GMBN & GCN Swap Bikes | Mountain Bike Vs Road Bike Challenge

It's time for another GMBN vs GCN showdown! This time with a twist as Neil and Hank swap bikes and head into the Welsh hills on two punishing out and back routes in search of Welsh Cakes. Will Neil's 50km of swooping tarmac provide him with an average speed high enough to defeat Hank's more direct off road route? Watch now to find out!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@adriankozlowski2116]

You should both road ride one direction then mountain bike back.

[@GunneJC0614]

This the best thing to do.

[@AquaticRadise]

I agree but I also recommend riding the same bike on different directions

[@rogerdodger1790]

Good idea 👍🏻

[@joshinjoseph6473]

U can’t drive road bike on terrains mountain bikes can go.😂😂

[@ripapa6355]

@Joshin Joseph different bikes, dude. They each ride road, on the road, one way, then mtb, on the trail, on the way back.

[@oldfut.808]

I think the next one should be two rounds. Both ride the same route on road. Then both on MTB. The routes should be of similar times (planned). Then times added together to determine the winner. Bonus points to GMBN if Blake backflips over the peleton.

[@Thesuperapp98]

And Bonus points for GCN if Oli overtakes Neil on a desenct with a super plank

[@chrisinstasis7986]

I like this. Which gives the better advantage, Hanks Duracell bunny or Neil's off road tekkers? Either way they ought to make Olly do it too. On something horrible.

[@ChrisKim3310]

Hank: What's our next challenge Don? Neil: Downhill at Fort William

[@LukaszMielczarek]

but on road bikes

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

Sam Pilgrim has entered the chat.

[@vfnt]

It’s Hank, I wouldn’t be surprised if he would win this. GCN tried killing him quite a lot and never succeeded.

[@chrisinstasis7986]

@@vfnt win against Neil at a World Cup Downhill course?

[@jrsfield]

@@LukaszMielczarek on gravel bikes :)

[@grandad1982]

I love that Hank didn't wash the mud off his face.

[@roiben-ari2375]

Pretty sure he put it there in the first place

[@shemshem9998]

Happens to me all the time, only difference is that it usauly means I'm soaked and thst the lower half of my body is turned solid brown from the mud so the face does not show as mutch

[@dylanperschon8479]

Hank: my favorite thing about this bike is the dropper Also Hank: forgets to put it down in a couple of the shots 😂😂😂

[@NZWozza]

Hahaha come on GMBN - lift your game. GCN have tried much harder than this to kill Hank! Love both channels and both presenters. The cross overs are always good, but this one takes the (Welsh) cake.

[@kjracz15]

maybe gcn tries megavalanche on a hardtail? 🤣

[@DinnerForkTongue]

@@kjracz15 Ok, _that_ might be a bit too far.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

That was one of the best GCN/GMBN videos of all time. Hank looks a lot more like a mere mortal on the technical descent. You could also see that he is a roadie on the climbs doing it all out of the saddle and struggling with traction. I guess MTBers climb a lot more seated, even on the road.

[@markush7001]

Hank did a video for GCN showing that on a road bike it's more efficient to stay in the saddle as well.

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

There are a lot of quick elevation changes and obstacles on the MTB. You only keep a nice cadence if the path allows it. Id be interested in seeing who uses gears more and exactly how much more often, with speed changes and power out put on a single technical hill climb vs a long mountain road road climb. That would be another fun episode.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_ 100% agreed. I think that‘s why I got used to spinning at a high cadence. In mountain biking, you want to have fluid, evenly distributed torque on the wheel and avoid peaks that might cause the wheel to slip. With higher gears you also might end up unable to shift down if a short steep climb is behind a corner.

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

@@chrisridesbicycles I would also throw in an ebike for the same test, the ebike allows for more technical climbing and speed bit it's still the same concept. While you're decreasing a lot of power output you're increasing cadance with swift shifting where that power out put can shoot through the roof for seconds at a time. I honestly feel it's the evolution of the bicycle. Single fixed gear to gearing to motor gearing.. they will all still have a place depending on the sport you choose.

