Astana to Ride Chinese Carbon in 2025? | GCN Tech Show Ep. 361

[@gcntech]

What are your thoughts on Chinese brands? 🚴‍♂What do you think this will mean for 2025? 👀 Let us know what you're thinking! 👇

[@2001MBKBooster]

I'm surprised it has taken this long before a brand from China has sponsored a top tier team.

[@proh26]

Without hardworking Chinese you Westerner can't even afford a bike.

[@abhimawa1]

17:14 → way to go, Ollie 💪 Lancia Delta Integrale 🇮🇹

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

Great if they don’t vanish along with any warranty

[@DDai-qd8uk]

Why are the bikes pixelated? Is xds Japanese or something?

[@lsantilli]

The same Chinese carbon 99.99999999% of the world rides on!

[@Maksim_Ponomarchuk]

The guys from Astana have already stated that these bikes are tougher than their former Wilier

[@Millicente]

Well it’s often Japanese carbon that’s been laid up in China or Taiwan with designs created in the west

[@simondavis697]

Correct

[@jonathanzappala]

Often I ride on Chinese aluminum though 😂

[@bingbing3464]

@@Millicentethat combination of japanese toray carbon, republic/people's republic chinese moulds and ovens and a design from somewhere else is 99.99% of the carbon bikes in the world lol.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Alex, just wanted to say that your Colnago video was stunning. Awesome effort by you AND the camera crew.

[@peterho3299]

8:15 - Love Ollie’s face when he says “Trump” and his mimicry of Trump a few seconds later. He should guest star on “Saturday Night Live”.

[@hojetsala5178]

The Decathlon bike story is funny. "and then suddenly, when they where contractually obligated to like their bikes, they bloody loved them" hahaha.

[@권용대-b5v]

So many riders in my country (South Korea) despise Chinese bike brands, but in reality, no Korean brand can be seen in World Tours, while Chinese brands are taking steps forward every now and then. Such a shame for us.

[@Maksim_Ponomarchuk]

In South Korea, many people need to show their success to others. That's why they try to buy expensive branded items.

[@yoyo510]

Korea doesn't have the ability to scale like China, nor is it able to beat the prices. If you want a comparison, SK is having as hard of a time to sell globally as any other local-made companies everywhere else in the world.

[@TESTA-CC]

it's time for DT swiss to release there own Groupsets for road bikes, they have the knowledge and machinery. DT Swiss Groupsets would sell like hot cakes.

[@Shadowboost]

They would?

[@kidShibuya]

Yo editor guy, SHOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT.

[@hellomynameistim]

If you want an idea of how Chinese bike manufacturers may influence the European market, it’s worth taking a look at the situation in the automotive industry. I’ve worked in various PR and communications roles in the European automotive industry for the past decade, and the “rise of Chinese car manufacturers” is a topic that I see virtually every other day. Despite all the hype and stories about these manufacturers’ plans to take the European market by storm, the fact is that it still hasn’t happened and isn’t even close. It’s already been a discussion point for several years and, despite some developments, even the more prominent Chinese manufacturers are still struggling to achieve anything higher than a 1 or 2% market share - and that’s if they’ve managed to avoid bankruptcy first. Why haven’t these manufacturers seen any real success yet? One of the biggest reasons is that the support and adequate “infrastructure” simply aren’t there. Whether it’s a car or a bike, it’s not all about the end product. It’s also about the customer and technical service that you receive from the brand and its representatives. A lack of support for consumers leads to a lack of trust from consumers. If you own a car from a well-established brand like Volkswagen and something breaks, you can guarantee that there will be several dealers near you that are familiar with your exact model and model year, can source replacement parts and handle any necessary contact with Volkswagen on your behalf. If, on the other hand, you run into a problem with a car from a lesser-known Chinese brand that has only a handful of dealers in the entire country, you’re clearly going to have much more trouble finding a solution. Yes, bikes aren’t as complicated as cars, but the principle still stands. If you ever had a severe issue like a cracked carbon frame or wheel rim, of course it’d be easier to resolve it with your local Specialized dealer, for example, than file a warranty claim with a Chinese brand that only has a minor presence in Europe. Perhaps this is, to some extent, personal preference. I live in Germany and own a BMC, and enjoy the assurance that I have local support as well as familiarity with European consumer rights to protect me if I need it. Others, however, may be happier to spend less on a cheaper Chinese bike or frame at the point of purchase, even if that means missing out on that assurance later down the line and therefore taking a bigger risk. So, will Chinese brands become mainstream in 2025? No, and not any time soon. While they shouldn’t become complacent in their position, European and US brands will continue to lead the market until Chinese brands can establish the necessary support and infrastructure. And sponsorship, albeit of a World Tour team, doesn’t do anything to change the real issues that consumers - as opposed to pro cyclists - will face.

