STOP UPGRADING YOUR BIKE: Your Bike and Gear Don't Matter

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Stop upgrading your bike. The stiffness of your frame doesn't matter, the roundness of your chainring doesn't matter, the fact that your bike weighs 15 pounds, 25 pounds, or 35 pounds doesn't matter. Your bike and your gear don't matter.
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[@jackburton3352]

Zach that’s easy for you to say, you get to ride really nice bikes

[@_IMNNO]

Jack Burton That’s easy for you to say repeated quotes.

[@Ryan_Rides]

I wouldn't consider the bikes he rides "really nice". Not hating but they're not top tier bikes.

[@samorisa9903]

Ryan Rigney. Actually your right "really nice" bikes is a bit of an exaggeration

[@paddykelly3095]

His bikes ain't great and he said he rides nicer bikes then most people hard to believe

[@modelotime3608]

@@_IMNNO r/whoosh

[@klarkolofsson]

You can expand this argument to everything, what do you really NEED? Spending money on your hobby is not illogical if it gives you pleasure, makes you want to ride more.

[@SKBKER]

Exactly

[@KennethKetchum]

AND keeps you fit, most importantly. Then is is no longer a hobby, but a lifestyle.

[@IamBlueDragon_]

Couldn’t have said it better myself. However, some upgrades are logical and functional; since upgraded to tubeless, I no longer have to endure frostbite to my fingers fixing punctures in subzero temperatures. At the end of the day, there’s always someone better than you. The only person to beat is yourself and the nice gears edges you to dig deeper to justify the expenses.

[@SKBKER]

lton - I'm the opposite . I had more issues with tubeless like constant leaks, burping and at one point the tyre coming away from the bead even on a UST rim . With tubes I rarely get a puncture hacing said that I use thermoplastic tubes and Aerothane tubes .

[@n.o.b.s.8458]

That's a fallacy. Spending hundreds, even thousands of dollars on something you enjoy doing does not necessarily make you enjoy it more. I have a lot of hobbies, and I can agree that good gear and occasional add-ons can expand my abilities and make life easier, but it should never be the focus. For too many people, it is. Photography is a great example for this. I have what would be considered lower mid range gear, yet I have seen many others who spend 2-5x what I have, and they're taking mediocre pictures, and barely getting out enough to build a portfolio and improve. It's a whole mindset that makes people think they should be spending loads of money on something in order to improve or "enjoy it more". You enjoy things when you work for them, challenge yourself, when you reach a goal, or when you are doing it with friends. Find things you like, and do them as often and with as many people as possible.

[@famousamos]

I ride a 20 year old bicycle with a ducttaped seat lol. No care.

[@Will-dk5sd]

Ducttape grips ftw

[@trentcoones129]

same but 30

[@mitlaufer4798]

People buy expensive and overkill shit because it's fun.

[@duckacid]

Or because they are dumb consumers who believe they become what they buy. Sent from my iPhone.

[@user-tb2cd8kr3v]

Nice one

[@joostdemoor138]

"bikes aren't fast, people are fast". Sure, but fast people on fast bikes are faster that fast people on slow bikes. #clickbait

[@richshaffer7285]

This is the best reply. People watching this video are probably somewhat invested into their bicycles. Having better components makes for a more comfortable ride, as someone else stated. Also, I have bikes for road racing, bikes for triathlon, a hybrid to ride with my wife and building a single speed for my work commute. I don't want cheap components on any of them.

[@jackcarpenters3759]

yeah but it is only a couple of seconds on an hour ride. If that is worth 1000 dollar extra. ride in a pothole and your ultra light carbon bike breaks in two oke.

[@miosina_629]

life is to short to ride shit bikes

[@plutoplatters]

life is also "too" short to spend a grand on a bike tire.

[@scxrlethouse]

plutoplatters I can tell you don’t ride bikes.

[@melbman43]

had that happened to me to,.

[@relikvija2]

Miosina_ true fuck this dude

[@jpsalis]

I use a low end mountain bike. I don't know the origin, it was from local bike co-op. the best mountain bike I've ever used (not that I've used very many). All I replaced were the shifters and the pads and suddenly it stops on a dime and shift from 1 to 6 with one twist of the wrist. The derailleurs look like shit but I maintain it and it works like any other bike. I spent a max of $50 on it total. I don't give a shit about what happens to it, and have never had a broken weld, split stem, or anything like that. I also have an old trek I got from the same place. Only needed better seat and brakes. maybe $70 in upgrades. You can have fun on any bike regardless of age or quality of parts. That is until you get into walmart quality.

[@MattSezer]

I agree, but I feel there's a much larger difference between a $200 bike and a $500 bike than a $500 bike and a $2,000 bike. Saving a few grams or even a pound doesn't matter that much, but saving 5 pounds or more is when it starts to actually matter. Also, a lot of it is the durability too.

