Has Cycling Become Too Expensive? - The Wild Ones Podcast Ep. 20

This week we mourn the loss of the weirdest handlebars in bike history, chat about rumours of trouble at Wiggle and discuss whether bike stuff has just become way too expensive. Plus more Overrated or Underrated, Fluff Ups and your questions.
Here’s the full rundown:
00:00 RIP handlebars
06:21 Trouble at Wiggle?
15:30 Is Bike Stuff Just Too Expensive Now?
20:54 The Value Sweet Spot
23:02 £300 Budget to £2000 Bike
27:43 Modern 7.5kg Bikes Under £2000
34:13 The High-End Marketing Trap
42:44 Overrated or Underrated: Flat Bar Gravel Bikes
43:58 Overrated or Underrated: Hill Climbs
45:23 Overrated or Underrated: Press Ups
45:52 Overrated or Underrated: Beans On Toast
48:35 Overrated or Underrated: Cats
49:03 Overrated or Underrated: Dogs
49:17 Fluff Up Of The Week
51:49 Offering Advice To Newbie Cyclists
If you’d like us to send in a question, story, some good news, things you’d like us to discuss or anything else, email us at [e-mail]
Thanks and see you next time.
SUPPORT Francis Cade and Cade Media directly:
Via Patreon: / franciscade
Via our clothing brand WILD: wearethewildones.co.uk/collec...
AFFILIATE LINKS
GoPro GRILL Mount: www.prostandard.com/?ref=0Wo1...
GoPro Hero 11: prf.hn/l/ryjmwQn
Tiny Insta360: www.insta360.com/sal/go_2?ins...
Bigger Insta360: www.insta360.com/sal/one_x2?i…
Styrkr: 25% off your first order with FCADE25 bit.ly/36WrFyn
Silca: 13% off with code CADE13 silcavelo.eu/
Thanks to our CHANNEL SPONSORS:
Attacus Cycling
Fidlock
Garmin
Hutchinson Tyres
Parcours Wheels
Tailfin
Scott
Silca
Styrkr

[@Christopher-ic9ig]

I’m hoping you both continue to showcase decent bikes that are $1000 or less for those of us who enjoy the hobby, but don’t have the cash to sink thousands into a new bike.

[@krissk77]

Buy a frame and build it up.. create time.. some bike we buy for the logo and branding..... u realise most gey their the frames from same manufacturers on China and other Asian countries. Same design.. shop around for a good frame then get good components and u hv what not everyone is riding. 🎉

[@Rich_Mitch_Creative]

Brown's comments on pricing are spot on. There are now countless options to spend more. The bigger problem is perhaps the press and marketing etc pushing the idea of us (riders) 'needing' the snazziest bits all the time to be 'better' or 'enjoy things more'. I'm so happy to hear you guys talk openly and honestly about the cost of things in bikes. The joy of the simple, cheapest bikes are not spoken about enough. Great episode team 🙌🙌🙌

[@hananas2]

My way of getting a good bang for the buck bike is that I got a late 80s steel bike (real proper frameset, Columbus SLX) and replaced the entire drivetrain and wheels. Now with all the upgrades I have a 1300 euro bike, it's set up exactly the way I like, it's 8.7kg, fastest bike I've ever had and I love it! the frame surprisingly feels properly stiff and light too.

[@kazaroth]

I don’t wish for Wiggle to go bust. It’s a pipe dream to think this will mean people go back to buying from their LBS. Online and DTC is here to stay, all you’re doing is asking for Amazon to fill the gap. There’s an irreplaceable market for being able to order an exact part number online and have it delivered in a few days. That’s not going away.

[@Dobiecx]

Agreed. If I have a specific part I need, I first would need to go to the LBS during their hours, explain what I need, which may require a discussion (more time). Then they have to find a distributer with that part and order it (which, ime as a former LBS mechanic, doesn't happen everyday - orders are usually placed only a few times a week). Then I wait for them to tell me it arrived (and since receiving takes time might be a day or two after it actually arrived). THEN I have to go pick it up on their hours. All in that could be 1-2 weeks. OR I have order it online and have it by the weekend. If its a critical part keeping me from riding, the choice is obvious. If you need a shop to install it, it's still probably faster to get it yourself and bring it in.

