6 Smart Investments That Will Make You a Better Cyclist

Why progress starts with investing in yourself

It’s easy to think that performance is about having the lightest bike or the newest gear. But here’s the truth: real progress doesn’t come from your equipment – it comes from you.

If you're serious about riding stronger, longer and more comfortably, there are far better places to start than carbon wheels or aero helmets. Below are six high-impact investments that will help you ride better — whether you’re a weekend warrior or working towards your first sportive.

1. A proper bike fit: the non-negotiable foundation

If there’s one investment every cyclist should make, it’s this. A bike fit changes everything.

• More comfort
• Fewer injuries
• Better power transfer
• More efficiency on every ride

Whether you ride road, gravel or touring, your bike must be adapted to your body — not the other way round. An expert fit adjusts saddle height, reach, cleat position and handlebar width to unlock your natural posture and pedalling mechanics.

Related: Choosing your first bike – what really matters

2. A high-quality pair of bib shorts

No matter how good your bike is, if your shorts are wrong, you’ll suffer. A proper chamois pad makes all the difference:

• Reduces pressure and friction
• Prevents numbness and saddle sores
• Increases comfort over long distances

Look for a pair designed for your anatomy (men’s/women’s), with multi-density padding and breathable fabrics. It’s one of the few pieces of kit that genuinely changes your experience from “just tolerable” to “I could ride all day”.

3. Skills coaching: technique matters

Most of us learn to ride by trial and error. But technique is rarely taught — and that’s a missed opportunity.

A few hours with a cycling coach can help you:

• Improve braking and cornering
• Descend with confidence
• Balance your weight on gravel or loose terrain
• Ride safely in a group

Whether road, gravel or MTB, better skills mean better control, more fun and fewer crashes.

4. Nutrition guidance from a sports professional

Forget crash diets or “shaving grams” off your bike. If you're looking for real gains, focus on fuelling your body properly.

A qualified sports nutritionist can help you:

• Optimise energy intake before, during and after rides
• Avoid bonking and digestive issues
• Maintain a healthy weight without restriction
• Recover faster and stay consistent

This isn’t about eating less — it’s about eating smarter. And the benefits show up both on and off the bike.

5. A bike computer with heart rate or power

You don’t need to be a data geek to benefit from metrics. Tracking your rides helps you train more intentionally:

• Monitor heart rate zones
• Plan recovery
• Structure intervals and endurance rides
• Avoid overtraining

A basic bike computer with heart rate monitoring is a great start. If you’re ready for next-level insights, a power meter can offer unmatched precision — but only if you’re ready to use it properly.

6. A cycling coach or structured training plan

Coaching isn’t just for the pros. In fact, for time-crunched riders or beginners, a coach brings clarity, focus and motivation.

Benefits of a coach:

• Training that fits your life and your goals
• Faster, safer progress
• Accountability that keeps you consistent
• Expertise to interpret your data

You don’t need to train like a Tour rider — you just need a plan that works for you.

Final thoughts: upgrade your engine, not just your gear

The best bike in the world can’t compensate for bad posture, poor nutrition or ineffective training. But the good news? You are your best investment.

Start with your body, your knowledge and your habits. You’ll ride better, recover faster, enjoy more — and the gear upgrades? They’ll make more sense when you’re truly ready for them.

Want to go further?

• Essential gear checklist for gravel riding
• Tailor-made gravel adventures in Portugal and France
• Why gravel is perfect for skill-building and progression

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