What bit of bike tech do you hate? Let us know in the comments 👇
@guest_informant
Жыл бұрын
I couldn't see the use of the rear radar, but there's lots of love for them in the comments. Is it worth making a video about them.
@PrzemyslawSliwinski
Жыл бұрын
3:42 - Maybe internal routing is [a bit] troublesome but once done makes cleaning a bike a bliss forever. 7:42 - 0.1g times c² is a gargantuan amount of energy! It's just Physics 101, man! ;)
@sinnaru6286
Жыл бұрын
Have to agree with bottom bracket part, since I don't have a big knowledge, took some time to understand which one fits for the current frame and even then it wasn't with100% certainty, definitely would love to see bottom brackets being streamlined.
@Eirikkinserdal
Жыл бұрын
Discbrakes with internal routing. Made a 50€ job a 300€ job on my ostro.. good for the mechanics i guess 🫣
@twatts4436
Жыл бұрын
@@Eirikkinserdalwhat job? Any routing through the headset is (generally speaking) a bad idea.
@Nearly-at-the-top
Жыл бұрын
Regarding Varia radar - As someone who is hearing impaired, the combination of wind noise and EVs means that quite frequently I’m not aware of a car approaching from the rear. Even so, I used to think exactly the same as Ollie, ‘It won’t stop a car from hitting you, so what’s the point?’ Then I was persuaded to try one and I instantly changed my mind. They have two benefits: Firstly, you can relax more when it’s not being activated (I still visually check behind regularly and at junctions, just in case.) Secondly, when it is activated you have time to either move closer to the kerb or to take primary and control the overtake. Plus it shows you how many vehicles are approaching, and their relative speeds. I’d never tell someone that they must have one, to each their own, but I wouldn’t be without mine.
@hanseriklange
Жыл бұрын
I agree! The Varia radar is my best buy ever, after the bike. And for a bike tech show to laugh at safety equipment? WTF...
@Gabizzle3
Жыл бұрын
Big buses are quiet, too! I love my sensor. Preps me for the inevitable shock.
@jamesmarshall2353
Жыл бұрын
It seems to me that you are outsourcing a basic safety procedure (checking behind you) to a device that you can't rely on 100%. Once you have become dependent on it, if the device runs out of battery or goes missing, you have to re-learn the muscle memory function of checking before you make a manoeuvre. If you find looking back is such an onerous task, perhaps you shouldn't be riding? I could see that the radar is a good idea if you have major mobility issues, but perhaps mirrors might be a simpler solution. The Aussie use of radar for dive-bombing crows does seem like a fair use of this tech.
@Nearly-at-the-top
Жыл бұрын
@@jamesmarshall2353 After 25 years of safely riding many thousands of miles, I don’t appreciate being told that I shouldn’t be riding. Maybe you should fully read my comment before commenting on it? If you did you would know that I have a hearing impairment, and that I still look behind me as well. I don’t rely on the radar, it is a useful addition to my safety. Peace and love, enjoy your riding and leave me to do the same
@jamesmarshall2353
Жыл бұрын
@@Nearly-at-the-top Never told you to stop riding, just asked if doing so was still appropriate......
@marccale9890
Жыл бұрын
I wanted to replace a bottom bracket. It was like discovering a dark art. It was almost like some mysterious power was deliberately making it impossible to define what type I needed.
@danielakerman8241
Жыл бұрын
At the very least, bike manufacturers should label or engrave their frames with the bottom bracket specs, just like cars do for various parts.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Only the chosen few know how its done 😉
@matt_acton-varian
Жыл бұрын
@@gcntech Once I found out the standard on my carbon frame I fitted a threaded adaptor to BSA. Now it's easy because now I use English threaded BB on all frames making obtaining spares much easier.
@galenkehler
Жыл бұрын
This is absurd. It's simply the part that goes between the frame and the cranks, so you just get the one that fits both. It's so simple, and offers the customer the choice of whatever they want. Do you really want to be told "no, you must run only one crankset"
@matt_acton-varian
Жыл бұрын
@@galenkehler Axle standards between crankset brands is fine, that's their own thing. But the point is that for every crankset type there are multiple BB options. If you don't know what your frame takes and the manufacturer can't give you the information then it's complicated guesswork. Pressfit is not as easily serviceable for a home mechanic and the tools to do so are expensive. Tools for threaded BBs of any kind are much easier and cheaper to obtain.
@matthewkingston-lee281
Жыл бұрын
Another radar defender here. One of the main reasons I bought mine was for using in time trials, an event where if you want to maintain those 'aero gains' you don't want to be turning your head back every time you think you might here something coming, which is made all the more difficult by the increased wind noise riding at speed and helmets that often cover the ears. In such events it's proved not just useful for alerting me of vehicles behind but approaching competitors, for whom I can make space if necessary and not be alarmed when they all but silently cruise past me.
@edough511
Жыл бұрын
I have the Varia unit and I wouldn't go out for a road ride without it. It is also quite useful on multi-use paths, especially when one gets "buzzed" from behind by de-restricted ebikes going well above the 20 kph speed limit for these paths. I actually wouldn't mind something comparable when I go out running on the same trails.
@SteevyTable
Жыл бұрын
Could you wear a GoPro chest strap backwards with a GoPro to Garmin adapter? I think you can pair the Varia to some watches, but I'm not 100% sure on that.
@ThisTimeTheWorld
Жыл бұрын
E bikes are great but audiholes started buying them
@graemejwsmith
Жыл бұрын
@@SteevyTable You can pair to some watches and Garmin are now advertising it as such.
@phoffen3829
Жыл бұрын
I know they are trying to be funny, but I am not exaggerating when I say the Varia has saved my life on more than one occasion. When a truck is about to pass you, and not bother to give you 1.5 meters, knowing it is coming is crucial. Yes it adds weight, yes you really need a phone or a Garmin head unit to make it work, but who cares?
@PeterEssex
Жыл бұрын
I've got a small mirror. $10. I don't care if I don't look cool at the coffee stop.
