Has Less Regulation Made Gravel Tech More Exciting? | GCN Tech Show 337

[@gcntech]

What do you make of all the new tech within gravel racing? Exciting or too much? 🤨

[@hereticyogiexpectationsups4037]

Riding my first gravel event soon...on my hardtail MTB....that's the only tech I've got to offer!

[@mattmatthews5414]

How long till we see bike racers with LeMans car longtail wings mounted on their lower backs? Race entry fees soon will have to cover inspectors disassembling every racer’s IGH to verify that they’re not electric motors inside a fake IGH shell. Having limited rules makes Bike Racing like Car Racing in that it’s more of a competition between the rule-interpreting engineers and shameless cheaters than the athletes. That is more depressing than doping. Woohoo. The winners avg speeds were 5% greater than in 1988. Such a spectacle to behold. Zoom zoom. Prime time television. Anyone who cares about athleticism should want Kierin-type rules applied.

[@Andy_ATB]

@@mattmatthews5414 Langheck......

[@jimporter8364]

The essence of a gravel race to me is "just grab a bike and ride" . I think the worst thing that could happen is for sponsored riders to start showing up to events that the average rider just can't access or afford.

[@Jari1973]

A difficult question.. because grave cyclists are the ones for whom comfort (wide tires and low pressures) is most important.. that is, people who are no longer able to ride a road bike..

[@EverettWilson]

I read the Unbound rules and noticed... Recumbents aren't banned. You know what to do, Hank.

[@ericpmoss]

Yes. A recumbent for Hank, a Brompton for Ollie, a penny-farthing for Dan, and that crazy 36" wheel bike for the big guy.

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

Having just ridden an off road recumbent the other day, recumbents are simply not so good on rough terrain because you cannot suspend your body or move around to cope with bumps and being clipped in is absolutely essential. Though the over pressurised tyres didn't help the ride. Full suspension and much softer fat tyres would be essential in my view for rough ground.

[@whizler]

I think US gravel racing is upending conventional wisdom about optimal setups. Take for example Dylan Johnson's "Frankenbike" where he rode Unbound on MTB tires and the Lauf fork that actually showed aero gains in wind tunnel testing!

[@TalleyrandsPuppet]

Love watching Dylan evolve his tech. And he finished 10th!

[@kokonanana1]

@@TalleyrandsPuppetOnly 1 minute 14 seconds out of third!!! After 9+ hours!!!

[@jamesvonvacheresse7888]

Sure it would be worth a laugh to see the height difference of the seats behind the desk.

[@gcntech]

*booster seats

[@biggertree7063]

There's only one seat. Conor is kneeling.

[@_gregvalencia]

@@biggertree7063I hope your comment makes it in comments of the week @gcntech

[@zbeekerm]

Love the wacky and hacky unbound setups!

[@gcntech]

It's cool isn't it 🙌 Why not go weird with it, that's what gravel is all about!

[@ttrout51]

The spirit of gravel is about "doing it your way"!

[@xuchenglin6256]

As a solo rider 99% of the time, I'm obsessed with these kind of products. The whole industry is very towards road race (nothing wrong in it). But for general "just ride a bike (but long and fast)" kind of ride, these solutions makes all the sense. All you need basically is just aerodynamics and water. For you race guys and group ride guys this may be weird, but for the other end this is it.

[@ChrisGuarraia]

2:12 Well done, Dr. Ollie and Feather! Congratulations on the Gran Fondo! Wait, a hamper and some jam for the winner? Yeah, I’d be good with that.

[@Stug01]

Most enthusiastic bike vault ever, Oli and Kevin take note!!

[@gcntech]

The challenge has been set!

[@Yuzushuu]

I think it's cool to have different bikes and tech used in the same race - So many other races in cycling are so tightly controlled, they should keep this one open. It feels a bit like a GCN "which bike is faster/better?!" video in a race 😆

[@cd66061]

Hank must be pure comedy when he’s had a few beers 🍻👍🏻😎

[@01FozzyS]

Get Hank on a fixie for a gravel race! Welcome George!

