Is Buying Cheap Cycling Kit & Tech A False Economy?

We bought six of the cheapest cycling products from Amazon to see whether cheap cycling kit and tech is a bargain or a false economy. It’s no secret that cycling can be a very expensive sport and cheap products help make it more accessible, but are they worth it or, if you buy cheap, will you buy twice? Alex and Ollie investigate…
00:00 Intro
00:51 The products
05:13 Heated vest
06:28 Jersey
08:06 Shorts
09:49 Helmet
11:53 Saddle cover
13:56 Lights
15:18 Summary
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[@gcntech]

What’s your experience with buying budget cycling products? 🧐

[@manufanpage7255]

Not bad to start out cheap, then find out what pieces of kit are worth investing in.

[@owosa]

😂😂😂

[@gerardgrimes6248]

You typically get what you pay for but I must admit some of the kit I bought from Lidl has proven to be the hardest wearing and most comfortable gear I own!

[@carolinelief9132]

False economy

[@deanb61]

FDX clothing from ebay is great stuff, long and short leg bib shorts and tops, gloves and rainwear all good. I've had some for a few years now, so quite hard wearing. Gear from Aldi is usually quite wearable. Their gloves usually last longer than premium brands. I gradually upgraded helmet and others bits (e.g. my trisuit to a huub), but for general training rides I still use a lot of cheap stuff.

[@yankiecharlie874]

Olli looks like he just started with cycling and spend all his money on the bike and had no money left for the the kit.

[@DanuelNuel]

Better this way than other! Spend all money on kit and buy euro-bike!

[@davidadamus177]

Once you buy the bike cycling is an expensive hobby, right? 😎😂

[@williamko4751]

Pretty much for all beginners?

[@alexanderkyte4675]

In motorcycling you want expensive kit and a cheap bike so I bought expensive kit and aero bars and strapped those to an $80 Dutch upright bike. Honestly got me in great shape that first year.

[@TheOrgil220]

Haha started the same. My first bib short was from the same brand baleaf.

[@91dave]

This feels poor from you guys for once. The absolute cheapest stuff possible, in incorrect sizes, and deliberately worn incorrectly (shorts)? Feels like it's been done in bad faith. The answer might end up being the same (save up and buy higher quality), but guess we'll never know!

[@gcntech]

Hi Dave, we tried to take this on with a 'mistakes we've made when we started cycling' vibe. It wasn't supposed to trash cheap products but be a comedic take on where sometimes it's better to save up for something higher quality. We think we've got the balance right but apologies if not.

[@greeneryfinancial]

​@@gcntech Thanks for clarifying, makes more sense that way - still think y'all should do a test of trying to find legitimate budget gear - you can easily still spin it to promote branded gear by framing it on a multi-day backpacking trip or long ride while being honest - as while cheap-mid range items are good if you size them right...they're only good for so long. After a few hours the shammies get a bit...worthless and full of water. The jersey begins to chaff or worse gets waterlogged and is unable to be fully zipped down...etc. Personally I find decathlon stuff is actually good for the price - but still most no-name no-brand stuff off amazon/aliexpress to be quite sub-par unless you're a very beginner just going for 10-20km rides once or twice a week.

[@1paulbeth]

@GCN Tech would be good to see a "proper" comparison video though!

[@91dave]

@@gcntech thanks for the reply - do keep up the great work and content! Interesting take - it makes a lot more sense that way, even if it doesn't come across (to me) in the video. Also interesting points about bib vs non-bib shorts; I'd never thought about that. They might carry more weight if the Amazon ones had been given a proper chance (correctly sized/worn etc), but watching Ollie put them on was admitedly hilarious 🙈 See you on the next one! 🤟

[@danabc322]

@@gcntech I think the video would’ve been more helpful if you’d bought appropriate sizes and worn the shorts correctly (despite the website images, they’re clearly inside out!). Still good for a ‘festive cheer’ video though.

[@MisterAndyS]

Guys, I used to use those Baleaf cycling shorts. You're wearing them inside out (the photo is taken that way just to show the pad,) and they're meant to be cycling underpants. I used them for a while for work commuting, wearing them as underpants under synthetic trousers that I wore all day at work. I stopped using them when I no longer needed them (toughened up) because they got a bit clammy worn for my whole work day if it was warm on my ride in.

