Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

kəmˈpoʊnənt ˈʌpˌɡreɪd

Noun, Verb

The act of replacing cycling components with a higher performance version.

Example usage: I'm going to component-upgrade my bike before the race.

Most used in: Cycling communities around the world.

Most used by: Professional or competitive cyclists.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 5/10

Also see: 1 Group set upgrade, 2 Drivetrain upgrade, 3 Component spec upgrade, 4 Parts upgrade,

What is Component-Upgrade in Cycling?

Component-upgrade is a term used in the cycling world to refer to the process of replacing certain components of a bike with higher quality versions. This may include replacing the wheels, brakes, handlebars, shifters, and other components with better-quality, more efficient versions. It is often done to improve the performance of the bike, or to increase its comfort level.

Statistics have shown that component-upgrades can have a significant impact on the performance of a bike, with some studies finding that replacing components can increase the speed of a bike by up to 15%. Additionally, replacing components can reduce the weight of a bike by up to 20%, allowing for improved agility and better handling.

Component-upgrades can be done by professional bike mechanics, or those with a good working knowledge of bike components. However, it is important to note that the quality of the components is extremely important, as inferior components can lead to decreased performance and increased safety risks.

Overall, component-upgrade is an important part of cycling, allowing riders to improve the performance and comfort of their bikes while reducing the risk of injury. By carefully selecting and installing the right components, cyclists can get the most out of their bike.

.

The Origin of the Term 'Component-Upgrade' in Cycling

The term 'component-upgrade' has become a common phrase in the world of cycling, used to refer to the process of replacing the components of a bicycle with more up-to-date and improved parts. While the exact origin of the phrase is unknown, it is thought to have been first used in the late 1980s in the United States.

At the time, mountain biking was beginning to gain in popularity, and cyclists were increasingly customizing their bikes to suit the terrain they were riding. This included replacing the original components with aftermarket parts to increase the bike's performance. As the process of upgrading components became more commonplace, cyclists began referring to it as 'component-upgrading' or 'component-upgrade'.

Since then, the term has become widely used in the cycling industry, and is now part of the common vernacular for cyclists of all levels. Whether you are an experienced pro or a weekend warrior, the concept of component-upgrade is familiar to most riders.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER