Most Hated Bike Tech That Must Die!

[@gcntech]

What bit of bike tech do you hate? Let us know in the comments 👇

[@guest_informant]

I couldn't see the use of the rear radar, but there's lots of love for them in the comments. Is it worth making a video about them.

[@PrzemyslawSliwinski]

3:42 - Maybe internal routing is [a bit] troublesome but once done makes cleaning a bike a bliss forever. 7:42 - 0.1g times c² is a gargantuan amount of energy! It's just Physics 101, man! ;)

[@sinnaru6286]

Have to agree with bottom bracket part, since I don't have a big knowledge, took some time to understand which one fits for the current frame and even then it wasn't with100% certainty, definitely would love to see bottom brackets being streamlined.

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Discbrakes with internal routing. Made a 50€ job a 300€ job on my ostro.. good for the mechanics i guess 🫣

[@twatts4436]

​@@Eirikkinserdalwhat job? Any routing through the headset is (generally speaking) a bad idea.

[@marccale9890]

I wanted to replace a bottom bracket. It was like discovering a dark art. It was almost like some mysterious power was deliberately making it impossible to define what type I needed.

[@danielakerman8241]

At the very least, bike manufacturers should label or engrave their frames with the bottom bracket specs, just like cars do for various parts.

[@gcntech]

Only the chosen few know how its done 😉

[@matt_acton-varian]

@@gcntech Once I found out the standard on my carbon frame I fitted a threaded adaptor to BSA. Now it's easy because now I use English threaded BB on all frames making obtaining spares much easier.

[@galenkehler]

This is absurd. It's simply the part that goes between the frame and the cranks, so you just get the one that fits both. It's so simple, and offers the customer the choice of whatever they want. Do you really want to be told "no, you must run only one crankset"

[@matt_acton-varian]

@@galenkehler Axle standards between crankset brands is fine, that's their own thing. But the point is that for every crankset type there are multiple BB options. If you don't know what your frame takes and the manufacturer can't give you the information then it's complicated guesswork. Pressfit is not as easily serviceable for a home mechanic and the tools to do so are expensive. Tools for threaded BBs of any kind are much easier and cheaper to obtain.

[@Nearly-at-the-top]

Regarding Varia radar - As someone who is hearing impaired, the combination of wind noise and EVs means that quite frequently I’m not aware of a car approaching from the rear. Even so, I used to think exactly the same as Ollie, ‘It won’t stop a car from hitting you, so what’s the point?’ Then I was persuaded to try one and I instantly changed my mind. They have two benefits: Firstly, you can relax more when it’s not being activated (I still visually check behind regularly and at junctions, just in case.) Secondly, when it is activated you have time to either move closer to the kerb or to take primary and control the overtake. Plus it shows you how many vehicles are approaching, and their relative speeds. I’d never tell someone that they must have one, to each their own, but I wouldn’t be without mine.

[@hanseriklange]

I agree! The Varia radar is my best buy ever, after the bike. And for a bike tech show to laugh at safety equipment? WTF...

[@Gabizzle3]

Big buses are quiet, too! I love my sensor. Preps me for the inevitable shock.

[@jamesmarshall2353]

It seems to me that you are outsourcing a basic safety procedure (checking behind you) to a device that you can't rely on 100%. Once you have become dependent on it, if the device runs out of battery or goes missing, you have to re-learn the muscle memory function of checking before you make a manoeuvre. If you find looking back is such an onerous task, perhaps you shouldn't be riding? I could see that the radar is a good idea if you have major mobility issues, but perhaps mirrors might be a simpler solution. The Aussie use of radar for dive-bombing crows does seem like a fair use of this tech.

[@Nearly-at-the-top]

@@jamesmarshall2353 After 25 years of safely riding many thousands of miles, I don’t appreciate being told that I shouldn’t be riding. Maybe you should fully read my comment before commenting on it? If you did you would know that I have a hearing impairment, and that I still look behind me as well. I don’t rely on the radar, it is a useful addition to my safety. Peace and love, enjoy your riding and leave me to do the same

[@jamesmarshall2353]

@@Nearly-at-the-top Never told you to stop riding, just asked if doing so was still appropriate......

[@mopedvieh]

The Varia radar (or similar) is definitely not for the bin. If it is very windy our loud due to traffic, you get the information that a car is approaching. But the most handy feature is that the dash cam would record a crash and therefore could help to prove who's at fault. I happily use it on my commuter bike.

[@gcntech]

Safety whilst out riding is definitely a priority!

[@HeibesHealth]

Totally agree with you! I use the Varia and while it’s not going to prevent you from being hit, it gives you much more situational awareness, and I will often turn my head when it beeps to gauge their attention level. It gives me time to react and move off the road more if they don’t appear as if they’re paying attention. It’s better than constantly having your head on a swivel checking for traffic. I can’t always hear it if the wind is in my ears. Sure-on a climb when I’m going slowly I can hear the cars, but otherwise that’s a hard no.

[@willbowen3101]

Amazing how a Wahoo sponsored show doesn’t like the Garmin device. They’d be advocating them for everyone if Wahoo made one.

[@greghawley7852]

I was honestly a bit shocked that rear facing radars made the same list as the myriad of BB standards. With a radar, you can know a car is behind you generally before you can hear it. Both as a commuter and on group rides, we move over to the edge of the road a little bit to give the car a little more room. It just aids situational awareness -- which I think is very much worth it. I've said it before. I'll say it again. It was the best $150 (on sale, black Friday deal) I've spent on cycling kit in a long time.

[@matthewfranklin7541]

The radar also changes the intensity and brightness of the flash when an approaching vehicle gets close. Gets the drivers attention...

[@edough511]

I have the Varia unit and I wouldn't go out for a road ride without it. It is also quite useful on multi-use paths, especially when one gets "buzzed" from behind by de-restricted ebikes going well above the 20 kph speed limit for these paths. I actually wouldn't mind something comparable when I go out running on the same trails.

