Want vs Need - Are Cyclists Out Of Touch? | GCN Show Ep. 570

[@gcn]

Let us know what your cycling wants and needs 🚲

[@phillippitts6294]

I need to figure out how to see cycling in the US .

[@oplkfdhgk]

well one big need for me is studded tires. i wish i knew it earlier. they are just so good in winter. like even fairly decent mtb tires are crap compared to studded tires in winter. well atleast where i live.

[@TiberiusMoon]

Make you wonder how much GCN content is a need for most viewers rather than a want. Canyon grail *cough* Orbea *cough*

[@petet8594]

I want to be 25 again I need more time 😊

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

My needs: Definitely more proper cycling infrastructure (minus everything motorist), for better inter-province travel, and better fitness for myself. My wants: A better bike, and more affordable navigation tools. And yeah, more affordable light-colored cycling clothing, as well as accessories (particularly for cargo/bikepacking, lights), and more affordable anything "contact points" on a bike.

[@mountainmusic77]

On safety tech: I have a device that constantly broadcasts a high resolution image of what is happening behind me to my left eye, is super light, and never needs to be charged. It's called a mirror, and it costs less than $20. Garmin varia is good, but the take-a-look mirror is way more informative.

[@alainbellemare2168]

Had one but couldn t find wher to put. The batteries , switch it on and download it s app

[@SIvers-or2ke]

The equipment we “need” is whatever puts a smile on our faces and gets us out riding. Anywhere from new bar tape to a new bike. If it makes you want to ride more, you need it.

[@gcn]

THIS! ☝ Ride the bike that makes you most happy! You'll find you ride much more after that 🙌

[@SamTheEagle1]

As a cyclist what I need is drivers who are vigilant for other road users as they share the infrastructure with me.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

Vigilant? Share? What the hell is Infrastructure. Steve Jobes computer Infrastructure? Hilarious!

[@MrCyclist]

When I got into cycling 40 years ago I thought I needed Campy Super Record and then Ultegra . Now I ride Shimano 105 and do 12,000 km per year at age 79 and not getting tired. But I do need and love my De Rosa Nick. BTW, I rode today in Vaughan, Ontario 7C mostly sunny and totally dry roads and zero snow anywhere and sunny forecasted for the the next 10 days.

[@gcn]

105 is amazing! It gets the job done and doesn't cost loads to fix - What more could you want? Nothing wrong with having a bling bike too 😉

[@embraceuncertainty7127]

I'm impressed. I live in big hill country (40C temp today) and 12,000 km of climbing and descending is beyond me. 12,000 km a year in a place that sees very cold and snowy winters is quite and accomplishment, even if it is pancake flat.

[@m.neilsmith6317]

As for the udder cream, here in the US at the farm supply stores there is a product called Bag Balm that is for the same purpose. Farm folks regularly use it on chapped hands and faces as well. Bag Balm (and I am guessing udder cream as well) is just petroleum jelly and lanolin. When I looked at the ingredients for my chamois cream, two of the main ingredients are petroleum jelly and lanolin.

[@jonathankatz10]

I learned about this in Vermont on a long ride. Works perfectly. People also use it as a hand cream.

[@MikeMassey-fi5of]

I’ve been using BB for years

[@bleckb]

I've used bag balm. I remember it in a green tin.

[@creekhanauer3234]

Grand Canyon boatmen and women use Bag Balm regularly…

[@lin_osborne]

Bag Balm is very popular in the US Randonnuering/Ultra community due to its persistence. It's also antibacterial. The only downside, if you consider it a downside, is that it is practically impossible to wash out. Once you've used BB, it will become a permanent addition to your chamois.

[@hammer2708]

My cycling need is GCN+ documentaries to get me through the wet-cold season. #whatwillhappentotheGCN+documentaries?

[@petermyers4409]

I really want to know the answer to this question.

[@gcn]

We feel you! We're currently looking at our options, the GCN community will be the first to know 🙌 Watch this space!

