Rapha Loses £21MILLION + This £1900 Race Bike Beat A £17,500 Superbike - Wild Ones Podcast Ep65

[@solfest9508]

21 million? That's, what, two jerseys and a water bottle?

[@MrMatraiv]

this is the best comment on the topi anywhere

[@thesoultwins72]

@solfast9508.......Spot on mate! I wouldn't mind if Rapha's stuff was decent quality for its exorbitant prices - but it's absolute shi*e!!

[@jc2685]

Love what van rysel are doing atm. Budget friendly bike gear and sponsoring on a world tour level. A lot of bike brands need to take note

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

The power of the "big-box" model. When you have the volume Decathlon does, things are different. They have clothing made for them by the same makers in Italy that Rapha uses...but my guess is the volume is huge vs what Rapha buys, so they get a better price and can pass the savings on to undercut their rivals. I know of at least one contractor in Italy who also sells clothing under their own major label ,so they make small margin/big volume on stuff for Decathlon and the reverse on their own branded stuff.

[@irfuel]

@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786yeah and once it gets popular enough they fuck over their local supplier and start making it in-house.

[@OldManAzeban]

Poseidon also ships in boxes that are labeled as TVs. I know when I received my two and a frame from them the delivery guy commented that they were some of the heaviest new TVs he’s delivered. I opened up the box and showed him that it wasn’t a TV and it was a bike. He chuckled and said I bet that cuts down on damaged returns. When parcel carriers acknowledge that they aren’t gentle in handling bikes.

[@newttella1043]

Now you've de-sensitived that delivery guy to TV boxes. More TVs are gonna get tossed in shipping now 😂.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

That's cleverQ But my big, flat-screen TV showed up broken anyway.

[@bike.mad.kimbos]

A space blanket/ foil body sheet in your saddle/bar bag can be used in the event of an accident to help retain body heat of a casualty. It can also be worn under a jersey if you get a terminal mechanical while you wait for a lift home. For its size and weight it could be invaluable.

[@rasmusvedel]

Really good tip! I have a few spares as i accidentally ordered twice so will throw them in the frame bag for sure.

[@ethyhayes]

That speech for his/your friend was very moving. Short, simple, and yet said so so much with so few words. Had me crying, I guess it speaks to something so many of us are going through. Thanks for sharing it. It's important for countless reasons, some of which might never occure to others. Look after eachother people 🤙

[@AlbertBuckinghamEllison]

In winter I always switch to cargo bottle for tools, usually you drink less when its cold out so can get by with an 800ml bottle for a 50 mile ride and have less kit sag at the back. I usually pack: Inner tube, patch kit, valve extenders, multitool, front light, rear light, cloth, zip-ties, pump into my 'vel. 700ml storage can.'

[@randallmiller3842]

Schwalbe Winter Marathon studded tires. It’s how I commuted to work on icy roads (Canada). I put them on in November, take them off in March.

[@Thezuule1]

Rapha is a big part of the reason why cycling kit became so expensive. Any company charging $300 for a pair of bib shorts certainly isn't trying to get my business.

[@JosephNieto-o8r]

Rapha to me is the most affordable premium brand. Their core bib shorts are $130 usd

[@Thezuule1]

@ being the most affordable premium brand is a bit of an oxymoron.

[@mediaburn2]

@@JosephNieto-o8r ^^ this is the problem with cycling in general.

[@chrisjames1924]

MAAP, Assos and Gore I reckon are more expensive. Rapha has definitely developed something of a reputation and I can’t see it recovering. For various reasons people are just embarrassed to be seen wearing it. It’s a shame because their stuff is top quality and not that expensive compared to other brands.

[@AL-pc1rb]

​@@JosephNieto-o8r Premium compared to what? For $130, Rapha Core bibs are highway robbery. The chamois is just a crude wedge of cheap foam with no contours and a single density. They should cost about $40. Maybe better than no bibs at all but among the least impressive I've used. Admittedly I haven't tried every $40 bib on the market and I haven't tried ever $130 bib on the market, but I've burned through a dozen or so different bibs in my life at various levels of "budget" to "high end", so I have a pretty good idea of what $130 should be able to get you. I can't speak to the higher end lines because I lost interest in Rapha after the one pair of bibs. It's probably fine. I am sure they're also about $90 more than they ought to be.