@Jayneflakes
Жыл бұрын
I wore out a chainring on my MTB, expecting a simple swap, I was told by my LBS that chainrings for my bike didn't exist anymore because I was running a five arm chainset. So to replace a single chainring, I had buy a new bottom bracket and crankset. Oh, but I was running old XT 8 speed, so I needed a new chain and cassette and shifter. But the latest XT kit was not compatible with my old kit... Yeah, fine innovate, but backwards compatibility please? There was nothing wrong with most of the kit I replaced, except it was old and well made, so it lasted a long time. Yes, I am a moaning old fart, but I am allowed, I'm fifty this year and that should be illegal. Aging should stop at thirty five until we reach eighty! 🤣
@jamesmarshall2353
Жыл бұрын
I think your LBS might have taken you for one here. You should have been able to get a compatible chainring, even if the original manufacture doesn't make the original part any more.
@michaelviglianco6121
Жыл бұрын
They were lying. No reason you couldn't replace these items. They just wanted to sell you something they had in stock
@janeblogs324
Жыл бұрын
They saw you coming, probably thought old man = easy money. I buy chainrings out of Taiwan or China, new old shimano stock readily available or any Chinese spec $10 delivered. New chain and cassette only needed if they were both worn out. New shifter? What for? Unless they changed to 9 speed.
@joecanuck3751
Жыл бұрын
64 here, you youngster you. Spend more time on KZitem and in no time at all, you'll be dropping cash all over the place to upgrade and modernize your ride. Its crazy how I went from $15 department store tires back in the day to buying $140 LBS downhill tires these days.
@mopedvieh
Жыл бұрын
The Varia radar (or similar) is definitely not for the bin. If it is very windy our loud due to traffic, you get the information that a car is approaching. But the most handy feature is that the dash cam would record a crash and therefore could help to prove who's at fault. I happily use it on my commuter bike.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Safety whilst out riding is definitely a priority!
@HeibesHealth
Жыл бұрын
Totally agree with you! I use the Varia and while it’s not going to prevent you from being hit, it gives you much more situational awareness, and I will often turn my head when it beeps to gauge their attention level. It gives me time to react and move off the road more if they don’t appear as if they’re paying attention. It’s better than constantly having your head on a swivel checking for traffic. I can’t always hear it if the wind is in my ears. Sure-on a climb when I’m going slowly I can hear the cars, but otherwise that’s a hard no.
@willbowen3101
Жыл бұрын
Amazing how a Wahoo sponsored show doesn’t like the Garmin device. They’d be advocating them for everyone if Wahoo made one.
@greghawley7852
Жыл бұрын
I was honestly a bit shocked that rear facing radars made the same list as the myriad of BB standards. With a radar, you can know a car is behind you generally before you can hear it. Both as a commuter and on group rides, we move over to the edge of the road a little bit to give the car a little more room. It just aids situational awareness -- which I think is very much worth it. I've said it before. I'll say it again. It was the best $150 (on sale, black Friday deal) I've spent on cycling kit in a long time.
@matthewfranklin7541
Жыл бұрын
The radar also changes the intensity and brightness of the flash when an approaching vehicle gets close. Gets the drivers attention...
@neilchamberlain6581
Жыл бұрын
I agree with most of what you say except the rear facing radar comments. I regularly ride with a group of friends and the ability to shout 'car back' when a following car is still over a hundred meters behind us is fantastic. We can also see how many vehicles are behind us plus we can tell when a car is sitting maybe 20 meters behind us. When travelling at a reasonable speed the wind noise makes it highly unlikely that a car will be heard. If we know cars are behind us we can move from double file to single file when safe to do so to allow cars to pass easier and safer, I feel much safer when I know what is behind me and what its doing.
@MichaelSnasdell
Жыл бұрын
Varia RCT715 is a fantastic piece of kit, and definitely love having a "rear facing thing" that tells you a car is coming up behind. Great on the lanes, especially when the car turns off, and you can tell its not there, rather than doing a mile of shoulder checks to see where it is. Also the data from it is pretty nerdy too. Great for understanding the speed traffic approaches you on certain roads, and can sometimes encourage a route change next time.
@dandevvers
Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I gotta admit, I think the radar’s great. People saying get a mirror is a fair shout but I disagree with people saying it stops you looking behind. It just gives you a heads up for the times when you’re not looking back (surely people agree that to cycle, most of the time you have to look forwards). Not essential by any means but they are great.
@Utaheyelid
Жыл бұрын
My radar alerts me before I hear the car or can see light from their headlights. Way easier than looking in a mirror and taking my eyes off the road ahead. And the light blinks brighter and faster as they approach. Never ride road without it since I got it.
@Peter-ss1vb
Жыл бұрын
I have a radar that shows any vehicle which is moving at a greater speed than me from behind. There is more than one reason why this is good. 1. If the headset is clear or it shows a vehicle at a reasonable distance away, you can turn you head and have a look without the worry of moving off line. 2. when you see a vehicle on the headset and it disappears close behind, it can mean the the vehicle has notice you and is allowing you to turn or change lanes. What ever the radar tells you always look. I agree they are great but not essential.
@andrewmcalister3462
Жыл бұрын
Love Ollie's facial expressions and mannerisms in this video. 🤣 You're in no doubt as to how he feels. And well done Alex on playing the "straight man" while Ollie loses it.
@fiacobelli
Жыл бұрын
Rear radar is excellent. Think of it as a second pair of eyes... Most useful when it is windy, noisy and you are somewhat tired at the end of a long ride. It won't prevent a distracted drivers from hitting you, but it allows YOU to prevent it by moving to the side.
@Dana-gj5hr
Жыл бұрын
Nice to not hug the road edge constantly and you can pull toward edge when you see a car is coming. Car drivers appreciate us sharing the road too
@questgivercyradis8462
2 ай бұрын
I live in an area so damn packed with cars, I need a radar to tell me when there is *not* a car. Otherwise just always assume a car is behind you, and 99% of the time you're right. Radar would be a distraction here (and is when I ride with someone whose radar is beeping the entire hour). Can imagine it being really nice in less busy areas where your default assumption is less motor vehicles.
@autisticlife
Жыл бұрын
I began cycling in the 70's when enarly everything was of a common standard and interchangeable. I have bikes from the 50's to the 80's, all of them are so easy to work on and they look good too.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
The different sizes for parts have gotten out of hand recently! Take us back to the good old days!
