We Tried Riding The World's Worst Bike Up Alpe d'Huez

[@gcn]

Have you ever climbed Alpe d'Huez? 🏔 Let us know your experience in the comments! 💬

[@King_K_Rool_]

Twice on a penny farthing, was easy mate

[@mclogged2280]

Are Manon and Hank fucking?

[@nemure]

No need, I have the exact same climb at my house. 12km long 7% average and max over 14% It's quite average climb

[@triodehexode]

Cheap folder Vs expensive folder would be more interesting.

[@bejo-108]

I rode up it the first time at age 61 years. It was tough, but really enjoyable and rewarding. I have done it again since. It is iconic, but I would never even consider a city bike. Chapeaux, Hank.

[@cherriagana]

"How we try to kill Hank" could be a GCN documentary on it's own xD

[@Bjjnerd-qd5vs]

Awesome idea

[@philipcooper8297]

Hank the Tank cannot be killed, nor destroyed.

[@fabioqueiros9322]

“…and why we keep failing at it”

[@alinapopescu872]

GCN seems fixated on that.

[@JayLato]

All of these challenges are for the future documentary “How we killed Hank”

[@maiconleonard69]

Not having clipless pedals was actually a blessing. Just imagine having to walk those miles with cleats

[@smithandshortdogs]

SPD>SPD-SL

[@gcn]

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Shimano SPD would be a nice compromise. Clipless but still good for walking.

[@RichardAzia]

Clipping in on a steep climb is a challenge, in and of itself. Getting enough momentum to clip in sometimes waiting for a gentler gradient.

[@wuahekelhaft123]

Next Video: Descent from Alpe D'Huez on that bike.

[@markkabuto]

I might not even have the guts to watch that..

[@BoogieMan568]

Next vid. make manon ride up on that bike

[@douglaswilliams8838]

I’ve always said to my family, if I’m on the way out with no quality of life, take me to the top of the Alpe, strap me to the cheapest heaviest bike you can find, then give me a good push….

[@hansdampf-i5x]

Probably cause they have to get down anyways

[@jamesmason2291]

That would be a great video

[@JamesDeLara-t3i]

I did Alpe d’Huez back in 1988, about halfway up my rear derailleur cable came loose and I didn’t have a 5mm Allen key so i continued to climb in my 39/12 and ask anyone that passed me if they had an Allen key. One rider said yes, I said if you want to continue I could catch up to him and give it back. He replied that it was a good time to stop. I secured the cable made it to the finish line. I can’t imagine Hank’s suffering, chapeau!

[@gcn]

fair play, 39/12 isn't easy up there at all!

[@hansfm2032]

That's a great lesson learned today: On average you will climb faster carrying a 5 mm Allen key. Or in general: a couple hundred grams in tools and spare parts. :)

[@stefantrost1988]

I think the camera on Hanks bike was just a huge aerodynamic disadvantage on the climb

[@gcn]

[@renegadetenor]

Yeah, THAT was the problem!:)

[@schrodingerthecat]

Hank is a machine - it's unfortunate that he finished this challenge, because that means the next one will be worse. Poor Hank....

[@Hoolio1967]

Hank is such a champ! All the challenges he takes on... He is such an amazing sport! Chapeau mate!

[@Dwarfboy666]

Absolutely Hanktastic! Never seen anything so MAD and at the same time so inspiring! (…and let’s not forget that Manon actually rode up it too, on her first attempt) Great video guys Hankyou very much 👏👏👏

[@333wheeler]

That clunker made the "Eurobike" look and perform in theory like a Colnago.

[@douglaswilliams8838]

It’s one of the great things about cycling. You can ride the same epic climbs as the pros for free. Rode up Mont Semnoz near Annecy and watched a guy in polo shirt, cargo shorts and boat shoes plus straw hat, power up the climb on a rental bike like this. Stood and applauded him at the roadside.

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Sure he wasn't on an e-bike? 😄

[@LureAngler]

Hank deserves a big end of year bonus $$$ !

[@nemobobber4574]

Hank you are a superstar! I did this climb on Zwift with a 90+ kg body disadvantage, the composition of which is mostly head (my nick name is "El Sombrero - the stoper of light" also "snipers dream"), how you still maintain your humour in the hardest of challenges, I do no know. Stay strong and thank you for some brilliant vids!!

