How To Prevent Punctures | Ask GCN Anything About Cycling

How To Prevent Punctures is just one of many questions we answer in this week's Ask GCN Anything.
Get your cycling questions answered using #torqueback in the comments 👇
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Topics that Ex-Professional cyclists Simon Richardson and Dan Lloyd tackle and answer this week include the following:
- Should You Change Your Inner Tubes
- Best Tips and Equipment To Prevent Punctures
- How To Train For Your First Road Race
- Which GCN Presenter Has The Best Power To Weight Ratio
- Why Are FTP Results Lower On A TT Bike Than A Road Bike
- How To Refill Bottles On A Bike Ride
- Why Do Rear Wheels Have More Spokes Than Front Wheels
- Cycling Gloves, Yes Or No ?
- Winter Cycling Boots Or Overshoes ?
- How To Wear Bib-Shorts With Baselayers
- Can Running Be A Substitute For Bike Riding?
- Who At GCN Can Wheelie The Best?
- Tips For Pacing Climbs
Watch More on GCN...
How to prevent punctures 📹 gcn.eu/3W
How to train for fast, flat cycling 📹 gcn.eu/3X
Richie Porte's training secret 📹 gcn.eu/3Y
How to wheelie a road bike 📹 gcn.eu/3Z
Why you should pace your efforts on a climb 📹 gcn.eu/3-
Peter Sagan Vs Matt 📹 gcn.eu/40
How to buy a second-hand bike 📹 gcn.eu/41
Photos: © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/ & ©Tim De Waele / www.tdwsport.com
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The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on KZbin’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Leave your questions below! 👇

[@joelaustin5602]

Global Cycling Network hi guys im a huge fan and would be deeply pleased if you answered this how do i raise my ftp?

[@thegeekathlete]

#TorqueBack Is it necessary or better to get a bike fit first before upgrading some parts of the bike like stem, saddle, handlebar? Cheers!

[@andyzeigler6092]

Dear GCN: How do you and other pros go about choosing a crank length on your bikes? Do you use the same crank length on every bike that you have? What's the proper way to pick a length? I'm about 179cm tall. My training bike is 175mm and my race bike is 172.5mm. I like the longer cranks for tough training climbs, and the shorter 172.5mm for crits and most road races where I'm spinning faster. I also feel like practicing spinning on 175mm adds some extra challenge. Is this normal, or should you always ride the same cranks? P.S. THANK YOU for publishing Zwift workouts!!!! - Andy in Seattle

[@LeFriendBandit]

I got a new bike online and had no prior experience or tools to do the job and went to my local bike shop to get it done, it came with a free tune up because well we all know, cables. Abound how many miles should I ride so my cables are all warmed up and then go get the tuneup?

[@TheMrweal]

#torqueback Where can I get the infamous pink GCN t-shirt? Seriously! I have good antiperspirant and don't fear the pits. Really, want one. And which way should I face my quick release leavers? Up against the forks or backwards for aeroness?

[@skipt5905]

GCN, I appreciate all the work you do each week producing great information on cycling. My question is everybody goes on about eating the right amount of protein & carbs to promote recovery and maintain a healthy diet. This is good, but as a keen road cyclists, who doesnt want to spend the time weighing the food I am eating, is there a book or article that you recommend outlining a daily/weekly eating schedule (ie: breakfast / Lunch / Dinner or snacks etc.). I know portions would be different for each person due to size/weight/training schedule, but the main problem I have is buying the right foods for each meal. Maybe each presenter on GCN could list what they eat for each meal over a week period. Also if your diet was different when you were a competitive (professional cyclist it would be good to see the difference to what meals you have now. Food for thought.

