How to upgrade your road bike

If you’re looking to upgrade your bike frame to get more performance, then there are a few key components that you can change to help build your dream bike.

Pedals

When it comes to pedals, there are two main options to choose from: flat or clip-in pedals. The type of cycling you’re doing will determine which pedals are right for you. If you’re doing a lot of road cycling, then you’ll want to opt for a clip-in system, and if you’re mountain or trail riding, then a wide, flat pedal is a good option.

For an easy upgrade to your road bike, a clip-in pedal system such as the Shimano PD-R550 SPD SL Road Pedals is a great option. These pedals are easy to fit and have a flat, low-profile platform and are wide for a clip-in pedal, so they’re easy to clip into and have greater stability for riders who are new to clip-ins.

Saddle

The purpose of a saddle is to keep you comfortable and in the best possible position on the bike. An upgrade to the best saddle for you can quickly help reduce aches and pains while you’re riding and improve your weight distribution to alleviate pressure on soft tissue. Below, we’ve highlighted three things for you to consider when buying your next bike saddle.

Saddle Width

The saddle is measured across the widest point. To determine the right width, you can measure sit bone width at home by sitting on a piece of card, rocking side to side, and then measuring the distance between the two points of depression.

Saddle Curvature

Saddles generally come in two different shapes: flat or curved. If you’re experiencing pinching from your current saddle, you may want to swap from a flat saddle to a curved one. A curved saddle can help to keep you more centred on the bike and provide a little extra control.

Saddle Cutout

Many bike saddles come with a cutout or a relief channel to help relieve pressure from the perineum and improve comfort, so if you experience numbness on your saddle, you may need a saddle with a cutout or a relief channel. You should also look at the amount of padding that you need from your saddle, depending on how much time you’ll be spending there.

Selle SMP Well Saddle

A good example of a saddle that is both curved and features a cutout is the Selle SMP Well Saddle, as it combines soft polyurethane padding with high mechanical strength. Plus, the fixing plates have an exclusive structural element that allows for achieving higher standards of security and robustness, so this saddle will be sure to go the distance.

Tyres

Nobody wants to get stuck with a puncture while they’re out on the road, which is why you should always run a reliable pair of tyres that provide you with the speed and performance that you want, as well as good grip in varying weather conditions.

Tyres go through plenty of wear and tear, as they’re your main contact with the road, and they will naturally need replacing over time. If you’re still using the original tyres that came with your bike, we recommend upgrading.

Schwalbe One TLE Tubeless Road Tyre

The Schwalbe One TLE Tubeless Road Tyre is a super-capable tyre that excels in all conditions, making it a perfect choice for all-year-round riding. The Tubeless technology eliminates the need for an inner tube, reducing the risk of pinch flats, allowing lower pressures to be used, improving comfort as well as speed on rough sections of road and increasing levels of grip for assured handling and wet weather cornering.

Brakes

A great set of brakes is not only a key safety feature, but they can also improve your performance as they help to regulate your speed and control your bike, increasing your bike handling ability and your efficiency.

Here at Halfords, we stock a range of brakes and accessories such as cables and pads, as well as whole braking systems. By replacing your worn brake pads you’ll be able to strop quicker and reduce the risk of an accident. Replacing a cable breaking system to a hydraulic braking system such as the Shimano GRX Di2 ST-RX815 2x11 Speed Disc Brake Set you’ll be dramatically increasing power and control whilst reducing maintenance time.

Wheels

Wheels play a huge part in the amount of speed you’ll produce, so getting a lightweight set of wheels is a great way to get your ride time as low as possible. A better quality hub will make your bike nimbler and speedier, and more reliable bearings will mean that your wheels will last longer, and stronger rims will make riding on rough surfaces more comfortable.

Shimano WH-RX010 Road Disc Wheel 700c

If they’re compatible with your bike, a good wheel upgrade would be the Shimano WH-RX010 Road Disc Wheel 700c as these wheels feature a 24mm high-profile aluminium rim for improved aerodynamics, helping you ride quicker. They also offer precision bearing adjustment and easy maintenance.

Bike Upgrade

If your current frame is looking a bit tired or feeling a bit heavy and sluggish, instead of upgrading every part, then it might be time to upgrade the entire bike.

Boardman SLR 9.0 2025

The Boardman SLR 9.0 is designed to be faster, more comfortable, and better value than ever, making it the perfect bike for racing, training, or long-distance rides. With space for 36mm tyres (32mm with mudguards), it’s ready for all-season use, whatever the road or weather throws at you.

Built from Boardman’s C7 carbon frame and fork, the SLR 9.0 gives a smooth and comfortable ride mile after mile. The updated design also adds extra storage space, uses SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger for easy replacements, and has hidden mounts for full-length mudguards, so you can set this bike up exactly how you want.

The Shimano 105 12-speed group offers smooth gear changes and powerful hydraulic disc brakes that keep you in control in all conditions, whether that’s climbing hills or speeding downhill. It rolls on 30mm deep alloy wheels with sealed bearings and tubeless-ready rims, fitted with Goodyear Eagle tyres for speed, reliability, and puncture protection so you don’t get stuck at the side of the road.

Finishing touches include a Prologo Scratch M5 saddle, designed for all-day comfort and support, paired with a lightweight D-shaped carbon seatpost for extra smoothness and aerodynamics. The SLR 9.0 road bike is ready to perform at every level, in any season.

Before buying any bike parts, it’s a good idea to pop into your local Halfords store and speak to one of our helpful experts who can guide you through your options and the products' compatibility with your bike to ensure you’re buying the correct parts.