Top 5 | Expensive Road Bike Upgrades You Don't Need 2020

[@bikeradar]

What do you think about our list? Can you think of any upgrades we missed? Lets us know in the comments!

[@stankozma6894]

Rapha jersey

[@_FrankMatthews_]

What's the bike at 03:16?

[@paulolsen6870]

I added a set of 50 mm Prime carbon clinchers for about the same cost as a decent set of alloy rims...I've only got about 300 miles on them, but so far so good. ✌

[@matthiasschmitt2311]

The Carbon Handlebars in that list are bs in my eyes. Carbon handlebars are a crappy upgrade if your goal is the weigth saving. But if you wan't improve the comfort of your ride, it is one of the beste upgrades you can get.I would never ever want to ride aluminium handlebars, cause they are way not as comfortable as the carbon ones.

[@jimhansen5395]

@@matthiasschmitt2311 First upgrade that goes on any bike for me is a set of my favorite Enve Compact Road bars. These are pricey, but so much more comfortable than any alloy bar I've used, an well worth the money, considering how much my hands spend pressed against them.

[@abedfo88]

I prefer researching these things, agonising over them and then talking myself out of it haha.

[@chrispyy606060606]

LOL exactly

[@jg9008]

SAME

[@michaelfield3668]

I'm going through this cycle right now, with a 1 piece cockpit 🤣

[@abedfo88]

@@michaelfield3668 so sexy, but so pricey.

[@michaelfield3668]

@@abedfo88 had a look at some Chinese ones, but they were like wet spaghetti 🤣

[@boycefish1685]

Nailed it. Zero upgrades this year, downgraded my weight by 12kg, crushing every uphill segment I had on Strava.

[@N3vill3]

good on you! lol also, imagine the money you'd have to spend trying to lose 12kg off your bike

[@GurkenCommander]

@@N3vill3 if you want to save 12 kg on your bike, you would probably have to start running ;)

[@matthiaskettner6686]

@@GurkenCommander Helium is the word!

[@sathyaki]

@@GurkenCommander we have an old fixed gear bike weighing around 18-20kg. I can upgrade to a lighter bike say of 7 kg,thereby losing 11-12 kg on bike right.(I knw u were joking though).

[@octavelapize6657]

@@sathyaki but... that wouldn't be the same bike lol. You can't make that 20kg bike a 8kg bike.

[@neilmat71]

The best upgrade is losing lbs off your body.

[@MichaelLargent]

Faster on and off the bike.

[@neilmat71]

@@MichaelLargent deffo. Made a massive difference for me definitely in distance and climbing and not on "carbon".

[@donaldmurray7529]

Very true! For the first time in my life, I was able to lose weight over the winter. Definitely has made the most improvement in my speed/distance on the bike.

[@bk83082]

I've never seen this comment made on every bike video ever.

[@_FrankMatthews_]

The second best upgrade is buying a $20000 superbike.

[@peteT269]

I think a medium-cost set of medium section carbon wheel (40-55 mm) is an amazing upgrade. A noticeable performance gain, but, perhaps more importantly, the massive upgrade in visual appeal of your bike is a big incentive to ride it more! Any money that gets you riding more often is money well spent.

[@tofuyam7361]

Carbon wheels were the best investment my friend made... cause he sold me is almost new wheels+cassette for 100$

[@Eule153]

Good deal, stonks

[@sunofpeter2]

hahahaha!

[@treborriam]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@iaon652]

My words exactly! Let idiots spend money for expensive gimnicks, then buy all good stuf for scrapyard price from them.

[@sepg5084]

@@iaon652 only broke people call big spenders "idiots", while the real big spenders actually know how to make enough money to have that much disposable income. Unless it's fellow broke people that are the ones spending big.

[@carlshneebly7136]

Whenever I think about buying something, and this can actually apply to anything, the first thing I ask myself is “can I afford to replace it if I break it”. It really makes a difference in spending habits.

[@TheMikeTGV]

this is really good advice !

[@vascosaldanha602]

Yo, that's a great philosophy. I think I'll use it in my livr

[@superflea72]

that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever...look after your gear and you shouldn't have to worry about 'breaking' it.

[@AdrienBurg]

@@superflea72 it does not only up to you whereas your stuff will break or not. Personaly I follow this advice and I get so much stress off my life with it

[@adrianc6534]

@@superflea72 anything can happen. can you guarantee that you wont ever crash your bike? especially if you are riding off road or on rougher terrain, it is easy for things to get damaged. and you cant account for the stupidity of other riders/cars around you not to ruin your day.

