Top 5 instant speed upgrades
Independent reviews • Best prices • Fast and free delivery
We’re always looking for ways to get faster, without just good old-fashioned hard work and practice. Our top 5 instant speed upgrades shows you that money can indeed buy happiness when it comes to top of the range, pro-level products which will help with your training, save you weight or make you more comfortable.
1. Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLE Clincher Road Wheelset With Wheel-Tyre System
Race ready
Review
The Mavic Cosmic Carbone SLE clincher road wheelset is an instant way to shave weight off your bike and take seconds off your kph. There are lighter and stiffer wheels out there, they are pushing the £3,000 mark, but this set, which comes complete with tyres, represents excellent value for money. Whether you’re a road racer, triathlete or just want to get ahead on a club run, these hoops are honed for speed.
The deep 52mm rims are ideal for slicing through the air and the 16 front and 20 rear bladed spokes add to the aerodynamics. Just because they are light doesn’t make them flimsy though, as they feature durable and impact resistant rims and alloy hubs.
The accompanying Yksion tyres are ultra light and have just the right hint of grip so it’s not all too slick an experience.
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| Price | £1,057.50 |
| Weight | 2190g |
| Used by | Omega Pharma-QuickStep |
2. Giro Aeon Road Cycling Helmet 2015
Pro Level
Review
The Giro Aeon road cycling helmet is top of our list of lids thanks to the unbelievably light weight (exactly the same as a packet of mini Milkybar buttons) and brilliant ventilation. It’s designed for road racing, but will make a difference to any speed of journey, as it will keep your head cool and comfortable whatever the distance.
The helmet is available in a choice of three sizes which can each be tweaked via the RocLoc 5 Fit System to perfectly dial in your fit. The roll cage provides valuable protection without the weight penalty and the padding makes it exceptionally comfortable.
A whopping 24 vents will let out hot head heat and replace it with fresh air, keeping you completely cool and collected. There’s also a great choice of colours to match your clothing and bike perfectly.
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| Price | £89.99 |
| Weight | 189g |
| Used by | Garmin Sharp |
3. Garmin Edge 510 GPS-enabled cycle computer with cadence sensor & HRM, black
High tech
Review
The Garmin Edge 1000 is the latest and greatest cycle computer incarnation from gadget gurus Garmin. Just when you thought they couldn’t possibly pack any more features into such a tiny device, along comes a barrage of performance-specific features and compatibility.
The Edge 1000 integrates with a whole array of sensors and devices such as the Garmin Vector power meter, Shimano Di2 electronic shifting system (it displays and records your current gear), the Garmin VIRB action camera (rewatch your ride accompanied by the data), and bluetooth-enabled smartphones. The remote control on the handlebar allows you to control the computer without taking your hands off the bars and the touchscreen is operable in gloves.
The Garmin-Sharp team management and coaches analyse performance via the live tracking feature, but you can use it to allow your friends and family to follow your every move (so they’ll know if you’ve secretly popped into Tredz to buy more speed-inducing equipment). Other features include 8GB internal memory, redirected text messages and phone calls and an amazingly strong GPS signal.
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| Price | £292.67 |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Battery life | 12 hours |
| Uploads to Strava | Yes - instantly |
| Navigation | Follows a pre-loaded course |
| Weight | 80g |
| Size | 5.2 x 8.6 x 2.4 cm |
| Cadence sensor and HRM | Included |
| Customisable screen | Yes |
| Best for | Dataphiles |
4. Fizik Arione 00 Performance Saddle
Race ready
Review
The Fizik Arione 00 Performance Saddle is the epitome of perch perfection. It has everything you dream of in the ultimate saddle – the ideal stiffness to weight ration, pressure distribution and freedom of thigh movement while you’re pedalling.
Fizik Arione saddles are the choice of numerous pro cycling teams, most notably Rapha Condor Sharp to complement their beautifully designed kit and steeds exquisitely. However, it’s still an expert choice for mere mortals as you’re getting plenty of bang for your buck thanks to the spectacular technology.
Although there’s the bare minimum of padding, it’s still a comfortable saddle, with superb sit bone support and no unwanted flex from a cutaway. The Wingflex sides flex while you’re on the move for unrestricted thigh movement and the carbon rails contribute to the amazingly feather light 135g.
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| Price | £269.99 |
| Used by | Team Rapha Condor Sharp |
| Weight | 135g |
5. Stages Cycling Power Meter Shimano 105 5700
Pro Level
Review
The Stages cycling power meter Shimano 105 will really take your training up a level. Speed is a good indication of how well you’re doing, cadence and heart rate are more specific but your power output is the measurement you want to focus on, as it shows you how hard you’re working.
Put simply, your power (measured in Watts) = Force (measured by the device) x Distance/Time. Not only can you use this information as you’re riding, but you can analyse it afterwards and even calculate the power you’ll need in your next big race.
The Stages power meter is essentially a replacement non-drive crank arm for your existing 105 chainset so it’s always there, ready to instantly tell you the information via any ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart Ready device. It has over 200 hours of battery life and compatible software includes Training Peaks, Strava, Garmin Training Centre.
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| Price | £349.99 |
| Weight | Adds 20g to your crank arm |
| Used by | Team Sky |