11 of the Best Gravel Bike Upgrades in 2023

A selection of my personal favourite gravel and bikepacking accessories and products
Featured products
Redshift stem bit.ly/3mcaNJk
Redshift seatpost bit.ly/3yUfRpe
Castelli Unlimited Cargo Bib Shorts tidd.ly/3KYOjXy
Alpkit bag alpkit.com/products/toploader...
Spur bicycle bell www.spurcycle.com/products/be...
Wahoo Roam GPS tidd.ly/3swFoq4
Dynaplug tidd.ly/47QG6i8
Tubolito inner tube tidd.ly/3OYUTyq
Exposure Diablo light tidd.ly/3OYVikq
Ass Saver mudguard tidd.ly/44vypep
RockShox Rudy suspension fork tidd.ly/45OJWXi
Content
00:00 Intro
00:42 Redshift suspension stem
2:28 Wahoo Roam GPS computer
3:53 Alpkit bar bag
5:30 Spur bicycle bell
6:44 Clear protective tape
8:07 Cargo bib shorts
9:24 Dynaplug repair kit
10:48 TPU inner tube
11:33 Chain Lube
12:27 Lights
13:28 Suspension seat posts
15:20 Suspension fork
17:51 Ass Saver mudguard
19:10 Your best products?
Supported by Saddleback
Castelli clothing bit.ly/justridebikes
Sidi shoes bit.ly/3tjQ8UP
HJC helmet bit.ly/3sRiB2Z
Buy Bikestow Stance stand here bit.ly/3LSZQXZ
Follow me:
Instagram: / davidjarthur
Twitter: / davearthur
Facebook: / justridebikesvideo

[@davidarthur]

What are your favourite gravel biking accessories?

[@tristramcharnley2581]

Dave, I would add that a TPU inner tube is a lot less expensive than a taxi in the middle of Wales!

[@nickgalley1626]

another great vid thank you! Nice to know you are recommending some of the products I already have (Rudy Xplr fork / Dyna plug racer / Win Wing / obligatory bar bag / and the smart tube). I ride a Canyon Grizl CF SL eTap and added also the Xplr dropper as most of my rides are MTB routes on the South Downs but I chose a gravel bike and 2 x wheel sets as I also like to bomb along less technical terrain too. I also have Cushcore tyre inserts in my DT Swiss GRC 1400's. Main reason being to protect the rims but for sure adding another 'suspension' element to my rides. Keep up the good work!

[@jeztv9014]

Redshift kitchen sink bars with a loop: You can hang all sorts of stuff off them and it gives your hands extra positions. For me it works well with the Redshift stem for long trips :) - On a side note what do you think about the Lauf fork ?

[@jasonisaac1]

Redshift suspension stem for sure, Redshift kitchen sink handlebar, dropper post, better/wider tires and wheel upgrade, lastly widest gearing possible drivetrain upgrades.

[@matlugo]

@@nickgalley1626 I also think Rudy is a great idea in a gravel :) I see that the Grizl has the same head angle as my Topstone 4. I've already bought, but because of calculators from web I wonder if it makes sense to install it at all.... Do you guys think the 30mm Rudy XPLR will be ok? Will I wreck the geometry too much? The calculator says that the trail will be about 85mm, isn't that too much?

[@JoeCincotta307]

The red shift suspension stem is absolutely the best upgrade I have done to my gravel bike. I highly recommend it to anyone who will listen.

[@stevesnailfish]

I've got them on 3 of my drop bar bikes....Gravel, CX and road bike....Essential but not cheap...

[@philipcarson8438]

Definitely a great addition. I love my redshift. Also the cane creek seat post. Also, put a quick release seat clamp so you can drop on rugged terrain.

[@ironore8677]

Have you tried the seat post?

[@JoeCincotta307]

@@ironore8677 no, not yet. Thought it would get in the way / be an issue when i mount my rear apidura bag on bike packing weekends

[@koltface]

The cargo bibs though! I won't even consider buying bibs if they don't have pockets. Road or gravel. Snacks, gloves, rain jacket, snacks, arm warmers, snacks.

[@festerofest4374]

100% on the tiny bell.... I have a Rock Bros copy. Sometimes I'm on populated trails with people walking around all spaced out and a couple of "Ding-Ding's" as I'm approaching is usually gonna get their attention. Also, the bike protective tape.... I spent a bit more for the 3M paint protector tape... it's a bit thicker and will come off without trouble when the time comes. I did the underside of my down tube, and where the 3 straps of my small triangle frame bag straps to the top and seat tubes. Without the tape those spots take a beating. And obviously, best to apply it to a new bike!

