Roadie VS Mountain Biker: Who's Faster Up Cobbled Climbs? | GCN X GMBN Flanders Challenge!

The cobbled climbs of races like the Tour of Flanders are really tough! But riders like Wout van Aert, Marianne Vos, and Mathieu van der Poel all have one thing in common - they also race off road! Could this be the key to smashing these brutally steep cobbled climbs? To find out, we pitted our own king of suffering, Hank, against GMBN's Blake Samson to find out whether roadies or mountain bikers have the edge up the bergs of Bristol!
Subscribe to GCN+ for cycling as you have never seen it before! Live racing, shows & cycling adventure films: gcn.eu/plus
Check out the GCN App:
gcn.eu/app
Visit the GCN Shop - Shop Now: gcn.eu/5sB
Subscribe to GCN: gcn.eu/Subscrib...
Register your interest in the GCN Club: gcn.eu/5sA
#Cycling #GCN #RoadBike
Who do you think will be fastest up the cobbled climbs of Bristol? Let us know in the comments below!
Sign up to the GCN newsletter gcn.eu/3K7
Join our Facebook community: gcn.eu/FBCommunity
If you enjoyed this video, make sure to give it a thumbs up and share it with your friends. 👍
Watch more on GCN...
📹 gcn.eu/CycloCo...
Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound:
ES_Barbershop Cocktails - Alexandra Woodward
ES_Bell Ding - SFX Producer
ES_Cold Pizza (Instrumental Version) - Pandaraps
ES_Dansez - Fasion
ES_Rise Of The Titan - FormantX
ES_Still Too Much - Rascal Genius
ES_Used Cars - Sum It
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphot...
The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is the largest and fastest-growing online cycling channel in the world, bringing together a global community of road cyclists to celebrate everything that’s great about the world of cycling.
Our videos bring fans compelling daily content including expert tutorials, techniques, training, racing, cutting-edge bike tech, unparalleled behind the scenes event coverage, humour, entertainment, and more.
Presented by ex-pro riders, GCN offers a uniquely qualified insight into the world of cycling, and most importantly it’s fuelled by our passionate and enthusiastic fans - everyone who makes up the GCN community. We also bring you the latest and greatest tech to your attention, showcase the best places in the world to ride and get exclusive access to events and races.
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside #cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Castelli Clothing gcn.eu/Castelli
Giro Helmets gcn.eu/Giro
Pinarello Bikes gcn.eu/Pinarello
Zipp Wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
Enervit Nutrition: gcn.eu/Enervit
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fi...
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBo...
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Komoot: gcn.eu/komoot
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleIt...
GCN Japan: gcn.eu/subscri...
GCN Italia: gcn.eu/GCN-Italia
Suscribirse a GCN en Español: gcn.eu/Suscribirse
The GCN Club - gcn.eu/club
KZbin Channel - gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram - gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Twitter - gcn.eu/gcnTW
GMBN Tech - gmbn.tech/subsc...
GCN Tech - gcntech.co/subs...
EMBN - embn.me/subscribe
Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Who do you think will be fastest up the cobbled climbs of Bristol? Let us know in the comments below!

[@Kimberly_Sparkles]

This is just a video of Hank praising Blake’s power. Funny.

[@hazardous5723]

That was unexpected

[@XNick291X]

Just walking up those hills I get out of breath!

[@homemadeaxel4503]

Blake is a actually insane

[@apm9507]

It appears that the output depends on the 🚲 and cyclist health, terrain, weather and experience.

[@lex2790]

Hank & Blake together is like a Marvel & DC crossover this one is epic.

[@nk-dw2hm]

I thought I was the only one excited to see hank and Blake together. Feel like Hank would have been a solid choice for learning some mtb skills

[@LukaszMielczarek]

@@nk-dw2hm there was GMBN video with Hank learning mtb skills but with Neil not Blake

[@mikedamat]

As someone who loves road and mountain bikes the GCN and GMBN crossovers always make me happy.

[@Alphard_adventures]

Blake ... impressive indeed 👍🏼

[@YoYosAmusement]

Ultimate presenter duo!!

[@ryandao3047]

I would never challenge a man whose half of his rides are climbing up before descending 🤣

[@PeryMetalu]

29° is about 48 or 55% grade (!) depending if we count from road or from map. Wow!

[@funkycoldm3dina]

its been a long time since i seen a guy who pedals so fast whilst doing a wheelie. Madness!

[@nathanielmartin4800]

Blake is awesome! Always enjoy his energy and pairing him with Hank is good fun.

[@rayanabdo136]

Hank pulling out an Orbea like it’s a water bottle 😂

[@themussile3335]

Love it when they say things like there's a coffee shop down here and then they cut to the other side of the city

[@aldude9511]

Never thought I would see Blake on a road bike! What a beast. I would love to see him on the track.

[@tacconelli]

The envy in Hank's eyes after that first loss, and then all the bro-fists that followed shows his respect to the mega-beast: Blake.

