Hi everyone,
I got introduced to gravel biking a couple of years ago, and I've been becoming more serious about it. I don't have much time to practice during the week, but I usually do a 65-80km ride every weekend. My rides are a mix of terrains, with some trips being around 80% asphalt and others around 80% gravel/singletrack.
I currently have a stock Triban GRVL 520 (with Shimano 105) and haven't done any upgrades to it yet, apart from the basic accessories.
I'm currently not using a bike computer, I use a secondary phone with Komoot for navigation and a Galaxy Watch+Strava for tracking performance.
Now that I'm getting more into it, I'm thinking about making some upgrades to my bike and/or equipment. If you had 500€ to work with, what would you suggest as the first upgrades?
Help a newbie out and thanks a lot in advance for your advice! 🚴💨
by Worldly-Ad5386
18 Comments
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PS. In terms of equipment, I already have good bibs and jerseys, but I still bike with running shoes. Riding clipped scares me a bit, mainly on gravel, but I’m open to trying it if it implies a big potential improvement in performance 🙂
A bike computer and clipless pedals. After that your FTP
SPD pedals, bike computer
Garmin Edge 130 Plus and a set of clip-in pedals (I use Egg beaters)
Points of contact – hands, butt, feet. I just started a few months ago, and I put in a Redshift stem, a new saddle (very personal choice there), and new pedals. I did not come from road cycling and still haven’t gone clipless. You can certainly ride flat pedals, but definitely look for good pedals and shoes. I’m happy with my Anvl Tilt pedals and Five Ten Freerider Pros. The shoes make a big difference – they’re grippy and stiff soled.
Honestly, I would say more time on the bike and whatever enables you to do that. Get uncomfortable after 40miles? Maybe a bike fit. Feel like your bars make your hands tired? Suspension stem or thicker tape. Want more traction? Invest in a nicer, gnarlier set of tires.
A stem pouch instead of that tt bag? In all seriousness use the money you’d spend on the upgrade, buy airplane tickets and a cheap hotel to some exotic biking destination. That will engage you much more than a bouncy stem.
I rode clipless for decades. Then started getting foot pain. Tried changing cleat positions, different shoes, different pedals, saddle adjustments etc. Finally switched to flats, with 5.10 Freeriders. I’ve worn through about three pairs and still like them (I tried Pro’s but the fit was too tight). So clipless isn’t necessarily for everyone.
I found a bike computer (i have the Wahoo Bolt) extremely useful to discover new paths. It allows riding without stopping all the time to check the map.
Based on the most recent trend on this thread, you require a tank or piece of artillery to park your bike beside.
Enjoy your rides!
Garmin 530, or similar wahoo unit. You might be able to find 540 on sale, which has some new features. If you’re mainly following a set pre-planned route then 530 will so you.
SPD pedals and shoes. Pedals are easy, get Shimano M520 or my personal choice the M530 with a wider cage (helps when not clipped in and gives wider platform).
Shoes might be trickier as there are loads to choose from, I know decathlon sell the basic Shimano MTB SPD shoes so try them in the shop as a start.
No need to upgrade any drivetrain/wheels as 105 is perfectly fine. When your tyres wear out you can look at other options for now don’t bother. I bought a second hand wheel set (same hubs as much wheels) on ebay, and run them with 35mm Gravel Kings as “road” wheels. But I already have the stuff mentioned above. A good bike computer and clippy pedals will make a big different.
a mountain bike
What do you enjoy about riding the bike? Exploration? Exercise? Challenges?
If you’re clear in that first, it will be easier to prioritize how you spend your time and money.
TLDR; Do not do any Upgrades. Replace things as they wear out, unless it actually performs a function not currently available.
My two cents.
Your legs.
ISM 4.1 saddle.
Make sure you are set up for success when you get a flat tire. Good tyres, sealant, and plugs. Maybe a pump in case you run out of co2. All about the tyres.
If you are riding a good portion on the road, I would recommend things that make you more visible like a good set of lights. You do not have to spend a lot of money on them if you don’t want to. But, if you end up getting a bike computer like a Garmin Edge, you may consider investing in a Varia rear light that also sends an audio and visual cue if there are cars app you from the rear. Even if you can’t afford to buy both at the same time, the Varia is a great standalone tail light