[@SlimPickins_07]

This right here is correct. I wear them under regular shorts when I know I'll also be getting off the bike to go in a store, hiking, etc

[@NeilLavitt]

Yeh, completely. This is a classic GCN filler video and a subscriber grab.

[@antares8281]

These are underwear shorts and are described that way. They should be worn under conventional shorts. Nice going😅

[@alinapopescu872]

It was pretty obvious Ollie was wearing them inside out, I was wondering if I was the only one noticing that. And the jersey... come on, a regular T-shirt will do just fine, but to choose XXXL for a thin man like Ollie and then say it's a bad choice of jersey, NOT of size... it is just a tad too much. I wear stuff from Decathlon and a CUBE pair of underwear shorts and I'm just fine.

[@markush7001]

I use a similar pair of underwear UNDER my mtb shorts. They help.

[@Einfach_nina_be]

LOL the reason the shorts are displayed inside out is that so you can see what the chamois looks like. They’re OBVIOUSLY not meant to be worn that way

[@pschee5078]

Those are meant to be underwear (see description) to be worn under normal shorts while cycling😂

[@dashokeykokey]

Would be good to see a review on the cheapest viable kit

[@rshanep5226]

Absolutely!

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

Absolutely...., & at the same time can we see a list of the top shelve most expensive as my kit ranges from the Specialized S Works range in helmets & footwear to Castelli cycle wear where i must profess that all my cycle clothing are by Castelli to the tune of £2,700 where its a combination of jackets, long & short sleave jerseys bib tights long & short, winter & summer, base layers long & short, Helmets ( times 2 ) one in black & the other in white Evade 2 with MIPS & not forgetting my Aries S Works footwear x2 in black & the other in white & also my old durable & realiable most go too in the Specialized Torch 2.0 cycle shoe & yes every single one of my kit comes in black...., i ride a black Merida 2020 Reacto 105 hydraulic disc which i have since upgraded to the Ultegra version & 40mm carbon hand built rims compliments of Owen Wheels ( Master Wheel builder ) out of Rat Race Cycles, Nunhead in South East London...., 👊🏾👍🏾

[@2wheelsrbest327]

@@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887 Nunhead Blimey your brave .

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

@@2wheelsrbest327 why exactly am i brave bruv 😎...., i have lived in South London all of my life & have to date loved every single encounter & experience that i have had the chance to live through...., i was born mid 60's in St Giles Hospital in Camberwell & brought up in Herne Hill throughout my childhood and leading into my mid adult year's...., i had nothing to be brave about or to contend with bro aside from the blatant racist bigotry & disgusting attitudes from racist arseholes at the time that being black & living in a well to do suburban predominantly white neighbourhood which in it's self brung challenges that my father & mother had to contend with with which as made me the man i am to date currently married to a wonderful & gorgeous woman for the past 11 yrs who I have known & been in love with during the past 17 yrs which has a dual nationally of Swedish & Irish....,their is nothing for me to be brave about my friend so have yourself a wonderful & fabulous Christmas & New year ❤️🙏🏾👊🏾👍🏾

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

@@2wheelsrbest327 😂🤣😂....,nothing to do with being brave bruv but way of life & where i come from with the added bonus of being 6ft 2 & weight in at 218lbs not much to be really scared about..., 👊🏾👍🏾

[@squee666]

It's not often you see a baboon ride a bicycle , Ollie really giving us a show.

[@iggalan]

The shorts are meant to be worn under pants (and not inside out, of course). For MTB when you're wearing knee pads and some protection so bib shorts are not an option.

[@themindgarage8938]

I've always had good experiences with Wiggle's dhb brand. Slightly more expensive than Amazon etc but you always know you're getting something solid that's actually made for cyclists rather than for looks. Also most (not all) Lifeline products are good - I have a dirt-cheap track pump from them that's good as new after 3 years in a shed.

[@aGhost0o]

Agreed, dhb and lifeline are two of my go to brands.

[@jonford6119]

Agreed re DHB. Today in the South East of England it's poured down all day, and been pretty blustery too. I went out on my XC bike wearing DHB waterproof gloves. Hammering around off road for a couple of hours, my hands were warm and dry. The gloves were twenty quid.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

@Darren Clare And me. Biggest issue I have is with my gut to get anything to fit I have to buy the size of someone 7 foot tall and I am only 5.10.