[@patrickcunningham4197]

The Pinarello F1 apparently "sits towards the more affordable end of the price scale". £3,700 for a bike with mechanical 105 and cheap alloy wheels is not good value for money, whatever brand is emblazoned upon the frameset.

[@dansimon4536]

lol still paying for the name I guess. You obviously can get a different brand for half the price

[@ghettoshampoo]

They're all Chinese carbon to begin with.

[@Ronald-qj5nx]

It should be noted that Taiwan and China are 2 separate countries, their manufacturing history is also very different. Taiwan companies have been involved in bicycle manufacturing for a long time, Taiwanese brands like Giant and Merida started manufacturing components and bikes in the 1970s, unlike Chinese companies, which have only gotten into bike manufacturing much more recently. Giant and Merida are considered to be the largest and 2nd largest manufacturers in the world as they manufacture for other brands as well as their own. They also both have a number of factories in China hence the reason why so many bikes are made in China.

[@jstogdill]

Thanks for this. Many people are confused on this point.

[@abbygammon]

Completely agree. I just bought a Polygon Strattos, and I believe they use the same manufacturer as Giant and Merida. The price for what you get is simply unbeatable nowadays and every review I’ve read is positive. And they’ve been a brand since 89, so that adds a level of trust.

[@space.youtube]

"It should be noted that Taiwan and China are 2 separate countries," Yeah nah, it's a lot more complicated than your simplistic characterisation. I suggest you do some reading on the topic.

[@torbenfrlund5964]

@@space.youtube I suggest you talk with someone from Taiwan, then it's pretty black and white ;)

[@howardz5746]

⁠@@torbenfrlund5964I suggest you talk to someone in China mainland, then it is pretty obvious. :D it is one county two party man

[@reidanderson2646]

I am 75 years old. When I was little a new motor bike from Japan turned up at the Isle of Man races. Everyone in Europe laughed. Bike wiped floor with competition. Think it was called a Honda or something. Last week I went to a talk by Alex Dowsett (Astana, remember ?) who told us all about these mega factories. Building bikes for brands we all know about and who strangely are trying to flog them at twice the price of, er, motor bikes. Existential, or what ?

[@brianrichards350]

Remember Shimano trying for acceptance on pro teams...displacing Campagnolo was so difficult.

[@rg807]

A 6 cylinder 250 CC bike with a 20K RPM ceiling. Incredible.

[@davemoss6976]

And it had an amazing sound. The point is, at the time UK motor bike industry where not inovating and had given up on the road race scene. Honda dominated the grand Prix circuit first then then took over the mass market on the back of the reputation. Supplying bikes to a pro tour team is a smart move for an unknown brand.

[@NoahFroio]

The incredulous look on Ollie's face when Alex says 'or, at least, Italian owned companies' for the 'Italian made' Colnago was priceless!!

[@miketheanimal]

Ah! That beautiful red 3T bike in bike vault made me shed a tear. And Alex's' poker face too 😆

[@roberttell1587]

As a fellow colorblind person I'm not sure about Alex doubting Ollie because of his accommodation ability. I'm sure there is plenty of difficulty with those accursed red/ green LED's or matching clothes. Personally, I go for contrast to avoid clashing colors.

[@TESTA-CC]

Cervelo is also made in the same factory as Giant Bikes.

[@jan-erikbaars7413]

It will be really a breakthrough if a World Tour team rides an all-Chinese group set. Frames are „Chinese“ for almost 20 years...

[@newttella1043]

Tariffs coming next year in the US will just mean I drive to Canada to buy my bikes and parts. I know a lot of LBS guys voted for Trump. I find it weird that they vote against their own interests. Should be interesting.

[@wspmjw]

Touring Bike. The last one I came across was the Specialized AWOL. A good friend of mine road this bike on a $ 12,608-mile trek around the USA in 14 months.

[@dinodaniel2237]

Who’s kidding who? A large percentage of bikes used in the World Tour are made in China. Only name brands are different

[@EricWohnig]

I'm excited for the eastern DTC bike frames to be more popular in the states. I'm planning my next build from the brand Elves and I'm stoked for it! You can't really beat the price for what you get and get a custom paint job.

[@julianallen515]

This video confirms what I thought after watching the Rouleur tech shows. Send Alex to the shows, he's able to resist the "mineral waters" and produce better videos for the channel.