[@James-zu1ij]

Best way to avoid punctures is to follow in the tracks of cars or just on the outside edge. The car tires actually pic up glass and nails for you. Obviously pull in if there are cars behind you. Oh and dont use cycle lanes. They are full of glass, wet leave and people

[@FlatSpinMan]

James This. I went through periods when I started commuting by bike of multiple punctures per month. Drove me nuts. Now I always top the air up in the morning, and, where possibly, ride as far from the curb as possible, to avoid all the crap that gets blown over to it by passing cars. Now I have one or two punctures a year, I'd say.

[@RossTheNinja]

I've personally found that gatorskins massively reduced the number of punctures I've had.

[@Spearfisher1970]

I run GatorSkins on the rears of both of my road-bike-tire bikes for here in Florida as well. Somehow I just haven't got around to front Gatorskin tires, but then it just doesn't seem like I've needed them up there.

[@MrPunkassfuck]

This. I've had 4 punctures in a month on my tubeless road bike. Still haven't had to stop a single time because of it. Sealant seals it up instantly. Just remember to check air pressure before your rides. What sealant can't fix is tears and rips, something I haven't EVER had in my 30+ years of cycling.

[@MrPunkassfuck]

Captain Nemo Put soapy water on bead.

[@MrPunkassfuck]

Captain Nemo Oh, thought u meant tubeless

[@RossTheNinja]

Captain Nemo not that I know of

[@sir.chrishoy]

For increased rear spoke counts, in addition to what Simon mentioned (and more importantly), first, more of the rider's weight (~ 60%) is on the rear wheel, creating more stress. Second, to accommodate your cassette and rear derailleur, the rear wheel is dished. This places the spokes on the drive side more inboard towards the centre of the rim. Dishing creates different angles of the spokes and different spoke tensions on each side of the wheel. This creates an imbalanced wheel that is inherently weaker then a perfectly symmetrical wheel (like the front wheel), thus requires extra spokes to make it stronger. Simon's point better explains why rear wheels are not radially laced and are generally cross-laced.

[@MattDion]

Yes, I was thinking the same thing but was too lazy to write it earlier. Simon's point is also why you'll see increased spoke count and cross lacing on the brake-side of front disc brake wheels, to handle the deceleration forces.

[@TheMonsterPool]

For filling up my water, graveyards are the sure thing. It's great. Done that for many many years. Plenty of churches around the countryside, most often at the top of a small climb, which is a bonus and makes them easy to find.

[@koko-lores]

I always keep a cool mineral water in the fridge for the odd moment Dan might stop at my place and ask for water.

[@aeriegrove]

I found running a great addition to riding, but as I started sprinting more learned that my hip flexors were pretty short and stiff, which in turn left me unable to train at all for weeks. So do run but make sure to warm up and stretch properly!

[@ewanchadwell6222]

#tourqeback. 1: Do teams carry round race leader jersey's with them? 2: Do track sprinters change bikes between rounds? 3: Is it better for my bike to leave it in a certain gear when I'm not riding it?

[@josh1999jc]

Weight training for cyclist. I can squat 100kg, and leg press 310 kg (both for a number of reps) . 67kg body weight, 17 years old. Should I pack up thoughts of being a climber, and look for another discipline within cycling? If so what?

[@jerktimusprime]

It may be a heavier option, but a set of tubes with removable valve cores and filled with sealant (Stan's NoTubes et al). I had a set on my cross bike and they lasted two seasons!

[@Spearfisher1970]

Punctures: This may make OCD people cringe, but I've been in the habit of mixing tires for years. Currently I have a GatorSkin tire on the rear of my road bike and the rear of my fixed-gear bike, where I have normal tires on the fronts. I find I flat out more with the rears, and they are an extra pain to change out due to the grease/lube/etc., so they got the puncture-resistant tires. I'm not racing out there, and can certainly go a whole lot farther with the slightly heavier rears, but the tires were worth the investment.

[@matthewkluge5441]

I know it may not be practical for road bikes but thorn tubes work great for me and I commute on a Trek 7.2 fitness bike .

[@michaela564]

Me and a friend are planning on cycling to London from Edinburgh in 5 days in the summer this year. how should we train/prepare for it?