[@markbooth6745]

Don't buy no more gcn products now, that how much WB have pissed me off.🤔

[@davidkendall4588]

The "need for enjoyment" point is a good one. I've ridden Claris and I've ridden 105 and Ultegra. 105 and Ultegra make me want to ride. Riding Claris wants me want to rip the front derailleur off and turn the bike into a 1x (I actually did this).

[@_Tp__]

as someone who uses claris, this hit too close to home

[@cherriagana]

Swapping from claris to 105 was amazing for me. I turned my 105 in a 1X tho since I have never used a front deraileur in my life xD (absolutely no elevation here).

[@Dominika-ry5re]

Ohhh finally found my people in this thread 😂 no issue with rear derailleur, shifters are great but the front derailleur needs to go

[@hotsky83]

I went from Sora to 105 and do not miss the Sora. I feel sorry for the poor souls riding clarus😢

[@appa609]

it's not that bad... claris is just usually badly maintained and tuned

[@DetroitJohnny]

On the Ford media website it explains that the warning system uses the existing parking assist radar to warn the driver not to open the door. It doesn't seem to require anything of the cyclist. I would assume it also helps to keep the car doors from being torn off by a passing truck

[@spinnerg]

I have a top-of-the-line SRAM Red-AXS road bike, a TT bike, a gravel bike, a Fatbike, a MTB, even a tandem bike, a smartbike, powermeters and the whole shebang ... but the only thing I really want and need is a good cycling partner, one I always want to ride with and share my joy of cycling ! ... The only thing better is when she is also a life partner ! xo

[@mlee6050]

I can relate, my trek Emonda ALR will have sram red axs, sadly look like might be 7.3kg with computer, bell, lights on it, went aluminium as feel safer to lock up than my 6.7kg planet x RTD90 Also building a 12.5kg trek slash soon

[@lilbruin]

The thing I thought I needed was little bike computer. I ended up w just a cateye odometer - distance, time, av speed, etc; not even cadence - and it is the one thing that made me a better rider (fully acknowledging that I am not a good rider; I'm slow, not skillful, fall off too often). Seems I am just ocd enough that I can't stop at, say, 26km; it has to be 30. Adds up to more time in the saddle and more fun, even if it is nerd fun.

[@markcowell8096]

I can't do without my GCN elite water bottle (which currently, I don't actually own), but anticipate I will shortly, simply by saying it is THE most essential accessory on any bike ride, from a dart down the shops through to a 1,000 km endurance!

[@gcn]

You know where to get one 👉 gcn.eu/a8D 😉

[@pointbreak2811]

24:48 this looks like a Lezyne Drive pump which I have. The key part of taking it off the valve stem is to make sure NOT to pull out while unscrewing it. You gotta just gently unscrew it and it will naturally pull out itself. They're really good pumps.

[@mikesmith2864]

Udder cream or "Bag Balm" was the go-to for the leather chamois in the wool shorts I used in the '70s. Pre-ride prep included several minutes rubbing the chamois to soften it up. Your comment brought up memories of the smell (pre-ride - the post ride smell was very different.)

[@___Bebo___]

How did your steel pre ride grundle smell back in the day?

[@gcn]

🤢 - Some modern tech is pretty cool right!

[@mikesmith2864]

I still remember that smell, as well.

[@chrisbanting5636]

Understanding the actual difference between "want" and "need" is what many of us need.

[@super8hell]

I particularly want to understand that difference.

[@vesalehtinen4534]

On the contrary, I would just forget about this want and need dichotomy, and rather approach it like this: decide how much money your comfortable spending on the hobby, work out what are all the pieces of equipment that can make the hobby more enjoyable, and then prioritise them. I at least have a very finite amount of leisure time, so I'd rather invest some money on the things I like doing, even it results in buying stuff that is not absolutely needed.

[@nateisright]

My first road bike was $300USD. I put 5k miles on it the first year and it was the first bike I completed a 100 miles ride on. Nice stuff is nice though. I’ve upgraded since then but don’t think you must have big bucks equipment to have fun cycling adventures!

