If I was starting road cycling in 2025 from absolutely zero, this is what I’d do to have an incredible setup on, what for cycling at least, is quite a tight budget.
There’s a lot of marketing in the cycling industry, most of which is nonsense, so I’ve tried to pick products which avoid that and give you good value. But cycling is still a pretty expensive sport to buy into, especially if you do it in one lump, so I’ve set myself a budget of 3 grand, which I know is still an absolute heap of money.
There are ways you can spend significantly less, and I’ll cover those as we go through.
The Bike
Let’s start with the obvious: you’ll need a bike. This will be your biggest expense, and you’ve got three main routes—buying new, using Cycle to Work, or going second-hand.
Buy New
Buying outright is the most expensive option, but you’ll get a reliable machine from day one. While true bargains are becoming rarer, today’s entry-level carbon bikes are significantly better than what was available when I started.
Giant TCR Advanced 2 (credit: road.cc)
One standout option is the Giant TCR Advanced 2 at £2,149. With a full carbon frame and fork, room for 33mm tyres, Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes and mechanical shifting, it’s light, fast and versatile. The wheels are Giant’s own with 22mm internal rims – ideal for fitting 28–30mm tyres, although annoyingly it comes specced with 25mm tyres as standard (though Giant says these are effectively 28mm).
Disc brakes are now the standard and worth going for if you want a future-proof setup. Rim brakes, while still found on budget bikes like the Giant Contend 2 (£850), are increasingly rare.
Cycle to Work
If you’re employed in the UK, Cycle to Work schemes are well worth investigating. They let you spread the cost over 12 months and can cut the price substantially depending on your tax band and your employer’s provider.
Buy Used
Giant TCR Advanced 2 Facebook Marketplace (credit: Meta)
The most cost-effective approach is buying used. Facebook Marketplace and eBay are overflowing with options. That same TCR? You might find a 2022 version for around £1,000.
But proceed with caution: make sure the bike isn’t stolen and be realistic – if the deal looks too good to be true, it probably is. Also factor in some post-purchase TLC: gear indexing, a brake bleed or new bar tape are often necessary.
Learning to work on bikes can save you money and massively improve your mechanical confidence. If you’ve got some basic tools, YouTube, and patience, this route can be both rewarding and economical.
Will It Fit?
2025 Bike fit shoulder width measuring (credit: road.cc)
Before you buy, ensure the bike fits. For beginners, a pre-purchase bike fit is a smart investment. This fit at The Bike The Body (£150) will give you essential measurements such as saddle height, bar width, saddle setback.
All of these can help you set up your bike correctly or avoid a poor purchase altogether. Worth every penny.
Pedals & Shoes
Shimano PD-RS500 pedal (credit: road.cc)
Most bikes, even premium ones, don’t come with pedals. I’d recommend Shimano RS500 or Look Keo Classic, both affordable and proven. I’ve always gone with Shimano; they’re solid and a bit cheaper.
Shoes are trickier because fit is highly personal. One good-value starting point is Boardman’s carbon road shoes (£90) – two dials, good adjustment, and decent styling. Try them on in-store if possible.
Helmet & Sunglasses
Van Rysel RCR-F Helmet white (credit: road.cc)
Van Rysel’s RCR-F helmet is arguably the best value aero lid on the market right now. AG2R use it in the Tour de France. It’s cool, lightweight, and under £100.
Match it with Van Rysel’s RoadR 900 sunglasses (£60). I’ve been using them recently, and they rival offerings from Oakley in terms of clarity, fit and style. Plus, two adjustable nose pieces allow a dialled fit.
Tech: Cycling Computer
Garmin Edge 130 Plus (credit: road.cc)
This one’s optional, as the Strava app and your smartphone are perfectly good for ride tracking.
If you want live stats and navigation, however, a dedicated head unit is worthwhile. The Garmin Edge 130 or Wahoo Bolt are solid, budget-friendly options. I’d suggest buying used here too – you’ll save a lot.
Kit: Jersey, Bib Shorts & Socks
Rapha Core Lightweight Jersey (credit: road.cc)
You don’t need to spend a fortune on kit.
Jersey: Go with Rapha’s Core – great fit, quality construction, and a wide range of colours at a fair price.
Bib Shorts: I rate the Van Rysel Racer 4 highly, especially the grey version. Excellent value. There’s no women’s version of this specific model, but the Racer 3 bibs are a solid alternative.
Socks: White socks are a classic look, but £20 for a single pair is madness. Go for Galibier’s £9 socks if you want technical performance, or grab a 6-pack of New Balance socks from TK Maxx for £13.
Nutrition
Pre-mixed sports drinks are convenient, but often overpriced and unnecessary unless you’re racing.
For training rides, I use MyProtein’s maltodextrin powder – pure carbs at a fraction of the price. Mix it with squash and add a pinch of salt for an effective DIY hydration mix. A couple of bottles will only set you back a few pounds.
As for food: bananas, flapjacks and Haribo are simple, effective, and much cheaper than branded bars and gels.
And then don’t forget that all-important cafe stop. It’s good for the soul.
Spares & Tools
2025 Zefal Z Road Pack Saddle Bag.jpg (credit: road.cc)
It might not be exciting, but carrying basic spares is essential. Here’s what you need:
Mini pump
Two spare tubes
Tyre levers
Small multi-tool
Saddle bag (optional but handy)
You can carry them in jersey pockets, but a saddle bag ensures you never forget the essentials.
Final Costs
Let’s price this up based on buying new, excluding any Cycle to Work or second-hand savings:
Bike – £2,149
Bike fit – £150
Pedals – £35
Computer – £150
Shoes – £90
Helmet – £100
Sunglasses – £60
Kit (jersey, bibs, socks) – £170
Nutrition + bottles – £20
Spares + tools – £56
Total – £2,980