[@SteevyTable]

Could you wear a GoPro chest strap backwards with a GoPro to Garmin adapter? I think you can pair the Varia to some watches, but I'm not 100% sure on that.

[@ThisTimeTheWorld]

E bikes are great but audiholes started buying them

[@graemejwsmith]

@@SteevyTable You can pair to some watches and Garmin are now advertising it as such.

[@phoffen3829]

I know they are trying to be funny, but I am not exaggerating when I say the Varia has saved my life on more than one occasion. When a truck is about to pass you, and not bother to give you 1.5 meters, knowing it is coming is crucial. Yes it adds weight, yes you really need a phone or a Garmin head unit to make it work, but who cares?

[@PeterEssex]

I've got a small mirror. $10. I don't care if I don't look cool at the coffee stop.

[@melonhusk]

I love my Varia radar. Best bike tech I've ever bought. So much less stress on a ride.

[@arrayedwoodcraft]

Agreed

[@strawhorn1]

I'm with you on that. I know there will be cars behind me but on roads where there is less traffic you don't crap yourself after 10 minutes of no cars then a silent Tesla suddenly appears beside you. Also useful in a group ride on narrow roads when you just cant hear cars approaching.

[@vitzemanek8058]

I also dont believe, Alex would know about all the cars behind him at all times, the radar tells you like 100m before you can even hear the car, also a brif look back doesnt tell you, how many cars are there

[@stefanwagener]

Exactly, best bike tech ever invented. Highly, highly recommended to everyone. It makes life so much safer. And what is often overlooked (also by Alex) that it not only warns you as the rider but that it warns the cars as well through more intense light. Since I use radar cars keep a much bigger distance when overtaking! That IS increasing the safety substantially.

[@69LP69]

Especially many electronic vehicles have no engine and exhaust sound for you to hear. What if a Tesla coming behind from you?

[@autisticlife]

I began cycling in the 70's when enarly everything was of a common standard and interchangeable. I have bikes from the 50's to the 80's, all of them are so easy to work on and they look good too.

[@gcntech]

The different sizes for parts have gotten out of hand recently! Take us back to the good old days!

[@marekkozub8957]

Even in the late 90's bikes still had common parts, that could be replaced at any bike shop.

[@Pseudynom]

Bikes have gotten a lot simpler to take apart tho. With old bikes you need a lot more (special) tools. E. g. a 26+ mm wrench for threaded head tubes. Now you can completely remove the fork with Allen keys. Square taper and ISIS bottom brackets need a crank puller to remove them. Hollowtech only needs an Allen key.

[@photopete7903]

@@PseudynomOnly needed an allen key to service my 1980’s Campag Record rim brakes. Now need a bleed kit, allen keys, multiple spanners, spacer blocks etc to service my ultegra disc brakes… and it’s a pain in the a**s to do it.

[@julianpritzwald-stegmann9766]

Cable pull ratios! Both derailleur and brake. I would love to be able to mix and match brands and disciplines (road/mtb) - particularly when tinkering on older bikes.

[@BigBanana55]

Hopefully shimano cues will help future groupset mixing.

[@pminiger9278]

Yes, it would be nice to use an XT rear derailleur either mech or Di2 with a road shift lever. And other combinations as well.

[@davidburgess741]

Obviously to lock customers into buying only that brand, then not supporting it for long. Something new! Spend!

[@jimbo2112]

Amen to this one. Just spent a week working on my nephew’s bike before I realised I could not even mix Tiagra 4600 and 4700 derailleur and shifters!

[@xGshikamaru]

You can use a jtek shiftmate

[@matthewkingston-lee281]

Another radar defender here. One of the main reasons I bought mine was for using in time trials, an event where if you want to maintain those 'aero gains' you don't want to be turning your head back every time you think you might here something coming, which is made all the more difficult by the increased wind noise riding at speed and helmets that often cover the ears. In such events it's proved not just useful for alerting me of vehicles behind but approaching competitors, for whom I can make space if necessary and not be alarmed when they all but silently cruise past me.

[@neilchamberlain6581]

I agree with most of what you say except the rear facing radar comments. I regularly ride with a group of friends and the ability to shout 'car back' when a following car is still over a hundred meters behind us is fantastic. We can also see how many vehicles are behind us plus we can tell when a car is sitting maybe 20 meters behind us. When travelling at a reasonable speed the wind noise makes it highly unlikely that a car will be heard. If we know cars are behind us we can move from double file to single file when safe to do so to allow cars to pass easier and safer, I feel much safer when I know what is behind me and what its doing.

[@dandevvers]

Yeah, I gotta admit, I think the radar’s great. People saying get a mirror is a fair shout but I disagree with people saying it stops you looking behind. It just gives you a heads up for the times when you’re not looking back (surely people agree that to cycle, most of the time you have to look forwards). Not essential by any means but they are great.

[@Utaheyelid]

My radar alerts me before I hear the car or can see light from their headlights. Way easier than looking in a mirror and taking my eyes off the road ahead. And the light blinks brighter and faster as they approach. Never ride road without it since I got it.

[@Peter-ss1vb]

I have a radar that shows any vehicle which is moving at a greater speed than me from behind. There is more than one reason why this is good. 1. If the headset is clear or it shows a vehicle at a reasonable distance away, you can turn you head and have a look without the worry of moving off line. 2. when you see a vehicle on the headset and it disappears close behind, it can mean the the vehicle has notice you and is allowing you to turn or change lanes. What ever the radar tells you always look. I agree they are great but not essential.

[@PeterSmithCA]

You really need to try the radar. Its a game changer. You can say it doesn't prevent a car ramming you, and it cant, but it does up your situational awareness. And on some roads where cars aren't constant, that knowledge can be very helpful in your awareness, riding style, and where you position yourself in a lane.

[@jonlee7440]

I’m with you in this. Radars make a huge difference, you don’t need to take you eye off the road to know if something is coming up from behind. Simple and helpful!

[@Robutube1]

Totally agree, as I suspect that GCN does too. They're on an 'increase engagement' blitz currently, hence those vapid surveys in the Shorts. Radar was added to their list here purely to increase engagement. Oops, I've just engaged.