[@g.chrisboynton5105]

When I lived in the Netherlands (mid 90s), I commuted to work on a bike. I "needed" two bikes. A winter weather "beater" and a summer weather road bike for a fun blast on my commute. I loved all my commutes, best fun ever, even on the beater in the hail. Coming from Miami crazy car culture I couldn't get enough commute cycling. Instead of arriving all stressed out from the commute, I was arriving totally pumped.

[@MrRotten99]

In Canada, "slushy roads" are roads that were covered in snow, but it warms up and the snow begins to melt, but not fully. Kind of like riding on bumpy soft ice. Not just "wet".

[@philpaterson5936]

Hack/Bodge: when the valve core comes out after pumping a tyre... roadside, in the wet at 6am on the way to work. Been there. In my case i didn't have any tape, so my only solution was to just ride with the pump hose hanging free. It was ok, as long as i kept my speed below 24 kph... otherwise the centrifugal force would make the hose fling about and hit the spokes. Wasn't pretty, but got me to work.

[@dperreno]

Here in the states, Bag Balm has been used for decades as an inexpensive Chamois cream substitute. It was originally created to treat and moisturize cows' udders.

[@oplkfdhgk]

11:43 riding without hands is kinda ez if you have bike that is made for that. i could be wrong but i think headtube angle determines bike that is good for this.

[@karlnorgaard9447]

This last summer, I was invited to join some guys for a group ride. Most of them had very current bikes, eqipped with electric shifting, disc brakes, oversized pulley wheels, aero bottles, ceramic bearings, etc. I showed up with my best bike, a 12yr old Pinarello FP3, which I bought cheap in a thrashed, abused condition. I spent a year collecting all the needed bits, rear derailleur and derailleur hanger, handlebars, chain, saddle, tires, cable. My bike has 10spds, rim brakes, alloy wheels, external cabling, old fashioned skewers. Ive no head unit, power meter, clutch, or buzzing freewheel. I love my bike, its more bike than a rider of my caliber deserves, but I got a good deal on it. My Giro shoes are probably older than the bike. Considering all this, at our first stop, my old girl was the belle of the ball. Everyone was gushing over my old Pinarello, wanting to lift it, give it a good inspection. I felt like the guy with a mint Datsun 240Z at a car show. Im known as a bike guy locally and many people ask me what they should buy. I tell em to start at pawn shops, private online second hand sellers. I figger if you buy an older bike, you can buy the state of the art from a few years ago. For us mere mortals, the difference in performance between this years best and brightest model and a quality steed from several years ago is immeasureable. We need to focus more on the act of cycling, the reason we all started. The only data I collect on my rides is total elapsed time, from my wristwatch. The phenomenon of newer=better is found everywhere. Try taking your car back to the dealership for a trade in towards its current counterpart. You want the same car, just newer, fewer kms, reliable. If the manufacturer and dealer have their way, you'll drive away with something that scarcely resembles your old car, loaded with pointless, sexy features you could easily live without. More than likely, the extra complications will actually make the vehicle less reliable, more prone to failure. I ask people, "how many TVs have you bought in your life"? Then, "how many TVs did your parents buy"? I have vintage steel frames Ive set up many times, put hundreds or thousands of kms on em, only to strip em down again, repaint, rebuild and sell. Some have even come back to me to be refurbished again. This unheard of today.

[@wyatberp3611]

Wow, have you ever thought about writing a novel?

[@russstarke6004]

Here in the US we have Bag Balm. Its mostly lanolin and does a great job. Of course Si would be anti-cow product.

[@agiebisch]

1 thing I need ist that every helmet manufacturer should use MIPS System in their helmet making. There are a few helmets on the market that look way better than the one I currently have, but If I bought one I wouldn't feel AS Safe as with a helmet with the system

[@GeekonaBike]

Back in the day Udder Balm was what we used, The small green square cans were all over ever race parking lot.

[@alaire1]

Thanks Si for helping me justify the 5 bikes I currently own, and the 6th I'd like to get.

