Make your bike feel like new with these road bike upgrades
If you’ve got a bike that needs a bit of freshening up with new components and accessories, take a look at our guide to some of the best road bike upgrades.
Whether you’ve just got the urge to spend or really need to replace worn out parts, treating your bike to some new components will make it feel like new, and if you pick the right products, lighter and better handling.
We’ve got 5 products to give you that new bike feel, starting with wheels right through to handlebar tape.
Prime RP-38 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset
What they say
The Prime RP-38 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset features a 38mm aero rim profile to deliver benefits across multiple yaw angles. The RP-38 benefits from a wider rim profile as the interface with the tyre creates a more linear contour, which helps to increase the wheel’s aerodynamic properties. If you’re looking for an upgrade to shave the seconds away, the Prime RP-38 Carbon Clincher Road Wheelset is the wheelset you need to tame any terrain.
Key specifications
- Weight: 1435g
- Tubeless Ready
- Rim-depth: 38mm
- Rim Width: 16.5mm (internal) 25mm (external)
- Rim Material: T700 UD carbon fibre
- Spokes: Sapim CX Ray
- Spoke Count & Lacing: 20 & radial (front) 24 & 2 cross (rear)
Our verdict
The Prime wheels are a fantastic upgrade. Full carbon clincher wheels with decent hubs and top spokes for around £700 represents great value for money. Being tubeless ready is also a bonus. The wheel come in at a claimed 1435g which is nice a light for a wheelset of this depth. If you’re looking for the best road bike upgrades then the wheels are a great place to start.
Where to buy
Selle Italia SLR Flow Saddle
What they say
The SLR Flow is strong but light weight thanks to the innovative carbon fibre shell with the new SuperFlow cutout technology which helps drastically reduce the physical limitations caused by prolonged pressure on the pelvis when riding long distances.
Key specifications
- SuperFlow cutout technology reduce pressure and increases long distance comfort
- Self-modelling padding for perfect fit and comfort
- 30% Carbon composite Shell
- Weight: 170 grams
- Rail: TI 316 Tube Ø 7mm
- Size: 131 x 275mm
- Use: Road/Offroad
Our verdict
The Selle Italia SLR Flow is impressively lightweight whilst still being super comfortable. The cutout channel helps relieve pressure and 7mm rails will fit all seat posts. One of the best for the money. As far as road bike upgrades go, the saddle should be at the top of the list.
Where to buy
Continental GP4000S II Folding Tyre Twinpack
What they say
The best balance of performance across all conceivable road conditions. Combining low rolling resistance, great puncture protection, high mileage and super sticky grip in both wet & dry conditions, the Continental Grand Prix 4000S II provides the best all-round road performance that money can buy.
Key specifications
- Weight (g): 235
- Tyre Bead: Folding
- Puncture Protection: Vectran Breaker
- Wheel Size: 700c (622)
Our verdict
One of the most popular tyres around, and for good reason. The GP4000s II are great value for money, grippy and roll just as well as higher priced tyres. Puncture protection is fantastic which makes this a tyre that can be used year round.
Where to buy
Deda Zero100 RHM Black Handlebar
What they say
This Deda Zero100 RHM handlebar is manufactured from 7075 triple butted alloy and is strong. The bar features their RHM shape and design which gives great hand comfort in many bar hand positions. Great bar for comfort especially of long rides.
Key specifications
- Made from triple butted 7075 alloy
- Handlebar clamp: 31.7mm
- Reach: 75mm
- Drop: 130mm
- Sizes available: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46cm (outside-outside)
- Weight: 248g (42cm)
- Finish: black matt anodised
Our verdict
If you’re looking for a new set of handlebars and don’t want to spend a fortune then you should definitely consider the Deda Zero100’s. They are lightweight, well made and really look the part. You’ll find many pro cyclists using these over their carbon counterparts due to the robust nature of alloy. Highly recommended.
Where to buy
Supacaz Super Sticky Kush Handlebar tape
What they say
Super Sticky Kush is the high performance bar tape of choice for World Champions and Gold Medallists. Fusing performance and style, Supacaz delivers the first bar tape worth dreaming about. We boldly claim that Super Sticky Kush is the best bar tape ever.
Key specifications
- Tackiest/Best Hand Feel
- Most Durable PU Tape
- Super Bright, Exclusive Colors
- Laser Etched Powder Coated Aluminum Bar Plugs
- High End Rubberized Finishing Tape
Our verdict
Rewrapping your bars with new tape can transform how your bike looks and feels, especially if you go with some of the more colourful options out there. The Supercaz Kush range is top-quality, comfortable and durable. This is a premium tape, and there are cheaper options, but you won’t find much better.