[@mikagami69]

@@_Jake.From.Statefarm_ except that e-bikes aren't real bikes.

[@WartalesinSkyrim]

Hanks enthusiasm is so great and fun to watch. Neil's great too! Thanks for the good video!

[@Daividu]

Hank is quite competent on an MTB👌🏻 I‘ m impressed

[@jemwoo2001]

So Hank on the road bike last time - 2h15, Neil on the road bike 2h... 1-0 to GMBN. Last time Neil on the MTB 3h11, Hank this time on MTB 3h30. Thats 2-0 to GMBN by my reckoning!! (Conditions aside!!) Nice one Neil!!

[@codythomas5913]

on the same route?

[@sathyaki]

And Neil didn't seem to be trying hard enough too! Amazing.

[@UUUU-dn9wz]

The routes were different i think

[@Skye_Fps]

Similar length but neils was flatter

[@robdurrant6630]

Stunning. Completely gripping viewing. Great to see the somewhat competitive Hank really going for it - so impressive! Well done, guys.

[@gmbn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danlev6927]

I'd ditch my road bike if I lived somewhere with hills like that. I'm so jealous.

[@jethroclaro4005]

"She's nearly as excited as i am" KILLED ME LMAO

[@taufikabidin412]

Lets have a mixed race, recumbent, mtb, road, triathlon, tandem, run, swim

[@MarinTESSIER]

Conclusion : if you want to fo fast : roady. If you want to have fun : shredy !

[@goldenmath4091]

Ace, love this challenge, entertaining seeing Hank on a mtb, respect to you both

[@gmbn]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Next challenge should be they both ride MTB and Road bikes same routes, combine the times and you get your winner Great stuff Neil and Hank

[@three33three33]

They both look cool and did good in different bikes. This is talent.

[@JedTaneo]

Skills

[@ApexHerbivore]

It's not possible to look cool while wearing lycra. They both did well though.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

definitely shows how poorly komoot estimates offroad times

[@spdnik2568]

Although unlike my experience it did successfully use public rights of way, It always sends me down private drives and footpaths.

[@ApexHerbivore]

I did a komoot "2 hour ride" in the Lakes, took 5 hours.

[@bmac5044]

Exactly the conclusion I took! 😂

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

It would of been based on Neil's average speed etc off road.

[@FlatSpinMan]

@@ApexHerbivore That’s like Google Maps estimates of drive times in NZ. Christchurch to Mt Cook - 4 hours. Some 7-8 hours later….

[@A_AAA232]

great video, James is a beast but the Don keeps his cool - big efforts on those routes though and authentic welsh cakes at the end - nice

[@JayBirdPhotos]

Tie breaker idea... plan two routes again however switch bikes half way through so that you both do a road and offroad section. Each one would have an advantage and to make up time on their speciality bike.

[@sanabibimtb]

Great video 👍love the content you provide for our viewing pleasure and entertainment! Thank You all❤️

[@timothyleonardpugal2713]

BEST CHALLENGE EVER!!! More bike swap challenges!!!

[@williamdanter721]

Great to have you back Martin👍

[@channul4887]

QVC are on another level, great footage!

[@davidking3699]

When Hank rides from Lands End to John O'Groats in under 40 hours, he has to be race fit...

[@vtecmossy]

Technically he only did 20 hrs on the bike 🤔 and Mark did 20 🤔no 🤔

[@davidking3699]

@@vtecmossy sure, but it's still a pretty good effort... esp. with the lack of quality sleep etc...

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I was counting how many times Garmin was mentioned, gave up after counting 50

[@zon3ful]

I mean they did pay for this video

[@ghazypangerang6118]

Ikr, it's as if they're trying to tell us something.

[@hucklejoko]

The last time I touched a trail I nearly came down with a cold. No cap! I'll stick to my roads thank you. Interesting video nonetheless, keep it up guys!

