Hey, at least a bike is cheaper than a boat!

Congratulations, you’ve bought a Bike, but you still have some room on your credit card to buy some bike-related accessories to upgrade your experience! What should you focus on? In this article I will present the official Cycling Sage’s Top 10 Bike Upgrades for you to accrue interest charges on when you get your monthly credit card statement. These are not presented in any particular order other of importance.

On-Bike Upgrades

This first section focuses on upgrades to your bike itself, while the next section discusses off-bike upgrades that improve the overall experience of Cycling in your life.

1. Carbon Fiber Wheels

Carbon fiber wheels offer several advantages to cyclists. Firstly, they are known for their aerodynamic benefits, which can improve speed and performance, especially in racing conditions. Light in weight, these wheels contribute to the overall reduction in the bike’s weight, making it easier to handle and maneuver. Their construction results in a leaf spring effect that enhances comfort by absorbing vibration better than aluminum wheels. The stiffness of carbon fiber wheels also makes the bicycle feel more responsive to pedaling and steering inputs, ultimately leading to a more engaging and enjoyable ride.

2. Shock Absorbing Stem & Seat Post

Whole body vibrations (WBV) in cycling are a significant concern, particularly for professional and long-distance cyclists. The issue arises from the continuous exposure to vibrations and shocks transmitted from the bike’s contact points with the ground (through the tires and wheels) up through the frame and into the cyclist’s body. This is especially problematic when cycling on uneven terrain or over long periods.

The effects of WBV on the cyclist’s body are multifold. Firstly, it can lead to physical fatigue and discomfort, affecting performance and endurance. Prolonged exposure to these vibrations can cause muscle soreness, numbness, and even long-term health issues like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or lower back pain. Secondly, WBV can also lead to a reduction in bike handling and control, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Shock-absorbing stems, such as the Redshift Sports Shockstop Stem, are designed to address this problem. These components act as a buffer between the handlebars and the bicycle’s frame, absorbing and dissipating the energy from shocks and vibrations before they can reach the rider’s hands, arms, and upper body.

The process works as follows: When the bike hits a bump or a rough patch, the force is transmitted up through the bike’s frame. When this shockwave reaches the shock-absorbing stem, the stem’s internal components compress, absorbing much of the force. This compression reduces the amount of energy that continues up into the handlebars and, subsequently, into the cyclist’s body.

By reducing the shocks and vibrations transferred to the cyclist, these stems can significantly decrease physical fatigue and discomfort. This leads to improved performance, greater endurance, and a more comfortable ride overall. Moreover, by reducing the effects of WBV, shock-absorbing stems can also enhance bike handling and control, potentially reducing the risk of accidents.

The Redshift Sports Shockstop Stem offers numerous advantages for cycling enthusiasts. Firstly, its minimalistic design seamlessly integrates with the aesthetic of modern bikes while reducing fatigue and strain during rides, making it perfect for rough terrains, bikepacking, gravel biking, and commuter e-bikes. It is quite versatile, fitting most road and mountain bikes and comes in various sizes and angles.

One of the most unique features of the ShockStop Stem is its customization capabilities. It comes with five swappable elastomers of varying densities, allowing cyclists to customize the suspension feel according to their preference and the riding conditions.

The stem absorbs shock from the road and gravel trails, reducing discomfort and potential pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms, neck, and shoulders.

While shock-absorbing stems can significantly reduce the impact of WBV, they are only one component of a comprehensive approach to managing this issue. Other factors, such as bike fit, tire pressure, saddle choice, and riding technique, also play crucial roles.

A suspension seatpost on bicycles provides numerous advantages, primarily focused on reducing whole-body vibrations, which can enhance the overall cycling experience.

Firstly, using a suspension seatpost can significantly improve ride comfort. It absorbs shocks and dampens vibrations coming from the road or trails, thereby reducing the strain on the body. This absorption capability allows riders to stay seated for longer periods, without experiencing discomfort or fatigue.

Secondly, a suspension seatpost can alleviate lower back pain, a common issue among cyclists. By reducing vibrations and shocks, it helps prevent potential back injuries and prolongs comfort in the saddle.

Thirdly, suspension seatposts can make narrow tire bikes more capable on rough terrain by smoothing out bumps and irregularities.

Lastly, they are beneficial for long-distance touring and bikepacking trips, where the terrain can be unpredictable and the need for comfort is paramount.

However, it’s worth noting that while they offer numerous benefits, suspension seatposts do come with a weight penalty and can exhibit suspension bob when pedaling. Different models use different damping systems, and their effectiveness in reducing vibration exposure is currently up for debate.

