{"id":17029,"date":"2026-09-04T12:13:51","date_gmt":"2026-09-04T12:13:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=17029"},"modified":"2026-09-04T12:13:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-04T12:13:51","slug":"3-worthwhile-gear-upgrades-for-your-bike-sup-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/?p=17029","title":{"rendered":"3 Worthwhile Gear Upgrades for Your Bike, SUP, Running"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"justify-start\">\n<nav class=\"align-left col-span-full mb-base\" data-pom-e2e-test-id=\"breadcrumbs\"\/>\n<p>New mountain bike tires, a lightweight fiberglass SUP paddle, and new running shoes have elevated my outdoor experience without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/p>\n<p class=\"fp-leadCaption py-tight text-left font-utility text-utility3-size leading-utility3-line-height text-secondary\">A new, lightweight, stiff fiberglass paddle can give an old stand-up paddleboard new life.<!-- --> (Photo: Mark Eller)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-body\">\n<p>Published September 4, 2026 05:53AM<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>I may make most of my living writing about shiny, new gear, but I have a soft spot in my heart for old, beater equipment that works \u201cjust fine.\u201d I\u2019m a firm believer that equipment that simply does its job\u2014floats, rides, runs\u2014is all a person really needs in order to get outside and enjoy moving in nature.<\/p>\n<p>That said, technological advancements in gear can make a huge difference in comfort and performance, both of which can increase a person\u2019s enjoyment in an activity, getting them out more often and keeping them out longer, doing what they love. But constantly buying the latest, greatest everything simply isn\u2019t feasible for most people\u2014they need to strategically choose what upgrades will make the most difference. With years of experience as a gear tester, and closets and sheds overflowing with all kinds of outdoor sports equipment, I have found that the following glow-ups have improved my experiences in the outdoors the most without breaking my personal bank.<\/p>\n<h2>New Tires on an Old Bike<\/h2>\n<p>I don\u2019t ride a mountain bike often enough to justify buying the newest bike every year or two, so I ride an old Fisher Paragon 29er from, oh, maybe the mid-2000s. It works. It rolls, it shifts, the front Rock Shox Reba still has some give. For the most part, all my old bike needs is an occasional tune-up to keep the gears changing smoothly and the drivetrain functioning. But two years ago I invested in an upgrade that has made a big difference in both safety and joy of riding: I spent about fifty bucks on new bike tires.<\/p>\n<p>My old tires had worn down to a sketchily smooth surface; <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/rei.pxf.io\/c\/2850304\/1448521\/17195?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F219824%2Fkenda-small-block-8-sport-tire-wire-bead-29\">Kenda\u2019s knobby Small Block 8 Sport XC tires<\/a> have given me secure traction on the varied, wickedly dry dirt trails around Boulder, Colorado. The tread pattern\u2014flat center grip and cornering knobs\u2014provides a great combination of a smooth-rolling ride on crushed gravel flats, bite that prevents skidding out on sharp corners, and toothiness on short, steep, rocky climbs I still try to clean (despite not riding very often). The tires help me feel like I can still handle a bike, even if that bike is pretty dang old.<\/p>\n<p><!-- --><\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>Kenda Small Block 8 Sport Tire<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2754011\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Kenda Small Block 8 Sport Tires\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1351\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2754011\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Kenda_smb824pr.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Kenda_smb824pr.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Courtesy Kenda)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<h2>New Paddle for an Old SUP<\/h2>\n<p>During COVID, I bought two used, inflatable stand-up paddleboards from a summer day camp and I love them. While they are not the most responsive, and they\u2019re certainly not fast, in my eyes, they work just fine for getting out on the water to paddle. I fold them up and throw them in the back of my Subaru, consider the pump-inflating process part of my workout, and take them out on the Boulder Reservoir and on lakes while camping with my family. They have fins that help them steer straight, but I sometimes paddle without the fin for the challenge.<\/p>\n<p>The one upgrade I\u2019ve added to my beater SUP rig is a stiff, lightweight <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/KIALOA-Adjustable-Fiberglass-Stand-Up-Coastal\/dp\/B0DNFZPXCZ?tag=outsideonlinedotcom-20\">Kialoa \u2018Uhane Adjustable Fiberglass Paddle<\/a>, and it\u2019s been well worth it. With this high-tech paddle in hand, I have far greater control of my less-than-cutting-edge board on the water. At 27.5 ounces, the swing weight is significantly less than a full-plastic paddle, which can weigh up to 45 ounces, and the stiffness of the fiberglass shaft and blade is far superior. My nice paddle allows a direct, efficient connection to the water that has made using my board smoother and more enjoyable. And the easy adjustability allows my sons (now taller than me) to also use it.