[@neildaniel8232]

To be fair to Hank those climbs are absolutely brutal, proper energy destroyers! Oh it was also a bit trippy seeing the map @16.25 as it's got my name right by my parent's house 🤣

[@davidabbs4459]

Think I may need to decide a cross country mtb, that looked like tonnes of fun!

[@pmbn88]

Neil, a Downhill race would be perfect! But i would consider to change tires ;-) I hope you and Hank would use the same bikes!

[@ExplosiveNotes]

Next Niel vs Hank challenge: Trials judged an designed by mr. Ashton himself. please

[@lml241]

I love mountain biking, but I never saw it as a mode of transport, more so just something to have fun with.

[@rmnstr604]

Maybe if Hank brought some more garmin stuff he would maybe stand a chance. Imagine how fast Neil would have been with power pedals.

[@vtecmossy]

GMBN vs gcn at Fort William bring your gravel bikes gcn 😁😂

[@Cludnugget]

Feels like a victory for gmbn until you realise that the mountain bike was beaten in both races and Neil has now contributed greatly to the smug grin on many a roadie's face...

[@equitime77]

but the road bike wouldnt be able to deal with off roading like that

[@FlatSpinMan]

@@equitime77 And no one would expect it to, because the job description is literally in the name: roadbike.

[@equitime77]

@@FlatSpinMan that's not really the point... The mtb is being shown to be slow and rubbish by some people even tho it can do is job great. And the roadbike to be seen as great cos it can do is one job well. But the road bike cannot do the job of the mtb, but the mtb can do the job of the roadbike. Not as fast granted. But the roadbike would break on a single track.

[@equitime77]

@@FlatSpinMan yes, people would want it to... If not to see it fail. Whereas a mtb can do everything. Maybe not the best but at least it can do it

[@tSobota]

Well not really for me as a roadie till now I know that hundreds of kilometers I can pull off is not because of my fitness level but just bike and easy road

[@cat_glove]

Loving the music

[@stevethomas6479]

Another brilliant video I like the way mixing everyone up Blake on embn Hank here Blake on gcn

[@bar10dr]

I love these, next one they should switch in the middle :D

[@andymonis5368]

I really enjoyed this. Go the Don! The next challenge could be a loop, something like a road ride up a big hill followed by a massive decent off road. Perhaps on something like Alps du huez?

[@jabehauber]

I love how Neil 0:56 completely ignores Hank's lycra call out. Redirect masterclass.

[@GalesCat]

Mountain bikers commenting about roadies: I wouldn't be caught dead wearing lycra, and shaving my legs. Also mountain bikers: This fanny pack would look great if you wore it backwards and stuffed a bunch of riding gear, water, and food into it.

[@rufysufy]

then there's XC riders. Lycra, shaved legs and MTB

[@KermitFrogThe]

Hank 'And this is why we love mountain biking.' Me (road only rider) 'We do?'' Also me, I did post this on GCN video where I might not get slammed as a wuss for only being into road riding didn't I?

[@b.w.1704]

One long Garmin commercial...

[@eyenoball]

next up: neil and hank on a tandem mtb vs the embn boys!

[@3sPost]

Neil remarkably looks like Julian Alaphilipe on the roadbike

[@Hangingofgiants]

Was just coming here to say just that. REMARKABLY!

[@fink-d9330]

I was thinking a bit like Simon Yates

[@BigPaco213]

So much fun!!!

[@adventure_hannah3841]

xD Hank's reaction to mountain biking is literally me (a roadie) when I started mountain biking with my friends xD *sees rocks* OH DEAR! *zooms down flowy hill* WOOO!!!!

[@antonpeterson1245]

How about Neil on a rigid mtb and Hank on a gravel bike. Same route including a technical uphill and down hill with a fire road /single track / flat section.

[@ANTheWhizkid]

So much fun to watch the episode! Also good to see Hank in one of the gmbn´s vids again. What I still can´t understand though, is why the device being used still is 600€, or why the "cheaper" 400€ model and below have insufficient 16gb memory and no memory slot so you cant use the more precise topo maps that you can buy for another 50€ or open mtb maps without deleting internal memory, or why you pay 100€ premium for a touch screen on the same device. The artificial pricing curve is ridiculous and not contemporary for a mature product line that rather relies on it´s manufacturers monopoly status than on real innovations.