[@gcntech]

Hank takes on tracklocross... that could be great 👀

[@on2play736]

Hey, leave my boy Connor alone, man! HAHA! The show is still fun regardless of which GCN presenter is on the desk. "In the capable hands of Hank" is still a good show. Have a great time on your vacation, Alex and Ollie!

[@gcntech]

It's an upbeat show, that's for sure! 🤣

[@davidorvis]

Awesome show gents. Glad you brought George in as an additional judge. Keep the videos coming guys and gals.

[@chasewark3377]

I’m excited to read the roasts of my bike in comments 😂

[@gcntech]

Oh... it's coming! Which bike was yours?

[@chasewark3377]

The Lauf with the disc wheel and hydration fairings 5:55

[@JonathanHair]

I think aero helmet is the biggest infraction!

[@gielvh]

It's truly epic your bike

[@UglyFatOldMTB]

@@chasewark3377 i think it looks cool, and ya gotta look good to go fast right?

[@staff0flag]

"love the homemade vibe." Exactly.

[@reubenboniface7835]

To me the "spirit of gravel" is freedom, freedom to do it how you want. All power to the people who innovate to dominate. 👍

[@windy415]

The modern gravel bike descended from John Tomac’s Yeti. Mountain biking started in the Bay Area. It’s all about thinking outside of the box. Gravel is the child of innovation. Don’t make it stale like road cycling

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

Actually gravel bikes came from CX racing. The original riders took CX bikes and put fatter tyres in them than was allowed by the UCI and voila gravel bikes. They later morphed into drop barred MTBs.

[@johnpayne2465]

Keep Unbound, unregulated. Well done, Lachie!

[@gcntech]

It's part of the fun right! 🙌

[@johnpayne2465]

@@gcntech or else where can we see new n cool stuff? Can't let the fun police spoil everything...

[@toddeyster7557]

As a former Unbound (Dirty Kanza) participant - keep the regulations out. Gravel does not need the UCI.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Conor , George , JLW , and crew ....good on ya !

[@tertiaryeel2066]

Week 65 of asking for a "the UCI has no jurisdiction here" t-shirt

[@galenkehler]

There are only 52 weeks in a year, you've looped around so it's actually week 13

[@brianhiebert8367]

Ditto.

[@jedisdad2265]

65 weeks of agreement

[@ndennan67]

Can’t believe they still haven’t done it considering they do a t shirt for everything else. Plus I reckon a “the UCI has no jurisdiction here” t shirt would sell a lot more than others

[@Not_Esteven]

Need the North American gravel grinders to get behind it too. There’s no group that could be further away from UCI.

[@WarHammerWH]

Good job George! Not easy sitting between those two. His calm and cool demeanor is a perfect contrast to their, shall we say, overtness?

[@goshirago]

I love your guys' energy! It's like a shot of the happiest espresso. Keep up the great work!

[@Torsten_Zander]

I think it's great because it solves problems you have on longer journeys, namely the water supply. Very few riders have a support vehicle to keep them hydrated 😄

[@gcntech]

Great point! For many everyday riders this could be a really important 👀

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

You gave that first bike with all the gubbins and non-aligned wheels a super nice, but not that singlespeed because the cranks were backwards? Bodge!

[@gcntech]

When the cat's are away the mice come out to play 😉

[@reoencarcelado5904]

@brannmacfinnchad9056: We need the OG Bike-Vault-judges Dr. Oliver Bridgewood and Jon Cannings to overturn/reverse that piss-poor decision.

[@robertalexander9420]

Gravel - NO Regulation... Love it!

[@dylanl9532]

The hydration bladder in the back of the skin suit and XC tires are probably the biggest gain.

[@paulworth70]

Hank and Conner, what legends

[@bimblingalong]

refuses two bikes from the Bike Vault for crank angle (must follow the rules), allows three bikes through with gubbins on... think someone need to check the BV rules!