@marekkozub8957
Жыл бұрын
Even in the late 90's bikes still had common parts, that could be replaced at any bike shop.
@Pseudynom
Жыл бұрын
Bikes have gotten a lot simpler to take apart tho. With old bikes you need a lot more (special) tools. E. g. a 26+ mm wrench for threaded head tubes. Now you can completely remove the fork with Allen keys. Square taper and ISIS bottom brackets need a crank puller to remove them. Hollowtech only needs an Allen key.
@photopete7903
11 ай бұрын
@@PseudynomOnly needed an allen key to service my 1980’s Campag Record rim brakes. Now need a bleed kit, allen keys, multiple spanners, spacer blocks etc to service my ultegra disc brakes… and it’s a pain in the a**s to do it.
@PeterSmithCA
Жыл бұрын
You really need to try the radar. Its a game changer. You can say it doesn't prevent a car ramming you, and it cant, but it does up your situational awareness. And on some roads where cars aren't constant, that knowledge can be very helpful in your awareness, riding style, and where you position yourself in a lane.
@jonlee7440
Жыл бұрын
I’m with you in this. Radars make a huge difference, you don’t need to take you eye off the road to know if something is coming up from behind. Simple and helpful!
@Robutube1
Жыл бұрын
Totally agree, as I suspect that GCN does too. They're on an 'increase engagement' blitz currently, hence those vapid surveys in the Shorts. Radar was added to their list here purely to increase engagement. Oops, I've just engaged.
@RodrigoDeJaneiro
Жыл бұрын
GCN is doing a massive disservice to the cycling community to say they’re useless. We all need MORE safety devices, not less.
@johnandrus3901
Жыл бұрын
A good mirror is an inexpensive way keep on eye on what is coming up behind you without taking your eyes off the road ahead. I would think that if you you are hearing impaired, combining both a mirror and rear-facing radar would be quite useful in keeping you safe. I've been riding with a mirror since I bought a Mirrycle bake in the eighties. I can't see riding without one.
@alyoshakaramazov8469
Жыл бұрын
Mirrors are great, radar is great, looking over my shoulder is great. I use all three. But for safe riding I find the mirror doesn't show enough, looking over my shoulder only give me a quick glance, but the radar give continuous and wideband situational awareness. It is exceptionally useful when riding on winding roads and hills and roads without bike lanes.
@melonhusk
Жыл бұрын
I love my Varia radar. Best bike tech I've ever bought. So much less stress on a ride.
@arrayedwoodcraft
Жыл бұрын
Agreed
@strawhorn1
Жыл бұрын
I'm with you on that. I know there will be cars behind me but on roads where there is less traffic you don't crap yourself after 10 minutes of no cars then a silent Tesla suddenly appears beside you. Also useful in a group ride on narrow roads when you just cant hear cars approaching.
@vitzemanek8058
Жыл бұрын
I also dont believe, Alex would know about all the cars behind him at all times, the radar tells you like 100m before you can even hear the car, also a brif look back doesnt tell you, how many cars are there
@stefanwagener
Жыл бұрын
Exactly, best bike tech ever invented. Highly, highly recommended to everyone. It makes life so much safer. And what is often overlooked (also by Alex) that it not only warns you as the rider but that it warns the cars as well through more intense light. Since I use radar cars keep a much bigger distance when overtaking! That IS increasing the safety substantially.
@69LP69
Жыл бұрын
Especially many electronic vehicles have no engine and exhaust sound for you to hear. What if a Tesla coming behind from you?
@mazzochi2028
Жыл бұрын
I've always thought press fit bottom brackets were primarily to make frame manufacturing cheaper rather than any benefit to a customer.
@UloPe
Жыл бұрын
Most carbon experts have the opposite opinion. The problem is just that many pressfit frames aren’t made very well.
@meibing4912
Жыл бұрын
There are physical reasons to prefer press-fit, sadly frame tolerances are not always what they should be so I for one strongly prefer threaded.
@PavelBarbanegra
Жыл бұрын
Making a set of bb orifices in a carbon bike frame concentric and round enough to accept pressfit bearings has proved to be all but impossible for carbon bike frame manufacturers throughout the world. Every other venue of composite technology (e.g. aerospace and automotive industries) has mastered the dark art of drilling concentric and round holes in carbon composite parts. So do they put pressfit bearings in spacecraft and race car parts to save a coupla' bucks, or do they actually, like, employ capable professionals, eh?
@johnandrews3568
Жыл бұрын
Press fit BBs are lighter than threaded, hands down. And in a perfect world where manufacturers actually produce BB holes in frames that are round and lined up 100%, they work great. However, tolerances are usually crap, which mean ill fitting BBs and the dreaded BB creak. Make threaded BBs great again!
@tinglydingle
Жыл бұрын
Threaded bottom brackets are press-fit if you want to be really pedantic, because the bearings are pressed into the cups, which are threaded into the frame. The issue isn't with the BB, it's with the frames.
@meibing4912
Жыл бұрын
My bike radar is such a great safety feature due to the dangerous roads here - would never ride without it. Amazingly much better than I imagined.
@PhantomMs1
Жыл бұрын
same here! out in the countryside not UK its a literal life saver!
@QwoaX
Жыл бұрын
I'll just stick to using my ears and sometimes even turning my neck.
@meibing4912
Жыл бұрын
@@QwoaX lucky you! Not a safe option here sadly.
@Bobby-wn5yr
Жыл бұрын
How does it save you? I thought it was a good idea until I looked into it - it tells you a car is coming, it tells you if a fast car is coming. 1 in 100,000 of those could be a warning of a car that might actually hit you rather than is just passing you. Do you move over more when you see a warning or stop and dive off the road? If a car was gonna hit you it’d either be intentional or distracted driver/loss of control and I’m just not seeing how that warning is gonna make any difference. If you said it makes you feel better about not being surprised when a car flies past, or as a nice to have for more info, I’d accept that, but as safety essential? Yeah nah. There’s no way you don’t quickly learn to ignore the repeated threat warnings or react in such a small way as to not make any meaningful difference.
