{"id":100603,"date":"2025-08-27T10:36:10","date_gmt":"2025-08-27T10:36:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/100603\/"},"modified":"2025-08-27T10:36:10","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T10:36:10","slug":"what-tech-can-actually-make-you-a-better-cyclist-we-asked-two-top-coaches-what-really-works-and-what-you-should-swerve-to-improve-your-performance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/100603\/","title":{"rendered":"What tech can actually make you a better cyclist? We asked two top coaches what really works and what you should swerve to improve your performance"},"content":{"rendered":"

Being a ‘better cyclist’ can mean riding faster, safer, more efficiently, or simply more consistently. With cycling tech evolving rapidly, there\u2019s now a gadget or upgrade for almost every aspect of performance and safety. In this article, we’re going through some common cycling tech gadgets and chatting to two expert coaches about the tools they think will actually help you improve on the bike.<\/p>\n

Before diving into the latest gadgets and cutting-edge cycling tech, it’s worth remembering that you don’t need to buy everything at once (and you certainly don’t need to buy everything full-stop). Many coaches and experienced riders agree: ride first, learn your body, and add suitable tech and upgrades gradually based on your goals. Data is only useful if you know what to do with it, and the most expensive gear in the world won’t help if you’re uncomfortable on the bike, or feel\u00a0unsafe on the road.\u00a0<\/p>\n

So, where should you start? What tech really makes a difference? Here\u2019s what the experts had to say…<\/p>\n

Why comfort and fit comes first\u00a0<\/p>\n

For many riders, the biggest gains don\u2019t come from high-tech gadgets, but from getting comfortable on the bike. If you\u2019re not comfortable, you won\u2019t ride as far, as often, or as consistently.<\/p>\n

>\u00a0How to make your bike more comfortable<\/a><\/p>\n

\"20242024 Saddle pain riding bike fit (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Dan Coombe of Race Line Coaching <\/a>says this is something he sees all the time. \u201cMany riders underestimate the value of a high-quality bike fit combined with accurate saddle, handlebar, and cleat adjustments. While not flashy, optimising biomechanics can significantly improve power transfer, reduce injury risk, and enhance endurance,\u201d he explains.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Contact points are the most obvious place to start. A saddle<\/a> that works for you is arguably the most important component on your bike. If it’s doing its job properly, you’ll never notice it, but if it isn’t… ouch!<\/p>\n

\"20252025 Bike fit bar and stem (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Handlebars also play a huge role: width, flare, shape, and even bar tape can all reduce fatigue and numbness over long rides. Shoes and insoles matter too,\u00a0getting the fit and support right here prevents hot spots, numb toes, and knee pain.\u00a0The interaction between feet and pedals is especially important, as poor alignment here often causes discomfort that travels up into the knees, hips, or even the back.<\/p>\n

Comfort isn\u2019t just about the bike, either. Even simple upgrades like a good pair of bib shorts<\/a>, a breathable jersey, or\u00a0waterproofs that are actually waterproof can transform your riding experience.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Power meters and heart rate monitors\u00a0<\/p>\n

Heart rate monitors<\/a> are often a rider\u2019s first step into structured training. Affordable, easy to use, and widely compatible with cycling computers and apps, they offer a reliable way to track effort and recovery.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"WahooWahoo TICKR Heart Rate Monitor (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Power meters, on the other hand, measure output directly. Unlike speed (affected by terrain, wind, and drafting) or heart rate (affected by sleep, caffeine, or stress), power tells you exactly how much work you\u2019re producing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

> Best cycling power meters<\/a><\/p>\n

As Henry Latimer (also known as\u00a0Cycling Coach Henry<\/a>) explains,\u00a0\u201cTwo riders can ride at 250 watts, but one might be at 120bpm and the other at 170bpm. They\u2019re not doing the same thing.\u201d\u00a0Understanding heart rate trends helps riders gauge fitness progression, fatigue, and even when illness or poor recovery is affecting performance.<\/p>\n

