You’ve been riding enough this year to know if something’s missing — the time has finally come to take the next step. Here are 10 items to make your riding life faster, more comfortable, and fun.
Bikes are in short supply this summer, but the right accessories and parts can improve your experience in the saddle. Whether you’re training for a friendly race with friends or taking on new dirt, Competitive Cyclist offers pedals, shoes, and other ways to freshen up your current setup.
How to Upgrade Your Bike Setup
Specialized Centro LED MIPS Helmet: $80
The Centro LED is an urban helmet with MIPS impact protection. For greater visibility, this lid comes with an integrated LED taillight. It has a clip-on visor and several vents, one of which is compatible with locks.
Why upgrade? It’s affordable, safe, and comes with a built-in light. That’s one less hassle when commuting.
Shop Specialized Centro LED MIPS HelmetPedals on Sale: From $96 (Up to 31% Off)
Update or transform your ride with a pair of new pedals from Crank Brothers, Shimano, or Race Face. Most of the pedals on sale are flats, which will change up your mountain biking ride if you’ve been adding more vert. We’ll let you look into the sale for your specific needs, but midsummer is a great time to freshen up your ride at a discount.
Why upgrade? Higher-quality flats will improve the traction from your shoe to pedal, reducing slippage and maximizing power transfer. Or, if you upgrade to clipless, you can improve your climbing power and finesse.
Shop Pedals on SaleAssos T.Milleshorts_s7 — Men’s: $120 (29% Off)
These bib shorts aim to prioritize comfort with an extra-padded chamois and extra room around the waist (in case you’re carrying the slightest spare tire). Assos bib tech purports to stretch around muscles, not just anywhere, while elastic leg cuffs and lie-flat straps should alleviate annoying hot spots.
Why upgrade? Quality cycling bibs are the first step in riding comfort. A good chamois and well-fitting bibs will help keep you spinning on longer rides without being distracted by discomfort.
Shop Assos T.Milleshorts s&Continental Grand Prix 5000 Tire — Clincher: From $43 (46% Off)
The latest iteration of the Grand Prix line updates the popular 4000 S II tire. It keeps the Black Chili rubber grip and adds new carbon black particles as part of its secret sauce meant to let the tire’s mold match the road faster. Continental says that should add reassurance in corners, just like the Lazer Grip etching on sides.
Why upgrade? A race-caliber tire will hold up better under intense training rides during the week and help unlock maximum speed and grip.
Shop Continental Grand Prix 5000 TireOsprey Packs Raptor 14L Backpack: $150
This hydration pack has a stretch-mesh front to hold bike essentials like a riding jacket, spare layers, and snacks. The back panel acts as a suspension to help keep the load centered, and the hip belt and sternum straps secure the pack from jostling side to side. It has a few bike-specific features like a helmet-carrying system and a strap for a light.
Why upgrade? Riding with a pack makes preparedness and hydration much easier.
Shop Osprey Raptor 14L BackpackWahoo Fitness Kickr Core Trainer: $900
The Kickr Core is the latest smart trainer from Wahoo Fitness with realistic road-ride feel and +/- 2% power accuracy. Built with a robust steel frame, the Kickr Core delivers quiet performance at a relatively inexpensive price point.
The Core works with QR, 12 x 142mm and 12 x 148mm dropout spacing and includes adapters for 130mm and 135mm quick-release and driveside adapter for 12 x 142mm and 12 x 148mm thru-axle setups. Finally, the Kickr Core works with a multitude of apps including Zwift and Trainer Road and will adjust the resistance based on in-app changes while simulating a ride.
Why upgrade? Flywheel trainers simulate the feel of real riding and provide a training option when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Shop Wahoo Kickr Core TrainerFi’zi:k Antares R1 Versus EVO Saddle: $150 (25% Off)
This saddle is made for riders with medium flexibility on longer rides. The seat is designed with a channel in the middle to relieve pressure and put your weight on the plusher seat pads for better weight distribution. Its carbon rails and a reinforced shell mix road dampening with rigidity.
Why upgrade? A saddle change can create a better riding position, making you more comfortable and more efficient on long-distance rides.
Shop Fi’zi:k Antares R1 Versus EVO SaddlePearl Izumi ELITE Road V5 Cycling Shoe — Men’s: $190 (21% Off)
The V5 is the stiffest sole in Pearl’s line. It transfers more of your power during sprints and climbs. The seamless upper dials in fit with a BOA up top and a strap in the forefoot. Air vents help circulate air during hot rides.
Why upgrade? If your feet are happy, your body is happy. Better shoes mean more comfort and more power to the pedals.
Shop Pearl Izumi ELITE Road V5 ShoePinarello Prince FX Disk Ultegra Di2 Road Bike: $5,399 (20% Off)
This is Pinarello’s race-ready carbon bike without the high price of its Dogma line. The Prince includes Ultegra Di2 groupset with a Di2-friendly Think2 E-Link port on the downtube and disc brakes. The asymmetrical frame has a flatback tube for more aerodynamic advantages and power transfer through the bike.
Why upgrade? Improved aerodynamics, a lightweight carbon frame, and high-end component spec will take your riding experience to the next level.
Shop Pinarello Prince FX Di2Shimano XT M8100/8120 L Gen 3 Power Meter Crank Arm: $350
Heads up, data junkies. This left-side crank arm pairs with Shimano XT M8100, M8120, and M8130 cranksets to measure power within +/- 1.5%. This version comes with improved data transfer via Bluetooth LE and ANT+ over previous models.
Why upgrade? A power meter provides accurate power numbers for you to pore over while evaluating your training progress.
Shop Shimano XT Power Meter Crank ArmThis article is sponsored by Competitive Cyclist. Find more ways to change up your ride here.