[@roryspicer5474]

For winter cycling shoes try Specialized Defroster's. Water and wind proof and no need for booties

[@colin7898]

Winter boots or Overshoes? Winter boots everytime. I use Northwave Arctics on daily commute all year. Super warm, super dry, easy on /easy off with their closure mechanism. No more Overshoes for me. Too fiddly to get on and off plus your shoes too.

[@KevinCookAtl]

Colin Latter I recently bought a pair of winter shoes (Northwave Fahrenheit GTX), and I agree. They're way better than overshoes. I wish I'd made the investment years ago. The biggest advantage is the time savings getting out the door.

[@zxtenn]

CONTINENTAL GATORSKINS CLINCHERS, I have been using them for about 5 years and NEVER a flat, I have 23 and they ride very smooth, handle great and wear very well, I haven't carried a tube in about 4 years

[@darrellwhitford7084]

Hi GCN last weekend I road in a group up our "favourite" climb to a place called Beechmont (6.5 km 311m climb best time 28min). I was unlucky to have my front derailleur seize on the large chain ring. I manage to negotiate the climb and set 30 new PR's on Strava however when I tried to do the climb again after doing some maintenance I could not sustain the same rate riding alone. My question is should I train to climb in a higher gear? I am not a great climber so any advice would help.

[@phildenman8757]

Hey, gentlemen I'm doing a 200 km grand Fondo ride in 10 weeks and have been train hard for the big day. Question, should I keep training hard right up to the event or stop training a few days prior to keep the leg fresh. Thanks Phil D

[@VPLDazzamac]

Winter boots are glorious! Ice on the road and wearing the same socks I would at the height of summer.

[@runningwithshemp]

Another option for gloves is wear featherweight full fingers like Fox Airlines (moto) Accents (MTB), POC AVIP or similar. I personally find 1/2 fingers gloves to always slide back and the seams digs into soft tissue between my fingers. I don't even remotely notice the full finger until it's 32C or 90 F outside. Above 37C or 100F (like on a Sacramento summer ride) I go without gloves.

[@mynaamiskaas]

My top tip for punctures, get some training tires. I currently use 28mm Gatorskins (6000kms, 1 puncture), rub your tires after you've smashed through some glass (gloves required) and pick out pieces of glass using a knife (using safety glasses) every week or more. I've just had the 1 puncture in the last 4 months. But ultimately, punctures are random and carry no meaning. There is no need to read anything into them. It's a part of cycling :)

[@Sttuey]

#torqueback - I recently crashed while taken a corner that I've taken hundreds of times before. Got some lovely bruising including my confidence - have you experienced similar and how long did it take to fully recover your nerve?!

[@massimo1394]

how much better do tubular tyres ride? are they more susceptible to punctures? what about with sealant?

[@paulflory3532]

For the guy training for a flat race, motor pacing (behind a scooter or even a moped) can be useful. Just be careful where you do it. Having an experienced cyclist (a teammate) drive for you is a good idea - you can drive for them the next day.

[@alan6064]

From Alan in Lincolnshire I have type 2 diabetes, (high blood sugar) I’m in my 60’s and I’m not taking any medication. What if any energy bars could I be eating or avoiding on my rides? Is there anything else I should be considering while riding?

[@alfredthabiso]

Hey Guys need a bit off help just got an indoor trainer an TacX Satori Smart it's magnetic. I would like you know what's the correct tension that I should set between the fly wheel and the bike rear wheel as there's no set instruction. Thanks for the help!

[@alexfulton375]

#torqueback i am upgrading from claris with a 50/39/30 and 11-32 chainrings/cassette to shimano 105 (with 50/34 chainrings). I ride regularly on steep climbs averaging 15% max 25% on dartmoor, should i choose an 11-32 cassette and live with wider gaps in gearing or go for an 11-28 and learn to ride with a much lower cadence than i am used to on the steeper stuff? Cheers alex

[@UnboxRacing]

Hello gents, I have a training question. Coming in from Singapore for the Brompton World Champs in July. Serious effort needed to get towards the fron tof the pack, but realise some serious players in the field. 16km distance, what would you suggest in terms of training? Train on the Brompton most of the time, or use Road and MTB as well?