[@Sprocketboy1956]

I needed some lace shoes to go with my retro bikes and the DHB ones are really excellent. I did take the advice on sizing from reviewers on their page, which worked out.

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8887]

Totally agree with you about this bro as it's a matter of what suits you best both for pocket & essentially what you need for your cycling experience..., 👊🏾👍🏾

[@fennec13]

The problem is cycling is also wrapped up in vanity, and perceived elitism. What kit are you wearing ? What bike are you riding? Its all BS, and if the bike manufacturers aren't trying to get you for $5000 for a "decent" entry level bike nowadays, then every other aspect of cycling DEMANDS cool kit at huge prices ! There are plenty of good values to be found on Amazon and Ebay for less expensive biking kit. Lets face it $80-120 for a jersey is ridiculous - If vanity is your goal - after only a jersey, bib shorts, socks, shoes helmet, glasses and gloves, one could be in the hole for many hundreds of dollars, if not over the $1,000 mark just for the privilege of riding your bike ? I am tough on my clothes - gravel and stuff happens. I am not blowing the budget on clothing that will see huge wear and tear. A nice helmet, sure, decent glasses and head unit, OK. But cycling kit is just ridiculous !!

[@nashgawri4869]

I almost fell off my chair laughing so hard after seeing Ollie come out from behind the trees in his budget kit, PRICELESS!!! All kidding aside, I do own a few budget kits for winter riding and I quite like them. it can be a hit or miss though. Brand names are super expensive in and around Victoria/Vancouver Canada. At the end of the day there is only so much money to spend after you pay for life's more important survival necessities.

[@Lonerider189]

Making a funny episode is all nice and well but many cyclists don't have the money for expensive branded cycling kits especially when they are starting out and have to buy a lot of equipment at once. What would have been helpful is for you to make an episode with cheaper kits from Aliexpress/Amazon and rate which one of them is actually useful for people starting out that are on a budget.

[@azuansabri]

Agree. This video is all about encouraging viewers to buy expensive products from their rich sponsors. if you are smart & do some research, you can find much better quality products online at much cheaper prices than what Alex & Ollie bought.

[@michaelmechex]

There are many good budget options. I've had a lot of stuff from Lidl over the years and it all has been very durable. Decathlon kit is also great. AliExpress wise, I have good experience with Rionbike. Almost 2 years ago I bought 2 jerseys from Neopro, they're my favorite and only 30-40 bucks each. They don't have an european warehouse anymore, unfortunately.

[@gcntech]

We don't do reviews of specific products on GCN so wanted to make something which looked at cheaper products more broadly to guide in that way... with a bit of comedy chucked in too! 😂

[@Lonerider189]

@@gcntech I get that you have sponsor responsibilities but you are already branded up the wazoo so once in a while episode catered to budget options regarding kit/bicycles/etc could also be good for you as well (regarding views). I bet there are a lot more of us beginners/amateurs watching your videos than Tadej Pogačar's wannabies cladded in Castelli from head to toe ;)

[@gerrymcbride6429]

If you don't need your stuff next day, the chines' company Santic provide good quality clothing and shoes at a more affordable price.

[@ugastronomie1237]

Props to the cameraman for holding his laughters 🤣🤣

[@kstethespokes1051]

Well it would all look and perform better if it fitted and was worn the right way round! When I first started cycling and looked on Amazon for shorts - I really did think you wore them that way round and it almost stopped me going at all! Buy quality brands, last / old season stuff in the clearance sales online is my top tip for budgeting.

[@DaveCM]

Same here. I keep an eye out for clearances on stuff. I've bought a lot of really nice stuff for a great price that way.

[@pozbronx1]

The segment with Ollie wearing/using the shorts was one of the funniest videos I've ever viewed on KZbin. I was in a public area so could only read the captions but still couldn't help laughing out loud. Deserves some kind of award. Kudos.

[@lawrencenahlik9805]

The ad for the shorts clearly shows the word ”underwear." I believe that's what you've got there, a short that's meant to be worn under street clothes. I have a pair that I occasionally wear under street trousers or casual shorts when I'm running errands by bike. It would have been helpful to explain to us why Ollie was apparently wearing the chamois on the outside. Looked like wrong side out to me.