Coombe\u00a0calls the power meter\u00a0\u201cthe single most transformative piece of tech for most cyclists,\u201d\u00a0noting how it allows for training with precision. Structured sessions, pacing strategies, and recovery monitoring all become more accurate when you know your wattage.<\/p>\n

\"20242024 Campagnolo Super Record WRL HPPM Power meter crankset (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Latimer agrees:\u00a0\u201cThat which is measured, improves. A power meter puts hard numbers behind every pedal stroke and gives context to your effort.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, he stresses that riders must learn how to interpret the numbers. Without context or structure, power data risks becoming \u201crandom numbers that are almost useless.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coombe and Latimer both emphasise the value of combining power and heart rate. Power tells you what you\u2019re putting out and\u00a0heart rate shows the body\u2019s cost of delivering that power.<\/p>\n

So, who needs which tool and are power meters essential?\u00a0Coombe says yes for serious riders aiming to train with precision, while casual cyclists can still see progress with heart rate and perceived exertion.<\/p>\n

Latimer sums it up well:\u00a0\u201cThe purest form of cycling is just enjoying being on the bike. For those chasing improvement, a power meter is almost essential to get the most from your time commitment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Equipment upgrades<\/p>\n

\"20252025 Dauphine Israel-Premier Tech unreleased Factor Jake Stewart 13 (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Beyond training data, what physical upgrades give the best bang for your buck?\u00a0Both Coombe and Latimer agree that tyres offer the best performance return for the least investment.<\/p>\n

Coombe highlights 30mm\u00a0tyres as the\u00a0sweet spot for road riding,\u00a0offering an ideal balance of grip, comfort, and rolling efficiency. Wider tyres<\/a> can make you faster, but also make your riding more comfortable too.\u00a0Lower tyre pressures allow for more compliance in the tyre, which in turn gives you a more comfortable riding experience. It also reduced rolling resistance on not-perfectly-smooth, real-life road surfaces.<\/p>\n

Wheels come next. Aerodynamic or lightweight designs can reduce drag and improve performance, especially on longer rides or in racing.<\/p>\n

\"20252025 Roval Rapide CL III wheelset.jpg (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Next on the list are wheels. A good quality wheelset<\/a>,\u00a0whether lightweight for climbing or deep-section for aerodynamics, can make a big difference, particularly on long rides or in races.\u00a0<\/p>\n

But Latimer stresses that the \u201cbest\u201d upgrade depends heavily on context.<\/p>\n

\u201cA time trialist or flat road racer would benefit hugely from aero upgrades such as a fast skinsuit, deep-section wheels, or aero socks,\u201d he says. \u201cWhereas a sportive rider doing\u00a0L\u2019\u00c9tape du Tour would benefit much more from\u00a0a lightweight set of wheels\u00a0and a more breathable jersey to assist\u00a0cooling”.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just the bike that matters, either. Clothing and accessories can deliver overlooked performance benefits. For racers, aero kit can save watts and for\u00a0endurance riders, breathable jerseys and high-quality bib shorts with good chamois padding can transform comfort and help sustain power over hours in the saddle.<\/p>\n

\"20252025 Q36.5 Dottore Clima Jersey White-Black – chest.jpg (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

The key takeaway is to\u00a0tailor equipment to your riding. Think about where you ride most, what events you\u2019re targeting, and what holds you back on the bike. If comfort is the issue, start with contact points, clothing and tyres. If you’re chasing speed, look to\u00a0 aero wheels and kit. For climbing, prioritise\u00a0light weight.\u00a0The smartest upgrades are the ones that directly solve the challenges you face most often.<\/p>\n

Overhyped tech\u00a0<\/p>\n

With so much cycling tech on the market, not every product delivers meaningful performance gains. Some gadgets promise marginal improvements that rarely translate into real-world benefits, and relying on them can distract from the fundamentals of riding and training.<\/p>\n

Latimer is cautious about smart devices that provide \u201creadiness scores\u201d or algorithm-driven guidance… our own Liam Cahill had plenty to say on this subject<\/a> when it comes to the accuracy\u00a0(or lack of it) of Strava’s ‘Athlete Intelligence’ mode.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

