The Best Upgrades of 2025
Nothing quite rivals the thrill of “new bike day," but a baller upgrade can come surprisingly close. With a single, well chosen upgrade, you can overhaul your bike’s feel and performance for a fraction of the investment, all while keeping the fit, handling, and personality you’ve already dialed in, or spent considerably to achieve.
As part of our 2025 retrospective–including our favorite custom builds–we’re shining a light on the very best upgrades that rolled through Contender’s shop doors. Grouped by road, gravel, and MTB, these choices deliver a subtle yet powerful glimpse into where each discipline has been, and where it might be headed next.
From wider tires to refined braking, and from smarter suspension to robust data measurement, these are the upgrades that we loved the most, and are sure to pack a punch.
ROAD: Big Gains in Comfort, Control & Speed
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SRAM AXS Brake Levers (Red or Force): Redesigned ergonomics, a noticeably improved lever feel, and compatibility with previous-generation AXS drivetrains make these levers one of the best upgrades for 2025. One finger braking without compromise? Sign us up. Learn More
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32mm Road Tires: Undoubtedly influenced by the trend of ever-widening tires on the gravel side of the house (more on this below), 32s are now the modern sweet spot for speed and comfort on the road. Lower rolling resistance, improved grip, and a smoother ride quality make 32s the new default for performance road riding. Learn More
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ENVE SES 4.5 Pro Wheelset: A top-tier, aero wheel upgrade with class-leading stability and weight. The 4.5 Pro blends fast rolling, sharp handling, and climbing efficiency, giving everyday riders pro-level performance. Learn More
GRAVEL: Smarter, Wider, and Built for Diverse Terrain
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SRAM Spindle-Based Power Meters: A clean, crank-integrated solution that brings power to AXS cranksets without changing chainrings or spider configurations. Accurate, durable, and one of the most tried and true ways to level up one’s on-bike performance. Learn More
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Wider Gravel Tires: With 40mm tires now considered narrow in the gravel space, many riders are moving to 42–50mm or 2.1 mountain bike tires for better traction, smoother rolling, and more confidence on loose or chunky terrain. Learn More
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Wolf Tooth DEL Clipless Pedals: A minimalist, light weight, single-sided clipless design built for gravel efficiency, the new DEL pedal from Wolf Tooth delivers secure engagement, adjustable Q-factor, and long-term durability. Available in a sleek black, or ultraviolet purple. Learn More
MTB: Efficiency, Intelligence & Fresh Ride Feel
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RockShox Flight Attendant: Quite possibly the most transformative upgrade presently out there–and one for which Contender presently has some smokin’ deals, while they last that is–Flight Attendant automatically adjusts suspension modes based on terrain, cadence and power, and other rider inputs. The net? Maximum efficiency, “just right” suspension (not too much, not too little), and the ability to be laser focused on your ride, because you’re not caught up in your lockout lever. Learn More
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Shimano XT/XTR Di2: Shimano’s next-gen Di2 brings crisp shifting, excellent performance under load, and a more tactile feel (versus SRAM), made possible by rock-solid wired/wireless architecture, built for the demands of modern trail and XC riding. Paired with XTR’s updated braking platform, the system delivers unmatched consistency on long descents, reliability, and toughness. Learn More
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New Tires & Grips: The simplest upgrade, and often the most impactful–especially if looking to achieve faster rolling speed (XC tires), better grip and traction through berms and chunk (enduro tires), or less hand fatigue for long rides (foam grips). A new Maxxis tread matched to your terrain, or ESI or Deity grips that match your riding style, can make your bike feel instantly sharper, more comfortable and in control. Learn More
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New year, new you? With an on-point upgrade of your own, you better believe it.
Whether you’re ready to start or still have questions, we’d love to help out. Stop by the shop any time, email us here, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344.