[@erikvanderveken1408]

Cycling kit doesn't HAVE to cost a lot. Siroko offers excellent value for money, and the quality is good, Van Rysel from Decathlon offers pretty good value too. I have a few higher-end pieces of kit for events, but for training and commuting, it doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg. It would be interesting if you compared "budget" brands like Siroko, Van Rysel, ... and higher-end stuff like Le Col or Santini. Buying the cheapest of the cheapest is fine for shits and giggles, but it doesn't provide real value for most of us who look at price/quality equations.

[@steve050867]

They're under shorts to go Under shorts or trousers . Good for Mountain biking and Commuting if you don't want to wear Lycra.

[@gerrymcbride6429]

They are cycling shorts but being worn inside out for humorous effect.

[@matt_acton-varian]

The lights, providing they don't conk out in a year, are good enough for well lit commutes and for being seen. There are cheap gems out there for affordable kit, but they are not necessarily the absolute cheapest.

[@TonyTurboRST]

One of the funniest videos you guys have done for a while, love it! I’ve now added those lights to my basket, for the price they will be handy to add to a back pack, helmet or whatever for added visibility.

[@BH-cy9tb]

I just got into road riding about 2 months ago. Bought my gear off Amazon.winter thermal jacket and winter thermal bib pants. Absolutely love them . Very good quality and low cost. Also those shorts only reason the company has a picture of pad on outside is to show you that the shorts do have a pad. Common Spence says pad does on inside. Duh.😂 and one place I don’t cheap out on is helmet and shoes.

[@paulmiddlemass6465]

FDX stuff by any chance? I got a jacket and a couple of pairs of their winter bibtights and they are great tbh

[@BH-cy9tb]

@@paulmiddlemass6465 qualidyne bib pants and arsuxeo winter jacket. That’s a bad name because the jacket doesn’t sux. 😁

[@nategriggs]

i have that helmet, and the schwinn version of those lights. Glad to see them review well! I love biking, but it's an expensive hobby when you also have to feed the wife and kids. Sometimes it seems the rides are easier than finding gear I can afford

[@SlimPickins_07]

I have either the same helmet or one almost identical. Can't beat it for the price, luckily I haven't had to test it though.

[@joeshmoe7967]

Feed the wife and kids???!!! Tell them to get a job.........LOL

[@chm2]

Didn't give the clothes a fair shake. You hand me a set of GCN Castelli kit in the wrong size, and I'm going to hate it too,

[@robertahupp4234]

So Ollie has a PhD but he can’t figure out the shorts are on inside out 🤔. This was hilarious 😂. I have bought some cycling shorts off Amazon and they are one of the best pairs I have.

[@williamko4751]

Me too, I spent about 30 to 40 dollars on bike shorts on Amazon. Love it. Not everyone can afford a 200 dollars bike short you know

[@stevek8829]

Super intellects don't concern themselves with petty mundane details.

[@robertahupp4234]

@@stevek8829 😂

[@williamko4751]

@@stevek8829 haha

[@TreyGruel]

It's obvious that they knew they were inside out, and they specifically said he wore them that way because that's how it was pictured on the product page.

[@williamko4751]

Those are padded undershort. You're supposed to wear a regular short over it for commuting. The picture was to show you the inside, not to show you how to wear it.

[@chicagoan]

This is absolutely the best video you have posted all year. The shorts, I am positively dying. Love you guys! 🤣

[@andysfitness]

I'm glad there are companies like decathlon which make affordable and quality accessories.

[@luukrutten1295]

Decathlon is sometimes frowned upon. But usually value is on point and the stuff is good. Cheaper baselayers, arm and leg warmers, no brainers for me.

[@jnthnmllry]

When olly appeared from the woods, It instantly cracked me up. He got proper stitched up. Great stuff 😂

[@alterrex4463]

I used those inexpensive lights for years riding around NYC! They are terrific! It’s important to be seen. Happy New Years!

[@martinwarne]

You might have found the shorts more comfortable if you’d worn them properly. I have several pairs of Baleaf shorts and tights and they’re perfectly acceptable.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

@3:53 Ollie McFly time travels back from 1985! Wearing a budgie smuggler! Thanks for the laughs Ollie and Alex!😁

[@drevo50]

Best laugh of Christmas! Ollie deserves a medal for wearing those shorts!

[@Erhan_H]

It would have been good to review mid tear stuff from Amazon, like the $40 tights and similarly priced jerseys. And compare the durability as well.

[@Jstroman221]

Agree a little more serious.