[@gcn]

Nothing wrong with having a fleet of bikes 🙌 What bike to you like the best? If we had to make you choose 👀

[@gerrymcbride6429]

I'm sure you need the 6th bike.

[@alaire1]

@@gcn My Salsa Cutthroat. I can go anywhere on it.

[@miket2646]

Definitely get that 6th one. Otherwise you cant even consider a 7th

[@kokonanana1]

N+1

[@pheonixdragon2261]

The Rails to Trails Organization is working on improving the cycling infrastructure here in the U.S. and they are trying to create a cross-country trail going from Washington D.C. to La Push in Washington State. The goal is to have this set up so that one can ride from one coast to the other and not have to share roads with motor vehicle traffic. According to some data, there are now some 40,000 miles of multi-use trails in the U.S. and a lot of that is interconnected. Caption of the week: Niels VANDEPUTTE "Wait a minute. Who are all those people in the photo? I thought you were photographing the sky."

[@GregMethven]

Good to see Dan and SI on again 😊 together with Manon they keep this channel worth watching ❤❤❤

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

Captioncompetition: Quick let’s get one more selfie for the GCN app before it’s too late. Dan is one of my top 5 favorite GCN presenters.

[@cup_and_cone]

It is the accessories and kit where our pockets really get emptied...because it's a continuous expenditure. Most new cyclists understand a bicycle purchase is an investment. Cycling has a massive accessory problem with the market being completely oversaturated of expensive and overpriced stuff that we probably don't need over cheaper options. Boutique tools, unnecessarily bright lights, luxury clothing ($300 bibs), battery operated minipumps, rocker plates and risers to add motion to turbo trainers, overpriced nutrition products, flagship level GPS computers, etc. Most of us would be totally fine with mid-tier options in these categories, but we always try and find a way to splurge for the best we can afford to psychologically 'keep up' with our peers.

[@helmutjarn395]

Not to forget all the outsourced marketing disguised as information.

[@imilic8]

#captioncompetition "From Val Di Sole elite cyclocross world cup...welcome to the GCN show!"

[@Toastybear1]

This was a top tier gcn show. Dan and si, chain keepers, and the uploader is back. Watching this made me feel 10 years younger 😅

[@gcn]

That's the joys of bikes! They always make you feel like a kid 🙌

[@obriaind]

That “chain keeper” also works as a rear spacer for shipping your bike.

[@billkallas1762]

I'll never need or want a new bike again. I've got three old race bikes ready to ride. One with 7800, and two with 7700. I have no need or use for anything bigger than a 25 cog. The newest one is from 2002.

[@rbonn3880]

I thought I needed electronic shifting, but not disc brakes. It was one or the other at the time. Looking back, the disc brakes would have allowed me to run much wider tires for riding on diverse surfaces. Manual shifting really isn't that difficult.

[@michealwhite1091]

I don't understand why tubes have removeable valve cores either. In fact, it was part of the many reasons my 4 day bikepacking trip failed. I had a puncture on the second day, and I happened to be in a Panther crossing area. Also the only section in the 5 mile zone where there was no 18ft protective fencing. So, I decided to just remove and replace the tube to fix it later. However, I had just recently purchased new wheels, so the valve stem on my spare tubes was not long enough to come out of the rim to attach the pump. My fault, and something to think about after buying new wheels (which I needed, not wanted). Now I had to fix the puncture on the side of the fast moving highway. Hwy 29 heading North in Southern Fl for those that want to know. Managed to fix that, and carried on. I stopped about 20 miles further up the road in Immokalee for lunch, and when I came out my tyre was flat again. I thought that my patch hadn't held, so I pulled it all off to have a look. When I pumped up the tube to check, the valve core came right out, and would not stay back in, no matter what I tried. So that meant I had no working tubes. I also happened to be in the only town with no bike shop whatsoever, which I thought odd due to all the bikes I saw. Turns out they shop in the city about 20 miles away. Or at least according to the two cyclists I asked for info. I had to call the wife for a pick up, as the bike was un-rideable without a tube. I only had the 1 spare as I had changed a tube on my bike with mine a few days earlier, same valve core issue, and didn't have time to get a replacement. I guess I was carrying two different tube types for some reason. Of course, The other main reason my trip ended was that I fell over getting out of my tent and snapped 2 different tent poles, so I wouldn't have a tent for that night anyway. Although up to this point, I was planning on getting a motel room for the night. To make matters even worse, the car died as we tried to start it up again after loading the bike. 5 hours for a tow truck. All in all a bad trip. Loved every minute of it. I am attempting this same ride Jan 2nd. Everything is fixed/replaced. I Have 2 spare tubes, with the correct valve length. For some reason the tube I had that day was a 32mm stem. No idea where I got that from, or why. That wouldn't have even worked on my original wheels!