[@gabkoost]

The best upgrade is whatever you need to have on a bike so that the guy in your riding group that you pretend to be friends with but secretly hate with all you guts because he married the girl you liked in high school, is forced to acknowledge that your machine bests his in every single aspect. I am not talking about me.

[@adrianloewen9962]

Still, what better way to show off to him the bullet you dodged, and the extra pocket cash you are still padding your pockets with(that he isn't), ha ha har!

[@k-mac5511]

@@adrianloewen9962 OK

[@gregwillis7520]

If that fails, there's always therapy.

[@ashrafsahdan5606]

oddly specific...

[@charliewhelan9488]

@@maciek2295 his post actually shouldn't have any commas in at all, so I'm not sure what your point is

[@U20101954]

The reason of buying a carbon bar is not weight saving, but vibration dampening, especially if you regularly ride ~200km on not very well paved road

[@philipk4475]

Same goes for carbon seatpost and carbon saddles... The flex is real and makes a huge difference for long days in the saddle

[@larsulveland2690]

I second that. Saving on my last handlebar upgrade was the biggest mistake I made upgrading that bike. I had no idea that aluminium bars with the flatter wing-profile on the tops were that ridiculously hard, and I really need either that shape or twice as much padding.

[@Strengthoftenmen]

This

[@B.A.512]

@@philipk4475 good one. Steel can be an option too dampening and cost wise.

[@jakehammond12345]

Bollox.

[@DavidSmith-gj2dm]

Nothing feels worse than someone overtaking you on a cheap bike . Nothing feels better than overtaking someone on an expensive bike ! 😂

[@VincentForDesign]

Oh yea, have been overtaking people on my Triban bike 😂 can relate to what you said

[@Sevendaver]

I started an early morning (06:00) core strength routine in January 3 months before my 70th birthday. No upgrade has ever matched the effectiveness of this routine.

[@YingMa-lt7to]

you only need ceramicspeed when the company sponsors you

[@MrMaxlo1]

or you want to spend more for overpriced bad bearings

[@nemeanf27]

Ceramic bearings are only good in the short term as they offer slightly lower friction but they don't last as long. You'll be paying over the top prices more ofton replacing them. A set of high quality steel bearings with a good seal will completly outlast ceramic ones ( as for the friction you wouldn't notice the difference). Just a pitty that fools and their money are too easily parted.

[@_FrankMatthews_]

Their products are mostly gimmicky and based on dubious science, but packaged and marketed extremely well. Similar to many audiophile products. Having said that, their UFO Drip seems to live up to the hype, for those who don't want to bother with immersion waxing. One of the best lubes available. I hope their Driven transmission system works out eventually though, just to make doubters like me look stupid.

[@mgoo1713]

True, at the RPM bicycle bearing turn a good high quality bearing will be just as efficient...if not better..

[@plasot]

Same applies to top groupsets

[@AntCPTube]

The best upgrade for my bike is that I stopped eating donuts

[@mattylevo]

You miss the main point with a handlebar upgrade...COMFORT! My carbon bars have saved my cervical/thoracic spine for excessive vibration/discomfort. Sure they weigh less, but 99.99% of riders do not need lighter spec kit...they need to be able to ride their bikes with as little aches and pains as possible. CARBON HANDLEBARS ARE THE BEST UPGRADE I have ever made to my bike, hands down!

[@872463051]

Seriously upsetting that this is always overlooked with carbon handlebars. You just can't get the same compliance out of aluminum!

[@ARMWRESTLINGCYCLINGFRANCE]

I'd add that aero carbon bars have been wonderful for extending comfort on long rides. Having the wider flat surface is a great option for minimizing numbness when you are on a long ride.

[@matthiasschmitt2311]

I totally agree. The point on carbon handlebars is not the weight saving. It is the comfort! That upsets me so much that this point is allways overseen.

[@kamfire98]

Agreed so glad I have mine and will the only I will part ways with them is from my cold dead hands!

[@driventomadness117]

@@872463051 I thought carbon was supposed to be stiffer? Oh wait, it's stiffer and more compliant! Woah!

[@davidzimmer5736]

Being someone who works in the bike industry and talking to customers all day, I constantly tell them that wheels are the best upgrade a bike can get. This video is spot on, a lot of marginal gains for a hell of a lot more money

[@guyhancox4246]

If you want to go faster, eat fewer pies - which actually saves you money as well! Bingo.