[@mctrials23]

Most LBS I have dealt with over the past 20 or so years have been shit to say the least. Half of them don't know what they are doing, they are massively overpriced a lot of the time and don't hold products that I want to buy. If you have a good LBS then treasure it but lets not pretend that most of them aren't just there to make money first and foremost.

[@dwyerlavery8523]

​@@mctrials23absolutely right. Not all LBS's are equal. My local keeps stock of nothing and takes weeks to order stuff in. I can get it sooner and cheaper online and fix or fit it myself.

[@michaelrowave]

This show elevates every time Emily gets to chime in.

[@adrechsel]

We need to talk more about getting people on used bikes. Most normal™ people will get a lot more value by buying second hand or having someone fix up or upgrade their existing bike. Folks like Craig from Save old bikes or Monkeyshred and Toasty Rides really are doing God’s work. ❤

[@aphayden]

Anyone else want to see Jimmy’s press up technique that makes it a full body workout? 😂

[@daspic1974]

I built my Elves Falath with 12 speed Ltwoo and Elite wheels for 2k. Very pleased with it.

[@paulmartin5572]

Watching smiling with the mention of Moss. Andy Jones, a great bike builder, and also a brilliant and inspirational DT teacher who took frame building into schools. Legend

[@malcontent510]

This is one of my favorite episodes so far, partly due to Bella crashing the party. But it really is great to hear your ongoing discussion about value.

[@Yellocarrot]

I live in the French alps. In a town called Briançon, at the foot of a few famous climbs like the Galibier, the Izoard and the Granon. We have 2 very popular hill climbs events each summer. The 'Defi du Granon" and the "Defi du Galibier". These races are extremely different that the UK hill climbs, they are mass start and require a long sustained effort. The fastest guys usually finishing just under 40 minutes for either race. It's extremely competitive and a LOT of fun!

[@Avioto]

We never have hillclimb events here in the Netherlands and I can't for the life of me understand why

[@RoadRageRod]

While the Tech improved in some ways, it is still kinda ridiculous that less than 15 years ago you could get full carbon leightweight bikes with a full dura ace/sram red/Campagnolo Super Record groupset for the price tag that is now on bikes with 105 Di2, while the bike in whole got heavier. Of course there was infaltion in that timeframe, but not 150% to 200%, it is bonkers.

[@charlcoetzee93]

And let's not pretend like bikes were slow in 2010. This is why I believe the best option is to get an older bike, give it a good service and put some modern wheels on it.

[@johnnydoe66]

On the subject on the cost of cycling, I myself believe it has gotten out of hand. I have to agree with Brown (aka Mark) that your riding experience doesn't have to cost a fortune to be enjoyable. I myself have a full carbon frame with full Shimano Ultegra kit and carbon cranks. After several mechanical failures I am now riding an old 1986 Specialized Allez steel frame built up with a Tiagra/Sora mix, old Profile carbon fork, a set of aluminum Reynolds wheels (bought from Merlin Cycles for $140), and my pedals and saddle from my carbon bike. My recent rides have been more enjoyable, relaxed, and not any slower, even with the bike weighing an extra 4-5 lbs.

[@alexclare4992]

As always, thanks for helping me get through my training session. Love the podcast, keep it up

[@andym1056]

100% agree with the prices of bikes. Got my Trek Emonda sl5, 105 R7000 with upgraded Bontrager carbon 50mm wheels for £3000 all in. I’m genuinely so impressed with the latest 105 groupset, coming from an older Ultegra Di2 setup

[@nycticorax5653]

I agree. I have the Emonda. I also had the crank changed to a 52 tooth ring. Very nice bike.😊

[@matthewshaw3747]

Your comments about small people not being catered to is spot on. My wife is 160cm and has short legs for her height and so many bikes don’t come in an appropriate size for her.

[@nedfinnegan240]

Our local shops would not order a small size to the test fit. We had to buy sight unseen. DTC companies did offer a “satification guaranteed” return period. We went with a DTC bike.

[@lanceo1690]

On the second day of a massive supported ride from Seattle to Portland, I noticed the front QR lever was open on a fellow rider. We happened to be just starting a descent. It would have been irresponsible not to tell him. On that same ride over the years I have helped change several tires typically asking if they need a hand seems to work fine.

