Want to ride faster without just throwing large amounts of money at carbon everything? Don’t worry, not all upgrades have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re on a tight budget or looking to splash out for those final watts, these upgrades can help triathletes of all levels boost bike performance with real data behind the gains.
Budget upgrades upto £100
Aero Socks
Other that not sitting bolt upright, Aero socks are our first contender on our journey of saving watts. Potentially the cheapest way to start saving watts with savings of up to 10 watts according to tests carried out by Rule 28.
Cost £25+
Source: Rule 28
Narrower handlebars
Switching to narrower handlebars reduces your frontal area and can help you cheat the wind, even outside of full aero positions.
Cost £40 +
Source: Cycling Weekly
Clip-On Aerobars
Even a basic set of clip-on bars can transform your frontal profile and let you maintain more efficient aero position. You’ll likely be faster on a TT bike but when you’re starting out, Aero clip ons are the next best thing and are a fraction of the cost… Perfect for beginners doing sprint or Olympic-distance races and a stepping stone to a full TT setup
Estimated gain: Save 25–35 watts, or up to 90 seconds over 40km
Cost: £40+
Source: Aerocoach
Fast Tyres
Swapping out slow stock tyres is one of the cheapest ways to gain real speed. Typically, bikes are sold with cheaper tyres which are great to get you out on the road and for keeping the cost of your bike down. Go for low rolling-resistance tyres like the Continental GP5000, Schwalbe Pro One, Pirelli P Zero race or Vittoria Corsa Speed. It’s probably a good time for me to mention at this point that the days of running skinny tyres pumped up to the gills are long gone. Modern race tyres are typically much wider and run less air pressure. Handling , comfort and efficiency are all improved, not to mention tubeless eliminating most punctures.
Estimated gain: Save 8–12 watts, or around 30–60 seconds over 40km
Cost: approx. £70–100 for a full set of tyres (Inner tubes, sealant or valves not included)
Source: BicycleRollingResistance.com
Mid-Range Upgrades £100–£500
Professional Bike Fit
A bike fit might not feel like an upgrade, but it’s one of the best ways to ride faster, more efficiently and more comfortably regardless of your bike’s price tag. Adjusting saddle height, reach, and arm positioning can unlock both power and aerodynamics. All without swapping any parts.
Lets not forget increased comfort which I’d say is priceless.
Estimated gain: Hard to say
Cost: ~£150–£350
Source: Your neck, wrists, shoulders and hips.
Aero Helmet
An aero lid is a smart mid-budget upgrade. It dramatically cuts drag especially when riding solo. Models like the Giro Aerohead, Kask Mistral, or Specialized S-Works TT are great picks, with a balance of aero gains and breathability for race day
Estimated gain: Save 8–24 watts, or about 45–60 seconds over 40km
Cost: £150–£300
Source: Cycling News
High-End Upgrades £500+
Deep-Section Aero Wheels
Carbon wheels are a serious investment, but the speed returns are real, especially over longer distances or flatter courses. Popular race-day options include Zipp 404/808, DT Swiss ARC, or ENVE SES. For budget-conscious riders, consider pre-owned sets or brands like Prime or Hunt for a more affordable entry point.
Estimated gain: Over 15watts
Cost: £800 -£2,000+
Source: Cycling News
TT bike
For long-course triathletes or anyone consistently chasing faster times, upgrading to a dedicated TT/triathlon bike can deliver the biggest single performance leap. These bikes are designed to be fast in a straight line, with aggressive geometry, integrated storage, and superior aerodynamics.
Estimated gain: Compared to a road bike with clip-ons, quite frankly, Huge. A TT bike can save 40–150 watts over a regular road bike. Over a 180 km, a TT bike with an aggressive position can save a he amount of time.
Cost: £2,000 to don’t ask. Lots…
Source: Global Triathlon Network
Bonus section
There are small things that you can do every day that really add up. For example, cleaning your drivetrain regularly and re-oiling the chain with good quality oil or chain wax. Just remember a dirty chain can cost 5–10 watts!
Will a £10K superbike make you go faster? Most likely, yes. Can you get faster by making small changes to position, kit, tyres and bike maintenance? Absolutely. Every watt saved is more energy in the tank for the run. Whatever you decide to do, triathlon is meant to be fun. Our top advice is not to forget that’s why we do it. Enjoy!