[@RodrigoDeJaneiro]

GCN is doing a massive disservice to the cycling community to say they’re useless. We all need MORE safety devices, not less.

[@johnandrus3901]

A good mirror is an inexpensive way keep on eye on what is coming up behind you without taking your eyes off the road ahead. I would think that if you you are hearing impaired, combining both a mirror and rear-facing radar would be quite useful in keeping you safe. I've been riding with a mirror since I bought a Mirrycle bake in the eighties. I can't see riding without one.

[@alyoshakaramazov8469]

Mirrors are great, radar is great, looking over my shoulder is great. I use all three. But for safe riding I find the mirror doesn't show enough, looking over my shoulder only give me a quick glance, but the radar give continuous and wideband situational awareness. It is exceptionally useful when riding on winding roads and hills and roads without bike lanes.

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Love Ollie's facial expressions and mannerisms in this video. 🤣 You're in no doubt as to how he feels. And well done Alex on playing the "straight man" while Ollie loses it.

[@Jayneflakes]

I wore out a chainring on my MTB, expecting a simple swap, I was told by my LBS that chainrings for my bike didn't exist anymore because I was running a five arm chainset. So to replace a single chainring, I had buy a new bottom bracket and crankset. Oh, but I was running old XT 8 speed, so I needed a new chain and cassette and shifter. But the latest XT kit was not compatible with my old kit... Yeah, fine innovate, but backwards compatibility please? There was nothing wrong with most of the kit I replaced, except it was old and well made, so it lasted a long time. Yes, I am a moaning old fart, but I am allowed, I'm fifty this year and that should be illegal. Aging should stop at thirty five until we reach eighty! 🤣

[@jamesmarshall2353]

I think your LBS might have taken you for one here. You should have been able to get a compatible chainring, even if the original manufacture doesn't make the original part any more.

[@michaelviglianco6121]

They were lying. No reason you couldn't replace these items. They just wanted to sell you something they had in stock

[@janeblogs324]

They saw you coming, probably thought old man = easy money. I buy chainrings out of Taiwan or China, new old shimano stock readily available or any Chinese spec $10 delivered. New chain and cassette only needed if they were both worn out. New shifter? What for? Unless they changed to 9 speed.

[@joecanuck3751]

64 here, you youngster you. Spend more time on KZbin and in no time at all, you'll be dropping cash all over the place to upgrade and modernize your ride. Its crazy how I went from $15 department store tires back in the day to buying $140 LBS downhill tires these days.

[@221385]

Couldn’t disagree more regarding rear facing radar. This is the best bit of safety kit on my bike other than my brakes! I’ve had too many close passes from an unexpected car and having a few seconds warning is priceless.

[@gcntech]

Great to hear it's worked for you 🙌 Ride what makes you happy and feel safe!

[@maxx0r050]

I really love it too. Sometimes with traffic coming up at really high speeds I can get surprised.

[@chrisnelson5770]

Another lover of the radar, there are tons of applications where it is very helpful (and a few where it's a pain). For a funny backstory, I bought a radar (Garmin Varia) for my wife, she has weak left eye, and living in the US, you nearly always look back for traffic with your left eye. She tried it and didn't like it, I decided I'd just try it out before selling it. After one ride, I swore to always ride with a radar! I understand that not everyone wants/needs a radar, but I don't understand why it should die.

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Varia RCT715 is a fantastic piece of kit, and definitely love having a "rear facing thing" that tells you a car is coming up behind. Great on the lanes, especially when the car turns off, and you can tell its not there, rather than doing a mile of shoulder checks to see where it is. Also the data from it is pretty nerdy too. Great for understanding the speed traffic approaches you on certain roads, and can sometimes encourage a route change next time.

[@meibing4912]

My bike radar is such a great safety feature due to the dangerous roads here - would never ride without it. Amazingly much better than I imagined.

[@PhantomMs1]

same here! out in the countryside not UK its a literal life saver!

[@QwoaX]

I'll just stick to using my ears and sometimes even turning my neck.

[@meibing4912]

@@QwoaX lucky you! Not a safe option here sadly.

[@Bobby-wn5yr]

How does it save you? I thought it was a good idea until I looked into it - it tells you a car is coming, it tells you if a fast car is coming. 1 in 100,000 of those could be a warning of a car that might actually hit you rather than is just passing you. Do you move over more when you see a warning or stop and dive off the road? If a car was gonna hit you it’d either be intentional or distracted driver/loss of control and I’m just not seeing how that warning is gonna make any difference. If you said it makes you feel better about not being surprised when a car flies past, or as a nice to have for more info, I’d accept that, but as safety essential? Yeah nah. There’s no way you don’t quickly learn to ignore the repeated threat warnings or react in such a small way as to not make any meaningful difference.

[@meibing4912]

@@Bobby-wn5yr I ride some of the most insane roads in the world. The radar lets me focus on the chaos happening in front of me at all times allowing me to take quick evasive manoeuvres when applicable. Don’t think everyone’s traffic is your traffic. Until recently I never saw a need for a bike computer as I could find my way and my candence/speed meter gave me all the info I needed. Now I live in a place where streets are confusing, commutes and rides extremely long - so am dependent the computer to find my way. It’s about adapting to your environment. If you don’t need a radar good for you - save the money.

[@fiacobelli]

Rear radar is excellent. Think of it as a second pair of eyes... Most useful when it is windy, noisy and you are somewhat tired at the end of a long ride. It won't prevent a distracted drivers from hitting you, but it allows YOU to prevent it by moving to the side.

[@Dana-gj5hr]

Nice to not hug the road edge constantly and you can pull toward edge when you see a car is coming. Car drivers appreciate us sharing the road too

[@questgivercyradis8462]

I live in an area so damn packed with cars, I need a radar to tell me when there is *not* a car. Otherwise just always assume a car is behind you, and 99% of the time you're right. Radar would be a distraction here (and is when I ride with someone whose radar is beeping the entire hour). Can imagine it being really nice in less busy areas where your default assumption is less motor vehicles.