While AI and algorithms\u00a0can be useful tools,\u00a0he points out that no piece of tech can tell a rider how they feel better than the rider themselves.\u00a0Devices should support training, not replace a rider\u2019s own judgment.<\/p>\n

\"20242024 AbsoluteBlack Hollowcage Titanium oversized pulley cage (credit: AbsoluteBlack)<\/p>\n

Coombe adds a practical example of\u00a0ceramic bearings: \u201cWhile they can offer minor benefits, if they\u2019re not maintained properly or replaced consistently, they can actually slow the bike down.<\/p>\n

In practice, regular maintenance, correct bike setup, and structured training deliver far more significant improvements.\u201d<\/p>\n

Apps and platforms\u00a0<\/p>\n

There’s a vast range of cycling information and help available through your smartphone, from navigation to planning and tracking your training. When used effectively, they can make your training more purposeful and easier to track.<\/p>\n

Coombe recommends a few key tools: TrainingPeaks for structured training, particularly when linked with a coach,\u00a0Zwift or Rouvy for\u00a0indoor training, and Whoop to monitor recovery and HRV. Other apps and training programmes are available, of course, but these are the ones Coach Coombe recommends.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"20232023 training peaks calendar jamie elite for a week (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

Latimer agrees that TrainingPeaks is a strong option, but he\u2019s also keeping an eye on emerging technology: \u201cAnyone looking to add structure to their training would benefit from a TrainingPeaks account. However, this answer may change in the future, as new platforms are emerging that could make better use of tech, such as AI-based ride analysis.<\/p>\n

“[There are] no major players in that field just yet, but I don\u2019t think we\u2019ll be waiting too long!\u201d<\/p>\n

Our coaches’ one must-have tech recommendation<\/p>\n

When asked to choose just one tech recommendation, both coaches circled back to the same themes: data, and understanding.<\/p>\n

Coombe said, “Invest in a power meter and learn to train using structured zones. Mastering the ability to measure and interpret your output fundamentally changes how you train, recover, and race. It\u2019s the tool that turns effort into intelligence”.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Latimer takes a slightly broader view, warning against chasing every new gadget for the sake of it. \u201cInvest in the tech tools you need rather than getting every app and device available. Learn about your tech, understand it and work out how best it can assist you. No one device or app has all the answers in isolation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"20252025 Body Rocket power meter pedals (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

He\u2019s quick to remind riders that even the smartest tools can\u2019t replace the basics: “Ultimately though,\u00a0you still need to get out there and turn the pedals to get quicker! No tech will ever be able to beat hard work and time on the bike.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, what tech can make you a better cyclist? The consensus is that the right tools, used in the right way, can make a real difference –\u00a0but they have to match your goals.<\/p>\n

For riders\u00a0focusing on performance, power meters and structured training can be transformative. For those prioritising comfort and enjoyment, a professional bike fit or equipment upgrades such as the right tyres may be the biggest game-changers.<\/p>\n

>\u00a0The most common bike fit mistakes and how to avoid them<\/a><\/p>\n

\"20252025 Giant Defy Advanced SL 1 – riding 1.jpg (credit: road.cc)<\/p>\n

The best approach is to focus on the fundamentals first: fit, training, and regular bike care. From there, upgrades like tyres and a heart rate monitor offer excellent value. If you\u2019re training with performance in mind, a power meter can be a logical next step, before spending on more context-specific tech such as aero kit or marginal gain accessories that may only deliver incremental improvements.<\/p>\n

What piece of tech has made the biggest difference to your riding? Let us know in the comments section below.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Being a ‘better cyclist’ can mean riding faster, safer, more efficiently, or simply more consistently. With cycling tech…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":100604,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[445],"tags":[49,48,635,82],"class_list":["post-100603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-cycling","tag-ca","tag-canada","tag-cycling","tag-sports"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100603","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=100603"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/100603\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/100604"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=100603"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=100603"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=100603"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}