Little Things That Can Make Or Break Your Ride | GCN Show Ep. 411

[@gcn]

What are the little things that really matter to you when riding? Let us know 👇

[@scottbert9556]

Pre ride loo break. Otherwise the mind can wander tragically from the ride.

[@petebarton5534]

A buff! Acts as a mask if I need to stop anywhere on my rides. Been carrying one with me since the beginning of lockdown.

[@JayLato]

Connecting rivets.

[@arneseys4729]

the coffee i drink while waiting for that friend that is always late

[@hedleykerr3564]

Clean drivetrain and clean shaven legs(entire leg) 38 years of obsessing over it and bad taping jobs on the handlebars!

[@tonysweet9137]

At the age of 8 I received my first 10 speed bike. After a month or so riding the cables had stretched and the gears did not work or shift correctly. My Mom kept saying someday she would get it fixed. After a few months of this I finally broke open my piggy bank, jumped on my bike and rode it the 15 miles into town. I studied the map in the phone book to where the bike shop was located. I only had $3.45, the man working in the shop told me to stick around and at the end of the day he would fix my bike for $3.45. I returned home at dark. I left the house as soon as the sun came up. My very first long distance bike ride. I had to ride a two lane highway most the way. I still remember this today at the age of 60.

[@latenightjazzbartok]

In today's money that would be about $26, not a bad deal. :)

[@AIKIA2.0]

thats a really great story i live in a metropolitian city i have everything in under 3 miles and i would never experience that but now that i a 17 i do go for 40-60km rides and try to leave my city and then return home ,respect sir

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

Memories like these really matter.

[@AIKIA2.0]

@@ViveSemelBeneVivere yessir

[@erikpettersson6488]

GCN’s next video: “GCN bought a Dunkin Donut Tandem bike and rode it cross country back home”

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@louishill783]

Upvote upvote upvote!!!!

[@johnandrews3568]

Sounds like a challenge for Hank and his dad

[@glenspringle7337]

SUPER NICE!!!

[@mattszrejter6785]

Great to see Hank in such “high” spirits today! He could barely contain the bellyful laughs! Great fun 🤩!

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@Agent-vj3ns]

@@anshiletv9016 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gpu4mK1re62Fb5I

[@AndyLewsey]

Si missing his own pun for once! "Used a subwoofer, for the 'base'"

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

I entered a bike packing race once, got the wheels strapped in, frame covered in foam pipes and zipped in the bike bag in 4 minutes!! 👊🤘😐

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@jaynaforsgren4755]

😂

[@bikelawbloke]

Didn’t put much thought in my first winter as an adult cyclist (2019/20) - this year, I’ve bought some SKS mudguards / DHB shoe covers / a base layer / long sleeve top under my jacket .... all pretty basic things, in retrospect, but they’ve made a massive difference to my overall enjoyment and comfort. Also key to my enjoyment: not riding with other people (what an appalling idea!) and not stopping at cafes for cake!

[@Lulikmaid]

Has anyone told ever Hank he sounds like a dolphin when he laughs? It's brilliant, and I honestly can't think of a better animal to represent him, as it's the animal kingdom equivalent of him.

[@lukasilverman4284]

I’m so happy that my comment from last week was featured thanks so much guys keep it up, you are the best people💪🙏

[@ryanmcglen137]

Loved the out takes, edits and banter between you. Fantastic show as ever, thanks guys. Helping to keep spirits high :)

[@matt_acton-varian]

Caption competition: Cyclo-cross is back, and there's more than ever at stake!

[@satori4183]

04:45 😂 quality content right there. I'm with Hank on this one! Once you grabbed that razor you gotta go full leg

[@djoubidjouba3222]

Ultra endurance race I suggest: Panceltic race !

[@MachielG]

Caption competition: Yikes, this isn’t quite the pole position I had in mind!

[@mylesmackey2430]

Definitely the noise that you're trying to figure out what's causing it is worse. Completely distracts from the enjoyment

[@courtdavidson8965]

I’ve been missing the legendary Matt Stephens, but kudos to Hank for stepping up.

[@jimjr4432]

I had a creak last ride, all ride. I thought it was the BB, but alas it was my 76 yo hip.

[@sambowood1]

Caption: Just doing my post ride stretching.

[@stevelewis6154]

Loving Hanks geography 😂😂

[@laurascheffer4243]

On my last ride I heard a cracking noise that definitely wasn't there before, I did indeed spent most of my time wondering where it came from. I decided to stop at a bike repair shop and figured out that my pedal was getting loose. They fixed it and it was such a wonderful ride home!

[@gcn]

That's great it got fixed!