[@recstoppauseplay]

In the want or need department; When I bought my 8 speed hybrid road bike many years ago, and rode with friends and groups, I soon discovered that I needed, really needed a good pair of padded shorts. Turns out the factory installed saddle wasn't all that great and on a 75 km ride, the last 20 kms were some of the most painful experiences I'll ever have on a bike. The other thing I really needed was a tire repair kit. That was also added after an embarrassing experience. I really wanted an odometer / speedometer. That was the item not sorely needed but it added much to every ride. (Saddles have now been upgraded, lights and GPS units added, wheels and tires traded for terrain and time of year plus of course, the the wants and needs for the tools shed).

[@dunkcr105]

Caption competition "cyclo-cross, what a load of arse!" Dan is just awesome!

[@cardiaccyclist7477]

#CaptionCompetition: Joran Wyseure: "You know, I still think Dan Lloyd is the best GCN presenter, even if he can't remember my name".

[@seattlegrrlie]

I didn't "need" a Cervelo R5. I argued with myself for years that I didn't "need" it. Should've done it years ago, it fits me so well, feels so great to ride, and will have me riding more. Isn't that the whole point?

[@mattwake7230]

Most people who can afford an expensive bike have made sensible decisions with their career or finances for years. Owning an expensive bike is a joy mainly because it's so ridiculous and childish and just glorious.

[@gcn]

Yes! Get the bike that fits you best 🙌 The bike you want to ride is the one you'll ride the most!

[@whatwelearned]

Maybe you're convinced that because it cost so much, and maybe a cheaper bike would also have done those things...

[@gerrymcbride6429]

@@whatwelearned why buy the best of anything when the base model will do the job. Personal choice and preference is a fact of life.

[@whatwelearned]

@@gerrymcbride6429 that's a strawman so I won't answer. What I will answer is that if you've convinced yourself that only a Pinarello can do a given thing you desire then you are a victim of marketing. That's fine but don't claim otherwise.

[@TheLuxardens]

18:48 It all comes down to a quote from LA - I could win a race on your bike, could you win one on mine ?

[@wspmjw]

With a properly fitted pair of shorts and a quality chammy, is any kind of butter or cream needed? I used to use chammy cream, but have ridden 100+ mile rides without it for 2 seasons and no chafing.

[@stijndoppen1413]

Did anyone notice that Joris nieuwenhuis skeleten gloves has. Maybe something to use voor the caption competition.

[@CreativeFishDesignsCharlotte]

dan i love ya , the power meeter is a true example of a need , and u did u went PRO and it wasn't 5k for a bike man , Bless your Honesty , You both told the truth , I NEED TO CYCLE Everywhere within 100miles on a bike I can fix everything on

[@localride51rivertrail37]

Nailed it. I watched an interview with a first responder at a crash scene who was berating the cyclist who got hit for riding with out lights, meanwhile in the background, a smashed up bike, lit up like a Christmas tree!

[@alfkh]

1 of the things i never needed nor want was to pick up cycling. i was happy as a marathon runner & swimmer. i still enjoy swimming & thinking of going back 2 running, but at times, i don't ride my bike(s) for months on end!

[@stevedouglas3975]

What cyclists want is rather like rest of society, choice. The reality though is manufacturers are driving trends and pretty much forcing consumers(in this case cyclists) to buy the next "big" thing. So, trend is towards disc brakes and so less choice of rim braked bikes. Likewise carbon wheels and so less and less alloy wheels available. Next it'll be 1x groupsets. And so it will go on.