[@Ealmasi]

Regarding the pedal type for road/gravel, 10 years ago I decided to give up my road pedals & shoes for mtb shoes and Shimano SPD XTR pedals...on my Scott Foil road bike. I never looked back. I love the functionality of the system: shoes I can walk in, EASILY clipping in, and absolutely zero trouble pushing power and keeping pace in high speed group rides 24-30 mph pacing (not bragging, just adding context). I've never slipped off a pedal when sprinting either (and I never pass up a sprint effort on my weekly group rides). It hardly gets noticed. Sure, when a another roadie sees my pedals they glitch out, but why care? It is a brilliant solution. If I raced on the road, perhaps I'd "optimize" the setup with road shoes & pedals to reduce shoe weight and such (but a calorie deficit for a week or two would make more of an impact). If you are deliberating on this, don't be afraid to go against the grain with SPD pedals. There are even white gravel shoes (Fizik) to give you that crisp, white sock & shoe "roadie" look while having a functional shoe. I even put the SPD pedals on my new Canyon Aeroad and flying with the fastest roadies in my community. These shoes and pedals will not hold you back.

[@hcw199]

Regular flat pedals and trainers are more convenient and more comfortable for walking off the bike... I tried SPD and you wouldn't want to walk far in those horrible shoes

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Shimano M324 works fine for me. Zero "cool factor" but if I need to hop on and ride in sneakers - no problem. When I have cycling shoes, just flip 'em over. Only reservation might be a bit less ground clearance when leaned over but I can count the times I've hit the road with 'em in a turn on one hand...with fingers left.

[@Ealmasi]

@@hcw199 agreed! Mtb shoes and SPD pedals are not optimal for walking, but a far cry better than road shoes as a clipless system. They work quite well on asphalt/tarmac and earthen surfaces (of course), but terrible on concrete (crunch! crunch!).

[@abrickman7924]

I have always used SPD pedals and mountain bike shoes on my road bike, but that is mainly because I’m cheap and this allows me to only have one pair of shoes that can be used with my road bike and mountain bike.

[@Ealmasi]

@abrickman7924 cheap, or wise beyond your years? I’m going with the later, mate

[@laustenfound]

Just want to say I appreciate the Fluff up of the Week theme landing on the wrong note and then correcting. Fun!

[@richardanderson5812]

For the rider looking for clip less pedals I would recommend Shimano PD-EH500 SPD flat one side clip in the other, matched with MTB shoes that you can walk in. The main benefit is when starting out you can pull away using the flat side and when up to speed flip the pedal and clip in, also coming up to a stop you can un clip flip the pedal to the flat side, no falls not clipping out in time

[@eddiewards123]

Chapeau Jimmi! I rode behind you towards the start. I had no idea it was you, but spotted you in the crowd watching other riders. (I had the dog with the blue cycling jersey). It was a great event, and great that you guys could just soak in on the days atmosphere!

[@annag5458]

I ALWAYS ride out in the winter with a poly bag up my front on the morning commute and ride home, the bag comes out at the first traffic lights about 10 mins in, makes such a difference.

[@smirnowski]

I love how Nick manages to turn literally any headline into a “this is why small independent bike shops/brands are disappearing” rant.

[@deantranter1258]

Nick is spot on.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

I don't always agree with this fellow but I lament the loss of LBS' and smaller brands too. Would you rather pay him to work on your bike or some pimply-faced, minimum-wage teenager behind he counter of a big-box sporting goods store?

[@deantranter1258]

@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 I own a small LBS in Coventry. I’ve been trading 12 years (first 3 years mobile) This has been a tough year in the bike trade. The shift to direct to market brands Canyon, Ribble, Hunt etc has been seismic over the last few years making it more difficult for LBS.

[@danwentcycling7952]

Mechanics always say ‘clean your bike after you ride’ - it’s totally unrealistic for commuters (10x washes per week!?!) and enthusiasts (I ride 5-6 days). The better solution is to focus on the chain - keep that clean and lubed (and replace when worn), don’t jet wash, use mudguards and you’ll reduce costs massively.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Mechanics always say ‘clean your bike after you ride’ - Who says this unless it's a pro team? When I turned a wrench for a living I always wanted to work on a clean bike...if the thing was too skanky I'd wash it...and charge the customer. But yeah, keep the drive train clean above all else.