@meibing4912
Жыл бұрын
@@Bobby-wn5yr I ride some of the most insane roads in the world. The radar lets me focus on the chaos happening in front of me at all times allowing me to take quick evasive manoeuvres when applicable. Don’t think everyone’s traffic is your traffic. Until recently I never saw a need for a bike computer as I could find my way and my candence/speed meter gave me all the info I needed. Now I live in a place where streets are confusing, commutes and rides extremely long - so am dependent the computer to find my way. It’s about adapting to your environment. If you don’t need a radar good for you - save the money.
@jeffdavis5841
Жыл бұрын
Need to do a GCN poll on most hated...I will bet hands down it will be the bottom bracket fiasco that has evolved!
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Head over to our community page and you might be very happy! 👀
@jeffdavis5841
Жыл бұрын
@@gcntech I'm always happy when I'm on the GCN or GCN+ pages / sites!
@ollyole4560
Жыл бұрын
Tubular tyres still have a use in CX, at super low pressures in winter (for grip) tubeless will burp and tubes will pinch flat.
@Tamas_Torok
Жыл бұрын
Most of the trusted reviewers think the bike radar is one of the best cycling gadget you can buy. I hope someday wahoo will make one, so you could try :)
@WuIIie
Жыл бұрын
Then they’ll be praising it as a must buy can’t live without gadget
@toutingthomas
Жыл бұрын
Also those who have bought them love... gcn really misrepresent them here.
@Lee-313
Жыл бұрын
Love my Garmin Varia RTL515.
@apuldram
Жыл бұрын
They’re like rear view mirrors on bikes. If your riding on the road, there will always be cars behind you, that’s not news. Information overload.
@mathewrose2951
Жыл бұрын
If you ride with kids, I put the Varia on the back of my bike and pair it to a sensor display unit on the stem of my son's bike. It's a nice security measure for a kid with ADHD if he's got a flashing red light telling him not to stray into the lane just now as a car is overtaking.
@mattbotterman4312
Жыл бұрын
Tubular is great - loads of lightly used super fast wheelsets available at bargain prices - nothing like cheap speed
@jimbo2112
Жыл бұрын
No, no, and no... Garmin Varia radar is an essential item for me. I'm old and my neck is not as supple as i'd like. The Varia lets me know me know ages before anyone else what's approaching and how many vehicles. It's peace of mind as well when you are on a windy road and cannot hear cars approaching. You need to take this one back!!
@cb6866
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Alex and Ollie ...I like to know when a car is coming from behind ...I am older , SAF , and feel better with it on ? I recently had to replace it, and missed it a lot ! Eh...
@DaveCM
Жыл бұрын
I do like my Garmin Varia. I am a veteran who heard too many things go boom. I am often suprised by cars as they pass. The radar lets me know they are there. My wife got it for me because she thought it would make me a little safer.
@ashurany
Жыл бұрын
Should have watched to the end. Car radars are awesome! A great tech development in cycling. No longer get surprised by quieter cars. Not only that, I'm alerted if cars are moving particularly fast up behind me. Don't have to constantly crink my neck to see if cars are coming and thus can keep my eyes on the road. Might not be for either of you, but it's great for many people. You're right, Ollie, the radar can't stop a car from hitting you, but knowing a car is coming up at higher than normal speeds can alert you to taking some precautions. For instance moving over further to the side of the road. Plus, the general awareness helps improve safety. You guys blew it on two complaints.
@johngreenhalgh2847
Жыл бұрын
Agree with most of your list, but the rear radar sensor (Garmin Varia) is brilliant in the country where I live. It won't save your life, but at least you know the end is near!! When you're in your 70's, looking over your shoulder isn't so easy!! Trust me!
@ursbekistan
Жыл бұрын
Bought a Chinese MTB frame once - hammered the press-fit BB in with two phone books, worked perfectly 🥳🤞
@jackriley1989
Жыл бұрын
Rear facing radars are worth every cent. Anyone who's used one knows. Single most valuable bit of information on the screen.
@philiptaylor2366
Жыл бұрын
Totally agree - I don't normally disagree with the GCN presenters but on this matter I firmly, vehemently, massively disagree. Cycling into a headwind, can't hear anything behind, unit bleeps to tell me there's a car coming. Without it I quite often have a startle effect moment as a car comes seemingly out of nowhere.
@RodrigoDeJaneiro
Жыл бұрын
100% Agree !!! Most Idiotic thing i even heard to say you don’t need them, or you should not have them. ‘I’m riding on the road, I can see them ???” What an idiotic statement… they;re behind you that’s the whole point. Total idiot
@chris1275cc
Жыл бұрын
I can't agree about the Rear Radar sensors, I originally thought they were a gimmick and possibly problematic until a bike tech' obsessed buddy almost forced me to give his a try. I literally pulled over and ordered one from the side of the road on my phone because I wanted my own before I had to give his back. I thought I would start to rely on it and it would make me less observant on the road but they do the exact opposite, hard to explain until you ride with one but they actually make you kind of more paranoid but in good way. They also come with about the best rear light you can get built into them too.
@Acyclistandhockeysnob
Жыл бұрын
I agree with everything but one. The rear radars have been the greatest safety update for the sport. Especially when riding through canyons and rural roads.
@mottohorn
Жыл бұрын
9:00 rear facing car sensor is a great tool for riding in traffic where I live in Los Angeles. I find mine quite useful. Maybe a controversial opinion, but I definitely feel safer on the road knowing how many cars and where they are behind me without looking behind and only needing to look down at the head unit. I also know there are cars behind, but when there aren't I know I can take up more of the road without being a hindrance to the cars and I know when to move over without needing to ride in the gutter all day.
@MichalBrat
Жыл бұрын
I disagree, Varia rear radar is the best thing since the bread came sliced. When riding down a road you never listen or look behind your shoulder all the time and it makes perfect sense to get as close to the side of the road as possible or at least to be extra careful not to make a sudden maneuver.
@arrayedwoodcraft
Жыл бұрын
Agreed
@jamesb1717
Жыл бұрын
Exactly. I use alot of single track roads and cars are rare. You just can't hear them coming especially electric cars. Best bit of kit I've bought.
@philw4625
Жыл бұрын
Im deaf in one ear and experience balance issues when turning my head too much, so id quite like that extra warning when out riding on country roads. Mirrors are 'ok' but they're too small to get a clear view quickly.