[@FastTony78]

Si should do the Pan Celtic Race next year. It was my first event last year and I was welcomed into the Clan with open arms. The pre and post event gatherings are Legendary. You won’t regret it.

[@ajb501]

Could Simon do the GBDuro? 2000k of gravel and singletrack in the UK

[@yetimusics4152]

Just looked up what gbduro is and it looks very cool, especially combined with the environmental mindset!

[@nounours2627]

Over-shoes and good gloves are life saver in winter! I can even manage to stand in bibshort and jersey while it's freezing outside but I cannot stand to have froozen feet and hands! Some years ago, I had to go back home later than expected and what was ok for a day ride in a late fall season was not ok anymore once the sun was setting. It was starting to get really cold (around 0°c). The most pain came from the "bite" in my frozen ears, hands and feet. The rest of your body is only cold at the beginning, you don't feel the cold on the effort. From that moment, when I'm not sure of the weather on my way back, I'm always taking something to keep my hands and feet warm. Apart from my "ends", I never bother with "rain clothes", I don't care about being wet. The key is to not stop if you're wet and you won't get cold! ;)

[@andrifsig]

Si, if you want to partake in a long distance event, check out the Cyclothon in Iceland. About 1300km, vast majority is paved. Even allowed a support vehicle. There are solo categories and team categories, 4 person teams and 10 person teams. Check it out!

[@MatthewBeedham]

Caption comp: "So when you said 'send it', you didn't mean to stick it in the post?

[@mickwilson2170]

A random noise that you can't track down is the universes voice telling you to get a new bike!

[@wesfree]

Si's observations about speed differentials are right on the money. And it goes further, too, than mere bugaboos about comfort and annoyances. Speaking as a cyclist experienced on the roadways of Manhattan, speed differentials are a matter of safety in traffic. Being able to cycle in traffic where speed differentials (with vehicular volume) are de minimis eliminates a great deal of risk (even though many motorists become enraged at cyclists who are commonly faster than they!). Simon is quite correct: my biggest risk factor on the Apple's streets originates from ignorant pedestrian traffic who are moving at 25-30km slower speeds than mine, and step into a bike lane while gazing at their cell phones... Ride on!

[@becyk_du_quebec]

They definitely were not riding with the wood on their bikes, but just using the bikes as carts is actually really smart :)

[@donschloth5785]

Clean your bike! I make sure my bike is clean, prepped and ready for the next ride. No dirt, water, muck, sweat or grease is left on my bike. I clean it every ride, but the depth of cleaning relates to the amount of mess. Cleaning your bike also gives you the chance to put your hands on all the bits and determine serviceability and wear and tear as well as finding any loose bolts, screws, nuts, etc.

[@tomwilkinson9814]

Little things that’s mean a lot - equal tightness of shoes. So annoying though easy to solve mid-ride with boa dials, but with laces you need to get them right or it’ll drive you crazy!

[@sinclairmclaren7056]

Hank, you were on fire. There is a village somewhere looking for an idiot. A full year of outtakes in one video. Class

[@Christian190673]

I really love your videos! Honestly speaking, being a German I should like the German GCN channel, but you guys are so much more fun!!!

[@gcn]

Cheers Christian, appreciate the support! The German channel is still new though :)

[@Timbertron]

Caption: "Bike accidents proving to be almost as Seoul destroying as Hank's geography classes"

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@billinhouston3291]

Hank looks like he hasn't slept in days! Ha ha haaa, too much fun.

[@fefo107]

Caption: Ok, I went to far with those jumping sessions with the GMBN guys

[@royevans4581]

3:01 I had an annoying tick tick noise on my bike, tried the bars, stem, cranks, even thought the frame was cracked. Took me ages to find the cause. Turns out it was a loose tyre valve nut rattling on the rim. I don't use them now.

[@martinn9380]

In bed Wednesday morning, in Australia, watching the show as I do every week.... and yes Si, it's gorgeous here - 9 am, 18c & heading to 29c with blue skies 😊☀️ Agree re: creaking bits - recently replaced BB30 & silence has never been so sweet! Great show guys... love the banter !

[@secretbrad9259]

I think Hank has been on helium! The way looks at him in disbelief at some of what he says! Hilarious

[@ac5403]

I can’t tell if Hank was on great, or awful form this week. Little things which matter to me: having an accident with a gel or energy drink. EVERYTHING BECOMES STICKY! Caption: “Looks like they need to stump up for some aero wheels...”

[@raoulkoopman9408]

James nailed it: Pastries... I mean cafe stops

[@jeskli11]

Race for Si tips: Italy Divide (for "MTB-ish gravel bikes") or for proper MTB, a race organised by my very good friend '1000 Miles' in Czech Republic and Slovakia.