[@threadbear]

That's a big ask! :-)

[@NhemF]

It always makes me laugh how guys who are 45 lbs over weight pay out so much money for lighter bike

[@PoltergeistWorks]

Well actually you need a pie worth of calories if you want to push hard, energy doesn't come from nothing ;)

[@DeekonJones]

I’m reporting this comment... 😂🤣 jk

[@se9865]

But I like them.

[@snwbrdn777]

I have an entry level bike because I just don’t have the money for anything else. Maybe I’m just trying to make myself feel better, but I always tell myself the best upgrade is “get stronger”. If I can keep up with someone with $5000+ worth of kit on my $1000 bike that I bought 12 yrs ago, I’m a happy man.

[@joelhenderson3723]

Sounds reasonable to me. Unless you're racing in the top 10 percent of cat 1-2, I don't see a reason for people to chase grams.

[@JohnLumapaskeith]

Shimano 105: Groupset of the people!

[@mattbettwy4069]

I gotta say, as much as they can get pricey, good carbon bars are usually towards the top of my upgrade list. Vibration dampening is the biggest factor, but also size and drop shape can make significant comfort gains as well as stiffness/weight benefits. And as far as aero, the bars are one of the first things to hit the wind on the bike, and they’re fairly large- it definitely helps more than an aero pedal or chainring

[@hugobci]

All the expensive coffee and cake are considered bike upgrade? I spend a lot with coffee and cake in my rides

[@bikeradar]

We agree! If considered an upgrade, it is surely one of the most important! Thanks for watching, from your friends at BikeRadar 🧁

[@worralll0]

After upgrading to craft beers my wallet has never felt lighter.

[@davidpggarrett]

@@bikeradar how about upgrading your food and drinks?

[@davidpggarrett]

Make sure you don't pay over the odds for coffee and cakes! It's cheap here! #vistacyclingtuscany #vistacyclingtours

[@majed2044]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@Max-nh3gp]

I work on a lot of bikes. I have messed around with a lot of parts, and I have ridden bikes from all different levels of cost, from 200$ Walmart bikes to 5k performance bikes. Upgrades in my opinion 100% depend on what you are starting with. If you put 500$ of upgrades onto a 1000$ bike, you will notice the difference instantly. If you put 1000$ worth of upgrades on a 2000$ bike, you will still notice a difference, but not as much. If you put 2000$ worth of upgrades on a 4000$ bike, you may or may not notice much of a difference at all.

[@sbccbc7471]

One of the upgrades (well, a loaner upgrade actually😅) I made to my bike was loaning my colleague's carbon wheelset (38 mm front 50 mm rear laced with Sapim CX-Ray on White Industries T11 hubs). On my first ride with the wheels, they roll a lot smoother than my own (2008 Mavic Aksium), but most of the improvement I felt was from the hubs since I couldn't deviate part of my attention to the carbon rims, so I didn't have a clear idea of the rim-wise improvement. I'm about to build my own new bike next year, all of which will be better than what I have now, but none of them are part of the snake oil hype (ceramic bearings, OSPWs, etc.).

[@Actiontime70]

Hey officer, this man shamed my bike’s price point 😡😡

[@3dScience_uk]

Best upgrade for my Bianchi was the Continental 5000 tyres. Huge improvement over my previous oem tyres

[@loknloll]

I used Campagnolo Chorus for years around 2000. Never failed, bullet proof. I swear my 6 year old Sram Rival set performs as well. I want snappy shifts and responsive brakes. Sram Rival is amazing. All in under 650 bucks.

[@walterheimbuch9722]

I still use Chorus. Its easy to maintain and I can rebuild a shifter when needed.

[@GTO90s]

Right now I use Schwinn 594 1990 under $600+ at least today.

[@alvinmarin8648]

I rarely upgrade, I just buy bikes that are spec'd to the amount I've learned the hard way.

[@SorinVBogdan]

You are making sense there

[@beinnnabhfadhla6457]

Buying a 2nd hand cycle at the required spec is always cheaper than upgrading later.