@danielhunt2510
Жыл бұрын
I’d take the Varia radar over electronic groupsets, 12 speed cassettes, power meters (although v useful), disc brakes (ha ha!) and aero tech (my body tends to offset the advantage). It’s probably one of the best bits of kit I’ve purchased recently. The radar gives me a choice of what manoeuvre I should do with a large time margin regardless of the drivers intentions.
@kvloover
Жыл бұрын
Rear facing radars are one of the better inventions to put on your bike, you don't always notice the car behind you and it's a good indication if you don't. Especially to notify you that there's a second/third or more cars following the first.
@RodrigoDeJaneiro
Жыл бұрын
Agree 100% … Makes me want to stop listening to these morons
@matt_acton-varian
Жыл бұрын
Tubular tyres are still my go to for indoor velodrome.
@savagepro9060
Жыл бұрын
Tubular tyres are still my go to for outdoor riding.
@mrtnsnp
Жыл бұрын
The slotted bolts on chainring fasteners. Just make one side for 5 mm hex, and the other with 4 mm hex so you have the right tools with you (while carrying a reasonably small set of tools). And yes, I also agree with the complaint about the number of bolt head sizes on a bike. jIt is just that two times 5 mm is very impractical.
@stuartdryer1352
Жыл бұрын
I like internal routing. It's my mechanic who deals with it.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
They're always glad to get more money 😅
@vinny6660
Жыл бұрын
No, no, no! You're totally wrong about the radar. Best bit of safety kit I own.
@arathianevasion
Жыл бұрын
The Varia product is fantastic for rural road rides. I ride a lot on pretty quiet roads. I'll go for a 3+ hour ride and see maybe 10 cars. The Varia allows me to enjoy the 99% of my ride and not worry about knowing my bailout path unless there is actually a car there. Fantastic improvement to the enjoyment of my rides. In the city... basically useless other than it is a decent rear light.
@BrianRPaterson
Жыл бұрын
D-shaped seat posts are a spares nightmare. They should definitely die!
@Ben-td4vz
Жыл бұрын
Jepp, and change your offset one for a straight one for just 200€ from the bike‘s manufacturer.
@martinhammarlund3975
Жыл бұрын
So much THIS! You could get a nice looking lightweight one really cheap a couple of years ago. Now you have to pay through the nose for a not even good one. If you can get it at all. Same goes for stem and handelbars with internal routing that has to be compatible to eachother and any off brand stem looks weird aswell.
@bikecommuter24
Жыл бұрын
Internal cable routing, I got the park tool for that and after working on cars and airplanes and routing wiring through all kinds of spaces some not so easy, on a bicycle its not as bad. Carbon Fiber I just ordered a Trek FX Sport 4. 😆
@darrenhill8503
Жыл бұрын
I disagree on the rear sensor as they do what they are suppose to do and warn you of fast approaching traffic. For warned is forearmed.
@mikewatkins422
Жыл бұрын
Hosts neglected to mention an important "cyclists independent" function of some rear facing sensors/light systems: Automatically changing the flashing pattern upon detecting a rearward approaching auto (i.e. autonomously communicates to the auto) Thus increasing the likelihood that an approaching driver notices the cyclists. No nuisance downside to be had🙂
@Hintonbro.
Жыл бұрын
Terrible take on Varia radar GCN. Very surprised you two would agree on that..
@paulmorrison30
Жыл бұрын
Behind the saddle bottle cage mounts! Who doesn’t like a reach around 🤔
@jamesm4833
Жыл бұрын
What study states that you get 5W better rolling resistance (especially on a slow climb!?)? The aero coach lab (the wind tunnel lab where gcn made their wind tunnel videos) tested the rolling resistance of a huge amount of tires (tubuluess and with tubes). Results: less than 0,5 Watt at 45kmh (28mph).
@DarynRod
Жыл бұрын
I will not ride without my Varia.
@Primifluous
Жыл бұрын
Great vid! Thru-axle standards are another nightmare. Absolutely no reason for having more than 3 or 4, depending on road, gravel, mountain bike, and DH mountain bike.
@Woodlandedge
Жыл бұрын
I wouldn't be without my Garmin radar ,who can hear Electric vehicles,not me ....
@putrid.p
Жыл бұрын
I can't hear any vehicle above anything but the quietest of slipstreams past my ears, and there's no way I could ever hear any vehicle that is 100m behind me. Varia radar is a game-changer for me.
@PBST_RAIDZ
Жыл бұрын
Wait that's a thing I want one just cause I ride with ear plugs because of the wind
@kevp68
Жыл бұрын
great vid guys. Totally agree with internal cables & bottom brackets. Thank god my current bike has a threaded BB & only semi internal cables. Carbon parts.... I've gone through 3 carbon seatposts on my gravel bike. They kept cracking even though the seat bolt was torqued correctly. going back to an aluminium one soon
@dblissmn
Жыл бұрын
Yay to threaded bottom brackets! I have them on both my road and mountain bike and will be looking for that if I decide to add a road/gravel bike and move the current roadie permanently to the trainer.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
The world is your oyster (almost) threaded bbs are on the up 🙌
@paulbradford6475
Жыл бұрын
Noisy rim brakes: I knew a Frenchman at my favorite local bike shop who remembers hearing the united squeal of fifty pairs of Mafac brakes being applied on a small down hill section at the Tour way back in the late fifties.
@ianlaker9161
Жыл бұрын
Back in the 80s when I was a club rider, I used tubs (tubulers) on my road bike. I always got the cheapest because I knew that when I punctured (which I inevitably did) I couldn't be arsed to send them off to be repaired. Unless you had superhuman abilities with a very tough thread and needle, they were impossible to fix yourself. At 120psi, they felt great on the road until... That said, also back in the day, I could strip all my bikes down and rebuild them easily. The thought of doing the same to my 2019 Giant Defy, erm...defies me. I agree wholeheartedly with just about everything here. Great video guys. In fact it wasn't long enough.
@simonfunwithtrains1572
Жыл бұрын
Bolts! rebuilt my old Daws Tourer from 5 deferent bolt sizes to two. Now only needs one double ended Allan Key. Saves about 2 Kg.🙂 As for Varia, get a rear view mirror not cool but works great.