[@n22pdf]

Colnago vid was brilliant Alex :). Pete

[@pacfan1165]

In the early 1970s motocross was ruled by European bikes, along came the Japanese bikes, lighter, cheaper faster, better handling. The Japanese manufacturers took over the dirt bike industry and still rule today. It does not surprise me Chinese bike manufacturers will dominate the cycling industry soon, maybe they will get the industry to lower prices!✌🏼👍

[@johngreen761]

Although I have not yet completed this video, I would like to make a guess that it is XDS.

[@雪鸢清歌忆蔓柳]

Yes,it will be the high end series X-LAB

[@cb6866]

Thanks Alex , Dr O , and crew . Be well , eh ?

[@lalithjalakam3188]

For big brands to stay competitive, they will have to drop prices. Mabey also the start of cycling becoming more accessible 🙏🏽

[@scorpionbikewheels1308]

If you look at bikes from the 80's they all look the same with Columbus steel, lugged just a different paint job. Some these days and nothing wrong with that. I ride my 18lbs steel bike at 20mph avg. 230watts and my Branco carbon bike 14lbs 20 mph 225watts. I'm happy either way

[@adshdhhhd7783]

Taiwan is not China guys.

[@newttella1043]

GCN has to follow the Chinese government's "understanding" of Taiwan as a province now that Elite Wheels is a sponsor.

[@howardwells9002]

Lancia integrale….another work of art for movement!

[@julianallen515]

@garethaled are those exposure light mounts available online or did you 3D print them yourself?

[@michaelnewman4302]

What the heck? You didn't show the 3T bikes or the Wahoo table? Is this a video or a podcast?

[@dylantodd9574]

The tarrifs against China are in relation to US companies who elect to send their production overseas in order to not pay american workers. It doesn't apply to everything that is made there.

[@jonathancost4927]

Balls if the £50k is going to charity, I’m with Ollie all the way!

[@nickporter3531]

I have just ordered a pair of wheels from Elite in the Black Friday Sale. So it will be interesting to see what they are like. Other carbon parts I have purchased from China seem have been fine. But I would do the research first.

[@MrMarkyone]

I have Colnago and pinarello and now have just ordered my 1st Chinese frame elilee blize xxe and it’s so say lighter than the sl8 for half the price.

[@adyjclarke]

I love my OG-Evkin bars

[@stanroberts229]

Watch out for media reports, just look at how Trump actually used tariffs. Specific markets where there are manufacturers in the US capable of producing the required goods.

[@not-a-raccoon]

The majority of frames are manufactured in china anyway? I don't get what the huge kerfuffle is 🤔

[@mjock392]

Most of them are designed, QA tested and warranty approved by "western" companies. This would be the first UCI World Tour team using a frame where all of this is done in China. It's a huge leap for Chinese brands, to appear on the world tour stages. Heck, not all western brands (some very good ones) don't get their bikes on the World Tour. Next big step would be a Chinese brand group set, imagine having Sensah or Wheeltop on World Tour, but no Campagnolo?

[@glennrodin-ql9qp]

$28,000 AUD, for a Colnago with a 2 year warranty? Having owned a beautiful C59 Italia, which failed prematurely from galvanic corrosion of the bottom bracket, never again, no matter how much the temptation😢

[@neilgj6305]

It does not matter how much money a sponsor puts into a team, you stlll need the riders and the talent. Who could Astana buy to compete with UAE or Jumbo or Bora?

[@DipBuyer83]

Yeah here in America, it Was really cheap to buy China, now it's prices have climbed since I bought a frame and wheels and built a full carbon hardtail mountain bike custom painted from China in 2017. Still rides like new, and 9.1kg

[@matthewbaynham6286]

Why wouldn't a touring bike be any good for the transcontinental? Ollie is making a rather big claim, I would think a touring bike would be perfect for the transcontinental. Or perhaps something is only good if it's new and fashionable, even if it's just as good as what already exists.

[@newttella1043]

Ollie gets paid to push the pricey bikes. Checkout Cade Media, who bought with their own money, a budget Cube bike for a bikepack trip through India. An honest assessment .

[@brockjennings]

Can the Team Temu professional cycling team be far behind? 🤔

[@nannenon]

When Ollie explain things he doesn't have to talk really because his hands does it for him.

[@IanButterworthyyc]

Supposedly a name brand implies trust that the quality of the frame is such that it won’t randomly break and kill you. And name brand’s being based in western countries have more legal liabilities.

