The big debate. I apologise for anyone who has just bought a new bike! Is it really needed? Latest model, more gears, bigger tyres, lighter, nice colour or just that your current bike is worn out (which is probably the only justifiable reason to anyone else). Who’s to gain the most out of your spend? My thought is, unless you are on a serious upgrade, think about; what’s my aim? Mine is to be as efficient as possible, while being relatively comfortable (bikefit territory). For me, a bike upgrade may give 2% gain, max. A big upgrade say from your steel 9sp wearing 23mm rubber to a carbon 12sp and 32mm rubber could give you 5-10%! Back to me, surely, I could benefit considerably more by adding 60 minutes plus a week training and adjusting my diet? But this takes effort. So, do I take the easy option – new bike and same lifestyle? Or the third option… Biggest difference nearly everyone can make is being aware of what they are wearing and how they are positioned on a bike. So unless you are riding uphill all the time, being aero is the game changer. Just think ‘time trial’ every time you get on your bike! Until next time; #handlebars_haynes