[@gcntech]

The rules are changing... there is a new sheriff in town 👀

[@bimblingalong]

@@gcntech whilst the cat's away the mice will play...

[@nathanielkhoom6043]

I think crank alignment is so difficult on a fixed gear, that Mercian definitely deserves a supernice! OK, I'm biased because I love fixed gear bikes, but even so.......!!!!!

[@barrowsworm1226]

Bring it on, new tech that is. As long as it does not compromise safety, I feel gravel should embrace new tech developments. A minimum bar width at the hoods would make sense: I do not want to race with someone with bad handling skills on a 32 cm wide bar! Perhaps a minimum of 38 cm at the hoods seems reasonable-this is a safety thing: there are a lot of amateur racers at gravel events with rather poor handling skills.

[@yyams]

Seeing the success of XC MTB tyres was great.

[@liammcintyre3969]

It’s a take over by this two. Best in the business. Well done lads

[@WarHammerWH]

Is anyone surprised Hank would prefer Seville over Stelvio?

[@gcntech]

We're not 🤣

[@dcv9460]

DEFINITELY EXCITING AND INTERESTING! 💯😎

[@raunefare]

It’s fun to see the gravel tech mostly because it’s not some high budget firm behind all of it. And love the clothes with more storage options.

[@julieconnellan2351]

The hydration tech I think is a really cool upgrade.

[@robertalexander9420]

Hank likes to do long rides... Next year he should do unbound as Lachlan's domestique 🤠😂

[@ssenssel]

Conor and Hank have such great chaotic energy together

[@gcntech]

Never a dull moment filming with these two 🤣

[@TekkamanBiker]

I had the video in the background while working, and at 16:35 I thought I saw a bald guy trying to hide from the camera, but it was Connor's knee. 🤣Also, don't search for Futa images while at work.

[@mommamooney]

Loved Hank and Conor! Party in the tech room

[@DarenC]

Introduce a "Spirit of gravel" category in which riders have to wear baggies and sport a moustache and mullet 👍🏽 (OK, women are excused from the moustache)

[@gcntech]

Maybe it could be a vote system 👀

[@pacificbeachbumb]

Check out the ride that the Rodeo Lab founders did at Unbound. They rode Walmart bikes the whole distance.

[@ryshort7255]

@javierhasnohumor equity.. this is the way

[@cd66061]

George’s Work Experience placement turned out to be the envy of all his classmates I reckon! 😉😎

[@bdkraem]

What’s the rule around prototype bikes like Emonda/Madone (which I’m calling the the Madonna) when the UCI states that any item on the tour has to be available to the public?

[@_gregvalencia]

I believe they allow prototype exceptions. There was a b-roll clip recently on GCN/GCN Tech showing bike with two UCI stickers on the same bike and one of them said prototype. They have to submit the equipment for testing either way well before the race. So usually it’s essentially ready for the public but just needs real world testing to make sure nothing was missed

[@mukuldeep3488]

These guys get on with their shenanigans just enought for me to not turn off the video, so good job to then 👍

[@richjohnson9]

The people demand more Conor and Hank! Nevermind that they demand more sandwiches and naps. It's GCN's version of "Bill and Ted". Great show.

[@nightsfalling]

Connor’s scream after the high five 21:25 lol😂

[@michaelnewman4302]

That POC is a road helmet, not a TT helmet. As for regulation, the Elite fields are prohibited from using aero bars.

[@larrylem3582]

There's gravel riding, and then there's gravel racing. Most of us just ride and are fine with baggier clothing and non-aero, more-comfortable equipment. Let the racers race.

[@ryankarr7109]

I haven't watched the tech show I'm a while. The camera is fantastic!

[@alemaodownhill]

Best tech news of the week for me was that GCN was reaquired by their founders.

[@zukzworld]

Loved this duos!! 🙌🏾❤

[@MTBScotland]

@16:42 At the left hand side it looks like a small bald person is trying to hide under the desk.

[@trevorhayes5414]

😆Conor’s knee maybe?