[@Jimmidoesstuff]

Excellent work.

[@AdeboFunkyVoodoo]

When I raced back in late 80's early 90's, I could afford to build a good, new, race spec, custom bike with what I earned as a student working part time in a pub. Campagnolo Chorus groupset, hubs built into Mavic Mach 2CD2 rims with DT Swiss spokes, made to measure Reynolds 753 frameset, Cinelli bars and stem, Selle italia saddle, Vittoria tubs. You can't put together a similar level, brand new bike today, working three nights a week, pulling pints in a North East pub. It would cost what, seven, eight, nine grand? It took me just over a year to save for that bike. How many years would it take today? You'd be finishing your Phd before you got to turn a crank in anger.

[@Stevenv74]

Please go back to sitting the other way round. It's all a bit much for my OCD.

[@valmorell]

Can we just have the camera on Emily please😊

[@MTBryanH]

Hahaha! Yeah was strange for me too.

[@virtualmartijn]

@@MTBryanHand Jimmy wearing a cap while Francis wasn't. It's all gone wonky 😂

[@WarHammerWH]

@@virtualmartijn Just like the mirror Universe in Star Trek…

[@sergeb1207]

I m guessing you would not be a fan of a 12 speed front mech even if all mechanical studies clearly demonstrated its superiority

[@ChinCycling]

This show just gets better and better, keep up the great work guys👏🏽

[@nellyx1x493]

I'd rather ride a top end road frame from over a decade ago than anything currently pushed by the bike industry, even if its bought second hand. I have friends who have acquired nice Colnago's etc, worth 4-5k framest for under 1k, then you can build up a sweet riding competitive weighing bike for little outlay. Of course these bikes have rim brakes but then you really don't need discs on a road bike, what was fine for a hundred years is still fine to ride now at any level. This is a big problem for the bike industry at the moment as riders like me have stopped buying their bikes, whereas in the past I'd always be jumping on the latest things.

[@drijackson]

Another brilliant episode folks. I think you are judging the interplay between the three of you really well. Love the vibe between all of you!

[@aveedub7403]

Lets have Emily joining in more, she's got good stuff to say! And extensively easy on the eyes and ears!!!🙂🙂🙂

[@WarHammerWH]

Bella MUST make an appearance in all future podcasts.

[@Thomas5937]

Canyon is several thousand dollars cheaper than their competitors. The rest of the industry is absurd. I wanted the new Defy but got an Endurace CF SLX with the same components for $3k less

[@deinedickemutter]

I agree, I only have a Grand Canyon 8 but even at that price range I would have paid about 300€ more for a bike with the same components if it would be a different brand.

[@bernardo9202]

There are some gold in German brands, like Cube and Rose are at par with canyon on value, and the new decathlon van rysel bikes are such a great deal

[@danielcarle75]

haha you guys cracked me up with the beans section. Great episode btw.

[@CycleXplorer]

Wiggle did itself over with the website change. Just became absolutely useless at trying to find anything. Used Merlin, Sigma Sports and my LBS way more since the rebrand. With regards to bike prices, I’m now in no hurry to ‘upgrade’ to a new bike. On the flip side shops may benefit from more repairs/servicing as people use their bikes for longer.

[@Simte]

As Jimmi, I didn't tell my wife about the cost of her bike because the most important thing in my head was to show her the beauty of cycling which in fact, happened.

[@blueyhills]

There should be a velominati rule about hiding the true cost of cycling

[@grahambell9831]

Great chat again.....a splash of Worcestershire sauce into the bean sauce or the cheese! 😉👍

[@mattyfrommacc1554]

Yes, I have been cycling road and mountain since the early 1990s and some of the equipment is insanely expensive and hard to maintain unlike my retro bike which I can fully strip, overhaul and service myself with basic tools and a few special ones

[@malikramic6594]

I’ve started with biking three years ago and my first road bike was endurance bike Bianchi Via Nerone 7 (alu frame, carbon fork, 105, rim brakes) - I loved it, did my first 100+ ride and even some grand fondos and triathlons with it. It was around 1600 Eur brand new. Beginning this year I was fortunate to be in the position to upgrade to Trek Madone SL6 (2021, full carbon, ultegra, deep wheels, that gimmick for ride comfort in seatpost and top tube), and I got it new but discounted for around 4100 Eur. For both bikes I had fit and position optimisation. Difference in ride quality is night and day. I use Bianchi as turbo bike and never love the experience getting back on it. Trek is just miles above - in ride comfort and general enjoyment. Not to mention that I just like to look at it. Recently I was gifted Assioma power pedals and I love it. I do not need any of this stuff but I love it and obsess about everything bike related. Again, I don’t need any of fancy things (expensive bike, power pedals etc) but this stuff made my biking experience much more fun and makes me ride more than before.

