If you’re one of the millions of Americans who have turned to cycling on a regular basis, then you’re already familiar with the many benefits of owning a bike.
Although it’s known as a cheaper mode of transport, maintaining a bicycle comes with a few additional expenses. This is especially true if you’re planning to upgrade certain parts of your two-wheeled ride for better function.
You don’t need to splurge thousands of dollars to do so though. There are several upgrades you can do on your bike for $100 and even less.
New Set of Tires
fotoliza/Shutterstock | Be sure to choose tires with square knobs if you want something that can work on various terrain
Bikes that have seen some miles may need a fresh pair of tires as the old ones have likely taken a beating from being on the road for a long time. If that’s the case with yours, consider getting yourself something like the Vittoria Barzo mountain bike tires.
Retailing for just below $30 each, you can get a decent pair of these durable and wide-range tires from various online retailers for an affordable price.
Pedal Upgrade
Another cheap upgrade that would give you a better riding experience is getting new pedals. When choosing which ones to buy, consider the kind of footwear you typically wear when you’re cycling.
A good all-around choice is something like the Supacaz Smash DH Pedals because of its lightweight design and strategically placed pins. Of course, there’s also the fact that it retails for less than $60.
Rubber Grips
PopTika/Shutterstock | The thickness of the grips you choose can help ease the stress on your hands while cycling
Tacking on some fresh rubber grips on your old bike will not just improve the way you hold onto your handlebars. It’s also an easy aesthetic upgrade for an affordable price.
For just around $40, you can get decent rubber grips that offer shock absorption features to prevent numbness. Another feature to look for is UV-stable rubber that won’t break down easily over time.
Comfortable Seating
If you’re the type to go on long rides, then you’d definitely benefit the most from upgrading to a seating that’s more comfortable. Choose something that has a medium level of padding and is made of something durable like carbon for longevity.
A Dropper Post
Syda Productions/Shutterstock | Having a dropper post would also allow you to get the bike seat out of the way when you’re dismounting
Speaking of a good saddle, you might want to add a new dropper post to your cart when you shop for a new bike seat. The dropper would allow you to better stabilize yourself by lowering your center of gravity depending on your height.