@GeorgeD1
Жыл бұрын
For the record, T47 has like 4 different versions, depending on the bike frame AND you can't use the same tool for all of them, because the outer diameter of the cup varies... Also, 12 och 16 notches, 68mm, 86.5mm or asymmetrical 77 mm? It's a nightmare.
@dominicbritt
Жыл бұрын
…and don’t even mention how hard the tools are to get hold of…
@GeorgeD1
Жыл бұрын
@@dominicbritt Yes, this as well. Also 12 or 16 notches! I've literally spent more oney on T47 tools that on T47 bottom brackets over the last few years. The only standardized aspect of T47 is the 47mm thread.
@zhuyufan1186
Жыл бұрын
😂I bought a t47 internal bearing bb for building my first bike. Only to realize that the frame needs external bearing one. Also the slot on t47 is very different from bsa, meaning i have to buy another wrench.
@graemejwsmith
Жыл бұрын
Rear facing bike sensor - a MAJOR contribution to safety and situational awareness. Don't knock it on our undivided 4 lane highways in my part of the world. Add helmet/glasses mount mirror and knowing how to truly look behind you for a fuller/safer experience.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
You're quite right Graeme - situational awareness is crucial to being safe on the bike, and yes, tech can help some riders with that! Here's a video on riding safely from a few years back, let us know what you think (although we're not convinced that SOME GCN presenters just look at themselves in the mirror, rather than the road!): kzitem.info/news/bejne/p4lnsoewa2V0rGk
@graemejwsmith
Жыл бұрын
@@gcntech I commented further over on that video.
@the.25.dreamer
Жыл бұрын
Noisy rear hubs! Why in hell do we need that, is much more peaceful joyful the silence when cycling in nature!
@markusseppala6547
Жыл бұрын
They are a great bell substitute in the city.
@the.25.dreamer
Жыл бұрын
That makes sense only on commute bikes, not on road bikes.
@johndef5075
Жыл бұрын
Agreed. Now the new trend is to ride with your music blaring. Even worse.
@stefanwagener
Жыл бұрын
@@the.25.dreamer While I hate that noise and put in more grease to make them quieter, I still like the function as bell, because also outside cities there are many bicycle roads where couples block the road by riding side by side. And making noise this way works actually very well.
@the.25.dreamer
Жыл бұрын
@@johndef5075 for sure...
@nwimpney
10 ай бұрын
Even within probably the most "standard" BB you could find. BSA threaded with a shimano hollowtech II style crank, you need 3 different tools to install all of the otherwise compatible variants. Just a few days ago, I went to the LBS and bought a BB for my bike, and they gave me an ultegra one to replace the tiagra one that was on the bike. That's no problem, except that when I went to put the socket on to torque them, and it's a few mm smaller the socket. One size for Tiagra and lower, one size for 105 and Ultegra, another size for dura ace.
@microwaved_corn
Жыл бұрын
What about the carbon chain?
@brettaustin772
Жыл бұрын
Rear-facing radar has been wonderful for this hearing-impaired rider, so don’t hate on it just because you don’t need it GCN
@aryap2797
Жыл бұрын
re bottom brackets This is why all my bikes are Shimano hollowtech 2/threaded. It's so easy to work on and replace. Not to mention nearly every bike shop has them in stock so no hunting.
@cabrown0525
Жыл бұрын
Best cameo ever! Way to go Mark - GTN for the save at the end! (Great video BTW 🙂)
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! We love a bit of crossover 😉
@richardmamelok5571
Жыл бұрын
Disagree on rear radar units. Where I ride (Silicon valley CA and Santa Cruz Mountains), some of the wider roads are quite busy and traffic move at over 40 mph. When I know a car is coming I am just extra careful to be over as far as possible. It also just keeps me more alert about traffic. Also in town there are many relatively silent electric cars (it is silicon valley) and my varia keeps me apprised of them. It's like having an extra set of eyes.
@FinnProp
Жыл бұрын
My hybrid has BSA bottom bracket, external cables and rim brakes. Every moving part is old and worn, but I’m sticking to the frame.
@peterragneback1870
Жыл бұрын
Yes, like many have pointed out, the Garmin Varia radar is great! Especially when you like me have a hearing problem. It is a game changer for me and I can now relax and feel safe! Before I constantly looked over my shoulder and also trying to be as closed to the right (left for you) all the time where there are debris and gravel. Speaking of gravel, I own a roadbike and a gravelbike (both with two wheel-setup) and for cycling in Sweden having a gravel bike is also a gamechanger. It means that we have a whole new variety of roads to bind a ride together when planning a route and ride roads with no or very few cars. Beside the pure gravelroads we also have smaller roads with tarmac which often contain dirt and debris. We now ride through the winter (if it's not too cold or icy). If I could only have one bike it would be my Canyon Grail, but I don't see the problem with different kind of bikes for different purposes. I think it 's great!
@WillPower46
Жыл бұрын
I'm a cyclist have been for 33 years now training for my first Ironman, I have always hated on the tri guys and I cant wait for the Ironman to be done so I can go back to hating on them because training for this shit is just way to hard. Whats more is now I suck at 3 things when before I was reasonable at 1.
@alexyounghunlee
Жыл бұрын
Radar is really really superb tech for riding outside cities. I just use it for every ride.
@andredegraaf1643
Жыл бұрын
Italian thread for all, Quill stem for all (Aheadset is crapola and only for a plastic bike), steel for all, rim brakes for all (there is zero need for hydraulic discs on a bicycle), etc., etc, etc. ..... :)
@GordoGambler
Жыл бұрын
SA XL DRUM brakes for all. My first one has 31,000 miles and still works as well as my NEW one. Better yet get the dyno one. Doesn't matter squat what levers either. LOL. Last year I really gave them the test, on both wheels. 40 - 0 mph at the bottom of a hill, about 60 feet. 12 - 0 in one inch.