[@paddymurphy-oconnor8255]

If more people had healthy teeth, Pinarello Dogma sales would collapse. 🤣

[@GregLanz]

It was a great video, great job Alex. I really like my Colnago's and would love to get one of those new ones, I have a spare kidney

[@michaelnewman4302]

Please make sure all the Park wrenches are facing the correct way on the new set. 🤨

[@Phillip-hq1bv]

Awaiting the "new" set and ensuing comments...Nice or Super Nice

[@richardbridges7664]

If you green screen the set, why not use the old set as the back drop?

[@WondererWandering]

Show what you are talking about...

[@lwittrock1]

My Chinese bike, TriFox, has been great and unless you look at the name it looks as good as the big names and in many cases has out performed .

[@newttella1043]

I've seen a few of these and guys love them. A price that helps guys keep racing while on a tight budget.

[@lovemesomedetail]

im quite surprised its only 27% of all bikes made in china... i assume thats including all-bikes or just carbon road bikes?? cause i feel like the % is really dropped by standard steel city or commuter bikes that are made somewhere in eastern europe?

[@BarryBaker-ox2fg]

You said gravel bikes are not just touring bikes because they are modern? Well then what type of bikes were used in the Tour de France 40 years ago? They couldn't have been road bikes because road bikes today are modern as well. Years ago I rode my bike on gravel, carried gear, and got it dirty. Gravel bikes ARE touring bikes. They have just evolved like all modern bikes.

[@bookle5829]

We gotta ask Ollie to play Uno.

[@1afterthep]

And we all know the pros might ride completely different carbon quality and different carbon layups

[@Millicente]

I have no particular bias about china except that all the copies come from there and the quality of many of their bikes can be suspect because it’s only “trust us it’s safe.” That being said, I’m all for brands that will target lower price ranges and force the established brands to either come down in price or be priced out in the future. When the choice becomes Chinese brand A whose bike is at worst often only single digit watts slower but at half or less the price of western brand B, the power will shift. They just need to market like the western brands do and sponsoring a world tour team is a big step.

[@exigency2231]

yeah with you on this. Aliexpress is great but when you're dropping so much money on bike frames, its a bit scary when the returns process is much more complicated shipping back to China. really looking forward to when they sell on Western vendors, even with a surcharge, so there's someone I could ring up and speak to in a language I understand, and show up at their door myself

[@bikepower1378]

nr one yes

[@maxler9379]

The Shutter Precision Hubs have non-serviceable shitty bearings. Don’t know if they changed something for DT…but if they didn’t, you are just buying a really expensive throwaway dynamo.

[@GilbertTang]

I adore my Yoeleo R12. Rather than buy premade, I bought the frame set and made it my first complete bike build (Ultegra Di2). I’ve got equally Chinese 9Velo wheels on there, too. I might only be half-Chinese, but I’m fully happy. With so many complaints about the obscene cost of cycling, the Chinese brands offer some relief. Trump’s dumb ass notwithstanding.

[@x3631]

nonsense marketing on that Sworks ...

[@scorpionbikewheels1308]

Nice, and Giant makes Specialize and Merida makes Trek. Merida are very nice quality bikes not sold in USA because Trek blocked them from doing so. If you want a real bike not involved in this maylay look up Guerciotti and Van Rysel

[@andrewblakesley4202]

Bang per £ is actually relevant. Wow 🤔😲

[@flipper2gv]

Is the correction about Taiwan to prevent you for insinuating that Taiwan isn't in China to please Chinese companies?

[@andreemurray7039]

Making cycling more affordable

[@lichray]

Linus Bike in LA are made by xds.

[@spootnik00]

Also DARE is Taiwanese

[@Noddingdog63]

I have Bitex hubs with H Plus Son rims with Sapim spokes and by all accounts wheel builders love them. I have had them for just over a year and they are brilliant. Chinese brands are just not good at marketing themselves as a stand alone product...almost as if they have to sell themselves under some other brand.

[@loay_dirar]

Interesting

[@Totorka1]

saving 30k is saving 30k :D

[@two-eyedRoy]

from @27:59 Lulz at Ollie and his rants. Query then; When OK Go released their video clip to 'Here It Goes Again' how many months went by before sane conversation could be had? [me imagining a young Ollie B. stamping through the dales of Yorkshire on his way to primary school doubled over screaming hysterically at the ground doing the emphatic double arm straight judo chop thing] ... did it damage your yr6 exam results? :D

[@tombiggar7794]

Why is Ollie so opposed to ringing the bell 25:13 . He always passes if off to the other presenter.

[@tomkunich9401]

You guys are really losing it. $18,000 for a bicycle? I have a garage full of bicycles, and some of them are really nice (DeRosa Merak) but I would never even think about throwing money away like that.