[@ApexHerbivore]

Yeah that's prohibitively expensive. I'll carry on using my phone!

[@paulsack9563]

Hey, I have the same Jersey! Also, just 2mins in, already hooked :)

[@anthonygates7523]

Beautiful scenery!

[@TieriaZodak]

Hank and Si are my fave GCN presenter

[@Xander3509]

Recumbent trike racing, give ICE trikes some love.

[@Gavinninjatek]

5.38 Neil holding up all the traffic 🤣

[@jeffking6157]

Cool video, I really enjoyed it. But what the heck is a Welsh Cake? I'm in Colorado.

[@BigGdh100]

Need to get Hank up to fort William on the DH track. Also really need to get Manon and Heather from gtn on a mountain bike

[@neonedge9]

Lol! "Truly Welsh when they are covered in sheep crap". I'm dying!

[@ElliotsMTB]

“This is why we like mountain biking” - Hank, 2021

[@rykerbrand]

These videos rock Neil! Thank you so much!

[@andrewince8824]

MTB isn't all about speed. It's about loving the journey, you never have to be anywhere because as long as you're with your bike, you're where you need to be.

[@Guido-vj7so]

That was fun, what to do next? Something with a delivery service, what team delivers most packages within a few hours, gcn roadbike team or gmbn mountainbike team? Cant wait to see some urban mountainbiking or so.

[@FutureMark809]

Next round, Hank on his road bike taking the mtb track with Neil on the mtb bike on the road 😝

[@aliancemd]

It looked like Neil had a relatively chill ride while Hank was grinding big time on those slippery, very steep hills

[@iceI3urn]

what a view with the MTB. You appreciate nature more on MTB and more fun too.

[@DinnerForkTongue]

Flippin' loved seeing Hank on that hardtail!

[@2011hwalker]

it wasnt a hardtail? It was full sus.

[@mr.piccolo186]

I wish we have trails like those where i live.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Longest Garmin Commercial I have watched so far

[@ApexHerbivore]

Do you expect them to make content like this for you for free? Are you not happy that they're making some money for their efforts?

[@CristianCiupitu]

@@ApexHerbivore it's not that they're making money, it's that they sound like parrots saying "Garmin" over and over. Their Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything, is not 42, it's Garmin.

[@CristianCiupitu]

@@ApexHerbivore it's a bad commercial. It's not funny, it's not useful, the editing is far from stellar and I could go on and on. Forgot to mention that it's fake as fuck.

[@paddyredbeard]

Good show, guys! How about a match of gravel bike v gravel bike on mixed terrain... some pavement, some single-track, and some actual gravel. 40 - 60k or thereabouts. Drink a pint (or 2?) at the mid-way point to keep it real.

[@davidvelazquez8036]

Maybe a race where it´s both on their respective bikes, and on the two types of road, maybe not proper MTB road, but gravel and see how it results, it would be interesting. I´ve accompanied some friends,me on a MTB bike and them on their road bikes in some rides and it has it´s challenges, but in Mexican roads, having a suspension and wider wheels sometime it´s best, so it would be fun seeing that on the other side of the pond. Cheers to Neil to keep rockin although he thinks himself slower

[@gibbykirwan7788]

Respect to both riders. Think the next challenge should be a range test on e-mtbs

[@northmanscall]

That was fun to watch

[@elrictdb]

Next one needs 1 loop comprising both types of terrain and a mix of uphill and downhill on each terrain. The kicker? Well, it's the £100 GMBN vs GCN bike challenge! Hank finds a £100 or less road bike and Neil finds a £100 or less mountain bike (not the same one as he got before!)....or just stick em both on BMX bikes and give em a loop or two. Any new BMX bikes on the market needing some promo via the network perhaps ;- ) ;- )

[@mrjapanimeniac]

I think Hank had a better chance with his dad's ebike eh?!...camera man on the climbs while filming was having a blast on his!