3. Cycling Computer

A cycling computer, such as a Garmin cycling computer, is a device designed specifically for cyclists to enhance their riding experience and provide valuable information during their rides. Here are some advantages and uses of a cycling computer:

1. Data Tracking: Cycling computers are equipped with various sensors, including GPS, altimeter, and heart rate monitor, which allow you to track essential data about your ride. You can monitor metrics such as speed, distance, time, elevation, cadence, power output, and heart rate. This data helps you analyze your performance, set goals, and track your progress over time.
2. Navigation and Mapping: Garmin cycling computers offer advanced navigation features. You can plan routes, upload them to your device, and receive turn-by-turn directions while riding. The GPS functionality enables you to explore new routes, find your way back if you get lost, and discover points of interest along the way.
3. Training Analysis: Cycling computers provide detailed insights into your training sessions. By analyzing data such as heart rate zones, power zones, and cadence, you can optimize your training regimen. You can identify strengths and weaknesses, monitor your effort levels, and adjust your training intensity accordingly. Many devices also offer training programs and virtual partner features to help you improve and stay motivated.
4. Performance Monitoring: With a cycling computer, you can track your performance in real-time. You can see your current speed, distance covered, and elevation climbed, allowing you to push yourself further or maintain a steady pace. The ability to monitor your performance during a ride helps you optimize your effort and achieve your goals more effectively.
5. Connectivity and Integration: Garmin cycling computers often offer wireless connectivity and can sync with your smartphone or other devices. This allows you to upload your rides to online platforms, such as Garmin Connect or Strava, where you can analyze and share your data with others. Additionally, some devices offer ANT+ or Bluetooth compatibility, allowing you to connect with other sensors, such as power meters or speed/cadence sensors.
6. Safety Features: Some cycling computers have built-in safety features, including incident detection and live tracking. Incident detection can automatically send an alert to emergency contacts if it detects a crash or fall, providing peace of mind during solo rides. Live tracking allows your friends or family to track your real-time location, ensuring your safety during long rides or when exploring unfamiliar areas.
7. Customization: Cycling computers often offer a high degree of customization. You can personalize data screens to display the metrics that matter most to you, set up alerts for specific targets (e.g., heart rate zones or speed thresholds), and customize the device’s appearance through various screen layouts and data field configurations.

4. Rear Bike Rack

Another rack type! Racks are such a useful category I guess.

A rear bike rack is an accessory that attaches to the rear of a bicycle and provides a platform for carrying various items. Here are some advantages of using a rear bike rack:

1. Increased Carrying Capacity: Rear bike racks significantly expand the storage capacity of your bicycle. They offer a stable and secure platform to transport items such as panniers, backpacks, groceries, camping gear, work essentials, and more. With a rear rack, you can easily carry larger loads without the need for a backpack, distributing the weight evenly and reducing strain on your body.
2. Convenience and Versatility: Having a rear bike rack allows you to transport items conveniently and efficiently. Instead of carrying a heavy backpack on your back, you can place it on the rack, freeing up your shoulders and reducing fatigue. The rack also provides a flat surface to securely attach different types of bags or cargo carriers, enabling you to transport a wide range of items during your rides.
3. Improved Balance and Handling: By placing the weight on the rear rack, your bicycle’s weight distribution is more balanced. This helps improve the overall stability and handling of your bike, especially when carrying heavy or bulky items. With a properly loaded rear rack, you can maintain better control and maneuverability, enhancing your cycling experience and safety.
4. Preserved Comfort: Using a rear bike rack allows you to maintain a more comfortable riding position. When you carry a heavy load in a backpack, it can cause strain on your back, neck, and shoulders, leading to discomfort and potential pain. With a rear rack, you can eliminate the weight on your body, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable ride.
5. Protection for Fragile Items: Rear bike racks often come with additional accessories such as bungee cords, straps, or mounting systems that enable you to secure your cargo firmly. This is particularly advantageous when transporting fragile items or electronics, as it helps prevent damage or shifting during the ride. Some rear racks even have built-in features like fenders or cargo nets to offer additional protection and security.
6. Commuting and Touring Convenience: Rear bike racks are particularly useful for commuters and bicycle tourists. They provide a practical solution for carrying work essentials, laptops, spare clothes, and groceries on your daily commute or long-distance rides. Rear racks also allow you to easily attach panniers or saddlebags, providing ample storage space for extended tours or bikepacking adventures.
7. Easy Installation and Compatibility: Rear bike racks are generally designed to be compatible with a wide range of bicycles, including various frame sizes and styles. They can be easily installed using mounting brackets or attachment points on the rear of the bike, depending on the specific rack model. Once installed, the rack can be quickly detached or adjusted as needed.

