When it comes to upgrading your bike there are so many different ways you can do it. Whether you have a speed bike for racing down the trails or a bike you use for leisure riding, there are plenty of ways you can upgrade your bike by way of accessories or pure mechanics to the actual bike. Although there are some bike upgrades out there that will cost you a lot of money, there are also upgrades that won’t set you back too far.
Within this article, we look at some of the different kinds of bike upgrades you can try and you can see for yourself if they will work for you or not. If you’re not sure where to start, just try to start off simply then you can add more upgrades from there. It can be a little project that you slowly conduct, like maybe add something new each month or try out a new thing every few weeks. The choice is yours and the benefits will be worth it!
Table Of Contents
Best Bicycle Upgrades Comparisons
Brand | Details |
|---|---|
 Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle | |
 BONMIXC Bike Brass Bells | |
 SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape | |
 BV Bike Cleats | |
 Finish Line Super Bike Wash Bicycle Cleaner | |
 Park Tool CG-2.3 Chain Gang Chain Cleaning System | |
 Ultra-Bright Bike Light Blitzu Cyborg 168T USB Rechargeable Bicycle Tail Light | |
 BV Adjustable Bicycle Bike Kickstand with Concealed Spring-Loaded Latch |
Types of Upgrades
So, upgrading your bike doesn’t mean you need to go out and purchase some brand new bicycle with a hefty price tag. You can simply add some sweet new gear or even purchase accessories for yourself that will go toward the entire upgrade process. From helmets to speed monitors, you can really make your bike your favorite method of traveling, you just need to know where to start and what to look for. Bike shops are a great way to plan an upgrade and a great way to get useful information, but you can’t go wrong reading reviews online, as well. Also, ask your peers. See what your fellow bike riders are using and what brands/specs they prefer.
The Gear
Water Bottles
Water bottles may seem like a funny or insignificant thing to upgrade, but it’s totally worth treating yourself to a better water bottle since you’ll be using it (or should be using it) on every ride.
This doesn’t mean you have to go super fancy, but there are some pretty great water bottles out there on the market to help you on your way to a fun ride and easy hydration.
Bells
Yes, bicycle bells are still a thing! How else are you supposed to alert pedestrians of your approach? Bike bells have certainly come a long way, but the concept remains the same: ring the bell to get people to move out of the way. Pretty standard stuff, but you can consider this an upgrade if you’re the type of person who has been shouting at pedestrians or other riders as you pass. At least this will make your job somewhat easier.
Bar Tape
Bar take is a nifty tape that you wrap around your handlebars in order to improve grip and get a better feel for your bike. This is awesome for people who like to ride in inclement weather or for riders that often go out on rougher terrain and simply need a proper hand to bar grip at all times. This tape will last you a long time, and there is plenty on a roll to get you through many, many seasons of safe riding.
Cleats
For excellent foot to pedal contact, treat yourself to some pretty sweet bike cleats. Even if your bike doesn’t come with cleats intact, you can always use cleats that have been sold separately and clip them on with kits. You won’t regret it once you feel how amazing the push off is with brand new cleats. Now you’re going to want to get shoes to match. Totally optional, though.
Bike Cleaner
You’re going to need a good bike cleaner in order to keep your new gear clean and looking fabulous. Get yourself a really good bike cleaner to clean off all the gunk that gets accumulated over time. This way, you’re ensuring the longevity of your bike, but also the longevity of the gear you’ve purchased to match. You won’t regret it and your bike will thank you with years of dutiful service.
Chain Lube
Kind of like the bike cleaner, you’re going to need a really good chain lube in order to keep your bike chains oiled and gunk free. You will definitely extend the life of your chains if you use a decent chain lube, and the more you spend, the higher the quality of lube you’re using. Thankfully, bike lube isn’t expensive at all and you can find it in almost every bike store or sports store.
Tail light
A tail light is so important because it will help alert drivers that you’re on the road. This is an easy upgrade, but an upgrade that could end up saving your life one day. You never know, you could be on a trail and someone could be tired and driving down the road completely unaware of your presence. Seeing that blinking tail light will alert them that you’re near and keep drivers from bumping into you. You can’t go wrong with a tail light.
Kickstand
Sometimes it’s the simplest details that make all the difference. With a pretty sweet kickstand, you can easily park your bike anywhere without worrying about the whole bike toppling over. These are really handy if you are going for rides out in the mountains or in non-flat surfaces that could need a little extra support.
