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If you want a better biking experience, you need to look beyond the kind of bike that you get. You should also be looking at some of the technology that is majorly changing how the hobby works. In this article, we’re going to be looking at just that. Tech that helps you have the best possible bike for your build. Takes you to new places. Tells you new things about your ride. Keep reading and hopefully, you’ll see something that could transform how you bike.

Get the Perfect Fit for You

As we’ve said, a great experience is about more than the bicycle you’re riding. But it needs to start there. Choosing a good fit for you can be difficult. Something that looks and feels right could end up completely wrong when you’re actually taking it out there. Nowadays however, there are ways to get the most informed choice you can. A series of bicycle stores, including Circle City Bicycles, are making use of new computerized fitting tech. A body scanning CRM can help you choose the bicycle that’s perfect for your proportions using only lasers. No more having to worry about that choice. Even seasoned pros can get surprised by finding out how much easier a good fit is.

Track Training Seriously

Speaking of pros, one of the most important items in their arsenal is a bicycle power meter. But they’re not just for pros either. Do you use a bike just for fitness reasons? If so, getting a good read on how you are pushing yourself is great for motivation and tracking progress. Why train if you’re not going to use real data to help you get better results for next time? If you want to train, then power meters are a lot more reliable than other methods. Using heart rate is inconsistent as it’s heavily correlated with the condition your body is in; rested, fatigued, perhaps heavily caffeinated. Instead, looking at the power you’re putting into the bicycle is a lot more reliable.

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Ride Anywhere and Everywhere

Tech shouldn’t be just for making your current ride easier or more measurable however. It should also be about opening new paths for you. Gravel cycling has somewhat exploded in popularity as of late. You might be excited to give it a go, but you don’t want to wreck an unprepared bicycle. Instead, look at making changes to your bike’s suspension to make the ride a lot less rough. Tubeless tires can also be a change that reduces your risk of getting a flat from uneven, pinching terrain. If you’re going gravel cycling, then you should definitely make sure you bring a saddle bag with adequate tools to get yourself out of a situation on the side of the road. In it, keep all you need to tackle the various bolts and fittings of your tyres. You want to prevent malfunctions, but it’s smarter to ride with the knowledge that they’re quite likely.

Plan routes you’ve never done before

It’s not just new terrain you want to tackle, either. You also want to see new places, to go further than you have before. Google Maps is good for a lot of this, but it’s not specific for those who bicycle. It doesn’t always take into account roads you shouldn’t be on, like dual carriageways. Similarly, it doesn’t always show bicycle lanes. Instead, you should be looking to try out some of the apps that can help you. Of course, battery life on mobile devices is an issue to be considered. For those who want route planning that won’t kill their battery to keep open, BikeBrain is recommended.

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Know Everything About your Ride

As we’ve said, if you’re serious about cycling, then data can help you. While you’re riding, measuring your power is helpful data to act on. But it’s not all there is. You might want to get a good overview of the session after you’re done as well. That’s where tools like Strava come into play. Strava logs all workouts (including bicycle rides) and lets you look over it after you’re done. For those looking to see how their condition is improving, the ability to compare and compete against yourself is an important part of that. You can even compare and compete with other athletes who have done the same route or workout as you.

Get Some Sounds On

Music is a great tool for any kind of physical activity. It increases endorphin. It, puts your body naturally in sync with the beat, pushing you further. It keeps you from getting tired for longer. But whatever you do, don’t start wearing earphones or headphones when you’re out biking. Awareness is crucial to safe cycling. Instead, look at some of the options designed specifically for your bike. Bicycle speakers are easily attached to the handlebar and come with a variety of options. Wired or wireless. Shuffle options, storage space options. What exactly you’re willing to spend for is up to you. However, if you want a bit of added stimulation to your cycling experience, then music is definitely a good way to go.

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Stay Hydrated and Cool

As with any exercise, staying hydrated when cycling is obviously important. Fitting a water bottle to your bike frame is far from anything new or exciting. However, when you go to take that drink, there are few things less refreshing than a mouthful of warm water. That’s why it’s a good idea instead to consider some of the newer tech that’s keeping water bottles cooler for longer. For example, take a look at things like the Podium Ice. Improved insulation means that the bottle keeps any liquid inside at its initial temperature (or close) for a lot longer. Four times longer than regular insulating bottles. Perfect for those who prefer to go on those longer endurance runs.

There’s tech for all kinds of occasions. For training and fitness purposes. For adventuring and exploring. Even for enjoying a relaxing ride with some music to keep you company. We hope that some of the suggestions above will help you get what you need with a little help from tech. Whether it’s comfort, fitness, or fun.