[@wuzihuzi]

​@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786nick does. He says some dumb shit

[@timbridgman8236]

Great episode guys. One thing I used on my winter bike is a neoprene cover that wraps around the headset which keeps water , mud and salt out. I also made sure I have a small back red light on my helmet so matter where I am I always have a back up rear light to get me home.

[@Thezuule1]

@@timbridgman8236 I have sets of bar mitts for my hybrid and road bike and some neoprene boot covers. Couldn’t go out some days without them.

[@jim2111]

Instead of foil to protect toes, I would suggest Dupont Tyvek. They last ages, no sharp edges and does not tear and easily stored. Get the A3 and they work as torso protector as well if you do not have a jacket and they protect your saddle when repairing a flat

[@frazergoodwin4945]

A correction to Mechanic Nick from someone who has actually ridden this years UCI World Gravel course - the 2024 course is much more like those featured on Cade Media gravel rides - mud besides fields, trails in the woods, light gravel tracks plus some cobbles and some paved surfaces.... the fact that the pro's went fast on it say s WAY more about their capabilities than the course being a "bikepath world championships" (the bit at the start by the canal on light gravel then mud then cobbles is on the opposite bank of the canal to the actual bikepath! - 5 meters wide smooth tarmac both direction and separated from the road).

[@squngy0]

I forget where I heard it, but apparently part of the problem is the broadcast. They have a much easier time filming on decent roads, so most of the broadcast is showing people riding on roads.

[@frazergoodwin4945]

@squngy0 true - there is a lot to this argument, although the first loop around Halle went past the saint Pieters-Leeuw heliport, skirting it's perimeter in fact, so arial shots shouldn't have been a problem. I also saw TV bikes on the race route well before coverage began (St Genesius-Rode entrance to the forest de Soignes) so I think it was a cost for broadcast issue more than anything else.)

[@izi941]

As someone who has ridden the gravel WC (with 35mm semi-slicks); no, it wasn’t proper gravel course (like any UCI gravel) and wasn’t technical at all, in my opinion. There were/are years where Paris-Tours, Strade Bianche, Paris-Roubaix etc.are tougher…and those are classified as “road races”. I think that if the course can be ridden with 30-35mm, it’s not gravel. If you look at non-UCI gravel events, pros ride 37-45mm tires (slicks or with profile-depending on weather). It’s like MTB downhill race being ridden with a hardtail. Since Gravel is different discipline to road, the course, especially for WC, should be so technical that it would be hard to ride it with a road bike (even in perfect weather)-otherwise, call it a road race. If it would have been perfect weather conditions this year, it would again be won on a road bike. As you said “the course being similar to touristic gravel rides” (Cade media gravel rides), I don’t think that makes it fit for a world championship…opposite

[@frazergoodwin4945]

@@izi941 So you think the cobbles after the Hallebos before sint Gensius-rode were only equivalent to Paris Roubaix cobbles? No Way. I've ridden both Paris Roubaix and the cobbles sectors by the lakes in Rode many times and the Rode cobbles would get six stars as they are much rougher than Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle or carrefour de l'Arbe. Remember they ride those on 32 slicks (at most) too. Paris Tours is a strange race - and the most gravel adjacent on the road calender - but if the gravel Worlds had had the same weather as this years Paris Tours then there certainly wouldn't have been anyone riding it on semi slick anythings! And it was plenty technical to be gravel - just not technical enough to be X-country. Just because the lifetime grand prix conflates the two doesn't mean they are the same.

[@Ober1kenobi]

​@@squngy0all this money involved and no course drones. You could have stationary drones and fly with group drones. All in all, it's cycling, so most don't care.

[@scoresandflames]

I love my SKS Raceblade Pro XL fenders. They can be installed easily even if your fork and frame don't have any mounting points. Maybe the front fender could be just a tad longer, but that's an easy fix.

[@j.k.b5014]

a good trick for warming your hands a friend taught me is latex gloves. They completely seal your hands, thus trapping most of the heat inside

[@goonzjav]

Shimano spd are also life pedals. And totally bombproof

[@zedddddful]

I was about to say this I've got the cheapest set of 520's Shimano do and they've been on multiple bikes and have done thousands of miles still work flawlessly.

[@stuthebearded]

Shimano's are excellent. I ride Time Atac's I've got four pairs, two of which are 15 years old never been rebuilt or adjusted still as smooth as the day I bought them and I'm not a light chap. Crank brothers pedals needed a rebuild once a year.