[@timgrotjahn6408]

just noticed how clever Keegan is working with the rule that bans the folding and reshaping of the number on the handle bars (min 4:22) All aero discussions rendered useless when they make you have the number on the headtube like a windshield.

[@babygerald4645]

Gravel racing in 2024 is like MTB racing in late 1980s. All sorts of tech ideas and not so much UCI interference led to all kinds of wacky design ideas. Looking at Chase Wark's bike sends an oldster like me back to memories of the legendary John Tomac at the 1990 World Mountain Bike Championships in Durango, Colorado. Just search out some images to see what I mean.

[@wotexpat9367]

I think Hank needed another coffee prior to this show...... 😁

[@gcntech]

Not more coffee! 😬

[@ChrisGuarraia]

1:11 I would do the Stelvio (as a looooong Type-2-fun ride), then fly over to Spain to relax that pain away!

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

27:00 pro tip line up your tire labels with your valve stems :-)

[@robbchastain3036]

Dear Ollie, Don't worry, Conor did most of the talking, not that Hank didn't try to act like your capable replacement. And Hank was sporting a GCN cycling cap, so he trying to be cool like you. All in all, I'd say they did a great job, almost as good as you and Augustus. 😀

[@gcntech]

Augustus and Oliver will be back soon!

[@robbchastain3036]

@@gcntech I am so happy to hear that, Augustus and Oliver are definitely the Dan and Si of the GCN Tech Show! 😀

[@wrwicky]

Great as always, great show

[@gcntech]

Great energy filming with these two 🙌

[@garryhyder224]

Who was the little bald fella popping up on the left side of the screen during hot & spicy tech? 🤣 ( I know it was Conor's knee, but I did have to look twice)

[@KenSmith-bv4si]

Tech show 337, I once had a VW GTI 337.

[@fatbikejamie]

I want to see a Lotus gravel bike

[@rosvopaisti]

Moustaches and mullets were a Finnish F1 driver scene thing way before gravel cycling (also before Valtteri Bottas was even born)!

[@MiataBRG]

Good show guys, well done

[@erlendsteren9466]

I wonder if there will be developed handlebarbags buildt with an aerodynamic windscreen?

[@wazzup105]

That whole "spirit of gravel" was screwed when racing became a pro thing. Also: a hydration rucksack may make you faster!

[@glm1977]

love the show, enthusiasm and subjects covered, but I just couldn't help wonder if Conor and Hank went to the barbers at lunchtime and something went askew with Hank's cut....

[@fredrickawinyo]

The discussions that went on before making the new kits: "Now, we don't want a Connor incidence with our guys so let's make sure they can carry some extra, oh, and make it aero..."

[@prestachuck2867]

The wheels that are presently manufactured and distributed by Specialized are pronounced “row-vaul”. The city in Idaho is pronounced “Boy-zee”. The company that makes the trainers and cyclometers that you use is pronounced “Wahh-Hoo”, not “wuhhew” as you lot keep saying. Great show as usual! Keep em coming!

[@ChrisSpriggs-rj2ys]

Stelvio v Seville with Chloe…..difficult choice 😊

[@workshopninjathe1st]

That Mercian was the only Supernice in my book

[@cherriagana]

I just hope the gravel scene will never get caught up in any drug scandals. Love the unregulated tech but as the race gets more prestigious it's only a matter of time until people start doping and taking it to far. P.S. I know they started testing on Unboud, just hoping it will be enough, having mandatory testing of everybody could discourage "normal" people from trying on gravel events.

[@OnkelHucke]

So, when do we see Hank doing the 600 miles on a singlespeed while having excrutiating pain? Hopefully not as bad as with the Penny-farthing. But still enough to feel bad for Hank.

[@jugaloo5873]

Estate agent signs make great aero disks!!

[@michaelnewman4302]

I can send Hank my white Prologo, since I switched to a white Selle SMP.

[@kennethward9530]

Cardboard fairings look like a 1st year engineering school design project. Low cost, effective and lacking in polish. Nothing wrong with that.

