The daylight is stretching more into the evening, lambs are playfully skipping around fields, Easter eggs are sold out in the shops, this can only mean one thing…
Spring IS here! Here are 12 tips for a springtime refresh of your ride.
Choices
While there are some truly stunning road bikes around for 2023, such as the Orro Venturi (above), many bike riders will be looking to keep their existing bike running well and looking smart through 2023.
Rebuild
If you have ridden your bike through the winter months or had it sat on the home trainer, rebuilding before spring rides is a great idea. Checking individual components for wear and tear could also save heartache further into the year. Cleaning components before rebuilding your bike will regain that new-ride look and feel for your bike AND make them last longer. If you are inexperienced at bike mechanics, investing in a torque wrench can help ensure components are not damaged while rebuilding.
Bar Tape
The simplest, most cost-effective way to refresh your bike is to replace the bar tape. As well as getting a bit scruffy, tape can get a little flatter and less cushioning as it gets more worn. This can contribute to achy wrists on longer riders or on rougher road surfaces. Replacing bar tape is a good opportunity to think if your previous set up was giving enough comfort and grip. Tape such as the Lizard Skin DSP range, is available in four alternative thicknesses, from 1.8mm to 4.6mm. Thicker tape offers noticeably more cushioning, ideal for rougher road surfaces. The DSP range offers a decent selection of colours too, so there’s no need to sacrifice style for comfort.
Cables
Brake and gear cables get stretched and gain friction as they are used and get older. Stretched gear cables make it very difficult to set up gears accurately, increased friction can make gear changes more vague and make it easier for the gear to not quite to be in the right position for each gear selection. Fresh cables offer a real improvement to how the bike performs, particularly if they’re over-due for replacement.
Tyres
Tyres wear out, as they wear, punctures get more common, as does the appearance of cuts in the surface of the rubber. While replacing tyres, think about tyre width, could your ride be enhanced with slightly wider tyres? (providing that your frame clearances will allow). 25mm tyres give more comfort than 20 or 23mm tyres. While 28mm tyres can provide an almost sitting in your favourite armchair experience, however! Make sure they will fit your frameset before buying. Tyres with a higher TPI (Threads Per Inch) tend to also offer more comfort and suppleness, noticeable over rougher roads. The Vittoria Corsa G2.0 feature 320 TPI casing, including Kevlar threads for extra puncture protection.
Inner Tubes
Inner tubes used to be a much forgotten component – Fit & forget, until they punctured and then repair or replace. However, as with every other aspect of bike riding, inner tubes have improved and even gained a whole new material option. TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer) inner tubes are lighter and tougher than butyl and latex tubes, they also take up much less space when rolled up as a spare and can be easily recycled at the end of their life.
Tubeless
Could 2023 be the year you go tubeless? There are more tubeless road tyre options available and there are more road riders giving tubeless tyres a go. While they can be tricky to initially set up, once up and running, tubeless can offer some really great benefits, such as self-healing punctures. Top up with a little sealant every few months and you could well end up forgetting that punctures ever happened!
Saddle
A replacement saddle is a good opportunity to think about your comfort. Would you benefit from a wider sit area on your saddle? Eventually the padding in the saddle gets a little flat and not quite as comfortable as it once was. Don’t get sentimental about all you and your saddle have been through, it’s probably had enough of your behind, and when it’s time to move on, it’s time to move on. Check our saddle guide blog for tips on selecting your next perch.
Cassette & Chain
A well cleaned chain and cassette will last for a good few thousand miles. Keeping your drive train clean and lubricated will save money and help efficiency. A chain cleaner (below) makes the job much more fun. However, when your drive train and shifting start to feel less efficient or if your chain and cassette seem slightly less precise than they once were, it could be time to replace them. A chain checker tool can take some of the guess-work out of chain wear.
Bars & Stem
When riding, the bars and stem get the bulk of your attention (particularly the stem, if your name is Chris Froome). Because you mainly look at your bars and stem while riding, replacing them can be a neat way to trick yourself into thinking you have a new bike. As with most cycling upgrades, spending more on an upgrade with be likely to increase stiffness and reduce weight. A stem upgrade is also an ideal opportunity to dial in that perfect position, a choice of longer, shorter or alternative rise could make all the difference.
Chainset
Worn chainrings can often be replaced. Alternatively, you could use this as an excuse to upgrade your chainset. Generally a chainset upgrade will reduce weight and increase stiffness, as well as cleaning up the look of your bike for the season ahead. Check out gearing options available too, would a 50-34, 52-36 or 53-39 suit you better…
Wheels
Wheels have a huge impact on your bike. In German automotive terms, lighter and stiffer wheels can transform a bike from a diesel plodder to a GTI. Wider rims (23 – 25mm at the braking surface) helps with extra comfort and lower rolling resistance when used with wider tyres. Either lighter, shallow aluminium rims, deeper carbon or a mix of the two (carbon & aluminium) can speed up your ride and transform the feel of your bike. New wheels can also be a good opportunity to try out tubeless technology.
Frame
If your components and wheels are all in good condition, a new frame upgrade could be a cut-price alternative to a full new bike. Whether your frame is looking tired and creaking, or if you just cannot get comfy or if you just fancy a change, a new frame can transform your riding. Before rushing into a new frame purchase, double-check your measurements. Use the opportunity to correct any issues with your current frame’s geometry. Replacing your frame can also be a good time to contemplate a move to disc brakes.
Short back and sides
Refreshing your bike is a bit like getting a hair-cut; you can have a little trim, or go for a full-on, Beyonce-style extensions. Once refreshed, your ride mates will notice, and you will not resist taking a peek in a shiny glass window as you ride by…
Full Hair Transplant?
Have you realised there are a few issues rejuvenating your existing bike? Now is a great time to invest in a new bike and enjoy the benefits through the year. From work-horse commuter bikes, to top end dream machines, check out our full range of bikes here.