[@andrelam9898]

Totally agreed. I used to live 5 miles from work and I'd ride through just about anything. I live in Buffalo NY so we regularly get snow multiple times a year throughout the winter. Every so often my (ex) wife would call and tell me to look outside (I had an office without window) and made sure I was OK to ride home. On some of those days getting picked up was better. Riding in the middle of a lake effect snow storm is just not good. My bike would get caked with salt laden snow all the time. I used a thick wet lube that kept the chain from rusting badly. I definitely needed a new chain every spring. The SPD pedals would last a few winters. They would take quite the beating with weather. I can't think of any other clip ins that would come close to holding up so well. I would have like to clean my bike, but my garage does not have a drain and I can't wash it outside when it's well below freezing. I'd be creating an ice rink in front of my house. The SPD pedals were great!

[@abrickman7924]

I’m still using the pair I bought in 2000 and have used constantly since then.

[@mortis13]

After a recent crash, and dealing rather frail and human. Love hearing Nick's crash stories. Would love also to hear recovery stories

[@JoeMorely]

Personally feel Rapha have done far more good than bad for the industry and deserve some financial support through a tricky period. Also notice the pod likes to focuses (sometimes with a bit too much pleasure IMO) on the big brands that are struggling a lot, it would be good to put a spotlight on the emerging brands and business doing well and adding to the industry positively too.

[@andreaslindenthal6654]

I like the Shimano PD-EH500 pedal. No need to decide whether you only use normal shoes or bike shoes. Sure, the flat part isn't very wide, but it's fine for relaxed cruises, while SPD shoes with a stiff sole will give you all the power transmission you probably need.

[@rident]

The flat fixing on the hill climb reminds me of the International Bicycle Flat Tire World Series held in Colorado. :D

[@gedheaton1415]

Saw an ad on tv earlier that the NHS (UK) are providing free PSA test to anyone over 50,just ask your GP. I personally was diagnosed with Local Advanced Prostrate Cancer about 5 wks ago, NO symptoms at all,luckily the Physio I was seeing for Rotator Cuff sent me for Blood test and because of my age/history (Cancer in 2015) she ticked the box for PSA protein test. So massive thank you Rebekka, Go get tested guys.

[@billybirdy9507]

Zero fs given if Rapha goes broke and disappears. It’s a mega rip off.

[@commandercookie0]

Love this pod, old listen to you guys all day!

[@MurkDaddyFlex]

Always a treat to get Nic on the show. The GOAT.

[@adamcoppock5018]

Rapha still has the best apparel logo 😆 but unfortunately it feels like the brand has lost its relevance. Such a touching speech at the end of the hill climb. Thanks for another great episode.

[@dan.coops.]

Agree with Emily. It’s been a while since I needed winter socks, but Woolie boolies are 11/10 👌🏻

[@Cycle.every.day.]

I have a few replica rapha items of clothing , only costs £22 ish per item. Best part is telling other cyclists at cafe stop then getting treated like i've drowned a bag of kittens.

[@Local.hero.1983]

Dentists won't like you my friend.

[@0-60.tests.with.Passengers]

I've found the copy stuff lasts longer,doesn't fade as quickly,stitching holds up better.

[@brockjennings]

Riding alone spares you any ridicule from the esoteric road cycling fashion police

[@ramb6763]

Where you buying it from lol I need in 😂

[@vincentalbrecht5853]

Where do you have it from?:D Asking for a friend

[@aglees2b]

Your discussion on the Rapha situation, market dynamics, lifetime customer value & how a market with finite resources to spend operates, is what sets you apart from everyone else. Really appreciate you talking about this, and talking through how you think about these matters. Also fingers crossed for whichever large brand might be on the ropes.

[@Up2L842moro]

Storing a dynamo wheel inside can draw moisture-laden air into the hub due to temperature difference between indoor and outdoors creating pressure change inside the big hollow area where the windings are located.

[@HarishChouhan]

Thanks to Nick, I have finally tried Enduro Bearings.

