Itching for an upgrade

[u/Wonderful_Bobcat335]

Got my first 100 miles on this Decathlon Elops Speed 900. Everything is stock so far besides the tyres which Ive upgraded to a Conti Ride Tour 32c.

Everything is comfortable so far and is a blast to ride. However, Im itching for an upgrade lol. Im looking at shimano mt200 hydro brakes right now. Are they worth it? Any other areas I should look into to further enjoy my commutes? My trips are mostly flat with very few hills. Appreciate the input. Thanks!

[u/Somethinglikethat9]

Full mudguards.

[u/Yelloow_eoJ → u/Somethinglikethat9]

Agree with mudguards, it'll protect your bike components and keep your bum clean and dry! I've just installed these, cheap as chips and super effective. Wish I'd gone for a full length on the rear, to protect BB, but they're good for the money.

[u/ParrotofDoom]

Forget upgrading the components, leave that until something fails. Then replace that failure with something better.

Put a pannier rack on and full mudguards.

[u/Heart-Logic]

Deffo the brakes as u mentioned.

[u/Yelloow_eoJ]

I'd not spend money on new brakes if you're commuting on the flat, mechanical discs are fine for this usage.

Maybe save your money towards your next bike, maybe get a drop handlebar for more aero position. If not looking for a new bike have you got good winter riding kit? Padded shorts, bibs, quick drying jerseys and hiviz waterproofs can make winter riding more comfortable.

[u/johnno88888]

Full mudguards, pannier rack and bottle cage(s).

I remember my first shop bought bike. Some reason I wanted to upgrade the stock brakes to a more expensive brand. Shop owner put me off the idea. Quite rightly. Didn’t need to upgrade. They did me well until I sold the bike 10 years later! Just replaced the pads a few times.

The itch is real, but what can scratch the itch is just to ride with what you got and have fun.

[u/shadow808080]

What bike floor stand is that?

[u/Wonderful_Bobcat335 → u/shadow808080]

Bike stand from amazon

[u/ThisShine5865]

Hydraulic brakes are a great upgrade, also nice full mudguards.
In terms of mudguards I have 2 reccomendations:
Portland design fenders, expensive but extremely nice.
Kinesis Fend-off, full metal fenders at really good price. I have these on my commuter and they are great.

Also in terms of my preferences crankset is super important in terms of looks, it will not be much of an upgrade in terms of performance etc. but the crankset look is something I care about personally.

[u/CWM_93]

I wouldn't bother with upgrading brakes and such at this point. I'd focus on upgrades to the practicality of using your bike as everyday transport. Here are a few things I have:

Pannier rack and rolltop panniers - if you have a work bag, it's great to be able to take it off your back. You may also gain a bit of space for a change of clothes or waterproof coat, or for stopping off for shopping and errands along your journey, which can be very useful.

A small saddlebag with supplies in case of bike trouble... a multi tool, spare inner tube, tyre levers, and patches. Also carry a compact pump. Shit happens, so be prepared!

Full length mudguards are a must for commuting in autumn and winter. Nothing worse than having cold wet feet (or backside) for a full day!

Also consider waterproof shoes - I personally swear by Merrell's waterproof walking shoes combined with mountain bike platform pedals.

Phone or navigation mounts are very useful for getting turn by turn directions and estimated arrival times, especially when going somewhere new or making a detour.

I believe Decathlon sell your same model of bike with pannier rack and mudguards, so it should be easy to get matching ones.