{"id":41061,"date":"2023-01-06T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-06T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/?p=41061"},"modified":"2023-01-02T16:22:55","modified_gmt":"2023-01-02T15:22:55","slug":"7-unnecessary-bike-upgrades","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/7-unnecessary-bike-upgrades\/","title":{"rendered":"7 unnecessary bike upgrades"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>If you practice cycling and want to upgrade your bike gear, take a close look at the following list of 7 expensive improvements that are unnecessary to most cyclists. To be fair, some of them result in marginal gains, while others can make your bike look flashier and improve the aesthetics. There are one or two that could take your bike to a higher, but not the most practical level. In the end, you have to ride that bike, and by implementing some of these \u201cupgrades\u201d you might be compromising comfort and safety, aside from wasting a lot of money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oversized pulley wheel system<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1276\" height=\"798\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-1276x798.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41062\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-1276x798.jpeg 1276w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-640x400.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-768x480.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-480x300.jpeg 480w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1276px) 100vw, 1276px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Given the price (\u20ac200-800) and the power savings it\u2019s meant to generate (2-3 watts) it is indeed an unnecessary upgrade. There must be a reason why professional teams and cyclists hardly ever use such systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ceramic bearings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Ceramicspeed (Ceramic) bearings versus Steel Bearings... An engineering explanation\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/o7iZVfSDbiA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>We have previously talked about ceramic bearings in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/8-tips-to-ride-faster-on-a-road-bike\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">this blog post<\/a>. Quality steel bearings from brands like NTN, NSK or SKF are way cheaper than ceramic ones, which have less to offer than derailleur pulleys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Top-tier groupsets<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dura-Ace Is Pointless | NEW Shimano Ultegra Di2 Groupset Review\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/gXU3qXwoCkw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Brands like Sram, Shimano and Campagnolo have top-tier groupsets that, while being just as functional and efficient as those from a lower range, are quite expensive in comparison. The only positive aspect of this upgrade is the weight (200-300 g), because when it comes to aesthetics it\u2019s all a matter of personal taste. If you do decide to switch to a top-tier groupset to reach a certain status or reputation, it\u2019s your choice, but don\u2019t look down on any cyclist using a more affordable groupset like the Shimano 105.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, electronic or mechanical groupset? Both are excellent choices. The problem is that mechanical groupsets are becoming less and less common. You might not need an electronic groupset, but if that\u2019s the manufacturer\u2019s current preference, sooner or later it is bound to become the only option available.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Electronic vs mechanical shifting: the pros and cons\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/EMJWFJoh-hk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Electronic groupsets, as well as disc brakes, are a lifesaver for people with any wrist, hand or finger injuries, and stop many cyclists from giving up on the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Top-tier pedals<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s compare several models from different brands focused on MTB and road cycling:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Shimano XT vs XTR Mountain Bike Pedals\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sB6Ibp27UlE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>When it comes to MTB, Shimano XTR and XT are practically the same. The XTR ones have a list price of \u20ac130-150 and weigh 312 g. The XT ones cost around \u20ac80-100 and weigh 339 g. If we set the bar a little lower we have the Shimano PD-M540 pedals for \u20ac60-70 (these weigh 352 g).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1103\" height=\"695\" src=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-41080\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-1.jpeg 1103w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-1-640x403.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/app\/uploads\/2023\/01\/image-1-768x484.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1103px) 100vw, 1103px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Now to road cycling: you could have the Wahoo Speedplay Nano pedals for around \u20ac450, and these weigh 171 g. A smaller version of them costs around \u20ac150 and weighs 232 g. Another option would be the Look K\u00e9O Blade Carbon Ti Ceramic, with a list price of \u20ac280-300 and 190 g of weight. The same model but without a titanium spindle and without ceramic bearings would cost \u20ac130-150 and weighs 220 g.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"LOOK KEO BLADE CARBON - TECHNOLOGY\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/zNEehD5STek?