[@gcntech]

That has to be the spirit of gravel? 🤣

[@JonathanHair]

Gravel needs more rules. Too many Freds riding aero bars in the middle of the pack (not allowed for pros at unbound). It's a problem in many gravel races and crashes result.

[@gcntech]

What rules would you put in place?

[@JonathanHair]

@@gcntech no aerobars. It's already that way for the pros. Need it for everyone else. Gravel is made of lots of people that may not have pack skills or experience. It's "inclusive" to a fault. Putting these people on aerobars makes it even worse. Ban them.

[@Andy_ATB]

The only place aero bars belong are in TT/ Track racing......

[@retz79]

Crashes happen. Aerobars or not

[@retz79]

Ban support crews. Aid station or neutral support only

[@michaelwood5897]

I think a more even match next time. Top Ganna vs Silverback.

[@alexanderakins5777]

Gimme all the tech, no limits. Don’t be like the stick-in-butt UCI

[@thomasrudland4016]

George has got a rascal barnet 😂

[@nstrug]

Well, the near complete lack of anti-doping certainly adds to the “Wild West” appeal I guess.

[@philipaddyman7402]

Vaguely reminiscent of Pulp Fiction: Bring on the Gimp!

[@bikeskimawk670]

Keep in mind, cycling no matter how you ride, is as different for everyone that swings a leg over a bike. You do not have to follow the herd. Ride to the level of your smile.

[@ChrisCapoccia]

I think it's fine that UCI plays fashion police. Both MTB and road have an aesthetic aspect and history they want to keep. Gravel is still relatively new to be stuck firmly in a tradition and variety of courses mean top competitors are changing their setup between events

[@JeremyLawrence-imajez]

The UCI's interference in MTB almost killed the sport, which was pretty much like Gravel is now re innovation and grassroots participation until the UCI started imposing pettybrules and regulations.

[@winstonbeede9782]

Their are some pretty tall f1 drivers like Russel. I am sure some teams cars might fit

[@mommamooney]

Conor will never ever live that down 😂

[@SHWELL11]

Wautah! You guys are great!

[@markfletcher4605]

If there are no limitations on the bicycles or other items worn by the rider, can someone enter the race with an e-bike? It is also interesting because many people in the race are not fully in the race because they are not racing in all of the various events at other locations. Is there any limitations on those athletes that are competing at all of the events at various locations?

[@two-eyedRoy]

RE: Gravel tech. I don't hate it, but is it detracting from "the spirit of gravel" also yeah. BUT! I reckon go a handicap system. Have levels of penalties for being too serious [30/60/90...? seconds stop at each service area (have a humorous Naughty Step or Corner)], and then have an Outlaws where nigh on everything is allowed for the absolute fastest time *however* you start an hour(? More?) later

[@pinkyfull]

"Do you want to see more regulation" abso-fucking-lutely not. While innovation occurs within constraints, having too many really limits the freedom to create something really breakthrough and extraordinary. The UCI have their dirty little hands over far too much tech in the pro peleton, there needs to be at least one place where cyclists can still be mavericks.

[@mrkickback3105]

If the race is not regulated, could this open it to people using motors to gain at advantage

[@maximkrivov]

Yes. [Full stop]

[@andrewgturnbull]

Breaking news: MvDP spotted driving the 2025 sauber! :-)

[@julianallen515]

Re the number of Visma mechanics to number of bikes. Each of the 8 riders will have a spare on the car, so really it's 5 mechanics to 16 bikes.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Could you do a video about how much hotter an aero helmet is? Maybe with temperature measured under the helmet and one of these core body temperature sensors?

[@johnpayne2465]

On holiday at a gran fondo? Of course they are

[@RyonBeachner]

How in the hell did Ducati approve that name for the bike not once, but now twice?

[@JEKYLLHYDE123]

just make two categories. Gravel classic and Gravel tech or something

[@andreaonyoutube9560]

21:17 claim to fame 😂😂. Comments call out at long last 😉