[@jackiegammon2065]

As a shop owner/mechanic as well, I will share that I live in the US in ski country. I've also used studded tires for almost 30 years,so early in fact that we were making them ourselves before the manufacturers started. In my area, they work really well both in frozen/crusty snow and ice. I've used them on mtn bikes and fatbikes, and would not change that. You mention that rubber gets harder as the temps drop, and that is definitely true. I've had great luck on my fatbike with Schwalbe tires (Rapid Rob_ on my fatbike. Those tires get used year round, but are also a bit softer rubber, so did you a bit better grip on ice...although, I'd still use studded tires. The last piece that I would disagree with is wax lube in the winter months, although I'm sure different brands are different. I have used slightly Squirt before it came out on the market, and it has done very well. I do clean the drivetrain, although I would say a bit less than I should AND my drivetrain has lasted quite a bit longer and I have proven that with mileage. I do take care to clean everything and fully let it dry before installing lube again. I know others that are doing the same thing with the same results. I mentioned that I live in an area where we get a lot of snow, and way too much salt on the roads, and I swear by Squirt. I even now use it on my road bikes as it is much more durable than other wax methods, and melting wax is something that I started doing in the 90's. Perhaps it won't work for everyone, but with all of the mud, snow, salt and water that I go through... I've never seen another product that has worked better. A tip to help with keeping your feet warmer is to use wool insoles, they generally are at shops that sell items for folks who work outside. Wool as we know is warmer and will still be warm even if you should get wet, but that's providing that you have the room in your shoes for them. Thanks for sharing, great conversations here!

[@glennoc8585]

I think I recall Francis mentioning his friend Rachael a few years ago. Nice dedication from the chap that won. Rapha have just made less profit but lots of product sales have dropped. Gravel kit can be Lycra but it's different and jerseys are becoming like hybrid tshirts or even polo shirts with back pockets.

[@salsalawyer]

I Remember her from one James bike fit videos on the channel. RIP

[@bonbonflippers4298]

The polo shirts with back pockets is a new market they're trying to accommodate for the increasing population of e-bikers. It's a hole that has potential to expand if they market it well.

[@glennoc8585]

@salsalawyer yeah Damn shame

[@Wrath_of_Dog]

Tips for clearing your tires with you hands while riding: 1. Have gloves on. 2. For the rear tire, reach behind and hook your thumb on the back seat stay while wiping forward of the seat stay with your fingers. This will prevent your hand slipping down between the wheel and the seat tube. 3. For the front tire clear the tire forward of the fork.

[@UKBROOKLYN]

On coatings.. I have a titanium bike and I hit it with a coat of spray furniture wax from the dollar store after I wash it. Super cheap, and the thin wax coating def helps keep the dirt off.. and makes it easier to clean with just a bucket of water after a gritty ride..

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

OH no! Don't let the bike-specific consumer cleaning product police read that! BEFORE there was any of that, spray furniture polish was the go-to. Wonder how many of the bike-specific products are the same thing in a different package? When I was in the moto biz there was a big flap when a well-known brand of spray cleaner was outed as nothing more than a household product with a different label on the spray can. Bicycle stuff can't be much different.

[@UKBROOKLYN]

@@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 Bicycle stuff is much worse. The idea that you need a whole line of products to take the muck off is ridiculous.. For a soap clean I find the best product is automotive Turtle Wax car shampoo.. A bottle lasts for ages and the Turtle Wax leaves a thin wax that can be wiped clean and polished.. Theres stuff in Turtle Wax shampoo that hels with cleaning the chain and cassette too...

[@durianriders]

Cervelo R3SL. World famous now!

[@pinkyfull]

24:50 you should never judge a bearing that isn't under load. Bearings are made to function under load. The bearing design is specifically made for a particular load case in mind.

[@izi941]

Yes. Actually, my CeramicSpeed BB and headset bearings last longer, even than Enduro ones. If I would have bought them I’d still choose Enduro, since CS isn’t as much better that it’s expensive, but it is better. (I don’t give a 💩 about few W savings tho)

[@randyhale4181]

God I love it when you have Nick on the show🎉🎉

[@craigsobering]

Jimmy thanks for your comments about flat vs clip in pedals. While a lot of people believe clip in pedals are faster, research indicates there is no statistical difference, so keep rocking the flats if you want. You didn’t mention that there can be ergonomic benefits of flats over clipping in as Lachlan Morton discovered on his TDF ride. Another thought re: road clip ins is that some feel the wider platform is better over two bolts, but two bolts are definitely better for starting at stop lights, walking to the cafe, etc.

[@funkypumps1970]

Really respect what the gentleman said regarding Rapha sales taking money from companies that have to balance the books , great statement.