[@gregmorrison7320]

Red Shift stem mounted on my Trek Checkpoint with Iso Speed rear is a great combo, as is the Win Wing. In the rain and muck last week never got a wet back side. I also run a Red Shift stem on my Cannondale Synapse, great for keeping hours of puppy paws riding comfortable.

[@Barryens]

My go to is Lizard Skins DSP 3.2mm bar tape. Not too expensive, good grip in the wet and plenty of cushioning. I also use Gravelhugger mudguards that work really well.

[@LOZUPONEJ]

I highly recommend the redshift stem too

[@djkush]

Love the tape tip, thanks 👍

[@815thengineers8]

You always do a great job with your videos.

[@ccamire]

Always good information on your channel

[@nacnud2323]

I like the the 76 projects piggy on bike storage with their roll top piggy pouch. Basically the same use as a small saddle bag but it doesn’t get as muddy and you don’t have to take it off when bike packing with bigger bags under the saddle.

[@jazzfan7491]

Great stuff

[@mattm00ey]

Cargo bibs baby..defo my next thing

[@bantolphbantir9605]

I use Vecnum freeQuence suspension stem in combination with a Ergon CF-1 seatpost. The Vecnum is based on a parralellogram with dual pivots, so the angle of attack of the bars never changes. It's also built really well and inspires a lot of trust that it won't break! The Ergon post is quite light, and moves in such a way that you don't even notice it moving and stays stiff when it's not bumpy.

[@mikekelly1771]

Every Redshift user will throw their stem in the bin as soon as they discover the Vecnum.

[@albertosantangelo6872]

​@@mikekelly1771 do you feel a great difference in terms of hand/arm/shoulder fatigue wrt a normal stem?

[@RobbyRob1761]

The first thing I do on any of my bikes is fit 'Helicopter tape' Absolutely brilliant - be it Road/Gravel/MTB 👍🏻

[@roboconnor8952]

Does it not pull off the paint when you remove it?

[@RobbyRob1761]

@@roboconnor8952 Absolutely not…. Just warm it up with a hair dryer and off it comes - no paint issues at all. Some makes are reusable too. 👍🏻

[@VictorElGreco]

Excellent suggestions! Funny US/UK difference, mounting the bell pointing backwards. 😄 Nice bell, though. Our experiences may also differ. I just never get punctures on rough terrain. Urban riding on our ever-present 🤬 space junk (shards of broken glass, scrap metal etc) kills my tires each and every season. Go figure…

[@obrienwspt85]

Can you comment on how suspension fork has affected geometry on Crux? Good, bad or neutral? I have bike with similar geometry and have come very close to pulling trigger on getting one but am concerned about effects on geometry of bike. Also, is that the 40 or 50mm Fox on your Crux?

[@peterharrington8709]

Some really great stuff there Dave, but that tape.... 3M helicopter tape every time for me!

[@thomasb.4219]

Hi David; really nice gadgets, especially the redshift stem. FSA has a similar product, the VAS stem - did you already test it? If not, could you do it for us? .... my best product: a (Restrap) bolt-on top tube bag. I can't imagine the bike without it anymore 😉

[@daness40]

@davidarthur You should review the Cane Creek eeSilk stem if you like the Redshift. I think it's a more polished version of what Redshift does. That being said, you can't fault either one in my opinion.

[@niklaskristensson2231]

I ride with both saddle supension and ha ndle bar stem suspension. Saddle suspension is just great in all riding. The handle bar stem suspension works best going downhill. Not very good upphill/flat terrain❤

[@Ecoroof1986]

Hi David. What's your thought's or experience on gravel tyre inserts? I'm using 650B Carbon wheels from Stayer on 47mm tyres.

[@paultushingham6816]

Hi Dave. I also use the Dynaplug racer and agree with the ease of use.. but I'm finding it very difficult to obtain the megaplug refill... seems to be out of stock or unavailable.. do you know where to find these? If so, could leave a link??? There are plenty of the soft nose types around.. Many thanks 👍

[@julianhawker7672]

Would you say that the Redshift stem would be suitable for a rigid MTB based bikepacking rig David ? I've been considering one for a while but its a lot of money to drop (considering the age/spec/use the bike gets) and find out its not suitable.........

[@glennoc8585]

I've got the future shock i think the redshift stem might be a little more than i need😅

[@JoniKukkola]

You can get a quolity suspension seat post for less money also, when comparing to Cane Creek or Redshift. I purchased AARON suspension post for £55 and been happy with it. German engineering and uses same tech basically than Redshift (coil). Of course there's lots of cheap, bad suspension posts in the market also, all I'm saying that AARON is a decent one.