[@thijsvdn9852]

About 20 years ago, I rode up AdZ as my first real mountain, on a full suspesion mountainbike (with no lockout), that weighed about 20 kilo's. This video brings back a lot of memories, especially the hurting of riding it upwards on a DREADFUL bike! Go Hank, Gooooo!!!

[@jimedwarde7365]

Big respect. I did this as part of the marmotte a few weeks ago. Video and zwift just don’t accurately portray how steep some of the ramps are. When you turn that first corner out of bourg it’s like being faced with a wall. Kudos!

[@Boardmad]

Hank the Tank...boy's made of something special. I've ridden one of those POS in the city and that was quite an effort

[@thomaskositzki9424]

POS is the right description of that ugly clunker. 😄

[@mommamooney]

“You’re in the way of my zig zags!” I burst out laughing

[@gcn]

[@DalstonVinyl]

Hank!! I love the way your voice changes from a tone of enthusiastic expectation to one of resigned despair! But an INCREDIBLY effort, as one who can't even get up Crouch Hill, I'm in awe of your climbing prowess!

[@leighdickinson8299]

Well done Hank, congratulation to both of you & Manon on making it up there.

[@teplak4805]

Ah, it's that time of the month for another attempt to bring Hank down. I must say, I have great respect for the dedication. Tremendous effort!

"Hank the tank", what an effort. I think nobody could do that on this crappy bike than Hank. Kudos! And congrats to Manon also!

[@Ronald5Dii]

What a hero! For anyone on a more suitable bike, I suggest to add the Col de Sarenne (1999m) after reaching Alpe d'Huez. Stunning scenery, did the combo twice now and loved it!

[@davehollingworth5537]

I think we all knew it would be ‘near impossible’ - the funniest part was seeing him remember use the kick-stand just before collapsing on the pavement. But surely the ride down would have been brilliant! 🤩

[@danielfay8963]

If you've ever riden one of these bikes on hills, they usually have pretty mediocre brakes for their weight, so on steeper hills they are really not confidence inspiring.

[@Bjjnerd-qd5vs]

Hi gcn ! I’m a local in bath and got into my cycling a month ago, your videos are amazing keep it up

[@gcn]

thanks

[@bombora2026]

The man! The legend! Hank is like the Halley's comet - comes around every 72-80 years! We are lucky to be living in the period of his presence. Chapeau!

[@alanmckellar908]

You are nuts Hank! Thank you for sharing the journey with us - Hank and Manon.

[@KevinAxt-om5on]

"Why on earth would you do that" springs to mind but hats off on the effort you put into that, Hank. Hope that was a bikeshare and you left it at the top for the retrieval people.

[@ieuandavies4134]

Chapeau Hank....that was seriously crazy, but well done for sticking at it. I rode up Alpe d’Huez ten years ago, loved it, but wouldn't want to face it on that monstrosity!

[@55Reever]

I admire Hank and Manon's courage dealing with the traffic on that narrow road. Hank pulling that climb off on a bike with one gear, amazing.

[@alinapopescu872]

He handled Megavalanche exceedingly well. If that didn't break him, nothing else could. It's funny how a city bike on Alpe d'Huez could prove deadlier than plunging down a mountain, snow, boulders, and all.

[@juniorn.p.rowley9393]

Hank is an 'animal' I got tired many times, and all I was doing was watching him....😮 You're the GCN 'GOAT' Bro. Love the vids. You guys are truly an inspiration to lots of folks like me.... ❤❤

[@Alfadrottning86]

I must say, i find it VERY merciful of Manon for not using an e-bike to accompany Hank. Nothing is worse than struggling up a climb, while your partner rides along one handed with a smile on their face as if they have no care for the world, while a 250w motor does all the work. edit: also .. wow, it weighs 25 kg?! .. this mobike is heavier than my e-bike!

[@thomaskositzki9424]

Yeah, what an inefficient clunker!

[@DavidCowie2022]

(Goes out to shed with bathroom scales) My Giant "Cypress" is a chunky civilian bike, and weighs about 15kg. AND IT HAS GEARS!