[@konradc12]

@3:06 I spotted my KC 61 on the rear left chain stay, signed on 13th October at Becs Hill Climb in Surrey. I met Simon without actually knowing him. He is a nice guy and invited me to sign. At the time, I was on my 1173 day cycling consecutive.

[@zmuzzy101]

I absolutely agree with Nick about riding more on winter thanks to less distraction.

[@justsomedude7556]

I moved all my bikes over to the Time ATAC pedals about 12 years ago, road and non-road, and have not looked back. Best decision I ever made.

[@StacyODell]

Holy crap Nic that Roma is gorgeous, and the idea of steel + carbon in just the right places to promote comfort and compliance is very intriguing. Look forward to a detailed review once you've had it for a while.

[@Fixingeverthingwithaengine567]

When I lived in Pennsylvania. I had trail tires for sping summer. For winter fall I had snow tires and spiked tires for ice. I rode year around regardless of weather.

[@andrelam9898]

For winter tires I used to run carbide studded Nokias. I'd ride in snow all winter long in Buffalo NY. They works great for getting grip. I didn't realize how good they were when I rode home and fell over as soon as I pulled up to the house and put my foot down. I had no idea it was so icy. I had a hybrid so I was limited to around 40mm tires. I now have a 16 mile ride (each way) and have to drive in much busier traffic that does not have a shoulder. Therefore no longer ride when there is active snow or ice on the road. I still want to have protection from slipping and the nicest tire I have found is the new Continental non studded tire. They use the same kind of tech as cars, with tiny treads with lots and lots of sipes. They handle well, ride smoothly and don't make the "popcorn" sound of studded tires. Much lower rolling resistance than the Nokias. I don't really enjoy riding in deeper snow on two wheels. Your bikes moves all over underneath you as the thicker parts of the snow move your wheels around. It's plenty fun in a car, but knowing that falling can mean serious body damage... it's just not a fun. Maybe if I had a fat bike and was riding off-road in winter it would be better, but then I'll just grab my cross country skis.

[@lolbubs11111]

Wax does work (as well as oil) in winter. The wet wears out the oil based lube rapidly, too. The protocol is nearly the same -- clean the chain with with a rag, drip on some water-emulsion wax product (ufo drip, silca super secret, squirt, whatever).

[@behb3425]

or use low temperature version of squirt lube, it's easier as lubing with oil.

[@JoeyMills-y3v]

So the wax comes in a WATER emulsion, but won't get washed off by WATER? OK 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@speedbird8987]

I’ve ridden Crank Brothers pedals for 30 years - they are all awesome and last forever.

[@chrishodgson1968]

Don’t forget to mention a good set of lights 👍

[@stuartpotter4923]

88km/h ?! That's fast enough to travel in time (metric time at least)

[@martinmorsch7507]

Ceramic coating does totally work for me. Mine is kinda waxy. But yeah, I still have to clean it, it just looks „cleaner“ when it is clean and kinda stays clean for longer. But if i hit a rainly shit day fpr ridin, g, mud will absolutly stick to it. Everywhere,

[@keithcampbell5914]

I used to have double-sided pedals on both of my bikes (issi flips and Shimanos) but much like Nic the platform just wasn't wide enough so I've shifted to platforms on both my dropper cruiser conversion and my alloy road bike. And honestly I much prefer it - I don't find myself missing the cleats for more training runs, and I primarily bike commute, so I feel great using either bike depending how I feel in the morning. Also, portland design works makes an excellent semi-permanent mudguard called the Sodapop that a) is purportedly made from recycled soda bottles and b) screw on but can be removed from the brackets, for a lighter option than a full metal mudguard.

[@BucketOfCrust]

I've repainted a handful of bikes now, everytime I get through the sanding phase I swear I'll never do it again. So much time goes into it, even if you shortcut with a dremel!