[@Wen6543]

I think that you´ll find great differences between some $500 and some $2000, my Trek Marlin 6 weights around 32 lbs, i compared it with a Trek Superfly 7 that weights around 25 lbs and i was impressed how much more heavy felt my bike. I love mine, it works great for what i use it, recreation, exercise and short distance travel, reliable and can take a beating, but for things like cyclotourism when you are all day riding those 7 pounds really makes a difference. Also after reading your comment i visited Amazon to see mountain bikes of $200, many of them have listed weight of around 34 lbs, that´s damn close to my 32 lbs Marlin 6, still there is an abyss of difference in quality, $200 have simply are not reliable.

[@MattSezer]

But I wasn't talking about mountain bikes; I was talking about fixed gear bikes, which is what this video is about. With cheap bikes, generally the more features you have, the lower the quality. I wouldn't buy a fixed gear bike for $200 because it's not going to be high enough quality, so there's no way in hell I'd buy a mountain bike in that range, which is going to compromise on parts even more since there are more parts that it has. What I'm saying is that you can easily get a fixed gear bike that's 20lbs or slightly less for around $500. After that point, most of what you're spending is going to very minor incremental gains in lightness, stiffness, and aerodynamics.

[@Wen6543]

Ok, i agree.

[@axelbuckets3858]

This is the most contradicting bike channel I’ve ever come across.

[@noonehere4332]

Axel Buckets Walmart fixie vid lol

[@SKBKER]

When I'm poor then I will take your advice

[@matthewzalen154]

I bet you will

[@IamPaste]

haha

[@Steve197201]

Finally, somebody said it! A few years ago, I bought a brand new $3,000 (base price) carbon fiber Trek Domane, had it custom fitted, upgraded the seat and handlebars, got clipless pedals, the whole shebang. That bike didn't go any faster than my 25 year old Cannondale aluminum road bike that I bought used for less than $500. The best way to buy a bike is get a good used one, and make sure everything is working on it, or replace the components that don't. If you want a particular bike and you can't find it used, then fine, buy it brand new if you want to splurge. But all you really need is just a halfway decent bike. You don't need all the fancy upgrades, the special shoes, and everything else. The weight of the bike doesn't really matter much because, even if you're in good shape, your body weight is going to always be a lot more than the weight of the bike, no matter how much it weighs. It's a bike, people. It's not the space shuttle!

[@vincesnetterton5868]

remember, when we were kids, on our cheapo bikes, going everywhere, and never a thought of upgrading, only repairing. happy times

[@jeffpunz5337]

Great video/message for the people you intended this for. I get what you're saying, because some people should hear this. It's easy to chase the upgrades and keep pouring money into your ride, but it's the actual riding time and mileage/experience you have on your bike that makes you better. It makes more sense to start small and build big, rather than spend big and waste money not maximizing your 'top shelf' gear..

[@jeffpunz5337]

To add, once you know biking is you thing, you can pragmatically source/build your own upgrades to your riding style. Not upgrade to impress your friends/get attention

[@SSx3FGS]

How ever I'm not a crazy cyclist I just do for the freedom enthusiasm of outdoors , and the feeling of adrenaline at some point , no to race against other riders ,that would end up bad , ride safe everyone destination is the limit ... enjoy your ride and made it home safe to your love ones 🙌🙏

[@die2tri448]

In orthopedic joint replacement we say "you design an implant with a micrometer, manufacture it within a millimeter, and pound it in with a 1kg mallet." Likewise for cycling we have bikes designed with an extreme attention to aerodynamics, they are manufactured with space age materials within fractions of a gram, then we put two full water bottles on it along with our fat asses!

[@SweetandFitting]

Meh, the nicer the bike the more enjoyable the experience, I love the feeling of knowing just how responsive and fast I can go. Pushing how much I can trust the bike to lean on corners and shift smoothly. I love the feeling of riding and gear makes a big difference.

[@thriftest]

That Cannondale track really, really matters tho.....

[@mmma5261]

I'm very happy with my capriolo fastboy. After 10 days I destroyed front and only brake. Now he is 100% FIXIE

[@calmenda]

I don't look for other people's validation on how I spend my money. If someone wants to spend $100 or $10,000 on their bike that is their business.

[@CTINF]

Carlos Almendárez Well said

[@Gee-xb7rt]

eh, it kind of depends, if you have a really expensive bike to go to the grocery store you need to be laughed at.

[@joen3992]

You hit it on the nail....chrome don't get you home is my motto.

[@Ranger4402]

"People are fast." AMEN I am in top physcial shape. That is the best upgrade ever.