[@jefferyclark7863]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Blake rode motocross, played rugby and rode time trials as a young man along with BMX and dirt jumping, a powerhouse he is no doubt. Cheers Blake, good on you

[@grandbuba]

Stuff like this really should be appreciated for what it is: a testament to modern bicycle chains. How those things don't just snap, I don't get it.. "I reckon we head to an even steeper climb" "This guy for real?"

[@winfoto9288]

That was impressive Blake! Like Superman riding a bike.

[@todd4471]

Just really shows how fit and strong BMX/dirt jump riders really are. Very impressive power Blake!

[@grandbuba]

They put in a new (glorious!) BMX track in our local "community thing" (pump track, jumps, two GIANT berms), and I've tried riding it (using a local rented bmx), but those things are just built for producing lactic acid..

[@razzwilmz7970]

Those two worked their bottoms off, but the "fist bump" countdown was much more intriguing to view.....🇬🇧✌️🇺🇸

[@freshturns_snowboarding]

I wanted to see Hank on the mountain bike vs Blake on the road bike as a comparison lol

[@x3thelast]

These GCN GMBN cross over videos are the best. Doesn’t matter the bike so long as you’re having fun!

[@tonks1968]

Hank and Blake are both beasts compared to most, so well done to you both. Great video and top marks for the collaboration.......

[@mohammadmishkat6874]

Those who don't know Blake, he is the Hank of gmbn. And those who don't know Hank he is the Blake of of gcn. Their collaboration was a compliment to the networks.

[@Windband1]

Of course it makes complete sense that Blake can put more efficient power down on that road bike. Besides the obvious no suspension, the road frame is SO MUCH stiffer than a MTB frame. They are literally made to put all the watts to the back wheel. :)

[@huwillysh]

I'm sure a Orca M30 with 105 disc brakes beating a F12 with DA rim brake is exactly what Pinarello had in mind when sponsoring GCN lol

[@alex31721able]

Hank and Blake are such a good mix

[@jebsenearl]

You losing watts with the visor. 😂 nice vids. Gcn binge watching mode

[@jlukshooting]

The explosive power Blake has is awesome. I reckon if you added in some stamina as well, ie distance, then Hank would have him.

[@martynreidie1568]

It would be good to see a BMXr added to the mix after seeing the GCN+ video!

[@brianrainey2739]

Was going to say the same. I was thinking a powerhouse freestyle bmx rider like Morgan Wade or similar from the UK...

[@martynreidie1568]

@@brianrainey2739 absolutely!

[@brauljo]

7:17 29º is 55 %, not 30 %

[@paddylogan13]

Loved that video, thank you.

[@eisina6640]

How in the universe can Blake have higher max power than Hank!? Seems quite absurd to me.

[@joesnyder6569]

Blake should try next time. I absolutely love the cross overs. I watch GMBN and I train with GCN. I ride cross country. Moar!!!

[@VladMan97]

The spinning on Blake, man, wow

[@rogue1996]

proud to be an MTB rider lets go bois GMBN!

[@ajishgopan]

Great video folks Blake and Hank. Or should we say The Blank?

[@johnmcmahon5225]

The annual Dirty Dozen race in Pittsburgh in November is this 13 times over a fifty mile course, and a few of the climbs are cobbles. If you dap going up a hill, you have to go to the bottom and start over. People ride all kinds of bikes but the winner is generally on a road bike.

[@barnwani]

Blake should definitely come to Pittsburgh for the Dirty Dozen: times are only for the climbs; you can take as long as you like to ride between them. Plus you get to ride up the steepest public road in the US.

[@Euan_Mason]

Blake vs manon on a velodrome !!!

[@linustakee7547]

Top video jajajajaj now feel motivated to get on the trail mzself, what gest me going the longest while bike is *delta parole* or other rokk music!

[@paolomolinaroli3094]

Hank & Blake! Awesome!

[@Mububban23]

I am well impressed that Blake outsprinted Hank!!! 1850W in mental. Also I'm guessing the Orbea has a compact crank, whereas Hank is rocking a 36 inner chainring?

[@workshoptazz7893]

Awesome challenge guys!

[@benszabo]

Think you should take this over to Marlborough street. less steep but longer... :)

[@tflspitfire]

put these twoon a tandem and make them race things and trails :D

[@talos935]

I'd love to see this redone after a day's ride. See how Blake holds up after a long haul

[@marcdemichele2689]

I truly believe Blake could win a wheelie race against anyone after seeing him in this intro. Damn, that was fast!!

[@user-ow1jh8yb5j]

Incredible power from Blake

[@georgemorton7141]

Yeah but bet they couldn’t beat Si up there on a TT bike

[@jasonridyardhome]

And there's me thinking that Blake could only go down hill. Great fun guys 🖒🖒🖒

[@geoffwoods3653]

Great job guys, loved it!👍

[@bengarside79]

Totally loving this!! Hmm though Hank clearly hadn’t seen Blake’s FTP and peak power tests he did with Si a few years ago.. my money was always on him over 150m!! 🤣🤣

[@tomislavkrsic2153]

That orange orbea is 😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@RezaAgustaJalanEnakEja]

Hulk Vs Captain America.. So Intanseee!