Now that you have a rundown of some of the most basic gear that can cause a total upgrade, you can see which ones are the best in the market! Or at least the ones that are highly reviewed and rated. These are some of the best upgrades you can find and they will totally trick out your bike.
Top 8 Bicycle Upgrades Reviews
Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle
So many positive reviews just can’t be wrong. The Polar Bottle Insulated Water Bottle packs a powerful punch in both hydration and coolness. This bottle boasts to keep your fluids cold for a really long time, which is super great for even the longest rides into the hills. This bottle is completely insulated and is thermally protected. It’s also BPA free, so you don’t have to worry about any weird chemicals seeping into your water.
Pros
Cons
BONMIXC Bike Brass Bells
The BONMIXC Brass Bike Bells will send out a shrill bell loud enough to warn all your fellow road sharers that you are on your way. These are really nifty bells that are easy to install and sound super great. What’s super great about these bells is that they will fit almost any standard bike handlebar, but this also includes other standard handlebars such as scooters. Simple to use and easy to install, these babies are so worth the upgrade.
Pros
Cons
SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape
When it comes to the best handlebar tape, the SRAM Supercork Bicycle Bar Tape won’t let you down. This tape is light, durable and so worth the upgrade! This special roll even includes finishing tape for extra protection from the elements and protection from general wear. That’s super great for riders that use their bikes every day. It comes in a variety of different colors to match just about any bike style; red, blue, black, pink, yellow, and white. There’s enough in each package to do both handles plus the end caps and has a cork backing for that extra bit of padding.
Pros
Cons
BV Bike Cleats
These BV Bike Cleats are compatible with Look Delta cleat sets. This means that as long as you have the Look Delta cleat set, you can pretty much use these on any bike; both indoor cycling as well as outdoor road cycling. These cleats are made of high standard material and will feel amazing on your shoe. They are adjustable and considered a high performing cleat. If you’re an avid cyclist, both indoor and outdoor, and strive to reach high speeds, these will give you that extra security on the pedals.
Pros
Cons
Finish Line Super Bike Wash Bicycle Cleaner
Keeping your bicycle clean and free of dirt and other build-up can help extend the life of your bike. Dirt and other substances can break down the metals and other parts as well as corrode the finish or paint job. The Finish Line Super Bike Wash Bicycle Cleaner will surely remove all the dirt and gunk from you bike that has naturally accumulated over time. This powerful wash is strong enough to get the grime off, but gentle enough to not affect your bike paint or materials. The bike seat and handlebars can undergo some washing via this powerful wash and still be protected. Pretty nifty, if you ask us.
Pros
Cons
Park Tool CG-2.3 Chain Gang Chain Cleaning System
Your chain is one of the most important parts of your bike so keeping it clean and free of any build-up and debris that could cause it to cease up over time. The Park Tool CG-2.3 Chain Gang Chain Cleaning System is some pretty powerful stuff. This system can cut through grease and grim with no problem, leaving your bike chains looking brand new after each ride. Although you don’t have to use the chain cleaner after every ride, it is recommended to use the cleaner at least once a month to promote the longevity of your bike chains and the power of your bike.
Pros
Cons
Ultra-Bright Bike Light Blitzu Cyborg 168T USB Rechargeable Bicycle Tail Light
This nifty light can either hook on to your helmet or your tail light, depending on where you need it the most. This is a really powerful light that can pack a punch and definitely alert people that you’re in the area. What’s great about these lights is that they are so easy to install and you can easily install a few of them in order to create a safe, well-lit space for you and everyone else on the road.
Pros
Cons
BV Adjustable Bicycle Bike Kickstand with Concealed Spring-Loaded Latch
The BV Adjustable Bicycle Bike Kickstand comes with a concealed spring-loaded latch that is super easy to use and really strong. This kickstand can withstand the weight of almost every bike and it will get a good grip to the ground with ease. This is the perfect upgrade for bikers that bike in terrain such as rocky trails or even a mountainous range. You will not be disappointed with this nifty kickstand and it’s so easy to install.
Pros
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Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many great items you can buy in order to give your bike the proper upgrade it deserves. Whether you are looking for a substantial upgrade or something more on the simpler end, there is an upgradable material just for you. These are only a few items to consider as there are so many different items and accessories you can buy for bikes that will look equally as awesome.
Like we said in the beginning, you can simply use a few items and start slow, if you want. You can always add more stuff later if you’re looking for a long term project or just want to make your bike super sweet over time. It should be a fun project with an impressive end game. Have fun with it!