[@richcrompton6891]

Astounding effort, but he must have been gutted that he forgot the shopping he was going to put in the basket! Ideal cold beer storage…

[@gcn]

you're right, we should send him back down and do it again, with a full basket!

[@oliverwallace3211]

Cameron Jeffers did this on a Boris bike 4 years ago. Within 24 hours

[@DarenC]

Even pulled a wheelie. The Boris does have 3 gears I suppose

[@rgudden90]

Bas Tietema just did Bonette on a children's bike. Also did Huez on a granny bike in 2022.

[@InS1Nuate]

Would be nice to credit Cam with the idea

[@Tormeyno10]

That was just absolutely nuts. Fair play Hank, you really are made of out of “different stuff”. I hope GCN spotted you a few beers after that one.

[@StacyODell]

Well done, Hank. Let's hope the next challenge isn't something like "Can Hank outrun angry bees?" or something like that

[@Zwiesel66]

The heavy traffic on this climb would drive me mad. Poor Hank, at first I thought your bike had an electric motor on the rear wheel.

[@kylixchi]

Chapeau to Hank for riding a city fixy up Alp d'Huez!! Respect!

[@happymystic9800]

Hank, you da man 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 … perhaps slightly mad 😂 but always giving off a likable vibe. It was great of Manon to give him a little push. Thanks to both of you for this hilarious and entertaining video. 😊

[@LivandTrekGoCycling]

Entertaining to watch. It's not often we see Hank forced to get off the bike and walk. Well done on your effort Hank 👍. Well filmed also, some great drone shots.

[@domcastle2136]

Chapeau, Hank the Tank. Brutal doesn’t cover it! And well done Manon for staying just the right side of the line on the supportive/annoying axis…

[@lesfillin]

nice job, Hank, riding such a heavy bike that had only a single gear!

[@halloweenjack2562]

Hero Hank! Well done! Even the Pog wouldn't manage to do that on a city bike......which must make Hank the best cyclist in the world at the moment. The Alpe is hellishly hard on a good road bike ....I did it last year (just sayin'!) and it took every ounce of strength left in my 61 yr old body. Surely no one could disagree, it's a beautiful climb but it's not as if there's anything there once you get to the top except more heat ........although it's a whizz of a ride back down again for a cold beer once you arrive back in Le Bourg D'Oisans which makes the day even more worthwhile!

[@jdme5678]

Just came back from a trip where we climbed alpe d'huez twice, I used gcn indoor training videos during winter training, to prepare for the epic climb. So I was hearing Hanks and Matt Stephens' voices up the climb, telling me to "crystal crank" and "keep up the souplesse." Chapeau to Manon for her first time on the Alpe! And to Hank, you're a true Legend mate.

[@ipsfryt]

Have done Alpe d'Huez twice. Once from Bourg d'Oisans early on a sunday morning, was long but apart from that no particular problems. The second time was as the final climb of the Marmotte, and it does make a differnce to have 160km and 4000m in your legs already at the base of the climb. It's a classic though, love the wide hairpins. A tip of the helmet to Hank, a monstrous effort.

[@markjenkins3329]

Mate, you are a hero! It made me smile how tough you are and don’t give up. 😂

[@fredsirvalo1904]

I love "break Hank" videos. Hopefully, you all buy him a pint or a flat white or two afterwards for giving it a go.

[@petercarparelli]

Hank is a goddamned TANK. Bless him and bless Manon for documenting this lunacy. Love it!

[@MagicM66]

Incredible Hank…no mechanical doping there. Next, having Si do it in a cargo bike with his kids.

[@schmidifee]

It was Absolutely the best thing to see you guys rising up the hill and meeting you in person. Well done

[@benjammind]

Can't even imagine how tough that was, kudos to Hank for walking, and kudos for GCN showing him walking!

[@dalis994]

Wow, over 2 hours and you did not give up, that's a kind of victory. I remember to this day my suffering on the climb. I had my road bike but I started the climb when I already lost my legs in previous climbs. All the way up on my lowest gear, often out of the saddle.

[@joeszeto310]

Manon.... loved all the "would you rather.." Hilarious... well not for Hank, apparently,,, Great video. Nice change of pace.

