14 of the best bike upgrades
Specialized S-Works Power with Mirror Saddle
This 3D-printed saddle is formed with thousands of honeycomb-like polymer struts, allowing densities to be fine-tuned to reduce pressure points – something completely unachievable with a traditional foam saddle. It is mounted on a top-spec carbon-fibre shell and lightweight rails, and is offered in two sizes. £390, specializedconceptstore.co.uk
CeramicSpeed OSPW
This simple customisation not only looks great, it is claimed by the makers to offer a 2.4-watt saving over a standard equivalent. The large pulley wheels improve drivetrain efficiency by reducing friction, which in turn allows for smoother pedalling. Made of aluminium, with a carbon cage and ceramic bearings, they’re particularly long-lasting. €469, ceramicspeed.com
Favero Assioma DUO Power Meter Pedals
A power meter built into each of these clip-in pedals transmits data to your cycling computer for real-time metrics and analysis once you’ve dismounted. Being a sealed unit, there’s minimal chance for water or debris ingress, which significantly helps longevity. Fitting what looks like regular pedals (or switching them between your bikes) is very simple, and they weigh little more than standard SPD-SL pedals. You’ll get 50 hours of use from a single charge before re-powering by attaching the magnetic charging connector to the pedals. €569.67 for the pair, cycling.favero.com
Princeton Carbonworks PEAK 4550 Wheelset
Owning a single wheelset for all rides inevitably means making compromises, primarily between weight and aerodynamics. This race-ready all-rounder was the choice of INEOS Grenadiers in the 2021 Tour de France. Stiff, lightweight, yet still good in crosswinds, it’s a go-to for all rides – and rather handily is available in all configurations, including rim and disc brake. From $3,000, princetoncarbon.com
Fizik Vento Solocush 2.7mm Tacky
This high-quality bar tape has a non-slip (tacky to the touch) surface, giving good grip even in the wet, and the 2.7mm thickness combined with generous length (allowing for considerable overlap when fitting) makes for a very comfortable ride. It’s also lightweight and comes in more than a dozen colours. €39.90, fizik.com
Wahoo ELEMNT Bolt GPS Bike Computer
Intuitive to use and simple to set up, pair this with a smartphone to seamlessly sync routes from Strava (or customise data pages) for turn-by-turn instructions via its detailed maps. Smaller than some alternatives with a 2.2in colour screen, it doesn’t hog your cockpit yet it’s still sufficiently sized to view data and directions at a glance. £264.99, eu.wahoofitness.com
Exposure Lights TraceR MK2 ReAKT + Peloton
An anodised aluminium housing means this small light is very robust and tips the scales at just 35g. In low-light mode, its integrated battery has a life of up to 24 hours, and the 75-lumen maximum brightness is more than sufficient for long-distance visibility. Rather brilliantly, this version also auto-adjusts its brightness to the light conditions – ideal for early morning rides – and also automatically dims when another bike is tucked in close behind, to avoid dazzling the rider. £65, exposure-use.com
Silca Sicuro Titanium Bottle Cage V2
When it comes to classic looks and functionality, little stacks up to this titanium number. At 30g, it’s lightweight and holds bottles securely in place, and the 25-year warranty means a long time of riding. £65, silca.cc
Continental Grand Prix 5000 Tyre
A piece of kit that has built an almost unrivalled reputation in the cycling community – it’s a fantastic all-rounder, with impressive puncture protection and good grip even on wet, wintry roads. This conventional clincher version requires use of an inner tube; alternatively there’s the more recently released Grand Prix 5000 S TR for those who prefer tubeless designs. From £30, sigmasports.com
Sidas Ultra Pro Footbed
A custom-moulded footbed may seem a tad frivolous. But these are popular with both amateur and pro riders for good reason: unlike support for running and walking, the objective with a cycling footbed is to remove as much movement in the shoe as possible, locking the feet firmly in their natural position, helping with pedalling and comfort. That said, the success of the custom sole is largely down to the experience of the technician, and there are few better than Covent Garden-based Cyclefit, a specialist for around 20 years. £175, cyclefit.co.uk
Abus AirBreaker Helmet
Developed with team Movistar, this top-end helmet offers great ventilation while maintaining aerodynamics for speedy descents. It’s also lightweight, meaning you’re set for a Gran Fondos. From £160, sigmasports.com
Assos Equipe RS Rapidfire Chronosuit S9
If you’re looking for one of the easiest gains to your speed, check out this aerosuit which, compared with wearing a normal jersey and shorts, could gain you around 15 watts. The Swiss brand is known for producing high-quality apparel – albeit with a price tag to match – and this all-in-one is constructed with compressive fabrics and a tailored fit for a second-skin feel and aero advantage. £390, assos.com
Rule28 Aero Socks
Cyclist’s socks are often used to make a statement, and for those who want a pro look, make sure you get them extra long. One thing you might not associate with socks is an aero advantage, but this brand claims theirs offer a significant 12-watt saving over a standard pair. £24.99, rule28.com
SILCA HX-One Home Essential Travel Kit
This exquisite set of eight hex wrenches (2mm to 10mm) also packs in six Torx bits and four screw bits (a one-stop-shop set of pro-level tools) – all housed in a beechwood carry case. £139, silca.cc