[@Andy-co6pn]

SR Suntour also make one for around £80. Would be nice to see lower end stuff reviewed , we don't all ride di2 equipped carbon bikes

[@ohshititseddie]

Little tip: Heat the tape before you remove it from the paint :)

[@albertosantangelo6872]

Will you test the Vecnum FreeQENCE stem? Would be interesting to make a comparison with the FutureShock. Thanks

[@davidarthur]

Yes it's in the works

[@stevekelly6544]

I need some cargo bibs in my life…..

[@protonjicari5990]

Race geometry gravel bike + rudy front sus + red shift front sus + red shift seat post sus + carbon wheel set 650b + road bias MTB tires + tubeless tires …. Damn what a stupid idea 😂 I want to make one!

[@steveindorset]

Hi David Regards the Wahoo Roam. A while back you did a review of the Hammerhead v the Roam and said the Roam was a bit dated? What’s changed your mind? I’ve noticed you’ve used the roam on lots of bikes. What about a re-review on them both and what it is about the Roam that keeps you coming back to it?? 👍🏻

[@davidarthur]

it's the simplicity of the Roam that keeps me coming back to it really, just does what I need and no more really. The screen is clear enough, battery life is good and the app makes getting routes onto it a breeze especially when not on a wifi network. I do plan a review soon with the Garmin Edge so stay tuned for that

[@steveindorset]

@@davidarthur nice one David. Thanks for the reply, didn’t really expect a personal reply from such a large KZbinr like yourself. I really like the Roam myself, in fact I like Wahoo full stop! But when you said the hammerhead was better I was looking at the hammerhead. It’s nice to you’re honest enough to say “well actually I use this, cause I like it” and not be swayed to say all the “right things” for the mega brands. Nice one David 10/10 😎👍🏻

[@davidarthur]

@@steveindorset Thanks Steve. I think the Hammerhead is better at some things, and there are features I miss when using the Roam - but just averaging out all the differences and pros and cons and deciding what's really important when I'm riding, the Roam just wins me over. Moving from Garmin to Wahoo several years ago was definitely one of the best things I did but the latest Garmin appears to be a big improvement, but I fear they might have lost too many people to Wahoo in that time of flaky software

[@steveindorset]

@@davidarthur Yes I totally agree. Some years ago I dropped Garmin because of the software crashes and went to Wahoo and I’ve not looked back. Best decision ever. But I think if Hammerhead can get a better battery life the Wahoo may have tough competition. Can I just say I’ve been watching your vids from the beginning and I have to say your honest no nonsense approach to your videos and the products you review and your sheer excitement and love of cycling, I think are what keeps us all coming back. Keep up the great work David.🚴🏻‍♂️😎👍🏻

[@universe-juice]

Hey David. Good to hear from you. Have noticed that in the last 5 - 10 years, you havnt aged. Whats your secret?

[@Radelbande]

Why does no one care to mount the Win Wing correctly?

[@RobbyRob1761]

We used to have /use a Stem suspension on our MTB's back in the '80's/90's.... (long before suspension forks) You'd fit different coloured rubbers to stiffen/soften the suspension. The Red Shift suspension stem is just a posh version of this old technology.

[@honzikck82]

You havce the mudguard too high of the wheel, get it much closer and it will stop everything.

[@hoyhoy42]

I bought an Exposure Diablo Mk. 9 and used it maybe twenty times and the TAP sensor failed. Exposure refused to send a new one because it was out of warranty. Absolutely terrible design. The TAP sensor seems to be very susceptible to damage from vibrations. I would absolutely NOT mount one of these lights on a gravel bike. The 40mm Rudy Fork and the Redshift Stem are absolutely AMAZING though.

[@f1hotrod527]

My bike does not have a bell, but it may have a bell end.

[@kasperpaisa4245]

Redshift is really outrageously expensive

[@TouchHerICutU]

none of these items are what every gravel cyclist NEEDs. they're all wants. not to mention most of these things are expensive. the only thing a gravel cyclist NEEDs is a gravel bike.

[@Epiqe]

Most expensive upgrades....

[@uknowbass]

Everything there adds like 5 kg - that’s the only drawback

[@joowwwllllll666]

Disclaimer: Drinking too much alcohol and riding bikes is not recommended

[@garybarr7188]

Buy a gravel bike then spend a fortune buying suspension upgrades because they rattle the bones of you once you coming of a smooth surface. Buy a hardtail. gravel bikes are best suited for our shitty uk roads. Unfortunately i was suckered in like many to purchasing a gravel bike. Nothing but fat tyre road bikes.