Best Upgrades for A Bike

If you buy a bog standard aluminium road bike for under £500, what are the best upgrades that you can add to the bike to improve performance?

Best Tyres – Continental Grand Prix 4000.

When your tyres wear out, buy the best tyres you can. There is no sense in economising on tyres. It is definitely worth spending £40 to get a top of the range set of tyres such as Continental Grand Prix or similar quality; they will help improve performance and prevent punctures. If you use the bike only for commuting and your highest priority is avoiding punctures get the Armadillo’s which I find to be nearly puncture proof.

Carbon Fork.

A carbon fork will help reduce weight but also increase the comfort of the ride by absorbing alot of the shock. A good carbon fork is relatively cheap and will make a noticeable improvement to performance.

Carbon Seatpost

A carbon seatpost is one of the most efficient ways to save weight with minimal cost. A carbon seat post can be half the weight from only £30. Carbon Seat posts at Wiggle

Carbon / Titanium Saddle

Another good way to save weight is to buy a carbon / titanium saddle. I like the USE carbon model. It might look uncomfortable but I don’t mind. It is more comfortable than it looks.

Change Chain Frequently.

It is important to change the chain frequently to keep efficiency high.

Wheels.

A good set of wheels like the Mavic Krysium’s will save weight and increase stiffness. The good thing about buying a new wheelset is that they can be easily used on future bikes; therefore, the upgrade can easily be used for any future bike.

Clipless Pedals.

If your bike comes with standard toeclips, I would really advise buying some clipless pedals as they will make riding more enjoyable. choosing best pedals

Not Worth Upgrading on a Cheap Road Bike

Groupset I wouldn’t worry about upgrading the groupset. It will be quite expensive; it almost becomes worth getting a new bike. For example, a £1,000 will get you a Focus Cayo with Shimano Ultegra and a carbon frame.

Frame. If you are going to buy a new frame, you will probably be better off just buying a new bike.