We’ll start this discussion by looking at the crucial areas of a road bike that could benefit from being upgraded in order to improve your riding experience and help you get the most out of your road bike.
You’ll learn what they are and how much you should be spending on the upgrades we’re about to look at.
We’ll also cover what the most frequent upgrade parts are that road cyclists install to get a well-deserved upgrade.
Now that’s what I call a cycling road bike upgrade checklist!
Here are some of the road bike upgrades ahead.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Grand Prix 5000 Bike Tire | Best Overall |  |
| SHIMANO Ultegra BR-R8000 Brake Calipers Gray, Front & Rear | Budget Pick |  |
| PRO Falcon Carbon Bicycle Saddle | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Continental Grand Prix 5000 Bike Tire
Pros:
- Continental Grand Prix 5000 Bike Tire-2 Pack tires are lightweight, fast, and great for long-distance riding
- Offers the best balance of grip and rolling resistance for cycling
- Excellent durability and puncture resistance
- Active comfort technology
- Laser micro profile structure
Cons:
- Lack a little cornering grip compared to other training tires
- These tires do not fit on 17c Mavic UST rims
- Not very durable
If you want to get the most out of your road bike without sacrificing its speed, the Continental Grand Prix 5000 Bike Tire – 2 Pack are the tires for you. These tires are lightweight, fast, and great for long-distance riding.
They provide a smooth ride, which is good for racing, but they lack a little cornering grip compared to other training tires.
2. PRO Falcon Carbon Bicycle Saddle
Pros:
- Lightweight EVA padding
- Offers optimal support and comfort
- Smooth PU material to minimize friction
- Stiff and lightweight carbon-reinforced polymer in molded construction
- Carbon Rails
- Flat shape
Cons:
- It may not be perfect for very heavyweight individuals
PRO Falcon Carbon Bicycle Saddle is an amazing upgrade option for your road bike. Its flat shape is best for very flexible body geometry. You can enjoy your rides with this comfortable bicycle saddle.
3. SHIMANO Ultegra BR-R8000 Brake Calipers Gray, Front & Rear
Pros:
- Suitable for road bikes
- Center bolt mount type
- Lightweight
- Perfect for road cycling, time trial, triathlon
- Have an easy to open lever
Cons:
- Cables are not included
- Grey colored brakes may not go well with a different colored road bike.
There's no motorsport discipline where skimping on brakes is considered an acceptable practice, so why would you do it on your bike?
Suppose you're building up a new bike or looking to upgrade the braking performance of an existing one. In that case, the Ultegra BR-R8000 Brake Calipers provide the performance of Shimano's premier group at a palatable price.
Increasing power and creating a more predictable, linear brake path marks some exciting refinements on the new Ultegra brakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should you upgrade first on a road bike?
If you want to upgrade your current bike you should consider upgrading tires, brakes, and maybe the saddle for a comfortable and safe ride.
Should I upgrade my road bike?
It depends on what you want out of your cycling experience. In general, if you want to become a better cyclist, upgrades are important.
With cycling, you can go lower, lighter, and faster, but only if you have the right equipment. Like learning to ride a bike, upgrades shouldn’t be a race to get to the finish line.
You want to take some time to get comfortable with your upgrades and get used to them before considering another change. After all, staring at a bunch a new pieces of equipment will not get you anywhere.
Depending on your toughness and patience, upgrades can be affordable or a complete rip off. If you are handy and smart about your upgrades, you can be sure to avoid unnecessary spending.
How do I increase my cycling speed?
Getting a faster pace on your bike may seem like an impossible task. But itís easy to be faster on your bike with some simple upgrades, whether you bike is a budget, mid-range, or high-end model.
There are only two ways to go faster:
- You need to travel with a lighter load on your bike.
- Change your riding style. It’s not easy to adjust your body to avoid using energy when you ride. You simply cannot compensate for bad form.
How can I upgrade my bike?
Mountain bikes, road bikes, and other styles of bikes require occasional upgrades. This is especially true for anything you ride over rough terrain a lot, where impacts can quickly wear through normal components.
The best upgrades tend to serve one or more of the following purposes:
- Enhanced Performance: Most components that enhance performance are also ones resistant to wear and tear. You want the components you add to your bike to translate into a faster or more enduring ride.
- Improved Safety: Your bike should already be as quiet and safe as possible, but there are many things you can add to your bike to improve safety.
- Effective Protection: This is where things like skid plates and crash bars come in. You want components that will protect your bike during impact and at high speeds.
Conclusion
If you’re an avid roadie, the best bike upgrades will make a dramatic impact on your cycling performance. Your cycling performance depends on the quality of the bike, such as the frame material, fork, seat, drivetrain, handlebars, and the upgrade accessories such as the brakes, tires, pedals, and handlebar tape. Check out this guide for a few of our favorite upgrades, and then spend your money wisely to get your road cycling game to the next level.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Continental Grand Prix 5000 Bike Tire | Best Overall | |
| SHIMANO Ultegra BR-R8000 Brake Calipers Gray, Front & Rear | Budget Pick | |
| PRO Falcon Carbon Bicycle Saddle | Upgrade Pick | |