[@25inspector]

Thank you so much for saying this! For most of us cyclists it is all about enjoying the ride. Most of my most enjoyable rides were on inexpensive under $500 bikes. Actually, I have never owned a high end bike and likely never will. I do recreational day long rides around my city on bike paths with a single speed old style clunker bike. Yes it is heavy and I walk some hills but it is so enjoyable, plain, simple and grass roots cycling.

[@stevecooper7038]

Bike weight & stiffness definitely DOES make a difference! I know it does from 30 years of cycling experience.

[@toad734]

He's right about diminishing returns vs costs, and your personal fitness and weight but the aero profile of your wheels matter, the stiffness of your frame matters. I rode the same routes for 3 years, almost never PRing the last couple of years, but when I got some deep carbon wheels, I was sitting PRs again for the next two months. Before that, I was riding fast group rides on a modern 21 lb steel frame bike and getting dropped at the same spot every time. I upgraded to a stiff Cannondale Supersix Evo, I never got dropped again. Sure, it was 4 lbs lighter but it was the stiffness is what allowed me to match the accelerations. So sometimes the components do matter.

[@DueForARenaissance]

Recently I did my first tour from Durham, NC to Pittsburgh, PA - 596 miles, 32,000 ft, 8 days. I agree that it is not all about gear - but I will never again tour with a backpack. Something always hurts - that seems to be the nature of touring (at least when you average 75 mi/day and climb 4000 ft/day), and whatever hurts the most at any given moment is what your brain focuses on. Throwing a backpack into the mix means your back is in on the cycle of pain. There are a lot of options for luggage space on a bicycle; I'd use every single option before resorting to a backpack.

[@lesterroberts1628]

Best upgrade is to buy a $30-50 used skinsuit second hand. Also bigger tires if your city has terrible roads. Most of the upgrades i purchase are focused on comfort. Asymmetrical crank arm length, wider bottom bracket axle, Shimano sandals, frame bag and saddle bag. Although i can think of one upgrade that makes a huge performance difference; tires. I went from a front 32mm slick tire to 40mm knobby tire and saved about an hour on a 55 mile ride at night through mixed terrains. The added grip of the knobby tire in loose dirt allows me to peddle much faster at night especially in windy conditions. The traction of the 32mm was too low for loose dirt so i would need to travel slow enough to catch myself if the front tire lost grip in a soft patch of sand/dirt. I easily doubled or tripled my speed for the off road section of my ride.

[@adamlynch9153]

I just graduated high school in June. I would like to purchase a new bike for college, but the bike store seems to care more about selling their inventory then helping me find the best fit. My bike from high school has all quick release stuff on it so I want to upgrade to make locking up easier.

[@beofux3356]

I allways have the feeling my bike needs more to get the perfect bike for me. But Your videos allways flush away those toughts and make me happy I have my bike just as it is and enjoy the ride. Except upgrading for more ergonomic comfort and less pain.

[@DoRC]

This is true of just about anything in life. No amount of equipment or money will replace passion and effort. You will get out what you genuinely put in.

[@angelasenov2526]

I do agree on your point that not the bike makes the ride but the rider. Better gear makes your life easier and more comfortable but is not something you really need to have fun. All you need is to hop on your bike and feel the wind in your hair! That's what gives me the feeling of freedom I really love about bikes.

[@elizabethwilson7934]

I’m glad you said what you said. It is a fact that we all get sucked in to buying everything in sight because it is going to do something magical for us. I also liked what you said about Walmart bikes being toys. That was very well stated. Everything here can be applied to all bikes, not just fixed gear. Everyone should take the time and watch this video, and most importantly LISTEN to what is being said. Thank you for your words of wisdom, and please keep your videos coming! I always learn something from them. :)

[@bruhmaxxer]

As a courier, I NEED good performance on a bike. Of course, I won't buy a track bike (that would be dumb due to durability), but yeah, gear matters. And since I often get into crashes often enough, I need to have really durable bike to AT THE VERY LEAST double my initial investment.

[@idkjeb]

iohanan metellus I have a beater bike some times I ride my roadie but feel comfortable in my fixed bike more durable less maintenance and less weight

[@MaGGoT583]

Double this, going from a hybrid(giant escape) to a mid high end cx bike(specialized e-5 crux HDR) definitely helped me make more money/h

[@iBakSteen]

Why do you get into crashes a lot?

[@danielbennett4655]

you sound new

[@danielbennett4655]

Not sure if that was a reply to me. My comment was for the OP. I've been a bike messenger for 12 years. Riding track bikes for 10. This guy has no idea

[@Steve30x]

3:09 When I had cheaper Bicycles all I was ever doing was getting the damn things fixed. With the good bicycle the parts didn't break near as often. And I knew how to take care and look after the bicycle. I was never excessively rough with my equipment either. Cheap Bicycles are just break often. 3:34 Its not about how many seconds you save. Its about making it easier to cycle. A lighter bicycle is easier to cycle. A lighter bicycle is much easier to cycle up hills too. I never cared about aerodynamics.