[@Countrystock]

Thank you for answering my question, much appreciated

[@juknevij]

Just use Continental Grand Prix 4000 II S.

[@4879daniel]

Punctured first ride for me.

[@zxtenn]

I use Conti Gatorskin and will NEVER use anything else-

[@MonkeyKing1969]

Same here, and then every single ride after that... Switched to Armadillos and never looked back

[@mastiff1011]

go tubeless. so far so good!

[@majorpeck]

I live around Jasper Alberta in the Rockies mountains. I am lucky there is 1 flat road from Jasper east to the park gate. It's around 50km each way!

[@kisooya1]

My wife has very small hands and she's complaining how hard it is to brake and switch gears on her new Specialized Dolce Compact Road Bike which we just purchased. It's very important I take care of this because it took months to persuade her to try a road bike. She's been riding a mountain bike until now. What can I do to remedy this without spending a lot of money. Help! Keith

[@jordanstebbins1949]

Dear Simon, I study exercise physiology, and it wouldn't be so much that people getting into running would damage their muscles and cause muscle soreness. It is more likely that running would create novel stress on joints, tendons, ligaments, and fascia which would initially cause some soreness and inflammation. As you guys mentioned previously, cycling provides no impact, and thus cyclists are at an increased risk for bone density problems, so participating in a high impact activity is going to cause increased stress on the musculoskeletal system, not just the muscles themselves.

[@chuckfinley3542]

Ask GCN: I currently use Assos Chamois Crème when wearing cycling bibs. I've read elsewhere that using chamois crème extends the life of shorts. Do you know this to be true and do you chaps use chamois crème? If so, do you apply directly to the gentleman's part's region or to the chamois itself?

[@shenava]

On the back of a previous question you answered about winter boots vs overshoes. I got some winter boots for Christmas and now the shoes rub against the cranks because they are so much more wider compared to my normal cycling shoes. I have tried moving the cleat as far in as possible. Can I put a washer on my Ultegra 6800 pedal to change my Q-Factor slightly or will the reduced number of threads left to screw into the crank damage the crank/pedal? #torqueback

[@johnnydoe66]

I run an Endurance type of tire. I have been Michelin Pro4 Endurance tires for the last 3 yrs and have only had two flats from debris and one pinch flat, which no tire can defeat....

[@willpiccin-white6674]

Well done GCN nearly 1million subscribers😜😝😛

[@driesbogaerts3506]

i am going on my first road cycling race (25km in laps whit a lot of corners)what do i need to do for preperations and what do i need to take whit me.

[@berndbrckr]

I always have problems to put cleats on new mtb shoes which I use in cyclocross races. I have the problem especially when I have new shoes from another company. Do you have any tips for that?

[@williamabbott7676]

My rubber overshoes have worn through my chainring. Do I need to stop wearing overshoes or move my cleat position?

[@londonplayer]

I have personally found that if you change your outer tyres regularly, I very rarely get a puncture. A decent outer tyre will resist most sharp objects. Continental tyres are particularly good.

[@speedspeedboy]

#TorqueBack as Spring is round the corner and it's a good time to get back on the bike and burnt away all the excess calories over the festive period. Is there anything that I should look out in particular for inspecting my bike before I take it out for a ride as it has been parked indoor for couple of months. Cheers guys

[@Subie_Rench]

I have a question. My wife and I just had our 2nd baby. I've found it hard to find time to go ride anymore. How can I stay motivated. Thanks and I love the channel

[@jonathanzappala]

I have found strava segments to be a huge motivation boost since I joined. Go out and snipe them when you get a chance to ride.

