The best spring refresh accessories for your bike — and none of them require a huge investment.
Spring is the best time to take a closer look at your bike. Not for anything dramatic. Just a moment to notice what’s worn, what’s grimy, and what might be due for a little love after a long winter.
The good news: some of the most satisfying upgrades you can make cost less than takeout and are easy to do. These aren’t performance modifications or gear-head arcana. Think of them more like treats for your bike — the kind of thing that makes every ride feel a little fresher.
Here are five worth considering this spring.
Grips
Grips are one of those things you stop noticing until they’re really bad — cracked rubber, slippery (or sticky) texture, maybe a little wobble on one side. New grips fix all of that and they’re genuinely fun to put on. There’s a wide range of styles and materials, from simple lock-on rubber grips to ergonomic options with palm support. If your hands get sore on longer rides, an ergonomic grip can make a real difference. If you mostly putter around town, a classic grip in a fun color might be all you want.
Handlebar Tape
If you ride a road bike or a drop-bar gravel bike, your bar tape takes a beating. Oils from your hands break it down, it fades, it gets loose at the ends. Fresh bar tape is one of those upgrades that looks great and feels even better — there’s nothing quite like the feel of a clean, well-wrapped bar under your hands. One more thing for the trainer riders: sweat works its way under bar tape and can corrode the bars from the inside out. It’s one of those invisible problems we see every spring. More on that in a future post, but for now — new tape is cheap insurance.
Wrapping your own tape is very doable once you’ve done it, but the first time can be a little fussy. We do handlebar tape installs at the shop for $30, so if you’d rather drop off your bike and pick it up looking sharp, that’s always an option.
Pedals
Stock pedals that come on bikes are often pretty forgettable — they do the job, but that’s about it. Upgrading your pedals is one of the highest-return swaps you can make. A good flat pedal with more surface area and traction pins gives you a more confident, planted feel, especially useful for gravel or trail riding. Lightweight alloy options look great on a road or commuter bike. And if you’re considering clipless pedals for the first time, spring is a great time to make the jump before the season really gets going.
Water Bottle Cages
Cage materials matter more than you might think. A cheap plastic cage can crack in cold weather or lose its grip over time, which is a frustrating way to lose a water bottle mid-ride. An aluminum or carbon cage holds better, looks cleaner, and lasts much longer. They’re also one of the easiest swaps on the bike — two bolts, done. A matching set of cages is a small thing that makes your bike look intentional and put-together. There are also options that mount to the handlebars if you like your beverage a little easier to get to.
Bags
A good bike bag quietly makes every ride better. You stop worrying about what to do with your phone, your keys, your snacks. A small saddle bag handles a spare tube and multi-tool without getting in the way. A top-tube bag keeps your phone accessible without having to dig through your pockets. A handlebar bag opens up options for longer rides without committing to a full touring setup.
If you’ve been riding without any storage, start with a saddle bag. It’s the most practical first step, and you’ll wonder how you managed without one.
Come In and Take a Look
We keep a solid selection of grips, tape, pedals, cages, and bags at the shop. If you’re not sure what fits your bike or what would actually make a difference for how you ride, bring it in. We’re happy to take a look and point you in the right direction — no pressure, no jargon.
Spring is short in Wisconsin. Might as well enjoy it on a bike that feels great.