[@alanditch2408]

Both do a Downhill & Time trial and combine the times for a total overall time !!

[@hodgo1981]

Goes to show route planning apps "smooth" the elevation profile a lot when you are talking offroad courses. Considering it was a race, Hank stopped a lot to talk to the camera instead of just riding. One stats the boys should have given was moving time and stopping time... Hank's numbers might not have looked so bad then.

[@MitchzPlayground]

I'm so glad they finally did this! This is the real bike comparison we've been waiting for. 👌💪

[@binitbob]

Gcn viewer watching gmbn. Hank what a legend. No challenge too much almost made me want to get a mtb. But thought well frankly that's too much work for a 50+ year old. 🤣😉

[@anthonyjunior810]

Do a stage race with 1 large road loop and then several smaller mountain bike trails add up all the times both racers on appropriate bikes

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

We need an GMBN vs GCN XC race and Enduro. Also an MTB tandem bike challenge

[@ApexHerbivore]

LAST ROUND: 1 route, including a road loop and an off road loop. They both ride both routes, starting on their own style bike then switching to the other discipline.

[@glennpettersson9002]

In any entertainment company the people are the quality, GCN, GMBN, EMBN, it's all good. Next challenge? Single speed! One ring to rule them all.

[@peterdewit7003]

Did I hear a roadie whooping with joy in there? It's such a rare sound!

[@stephenboshears4832]

Definitely a gravel ride for the tiebreaker

[@robertstrobel7338]

Next competition is a ten stage race, 5 off road, 5 on road, points are 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 and 1. Three people each team BMX race Flat road stage XC race Mountain road stage Enduro stage 10K TT Dual Slalom Gravel race DH race Criterium Ultimate GMBN vs GCN throw down!

[@chiefsilverback]

Do something similar but with e-bikes for even more extreme climbs. Maybe up and over Hardknott Pass on e road bikes, then back to the start offload on EMTB?

[@seandoherty5317]

Feel for Hank , he got the damp stuff to fight with.. been interesting to see who won after changing bikes for the return journey

[@austinlillywhite2424]

Should do an e mountain bike vs a regular road bike!

[@The2808erik]

You guys should meet in the middle and do a gravel race with varied terrain and let the presenters set up their bikes with the tires and other odds and ends they prefer. Maybe a good chance to show off the different gravel tire offerings from your sponsor Pirelli ;)

[@cgriggsiv]

I would definitely say that both of you are in very well in shape for biking either on road or off road Both companies I think it's time for a bike packing trip number three maybe it might be four or five I lost count

[@baconhairfandom2943]

We all know road biking is faster but mountain biking gets you the most fun and the best scenery!

[@gmbn]

100% 👍

[@baconhairfandom2943]

@@gmbn OMG I DIDNT EXPECT YOU TO ANSWER OMGGGGGGGG

[@MrDoboz]

looks like nothing can beat the efficiency of infrastructure. but where's the fun in that? certainly, you can see Hank having much more fun than in the previous round

[@JohnSmith-fv2yn]

Great video

[@rufysufy]

hank mate, when climbing you gotta lock that suspension!

[@FlatSpinMan]

That was such a revelation to me (roadie) when riding a friend’s mountain bike. I just wasn’t getting anywhere. I had no idea.

[@thenextgen175]

My brain going 🤯 seeing Hank deathgrip

[@K11SR]

Next race should be an EWS / Tour de France style. Mountain bike A to B then road B to C mountain C to D and so on for as many stages as you like. Hank and Ollie vs Neil and Blake (think Rich would be too much for Ollie, he's always getting dropped!)

[@joshw3591]

"HERE HE GOES HE'S OFF!!!!"

[@straightcirclee]

Wow, just look at those climb..

[@imposter613]

GMBN and GCN are two different kingdoms clashing together

[@mitchb0986]

I Know this is starting to lean out of this channel and into your sister channels. But I feel a E-MTB v roadie. With same riders and same course..: May come out a bit closer