[@edwardvanwormer6993]

This is obviously 100% a joke. I agree, I would be interested to see an honest review of decent affordable gear.

[@_Just_Some1]

Yes please. Great idea.

[@johnarleentaninecz2867]

Great video. One thought, batteries might be more expensive than just replacing the whole cheap light

[@rejean2744]

I wear those shorts. Yes, you have them on inside out. For 1-2 hour rides I feel that they work just fine and they last. The right size helps too. Also, they are sold as "underwear" not as full fledged cycling shorts.

[@neilwillis4694]

Watched the riding through water video before this one, and I didn't think i'd see anything funnier than Connor's first attempt. But Ollie in those shorts 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@newoldsteel]

I’m using Baleaf stuff and it works absolutely fine. Have a winter thermal long tights, one more autumn oriented, and a winter wind proof soft jacket and it’s been super good.

[@ChristopherWeis]

Agree, the Baleaf gear, especially for cold weather, is great.

[@Knitterfest]

Now we know that Team GCN is afraid of Ollies improvement from dropped to dropper, that they actively try to sabotage him with wrong sized and cheap clothing

[@stevek8829]

They're all bicycle racers, ethics are weighty.

[@mavericklimsk]

Please continue doing more of these cheap/budget videos. Appreciate it! Happy New Year!

[@CoachJimJacobsen]

Hugely entertaining! Maybe you could do another based upon budget friendly, value oriented kit.

[@talonlan]

That would annoy their sponsors when the good budget stuff is 85%+ as good as the top line gear

[@CoachJimJacobsen]

@@talonlan 😁

[@benp3639]

Great vid, especially the ‘Ron Burgundy’ jazz flute in the background!

[@Bluez2moveU]

The cycling shorts are actually supposed to be worn like underwear under street clothes or shorts for casual riding and not inside out. Not as actual riding shorts 🤣

[@wsbygt]

I´m sorry but the first time I saw Ollie coming through the bushes and then display the itens at the side of the road just made me really LOL and throughout the video I just cackled!!!! Fair-play Ollie Fairplay!! Great 2023 to all GCN team!

[@Xune2000]

It would have been nice to see you guys in proper sized clothes and wearing them the right way round. Even premium stuff will feel crap if the size and fit is wrong.

[@origmarm]

Would love to see this with the Decathlon stuff. Budget 6-7/10 stuff IMO for things like bibs

[@nicolasremillard3491]

@AskGCNTech Please make a sequel and compare mid-range products from different brands. People shouldn't be afraid of getting into cycling when they realize how much it costs. Showing people that cycling can be affordable and comfortable according to their budget is important. I've seen friends dropping out of cycling because of that issue.

[@DavidMcGaffin]

I was at the zoo yesterday. I was in the tropical rainforest exhibit. Near the rear exit was an enclosure with a family of De Brazza's monkeys. They had only been on exhibit for a few years. I was trying to remember what primate had been in that enclosure before. I remembered the colorful posterior. Nevertheless, the name escaped me. It wasn't until I saw Ollie come out of the woods with the cycling (apparently, under-) shorts that the name came immediately to me: Mandrill! Thanks for jogging my primate memory, GCN.

[@Robin_Hood381]

I think a good helmet and probably some good shoes and pedals are good to invest in. Aside from that, I wear cycling jerseys, shorts and long bibs from amazon and they work perfectly fine. As long you don't mind not getting any prestige points for brand recognition as there is a lot of snobbery in cycling IMO. It doesn't matter if you're wearing some top end jersey and bibs if I'm smoking you! ; p

[@simonbridgewater8395]

Would love to see a cheep-mid range test. FDX, siroko, planet X, neopro and wiggles dhb range make it happen GCN!

[@tobycolin6271]

I commute all winter 150 miles a week in fdx kit good fit works a treat. I can have three pairs of fdx bib tights for the price of one pair of raphas. Dry fresh tights every day.

[@luukrutten1295]

Add decathlons stuff. Some of it is pretty good.

[@markbradshaw4960]

You’ve done it! Olly’s shorts ‘reveal’; I think Alex ‘Laughing Boy’ Paton was a couple of BPM away from dying laughing!

[@djrlloyd]

More vids like this please. We all need a good laugh at the moment and this delivered on that front. Oli thank you for embarrassing yourself in the name of entertainment. Much appreciated. The 2 areas I always splash the cash are bibs (comfort) and helmet (life saving). Also look around the websites for bargains. I never pay full price for quality kit. Just got a pair of Castelli endura bibs for £50.