[@11robotics]

Wheels-wise, in the past few years aluminium wheels have fallen out of fashion for reasons that I can hardly understand, even though their technology has made quite significant progress. It's been so easy lately to find high quality sub-1500g aluminium (rim brake) clincher 17C+ wheelsets that cost significantly less than 500€, and some of them are also bombproof. Meanwhile, half-decent carbon wheelsets start at prices way north of 500€ (excluding questionable aliexpress stuff), also weigh north of 1500g, and you could pay similar amounts on incredible wheelsets such as the Mavic R-Sys, the Campagnolo Shamal Mille or any of Tune's offerings. That being said, I find it hard to justify buying carbon wheels at all if you are spending less than, say, 1500€ on a wheelset (or 3.000€ on a complete bike), and I definitely do not understand why somebody would pay 500€ on an entry-level carbon wheelset from a questionable manufacturer instead of getting a lighter, cheaper and properly engineered aluminium wheelset from a reputable brand such as Mavic, Campagnolo or DT Swiss. And before you say "because aero", properly aerodynamic carbon aero wheelsets are usually way deeper than 35 mm and usually involve a hefty price tag, even heftier if you don't want them to weigh over 1800g. If you think any low-cost no-name 40mm deep carbon wheels are anything but marginally more aero than a pair of Campagnolo Zondas that cost half as much, are at least as light and are better engineered, you are sadly mistaken.

[@JohnBaxendale]

Because carbon wheels look nice. ~1000 EUR for a set of deep carbon wheels from Yoeleo, made up with DT swiss hubs and spokes. You really can't go wrong. If you really think making two circles out of (what is essentially plastic) is beyond the wit of the Chinese, then you're very sadly mistaken. Your loss ;)

[@yannledoussal3458]

I totally agree with you, here’s my choice : Kinlin XR-31T rims - Sapim CX-Ray spokes - Bitex RAR 12 hubs : hand built, 31 mm height, 19c, tubeless ready, 1440 g, 450 €. I would need to pay atleast 3 times the price to feel even a marginal gain…

[@ltu42]

@@JohnBaxendale Precisely! €1000 on *just the looks*. And unless you're on disk brakes, a downgrade in braking performance, too.

[@JohnBaxendale]

Albertas Agejevas Not a downgrade if you count the aero - there’s very few deep dish alloy wheels that are as light. Brakes only make you slower, who wants to go slower ;)

[@11robotics]

@@JohnBaxendale 1000€ for a set of deep carbon wheels - good, now how wide are they? How do they handle crosswinds? How much more than 1400g do they weigh? If they are properly deep (over 60mm or so), they should indeed be more aero. If you're talking about some sub-40 mm rims with the most default profile in the world, then it's mostly placebo ;) I'd still go for a pair of Shamal Mille instead anyway, they weigh close to nothing and they are a piece of art.

[@evanreeves5966]

Bike Radar content is always so good. I can only hope you'll continue to stick to such a realistic and wholesome view of cycling. Cycling is fun, and it should stay that way.

[@oheso]

Perfect, especially the note about the enjoyment of biking and upgrading at the beginning. And as someone else has said, if you're really in a position to benefit from the minute aero gains offered by expensive upgrades, then someone else is already paying for your equipment.

[@stinkerseb595]

Love this, we all need bling, but common sense and not being sucked in by constant spin by the industry is key! More time on the bike is what I really need!

[@fengyink]

Most cost efficient aero upgrade for me - fitted and quality jersey and shorts / tights. Aero efficient clothing can be ver costly - like those track clothing, yet they save the most aero dragging. Being a 40-year-old man and ride at 20mph pace, normal shorts and Tees (fitting once, not relaxed) makes -1.5mph compared to a well fitted jersey + shorts. Same man, same bike, same route and weather condition (around home), AB tested tens of times. No bike upgrade will make such difference - except, say, lower drop bar to make a more aggressive form.

[@MichaelLargent]

This is the kind of video the world needs right now. Thanks for this.

[@bikeradar]

Thanks for watching from your friends at BikeRadar!

[@sudochugi]

My hands really make me suffer even on a full carbon frame bike. I invested in an FSA carbon bar with a nice flat area to spread the road vibration out. This has helped considerably. So if your hands turn to stone on longer rides, you might want to consider this addition. Ride on!

[@griffinjones6378]

While I understand the nature of this video at its core, sometimes upgrades are just for me. I have expensive carbon wheels, the highest-end drivetrain, and carbon bars. They make my bike really light and comfortable, but they also make me happy knowing how nice they are and how nice they make my bike look.

[@Mrich775]

Awesome video as always!

[@michaelo6870]

It is true that individual upgrades make a relatively small difference. BUT it is usually the sum of several small upgrades that make the bigger difference.

[@ianw3811]

Carbon bars aren't just about saving weight. It is a major contact point, and it greatly helps in reducing road buzz, thus creating less stress on your wrists, and less fatigue for long rides.

[@gauloisrefractaireenexilvo4366]

Spot on, you could do a similar Top 5 with clothing and footwear. Kits, jerseys and socks have become very fashionable over the past 3 or 5 years. Yet cycling is all about constant efforts + sticky sweat + unlimited mileage + great outdoors = 100% bliss.