[@TimLemonn]

Nick’s attitude to business is so cute 🥰

[@davidadams8342]

Love the stud tires. Riding in cold, snowy weather in Wyoming USA. Expensive but cheaper than hospital bill. Tubes for reliability. Winter riding in snow can be fun! Dave inJH

[@buzcheva6496]

Ive got the studded tyres. They are amazing...but sooooooo slow. Use them for the commute

[@dalem1140]

Thanks 4 the woolie boolie shout. I'll put them on my xmas list 👍🏻

[@gavin18787]

Just come back from riding my gravel bike on the local mountain bike trails to listen to this. 100% agree gravel riding is basically 90's MTB with drop bars. However as someone that used to ride 90's MTB it is as fun as I remember. Raced XC MTB until recently and that has just become so extreme now its a differn't sport. Boundaries have just shifted in all areas. My gravel bike is my winter road bike, commuter and off road tool. Jack of all trades to have alongside my dedicated road bike

[@echtogammut]

I've done the glass 'rub' many times and I've only cut my hand once. I use the back of my nails to scrape over the tire and dislodge debris. I would agree it's a bad idea, but that can be said for most of my bike rides.

[@mikel.mp4]

I have seen the Align Mips helmet that is super well rated and is very affordable, but the issue is that it is built very cheap, the padding comes off and there is no replacements on sale. So this is something to take into account as well. That helmet is going to be less durable unless you super glue the falling parts every now and then and don't lose them in one of the rides.

[@stevenfreeman7798]

Elitists Rapha deserve everything they get!. They fueled turning cycling into the new golf and helped drive prices in the industry up to ridiculous levels!. And helped to bring snobbery and elitism into our sport.

[@taosanwu]

Coating really helps if you have a matte white frame, where stains and brake dust can be wiped clean easily with just damp clothes.

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

I have (not by choice) a matte white carbon frame. Dish soap and water work just fine and in-between it might get a wipe with a microfiber rag and cheap automotive spray wax/cleaner. So far, so good. Same with matte black.

[@XXXENOWRAITHXX]

On the expensive helmets segment, Virginia Tech in the US has a dedicated helmet testing facility. All their results are laid out on their website with star ratings. Giant and Specialized have a $50 helmet with the max star rating.

[@rakulex]

I just love when Nick appear in the channel :)

[@stephenlaw1202]

studded tyres (Nastarenkaat in Finnish) are used all the time in Finland during winter on cars and bikes. Work great

[@Zeben84]

MTB Shoes with XT pedals on MTB and SPD-ES600 pdelas on road and gravel bikes !

[@dan44zzt231]

For looks I'm mildly obsessed with the last few years of canti brake CX bikes before they were replaced with discs. There's just something about how they look that I can't put my finger on.

[@hectorkidds9840]

I ride an old Scott CX bike to commute. I'd not recommend it, the brakes are as rubbish as the reputation.

[@dan44zzt231]

@hectorkidds9840 I've still got every canti CX frame I've ever raced hung on the wall in my garage. I know objectively they aren't good compared to discs, especially off road. Try either Avid Shorty Ultimate Cantis or Tektro CX9 Mini Vs - they at least bring the braking to the equivalent of a modern road bike dual pivot caliper brake.

[@davidarifine]

Helmet question: On the subject of older helmets losing their effective protection over time, does this mean that buying a helmet that’s been discounted because a bike shop hasn’t been able to sell it for two+ years might not be worth the savings because most of its lifespan has already expired? Love the podcast. Keep it up 🤙

[@HasseBananKasse]

Google polycarbonate and polystyrene, and lifespan. It will show that helmets should have a much longer lifespan than the manufacturers are telling us. In other industries they don’t replaced the same materials after 3-5 years.

[@davidarifine]

@ thanks

[@brynlewis7175]

Rapha still have a positive earnings (EBITDA) so in a business sense they are still viable - more viable than many large companies. They would say that their losses are due to some 'one off' expenses and don't effect their long term performance.

[@funkychickenthesecond2102]

Cool story bro. They have had 7 years of net losses in a row. Only mugs would buy the “it’s due to one-off expenses” line. They are circling the plug hole and only able to operate by constantly getting bailed out by their parent company.

[@gumby600]

I use the Shimano PD-ES600 single-sided road-style SPD pedals and I like them. I previously used double-sided pedals and it did take me a few weeks to get used to the toe-flip required to clip in quickly. I also can't stand walking in classic road shoes.

[@166bob]

You can always put nitrile/vinyl gloves under your regular gloves to keep them warm or dry when it rains. Also I would always use a plastic bag under my socks when it gets cold.

[@draugmithrin]

I Silca hot wax bikes including my commute bike, just dry or rewax chain on wet days. I don't degrease or deep clean chain except when new just wipe with microfibre cloth, dry and rewax. Use an Xpower air duster to dry chain, cassette mechs etc. as needed. The benefits of a waxed drivetrain far outweigh the grimy black mess my commute bike became in Winter with wet lube. Rotate 2 or 3 chains per bike so you don't have to rush rewaxing.

