Top Upgrades Riders Make Before Spring (That Don’t Break the Bank)

You don’t need a full rebuild to make your ride feel better for the new season. In fact, some of the most popular pre-season upgrades are affordable, practical, and make an immediate difference.

Here are the top ones riders tackle before spring hits.

1. Fresh Grips

Old grips get hard, slick, or torn — and you don’t notice how bad they are until you replace them.

• Better comfort
• Improved control
• Cheap upgrade, big payoff

2. New Cables (Clutch & Throttle)

Cables wear slowly, which makes them easy to ignore.

Upgrading gives you:

• Smoother pull
• More consistent throttle response
• Less fatigue on long rides

Many riders say this is one of the most noticeable improvements.

3. Battery Replacement

If your battery struggled last season, it won’t magically recover.

A new battery means:

• Reliable starts
• Stable electronics
• No “will it start?” anxiety

4. Tires (Even Just One Set)

Worn or aging tires affect handling more than most riders realize.

• Better traction
• Improved braking
• More confidence across terrain

You don’t need race tires — just the right ones for how you ride.

5. Control Refresh (Levers, Bars, Small Hardware)

Bent levers, sloppy controls, or loose hardware quietly ruin ride quality.

Small upgrades here:

• Improve ergonomics
• Increase safety
• Make the bike feel “new” again

The Takeaway

Pre-season upgrades don’t have to be expensive to be effective. Focusing on contact points, reliability, and control gives you the most bang for your buck — and sets you up for a smoother, more enjoyable season.