[@kulvianshun]

At this point I have to wonder if Hank is actually an alien in disguise!!!!! Well Done on getting to the top with that monstrously wrong bike!!!!!

[@gcn]

[@travelingtourers8654]

Well done Hank!!! Amazing effort. Some years ago 4 British postie's did it on pashley mailstar aka post bike but they had 3 speeds. Spectacular effort👍👍👍

[@238949]

Fantastic effort Hank, such a strong bloke, we love you

[@TimWhild]

Hank is definitely made of different Hankstuff...that was a genuine effort that only a few would have the resiliance to work through. Highly entertaining to watch 🤣💪🏼

[@poeryudo]

Kudos to you, Hank! That looked absolutely brutal

[@AlisonAdventuring]

You’re amazing Hank! And well done Manon for your first ever go at that iconic climb. I am in awe- going up “rue de Montrose” (Montrose Street) in Glasgow is enough of a city bike challenge for me ;)

[@NunoBento-o3c]

I understand Hank: myself did Les Sept Laux in a tandem city bike a decade ago and that hurted. Cheers!

[@LeeHambley]

Hank is a boss for getting up that, seriously impressive

[@Seppster58]

What can I say about this? Huge props to Hank for doing this and keeping us amused. Manon makes an excellent motivator as well. Well done all.

[@whatsdougupto]

Amazing climb Hank and Manon crushed the climb too!

[@johnstretton7576]

Hank - you’re bonkers, mate. But hats off to you. Ballsy effort to conquer the ride…. Well done, you!!!

[@magicknight8412]

Chapeau Hank ! That looked bloody hard

[@JimKJeffries]

Hell yeah Hank. 2,881 days of living off a bicycle. Most days it sits about 80lbs (with gear & water). Nothing wrong with a walk. Well done sir

[@hubertschabel7191]

Big effort, Hank! You should have taken the mobike downhill on the Megavalanche Track.

[@georgesj9536]

Shows what an amazing shape Bas Tietema is in still on his kids bike

[@cbauch]

Atta boy Hank! You're a better man than I am.

[@michaelhelduser6762]

I tried a valenbisi bike in Valencia Spain and fully understand how difficult these bikes are to ride on flat surfaces. Way to go Hank! Looked incredibly hard.

[@lordraiden5398]

My two favorite GCN hosts. Hank truly is a tank. On my best day in my best shape I would have said, " You want me to do what? On a what?" Nope!

[@rickkuny6591]

You’re a hero Hank all of that so that we can have 10 minutes of laughter at your expense! Good self-sacrifice

[@Jimbo5063]

Absolutely amazing ride, Hank. Talk about giving it your all. Well done.

[@davidevans9888]

Amazing! What an effort from Hank. Tired watching that. Hank they don't pay you enough. Well done, super human stuff.

[@acegard7801]

Good job Hank. Manon has become a mountain goat.

[@pascalharris1]

All brilliant shows, all brilliant presenters! You should have a show on the BBC!

[@richm.3477]

I rode up Alpe d'Huez (slowly!) in 2004. I had driven 10 to 12 hours the day before to get to Bourg d'Oisans, and then slept in my rental car overnight. I was on the side road at the first turn, right where Hank and Manon started riding. I rode up the day before the Tour de France time trial up Alpe d'Huez. As you would expect, the road was crowded with fans in various stages of drinking, painting the road, drinking, singing, and drinking. After seeing the Alpe only on TV and in magazines for the past 20 years, I felt like I was finally coming home! As an American, it was a significant pilgrimage. I have no idea what my riding time was, but I don't care. I had a 39 x 26 low gear, but enjoying the atmosphere and experience was more important than the finishing time. I stopped occasionally to take pictures and to stuff my lungs back into my chest. The descent was also quite entertaining, but that's another story! It's hard to believe that 20 years have passed since then. It simultaneously seems so long ago, and not that long.

[@Marius_Quast]

Hahaha - funny coincidence: We came up with an Alpe d'Huez Video today as well 🚀 good one here!

[@gcn]

[@ChrisGuarraia]

I already respected Hank before this (as I do many GCN presenters). This puts him at the top of the list. Like Manon said, Hank is made of different stuff. Rest well, Hank. You deserve a recharge. And a beer. Or five.