[@escapevelocity6946]

Winter boots are warmer than overshoes. (To answer that one) Tried lots of different overshoes with my s-works road shoes, but none where as warm as dedicated winter boots.

[@serasaurusrex]

During my daily commute from work I find myself riding in a headwind anywhere from 15 - 35km/h+ for about 1 1/2hrs . I keep an aero position but the gusts still have a huge effect on my momentum. My question is, in strong gusty winds, should I be shifting up and down or pushing through the gust in one gear? At the moment I am constantly shifting up and down every 30 seconds which makes me feel like an amateur and surely cant be good on my bicycle. #torqueback

[@gcn]

Hi Robyn, normally by the time the sudden gust of wind has happened it would be too late to change gear. Probably best to keen in the gear and push through it. Thanks Jon

[@charliefletch2002]

One thing I'd say about puncture resistant tires is that they're heavier as well as giving a much harder ride due to the harder compound

[@HNXMedia]

#Torqueback Should you release the "tension" off your back wheel on your turbo-trainer between sessions?

[@petvalt399]

is it necessary to maintain the wheel base in a retro road bike.

[@kiverrussell8369]

Surprise puncture resistance came in the shape of the budget Specialised Espoir Sport for me - no punctures at around 100psi in 3 years and over 20k km through British winters and even the odd bit of gravel. Not the heaviest either even if they obviously aren't race weight for the price and with the "double black belt" protection. Finally just replaced the second set with the lighter Elite version that is lighter but with the same protection and can be picked up for all of £15 each too.

[@yonishor7355]

ContiGP4000sII tire box in the background while being asked about reducing punctures... Strategic product placement without appearing biased, or coincidence? I guess we'll never know. well played GCN, well played

[@joshpearson2529]

#torqueback: hi there, I've recently purchased a full carbon road bike with carbon wheels but non carbon handlebars. Would upgrading to carbon handlebars make any difference to performance/comfort? Thanks!

[@joshpearson2529]

Thanks for the reply mig, much appreciated. The first thing I did was fit 25's on and 4.5mm tape as I'm 6ft 2 and have rather large hands and it made a massive difference to comfort so I agree with you there! I shall stick to aluminium bars now then! Thanks again

[@joshpearson2529]

Haha yeah hence the reason I want to save weight where I can! I'm a step ahead of you there my friend, I ordered a kit which included those gel inserts and since then no numbness in the hands! So yes if anyone else suffers from this I +1 this. Thanks again buddy

[@jonathanzappala]

+Josh Pearson You can also move your saddle setback back farther, that shifts more weight onto your legs than arms/hands

[@joshpearson2529]

Hi Jonathan, thank you also for your advice, I'm going to be doing a 100 mile sportife next month so if my hands suffer i shall take your advice and put it to good use! Thanks again

[@stormdewise1]

would it be better to buy a bike excluding extra parts like di2, fizik, bar or to buy a bike including them?

[@MrWonkyeye]

Depends if you think gears, saddle and bars etc... are gonna be any use for cycling.

[@smalerider1727]

Determine if a pre-made bike has what you want vs what you're going to strip out. Determine if an unmade bike or pre-existing bike cost to make it exact bike. Do which is cheapest.

[@jeffbrunton3291]

No need for winter shoes if GCN do not use them. But - merino socks, shoes, over socks and then waterproof overshoes. If still cold (big toe?), add aluminium / thermal inner soles, and cling film. If still cold, time for a turbo session

[@johnalves2765]

#TORQUEBACKSince I have started using vittoria rubino pro tires on both of my road bikes I haven't had one flat. I have been using them for the last 7 years.

[@luissyquia]

bibs over the base layers, socks over or under leg warmers??

[@philackerman2031]

#torqueback Hi, I am planing on doing an Everesting ride near me. Do you have any tips for training? Also which type of hill would you recommend?