<\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2 class=\"product_name\"><strong>\u2018<\/strong><strong>Uhane Adjustable Fiberglass Stand Up Paddle<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2754007\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"woman and boy on a stand-up paddleboard on a mountain lake\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2754007\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/paddleboard_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/paddleboard_h.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\"><span class=\"article__caption\">Lisa Jhung enjoying her SUP and upgraded paddle with her son in the Rockies. <\/span> (Photo: Mark Eller)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<h2>New Running Shoes for Road and Trail<\/h2>\n<p>I used to wear my running shoes until they started feeling like Keds (the midsole foam being packed out and done), and I know people who run in their shoes long after feeling that sensation. But running in old shoes that are well past their prime is like driving a car with no oil. It\u2019s just not a good idea. As a lead tester for Outside\u2019s road and trail running shoe guides, I now run in new shoes all the time, and I can attest that upgrading trail or road running shoes does wonders for your experience and is worth the expense. Lacing up a new pair can make the difference between enjoying running or hating it.<\/p>\n<p>If you haven\u2019t upgraded in a while, you\u2019re in for a treat: There are so many good road and trail running shoes on the market right now with secure-fitting uppers, fresh traction, and super lively cushioning. Midsole foams are at an all-time \u201choly cow, this is fun\u201d level. The cushioning and rebound can actually make a run feel easier, and running is hard enough.<\/p>\n<p>Right now, I\u2019m enjoying the responsive, cushioned-but-not-squishy midsole foam of the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/mounttocoast.pxf.io\/c\/2850304\/2017671\/25000?trafsrc=impact&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fmounttocoast.com%2Fproducts%2Fm1\">Mount to Coast M1 trail running shoe<\/a> and its dual-lacing system that lets me adjust different tensions on different parts of my foot. I\u2019m also really digging the lively, beaded PEBA-based foam of the <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"article-content-link text-brand-primary underline hover:text-brand-primary\/85 break-words overflow-wrap-anywhere underline-offset-[3px]\" rel=\"nofollow\" data-afl-p=\"1\" href=\"https:\/\/go.skimresources.com\/?id=156240X1622567&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saucony.com%2Fen%2Fendorphin-azura%2F\">Saucony Endorphin Azura<\/a> supertrainer, which makes me faster without using a carbon fiber plate and keeps me from feeling beat up after a workout. They both have been giving my old gear\u2014my body, in this case\u2014new life.<\/p>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>Mount to Coast M1<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2754047\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Mount to Coast M1 trail running shoe on gravel path\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2754047\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mount-to-Coast-M1.webp?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Mount-to-Coast-M1.webp?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: Brad Kaminski)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<section id=\"\" class=\"content-card rounded-xl px-base-loose pt-base-loose pb-loose shadow-sm shadow-black\/10\">\n<h2>Saucony Endorphin Azura<\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_2736052\" class=\"pom-image-wrap photo-alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Saucony Endorphin Azura\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2400\" height=\"1350\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2736052\" style=\"color:transparent\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Saucony-Endorphin-Azura.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover 1x\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.outsideonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Saucony-Endorphin-Azura.jpg?width=3840&amp;auto=webp&amp;quality=75&amp;fit=cover\"\/><figcaption class=\"pom-caption\">(Photo: 101 Degrees West)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><!-- --><\/section>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.outsideonline.com\/outdoor-gear\/3-simple-gear-upgrades\/\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>New mountain bike tires, a lightweight fiberglass SUP paddle, and new running shoes have elevated my outdoor experience without breaking the bank. A new, lightweight, stiff fiberglass paddle can give an old stand-up paddleboard new life. (Photo: Mark Eller) Published September 4, 2026 05:53AM I may make most of my living writing about shiny, new<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":17030,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-wild-living"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17029"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17029\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17030"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildgreenquest.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}