[@paulawright6868]

Thanks guys, great episode ❤

[@bradallen8643]

Very funny banter 😂 that is well presented. The timing of the camera changes is spot on. Love the side comments of Emily

[@Unktiontofunktion726]

Francis! You nailed it with the “fear of the continual pattern” thing! My skin literally crawls when I see certain things/patterns and never really understood it. The 3D printed saddle doesn’t bother me, but I know what you mean. It’s nice to know I’m not alone!😂👊🏼

[@daveanolik8837]

Weird fear of repeating patterns? Is there a name for that?

[@addiecusack1530]

You guys definitely need to find the sweet spot on bikes please 👍 1.5k to 3k More realistic prices like most cycle to work schemes are 2k ? I find it hard to find a 2k bike when I like the 3-4K ones ??? Many thanks and great work guys 👍

[@Jediknight620]

As an American I've never had beans on toast, but I'm totally sold now. Also, love you guys. I look forward to every one of these episodes.

[@Jesse-nv6bw]

I love this 3 way awkwardness. Hats off. Love your work. Jesse James Heber

[@CutePoisonEU]

I loved the comment on how the long-time cyclists are in the "price bubble" - I saw that just recently when I decided to buy a road bike for myself and my wife so we can start moving around and have some sort of excercise. Having had ridden MTB many, many, many years ago I was unsure road biking will be for me as I always considered it "dull road riding" so the Decathlon 120 Disc bikes were just great for us to start - expense low enough that even if we didn't enjoy it, it wouldn't really hurt us if we need to re-sell with significant discount. However, one of my wife's friend is a cyclist and she lent her her bike (Trek Domane) for 1 week until her Triban arrived (had to be delivered as it was not in stock). And it was exactly like you describe, we heard a lot about how the Triban is a waste of money, like you need at least 2500 EUR bike so it's not heavy and yadda yadda yadda. Well, I definitely will not chase 2kg on a bike weight if there is good 15kg on my person that I am lugging around extra :D If possible however, I'd like to ask you for a review of the Decathlon 1600 EUR carbon road bike, as I might be looking to have an upgrade next year if I will keep on track - got a goal to do 300km still this year and I am now sitting at 280 for the 4 weeks I have it for and my personal goal is that if I do 3500km next year, I will start looking into upgrade. I had my eyes on Canyon of course, but I am now pleasantly surprised by the Decathlon bikes so looking into that too - and your review of the Triban 120 was great indicator and confidence boost for our purchases.

[@sportyeight7769]

As one of those Commuter cyclists who don't own a bike that cost me over 150£, i like the fact that you recognise the pricing perception problem in the sport. Recently i was looking into getting a serious bike to train. My dad, who is a cyclist since ever, couldn't understand why i want an alloy bike for 1.5k (very expensive for a bike) and not spend more (2.5k) for the carbon version of the same bike. So for 1k more, i would shed 1.5 kilo from the bike and not much more. I reckon i would lost the same weight from all the money i'd spend on the bike.

[@Xarx42]

I have the Grail from the first generation (still with Ultegra). Yes, the vibration damping is just marketing. I also get it, that the look of it is controversial, but nonetheless I actually like it. The bars give you a quite relaxed position on top, while providing you with a pretty aggressive position in the drops. I simply enjoy the flexibility from that. And hooking in the thumbs feels also pretty secure if the terrain gets rougher.

[@niallfordyce7148]

Such a good episode. As a bloke who has spent 50 yrs riding, racing, wrenching, etc., I managed to guilt myself over not having spent enough $$ when I made the change this year from steel/cables/rim brakes, etc. to carbon/electric/disc. With pedals and cages, I spent nearly $7K. Yup, I actually thought to myself how dare I spend so LITTLE on something so important. Absolutely INSANE. I came to my senses relatively quickly. The new bike is fab. I still ride the old one, but yup, the industry can guilt even the most experienced of us with this insanity. Keep up the good work, all. Cheers!