[@PatrickJamesKiernan]

One of the most expensive upgrades I’ve resisted so far is disc brakes. After all, this means you have to buy a new bike. Makes those super light Cane Creek brakes look like a bargain...

[@stewart8424]

PatrickJamesKiernan disk breaks make no sense on a roadbike

[@mangodesol]

Stewart why not. genuine question

[@sevenrats]

@@stewart8424 They do if you ride in big mountains and in bad weather. My road bike has rim brakes because I don't do either of those on that bike but I primarily mountain bike and THAT bike has disc brakes and it gets ridden in the wet sometimes but it goes down some hairy stuff and those brakes are powerful. I would say that that they're more than twice as good. I don't need brakes that good on my road bike but someone does.

[@UnknownChimera]

Totally disagree. I cycle in Hong Kong where we have some crazy gradients and lot of humidity. Disc brakes are a life saver, especially with hydraulic system. I can go downhill safely without having crazy cramps in my forearm too !

[@IraklyShanidze00X]

Gels and sports nutrition can be effectively replaced by some super affordable alternatives. For instance, two tablespoons of honey in 250ml of costing next to nothing G2 electrolyte drink plus 250ml of water will give you the same amount of juice as two gels. Should you want to go all-natural, 200g of fresh seedless grapes and a bottle of water with a pinch of salt will propel you through a 1hr crit better than 20mg of Ritalin :)

[@Kaoori97]

sugar water even cheaper mate

[@IraklyShanidze00X]

@@Kaoori97 nah, honey is all fructose, twice as much energy per unit of weight than sugar.

[@stephanmunz2692]

I bought the RITCHEY Carbon Streem because of the look at first place tbh, but it was the best upgrade in 30 years in the end. Carbon brings you comfort, even if you are under 70 kg like me. Although I'am not Arnie, I can flex it a little bit. The wing-shaped top-section of the bar is great for climbing. I don't know if it really makes me faster, but if it looks aero, you always want to go fast. It's not "Doping für die Haare", but for your mind.

[@RevOwOlutionary]

The nice thing about being into bikepacking rather than road cycling is that I focus on logical and sensible upgrades, like that frame bag I totally need cause it just looks so cool, or that awesome anodized titanium bottle cage that I most definitely need cause it's just better than my current plastic one because reasons.

[@JFomo]

Heres a tip, if you have 105, upgrade to a Dura Ace chain. It's a lighter chain with a better finish, and only few bucks more expensive than the 105 chain.

[@michaeltuck5002]

I am in the process of upgrading from Sora to 105 based on a genuine need for more bloody gears... the last few sportifs I have done have seen me run out of gears on the climbs. So 105 front and back will do me. Love my Boardman 8.6 Alu its bomb proof, changed to a decent set of Mavic Askiums front and back, decent tyres and now all I have to loose is a couple of stone and I can smash the whippets on the climbs..... as long as I can double back on myself to scrape my lungs off the tarmac 1st :)

[@67daltonknox]

For money well spent I recommend Neugent Cycling. They have a tubeless ready 700c , 1580g alloy wheelset currently on sale at $235. I have had two pairs in the last 9 years and rate them highly. I agree with some other commentators who say that carbon bars are worth it for ride comfort with less vibration, and don't be afraid to buy Chinese cheapos. I don't know if I would risk them on a mountain bike, but for street I have had no issues.

[@Auntybob]

The biggest thing to remember about groupsets, is that this years 105 is last years Ultegra...

[@styxxtheanimal5720]

I have just bought a Merida endurance 4000 and that has got the 105 gear on it ,, cant wait to get out there on the road. I was told that the current 105 is nearly as good as the old dura ace stuff so i recon ill be a happy man :)

[@eliteharrington7377]

The best upgrade are the ones you make to your legs, lungs and dialing your ideal body weight.

[@kamfire98]

So true

[@kyzzzz]

EPO

[@johngrassi822]

This is almost spot on correct. Get a great frame without compromise, great wheels that are aero dynamic enough but light hoops, and the rest is bling. Its not about the weight on the handle bars but rigidity and comfort. Flats are nice for the comfort alone.

[@cnvertex]

Great video, honesty is too rare in KZbin at the moment, we need it!

[@bikeradar]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching from your friends at BikeRadar!