[@13ballom]

Cobblestones and roadbikes, a match made in hell.

[@tylerevans4898]

Video idea : I would love to see a current pro on a entry level road bike like the elize elite e5 (my bike)vs ollie on a pros bike.

[@jeffwilliams5355]

So the next tech video: best tyres for cobbles/climbing? Uber narrow, wider, tubeless, ....

[@MrLaurensS]

Blake beating Hank proves that MVDP's and WVA's domination in the peloton comes down to the explosiveness they've picked up from CX/MTB riding. But can Blake still do it on a cold rainy night in Stoke? I mean, after 100 miles with 15 times this type of climb?

[@MrLaurensS]

Commented too fast, Hank just said the same 😅

[@sknkwrksowner]

Was Hank only allowed in the big ring?!? I saw that at the start and immediately new he was going to get thrashed properly! Especially from a near dead stop start on both climbs.

[@tobyprice2538]

Here’s one: Blake and Hank do Tour of Flanders route (or the Bristol/Bath equivalent) both on MTBs but with narrow slicks. My money’s on Hank.

[@jamesg9197]

hank got BEASTED

[@onel810]

everyday of this, please. until covid ends.

[@daveansell2418]

Very very good little video and 30% ye gods!

[@BTcycle]

The amount of Bromance is incredible.

[@BobMcKerrell]

Blake should race Track !

[@jaddizon21]

EPIC DUO

[@jirihutecka9020]

Gravel with 40mm tyres would be best for cobbles for sure, but cobble sections are small portion of the race, so road bike with 26-32mm tyres is still the best choice overall..

[@acedotcom]

I didn't know I needed a hank and blake show but, here we are.

[@jessestorm]

No power meters was a sin

[@mellissanash7517]

Gravel bike like a Kona Sutra LTD or Niner MCR would be perfect for this road.

[@pknark]

My legs hurt after watching this haha

[@baszaskozbendudoloedesapa7648]

Amazing perf, Hank :)

[@isthatujeebus]

1800? EIGHTEEN.....HUNDRED?!!! Damn.

[@greengonzonz]

After just a little thought it's no surprise really.

[@leonline3424]

A lot of people seem shocked that a mtbiker can beat a roadie up a steep hill, nothing more than normal for a Mountain biker, we climb very steep and tecnical offroads , we have to put a lot of energy to climb those steep bits, on the long run a roadie will whip our arse but give us a tecnical steep climb or violent descent and we will own you!! !

[@danielhristov6175]

3:59 looooooooseeeeeer xD

[@mattmatthews5414]

Get this guy in the 4-6 roadies vs One guy on a TT bike

[@JBDazen]

If only the climbs in the Ronde were that short ;-) I guess Hank would win if the climb was over a minute long :-) But Blake has a massive sprint, that's comparable to the best sprinters in the peloton!

[@jensohlund1091]

I think this is one of the few times the camera actually shows that its steep AF.

[@MrReddevil1972]

Crossovers are the best!

[@andyjame6351]

very satisfied with this product

[@chriskonya1964]

More cross overs!

[@josephnicholson1819]

Yes Blake !

[@johngreen787]

Blake is so awesome 👌

[@ianmchugh9423]

take him on a long ride please!!

[@devidia]

Stay seated Hank. Also, 1850? For 30sec? Does this guy think we are morons? Not in a thousand years mate, not in your wildest dreams.

[@stasacab]

Streets of medieval Porvoo, steep and cobbles the size of baby's skull.

[@andrewhillman9632]

Amazing power! That’s awesome

[@andrewh7345]

Send Blake to Red Bull Bay Climb!

[@chiccorocker]

Blake is as strong as a bull, impressive.

[@paulsack9563]

blake the incarnation of a wattage bazooka :D

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

We need more Hank in GMBN 🤟

[@Eis_]

Was that the flat bar streetfighter?

[@mudbloodex]

1st it was ollie doing dh and now its hank. I want to see him with Si with the TT bike then

[@johnsweeney5079]

Anyone notice the name of the mountain bike at the beginning of the vid? Thanks

[@01FozzyS]

Yes folks, I think we have found our new hybrid-roadie hillclimber. Blake's torque!

[@germainessoh1]

What is the frame size?

[@markowskaner]

Hank should do a little bit of sprint training

[@1911Zoey]

Blake sure got a lot of power. He would have been a great Roadie if he started training endurance at an early age.

[@gcn]

Unfortunately, he chose the wrong discipline! 😂 That being said, he's a beast of a rider!

[@blue_benjamin]

blake bloody smashed the pedals

[@paoloesguerra87]

Blake is a BEAST

[@SergioCristancho]

I realize we never gonna get blake on a MAMIL out fit

[@cdcaterham]

Blake: Hank: gaaahah eep ehh eep gah ga-ah

[@kswsquared]

Dear GCN, Maybe put Blake in the TT Bike for next time? 🤣🤣🤣

[@marcuswong1797]

Manon is crying RN.. where are the fist bumps for her?