[@niallfordyce7148]

And btw, the $7K was all I could afford.

[@garymartin4928]

YES JIMMY!!!! Cold beans on toast for the win. I’ll also add sliced cheddar on the toast before adding the beans straight out the can and then a dash of Worcestershire sauce on top.

[@larisonjohnson]

Great discussion! I ride what makes me happy, what I grew up wanting. A few years ago I built up a 2005? Allez Comp SLX. Ultegra 11 speed, EA90 SLX wheels, Bontrager RXL stem/bars. Sub 7 kg, rim brake for about $700 +\-. It’s so fast. Love it! Building up a Trek 5200 with XXX Lite tub wheels and DA 7800. That one will be $800 +\-. Give me an older, high quality, bike that I can work on and upgrade for cheap.

[@carlroeger]

Cheapest possible 7,5kg bike - great video idea. Would love to see that!

[@daevion5585]

I've also encountered the person Francis was talking about with the shortest cranks, iirc he replied to a comment that all his cranks were custom built only measuring about 130mm or so(I could be wrong but it really is short). He'd rather spend more on having them custom-built because he has some type of injury on his Knee, and requires minimum movement or bend, thus the shortest cranks ever.

[@philipholenstein5685]

There is also the “trickle” down technology. The mid/lower level products are as good if not better than top end from 10 years ago. While pricing has gone up at the top, you can still buy anything in the lower price points.

[@brentt1455]

1000000% agree LOL, our expectations are wacked at this point. Now saying a $7000 (canadian) bike is reasonable? wtf we've all gone mad LOL but yes we like what we like, biking is basically a way of life for many of us, if you can afford it, and you use it a lot, then justifying is easier. Agreed, real people want $10k but not a single one of us need it.... Yes, new bike ordered is Di2 again... I couldn't stomach downgrading LOL keep up the great works dudes

[@mussoaj]

Beans on Toast made the front page of today's newspaper! The Wall Street Journal "Long Misunderstood, Baked Beans Are Busting Loose"

[@emmabird9745]

Hi Guys, you refer to before and after covid for the price rises. Something else, at least as significant as lock downs for prices happened at the same time and that was UK formally leaving the EU single market, just about in the middle of covid. Branston beans is my favourite. We always store our canned goods upside down. When openned much less is left stuck in the bottom and the beans come out with the sauce still mixed. As regards helping/condesending, if someone is stopped with a puncture a simple "are you ok?" might actually be welcome, for instance they haven't got a puncture kit/ spare tube, they're tubeless and can't inflate it again etc. Being rescued from stranded should never be thought condescending.

[@richardstoner866]

I enjoy the chat guys…..and especially when Emily adds her comments….✊

[@MTBryanH]

Cold baked beans? Yes yes yes! Finally someone that gets it!

[@TheBangBangJT]

I'm currently considering a new bike so this podcast was really interesting. I have a 2017 alloy Giant Defy and looking at a Fairlight Strael 3 to replace it. It's a big expense, and doesn't make any logical sense so this chat was useful as a bit of a reality check. Mainly I just want a cool new bike 😛

[@D4D22]

Don’t feel sorry for “poor” local bike shops or Wiggle. If businesses don’t evolve and adapt to changing needs, they become extinct - that’s life. Most of my local bike shops are arrogant, overpriced and unfriendly, but are still booming because most people who buy bikes here in Germany can’t even change a tire. Most people who are really into bikes, including the people who watch this channel, are well able to service their own bikes, often have more than one bike and are mostly happy to fix their bikes themselves. I couldn’t afford to bring my bikes to the local bike shop every time I need a new chain, cassette, etc.

[@CharlieMay16]

I KNEW IT. Jimmy's opinion on baked beans was brilliant

[@Frostbiker]

Next: Marmite!