[@larrywiltshire4813]

Laughed so hard at this, classic comedy.😂

[@dylan-5287]

I died laughing when Ollie first came out of the woods. It way too funny.

[@jasonschneider452]

From my short experience in the cycling world, don't skimp on the helmet and lights besides the bike itself. All other stuff like a kit has been fine skimping on from my experience. I have bought several cheap shorts off of Amazon, and some are great to wear for cycling. The only reason I say don't buy cheap helmets and lights is that there is a huge difference between good helmets and cheap helmets that I found after having a little accident as I wore a cheap helmet. Now I fork out however much money on the helmets without hesitation. The same with lights because cheap lights just don't put out enough lumens to see well besides being seen by others when it is dark, so, again, I figured just fork out the cash on lights to get it right from the get-go.

[@douglaspate9314]

I was laughing so much I got to the point I didn't think I could continue watching the video!!

[@Chibster83]

Would have liked a more honest test with properly sized kit, bib shorts, etc. I ride Amazon kit and also high end kit. The difference is less pronounced if you go just a bit higher than bottom barrel

[@JayLato]

You guys are great. All the best in the new year.

[@francoispayen]

Alex's uncontrollable laughter when Ollie comes out of the privacy bush all kitted out 😆

[@stephenmoore4651]

Comedy gold. Morecambe & Wise, The Two Ronnies and now Alex and Ollie🤣

[@neilsawyer3081]

I have picked up real bargains in the used market, it's a more affordable way to get quality products in good condition, just have to wash them before use... let's face it, if you buy new, as soon as you wear it once, it's technically second hand anyway...😍 loved the video guys, let's have some more...

[@01FozzyS]

Alex's laughter for Ollie was catchy!🤣

[@alanwright4628]

I'm sure he would also look silly if he bought super expensive kit in the wrong sizes.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Alex and Ollie and crew...that was hilarious...when he walked forward out of the forest ?Mannnn And , I tried a few of these products myself. I learned the hard way , especially the Kit . In the US. we have Black bibs , good kit cheap ! Thanks again , the dial up modem sound , and Ollies face Priceless!

[@davidadamus177]

Black Bins aren't too expensive and pretty nice. I bought a pair of bib shorts and 3/4 bibs from them, they are def my favs.

[@danielgogeleien2771]

Would love to see another video like this. Maybe you could try cheaper cycling sunglasses, gloves, overshoes (now that it's colder), a cycling soft shell jacket, a bike computer or bottle holders.

[@philipcooper8297]

Great point about certification of the helmet. Speaking of the rest of the kit, non-certified colouring of the fabric might be an issue in the long run.

[@janeblogs324]

10:26 omfg, CE is a safety rating for choking hazards and electrocution, you can slap it on anything large that doesn't plug into a wall. My country has an entire certification just for bicycle helmets, this helmet can't even be sold here on eBay etc

[@bonbonflippers4298]

Have a few Chinese helmets with visors when I started cycling. I crashed once head dived to pavement while wearing one. Guess what, saved my life and my face. If the visor wasn't there I would have scrapped my eyes and eye browse and look alot worst. The helmet did its job for me and the visor surprisingly did not shatter or even crack at the impact close to my temple. Helmet was from Amazon with hundreds of reviews. There are some good cheap stuff that do work

[@suttonfarms2343]

This channel is so much fun! Thanks, everyone!

[@richboihawj]

I have to ask. I have an Eurobike, xc7000 road bike. Bought it back when I didn't know anything about biking. Does this mean my road bike is crap? Or do I at least have a good frame to start with and replacing the components will make it better.......in general?

[@georgehinds9104]

Ollie I never LOL like this. maaaaaaaannnnn the way you look in that kit, was cracking me up.Good job guys. "Good stuff"

[@michaelmechex]

Obviously, the absolute cheapest stuff will be trash. Although I have a pair of 25 euro AliExpress special bibs that I've been using for 3 years. They fit well and their size chart was actually trustworthy (unlike castelli 😀) the lycra feels good and has not become transparent. They are at the end of their life now, seams are falling apart and chamois is a bit flat now, but it was well worth the price.

