When cyclists think about upgrading their bike for more speed, they often picture expensive aero wheels, integrated cockpits, or even a new frame. But the reality is, you don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to ride faster. There are plenty of cost-effective upgrades that can improve your speed without breaking the bank.
This list of upgrades ranges from as little as $5 to $400—a fraction of what you’d spend on high-end wheels or a new bike. Small changes like better tires, optimized clothing choices, improved drivetrain efficiency, and dialled-in nutrition can add up to significant performance gains. Whether you’re a competitive racer or just looking to ride faster on your weekend loops, these affordable speed hacks will help you get the most out of every ride.
Upgrading your tires is one of the most cost-effective ways to boost your speed on the bike. For around $100 to $150 per tire, you can significantly reduce rolling resistance, improve puncture protection, and even enhance aerodynamics. Some tires, like the Continental Aero 111, are specifically designed to reduce drag at high yaw angles, helping you slice through the wind more efficiently.
Beyond just the type of tire, selecting the right width is crucial. Your tire width should complement your rim width for optimal performance. The 105% rule suggests that your rim should be at least 105% of your tire’s width to maximize aerodynamic efficiency. For example, if your rim is 30mm wide externally, a 28mm tire would be a good match.
Wider tires also provide added comfort, especially on rough roads, by allowing lower pressures without sacrificing performance. A smoother ride isn’t just more enjoyable—it’s also faster, as reduced vibrations mean less energy loss.
Tire pressure plays a critical role as well. Running the right pressure can reduce rolling resistance and improve grip without compromising speed. Online calculators, like Silca’s tire pressure calculator, allow you to dial in the perfect pressure based on your bike setup, rider weight, speed, and road conditions. Taking the time to optimize your tire pressure can make a noticeable difference in both speed and efficiency.
Avoiding baggy clothing is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to improve your speed on the bike. Loose fabric flaps in the wind, creating unnecessary drag, whereas a well-fitted jersey or skinsuit helps streamline your profile.
Beyond just a snug fit, high-performance jerseys often feature aerodynamic enhancements, such as ribbed fabric on the sleeves. This design helps turbulate the air, reducing drag and making you more efficient at speed. In fact, wind tunnel testing has shown that aero jerseys and skinsuits can be faster than bare skin, thanks to the way these specialized fabrics manage airflow.
Investing in a quality jersey also offers performance benefits beyond aerodynamics. Advanced materials improve ventilation and moisture-wicking, helping to regulate body temperature—an essential factor for maintaining power output, especially in hot conditions. Staying cool and aerodynamic means less wasted energy, which translates to higher speeds for the same effort.
Aero-rated shoe covers or socks are another low-cost upgrade that can help you ride faster. These accessories are designed with aerodynamic fabrics and strategic ribbing or “trips” that disrupt airflow, reducing drag and making your pedaling more efficient.
Aero shoe covers offer additional benefits over socks by smoothing airflow over the shoe’s straps, BOA dials, or laces, which can otherwise create turbulence and increase drag. By covering these irregular surfaces, shoe covers help streamline airflow around your feet—the part of your body moving fastest through the air while pedalling.
Studies and wind tunnel tests have shown that aero socks and shoe covers can save several watts at race speeds, making them one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your cycling efficiency. Whether racing or just looking for a free speed boost, investing in a quality pair can make a noticeable difference.
Your helmet isn’t just for protection—it can also make you faster. Generally, performance helmets fall into two categories: aero helmets and ventilated helmets. An aerodynamic helmet can improve your speed, especially on flat or rolling terrain, by reducing drag. However, these gains come at the expense of ventilation, which can impact performance in hot conditions.
In very hot weather, regardless of terrain, a well-ventilated helmet can actually provide a greater performance benefit on rides over an hour in length. Overheating can lead to a drop in power output, so keeping cool can be just as important as reducing drag. In more moderate temperatures, an aero helmet is typically the best choice for maximizing speed.
When choosing an aero helmet, there are many options available. Some look similar to traditional helmets but with fewer vents and a sleeker shape, while others, like the POC Procen Air, take inspiration from time trial helmets, featuring extended tails or integrated visors. The right choice depends on your riding conditions, race goals, and personal comfort.
It might not seem like an upgrade that directly makes you faster, but dialling in your nutrition can have a significant impact on your speed and endurance. Investing in high-quality, performance-oriented drink mixes and gels can help you ride faster and further by providing the right balance of carbohydrates for sustained energy.
These products use scientifically proven ratios of fructose and maltodextrin, allowing your body to absorb more carbohydrates per hour with minimal digestive discomfort. This is crucial for any ride over an hour, where maintaining energy levels is key to performance. As you ride, your carbohydrate stores become depleted. If they run out completely, you’ll experience “the bonk”—a sudden drop in energy that every cyclist dreads.
Recent research in sports nutrition suggests that cyclists should aim for 60-120 grams of carbohydrates per hour, depending on body size, metabolic efficiency, and ride intensity. Matching your intake to your needs can help you maintain steady power output, delay fatigue, and finish strong—all without hitting the wall.
Another cost-effective way to improve your speed is by maximizing your drivetrain’s efficiency. A more efficient drivetrain reduces power loss, meaning more of your effort is transferred to the wheels. One of the best upgrades you can make is switching to waxing your chain. This not only reduces friction but also helps keep your drivetrain much cleaner—especially if you're prone to riding with a grimy chain.
Companies like Silca have made chain waxing more accessible than ever with full chain waxing systems and degreasing solutions that simplify the process. A properly waxed chain can save 2-5 watts compared to a traditionally lubed chain, which adds up over long rides.
Beyond lubrication, maintaining an optimal chain line is another easy way to improve efficiency. Cross-chaining—riding in extreme gear combinations (like big chainring + big cog or small chainring + small cog)—increases friction and drivetrain wear. Keeping your chain as straight as possible reduces mechanical losses and helps you ride faster with the same effort.
Improving your speed on the bike doesn’t always require expensive upgrades like deep-section wheels or a high-end aero frame. Small, cost-effective changes can add up to significant performance gains. From reducing rolling resistance with better tires to minimizing drag with aero clothing, shoe covers, and helmets, every marginal gain helps you ride faster with the same effort.
Beyond equipment, dialing in your nutrition ensures you have the energy to maintain high speeds for longer rides, while optimizing drivetrain efficiency helps you transfer every watt of power to the road. Whether it’s waxing your chain, refining your bike position, or simply wearing a snug-fitting jersey, these changes all contribute to a smoother, more efficient, and faster ride.
By focusing on these small but impactful upgrades, you’ll be able to ride faster, further, and more efficiently—without breaking the bank. Cycling speed isn’t just about the bike; it’s about making smart choices that maximize every pedal stroke.