[@Ruggine85]

Bottom brackets are an absolute nightmare. Can we please have a few standardized threaded BBs that can be removed and serviced easily at home?

[@twatts4436]

BSA and T47 👍

[@danielakerman8241]

At the very least, bike manufacturers should label or engrave their frames with the bottom bracket specs, just like cars do for various parts.

[@homersadiarin9299]

​@@danielakerman8241i'm not sure if this is for all companies but i do see some chinese carbon brand frames stating what kind of bottom bracket you should use.

[@gcntech]

A very good point!

[@kalijasin]

Shimano in part to blame for that. Shimano bottom brackets: bb-mt800, bb-rs5800, bb-9100, bb-un300, bb-es300, sm-bb80, bb72-41b, bb-un51, bb-7710, bb-es25, bb-un53, bb90, bb-mt501, bb-7700, etc. #Hambini

[@TheUsername1302]

That’s why I love my Aethos: external cables, standard dimensions on everything and a threaded bb The car radars are useful when in certain conditions you can’t hear there’s a car behind you

[@mjock392]

Why don't they make frames with plastic covers for the cables? Make a gutter like shape in the frame and then snap a bit of removable plastic piece to optionally make it more aero? You can also make them transparent so you can see the cables through it, and I think it would look nice as well...

[@gcntech]

Not a bad idea!

[@adyb5438]

My old Giant Revolt had derailleur & rear brake cables hidden by a plastic cover down the downtube(??) - tidy looking & very easy to service.

[@Kim_Miller]

My Giant ToughRoad has a plastic mudguard/cable cover sitting under the downtube. All the cables sit neatly inside it.

[@xGshikamaru]

I assume it's because molds for carbon fiber bikes cannot ensure good compression around tight bends, so the risk of delamination would be higher, or it would make the frame a lot heavier because you'd need to reinforce that area a lot

[@jackriley1989]

Rear facing radars are worth every cent. Anyone who's used one knows. Single most valuable bit of information on the screen.

[@philiptaylor2366]

Totally agree - I don't normally disagree with the GCN presenters but on this matter I firmly, vehemently, massively disagree. Cycling into a headwind, can't hear anything behind, unit bleeps to tell me there's a car coming. Without it I quite often have a startle effect moment as a car comes seemingly out of nowhere.

[@RodrigoDeJaneiro]

100% Agree !!! Most Idiotic thing i even heard to say you don’t need them, or you should not have them. ‘I’m riding on the road, I can see them ???” What an idiotic statement… they;re behind you that’s the whole point. Total idiot

[@JasonSheehy]

Bike radar (Garmin Varia etc); I'm going to jump to the defense of these. If you've had one too many close passes and just want an early warning that a car is coming up behind you, they're brilliant bits of tech! Combined with the auto-flash rear light when something is detected, they're worth every penny for safety and confidence.

[@ollyole4560]

Tubular tyres still have a use in CX, at super low pressures in winter (for grip) tubeless will burp and tubes will pinch flat.

[@collinsnyder8682]

Most i agree with but the radar in certain conditions are amazing. Yes in the city, they are worthless as they are always beeping, but in rural areas, you can get that very advanced warning so you have time to move over. If youre riding gravel, alot of the time the smooth part of the road is the dead center, so with the radar, you can ride where its smooth, then when a car comes, it will warn you about 20 seconds before it comes up on you, so you have plenty of time to move over. On top of that, when it detects cars, it changes the flash pattern so it makes you more visible. I went with years thinking they were a stupid concept until a buddy had me pair my head unit (you can pair like 20 head units to a single radar simultaneously) i was so impressed, i bought one the next day and now never ride without it.

[@mazzochi2028]

I've always thought press fit bottom brackets were primarily to make frame manufacturing cheaper rather than any benefit to a customer.

[@UloPe]

Most carbon experts have the opposite opinion. The problem is just that many pressfit frames aren’t made very well.

[@meibing4912]

There are physical reasons to prefer press-fit, sadly frame tolerances are not always what they should be so I for one strongly prefer threaded.

[@PavelBarbanegra]

Making a set of bb orifices in a carbon bike frame concentric and round enough to accept pressfit bearings has proved to be all but impossible for carbon bike frame manufacturers throughout the world. Every other venue of composite technology (e.g. aerospace and automotive industries) has mastered the dark art of drilling concentric and round holes in carbon composite parts. So do they put pressfit bearings in spacecraft and race car parts to save a coupla' bucks, or do they actually, like, employ capable professionals, eh?

[@johnandrews3568]

Press fit BBs are lighter than threaded, hands down. And in a perfect world where manufacturers actually produce BB holes in frames that are round and lined up 100%, they work great. However, tolerances are usually crap, which mean ill fitting BBs and the dreaded BB creak. Make threaded BBs great again!

[@tinglydingle]

Threaded bottom brackets are press-fit if you want to be really pedantic, because the bearings are pressed into the cups, which are threaded into the frame. The issue isn't with the BB, it's with the frames.

[@Tamas_Torok]

Most of the trusted reviewers think the bike radar is one of the best cycling gadget you can buy. I hope someday wahoo will make one, so you could try :)

[@WuIIie]

Then they’ll be praising it as a must buy can’t live without gadget

[@toutingthomas]

Also those who have bought them love... gcn really misrepresent them here.

[@Lee-313]

Love my Garmin Varia RTL515.

[@apuldram]

They’re like rear view mirrors on bikes. If your riding on the road, there will always be cars behind you, that’s not news. Information overload.

[@mathewrose2951]

If you ride with kids, I put the Varia on the back of my bike and pair it to a sensor display unit on the stem of my son's bike. It's a nice security measure for a kid with ADHD if he's got a flashing red light telling him not to stray into the lane just now as a car is overtaking.

[@jeffdavis5841]

Need to do a GCN poll on most hated...I will bet hands down it will be the bottom bracket fiasco that has evolved!