[@janhaanstra2245]

Bikefitting! Upgrade your position; more aero and / or more efficient 😀

[@Neil_down_south]

Best upgrade for gaining watts is a turbo trainer, zwift (or similar) and a structured training programme. I'm using lockdown to do one month of daily FTP boost sessions.

[@Vences5]

Nice, I’ve been on Zwift during this time too. How long do you ride for?

[@Neil_down_south]

@@Vences5 the zwift 4 week FTP booster programme is about an hour a day

[@TheDestroyer8065]

Everyone has a different satisfaction of happiness. some bought and own a bike just to have a ride on the road, while others bought an expensive bike and upgrades what is best are available in the market in order to feel happy and satisfied.

[@timdixo]

All spot on except thumbing down those fancy looking flat top bars....they’re actually far more comfortable on the palm than most aluminium bars both on the tops and at the transition to the the hoods.

[@robertpreato3891]

The list is spot on. If I were going to add one thing it would be upgrading to disc brakes on a road bike. Unless you ride long, steep decents, which most recreational riders do not, disc brakes are totally unnecessary, even with modern carbon rims. My Reynolds Strike rims with the CTG brake track actually stop better than my aluminum rims in both dry and wet conditions. And the latest 9100 rim brakes from Shimano are massively improved over previous versions. Rim brakes are tried and proven technology and due to their simplicity and low maintenance, are extremely reliable and easy for the causal rider to maintain. For mountain or gravel, where the rim is subjected to excessive grit, grime and mud, discs make sense. On the road, it is overkill and to upgrade means buying a whole new bike. If you have rim brakes and have not found them to be inadequate for your riding conditions, don't waste the money to make this unnecessary upgrade.

[@shahbanu_empress]

The best way to make your computer more aero is actually to remove it.

[@M3GRSD]

There's a psychological effect that upgrading your bike has. Even if the upgrade is expensive and not worth it, it makes you feel better about your bike. Excited to ride, and eager to go further. I speak from experience, the upgrades I made were probably unnecessary, but I did it for me, and I lost over 50lbs along with making me a stronger cyclist.

[@andreas.charalambides]

that one piece handlebar to hide the cables is my dream. I got obsessed and cant look at so many cables anymore

[@sueneilson896]

Add super lightweight saddles, especially if any comfort is lost. In fact sacrificing any comfort for weight is a dumb idea.

[@octavelapize6657]

well depends what are your goals in cycling lol. And actually carbon is more comfortable and weight less, so most of the time you get more comfort and less weight at the same time

[@JohnonaBike]

Great to see some good honest advice.... so many people think they NEED to spend so MUCH to enjoy cycling

[@baranybumm]

If u have money, use it, and enjoy it !

[@BanacaNation]

baranybumm by sponsoring young cyclists with bikes for them to ride and races for them to compete in.

[@Methodical2]

Yeah, if you don’t someone else will.

[@migssantino2101]

AMEN

[@sodalitia]

Most of the friction in the bearings comes from the seals, second grease. Ceramic bearings are designed for high RPM, which never happen in bike. Furthermore, in medium range ceramic bearings the racers are steel, which causes harder balls pitting the race. Ceramic bearings will always wear out faster. Worn out ceramics are worse than steel bearings. Just buying medium range cartrige wheel bearings for your wheels, removing seals and replacing grease with light oil, would work better and be more cost effective as a monthly consumable than any ceramic bearings.

[@0134harley]

The best upgrades which money can’t buy is a clean , shiny bike , well maintained drivetrain 🤩

[@topografer]

This upgrading mindset not just for bikes for for everything really is non-sensical at all. When we are talking about things that make us happy almost 90% of our expenses are not needed. I don't need 2 electric guitars and I don't need the best carb wheels in the market. But I WANT THEM. This is what makes me happy not more money in the bank account But yes this video does have a point. I do think that top specc wheels and carbon bars are good upgrades but whatever, you certanily do not need them

[@junjunmulleda5467]

Nailed it. Want to go faster? Train harder and eat/rest properly.

[@FrettieFingers]

I upgraded my carbon bike from Ultegra 6800 to Dura Ace 9100. (Huge improvement but maybe less with Ultegra 8000) Now my bike shifts almost as smooth as my steel frame Shimano 600.

[@l.d.t.6327]

If you want to improve a cheap drivetrain and don't want to go ceramic, remove all the seals from your bearings but don't drive in the wet and maintain regularly. Also clean your chain thoroughly. I love it when I push the pedal back and the crank goes 5-10 times round, indicating almost no friction loss from the drivetrain. The one thing I would still spend money on is wheels. Just buy a cheap training set and a set you really like for the beautiful days, harder rides, etc. In this way your fancy wheels will last for years.