[@billincolumbia]

People think it's the weight that kills you, but it's those tires. They suck the life out of you. Well done, Hank!

[@murdoch9106]

Here the support Manon! You clearly worked hard here! Good job! Oh, hai Hank! ;)

[@volkervoit]

Brings back fun memories. I lived in Shanghai when MoBikes came out in 2015 and we did some awesome Crit Races and short ITTs on them in the Shanghai Expo Area, even had MoBike as Race Sponsor, good old times.

[@andreaslindenthal6654]

I can totally relate. I did Nice Eze Monaco and back on a holland bike last year. A 1000 meters. Occasionally I pushed the thing on some slopes well above 15 %. Up AND down, because those shoddy breaks just were not up for the job.

[@rbonn3880]

Kudos Hank for even trying, and eventually getting to the top. Congrats to you too Manon!

[@achalasiayourenotalone3587]

Great accomplishment Hank! Keep inspiring the biking world.

[@SweatSquad31]

Hank Tank. He's a beast! Always inspirational!

[@leffendi]

Hank the tank. Kudos mate. You are a champion!

[@doctorscoot]

You could have at least given Hank a slightly _better_ city bike! oh my lord, how did he not die?!

[@ssenssel]

I've bought puncture proof solid 700 23 tires and I only did 10 km on them before I chucked them aside due to how sluggish they are. And I had them on a light weight urban 3x8 bike. Hank is built different.

[@doctorscoot]

@@ssenssel amazing effort by Hank I could not have got to the first chicane before blowing up

[@stanley3647]

At least with 250W hub motor (without gears). I woder if 36V 10Ah battery (standard for most city bikes) can last for full climb?

[@doctorscoot]

@@stanley3647 just a couple of gears might have helped !

[@stanley3647]

@@doctorscoot Usually city bikes has no gears - because this is easier to maintain and last longer in service. For short "hop on - hop off" journeys on relatively flat terrain with slow pace - they are ideal. But, some cities upgraded their fleet to electric assist version. Ususally there is small (36V 10Ah) battery and hub motor and no gears - for same reason: simplicity and reliability :)

[@caparibalazs]

Great work, Hank. I would love to see the local tabbies with their local bikes climbing it twice a day 🙂

[@paulmorrison30]

Hank has always been and will forever remain a pure Legend ✊🏾👊🏾💪🏾

[@tackac7815]

The legend grows! He deserves a plaque on the route denoting his accomplishment...

[@omgahandlelol]

lmao.. hank 2024. always getting the short end of the stick, and no smiles lost

[@GeoffreyAnnison-mo6sd]

I've been up all three routes; if you're there for the iconic front climb stay an extra day or two in the area and go up the other two routes. Different scenery but just as much fun....

[@MichaelGermain-mk2bc]

Every year on July 3rd in Virginia there is a ride called Neptunes challenge. It starts on the West Virginia border and finishes in Virginia beach on 4 July before the fireworks is the challenge. 316 miles or 480km roughly. Come on Hank you have a year to train. It's self supported and starts at midnight so you can ride in the cooler temps for most of the day.

[@km09876-t]

This is good but you should check out the guys who took a Boris Bike from London to Ventoux, rode up it, loaded it back in the van and got it back to London inside 24 hours and avoided the late return penalty!!

[@PhilR-b8]

Awesome work Hank. 110% as always no matter how mad or pointless! 😊

[@JeffAasgaard]

Hank is a beast as always! (though be careful with him as he is an important part of the team)

[@cyclaes2631]

LOL there is a show whose premise is that the main character knows nothing about road racing, but has become a beast because he rides his city bike up hills and for miles and so when they put him on an actual road bike he's pretty good.

[@oninjadaburaca]

Where can I watch that?

[@cyclaes2631]

@@oninjadaburaca It's an anime called Yowamushi Pedal.

[@MattBrooks457]

The real punishment was her relentlessly annoying him whilst he struggled 😭🙏🏻

[@andrewfisher9067]

Hank is a machine, what a great guy, I’m hoping to do Alpe D’Huez next year and still don’t think I’ll be that quick up on my Orbea!