CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESYour bike works hard, and there’s a good chance that at this point in the season it needs a little love. Unfortunately, as anyone who’s ever set foot in a bike shop knows, upgrades are pricey. Luckily, you can show your bike some gratitude for all of those long days on the dirt without breaking the bank.
Check out these quick and easy upgrades – ones that you can take care of yourself – to keep your steed happy, fast and smooth.
Maybe your bearings are shot, or maybe you’re pedaling rattraps; either way, pedals are a great way to improve your efficiency and drop some weight. Shimano XT clipless pedals are a classic, offering durability and function in a relatively lightweight package.
It’s the part of the bike you’re most intimate with— and a little extra cash spent here will make every mile that much more comfortable. The WTB Pure Pro is a great all around saddle, with a svelte profile and comfortable fit for a wide range of sit bones.
Note: saddles are a matter of personal preference; try a few if you can.
Ok, so wheels aren’t cheap, but they’re the most noticeable upgrade you can make. A wheel’s weight is multiplied by the centrifugal force generated when it spins, so light ones feel exponentially lighter on the bike. And if you haven’t gone tubeless already, just do it. These ZTR ARCH rims from Stans will take a beating and keep on rolling.
Grips are a great way to let everyone know how steezy you are—but really they’ll also improve your handling and confidence. Time to get rid of that gross shredded rubber clinging to your bars and slap on a pair of these sweet Troy Lee Designs ODI lock-ons. Soft gridded rubber keeps your hands happy, and a range of color offerings will match any paint job.
Allow us to break down one of the secrets of the world here: the state of your bike is the state of your soul. If your bike has spent the last week in a dark garage, caked with mud, what does that say about your soul? No wonder your chain was crying on that last ride. Keep your bike (and your spirit) clean with this handy brush kit from Pedro's.
