Essential Upgrades for Road Bikes Under $1,000

Written by: Rémy Rossi | January 25, 2024 | Time to read 5 min

Upgrading an entry-level road bike doesn’t have to cost a lot. Find out how to boost your performance and comfort without blowing up your bank account.

More about the Author: Remy Rossi

Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.

Rider on La Pierre E-Sensium road electric bike

During high school, I spent years gradually upgrading my first road bike and learning about what upgrades actually made a difference. Of course, I also spent cash on purely aesthetic changes but I doubt many cyclists will judge me for those vain expenditures.

I am staunchly of the opinion that your bike is only as good as how much (or how hard) you ride it. Riding an entry-level model to the ground is far better than owning a high-end bike you hardly use, or can’t actually notice its performance gains. If you want to splurge on a fancy bike, go for it by all means— but never worry about riding a value-friendly road bike. Even better, you’ll have room in the budget for specific upgrades to customize the bike exactly to your unique needs.

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Table of Contents

Introduction

1. Better tires

2. Use clipless pedals and shoes

3. Proper clothing for road riding

4. Contact points: saddle and bar tape

5. Get a cycling computer

6. New wheels and groupset? Probably not

Key Takeaways

Best Value Upgrades for Road Bikes

Let’s get one thing straight. Not all upgrades are about going faster, and that goes for speedy road bikes, too. Some of the most worthwhile part swaps will increase comfort or reliability instead of outright speed. The recommended upgrades below apply as much to a standard road bike as they do to a road e-Bike.

1. Better tires

Slick Electrak road bike tires for e-Bikes

It’s widely agreed that tires are the best road bike upgrade when it comes to value. A new set of rubber is one of the cheapest upgrades, but comes with benefits that are actually noticeable. The stock tires that come on entry-level road bikes or an affordable electric bike typically leave something to be desired, lacking suppleness or the ideal tread pattern.

I recommend installing a set of road tires that are at least 28mm wide if your bike’s frame allows for it. Wider tires hold a larger volume of air and will better absorb small bumps in the road and offer more grip— and 28mm tires have a lower rolling resistance than narrower tires. You can go even wider if you ride over mixed surfaces.

New tires may also be more supple or puncture-resistant than the stock tires. You can also choose the tread pattern that best matches the terrain you ride, from smooth pavement to cobblestones or gravel.

2. Use clipless pedals and shoes

Not all people starting out in road cycling are as excited about using clipless pedals and shoes as I was back in high school. And that’s understandable— having your feet locked into the bike is a weird concept and can take some time to get used to. But I promise you, it’s worth it. You’ll feel faster and more efficient and look pro, too. It’s true that you’ll probably fall over once or twice (as I did) but you’ll unlock a new, very comfortable way of riding.

You can get clipless pedals for pretty cheap, or better yet second-hand as they are durable components that last a while. Cycling shoes cost about the same as nice running shoes with plenty of options for most budgets. There are even many commuters who use clipless pedals for a more comfortable, efficient trip.

3. Proper clothing for road riding

Woman with a gravel road bike and cycling apparel

This upgrade tip follows the same line of thought as the previous point— wearing dedicated cycling clothing will boost comfort and help you enjoy the ride. The snug fit can also make you more aerodynamic (read: faster) and at the very least, prevent baggy clothing from getting caught in the bike.

And not all cycling apparel is skin-tight Lycra— there are tons of options to match your needs and preferences. The advanced fabrics wick sweat well, control temperature, and layer well so can stay comfortable in various conditions. Padded bib shorts are a life-saver on a road bike. I don’t consider myself the fashion police, but please invest in a pair of padded bib shorts or liners. Your rump will thank me.

4. Contact points: saddle and bar tape

Road bike handlebars with red bar tape during sunset

I can’t give exact recommendations for the best saddles and bar tapes out there, but I can remind you that upgrades in this department can make a huge difference. I personally have never had too many issues with stock saddles and standard bar tape, but I’ve done my fair share of upgrades and swaps later on.

If you are suffering from bum or hand discomfort, it’s worth experimenting with different saddles and upgrading your bar tape (or even double wrapping). Everyone’s rear end is different so you’ll have to find the saddle that works for you— but first, play around with the seat position and angle on your existing bike.

5. Get a cycling computer

Cycling computer mounted to road bike handlebars

Another affordable add-on is a cycling computer. It’s an empowering accessory that delivers important and easy-to-read stats to help develop your road riding skills. Even simple metrics like top speed help you understand your limits and can be fun fitness goals to aim for during training.

The most basic cycling computers are very competitively priced and I don’t recommend putting a premium power meter on a road bike under $1,000. Many electric bikes come equipped with accessories like a built-in display that shows several metrics like current speed and distance traveled. Riders can also invest in a GPS for real-time tracking and route directions.

6. New wheels and groupset? Probably not

Installing a new wheelset or groupset can significantly improve a bike’s performance, but they aren’t the smartest upgrades for a road bike less than $1,000. These components cost a lot and you may be better off simply purchasing a new bike than investing in these pricey parts. You surely can buy them, just make sure they will be compatible with the upgraded frame or road bike you have your eye on for the future.

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Key Takeways

Budget-Friendly Upgrades: Improve performance and comfort with affordable changes like better tires, clipless pedals, and cycling-specific clothing.

Practical Over Pricey: Focus on upgrades like saddles, bar tape, and cycling computers rather than expensive components like wheelsets or groupsets.

Personalized Enhancements: Customize upgrades to match your riding style and comfort needs for a better overall experience.

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Essential Upgrades for Road Bikes Under $1,000