[@roilev]

I bought cycling shoes online. Arrived two left shoes. One 41, another 45. The worst part is that they fitted me perfectly

[@FatBlokeDoingStuff]

Great, now I've got a picture of Hank dressed as Dr Frank-N-Furter stuck in my head!

[@katiel7166]

Yes please!

[@rg807]

Not wearing gloves when when it's so cold that you need full tights, arm warmers and a vest? I'm still trying to figure out why GCN does this. Bizarre.

[@FreeDom-id6yb]

gloves also use compression and offer support so that's why

[@guymorris1963]

Yeah, me too.

[@matthiaswuest7271]

Come to the Race around Rwanda! 1000 km, 40% gravel/dirt, some of the most beautiful hills and roads in the world.

[@aaronrobey-broome2672]

Just think of the highlight reel you could make using Hank's bloopers. Top quality entertainment 😂.

[@glynnbuxton3349]

Caption: Following Hank's advice on how to put your Heart and Seoul into banging a post in!

[@aberdeenal3234]

Annoying noises for me is my disk brakes - cleaned rotors & pads (and replaced them too!) but still squeal like a banshee on heat - they make for a great bell replacement though!!

[@JulianAllen13]

That was hilarious. It was like Simon was trying to control his younger brother who was buzzing on a sugar rush!

[@footballcards2025]

Caption: Bastiaenssen really is hammering it here!

[@brianbinz1381]

Trans am bike race. It probably doesnt count as bikepacking cause its a road race, but fully self supported and a perfect opportunity for si to come to america!

[@fabianirsara9846]

With the upcoming winter in mind: can you please please please explain whether or not it’s a good idea to ride outside with salt on the road (abrasion + corrosion etc.). I don’t wanna be stuck on the turbo the entire time but I’m also a bit afraid to mess up my shiny bike. 🙏🏻

[@gilmoothart]

The bolt through the seat post should be considered more of a 'hack' but only on a select few bikes. The picture shown was of an aluminum Schwinn from the early 90's that had no seat post binding bolt. The way it worked way with a wedge built into the seatpost that worked similarly to an old quill stem. Without that Suntour seatpost the frame is useless. Side note, those seatposts generally sell for way more on eBay than the complete bike does.

[@MichaelSnasdell]

Oh dear Hank, that must have be Seoul destroying to get that wrong :p

[@felipethomas3828]

Hank made this episode extra funny😂😂

[@conguero7]

@24:52 Great for those "bass" miles.

[@davehollingworth5537]

Caption: First bicycle polo, now bicycle fencing? I didn’t imagine it would look like this.... En garde!

[@augie2401]

gents... 2 tandem references in one show made me think to search if GCN had ever done a dive into cycles for 2 and what makes them good/bad/so and so. I could not find one, now i obviously need one

[@augie2401]

especially one with Connor and Manon since there is a foot of height difference between my wife and myself

[@timcorso6337]

"..if someone is trying to go too slowly.." Yeah I'm always trying this, it gets easier and easier every year!

[@sebast6826]

A rly nice bikepacking event: Bikepacking Frankonia in the middle of germany.

[@mikeshaw714]

Si... "61% of you said it was a Bodge" - Actual screenshot shows 62% "41% of you said it was a Hack" - Actual screenshot shows 40% I reckon he 101% wants to see Hank in his stockings

[@tommyphillips8547]

You talk about it ruining your ride when you get wet and cold to the bone, but I disagree, I went out a week ago for an hour and by the end I could legit feel water going in and out of my socks. But it was great fun 😂😂

[@eilrach299]

I did the 'let it corrode and seize up' trick with my seat post once.

[@leightondavies8884]

Safety question to you folks - more electric cars, less pollution - all good I’m sure you’ll agree- When I’m on the road I can comfortably hear a petrol / diesel car coming up behind , but what about electric cars ? I’m guessing they are much quieter and got me thinking about about being surprised by a car coming past out of nowhere and the rider reacting like a startled horse - think it raises an important rider and vehicle safety question ?

[@leeoien3645]

Forward slash?? It's easy. Always use your right hand and you'll get it correct! Didn't you see the GCN episode about this just a few weeks ago??

[@Jack-cu7rl]

Does riding a road bike during winter really ruin it or not worth the worry?

[@br2w_bhte]

In the south we have good weather all year!!

[@radhanisthebold562]

Caption: a roadie still on the fence when it comes to cyclocross.