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Pedals are the same case as groupsets: we get equal functionality and performance. The key here is the weight, and it\u2019s not that easy to drop a few grams in cycling if we want our bike to be as light as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Ultralight and ultra expensive bottle cages<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This might be the most unnecessary bike upgrade in this whole article, especially when it comes to the most expensive and exclusive models. You\u2019re only saving some grams in weight and, depending on the model, not even that, as there are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/r2-bike.com\/BIRZMAN-Bottle-Cage-black\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">plastic bottle cages<\/a> that are lighter than others made of titanium or carbon. Moreover, they might not be as effective and your bidon might fall out with every little bump on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tubular tyres<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>These are not an option for MTB as they\u2019re not practical, not even for competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Is The Tubular Tyre Dead? | Is Tubeless The Way Forward For Pro Cyclists and Amateurs Alike?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fCWRyVfoTPU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Tubular tyres can have advantages and disadvantages in road cycling, as we have already explained <a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/how-to-choose-road-bike-tires\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in this previous article<\/a>. When it comes to advantages, lightness is the only one that\u2019s relevant today, because conventional tube\/casing technology and tubeless tyres have achieved a similar or even superior performance when compared to tubular tyres. This is such that so many professional teams have switched to tubeless tyres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Aero isn\u2019t everything<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The bike brand Specialized popularized the slogan \u201cAero is everything\u201d, but we have to disagree with this: not everything has to be aero, as this feature might not work for the vast majority of cyclists. The reasoning behind this is that the benefits aero offers are based on wind tunnel research and only increase with speed. Take a look at the following example to understand this better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The TECH Behind the ALL-NEW Foil RC\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/AnzBiBicXCA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br><a href=\"https:\/\/road.cc\/content\/tech-news\/2023-scott-foil-gets-lighter-comfier-and-faster-293931\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">The Swiss manufacturer Scott claims that their newest Scott Foil model is 20% faster<\/a>, and that a cyclist would be able to ride 40 km at 40 km\/h in 1 minute 18 seconds less than it would take with the previous model of Scott Foil. Now, if you think you can already ride 40 km at 40 km\/h let us know in the comments, as we don\u2019t know many non-professional cyclists capable of this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Opting for aero components might not always be necessary when it comes to wheels either. Having a deeper rim doesn\u2019t mean you will ride better and faster, as a pair of wheels with unnecessarily deep rims might be aerodynamic but can also cause instability and compromise safety on the bike. The ideal rim depth for most cyclists should be between 30 and 40 mm. If you are a heavier cyclist, ride in competitions and\/or have sufficient technical skills, you can go for a rim deeper than 40. 60 or over, only for individual time trials and triathlon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Compromising comfort or safety to keep it lightweight<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cStrong. Light. Cheap. Pick two\u201d. But we have to add \u201cComfortable\u201d to the mix. Every cyclist is looking for ways to take some weight off of their bike, but the vast majority of ultralightweight bike components don\u2019t offer any of the aforementioned features, not even two of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"nv-iframe-embed\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"2022 Tour de France Tech Trends | What Are Pro Cyclists Riding?\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/DOqt_Hf_88Q?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><br>Ultralightweight bike components are not only ultra expensive, they can also put your safety and comfort at risk, especially when it comes to imitation brands or falsifications, when they\u2019re not properly installed or not adequately used (an incorrect torque setting, an inadequate cycling discipline\u2026) or when you surpass the cyclist weight limitations set by most manufacturers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, we can\u2019t deny that most of the time we put our whims and wishes before our actual needs, and so we replace the Ultegra with the Dura-Ace, or get ourselves that pair of deep rim wheels we actually don\u2019t need. In the end, our bikes are earned with our own hard work. If any of the aforementioned upgrades makes you happy and doesn\u2019t put your safety at risk or makes you give up on comfort, then go get it. Enjoy cycling and enjoy your bike, that\u2019s what this is all about.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you practice cycling and want to upgrade your bike gear, take a close look at the following list of 7 expensive improvements that are unnecessary to most cyclists. To be fair, some of them result in marginal gains, while others can make your bike look flashier and improve the aesthetics. There are one or&hellip;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"read-more-wrapper\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/7-unnecessary-bike-upgrades\/\" class=\"button button-secondary\" rel=\"bookmark\">Read more<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">7 unnecessary bike upgrades<\/span><\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":41098,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[268,203],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bike-parts","category-bikes"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41061"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41061\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/41098"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.siroko.com\/blog\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}