[@McLovin38FFs]

I love the weather check for Canada. Perhaps you could do a weather comparison with Australia? We here in central NSW have just had a little over a week of 37 to 44 degree days. Which would you guys prefer to ride in?

[@flflam]

Fairly challenging to ride no-handed without having to brake at all ! Traffic, traffic lights, etc...

[@gcn]

That's very true 👀

[@Kim_Miller]

#CaptionCompetition. 'Hmm, I think I'd better turn around to make sure nobody is doing bunny ears.'

[@MM-xr6tz]

Two types of cyclists in my mind, poets and scientists. Cycling for me has always been about escapism and adventure. Last thing I want is a data overload, nor do I need a £4k set of wheels to get me round. Give me a map, some butties, leave the phone at home, have an adventure and I'm the happiest man alive.

[@Star14trek]

Captune ' No I said a selfy of us with the Cyling cross crowd - not one with a Cross cycling crowd' first go and the last one on the app 😭

[@BillcodUs]

I have used Udder Cream for 15-20 years after a fellow cyclist on Bike Across Kansas told me to get some at a small town pharmacy- since I had forgot my expensive cycling version.

[@sgkingly8392]

I definitely needed a new bike recently. I used to ride a beat up old (I think steel) mountain bike on paved back roads that I found in our shed. The rear axle is well past it and the rear wheel had about 2cm of play on it and the brakes somewhat worked with a bit of a rusty frame. It went and stopped and just about turned. Recently the spoke on the rear wheel went and I didn't want to spend like 10x more than the bike is worth to fix it so I decided that I did indeed need a new bike

[@michaelobrien4259]

I made up my own bottom cream and I've used it for years with great success. I put it in a plastic jar with "ArseWipe" written on it. An ex partner of mine still calls it ArseWipe and she still uses it.

[@Choedron]

What I need are bib shorts, one gravel bike and two sets of wheels (700C for road tires and 650s for gravel).

[@geoffreyfaltot1006]

Power meters are a must though. They really are a game changer. They are a tool you NEED to train more effectively. When i got my stages dual sided crank for power, it revolutionized how i ride. Now I don't go willy nilly out there on "feel". The power tells the story. It is the truth. Headwind, tailwind, uphill, downhill, town, city, countryside, hot, or cold - power does not discriminate. You can trust it and follow it to the T to ensure you stay on track and don't go too hard or too light on a given ride. Wonderful upgrade / purchase.

[@ArnageLM]

full podcast or show with Dan telling stories from the old days (Cervelo Test Team) pls!

[@Mgrant8163]

I thought that I WANTED to upgrade my road bike to a new, lighter aero bike but I found out that I NEEDED to upgrade to not get dropped. No doubt that there will still be some rider on a Wal Mart bike in sandals and a hawaiian shirt that will still pass me though.

[@kylehagertybanana]

There's something to be said for cheaper lower end products being more fun because you can absolutely thrash them, plus dont have to worry about as much maintenance, or stealing etc

[@jefferyschmela4586]

Bag Balm is a classic old skool undercarriage treatment. I learned of it in the 1990s while riding across the USA with Wander Wheels out of Indiana, they used it from the 1960s onward. My grandmother kept a tin of it on the counter at home for chapped hands.

[@playandteach]

12:40 Moving on from weeing in your shorts to win.... 'hot on the heels'....

[@shauninthebody]

Been doored. Got out of it pretty well but it changed how I interact with traffic permanently. Always ride wide of parked cars and avoid traffic whenever possible.

[@mattmatthews5414]

3:00 that’s what it’s like when your battery taillights die and you’re wearing anything other than bright-bright clothing in places where there aren’t regularly hundreds to thousands of other cyclists: you just blend in.

[@impaledface7694]

The only thing I can say I ever "needed" was a beefier tire on my old xc bike back in the early 2010's. Went from going in to hot +crashing to not crashing at all. Now? I need to ride more and eat less....

