We all know that riding a shiny new bike is always a great feeling. But beyond the placebo effect of owning something new, upgrading your bike can offer real performance benefits.
Some offer aerodynamic gains, some reduce weight, some improve comfort, and if you're really lucky you might find an upgrade that offers all three. But which are the best? We've put together the list below of what we think are the best bike upgrades.
Of course, not all of them will be suitable for you depending on the bike you already have, but upgrading can reduce the weight of many bikes, improve your performance, make your ride more comfortable, or just make it look better.
While some upgrades can be expensive, there are some cheap bike upgrades that can improve your riding experience without spending too much.
1. Lighter/more aerodynamic wheels
New wheels can improve your bike's aerodynamic coefficients and reduce weight, and at the top of most people's upgrade list is a new set of wheels. Although it may be expensive, it makes sense. Good lightweight wheels can significantly reduce the weight of a bike, and stiffer wheels can make your bike feel lighter and faster. Deep-section carbon fiber wheels are a must-have on the latest aerodynamic bikes to provide the maximum aerodynamic advantage and make you faster. What's more, brands put a lot of effort into fine-tuning the aerodynamics of aftermarket wheels, so you can expect aero gains.
2. Better tires
Quality tires are usually lighter and designed for specific riding conditions. Not only will you save a little weight, but a higher quality tire will likely have lower rolling resistance. Better quality tires will also likely improve your grip levels. Good winter tires, such as the Continental GP5000 AS TR, are made with rubber compounds designed to increase traction in wet/cold conditions and provide enhanced puncture protection. Continental's all-season tires also have reflective sidewalls for extra safety when riding in dark winter conditions.
3. Comfortable seat
A saddle that fits your anatomy can significantly improve comfort, a common issue for riders. If your saddle is uncomfortable, it's worth looking for a saddle that can improve the situation. You can save a lot of weight by upgrading your saddle to one with a lighter base and carbon or light alloy rails, but be aware that switching to carbon fiber may affect the comfort it provides.
4. Carbon seat post
Carbon seatposts are easy to install and are lighter and more compliant than alloy ones. Just don't forget to use carbon clamp paste to avoid slipping and prevent the seatpost from getting stuck. But it's worth noting that many modern bikes no longer use a standard round seatpost, so you may be stuck with an upgrade. If the frame allows, gravel riders may want to install a dropper post to lower the seat for tricky descents.
5. Integrated handlebar
As with your seatpost and saddle, carbon fiber is an option to save weight; carbon fiber handlebars are also often designed to improve aerodynamics, and one-piece bar/stem can save even more weight and give your bike a professional look, but it will sacrifice some adjustability.
6. Tube Upgrade
TPU tubes save weight and are easier to carry as a spare, and the latest TPU tubes are a viable alternative to tubeless tires. They are much more expensive than standard butyl tubes, but also much lighter. However, this is a one-time cost, unlike tubeless tires, which require more sealant to be added regularly. Some pros used TPU tubes at the 2023 Tour de France. Unlike tubeless tires, there is no maintenance required as long as you don't get a flat. However, you can repair TPU tubes, so your investment should last longer.
7. Water bottle weight reduction
Many pro teams use Elite Fly bottles, and one of the cheapest upgrades for gram-per-gram savings is to switch to a lighter bottle. The bottle of choice for low weight is the Elite Fly, which many pro teams use. A standard 500ml bottle weighs between 75g and 100g, while the Elite Fly weighs just 51g, so a pair can save you 50g to 100g, and it's much cheaper than upgrading to a carbon fiber bottle cage.
8. New bar tape
Good quality bar tape is a cheap way to improve comfort and grip, and most bar tape fitted to new bikes these days is pretty good, but if your bar tape isn't quite as soft or has seen better days, it's worth replacing it with something better. Especially for gravel bikes, some extra padding on the handlebars can make your ride more comfortable. The best gravel bar tape is usually thicker than road bike tape and is designed to provide extra grip, which is helpful, especially in wet weather. If you have hand injuries, inserting gel under the tape can make your ride more comfortable.
9. Electronic groupsets
Electronic shifting is faster and more reliable than mechanical shifting, and electronic groupsets can really improve the shifting efficiency of mechanical systems. The best electronic groupsets from Shimano and SRAM include all of their best technologies, but they're not just crisper, lighter, faster, and more precise. Electronic groupsets allow you to set shifting logic that's impossible with mechanical systems, such as compensation and sequential shifting. And they're usually lighter, too.
10. Power meter
A power meter is an indispensable aid to training and racing and is worth considering if you are serious about training and racing. Although these can be expensive, there are a range of cheaper options available. Not only will you be able to track your power during your rides, the power meter will also provide you with a wealth of data that you can analyze to track your fitness over time and potentially bring some great benefits.
11. Cleaning kit
Cleaning kit to keep your bike in top condition, keeping your bike clean is not just about keeping it looking nice, it will also reduce the need for maintenance later. While you can just hose it off or use a bucket and sponge, professional bike cleaning products will help a lot. A decent set of bike cleaning brushes will allow you to reach hard to clean places, and a chain cleaning tool and chain degreaser will also help keep your drivetrain clean and reduce wear. Finally, many bike polishes are formulated to help prevent dirt and road grime from sticking to your bike.
12. Good chain lube
The right lubricant will keep your gears running well, and it is worth investing in one of the best bike chain lubes formulated specifically for bicycles. This will penetrate the chain and help reduce friction and wear between the links. It also helps prevent rust after you wash your bike and degrease your chain, or when riding in wet conditions. Drivetrains on bikes are very expensive these days, and replacing chains and cassettes every two seasons can be an expensive and frustrating affair due to high wear. If you take the time to research and use the chain lubricant that best suits your needs, you can extend the life of your drivetrain and hopefully reduce drivetrain drag and friction.
13. Regular maintenance
Keep your bike components in top repair to extend their life. To keep your bike running smoothly, it is important to keep them well maintained. Many parts wear out quickly, while others deteriorate over time. The chain and flywheel of your bike, in particular, need to be checked regularly for wear and may need to be replaced to keep shifting smooth.
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