@Kim_Miller
Жыл бұрын
My top three. Proprietary seat post profiles that mean I can't fit a RedShift suspension post. Looking at you Giant D-Fuse. And Trek Domane mast setup. Noisy freehubs. Keep them quiet, it's easy tech. Stop assaulting the ears of other riders. Calling pedals with SPD cleats, 'clipless'. They've got clips FFS. Only old guys like me remember the days of toeclips and straps.
@albikes8484
Ай бұрын
As a mechanic for over 30 years.I can agree on almost everything. Ill admit to still loving tubulars. But understand were your coming from. Internal routed cables are my nemisis. Especially when the frame makers decide not to put an internal sleeve to help the mechanic out. I tend to hate all new tech until its been around long enough to prove itself. I tell my buddies. Tubless is great till its not. Hydraulic brakes are great til there not. LOL I still dream of a day were light weight steal makes a come back with threaded BB press fit headset and external routed cable.
@Advcrazy
11 ай бұрын
In defense of tubulars, they puncture far less often than clinchers ime. In about 50000km on tubulars I’ve punctured 3 times. Twice they leaked air so slowly that I didn’t notice until I was already home and once it was fixed in about 20mm ones with a can of pitstop. So more riding/training/winning. Road tubeless would trump tubulars but they can be a nightmare to mount. My next road rims will be tubeless though I think.
@ShaneFleming
Жыл бұрын
As everyone else has said, the radar is an amazing item to have on your bike. It'll tell you there's a car coming 200 metres away and also how many card. You generally won't know a car is coming until it's right behind you. I never leave home without it. I believe we need a public apology for attempting to put this into the bin.
@zedatomic8342
Жыл бұрын
Guys - I beg to differ! A rear radar is an absolute safety game changer! Knowing there are cars coming up behind me helps me position myself close to the edge of the road - I know he I can pull out to avoid a pot hole and when I need to be safely tucked in to the edge of the road. I’m a weight weenie but the 70g radar with a Garmin head unit is a total must have for safety! Money well spent!
@chrisfanning5842
Ай бұрын
Internal cable routing is fine as long as it doesn't involve a stupidly tight bend radius like those integrated cockpits routed through the stem and headset. Unless you use electronic shifting and hydraulic brakes, they ruin your shifting and braking performance. Cables routed through the frame are (only) definitely worth it as they keep your cables cleaner, don't get in the way of frame bags or any other accessory you might strap to your frame, and reduce the length of cable outer needed which removes a lot of the cable friction from mechanical shifting.
@RicardoMNogueiraMendes
Жыл бұрын
I agree with you on all except for the radar sensors... Knowing 140m in advance that there is a car behind me and how fast towards me it is driving, it's a great comfort and advantage compared to getting it noticed just when it is much closer. At far distances, I can show myself safely... It gives me more confidence for riding on the road, especially solo. Since my first try, it's a must-always have on board... Trust me 😏 (could it be that you are just jealous because your favorite head unit does have one yet? You should be better than that... 😅)
@micktheshaggy3977
Жыл бұрын
I'd be happy if torx screws were the standard instead of hex (no more rounded hex bolt heads).
@aleq
Жыл бұрын
Rear radar is more useful than you might think, depending on road traffic. Helps you make decisions on turns or overtaking and you can be the first one to scream “car back” on a group ride.
@jbarner13
Жыл бұрын
In almost every case outside competition, the simpler approach has value when it comes to bikes. I suggest that every cyclist spend enough time riding fixed gear to become acclimated to it, if only to gain an understanding of how the simplest bicycle can still be great fun to ride. The concept of one wrench size for all the fittings on a bike is actually an old one. The original Shimano Deore XT mountain bike components of the 1980s used 6 mm hex keys for everything for the stated purpose of reducing the number of tools a rider would need to pack to perform on-trail repairs.
@dperreno
Жыл бұрын
I am one of the extremely fortunate people for whom almost all of my bikes have BSA threaded bottom brackets, and my newest bike, a Trek, has a T47 threaded bottom bracket which seems to be a larger diameter, metric version that is being adopted by many bike brands.
@chetmanley1885
Жыл бұрын
I had a frame a few years back with a 386 evo. Creaky like my grandmas knees, couldnt find a replacement, bike shop had to order me in some ceramic bs and spent all day changing it. All my bikes are now threaded, I change it myself, I can find parts without esoteric knowledge of niche brands.
@michaelvarney4723
Жыл бұрын
The multiple different heads and thread sizes on bolts et.c. is something I can agree on. For those that work with everyday bikes: the encapsulating chain guard inspires the theory that some brands go out of they way to find designers who hate baike mechanics.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Hahaha we feel your pain! One standard size... that would be perfect 👌
@micktheshaggy3977
Жыл бұрын
@@gcntech Yeah, but torx, not hex! Compared to hex, torx is really hard to round the bolt head.
@PavelBarbanegra
Жыл бұрын
Re bottom brackets. The automotive industry has a very good answer to that, which is called Main bearings. You know, those split bearings that the crankshaft rolls on. The automotive version requires constant application of lube, because the crankshaft turns at many thousands of RPM. But for a bicycle crankset, which will never exceed 200 RPM, a set of self-lubing bronze or uhdpe bushings might be plenty enough.
@billkallas1762
Жыл бұрын
You forget that a tubular rim are always much lighter than a clincher or tubeless rim. In short races like criteriums, tubular wheel/tire combinations will allow easier accelerations out of the many high speed corners you get in that sort of race. The same goes in track racing.
@KoenMiseur
Жыл бұрын
BS, the better rolling resistance is always going to outweigh the little extra weight (and it's not that much anymore). As for trackracing I do get it because the surface is so smooth although I would point out that the hour-record was made using clincher tires!
@lightningll2991
Жыл бұрын
@@KoenMiseur Agree with the Hour-record but in real world track racing when your up on the banking and driving hard off of it the force that's put on the tires are very high and i don't want to be on a tire that the side wall needs to hold onto the rim.
@ofeykalakar1
Жыл бұрын
160 psi for the boards
@Rossingiol
Жыл бұрын
@@lightningll2991you would rather have double sided tape holding your tire on than a hook? You are weird…
@gerrymcbride6429
Жыл бұрын
60 years of cycling on the road and for me the best inventions are: Disc brakes Tubeless tyres Rear facing radar, I've also been looking over my shoulder for 60 years and am going to stop anytime soon. 🙂
@doughorner5730
Жыл бұрын
It's ignorant to say rear radars are useless. Not everyone rides on busy roads, many of us ride on rural highways with no shoulders and very little traffic. Garmin Varia is an extremely important safety tool for me and all my friends that use one.