[@marcspiewak839]

What about bugs? Last week I had a bee arc around at me and hit me in the ear. He was traveling as fast as I was (around 17 mph) so it was like I got punched in the ear. Then, he lodged himself for as long enough to sting me? The next half hour I road in extreme pain. During the summer months , in Florida, I have ridden through swarms of tiny bugs to give me a look of having measles.

[@wroobelg]

Bike packing race: Si, try Wisla1200, which is self supported 1200km race through Poland, starts on 3rd of July.

[@stuartpatterson3188]

My vote for a bike packing race has got to be the GBduro after seeing the video of Lachlan Morton winning it last year!

[@Rakonzi]

My external parts. Little things that really matter. Can't stand any sort of discomfort in the area while on the saddle for those long rides.

[@langz020]

Did Hank steal one of the editors doughnuts? Because they were merciless this week! Fantastic show guys, had me giggling like a schoolgirl at Hank's expense

[@meg8793]

Caption: Had a go at cyclocross and she was quickly hooked!

[@Svartez]

If you want a bike packing event you might as well do the whole country and go for Lands end to John o' Groats

[@myklonsip]

Great edit. Si says dork and you cut to Ollie. 😂

[@velodavid1287]

Caption: TheCyclingGK’s influence on how to change a bike tyre makes its way to the pro ranks.

[@ninaanderson9016]

You guys cheer me up every week. So funny, so good.

[@owenvermeulen1231]

Zipp NSW are nutorious for bad skewers, mine creak bad when i'm up out of the saddle on steep climbs. But since they are quiet the rest of the time i have managed to forget to do something about it until the next steep climb or all out sprint..... It's been about a year of this... haha

[@0bob0cya]

I read a story about a soldier from North Vietnam had a bike with a 750lb load on the Ho Chi Minh trail.

[@feisol72]

Simon should try The Japanese Odyssey...if he fancy bike packing.

[@emac626]

MIji Reoch - A heart a mile wide. Killed by a f/head pickup driver. Always in my thoughts. RIP.

[@samgooding-matthews3175]

Oh I did a deep clean of my TT and road bike this weekend and I had to take it out that night and new GCN club sock day a little thing but I love it

[@aaronhuie7013]

I hate bike creaks and squeaks so much that I've considered setting up a trail- or road-side kiosk where I offer to lube squeaky chains for free, just to make the local bikeways that much more peaceful.

[@Doktor_Al]

Omg, a Subwoofer for base, get it? Get it? 😂

[@GeekonaBike]

@Sy Start off w/ the Arizona Trail Race. The hardest bike race in the world IMO. Everything after the AZTR will seem like a piece of cake.

[@nickdryden4003]

The little things today. Roads covered in mud. Irritation coming from saddle. Leg warmers falling down every 10 minutes. Twisted back getting off bike to check rear light. Rode home in pain with leg warmers round ankles. Worst ride ever!

[@manueldeubler1127]

The correct place of the 'shave line', the line upon which you stop shaving, is the reason for many successful and broken relationships. It is not just Si and Hank.

[@ldduke]

Caption: This wasn't what I had in mind when I've said I wanted to be in pole position.

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@unixbash]

Caption: "The Banksy girl needs another bike, someone help me take this wheel off!"

[@anshiletv9016]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIOsi6WFd6iJhq8

[@BentonvilleMTB]

#captioncontest: This one was a little loose. Si, come do the High Country in Arkansas next year. There are several loops shorter that the full ride. You can do just the NWA section, start and stop in Bentonville with three easy days having campsites and showers.

[@ianstewart8301]

Thanks for featuring my Hack/Bodge! I was trying to look cool/tough. Still in the market for proper arm warmers.

[@drexelspivey6472]

any noise from bike sends me crazy while riding

[@RolandAllen]

About noise, I just solved an unknown noise... The pedals were the source, but it took weeks to figure it out. Once known, I was able to remedy the problem quickly.

[@altaboy2007]

Was the team drunk for this week's show? Sure seems like they were having a lot more fun than usual. Cheers!!

[@getthim]

Caption: "Talking about using the wrong tool for the job, Event planner tries to hammer down post with a bike."

[@markdeane8385]

I have tinnitus,,no matter how noisy my bike is..I would struggle to hear anything...I really don't like getting old 😎

[@katiel7166]

Aaah springtime riding in Australia...has anyone told Hank about the magpies?

[@richardconway9445]

Caption: "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." - Maya Angelou "Better learn to recognise barriers, mofos!" - Cyclocross 2020

[@6tautstrings]

Haha, little noises. It took me literally months to work out that the incessant rattling on my bike was the little buttons on my Garmin head unit. It was driving me absolutely mad. I stopped it by gluing some small pieces of rubber band inside the silicon cover.