[@nerigarcia7116]

I use similar shorts under my casual baggies whenever I go on a leisurely ride of a longer distance, when commuting, or when I don't want to get fully suited in proper kit. They're not great but the chamois provide some cushioning to smooth out traditional seams in clothing.

[@ridewithgrace6414]

vids with lots of Alex's laughter are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser :)

[@gerrymurphy9205]

Great video, shows not everyone can afford top cycling gear, hope you do another video on such cycling gear from aldi/lidl, the Chinese websites and especially other cycling kit like shoes.

[@emmabird9745]

Hi guys, larking aside this is a useful video. The big take away is get something that fits. I can't afford all your fancy pro stuff so I have to be more selective. arm and leg warmers and overshoes aside which are more specialist so I am limitted to bike shops and so on, I have found Lidl and Aldi as good sources. Lidl for clothing and Aldi for shoes. In both cases I can find something that fits and keeps the weather out ok and lasts. My SPD shoe are from Aldi and fit like a glove and my first two pairs from about '03 are still in use (after thousand of miles), my insurance pair from '14, I haven;t needed because the others are so good. In these shops you can try the fit of shoes before you buy and clothing you can exchange if the fit is to bad (packaging and labels allowing of course. The down side to them is 'while stocks last' so you have to be patient. For the 'P' problem, a very real problem for us, I suffered it for years (holding it back looking for public facilities) splashed out (pun unintentional) and bought a 'Peezzz' tube which works and carry it (in a resealable bag with an empty 1 pint milk container) and that works really well. Saddle covers, I'm with you there. I tried a couple (years ago) and found they tend to move which ys a bit disconcerting, they also make the saddle larger so it doesn't fit any more,. They're a bad idea. Lights, I long ago gut some cateye LD120 reds (I use 2, one steady one flash) which were affordable in the bike shop and they still work so pence per year is negligeable. Front I use a cheap cree torch (about 3W I think) mounted with crossed jubilee clips angled down to not dazzle others and that serves well enough in our dark country lanes (particularly when compared to the ever-ready glims I grew up with). Helmet? I don't but I realise we will just have to disagree. I'm not a racer.

[@havefunandbikestuff]

Liked this video a lot! Please more like this! Snobbery etiquette is interesting.

[@Sprocketboy1956]

As a card-carrying cheapskate I enjoyed this video except for the jersey/shorts part where clearly the wrong sizes made it pointless and the saddle cover is just silly. In my own experience, the place where you want to spend money is in the bib shorts (and I have excellent ones that cost me only US$40 from The Black Bibs in the US), shoes and gloves, all of which are contact points. There are plenty of inexpensive jerseys for sale that actually do fit--I discovered this when I bought some retro-design jerseys on E-Bay for US$ 25. The material is certainly not as high-end as the aero stuff from Le Col, for example, but is still quite acceptable. My winter bib tights, of which I have two pairs, have lasted me for more than a decade and were purchased at a German coffee shop chain famous for bringing in bargain stuff on a seasonal basis! The lights in this video seem really fit for purpose so perhaps more budget electronics can be covered in future--I have bought heart rate monitors and cadence sensors for a fraction of what established brands charge and they work beautifully. And that helmet is pretty cool--I just wish the Chinese would leave off the weird names on their products!

[@The1trueDave]

4:42 to be fair it specifically says 'underwear shorts' in the listing but then baboon pants are comedy gold so I can see why you went with them!

[@marxcanlas2845]

New "its time for cycling shorts" intro! 😄

[@jslaon]

I have similar lights on my commuter. They do what they need to do for a few minutes of riding. I have probably the same helmet with a different name. It fits my big head and vents well. I have a seat cover on my mountain bike (for commuting) since I'm not wearing cycling kit. My bib shorts and jersey are from Amazon (Bayleaf bibs, and unknown brand novelty jersey but it works). The crown jewels though are my pedals and shoes. The pedals were $30 and the shoes were $19. Roughly 1000 miles later both are doing great! They are my first clipless setup and I didn't want to spend a lot in case I hated it. It is possible to get away with cheap, you just have to manage expectations. Just over a year ago was the first time I got on a road bike since probably '92. It's been mountain bikes for the 29 years in-between. Pretty much everything I have bought has been experimental for the concept. I realize I'll upgrade eventually. But for now, cheap is working.

[@garysandel9116]

My question is, does Alex knew that Ollie will end up wearing the jersey and the shirt? How did he manipulate the coin that Ollie was holding? 😂😂😂. Thank you guys for the info and the laughs.