[@NisseOhlsen]

You should demonstrate qualification for the Tour de France to get allowed to purchase anything above Shimano 105.

[@ihbcsomerset6966]

Really useful and great overall message

[@paulinfrancis]

I didn’t buy a set of carbon bars for the weight saving, I bought them to make my aluminium bike less harsh, and it made a huge difference with regards to road buzz.

[@knizama3534]

Yes u r..same goes to me.the main reason are reduce the road vibration..

[@xylerkajiyama7544]

And remember aero is EVERYTHING

[@elviracatherinetalaoc2070]

I upgraded my handlebar to a carbon , due to I have carpal tunnel on both hands it help a lot on the vibration on the bad road.

[@StuninRub]

Carbon vibrates more then metals. If you really wanted to minimize vibrations titanium or mild steel would have been the best what to do that.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

@@StuninRub Carbon does not vibrate more than* metals. All materials vibrate, but the amplitude of vibrations of metal are bigger and last longer than those in a non-metal fiber. Also, titanium is no better in vibration damping than any other metal, any claims in that regards are myths. Lastly, nobody makes road bike handlebars from titanium and those from steel are only useful in track bikes.

[@StuninRub]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 carbon vibrates more then metals.

[@siromj8885]

@@einundsiebenziger5488 Then Titanium should be your choice..

[@aliflammim3]

Am seeing this 3 years late but haven't done anything to upgrade my bike yet. Save by this video. I agree many of the stuff we are recommended by bike shops are really unnecessary esp if the ride is just for fun.

[@fortylove68]

Solid advice. I enjoy buying used from local riders w deeper pockets, and I have used DHGate for some carbon parts that have worked out very well for a fraction of retail. But yeah, I know, china.

[@lgmmy5612]

One rule to remember: What suits you. This is my experience: Handle bar: upgraded to carbon aero drop bar from a $4 alloy drop bar Crankset: upgraded to R7000 crankset from an $25 alloy crankset. Wheels: upgraded to carbon wheel from alloy. Jockey wheels: upgraded to ceramic from normal one. Derailleur: upgraded to some $50 11 speed derailleur(about 105 level) from $3 7 speed derailleur that I used on a 10 speed drivetrain. And so on...I won't list all of them out here. I couldn't tell the difference between the upgrades and the old one. They are just more bling. That's all.

[@rggb5876]

I got all these toys you consider to be unneccessary. And, yes, indeed they are very unneccessary. But I love the sharp metallic sound of my „red“ changing the gears. I love the sound and the rigidity of the Lightweight-Rims. A racebike is more than just a thing you use in order to get fit. It is passion. Thatˋs why I need all these things. For me we are not talking about upgrades. They are mandatory.

[@lolo6932]

1: A top spec groupset 2: Carbon handlebars 3: Ceramic bearings 4: Expensive wheels 5: Miscellaneous Aero Things

[@SeaSharp]

ENVEs and Lightweight may be a complete waste of cash for someone like me that is 10-15kgs above ideal weight - but man they look awesome. I want them haha!

[@brixomatic]

Anything that makes you want to ride your bike is a good upgrade.

[@tevesjuliusrey]

I prefer upgrading my weight!loosing pounds while building up your stamina and strength.Thats the best upgrade

[@kipcc3918]

Carbon bars? Heck no, I don't regret that upgrade, It's legit vibration absorbing rather than alloy handlebars. You should just know where to look. Aliexpress is one good place to look, since every carbon part of a bike, mostly comes from china.

[@HumaneNewt]

Toseek carbon handlebars meant to be good

[@donaldmurray7529]

Of those, the only one I can take any exception with are the carbon wheels. Yes, they are expensive but they make significantly more difference , when compared to the other upgrades on your list. And, you don't have to spend a ton. My Bontrager Aeolus Pro 3v wheels provide really good cost to benefit, IMHO.

[@sjorsvandermeulen4285]

Nice! A vid about things we don't need. I like. Make more.

[@DriesGntj]

I don't agree with aero Handlebars being compared to pedals or computer mounts. It's true that you don't need it, but it's a very large surface that hits the wind first. After frame and wheels for sure the most important aero upgrade

[@Dreiiii]

I’ve been biking on a competitive level for almost 3/4 of my life and one thing i know for sure, is that someone that has all these upgrades and YET, can’t keep up on a recovery ride will be laughed at. So, I think that should be a good enough reason not to buy those upgrades if you are not getting sponsored.