5. Panniers & Trunk Bags

Panniers offer several advantages for cyclists:

1. Increased Carrying Capacity: Panniers significantly increase the amount of gear or items a cyclist can carry, making them ideal for long-distance touring, commuting, or grocery shopping.
2. Balance and Stability: By distributing weight evenly on both sides of the bike, panniers can improve stability and handling, especially when carrying heavy loads.
3. Protects rider’s back: Unlike backpacks, panniers allow the bike to bear the load, reducing the strain on the cyclist’s back.
4. Accessibility & Organization: Panniers often come with multiple compartments, making it easier to organize and access items.
5. Aerodynamics: Positioned low and towards the back of the bike, panniers can have a smaller impact on aerodynamics compared to other luggage options.
6. Versatility: Many panniers can be easily detached and used as a regular bag, making them a versatile choice for cyclists.

Remember, it’s important to pack panniers correctly to maintain balance and to prevent any damage to the bike or the items being transported.

Trunk bags on a bike rear rack offer several advantages for cyclists. Firstly, they are centered, which maintains the bike’s balance. This positioning also aids in aerodynamics, making them an efficient choice for longer rides. Trunk bags are generally smaller and more minimalistic than panniers, making them less cumbersome and ideal for carrying essentials like jackets, tools, and food.

Another significant advantage is their affordability. Trunk bags are usually cheaper than panniers, making them an economical choice for cyclists. They also feature extra pockets for enhanced organization and easy access to items without having to unpack the entire bag.

Trunk bags are also versatile, capable of storing a variety of items from books to laptops to clothes, which can be extremely useful for commuting or cycle touring. However, they do have a smaller cargo capacity than panniers and may not be waterproof. Remember to consider your specific storage needs and the type of biking you’ll be doing when choosing between trunk bags and other bike storage options.

6. Tubeless Tires

Tubeless tires on bicycles offer a myriad of benefits that significantly enhance the performance and comfort of your ride.

1. Puncture Resistance: Tubeless tires, setup without an inner tube, utilize a latex sealant to improve puncture resistance. This setup reduces the likelihood of flat tires and snake bites, ensuring a more reliable ride.
2. Enhanced Comfort: A significant benefit of tubeless tires is the increased comfort they provide due to lower tire pressures. Lower tire pressures mean a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially on rough terrains.
3. Reduced Rolling Resistance: Tubeless tires can offer lower rolling resistance, particularly on off-road terrains. Lower rolling resistance means you can ride faster and more efficiently, saving your energy for longer rides.
4. Better Traction: Tubeless tires can provide better traction, especially in corners. The ability to run at a low PSI allows the tires to conform to uneven surfaces better, maintaining the bike’s momentum and offering superior control.
5. Weight Reduction: Since there is no inner tube, tubeless tires can also contribute to reducing the overall weight of the bicycle. This can make for more agile handling and quicker acceleration.

Despite these benefits, it’s important to note that tubeless tires require more maintenance and can potentially be more expensive than traditional tires. Regular sealant changes and airtight seals are necessary for optimal functioning . However, for many cyclists, the benefits of tubeless tires outweigh these considerations.

7. Lights

Bicycle lights are essential for ensuring safety and visibility when cycling, particularly during night rides. They not only help cyclists see their path clearly but also make them noticeable to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents [2].

The benefits of bicycle lights are numerous. They enhance visibility, allowing riders to see obstacles in their path and helping them to be seen by pedestrians and motorists. This minimizes the chances of collisions. Moreover, certain lights come equipped with advanced technology like REFLEX, which adjusts the light intensity based on the rider’s speed, offering an optimal lighting solution for different scenarios [3].

As for the recommended lumen levels, for night riding, it is suggested to have a light with brightness ranging from 50 to 200 lumens. However, for mountain bike trail riding, Light & Motion CEO, Daniel Emerson, recommends a minimum of 1,000 lumens. This level of brightness helps cyclists see trail features and obstacles even in total darkness [1][2].

It’s important to note that while bright lights can augment visibility, they can also potentially interfere with the eye’s natural ability to adjust to low light conditions and might temporarily blind other road users if not positioned correctly [2]. Thus, appropriate positioning and careful use of bicycle lights are essential for optimal safety and visibility.

References:

[1] Choosing The Best Mountain Bike Lights for Night Riding
[2] How Bright Should a Bike Light Be? (Bicycle Lumens Guide)
[3] Who and what makes a really good mountain bike light …

8. Larger Brake Rotors

Installing larger brake rotors on a bicycle with a hydraulic braking system has several benefits for enhancing stopping power. Firstly, larger rotors generate more stopping force and dissipate heat more effectively due to their increased mass and area [1][3]. This helps in maintaining the brake’s performance in long rides, especially during extended descents where overheating can occur [1].

