As cyclists we’re drawn by the exotic appeal of the latest technology – anything that’s newer, lighter, faster and more aerodynamic.

The instant gratification served up by walking into your local bike shop and emerging with a pile of swag, or placing an online order and having it arrive at your doorstep less than 24 hours later, is hard to beat. If it makes you faster – or, at least, has the potential to – then all the better.

No upgrade is ‘essential’ but that’s no fun, is it? Half the fun of this sport comes in drooling over the latest technology, obsessing over your next purchase, or trying to eek out every last inch of performance out of your machine.

But what upgrades represent the best bang-for-your-buck? Here are five ways to breathe new life into your machine ahead of the summer season.

Discuss in the forum