[@ugastronomie1237]

This is the funniest video you put out in a while 🤣🤣

[@gcntech]

Thanks!!

[@matthewrepucci3564]

I can't un-see Ollie in those short-shorts! lol!

[@SrFederico]

I choose cycling shorts over bibs any day, my hips are slim and my upper body long, so the suspenders tend to press down. Any idea why there are no adjustable suspenders in bibs available?

[@johnnyloco11]

Some cheap cycling shoes usually do a decent job as well (as long as they fit) Same with sunglasses. But for shorts / jersey getting something in a sale (GCN) is way to go

[@henrybent7508]

I know that it's fun to make fun of cheap stuff from Amazon but you could at least have made a fair comparison by wearing correct sizes in the correct manner. When I first discovered cycling I was riding an '84 Schwinn World that I rescued from the side of the road, and I was wearing a t-shirt and jeans. Because I had my heart in it I was passing people on the local bike path who had spent thousands on a bike and hundreds more on kit. I lost 20 pounds over the course of a few months. It's all about dedication.

[@m.t.keepmoving4137]

Fun, Alex's laugh is contagious! Ollie is a good sport. I didn't learn anything new but enjoyed the video nonetheless!

[@johnreese3762]

Been there, done that! Love the shorts!!! Good one guys!!

[@stevesteranka]

“They’re staring!” 🤣

[@casperradil]

Really good video, but I don’t think it tell you very much about Ali cycling stuff. First, the seat cover is made for commuting and are great for cycling with jeans in a hard saddle. Second, I agree with most of the helmet stuff but you should remember that you can get the low end giro or Specialized helmets for around the same price on sale (and they usually fit better). Third, the shorts must be the worst Ali buy ever. I have several Ali bibs at the same price and they feel and look like normal bibs (also owning several pairs of Assos and Rapha). Yes, on longer rides - above 2-3 hours - they don’t feel as good but quality wise that have stood up to many many washes without any sign of low quality. In regards to shirts, I do agree that the premium brands feels nicer, but for anyone who hasn’t tried a premium brand they would be perfectly fine - given the right size of course!

[@niallshakeshaft1524]

PLUS if you buy a cheap name brand helmet you don't have to go around with WILDMAX (or whatever the f it was) written on your head...

[@ridewithgrace6414]

I'd like to see you guys test out some cheap components to see if you can save money in those areas. e.g. groupset, wheels, tyres, handlebar etc.

[@teckendrums]

i think the lights are good to be seen and you can use more than one or put one on your clothes, but i would go for usb rechargeable ones if u use them regular. disposable lights and batteries are not very eco friendly.

[@desaparafusado]

Hello there, great vídeo. Greetings from the Porto City, Portugal. Cheers 🤟🏼🚲🇵🇹

[@leissp1]

These test are awesome...the Euro Bike should have been used as well just to add insult to injury!

[@vlain16]

Why you do Ollie like that? LMFAO!

[@andrewking1709]

This feels the worst kind of sneering at people who can't afford the expensive premium kit. One obstacle to people taking up cycling is feeling that you need expensive bike & kit and that you'll be laughed at if you can't afford to spend more - this video reinforces that

[@paulcratty1637]

ive never come so close to crashing my indoor trainer as when i saw Ollie in those inside out shorts!

[@jonfarmer7914]

Can you clarify why you didn't rate the heated jacket? Was it a quality issue or was it because you just don't think you need this type of product for cycling since you warm yourself up once you get going (this would be my thought- I'd never buy one and I was out and about 365 days last year), or some other reason.

[@williamsham0]

With that mesh the 20 quid bike helmet seems nicer than my Kask Protone...

[@nigelparsons2104]

On the Amazon page you showed it did say they were undershorts. Presumably to wear under baggy shorts.

[@blairmorse3939]

I’ve had pretty good luck with cheap jerseys, though size is inconsistent. Also, leg & arm warmers. Amazon has an easy return policy, at least in the US. I spend on quality bib shorts since they greatly effect one’s comfort.

[@localride51rivertrail37]

Every time I go for the upgrade to higher spec kit I have found it to be worth it. Actually, have found GCN kit to be excellent value for the money. When it comes to jersey and bibs, It really is great stuff. I’m saving to get a jacket, which I bet will exceed expectations also.