[@ryewhiskey9286]

At least place an "AD" disclaimer on the video. Other than money, I can't imagine why you would promote Chinese companies. They do not respect international law or product liability litigation, they routinely violate patent and intellectual property laws, misrepresent products and materials used, employ child labour and employees work in unsafe and unhealthy conditions, and above all, their products are shite, with inconsistent quality and performance that falls far short of what is promised. Staged stunts or seeded and paid reviews don't negate the fact that these products are frauds and that you are at best turning a blind eye to it. Shame on you and I hope the legit advertisers pull their support for you channel.

[@michaelfisher9760]

Overdoing the camera zooms in and out guys. Becoming distracting.

[@northofI90]

So it is a touring bike then.

[@dansimon4536]

The Bicycle industry has been suffering loses the last 2 years. No need to bring your politics into a cycling show. Us Americans are having trouble buying food and heating our homes. So if that doesn’t change. None of us are buying new bicycles. I also really try not to buy Chinese. They have stole so much technology from other companies. I know it unavoidable. Also. I do look forward to your shows. Always have the right stuff, that I am interested in.

[@jymtym]

Guys, you’re speaking of China and Taiwan as if they’re one country.

[@jonsteinhauser1573]

China could lower their tariffs on American goods and then president Trump might lower ours. I don’t think there is anything like “free trade”, but there could be fair trade.

[@markpeterson8978]

To make 10 million bikes a year one would have to make 27,397+ per day. Wow - M

[@SergioCristancho]

Oliver... Dr Oli... Please... 90 ish percent of Carbon bikes are china Taiwan... Well done on the click bait... I watched the show anyway is not a big surprise when they took over... finally

[@willemniehorster9836]

Bikes for dentists and lawyers, and I am not one of them....

[@PeterEdern1]

Guys - China and Taiwan are two different manufacturing countries - you massively mix up both China and Taiwan. Many things you mention as China are actually TW manufactured. Get it right! Or just refer to them as South East Asian if you dont know.

[@johnnyboy4711]

Consumer sick of getting gouged by main stream brands ,strange that the promotion of Asian brands on here aligns to the timeline of discovery dropping gcn. Lads you have to admit you are late to the party and there will be a fully carbon race bike with carbon wheels and electric groupset from china in world tour within 5 years.

[@TheSeriph]

As long as quality control and customer service is the same I am fine. But that is what is mostly lacking.

[@marcvb3364]

Some brands are already great at this, Winspace and Yoeleo for example

[@harleypurcell7766]

Send someone else to rouleur as Olie barely covered anything. Hanks your man i reckon….

[@newhorizons.english]

Is it my eyes or is Ollie is slightly out of focus? Cheers guys

[@iancuk]

Probably a bit of beer

[@ltu42]

Shouldn't Van Rysel be pronounced in a Flemish manner, not in a French one? It is the Flemish name for Lille, the historical capital of Flanders, after all.

[@mb10kx]

all bikes have chinese carbon

[@simonobrien8206]

The biggest carbon fibre manufactures are Japanese, such as TORAY or Mitsubishi Rayon. Most high end bikes are using TORAY.

[@LFMC1]

OMG chinese carbon!!! Really?! All other teams use carbon from Mars. Right?

[@victorlee4214]

Of coz my carbon wheels and handlebar is made from china. The price is reasonable to the product should be vs famous brand cost triple but is the same carbon and usage. Your money your decision.

[@bengt_axle]

Given how many bikes are being made for pro-cyclists every year, shouldn't there now be enough carbon fibre bikes for every person on the planet?

[@markj.a351]

Chinese carbon. The same carbon used in Italian heritage bike brands.

[@paulofigueroa2606]

Ferrari was cool, but Colnago........

[@tertiaryeel2066]

Week 88 of asking for a "The UCI has no jurisdiction here" t-shirt

[@chrispig7748]

Please don’t compare china with Taiwan, China is a third world country with poor manufacturing standards, Taiwan is a first world with extremely high manufacturing standards

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

I hope they last.

[@HughWallace-p1s]

Need to stop the fear mongering on possible Trump tariffs. It is completely unknown if he will use them and/or how they will be targeted.

[@lwittrock1]

Trump will ensure that trade becomes fair for the US. It's a good thing as countries who have ridiculous tariffs on the US, will become more fair in their dealings with us, and you'll actually see costs come down from China as well as the US. All countries will benefit. It's what experienced in Trump's first term when ALL demographics here on the US were prospering and other countries enjoyed better economics as well.

[@MandyH1972]

I keep submitting to the bike vault and never get picked. 😭