@BillWiecking
Жыл бұрын
I agree on all of these, great show, but I disagree about rear radar: mine flashes to oncoming cars, so they know I'm there. Also great when riding with another, gives you advance warning to get over and move to single file on country roads. Finally, it has changed how I interact with traffic in rural areas, much safer and I feel about as naked without mine as I would riding without a helmet.
@barneyklingenberg4078
Жыл бұрын
Vingegard ran tubelars in his earth shattering mind bending TDF winning TT. That Cervelo set-up was under 8kg. For an full blown TT set-up.
@JeremyBeales-l6k
Жыл бұрын
On my country lane commute in Somerset not too far from Gcn mega base I love my rear radar, esp in the rain when can’t always hear a car until the last second, being able to brace for the massive Volvo xc90 hurtling past is nice !
@bluegem72
Жыл бұрын
Proprietary bike parts. We use to be able to take parts from any bike and just build it. Now seat post, forks and headsets can only be used with certain frames.
@TimR123
Жыл бұрын
I'm with you on all of it except the rear sensors (radar) They are fantastic for improving situational awareness and avoiding surprises. As Ollie says, they aren't magical and won't stop a moron who's going to hit you. But they might keep you from moving out into a care that surprised you. (I do wish more head units had a quick 5 min mute though)
@mickinmerton8053
Жыл бұрын
Quick release wheels. To stop my wheels being stolen I always changed them to security bolts. I welcome through bolts.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Good point. It's certainly more nerve-wracking leaving a bike out with quick releases!
@actonblue2012
Жыл бұрын
QR has only been around since the 1920s. It's here to stay.😊
@lunam7249
Жыл бұрын
move out if the ghetto.
@jw3638
Жыл бұрын
Bike Radars for the safety win!
@3dprintersawhiteboard401
Жыл бұрын
I mostly agree, but not with the car sensor. There are two reasons why I actually like them: - I realize there is a car way earlier. My ears are usually full of wind noises, so it helps knowing it earlier - What is the real deal for me: I know the amount of cars. A standard scenario for me has been that a car passes, I look back and there was a second one behind it. While I look back I might lose my line by maybe just 5 cm, but it's enough to get that feeling of shock, when there is a second car all of a sudden. Granted, in areas where there are a lot of cars, I don't use it, because it is annoying at some point, but I ride in areas where there is a car every 5 to 10 min as well. And there, it was kind of a game changer for me. About carbon: carbon bottle cages. Those things are the worst. They don't really save weight, look mostly awful and like to break all the time. Another bottle attachment technique: fidlock, the magnetic stuff. Tried it for a couple of weeks. Takes double the effort to get the bottle detached, and attaching is also ever so slightly harder. Also it limits the bottle brand / type and the fidlock ones are not exactly great A
@bryanstewart6398
Жыл бұрын
totally disagree with rear facing sensor comments, can't ride without it now, if I have a car behind and a pothole infront, do I go left of it, right of it or bunny-hop, but yeah, internal cable routing 99% of the time 👍, 1% 🤬
@tinglydingle
Жыл бұрын
There are three types of bike. Hear me out. Road: Fast and lightweight, skinny tyres (though less skinny these days) and designed to only go on tarmac, but can be pushed to ride cobbles and light gravel if needed. Includes: Aero bikes, climbing bikes, endurance bikes, TT bikes, Audax bikes, Triathlon bikes, Recumbents etc. Mountain: Tough and capable off road, usually has at least front suspension, always has capacity for large and chunky tyres, and while can be ridden on tarmac, is strongly optimised for rougher terrain. Includes: Trail, Enduro, Downhill, XC, Hardtail bikes etc. Hybrid: Designed to be able to handle all but proper MTB trails comfortably and effectively. Not as efficient as road bikes or as capable as MTBs, but more versatile. Can normally fit larger tyres than road bikes, but normally (not always) lacks the suspension of MTBs. Able to handle everything from smooth tarmac to pretty rough pathways with relative ease. Often has a focus on practicality (mudguard and rack mounts, dynamo hubs et.) Includes: City bikes, fitness bikes, cargo bikes, hybrid bikes (obviously,) cyclocross bikes, gravel bikes (yes gravel bikes are hybrid bikes) etc.
@jeffreysaffir1375
Жыл бұрын
Have to disagree with the rear radar. I ride with a Varia as well as a mirror coming off my glasses. They both give me the chance to determine if someone is too close to me and I need to move over more to avoid a bad driver. You said if you are going to get hit the radar won't help. The whole goal of the two things I use when I ride is to not get hit in the first place. Personally, I wouldn't ride without them.
@MrMichaelfalk
Жыл бұрын
radar systems saves lives - dont be stupid...
@jannikmeissner
Жыл бұрын
How though? It's not like I can just disappear when a car is behind me. Besides, I tend to hear that anyways.
@savagepro9060
Жыл бұрын
@@jannikmeissner a blinking red light for $1 will better prevent a driver from knocking you down from the back
@jannikmeissner
Жыл бұрын
@@savagepro9060 not in Germany, blinking lights are banned here, as drivers might confuse you with an emergency vehicle (no, I am not making that up)
@savagepro9060
Жыл бұрын
@@jannikmeissner a Teutonic exception😂
@sirmarch
Жыл бұрын
@@savagepro9060 The Garmin Varia includes a blinking red light that blinks more when cars are approaching. So the rear facing radar makes your solution better.
@ianboyes4414
Жыл бұрын
Amen to that. Particularly the bottom bracket standards. I went to help a friend replace a bottom bracket and he has an octolink bb. Wtf, how many tools do you need to maintain a bike.
@gcntech
Жыл бұрын
Its a bit of a minefield out there!
@qwertyazerty2137
Жыл бұрын
Integrated aero bars+stem. Very little adjustement, painful housing routing, hard to mount anything on it.
@JFomo
Жыл бұрын
Bike radars are the truth. I just wish they looked less bulky.
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