11 ways to that new 'bike day' feeling

Refreshing just a few components can breathe new life back into a faithful bike

(Daniel Gould)

There’s something intoxicating about that first ride on a brand-new bike. Spotless components all fresh and working as they should – it’s bliss on two wheels.

But making a fresh purchase every spring makes neither financial nor environmental sense – and that’s if you could even get hold of the one you wanted right now.

Fortunately, by replacing a few of those consumable components, you can get most of the way back to that feeling of shiny newness. Even better, many of these – such as bar tape, fresh cables and brake pads – are really quite cheap and would leave you questioning why you didn’t replace them sooner.

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11 ways to that new 'bike day' feeling

Cleaning kit
Cleaning kit
First off, perhaps the most obvious avenue to a fresh feeling bike is giving your current one a good clean.
First off, perhaps the most obvious avenue to a fresh feeling bike is giving your current one a good clean.
But beyond that, a clean bike is a lot easier to work on – and so it’s a great place to start before getting onto any of the other refreshes.
But beyond that, a clean bike is a lot easier to work on – and so it’s a great place to start before getting onto any of the other refreshes.
This kit from Muc Off has all the brushes and detergents you need and makes getting your bike sparkling a far easier task.
This kit from Muc Off has all the brushes and detergents you need and makes getting your bike sparkling a far easier task.
Muc Off Ultimate Bicycle Cleaning Kit
Muc Off Ultimate Bicycle Cleaning Kit
£75
UK: View deal at ProBikeKit | £75 £44.99
View the whole range at ProBikeKit 
View the whole range at ProBikeKit 
Handlebar Tape
Handlebar Tape
One of the biggest determinates of how your bike feels to ride – and how smart it looks – is the handlebar tape.
One of the biggest determinates of how your bike feels to ride – and how smart it looks – is the handlebar tape.
Ripped sides and ingrained sweat are the fate of any bar tape that’s left on too long.
Ripped sides and ingrained sweat are the fate of any bar tape that’s left on too long.
Fortunately, it doesn’t cost much to replace – and even better, Deda’s well respected tape is available in a huge range of colours to match any stylings.
Fortunately, it doesn’t cost much to replace – and even better, Deda’s well respected tape is available in a huge range of colours to match any stylings.
Deda Handlebar Tape
Deda Handlebar Tape
$13.99
USA: View deal at ProBikeKit | $13.99 $8.49
£9.99
UK: View deal at ProBikeKit | £9.99 £6.99
View the whole range at ProBikeKit
View the whole range at ProBikeKit
Gear cables
Gear cables
There are few things more frustrating than gears which don’t work properly; never shifting when you want them to but then taking matters into their own hands and switching gears when you least expect it.
There are few things more frustrating than gears which don’t work properly; never shifting when you want them to but then taking matters into their own hands and switching gears when you least expect it.
A fresh set of cables is all you need to eliminate the issues of some sticky housing and bring back the ease and accuracy of your shifting.
A fresh set of cables is all you need to eliminate the issues of some sticky housing and bring back the ease and accuracy of your shifting.
Shimano Road Gear Cable Set 
Shimano Road Gear Cable Set 
$38.00
USA: View item at ProBikeKit | $38.00
£28.99
UK: View deal at ProBikeKit | £28.99 £22.99
View the whole range at ProBikeKit
View the whole range at ProBikeKit