Springtime marks the season when people can break out their favourite kits, and take their road bikes outside to explore the Laurentians under a warming sun. There’s more choice than ever when it comes to choosing your next road bike as manufacturers work to satisfy every desire. We’ll offer up a few suggestions below, and include some tips that will help you get the right bike no matter your level of experience or budget.

Race bikes offer aggressive geometries that favour aerodynamics, handling, and power transmission over rider comfort. For some, that’s a sacrifice worth making, and Canadian brand Cervélo was born out of a racing inspiration. Their R series of bikes represents classic road racing pedigree, and starts with the R2 at $2,900, while the R5 features Shimano’s Dura-Race drivetrain, ENVE carbon wheels, and is fitted with disc brakes, yours for $11,500

The more relaxed geometry and greater vibration damping of endurance bikes mean greater comfort. The Felt VR endurance bikes starts at just $1,169, featuring Shimano drivetrain, a carbon fork, and even disc brakes. This makes a great entry point at a modest budget.

When the road turns to gravel and dust, traditional road bikes can often start to feel out of their element, but the growing gravel bike segment has you covered, mating the comfort of an endurance bike to the confidence of a cyclocross bike in the dirt. Trek recently released the Checkpoint. The ALR 5 is the entry point, while the SL 6 represents the best of the line. Prices range from $2,649.99 to $4,999.99 depending on spec level.

If you’re ready to start overnight adventures by bike, you’ll want to check out adventure and touring options. Durability and comfort characterize this segment, made to be loaded with panniers to enjoy le P’tit Train du Nord, or a round-the-world adventure.   Specialized has three different models to chose from; the Sequoia, Diverge, and AWOL, with different specifications ranging from $1,349 to $11, 269

To get you on the correct route to road bike fun, consider the kind of riding you’re likely to do most. Being honest about this is an important step in knowing if you really want that race machine, or are better served by a weekend tourer, or a comfortable Sunday cruiser.

From there, good bike fit is the key to long term enjoyment on any bike, so visit a shop that will help you try a few bikes to see which feels best. Dedicated bike shops are home to trained service technicians, making them a clear winner over online outlets, both for building the bike and to provide ongoing service. The best shops will also offer clinics and social rides to help you make new friends and see new sights.

While many brands offer Women’s designs, the variety of physiques across the spectrum of human bodies means that these offerings may be as much about paint as a different fit, so try men’s and women’s options that catch your eye.

If you’re new to the sport, leave room in your budget for additional equipment beyond the bike. Shoes, pedals, gloves, helmet, and of course padded bike shorts all add comfort and safety. A basic repair kit, along with lights mean you’re prepared to let your adventures run long when it’s just too nice to go back home.

Enjoy the best of the spring, summer, and fall by getting out on two wheels.