Additionally, the mechanical advantage of the brake over the wheel is increased with larger rotors. This means that for a given level of brake line pressure, the resultant stopping force at the rim of the wheel is greater [3]. As a result, you can achieve more braking for less pressure, which translates to better control and feel, and less hand fatigue [1].

Moreover, larger rotors can also improve bike control, especially for faster riders who generate more kinetic energy. This energy needs to be efficiently removed to halt the bike, and larger rotors can facilitate this process more effectively [3]. However, it’s important to note that using larger rotors does make the system more prone to warping and distortion, necessitating the use of high-quality components [1].

Lastly, the pad and disk material’s quality also plays a significant role in braking performance. Hence, it’s essential to ensure both the rotor and caliper are of good quality when opting for a larger size [1].

References:

[1] mountain bike — What is the benefit of a larger disc rotor?
[2] Why brake size matters | BikePerfect
[3] 3 Reasons Why You Should Have Bigger Rotors

Off-Bike Upgrades

This next list focuses on upgrades not to the bike per se, but to your overall cycling experience.

9. Bike Racks (car)

Bike racks for cars offer several advantages, making them a worthwhile investment for regular cyclists. Firstly, they provide ease of use, simplifying the process of transporting your bike. This can fuel your enthusiasm for cycling as it reduces the effort required to embark on a ride.

Secondly, bike racks enable you to visit favorite or more distant riding spots, expanding your cycling horizons and providing new challenges and experiences. They can also facilitate group rides with friends or family, making your cycling adventures more sociable and enjoyable.

Thirdly, bike racks offer a secure and safe way to transport your bikes, reducing the risk of damage or abrasions. They come in various types, each with its unique advantages. For instance, trunk-mounted racks are portable and economical, hitch-mounted racks are robust and secure, and roof-mounted racks are versatile and extremely secure.

Lastly, bike racks provide the opportunity to integrate fitness into your vacations, allowing you to explore new places on your bike while enjoying fresh air. However, it’s important to consider potential drawbacks such as cost, the risk of theft, and the impact on fuel efficiency before investing in a bike rack.

10. Bike Racks (home)

If you have the first world problem of owning too many bikes, and you need to store them at home more efficiency, there’s a rack type for this lucky issue. Bike racks for storing multiple bikes at home offer several advantages:

1. Space-Saver: Bike racks help to save space, especially in small homes or apartments where floor space is precious. They offer vertical or horizontal storage options to maximize room usage.
2. Organized Storage: Bike racks keep your bikes neatly organized. Instead of having them scattered around the garage or house, they’ll be in one specific spot, which makes it easier to locate and retrieve them.
3. Damage Prevention: Bike racks protect your bikes from potential damage. When bikes are stored properly, they’re less likely to fall and get scratched, dented, or otherwise damaged.
4. Secure: Many bike racks also come with security features, allowing you to lock your bikes onto the rack for an added measure of theft protection.
5. Aesthetically Pleasing: Bike racks can also add an aesthetic element to your home. Many modern designs are sleek and stylish, serving as a decorative element as well as a practical storage solution.

Bonus Upgrade

11. Photochromic Polarized Anti-Fog Glasses

Photochromic polarized anti-fog sunglasses offer an array of benefits to cyclists, enhancing riding experience and ensuring safety.

Firstly, the photochromic lenses are sensitive to ultraviolet light, adjusting their darkness accordingly. This feature is particularly useful in long rides that stretch from daylight into dusk or dawn into daylight, as they seamlessly adapt to the changing light levels[2]. This negates the need for cyclists to switch between different pairs of glasses, providing them convenience.

The polarized aspect of the lenses primarily helps in reducing glare from the sun, which could potentially be dangerous to cyclists. By reducing glare, these lenses enhance visibility, especially in high mountains or near bodies of water where reflections can be particularly harsh[1].

The anti-fog feature comes in handy during colder weather or high-intensity rides where sweat might cause regular lenses to fog up, hampering vision. Anti-fog glasses maintain clear sight by preventing this fogging, thus increasing safety[3].

Finally, these sunglasses also offer protection against harmful UV rays, wind, dust, and other debris, shielding the eyes and allowing the rider to focus on the road or trail ahead[3].

Photochromic polarized anti-fog sunglasses are the go-to option for cyclists who need versatile, reliable, and high-performing eyewear[2][3].

References:
[1] Polarized vs. Photochromic Sunglasses for Cycling
[2] Best Photochromic Sunglasses For Cyclists In 2022
[3] how to choose your cycling glasses?

Top 10 Cycling Upgrades+ was originally published in Cycle Sage on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.