[@Frostbiker]

I have mixed feelings. An LBS sounds like the most practical way of dealing with maintenance and repairs. I also get their value in selling second hand bikes. For new bikes, it seems like they would make sense combined with a "bike fit first" approach. For components, perhaps it would make sense to separate the "expert service to help you find the component that suits you best" from the "selling it to you" part of it. Then again, I'm just a consumer who knows nothing about the reality of running a business. I would happily pay for the services above, but when it comes to actually ordering a new item, I would rather do it online and have it delivered at home. I enjoy tinkering on my bike on my own schedule.

[@markwilliams5654]

Nice bit of depth of field 😊

[@highfived]

Cycling has been expensive for numerous years my dad had been working with carbon as a raw material for years all the bikes are over priced even when a bike is in a sale . Plus disc brakes has now been introduced to road bikes that a further cost to the average consumer.

[@Name-vu1kn]

The problem with the cycling industry is that they are constantly finding a solution looking for a problem, instead of the other way around, and they call it innovation. When really it’s just expensive additions that don’t really improve riding experience. Electronic shifting is a prime example of this.

[@Frostbiker]

What sort of bike problems do you have that need solving these days instead?

[@draugmithrin]

There must be tonnes and tonnes of virtually obsolete NOS parts going to waste while the bike industry pushes the latest "must have" tech. Feel sorry for all the overstocked bike shops.

[@Name-vu1kn]

@@Frostbiker None really, I have a bike I paid $550 US, 15 years ago, that I love. I’ve used it to race, commute, and tow my kids around the neighborhood. I really have no need or desire for upgrades or a new bike.

[@Name-vu1kn]

@@draugmithrin Carbon bike parts/frames will never be anything other than waste in a landfill after CF is no longer in vogue and bike consumers move on to the next big thing.

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Thanks for the wisdom guys. When that Euro Rollover lands, going to resist "splashing the cash" on that "dream machine" :)

[@blackroller91400]

One carbon frame , hydro disc 12 speed 105, 8.5kg, 2000€ is the van rysel NCR 105 (1600€ if you take 10s Tiagra insted )

[@justsomedude7556]

I decided to build a gravel bike versus buying a full built bike and having to remove and replace parts I did not want eed. I wanted a mullet setup, so I decided to buy the frame through my local shop and then ended up purchasing about 75% of the parts needed from the local shop, as the pricing was the same or close to it. Since I did that, they offered to put it together for me and not charge me for doing that. I ended up saving almost $2k overall and even got new wheels and got a fantastic build. Was still pricey but worth it. Living in Florida, I am tell you, there are no hill climb competitions :)

[@adamc2579]

Been holding off for about 4 years now in buying a new steed, for a variety of life reasons, and just seen everything attainable get further and further away. I knew with the release of 105 electric last year that last years Ultegra bikes would now be 105 at the same price point. The industry is just shafting the consumer.

[@uncleants]

Speculation but, that "double drop" bar looks from the picture to have both a down sweep and a back sweep on the top. it ought to be more comfortable for a longer time than a flat top as your wrists will be in a more natural position. Basically you might be less likely to get numb or tingly fingers riding the tops.

[@Stealthgate007]

I think the manufacturers have done their job with marketing and normalized very high pricing. I don't know if we can ever go back..

[@Mas421]

Have a look for the „anchoring effect“ …

[@ramsden35]

I bought my recent entry level Ribble AL disc for £799. I think the care shown in production shows the company don’t care for this part of the market. I feel social media (not this channel) show and ride expensive bikes (some which I know the creators are financing, so can’t afford) which makes a new cyclist feel inadequate. This channel champions the sport from every angle.

[@solentfoiler5969]

The biggest issue I had with the Hover bar was it kept your hands really far away from the bar controls (brakes and shifters) so at the point when you want the most vibration damping (going fast) you couldn't cover the brakes! EEK!!! 😬

[@borisgurevich5504]

I live in Perth australia and loved the segment. It seems that Perth is becoming the most bike friendly city outside of Europe. The whole story about bike prices was so balanced, I just loved it. Got a very good idea what we SHOULD want. But I am unfit and only started cycling at 62, so I prefer a more upright position of a flat bar. Can you do a review of entry level specialized and Trek hybrids please? Thanks so much for such an informative video

[@CurtisCycles]

Beans on toast pro tip - add a few dashes of tobasco into the beans while cooking, absolutely delicious.