[@gcntech]

Head over to our community page and you might be very happy! 👀

[@jeffdavis5841]

@@gcntech I'm always happy when I'm on the GCN or GCN+ pages / sites!

[@DEAR7340]

The thing about radars (I have a Varia) is that it is easy to miss the point; they won't do much of anything to keep you from being hit by a car that is zeroed in on you. However, they do make me more situationally aware, particularly on windy days, when it can be difficult to hear, or if the car is an EV. I ride in rural areas, so I tend to ride about 2 meters in, where the pavement tends to be smoother. The alert gives me an early warning that I should looking to potentially adjust my lane position, to account for an overtaking car. We also have those grooves (AKA "rumble strips") on the shoulder that deter motorists from straying onto the shoulder; cyclists HATE them. If you need to cross those grooves, it is better that it be planned than a surprise.

[@ursbekistan]

Bought a Chinese MTB frame once - hammered the press-fit BB in with two phone books, worked perfectly 🥳🤞

[@Arsenalcycling]

I still use tubular tires cause still love my rim brake bike! Moved to a disc brake this year and left it quickly. 6.9kg to 7.8 kg bike! Says it all

[@dominicbritt]

That weight difference is comparable to a decent bowel movement 👍. See if you can work out the % difference for the whole system weight (rider+bike).

[@Hysterically-Inaccurate]

So rim brake and poo is the lightest setup? Is that what we're saying?

[@zedddddful]

​@@Hysterically-Inaccuratebest practice to have a big dump before a decent ride can't be turtle heading mid ride 😂

[@DaveCM]

I do like my Garmin Varia. I am a veteran who heard too many things go boom. I am often suprised by cars as they pass. The radar lets me know they are there. My wife got it for me because she thought it would make me a little safer.

[@andreasr6632]

Also don’t forget , axle different thread pitches, seat post diameters , and cranksets spindle diameter. Just agree on a set of dimensions for all the above and make them standard.

[@aa9025]

Not to mention seat post shapes, sure make it aero on the exposed section, but stick with a common size for all of them so I can make changes if I need to.

[@gcntech]

Oh don't get him started on Seatpost diameters 😬

[@joneinarmattiasvisser6113]

I think round seat posts are fine. The problem is that non round seatposts exist

[@MrKadillak]

Tubular tires on my Lightweight carbon wheels is an incredible experience. Super light, stiff, responsive and the rare puncture can usually be fixed quickly w pitstop sealant.

[@mattbotterman4312]

Tubular is great - loads of lightly used super fast wheelsets available at bargain prices - nothing like cheap speed

[@jimbo2112]

No, no, and no... Garmin Varia radar is an essential item for me. I'm old and my neck is not as supple as i'd like. The Varia lets me know me know ages before anyone else what's approaching and how many vehicles. It's peace of mind as well when you are on a windy road and cannot hear cars approaching. You need to take this one back!!

[@Acyclistandhockeysnob]

I agree with everything but one. The rear radars have been the greatest safety update for the sport. Especially when riding through canyons and rural roads.

[@ashurany]

Should have watched to the end. Car radars are awesome! A great tech development in cycling. No longer get surprised by quieter cars. Not only that, I'm alerted if cars are moving particularly fast up behind me. Don't have to constantly crink my neck to see if cars are coming and thus can keep my eyes on the road. Might not be for either of you, but it's great for many people. You're right, Ollie, the radar can't stop a car from hitting you, but knowing a car is coming up at higher than normal speeds can alert you to taking some precautions. For instance moving over further to the side of the road. Plus, the general awareness helps improve safety. You guys blew it on two complaints.

[@kvloover]

Rear facing radars are one of the better inventions to put on your bike, you don't always notice the car behind you and it's a good indication if you don't. Especially to notify you that there's a second/third or more cars following the first.

[@RodrigoDeJaneiro]

Agree 100% … Makes me want to stop listening to these morons

[@maxwellspeedwell2585]

Fifty one years ago I learned how to quickly repair tubular tires FASTER than repairing a clincher with a tube. The rolling resistance, AND feed-back are still unmatched. Tubulars make the frame responsive, and give an unmatched feel that no other tire can give. Who ever told you two that you are the definitive experts about ANYTHING cycling???????

[@johngreenhalgh2847]

Agree with most of your list, but the rear radar sensor (Garmin Varia) is brilliant in the country where I live. It won't save your life, but at least you know the end is near!! When you're in your 70's, looking over your shoulder isn't so easy!! Trust me!

[@leewilliams3153]

I disagree with the rear car sensor must die. I’m fairly new to road riding and have a Garmin Varia. It helps me know if it’s safe to pull off without looking behind and heading into a ditch 😊. Still great video though 👍

[@clyntonmoorcroft6413]

I find a rear facing sensor very useful. I can move as far left as possible when it tells me a car is coming, but where I find it most useful is when needing to do a right turn in traffic, especially across two or more lanes. My garmin light also gives a more agressive flash when it detects a car which helps to alert the vehicle driver.

[@vinny6660]

No, no, no! You're totally wrong about the radar. Best bit of safety kit I own.

[@chris1275cc]

I can't agree about the Rear Radar sensors, I originally thought they were a gimmick and possibly problematic until a bike tech' obsessed buddy almost forced me to give his a try. I literally pulled over and ordered one from the side of the road on my phone because I wanted my own before I had to give his back. I thought I would start to rely on it and it would make me less observant on the road but they do the exact opposite, hard to explain until you ride with one but they actually make you kind of more paranoid but in good way. They also come with about the best rear light you can get built into them too.

[@brettfreeth1526]

As someone who has been hit by a car before I wouldn't ride without my radar. Ups my situational awareness and just warns me of cars that come from the only direction I can't see. 100% a game changer. You guys should try it.

[@stevemahoney1733]

Tubular tires: far, far, far less punctures than clinchers & when you do get one you can typically ride on it to get home or re-inflate / seal with a can of 'pitstop'. Gotta admit though they are being phased out of the retail industry

[@danielhunt2510]

I’d take the Varia radar over electronic groupsets, 12 speed cassettes, power meters (although v useful), disc brakes (ha ha!) and aero tech (my body tends to offset the advantage). It’s probably one of the best bits of kit I’ve purchased recently. The radar gives me a choice of what manoeuvre I should do with a large time margin regardless of the drivers intentions.