[@BuildTheSandbox]

Way to pass judgement. Glad the cycling community can look upon you the great Dreiii as the arbiter of all that is allowed and acceptable for someones hobby.

[@Dreiiii]

@@BuildTheSandbox Listen, if you feel judged because your bike costs 15k and yet, your FTP is below 130 watts... I'd feel shame too.

[@BuildTheSandbox]

@@Dreiiii Again, a lot of projection and shame coming from your comments. I pity you and hope as you grow and mature you can help others who were like you.

[@doom4067]

At the end of the day, only pros need the vast majority of upgrades in any sport.

[@ianiscaratti4924]

why are you pushing tubeless that much? in my experience it doesn't work well on roadbikes. 1. much more weight than with tubes. 2. rolling resistance is only marginally beter 3. doesn't seal punktures before loosing to much air 4. you basicly never punkture on a roadbike. i had 1 punkture in 14'000k last year 5. tl tyres are nearly impossible to mount alone without tyreleavers and an aircompressor btw I'm a big tl fan on my mtb but there is less airppressure with more airvolume and a wider rim.

[@devononair]

Tubes are so easy to fix or change. Tubeless confuses me, so I've never bothered to look into it.

[@juanaguilar7458]

At the super expensive end, the only people that should be using those are the people that get them for free as a sponsorship. All the power to you if you buy the top shelf stuff when you're just racing around town, I appreciate that because you're funding the R&D for the groupset I'll get in a few years, but my advantage-to-price tolerance is fairly low.

[@andrevanderkant6616]

The point is, if you're not racing, you don't even need a new bike. I still use a 1984 frame with Shimano 600 EX, which was quite good at the time. If it was good then, it is still good now for amateur touring. I don't mind the weight, or the shifters on the frame, the goal is to give it my 100% on the road, and the bike is working like a charm.

[@maitrivihara]

a very good video. much better than i thought. i love how it says- if you are trying to best the world record, then the upgrades are worth it. otherwise its good to show off . but little else

[@godtiermedic]

This video is a perfect cool upgrade list

[@Vidsandso]

I disagree on Carbon bars. Carbon bars add a huge level of comfort by absorbing vibrations and also dont corrode as alloy bars do.

[@andrewholt7505]

Totally agree. Carbon bars are first upgrade for comfort and control. Makes an amazing difference, but you have to get the right bar. The guys should have known this....

[@joelfr023]

If that list doesnt exist, BikeRadar is just Radar

[@SamirMishra6174]

great videos man

[@marekkozub8957]

But they look nice and we enjoy having them on our bikes :)

[@christophertrapp4195]

Carbon bars can add a bit of compliance right where you want it most. Depending on your situation, they can definitely be worth it.

[@BrianJohnson-bq9tr]

Carbon bottle cages. Lightweight cables.

[@awesomeattic]

I agree with the list, but I would say that carbon bars will help, but not perfomance wise. It'd help dampen the vibrations whereas aluminum transfers more vibrational energy to your hands and arms compared to carbon

[@AhmadAlDouri]

Amazing! 💯 💯

[@marcelschlebos3975]

Finaly a video that makes sense. Always This is what you need/upgrade/have to buy. Love This video Guys.👍🏻

[@jshepard5840]

I for one can attest that the Chinese carbon wheels are amazing for the price. I currently have a set of the Super Team wheels on my road bike and for the $225 I paid for them on Amazon, they can't be beat. 5,000 kms on them so far and they're still as true as day one.

[@cryora]

They are like $350+ now.

[@GTO90s]

@@cryora right!

[@xtra9996]

Thanks for the inspiration. I'm now going to buy a carbon / aero handlebar, a ceramic bb and (you didn't mention it) a powermeter.

[@sepg5084]

Buy a carbon speedometer holder, carbon valve cap, and a carbon bottle holder too, for good measure.

[@octavelapize6657]

@@sepg5084 carbon valve cap lol does that even exist ? I mean if you want to save weight on the cap just don't put it back on ahah

[@inspectorchicken]

The thing is that stuff is cool and compared to other hobbies is still kinda affordable. Imagine you're an F1 fan - most people never get close to a real F1 car or even own a top of the line new sports car. But in this sport you can actually have the same or even better equipment as your Tour De France idols :-) It's part of the fascination.

[@tonyharrison447]

Set yourself cycling fitness goals and buy upgrades as a reward when you've achieved them! When I hit 300 watt FTP thats my buy signal for a set of carbon wheels. The fact I may never achieve 300 is another story!