[@adamfeatherstone4045]

I have cf sl 7 grail, I got it for the damping because after a crash on my tt bike my left collar bone is in three parts which bump together on road chatter, which is interesting 😂. The grail is by far the most comfortable bike I have (and I have a grevil f so it isn’t just the gravel geometry, particularly for long rides on the drops hooking your thumbs over the bottom bar is massively comfortable. All in all the esthetic was never going to please ever one, I notice the impact of the handlebars giving some relief from chatter although a lauf or proper suspension fork or red shift would probably do the same. I do think you missed one of the complaints though, I mean mine fitted perfectly with the handlebars cut to fit the top of the crossbar as it arrived, but you can’t change that without messing up the look 4:27

[@JimboMauiDownhill]

To your question about uphill time trials there is one every year on the island of Maui up Mount Haleakala. 36 miles, 10,023 feet making it the steepest road on Earth. It’s an HC climb that shits on all the climbs in every grand tour😂

[@CycleNLincs]

17:51 I had 10 speed Tiagra 2600 for ages. Loved it. Bit ugly on the shifters. I know ride Ltwoo 10 speed becuase I liked the looks. Loving that too! I dont race and just enjoy being out.

[@simonf2220]

Agree with you on the Branston beans! They are the best. I think they have ring pull cans now. Happy days!

[@JakeMay]

Upside down bean tin storage in the cupboard is the solution to the sinking juice problem

[@Cade_Media]

10 things I wish I knew before I started eating beans

[@JakeMay]

@@Cade_Media Number 3 - always buy from your LBS (local bean shop)

[@winstoncat6785]

Would not buy anything but hydraulic disc brake bikes now. The security that it adds is worth the extra cost many times over. For me, it was an absolute revelation to switch. For my kids' bikes as they finally moved onto full size ones, it was just the same. For safety more than anything, they had to have hydraulic discs.

[@cdamian]

There is one hill climb event in Barcelona. It has fixed, women and open categories. It is called Tibidabo Hill Climb and this year is on the 25th November. I really wish there were more of these around.

[@scotthornsey]

I bought a bike for my wife the other week, it's a Boardman hybrid thing built by a guy in notts from a NOS frame, XT groupset, Alex wheels, and a few parts he had about, £195... Absolute bargain in my eyes, my dad agreed, my wife and my mum are outraged at the amount of money I spent... I'd better not tell them how much mine cost

[@sergeb1207]

I think good performance is actually cheaper than ever and its down to increased choice. You can have a great mechanical 10sp groupset in Tiagra which performs at Ultegra level from two gens ago. Theres a fully wireless Rival AXS for mostly under a grand (there are always deals) and this was just non existent 3-5 years ago. Yes if you want to kit your bike out in top tier brands/product lines it will be horrendously expensive but that a function of broadening field. But the same broadening field provides opportunities that were not there before. You can have a Al frame disc brake 650b carbon wheeled gravel bike running 1x sram full wireless for a lot less that it would have been 5 years ago. Similarly with any other niche solution. Choice makes life much more efficient if one is not just chasing the most premium stickers.

[@Mas421]

And KZbin tells us, everyone has to ride a new s-works ….

[@Higuma_JPN]

Here in Japan there are many "Hill Climb" events in different locations throughout the year & they tend to be well established annual events... They are however different that what I believe UK events to be = the biggest difference being that most events here are "mass start / mass participation" events - "Pro's" start at the front and it's a kind of "first to the top wins" type thing as opposed to the UK style of "individual time trial up a hill" event...

[@LOZUPONEJ]

Love these guys

[@Joshua-dx7zn]

"We want that 10k pound bike, but we don't really need it" No words ever so true. The bike companies get you with their slightly better models. Hey if I spend 1k more, I can get Ultegra. If I spend 2k more I can get Di2, but it's 105, so I have to spend 3k more to get the Ultegra Di2. Before you know it, the bike is 9k and you probably only saved yourself a few seconds on that KOM.

[@paulbranigan1983]

The guy in the hat is far more intelligent and down to earth. Could listen to him speak sense all day. The other guy is like arguing with a teenager who changes their mind halfway through every point they try to make 😂

[@DilbertMuc]

The double drop bar is indeed slightly dropped in the upper section. And that gives a HUGE problem riding in mud and rain. Without very grippy gloves your hands will slide towards the outside ends all the time. I had similar bars and had to "drop" them in the bike store. 😐

[@weevilinabox]

Beans on toast is even better with Marmite on the toast. If you're not sure, just try a little on one corner. It'll be the best corner of the slice! And Marmite is easier to spread on toast if you put it on top of the butter_before_ you spread the butter, then spread both together.

