On the right track Gareth Ffowcs-Williams discusses three great ways to get that new bike feeling without breaking the bank!
Be it mountain, road, hybrid, electric or not, whatever type of
pair is dramatic. A proper set of shoes can make a world of
bike you are riding, new bike day is the best day! A new bike
difference, as can a new saddle, better gloves, or even simply
can be a big investment and it is always worth it (obviously
different handlebar grips. There are so many ways of making
I would say that!) but there are ways of getting close to that
upgrades that may seem small but can make a noticeable
new bike feeling without having to buy a whole new bike.
difference to the quality of your ride.
The big one for any bike is getting it serviced. Brakes, gears,
The third way of getting a new bike feel without the expense
contact points (saddle, pedals, and handlebar grips), tyres and
of a new bike is to pay for a proper bike fit. Although far more
bearings will all wear out over time. If riding regularly it is
common for road cyclists, it is possible to have a bike fit on
easy to get used to a worn-out bike as it changes over time
mountain bikes and hybrids as well. Small, in some cases just
with you, so you don’t really notice. The difference, however,
millimetre adjustments to a saddle or handlebar position, can
once it has been serviced can be huge. Gears change more
make a dramatic improvement to how comfortable your bike
easily, brakes work better, everything feels more solid,
feels and thus will help you ride for longer and more often. This
confidence inspiring and a pleasure to ride again – just like
third way is especially important if riding causes you discomfort.
new bike day! Getting a bike regularly serviced is usually cost
Sore knees, lower back pain, stiff shoulders are often indicators
effective as well as it often means more costly repairs can be
that a little tweak here or there to the way the bike is set up
avoided in the future.
could dramatically improve your on-the-bike happiness.
The next opportunity to get that new bike feeling come when
The final way is the most important. Remembering that the
you upgrade parts and accessories. For road riders, a new
bike is just a tool to get you out and about. I love my bike(s)
set of wheels is often an easy way to transform how the bike
but sometimes the best rides are the ones when I don’t even
feels, but the change could be more subtle than that and
notice the bike as I’m too busy enjoying the company and the
still bring a welcome improvement to your ride. I’ve heard
scenary. n
customers describe a new, upgraded pair of padded shorts as “life changing”, and although I can’t promise everyone
Gareth Ffowcs-Williams is the owner of We Cycle in Llandudno
will experience such euphoria, I do agree the difference
Junction – the largest bicycle showroom in North Wales.
between a bad or average pair of padded shorts, and a great
www.wecycle.co.uk
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