[@kramrenrut950]

On your spare tubes always check the valve before popping into your saddle bag/pocket

[@rob-c.]

With those screw on mini pump hoses, you just have to relieve any sideways friction on the valve core to stop them unscrewing. Have the valve at the top of the wheel, let the pump dangle and gently turn the end of the hose, keeping it in line with the valve. The pump will jangle around in the spoke, but it works.

[@paulmorrison30]

Inner tubes with removable valve cores are essential for those of us that still ride with tubes and use an inner tube sealant.

[@gcn]

Not making the jump over tubeless? 🛞

[@paulmorrison30]

@@gcn I’m not quite ready for that yet but may give it a try next summer as I do have tubeless ready wheels and tyres.

[@davidadamus177]

Love Si's description of the e-bike. It's dripping with sarcasm.

[@kivriel2660]

A must: Bib shorts and cycling shoes & clip pedals.

[@rockytalkndawoods3057]

Dooring has become regular in the USA as we now have cycle lanes between sidewalks and roads. Passengers never check before they open their doors.

[@draugmithrin]

Knee injury meant I needed lower gearing on commute bike, £33 42/32/22 chainset from Aliexpress, £7 NOS 28.6mm front mech from Ebay. No more knee pain on commute :)

[@MM-44-44]

After 4 years of cycling a lot, I've still not bought overshoes or mud guards. I end every winter ride with soaking wet freezing feet. I've got 3 bikes and countless other expensive bits, yet I refuse to want overshoes... I'm not sure why.

[@dtsybulskyi]

I know mud guards usually do not look good and add extra weight, but a set of full length fenders really keep you, your bike and equipment and even cycling buddies dry and clean. There are SGS Raceblade fenders, that look sleek, fit any frame and are easily removable. Some fenders can be almost unnoticeable - like on my 25mm wheels full length fenders fit super nice - so bike's aesthetics barely suffer 😊

[@davemorriss2552]

We in freezing cold Canada (-7 in BC) use Bag Balm (for treating Mastitis in cows). Many of our cycling friends use it, beats anything available in bike shops for your naughty bits.

[@philpaterson5936]

@gcn when Si asks why you need removable valve cores; the only reason i can see, is when you need to use a valve extender for running deep section wheels or disc wheels. I have a variety of rim depths over our bikes, so trying to buy multiple innertube valves with different lengths is a pain. So have a standard 42mm and just adding an extender when needed makes sense Same when it comes to carrying a spare on my race bike where i have a 404 front and 808 rear, so one tube can work with either if i just transfer the extender from the punctured tube.

[@WillKirousis]

Here in the US, since the 80s many folks used udder cream or a similar product called bag balm for chamois cream.. its solid!

[@ktfuljam6044]

Interesting info! @dobbscycleworks talked some about this a few days ago

[@hackfabrication139]

'Wasn't wearing a helmet...' As a motocyclist, I see/hear this constantly in every news article/broadcast. Usually at the end, for dramatic (?) effect. Somewhere in the mix is often the true cause of the accident. But there still seems to be the 'need' to include whether or not the rider was wearing a helmet. Little does it (often) matter in the survivablity of being hit broadside or headon, in a bicycle/motorcycle vs motor vehicle collision. And yes, I do wear a helmet on either my bicycle or motorcycle. And protective clothing (leathers/gloves/boots) while on my motorcycle. No bicycle collisions, but I have walked away from two motorcycle/automobile collisions. Both times, the driver of the motor vehicle, decided they want to occupy the same lane I was in.

[@vernerjuliussen2071]

FatBike with studed tires on snow/ ice, and the use of slalom helmet has been a eye opener for me. Love the vinter cycling now!🤩🤙

[@robbchastain3036]

Caption: "A little awkward, I know, but Dan is really going to like this selfie. And he is, after all, the most popular GCN presenter. And have you heard that he used to ride on the Cervelo Test Team?"

[@wspmjw]

Why not have the 30/30 challenge outside and ride off the turbo? Think of it like you do Dan, a throwback to a pre-indoor training era.

