Replacing a few key parts can reinvigorate your bike as we move into autumn. Upgrading parts also builds in a certain uniqueness to your ride. There are plenty of relatively cost effective options to improve your bike, as well as accessories to keep the wheels turning as autumn heads into winter.
This blog features upgrades that have received 100% – 5 Star customer reviews – and our customers are always right!
Bar Tape
Cheap tidy-up option number one is bar tape. As well as funky colour options, more padded / thicker tape can improve comfort and eleviate little aches and pains from hands / wrists. Under tape gel inserts can also reduce vibrations and increase comfort.
Lizard Skin DSP (Dura Soft Polymer) 2.5mm tape offers superb comfort and grip – Essential for today’s road and gravel bikes.
Chain
Chains get worn. Under normal use, the chain pitch gradually increases because the bushings wear against the pins in the chain. Replacing the chain at the right time is easier with a chain checker tool. Failing to replace the chain will cause extra wear on the cassette and other drive train components (because the chain pitch is longer). In ideal conditions, a cassette should last for two chains.
Keep it clean – regularly de-grease and lubricate to ensure its long life and look after your other drive train components – check out our chain blog here.
KMC make long lasting and reliable chains which are compatible with Campagnolo, Sram and Shimano drive trains. If you feel the need for colour at the business end of your bike, check out the KMC DLC chains here.
Wheels
No other components can effect a bike’s handling like wheels. Lighter wheels will feel more ‘zippy’ and be faster on climbs or over hilly terrain.
Vision Team 30 Comp Wheels offer a cost effective / good looking upgrade for many entry level road bikes. A slightly deeper than standard rim depth, combined with a relatively low weight, under 2Kg / pair, make the Team 30’s a popular choice.
Tyres
Decent tyres can also have a large effect on a bike’s handling and performance. Good quality tyres roll faster, reducing effort required at any given speed, they grip better and offer high levels of puncture protection.
The GP5000 predecessor, the GP4000, was a really good tyre – a hard act to follow. However, the boffins at Continental rose to the challenge and managed to produce a tyre which has noticably improved. Lower rolling resistance, better grip and increased puncture protection all make the GP5000 the number one choice for many road riders.
Smart Trainer
As we move towards winter, if the novelty of getting cold and wet on the bike is wearing a little thin, it could be time to join the thousands of riders hopping onto a smart trainer. With interactive training platforms such as Zwift available to keep motivation levels high, smart trainers can be the ideal accessory to hold or improve your fitness during patchy weather.
The Dare2Ride Feugo smart trainer has sold strongly across Europe largely because of it’s low noise and realistic ride feel. The Fuego only produces 52db of noise at 30 kph and the 5.7 Kg flywheel realistically simulates road riding. Chosen by Tokyo Olympic Triathlon Gold medalist, Kristian Blummenfelt and Ironman 70.3 World Champion, Gustav Iden, the trainer can simulate climbs up to 20% and resistance up to 2500 watts.