[@OriginalTrev]

Exactly, the only degreasing necessary comes before hot waxing a new chain... Some bike mechanics, like Nick have rejected immersive waxing out of hand for whatever personal reasons, but certainly not empirical reasons. Zero Friction Cycling has produced the empirical evidence through extensive testing that even the least expensive paraffin wax is a superior chain lubricant than the most expensive oil lube.

[@billeterk]

I like bike surface treatments. The difference isn’t not getting dirty, it’s cleaning in 60 seconds of garden hose Helmets, light is nicer and pricier. Not necessarily safer, true. Rapha - some good ideas. I like their super light merino. Cargo tights are good, not exclusive to Rapha but popularised by them in my neck of woods. Love the extra full back width pocket on their brevet jerseys. Look do make a couple of shoe models that work with their road pedals but are designed for walking around in.

[@stvaldr]

In regards to glass, I ride on Panaracer Gravel King SS. I have ridden over glass multiple times and have not experienced any flats.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Emily , Jimmi , and Nic "Mechanic "

[@billybob7088]

Crank Brothers all day long with laced Mtn Bike shoes. I use them on all my Road, Gravel and Mtn Bike.

[@jamesbell5977]

You can get very cheap cleat covers that solves the grip issue of wearing Shimano SPD cleats, they just clip on, I keep them in my pocket and put them on whenever I need to walk somewhere (like into work or into a cafe). It also stops the cleats wearing out. I'm surprised by the comment about SPD's having a small platform and that rolling ankles is an issue - I thought they were fairly wide compared to other options?

[@carl90210]

Zero Friction Cycling has laid into Nic and his views on winter waxing.

[@JoeyMills-y3v]

Zero friction cycling is a lunatic. He lives in Australia what does he know about winter riding ffs 😂

[@erikk7643]

Wollie Boolie's are amazing! I'm loving the ankle socks

[@JBR.1974]

the Battaglin Pavé is a gorgeous looking bike

[@wonchoe]

Congrats on the Battaglin Nic! Stunner!

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

Why does someone get congratulations for BUYING something? Save those for weddings, etc, OK?

[@vjad93]

I live in Sweden and it gets icy, been using studded tire for front wheel on my MTB for daily commute for over 3 years now, works great to not skid.

[@jessetamez7362]

Been wiping my tires with a gloved hand for decades. Any time I inadvertently run over glass I immediately put my gloved hand on the tire front and back.

[@apollochimp]

In the US, there's a bike brand called Poseidon that ships in TV boxes, its pretty famous here for it.

[@ish474]

I want to say I am sorry for the loss of your friend. I know that specific loss and subject well. It doesn't ever get easier to take no matter their age❤

[@petecb]

Old rapha kit was great.. Then the designs got a bit weird, the quality went down and the prices went up. Hard to knock them with that turnover though

[@johnmcnulty1129]

RIP Rachel 🤍 🕊

[@scottyw0022]

Yo! Love the pod! You guys should look into and potentially review the Ventum GS1. Especially the Minted edition. It’s incredibly affordable with SRAM Apex AXS. Would love your take on it :)

[@jordywilliams]

October-April are my best training months. Summer traffic is way worse than winter weather

[@myNamezMe]

Makes it look to me like peak bike was just before disc brakes were introduced, with riders now having to shell out many times more to get something comparable in a 'modern' disc version.

[@DelTacoBueno]

Jimmy's "old Rival groupset" = Rival AXS drivetrain with Force levers 😂

[@seandunderdale]

I get all my kits from Ali Express. Some amazing quality stuff on there. Ive never worn a Rapha kit, but Id be amazed if my rides are improved by spending the difference between my decent Ali Express stuff (£80 for bib tights and long sleeve jersey) and a full Rapha kit. (probably £300+)

[@andrewmcewan8081]

if the cearmic coatings for bikes are like the car ones they will work really well ,and they need reapplying yearly ,or half yearly .

[@randyhale4181]

If I ever get to England Nick's bike shops first place I'm going to go.

[@halnorwood6978]

+1 to Nick for Battaglin, best looking bikes you can buy.

[@dennissmelly9599]

Who remembers little things called tub- savers ? A bit of sprung wire to rub grit and glass off your tubs.