[@bleckb]

For the final hacks and bodges app segment, I look forward to all the chain keepers incorporating zip ties.

[@derman3658]

Have heard the cattle deepheat also works. Udder cream should work too I would think too

[@rodriguezahr]

I used to ride with many gadgets and sensors now it’s my Garmin computer, me and my bike. Since I switched to tubeless the load on me has been reduced to the minimum. Simpler is always better .

[@tomblackwell4924]

Made top 5 in amateur licensed racing on a $250 22.5 lb. steel bike. I upgraded with continental grand prix tires, and a wider range cog set, and a new wheel set with Mavic rims, still under 1,400.

[@parkysouthlondon]

In the Hack/Bodge section and the one involving helmet padding I was so much wanting you to say “that was a definite HAT” at the voting stage. You did that on my helmet peak bodge many episodes ago. 2018.

[@johnwardle9667]

Never tried udder cream.. but.. learned to scuba dive in Somerset with an ex-navy diver who's also now a farmer. In cold weather when thicker wetsuits are required, they can be hard to pull on.. he gave us 'lambing gel' to ease those legs and sleeves on. Its just water based gel, and I believe is chemically similar/identical to KY jelly. I'd trust in udder cream, it sounds delicious.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

I think most riders who enjoy both pavement riding and also the dirt/woods, you could do all of it with 2 bicycles. One burly trail bike with two wheel sets (one for the steep gnarly stuff and another for smooth flowy trails where you favor rolling efficiency), and another bicycle that will handle all the gravel and pavement duties, with enough kit to make either of those non-trail duties efficient enough for your enjoyment.

[@tristramcharnley2581]

My wife: "You don't need that expensive carbon fibre bicycle" Me: "Do you need that expensive carbon fibre tennis racket?"

[@noreply1405]

I can t imagine month ago that I would say’s one day : I need mud guard during winter 😢. … but I m sur that I will quickly remove it when spring will pops up 😂😂

[@SD-ko4tz]

I work in IT. Men start cycling and buy expensive gear. After a year they kinda stop. Or cycle once a month. My wife is a triathlete has a second hand bike for less tha €1000 and is sporting 15 hours each week for the last ten years

[@gerrymcbride6429]

Bit of a generalisation I think. I know plenty of men with expensive bikes who ride 4 or 5 or more times a week.

[@Drashawnx9]

What point are you making?

[@Ton7o]

Cool story Bro 👍

[@AlastairHeath]

People who work in IT aren’t generous gift givers to their partners?

[@samh2023]

Not like the other girls hé? Enjoy that feeling of superiority

[@CorneliusJames]

Butter for chamois cream??? Has si been watching Last Tango in Paris?

[@richm.3477]

#captioncompetition "Let's preserve this moment, so that no one will ever forget us... Except for Dan Lloyd, even though he is our favorite GCN presenter."

[@TheAloha777]

I have a 2016 Giant Fastroad 1, I recently acquired a 2023 Orbea Orca this is all I need

[@FCF09]

Would you suggest I buy a power meter or a smart trainer? I’m looking at the Garmin pedals and the Tacx Neo and they cost the same.

[@danielsekera3525]

Bag balm for the win as chamois cream. It’s also udder cream. Been using it for a decade

[@jedisdad2265]

One point is that to the top end bike and gear may well be required in order for one to demonstrate the ability to perform at TOP levels and thus be given a bike by a sponsor.

[@QoraxAudio]

What you don't NEED but WANT for your cycling endeavor are those titanium bottom brackets by Hambini.

[@MggW]

13:36 I'm not an F1 fan, but I'd always assumed that F1 race cars came "on wheels". If not, perhaps this cover technology will trickle down to the bike industry, removing not only the tolling resistance of tyres but also the weight and aerodynamic drag of the wheels themselves. Or has the UCI already banned after watching Back to the Future?

[@_Inferis]

I feel as long as the bikes drivetrain feels smooth and changes gear adequately well, it's good enough for me.