you put in outdoor miles.

Note: SHIMANO's IC shoes can be outfitted with both SHIMANO's off-road and road clipless cleat/pedal systems. If you have a big cleat with three holes, that's the SPD-SL road platform. If you have a smaller cleat with two holes, that's the SPD off-road platform. Sticking with the platform you are comfortable with will make your transition to outdoor riding that much more relaxed.

SHIMANO shoes come in two main categories for outdoor riding. The RC series is intended for road riding, and these shoes have a smooth sole and a large, stable pedaling platform for long, steady miles in the saddle. They have minimal grip, similar to an indoor shoe, and are designed for SHIMANO's SPD-SL (3-bolt) road cleat system. Consider the RC1, RC3, or RC5 if you're getting your first pair of road shoes.

For those looking for a bit more grip on and off the bike, SHIMANO's XC series provides a great mix of lugged traction and a stable pedaling platform. These are designed for cross-country mountain biking but are also a good option for those getting into riding outdoors and planning on riding mixed terrain and doing a bit more walking around. They feature a two-hole, recessed cleat mount that is more walkable and uses SHIMANO's SPD off-road pedal system. Consider the XC1, XC3, or XC5 for your first off-road shoes.

Get Confident, Practice Clipping in and Out

While cycling indoors, your trainer or spin bike does most of the balancing for you. It's a stable platform even when standing completely still. However, that all changes when you head outside and roll to a stop at a red light. The inertia that held you up while moving along suddenly does nothing to fend off the tippy effects of gravity. This can be intimidating for those not used to clipping in and out of SPD-SL road pedals or SPD off-road pedals.

But there is good news! Your indoor bike setup is a great place to practice clipping and unclipping, whether it’s a smart trainer, spin bike, or something in between. Practicing on a stable platform lets you explore the skill, dial in your muscle memory, and build the confidence to make riding outdoors less intimidating.

Once you feel confident clipping in and out on your indoor bike, it's time to try it outdoors. Start by finding a mellow environment like a quiet street or an off-hours parking lot to roll around and practice clipping and unclipping. Remember that it's much easier and reassuring to unclip early while still rolling than it is to wait until you've come to a complete stop.

Get Oriented, Plan Out Your Ride

The biggest difference between indoor and outdoor riding is the distance you physically cover on one ride. Inside, you can put out the effort equivalent to a 20-mile ride without ever moving your bike. Outside, though, that 20 miles can twist and turn down roads, through parks, and along bike paths.

Adventure is one of the best parts of being outside on the bike, so knowing where you're going ahead of time is key. Rather than spinning till you hit a specific distance, you'll want to pre-plan your route to hit your time or distance goals.

Some great tools online, like Strava, Komoot, Map My Ride, and more, allow cyclists to plan out rides. If you're new to the area or want suggestions of what roads or trails to ride, use these mapping programs to pre-plan your ride and then upload the route to your cycling GPS unit or phone. This provides turn-by-turn navigation to ensure you stay on route.

If you're close to home and know your area well, planning out a ride on familiar roads can be sufficient to hit your goals. Either way, planning a ride helps you pick quieter roads and enjoy the ride more with the confidence of someone who knows where they're going.

Check the Weather, Dress Accordingly

Indoor cycling and outdoor riding differ in the preparation you'll need for apparel and gear. Indoor rides often follow the same layering formula: start the ride with a warm-up layer, get toasty after about 10 minutes, remove a layer or two, keep sweating, and finish the ride soaked and happy.

Taking the ride outside introduces several new factors that are beyond the thermostatically controlled environment of a Zwift pain cave or spin studio. Outside, we have the breeze to contend with since just rolling along exposes us to the elements. On warm days, this helps cool us down. But on cold days, this can dampen the joy of an otherwise happy ride.

Look at the weather and decide what you'll need to bring to keep your temperature well-regulated. If it's cold, consider a Merino jersey and some arm warmers. For rides with large temperature fluctuations or long descents, grab a packable wind jacket that is easy to stow in a jersey pocket. Remember, anything you wear on a bike has to be brought with you when it's taken off. That's why cycling-specific wind jackets will pack down super compact, offering excellent wind protection in a pint-sized package.

SHIMANO’s cycling apparel offers a full range of stylish and functional gear to keep rolling along with a smile on your face, no matter the weather outside.

Have Fun, Explore Beyond, Go Further

Exploring beyond the usual routes and going further than you ever thought possible are exciting elements of riding a bike outside. There's nothing like discovering a new road through a familiar zone or seeing routes less traveled that are only accessible by bike. Embrace the freedom to go wherever you want on a bike, and choose a destination as enjoyable as the journey. Get a coffee, visit a friend, sit by a lake, or find an empty trail to savor. Everything is better when enjoyed from the seat of a bicycle, rolling happily along outside!