[@zeeschepper]

proline anti platt (anti flat) stuff works great for me to prevent punctures.

[@cjadams80]

On zwift and loving it. On zwift my average cadence is 10-15 rpm higher than when I ride on the road. Is this normal? Should I train so my zwift and road cadence are similar?

[@cjadams80]

#torqueback

[@Dhungerf60]

Reducing punctures.....there are some tires that you can purchase that are a bit heavier that claim to resist punctures v's standard tires.

[@tonys9330]

What's your view on full carbon wheels v wheels with Carbon fairing aluminium track ? If your just a weekend warrior do you need full carbon wheels or save some $$$$$ ?

[@jonathanzappala]

nobody needs carbon wheels, they just want them

[@dommy7077]

#torqueback I have an Schwinn aluminium 8 speed with carbon forks. This will be my racing bike for the foreseeable future. Does it make sense upgrading parts (crank, bottle cages, handlebars, seat post, saddle) to carbon in an attempt to make the bike a little lighter since i can find good deals on Ebay and I can buy one piece at a time? Thanks in advance.

[@thomasclarke427]

#TorqueBack is there any difference between pedals? Are speedplay worth the huge price or are shimano spd sl just as good?

[@TalbotCoxOfficial]

#torqueback - I find I can produce a lot more watts for a given time on a hill compared to on the flat. Is this normal? Is it possible to have a different FTP for climbing as for flat?

[@gueroblanco]

#torqueback I want to lose some weight through cycling so I bought a power meter to try create a calory deficit on days where i train with my bike. I read that if you produce more Kilojule on a ride than you consume calories in a day, you lose some body fat. How you would you approach this? Any strategies for the first couple of rides?

[@jamesproverbs1317]

Prov02 Can you explain how a heavier rider who out climbs a lighter one on extended climbs is dropped and out sprinted by the same rider on the flat? Even on extended time trial like efforts?

[@cameronmcguinness3546]

is there any gain to climbing on the drops rather than the hoods?

[@migueljorgefurtado]

#torqueback apart from the chain, which other specific points of the bike should be lubricated, how often and with what type of lubricant?

[@MrDrumhead33]

#torqueback Hallo thanks for a great show! I dont have powermeters on my bike, but my Tacx I-flow calculate my power when I ride indoors. Is there any diffrent output of power on my trainer or can I measure my development on my trainer. Using the same route to compere the poweroutput? Thanks for all inspiration Mr.Drumhead33

[@shotokanfighter17]

#TorqueBack Hey GCN. So ever since i started cycling i have always struggled to keep up with my friends on climbs, pretty much no matter the length of it. I can keep keep up just fine on the flat and in sprints im the fastest, but as soon as we hit a climb im always last up, and its starting to demoralize me abit. How should i go about this? Thx. Cheers from Denmark.

[@SantiagoGT15]

Kris Krag Andreasen do more interval training, I'm the opposite, my top speed is pretty low but once we hit the climbs I keep that low speed

[@Alllivesmatterloveeverone]

Kris Krag Andreasen best way to get good on climbs. Is to spend most of your training on climbs. Watch the time it takes And push yourself each time.

[@00bikeboy]

Is it wise to rotate your tires?

[@ralphbirke3921]

Hi! At what RPM is wattage most effective??? THX

[@markavogler]

which of the riders in the pro peleton would make the best GCN presenter?

[@djguydan]

#torqueback I have three gears up front and ten in the back and nothing but flat roads. Can I change my front gears without have to replace the derailer and shifters? (Shimano 105 Ultegra)

[@slimjimmypage]

I run lightweight 25mm clinchers at 60-70 PSI on my road bike and haven't flatted in three years, Gatorskins be DAMNED. Those tires are just the worst.

[@SuperMeatyhead]

why don't you guys do a CVT workout/ race live as you did the Zwift platform?