[@ohwhoaitzjoe]

I have been in some mile centuries where they have a KOM segment for the hardest hill climb, usually with a reward. But by where I live I’ve never seen a dedicated hill climb event.

[@stuarttoomey703]

Beans on toast: Cheese and beans toasties are THE NEXT LEVEL!

[@theantichrome9842]

The Immutable Law of Supply and Demand. (BTW, that Fizik 3d printed saddle is fantastic)

[@ayowser01]

A $3k cf bike will have crap wheels/tire, handlebar, saddle, and 105 groupset. It's really crazy how expensive bikes have become, and how much less you receive in return.

[@SDK1993]

The ‘23 emonda alr with 105 can be found new for less than 1800, even closer to 1600 in some places. With some new wheels you’ll get close to 8kg for 2500.

[@m1mbz]

The biggest problem I have with old bike frames is lack of available parts, trying to source a derailleur hanger for a 10 year old bike can be near impossible if it's no longer supported by the manufacturer, or if you need a new pair of wheels on a bike where clearances aren't so great makes maintaining an old bike just that little bit more complicated.

[@rayF4rio]

Agree on the frame v components thing. For about 8 yrs I raced a CAAD10 with Campy 11, then 12 speed R/SR and Bora wheels. Awesome bike, just limited by tire size - 25's.

[@scott5088]

Great bike! Love campy!

[@KemalPiro]

There are "hill climb" events in Poland, but they are done outside cities. Usually, those climbs are longer (20+ min). Some of them are done on public roads (closed for the day), but some are offroad climbs (e.g. "Uphill Race Śnieżka", which is extremely popular, and usually tickets are gone within minutes).

[@NoahStephens]

No. There are plenty of ≈ $1,000 entry-level road bikes and $500 singlespeed commuters. They just don’t get any attention. The superbikes do. Saying bikes are too expensive based on the price of superbikes is like saying cars are too expensive because Ferraris cost a lot.

[@keeferification]

~$1,000 dollars for an entry level bike isn't expensive?

[@pjl626]

When I bought my Trek 7.2 hybrid in 2014, it was under $500. The entry level road bike from Trek was about $30 more at that time. Average people are being priced out of road biking.

[@SniperSpec0ps]

I find it interesting when people say you don't need more than a $1500 bike with 105, and they ride a $10k bike with Dura ace. If they're so great, then race AND win on that 105 bike, prove how great it is. Instead, and this has been the case for decades, what is said is polar opposite to what is done.

[@jamed63]

Jimmys comment on how he would build a bike in the past was the standard way we did it in the 1980s, (1981) I had a frame tailor made (A Colin Every lugged 531) then Mavic Rims Campag Hubs, group set, regina chains Cinnelli bars, Brooke's saddle etc from the adds at the back of Cycling weekly.

[@andreemurray7039]

Very enjoyable show down to earth

[@perrysimo1]

Another great episode guys. Nice shirt Jimmi - can’t see the label, who makes it?

[@OneDougUnderPar]

Baked Bean followup: How about natto? Lots of folks can't stand the texture, but I love it and it's allegedly S tier healthy. Pet followup: Can someone who likes pet tarantulas explain why?

[@phoffen3829]

I for one, would love to see the 7.5 kg bike on the cheap, although TraceVelo has done it for pretty reasonable amounts, and so has GCN. I am struggling to see how to get my two decent, relatively new, ally bikes below 9.5 at the moment - lighter parts won't add up to 2 kg, beyond what I have already done (carbon post, carbon seat, carbon 38mm deep rims on Novatecs, road pedals). Bar, cranks, shifters, with titanium bolts, carbon post clamp, carbon steerer cap, and carbon cages won't do it. So good luck!

[@aerogut2338]

Servicing my bike cost twice the amount my car did. Cycling is so expensive it’s a bit depressing. I’ve had to teach myself the basics to keep my bike on the road. Even then tools and parts are expensive.