[@peterrockwell5862]

Regarding bottom brackets, I started working on my own bikes in the early 60s and was dismayed to find that my Mercier had a different bottom bracket from my Dawes. Now in my 70s, I don’t do much wrenching on my own bikes any longer and was astonished to hear Ollie’s list of present-day bottom bracket standards, and it didn’t even include French/Swiss!

[@markbaker5345]

I have 32c on my road bike. For a heavier rider with back issues the added comfort from the lower psi makes sense. Also the Garmin Varia is a great early/extra warning, it's nothing to do with stopping cars hitting you from behind.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Alex and Ollie ...I like to know when a car is coming from behind ...I am older , SAF , and feel better with it on ? I recently had to replace it, and missed it a lot ! Eh...

[@hankamania]

SRAM dub is a spindle standard, not a shell standard. You can get dub BBs in all those other shell standards.

[@biamarconchi]

I agree with much of this, however rear facing radar is something that actually increases my safety when on roads. When a vehicle is coming up behind me, I'm able to get more on the curbside. Otherwise I can ride more into the road when it's clear.

[@PistonCalfMark]

Responding to Bert and Ernies' comment, Bike radars are very useful to those riders with hearing impairment. I don't always hear cars behind, so a much needed addition. Great show though 👏

[@MichalBrat]

I disagree, Varia rear radar is the best thing since the bread came sliced. When riding down a road you never listen or look behind your shoulder all the time and it makes perfect sense to get as close to the side of the road as possible or at least to be extra careful not to make a sudden maneuver.

[@arrayedwoodcraft]

Agreed

[@jamesb1717]

Exactly. I use alot of single track roads and cars are rare. You just can't hear them coming especially electric cars. Best bit of kit I've bought.

[@philw4625]

Im deaf in one ear and experience balance issues when turning my head too much, so id quite like that extra warning when out riding on country roads. Mirrors are 'ok' but they're too small to get a clear view quickly.

[@andreemurray7039]

I still have rim brakes and tubular tyres which have served me for many year's and I'm not aslucky as you presenters who are able to use the least gear

[@julianmorris9951]

Stick with them, I had a blow out a few months ago in my front tubular going down a local climb at 35 mph, I think a piece of glass slit the side wall by the look of it , 100 psi leaving the tyre in a millisecond but it stayed on the rim that god😅 just carefully slowed down, a bit wobbly but ok😅 I’ve been waiting for that to happen for 40 years and it’s why I’ve stuck with tubulars, hardly ever had a puncture 😃

[@gcntech]

That's great that you still use tubulars! Nothing wrong with older tech if it works for you!

[@cyclingSausage]

9:57 Fit a mirror to your bike instead. You can get really small ones that plug into the end of your bar, I wouldn't be without one.

[@melonhusk]

Did that and kept hitting it with my knee when stopping. Also, you still have to look at it all the time

[@jamesmoros1274]

Same all my bikes have one

[@cyclingSausage]

@@jamesmoros1274 All mine but my MTB

[@johnandrus3901]

@@melonhusk The ones for flat bars go out and up, so your knee won't hit them. There are nice mirrors that slide over the drops of your bars and then tighten. There is a sleeve you put on the bar and then the mirror tightens over that. There are various shapes, some rectangular, some round, slightly convex. Usually 3-5 inches across. They give you a nice view of the road behind you. Mine have thin, flexible arms that keep the mirror at a decent level and keep them far enough away so they don't obstruct anything. They keep your eyes on the road ahead. You can still glance back when you want to change lanes or make a turn, but they still help keep you focused on what's in front of you. The radar is a nice idea, but used along with a mirror, they could be a useful tool in certain instances.

[@questgivercyradis8462]

I have a hand-size mirror on my commuter bike out the side (flat bar), and a small round one on the end of my road bike (drop bar). In the city, I'd rather have a mirror than a beeping radar unit. My dad has radar, and in his riding area, it is fine - cars are irregular where he likes to ride. I ride in a city. If he visits, it is constantly screaming to point of distraction. I just always assume there is a car behind me, and the mirror can confirm that. You can also get tiny mirrors to mount on a helmet. Radar seems great for areas with sporadic motor vehicles. It would drive me insane where I am though. Maybe someday I'll ride somewhere it would be useful - they seem nice, for some roads. Just not mine. My roads are trash (SoCal drivers are disgusting).

[@TryboBike]

I'm all for T25 torx for bolt heads everywhere.

[@mottohorn]

9:00 rear facing car sensor is a great tool for riding in traffic where I live in Los Angeles. I find mine quite useful. Maybe a controversial opinion, but I definitely feel safer on the road knowing how many cars and where they are behind me without looking behind and only needing to look down at the head unit. I also know there are cars behind, but when there aren't I know I can take up more of the road without being a hindrance to the cars and I know when to move over without needing to ride in the gutter all day.

[@EvilChem1st]

Radar really helps when I am riding with buddies closer to the center of the road, and when a car appears behind me so I know when I have to move closer to the side. That's quite valuable.

[@matt_acton-varian]

Tubular tyres are still my go to for indoor velodrome.

[@savagepro9060]

Tubular tyres are still my go to for outdoor riding.

[@stuartdryer1352]

I like internal routing. It's my mechanic who deals with it.

[@gcntech]

They're always glad to get more money 😅

[@michaelsteven1090]

1000's of derailleur hangars!..A new design made every day!

[@philiphumphrey1548]

On internal cables, when they need replacing I've been tempted to simply route the new cable outside and hold it in place with cable ties.

[@mattszrejter6785]

I disagree. My rear radar sensor was a game changer for my riding comfort. Roads where I live (Japan) usually don’t have a shoulder to ride on or for some reason the the left side of the lane is poorly maintained, so I ride in the middle of the lane most of the time. The radar alerts me well in advance to find a safe path to the left side of the road so I do not imped motor traffic. Plus it’s a flashy light. It’s my favorite piece of tech, I highly recommend it for anyone riding on open roads.