[@samueljolytheoret2411]

#TorqueBack ; I'm looking for a new trainer. I already have the tacx vortex smart. Which one should I buy if I want something bit more accurate, without calibration, and less noisy... Tacx neo, cycle ops, kinetik, wahoo?! Something else?.

[@samueljolytheoret2411]

Anybody?

[@martynlovatt8982]

Any tips (not from Matt) on starting off part way up a steep hill and successfully clipping in.

[@antoninchbr]

Do the pros rides différents gears on their training bikes than on their race bikes ?

[@melissamcwhirter537]

do a piece on byutal vs latex tubes.

[@jordywilliams]

4 seasons for winter, 4000s ii rest of the year.

[@darnellbreed9985]

how can i become better at road biking the hills and how to get really fit for it

[@marty197666]

Probably cursing myself here but I haven't punctured since 1999. Continental grand prix, followed by gatorskin now onto gp4000 ii

[@antiholisti7353]

Winterboots or overshoes? Boots for sure. You need them here in Finland a lot =)

[@coleconatser9351]

I just got a rod bike is it safe to ride over rocks?

[@theotadros3868]

#torqueback should I buy Chinese deep sections for a quarter of the price

[@duvobikes3953]

Buy china wheels with quality hubs (DT swiss) & Sapim spokes, or locally warranted china wheels, Pocket the change and buy a power meter

[@sgt_ginger5869]

#torqueback I have a national race in 11 days, besides tapering training what are some other things I can do to assure I'm in the best form possible?

[@bernardslater8852]

I have dogs to look after and walk so I have about an hour to bike ride.Should I just ride at a steady pace or try a few intervals as I have limited time.I am 73 years of age by the way #torqueback

[@chrishardee3855]

#Torqueback I have a slightly bent rim on my road bike that I would like to avoid taking to the shop. The run is bent the slightest bit inwards. What can be some of the affects of a very slightly bent rim?

[@lukehalls1341]

#torqueback Hey GCN! I was wondering why do pro riders slide back and forth on there saddle in a time trial? is it so they make sure they get the power down on the bottom bracket??

[@naldo8899]

Q. Just wondering what would happen if when sprinting on rollers you pulled your brakes on? Idea for a GCN video maybe?

[@gcn]

you will likely fall off. not one to try! Jon

[@mastiff1011]

#torqueback - Advice more than question - other than watch your videos, any tips for someone preparing for their first time in Mallorca and Sa Colobra??? cheers

[@ts323pbu]

Who is fastest up mountains chris froome or lance armstrong..

[@TheGeffry]

I have 23mm tires and they are smooth as a babies bottom. (and not even expensive ones) I wasn't prepared with grooved tires for this winter, but took a shot anyway, to my surprise, I was able to ride to work without any problems. Fresh snow is sort of obvious, the wheels just cut trough it, but why am I not slipping on icy roads? Dumb luck? #TORQUBACK

[@SamBrown-ew1wf]

In France you can fill up in cemeteries, there's always access to drinkable water there.

[@fatblokeonabicyle9569]

#torqueback hi gcn, I love riding my local climb (Trough of Bowland). However, I'm really nervous when descending steep hills, and find that I end up slowing down so much that I'm sure I go up the climb quicker than when I descend!Have you got any suggestions as to how I can descend with more confidence and, importantly, a bit more speed?

[@jlothrop91]

Winter rides are wrecking my sock game. Every time I want to wear funky socks, I have to put legwarmers over them! Is it against the unwritten fashion rules to wear them above my legwarmers? #torqueback

[@jamescairns5482]

#torqueback how often should you replace your break and gear cables.

[@olivercockerill571]

#torqueback #askgcn are zipp wheels better than enve's? And which aero wheels would you recommend for TT/Tri/ and road racing all in one for £1600-2000 for the wheelset cheers

[@smalerider1727]

Enve is industry leader. For your wheel situation, I think Nox composites has what you're looking for at that given price.

[@davidide1525]

Did you mention tubeless tires and sealant?