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More speed (and safety) for less ££



We all want our bikes to be as safe as possible and to run as well as possible, so we can concentrate on the sheer pleasure of riding without feeling that our is bike sluggish and holding us back, and we also want to be able to enjoy the descents with the knowledge that we can stop safely!

Bike improvements can be very expensive and there is no shortage of adverts tempting us to part with our hard-earned cash. Upgrading from 105 to Dura Ace will cost about £1800, and although your bike will ride slightly better, the improvement per pound spent will not be significant. So is it possible to make big improvements for a modest layout? Well yes, there are, and these are my top 4 recommendations.


1.      Brake and gear cables.

When I’m working on a customer’s bike, it really irritates me that bikes at the cheaper end of the market have galvanised steel brake and gear cables, when for a few pounds more, stainless-steel cables could be provided. Stainless cables don’t corrode, they have a smoother finish and they are more flexible. So not only are they safer; both braking and gear changing will be improved.

INSIDER TIP: Shimano/SRAM systems require different cables than Campagnolo due to the 2 systems having a different nipple (the block of metal at the end of the cable) size, so make sure you buy cables that are specifically for the brakes/gears you are using.


Cost of upgrade: About £3 per cable.


2.      Brake block and pads

Keeping on the theme of safety; brake pads and blocks is not an area where you want to be cutting costs. You should buy the best you can. For years I have used Swissstop for my rim brakes. They are about twice the price of Shimano, but boy do they improve braking performance!

Similarly with disc brake pads; buy the best you can. Swissstop also do brake pads and Tadej Pogacar uses Absolute Black – and if they are good enough for him, they are good enough for you, and you just shouldn’t compromise on safety

INSIDER TIP: Different braking systems require different blocks and pads, so do your research or get in touch to find the right ones for you.


Cost of upgrade for rim brakes: About £12 per pair.

Cost of upgrade for disc brakes: About £15 per pair.


3.      Tyres

Tyres are your contact with the road and they have a massive impact on the feel, performance and safety of your bike, and this is one area that you can use the same kit as the pros you see on TV.

A good, middle of the range, tyre would be something like a Continental Ultra Sport. I’ve used these for years in all weathers. They will get you through a winter as well as being good enough as a starter racing tyre, and for about £20 each they are a terrific bargain. But if you want something really special for those summer rides, it’s hard to beat a Specialised Turbo cotton tyre. These are the very same tyres currently being used by Olympic and world champion Remco Evenepoel. Yes, these tyres are £50+ each, but where else on a bike can you spend an extra £60 and ride the same kit the pro’s use?

If you’re riding tubeless, the Continental GP5000 TT TR is a favourite of the pro’s and is available for about £60.

INSIDER TIP: Buy folding tyres with a Kevlar bead. They are lighter, easier to carry in a bike bag and easier to get on and off.


Cost of upgrade: From £30 per tyre.


4.      Inner Tubes

To get the most from your tyres, you need to think about what goes inside and, unless you’re running tubeless tyres, that means an inner tube.

I’ve used latex inner tubes for longer than I care to remember. I do use butyl tubes but only for an emergency repair by the roadside as latex can be a bit fiddly. Latex inner tubes also don’t hold air as well as butyl, so why am I recommending you use inner tubes that are more difficult to fit and are not air tight?! Because they make your bike feel amazing and are well worth the effort!

For about twice the price, you’ll lift your cycling experience to another level.

Many of my friends have moved to TPU inner tubes. These are lighter than latex and they hold the air better (though not as well as butyl). TPU can be very expensive, but I have it on good authority that they are cheap and plentiful on AliExpress. Just remember that if you are using rim brakes, you can’t use the lightest TPU tubes available due to the heat build-up.


Cost of upgrade: About £5-£10 per tube.


So, there you have it, 4 ways to improve the feel and safety of your bike for about £150 – and it will be money well spent as you will clearly feel the difference. The links provided are not the only places you can buy the various products I’ve recommended so, with a bit of shopping around, you might be able to find them cheaper.


Happy cycling!

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