[@paulmorrison30]

Behind the saddle bottle cage mounts! Who doesn’t like a reach around 🤔

[@FurySpyder]

Agree with most of that except rear radar/light. Many a time, in certain wind conditions, it has detected a car behind me long before I've heard it! No it won't stop someone from crashing into me but it does change the light flashing pattern and it does allow me to change my position if needs be.

[@mrtnsnp]

The slotted bolts on chainring fasteners. Just make one side for 5 mm hex, and the other with 4 mm hex so you have the right tools with you (while carrying a reasonably small set of tools). And yes, I also agree with the complaint about the number of bolt head sizes on a bike. jIt is just that two times 5 mm is very impractical.

[@MP-th4nx]

Disagree with you guys on the rear radar sensor .... wait until you get into your 60's and can no longer twist and turn your head in the saddle to see if vehicles are behind or if the road is clear.... A radar sensor is great for just giving you and idea whats behind especially coming to an intersection or roundabout. Young guy's ... Pfft, I dunno 😁

[@RobertStacy-r5m]

Rear radar is definitely not for the bin I brought one last year and I ride on my own. It transferred my ride I feel much safer and on narrow country lane I can ride in the middle of the road knowing there’s no one behind me with in 400 yards. So missing the pot holes. Anything that’s makes road riding safer is a big plus so ridiculous to knock it.

[@DPS-Runner_Cyclist]

2 things-can it be a bottom bracket “standard” if there are so many-seems like a free for all counter to “standard”. I get that a rear facing “radar” to detect cars won’t save you from getting hit, but on back roads it is nice to get awareness of cars speeding up from behind w/300 to 400 meter notice

[@kevinlally7653]

Also - sprocket spacing standards. We got convergence on 11 speed, then it all went wrong. Similarly - hub standards. Hyperglide 11 works. Good for 12s too. Chainring BCD and number of bolts. Again was great - 110 and 130 pcd; 5 bolt. Why change? BB cup splines. I have SO MANY BB tools. Torx and hex head bolts (Zipp - looking at you and your fiddly Vuka aerobars).

[@devdroid9606]

Sealant. A TPU tube weighs less, no mess.

[@arathianevasion]

The Varia product is fantastic for rural road rides. I ride a lot on pretty quiet roads. I'll go for a 3+ hour ride and see maybe 10 cars. The Varia allows me to enjoy the 99% of my ride and not worry about knowing my bailout path unless there is actually a car there. Fantastic improvement to the enjoyment of my rides. In the city... basically useless other than it is a decent rear light.

[@Woodlandedge]

I wouldn't be without my Garmin radar ,who can hear Electric vehicles,not me ....

[@putrid.p]

I can't hear any vehicle above anything but the quietest of slipstreams past my ears, and there's no way I could ever hear any vehicle that is 100m behind me. Varia radar is a game-changer for me.

[@PBST_RAIDZ]

Wait that's a thing I want one just cause I ride with ear plugs because of the wind

[@cariocakev]

Sorry guys, but my rear-facing sensor (Garmin Varia) is an absolute game changer. Not only can it see a car approaching far sooner than I will hear it (particularly an electric car) but it shows me how many and how fast they are coming. Yes, I spent 30 years looking back, but you can't always see everything and when eyes aren't forward you are just adding a new risk. I know they are coming, and I can look, signal, move over, and stay much safer. You sounded here like many back in the 80s who cranked that helmets were unnecessary.

[@jonasvieth]

I was sceptical about rear radars but a good friend recommended them so I tried one out and boy was he right. Firstly they detect cars way before you hear them so you can “prepare” the overtake. Move towards the middle of the road just by half a meter and when the car actually passes you go back right to the side. Unless it’s in front of a dangerous corner. Then you can go in the middle of the land and show “Not here my friend” Let’s be honest quiet a lot of overtakes are questionable. Secondly when it is windy you not always hear upcoming cars. Especially modern cars and tires are getting even quieter. That sense is not to underestimate. You wouldn’t ride busy roads with earphones would you? However I actually left it in the hotel when I was riding in the Netherlands because you have bikeway separated from the road. Sadly a lot of countries are a long way away from that. So it’s a bit like with helmets. In a perfekt World it shouldn’t be the task of the cyclist to protect from motorists but we are the vulnerable ones and it doesn’t hurt to use it and has no disadvantages safety wise. I hope Wahoo will offer there users such a radar as well and if for what ever reason they wont hopefully you will give the Garmin one a fair review.

[@turtleneck369]

mirors are good alternative to it cheap alternative saved mine and my fathers life many times

[@dblissmn]

Yay to threaded bottom brackets! I have them on both my road and mountain bike and will be looking for that if I decide to add a road/gravel bike and move the current roadie permanently to the trainer.

[@gcntech]

The world is your oyster (almost) threaded bbs are on the up 🙌

[@tony5269]

The only thing I can say about the rear radar is for EV’s they are so quiet 🤐 can’t hear them like a Gas ⛽️ powered vehicle

[@gcntech]

Good point! They have a way of sneaking up on you

[@MrStatsfreak]

I have to take exception with putting "rear facing car sensors" on the list of tech that must die. I've been riding with a Garmin Varia radar for two seasons now and it's made a world of difference knowing when a vehicle (or several) is approaching long before you can hear it, and when there are no more vehicles. You can then adjust your position on the road if necessary, signal your intentions if need be, or simply alert yourself that multiple cars are about to pass. Often when I'm riding alone on country roads and have to move into the traveling line to avoid debris it's nice to know something is going to alert you that some action may be necessary to keep you safe.

[@zedddddful]

Sorry but the Varia is worth it's weight in gold it's one of those things you have to try to know just how good they are.

[@stefanwagener]

So true, people understand all the advantages only once trying and seeing for themselves!

[@markburrow5916]

Amen

[@ianlaker9161]

Back in the 80s when I was a club rider, I used tubs (tubulers) on my road bike. I always got the cheapest because I knew that when I punctured (which I inevitably did) I couldn't be arsed to send them off to be repaired. Unless you had superhuman abilities with a very tough thread and needle, they were impossible to fix yourself. At 120psi, they felt great on the road until... That said, also back in the day, I could strip all my bikes down and rebuild them easily. The thought of doing the same to my 2019 Giant Defy, erm...defies me. I agree wholeheartedly with just about everything here. Great video guys. In fact it wasn't long enough.

[@thomastrevelyan192]

My Garmin Varia hS transformed my cycling as an older enthusiast with an unenviable crash history. It is a game changer. Don't dismiss it like that.

[@gcntech]

Lots of people loving the Varia! Ollie and Alex might have to rethink 🤨

[@johnandrus3901]

All of this aero stuff and internal cable routing is basically useless unless you are a competitive rider. I still ride my 1981 Miyata 1000, bought brand new. I can do all of the work myself without taking all sorts of stuff apart to get to the cables or other parts. I've upgraded to 105, SPD, a new rear hub, bigger cantilever brakes and a cartridge bottom bracket. The same goes for my tandem, as far as upgrades go. I've never had a problem with anything mechanical that I couldn't fix myself and it's very rare to have anything happen. I broke the rear shifter cable on vacation. The local shop that I use replaced it and adjusted it in a few minutes. Can't do that with internal cables.

[@jbrankin1]

Rear facing bike sensors. GCN advocates letting other riders know if there is a "car back". If you are older and don't hear as well the sensor lets you know "car back" Take the sensors out of the rubbish bin.

[@paulbradford6475]

Noisy rim brakes: I knew a Frenchman at my favorite local bike shop who remembers hearing the united squeal of fifty pairs of Mafac brakes being applied on a small down hill section at the Tour way back in the late fifties.

[@cabrown0525]

Best cameo ever! Way to go Mark - GTN for the save at the end! (Great video BTW 🙂)

[@gcntech]

Glad you enjoyed it! We love a bit of crossover 😉

[@bobwalsh57]

I agree with the items you’ve hated on except for the radar. I ride mostly country roads with little traffic. I have ridden with a helmet mirror for decades. It has saved me many times over. I also ride with earbuds so I can listen to music and podcasts. With the app on the phone, I get an audible alert as well as an alert on my head unit if a car is approaching. It has taken the stress level down by a factor of 10 and made my rides much more enjoyable. I won’t rid without it. If I was doing city riding, I would agree with you. It has little benefit. Cheers.

[@paulmarks5800]

Can you get the alert through your headphones?

[@questgivercyradis8462]

I'm in a city - radar is no good here. Wish I had your country roads. That would be so nice. But ack on earbuds! I'll never do that. I'm the annoying person with a small speaker on my handlebars for music. I want tunes, but need to be able to hear sirens approaching at very least.

[@judycarlsen7707]

Great session! Good humor! A lot of truth!

[@gcntech]

Glad you liked it! Is there anything you'd like to see disappear?

[@Primifluous]

Great vid! Thru-axle standards are another nightmare. Absolutely no reason for having more than 3 or 4, depending on road, gravel, mountain bike, and DH mountain bike.

[@gregsettle9725]

Ollie is a hoot, for sure. I'll be keeping the tubes in my tires, thank you. Most of what you said has at least some basis in fact but you guys are on a different level than mos of us.

[@gcntech]

Hahahah it's fair to say these two had fun filming this one. Use the tech that makes you feel safest and happy 🙌

[@chrisjames1924]

Tubular tyres are far safer. It can be the difference between life & death. Try having a blowout at 40-50 mph going down a 10% and you’ll wish you had them. Plus, out in the real world, away from the track, over rolling British countryside, with varying surfaces and lots of cornering (most typical terrain) they are in reality much faster too. All the experiments I’ve seen between the 3 tyre types are insubstantial and appear to be set up with confirmation bias in mind. Clinchers are just far easier though (+ cheaper) and unless I’m doing high speed descents or racing over long distances I’ll stick with them. Fact is, in real world conditions tubs ARE faster but not practical for most people (inc me anymore).

[@ABiketoEscape]

Thru axel standards! A nightmare finding the right pitch and size for your bike

[@BrianRPaterson]

D-shaped seat posts are a spares nightmare. They should definitely die!

[@Ben-td4vz]

Jepp, and change your offset one for a straight one for just 200€ from the bike‘s manufacturer.

[@martinhammarlund3975]

So much THIS! You could get a nice looking lightweight one really cheap a couple of years ago. Now you have to pay through the nose for a not even good one. If you can get it at all. Same goes for stem and handelbars with internal routing that has to be compatible to eachother and any off brand stem looks weird aswell.

[@mikewatkins422]

Hosts neglected to mention an important "cyclists independent" function of some rear facing sensors/light systems: Automatically changing the flashing pattern upon detecting a rearward approaching auto (i.e. autonomously communicates to the auto) Thus increasing the likelihood that an approaching driver notices the cyclists. No nuisance downside to be had🙂

[@darrenhill8503]

I disagree on the rear sensor as they do what they are suppose to do and warn you of fast approaching traffic. For warned is forearmed.

[@OneSurferDude]

I can agree with you on all things but the rear radar. That helps when I ride in the local area as we have a ton of tourist here at the beach in the states and the radar helps to know when I can enter the road to make left hand turns. We don't ride in the road as much over here as our bike "lanes" are typically at the side of the road.

[@DarynRod]

I will not ride without my Varia.

[@brettaustin772]

Rear-facing radar has been wonderful for this hearing-impaired rider, so don’t hate on it just because you don’t need it GCN

[@pord]

Try to find tubeless that fits an old pinarello frame.

[@bikecommuter24]

Internal cable routing, I got the park tool for that and after working on cars and airplanes and routing wiring through all kinds of spaces some not so easy, on a bicycle its not as bad. Carbon Fiber I just ordered a Trek FX Sport 4. 😆