[@russellstephan6844]

I'm 6'3". Current bike is a regular off-the-rack sized Chinese-made Schwinn label upright picked up on Craigslist for $50.00. A set of rigid Shimano brake levers (~$25.00), monster tall seat post, similarly sized gooseneck steering stem, Van Schothorst stainless steel rims, and cheapie sealed bearing hubs round out the functional upgrades. I use it for all kinds of daily errand running and frequent long 30 to 50 miles trips. There's 4,000 miles on the odometer and I banged out a 75 mile ride yesterday (03/18/2018). I like the cheapies off Craigslist since they can be acquired for $50.00 day in and day out -- buy it, ride it, use it up, and buy another one. There's a saying in motorcycling that goes, "There are bike owners and bike riders. Be a bike rider."

[@bashort1]

I was looking for a reliable light bike but they were all so expensive. Instead I bought the best big box store Schwinn I could find and rode the wheels off it. I kept up the maintenance, upgraded to puncture resistant tires and shaved off 15 pounds of body weight. Upgraded myself instead of the bike.

[@aredram1416]

It's really about what you can afford. If you can't afford to get a high-end bike from your LBS, but only have enough money for a used or a decent Walmart bike such as a Schwinn bike then you can have a decent experience as long as you upgrade and a few major components such as the saddle, handlebar grips, bottle cage (if your bike can be equipped with one). Though if you are unsure or need help with the inspection or installation of the bike, your LBS would be able to help you with that, which may cost around $10-$50+ depending on how much they charge. You should also have a small repair set in case something goes wrong with the bike during your ride. I'd estimate it would cost around $50-$500 in total including how much you bought the bike for. This is just my personal opinion, but your free to agree or disagree on why I'm wrong or correct.

[@burteddy]

You know your review is based on you and your abilities. Even so I have to agree to some extent “ the rider matters not the bike” with that said if you’re a competitive cyclist “racer” then the bike a gear really really matters. 1800 Watts into a lasko crank doesn’t work out so well. 90+ rpm at all times you will leave skin torn up in jeans trust me the doctor bill is there. It would be better to be more specific as to whom this review is for, for a novice looking to just enjoy riding you are spot on but for someone looking to get the most efficient bike for the job you need a part two my brotha

[@painhour]

I agree. I ride a 250$ se draft single speed. Only upgraded the wheels. Been on multiple centuries finishing mid group. Most people are on high end road bikes but have no skill or knowledge of how to use their equipment. Have had the bike for 9 years now with minimal maintenance.

[@zacherytoone9957]

Do you MTB at all?

[@j3st3rjok3r]

I just ride to ride and build my bikes just to look pretty. I know I’m not fast, I’m not a pro rider/racer, i have slow segments on Strava, etc. But i still spend up $800-$1000 on fixed gear bikes, because i like to build them for looks. 🤷🏻‍♂️ it’s preference at the end of the day, and how deep your pockets are.

[@matthewzalen154]

The deeper the pockets, the better the poser 😄

[@AndrewSmith-cd5zf]

Simple message which may allow some consumers to actually buy a reasonable bike and have fun. I race with gears and would love a fully bling bike, however I know that currently it is the engine which is the slowest component not the bike. Looking to do some track riding on a fixed wheel soon.

[@ynslife]

All this time on youtube and you still haven't got a proper mic? start upgrading your gear...

[@michaelwrigley5438]

His philosophy applies to film gear too apparently. Just pull out your early 2000s flip phone. Its got a camera and a mic. GTG.

[@jingrenchan3401]

STOP UPGRADING YOUR AUDIO: Your Mic and Gear Don't Matter

[@eilrach299]

Hi! I enjoyed your video and I agree in general with your message - get out and ride on whatever you like. Personally though, I am much happier battling up hills on my light aluminium bike now than I was on my steel touring bike. I've always loved cycling (I am not competitive) but the sense of achievement I feel now for getting up a climb without stopping is worth the slight extra investment.

[@joen3992]

I recently had a 2004 Trek 3500 given to me. Coming from a 29er, I was like 'meh'. But tuning up the 3x7 train, threaded forks, upgrading to XT V-brakes. I was impressed by the ride. Having a 48/38/26 Crank made all the difference in the world. For speeding through town and keeping a pace. Looks old school, but what a joy to ride!

[@sharetheroads]

thank you for reminding me why I ride. It's easy to get lost in the up grades or having the better bike. Since I ride 10,000+ miles a yr, I tend to buy the best I can afford. cheap stuff simply doe s not last and is harder to work on. Thanks again, this is coming from a 57 yr old man

[@aTipicalDelta]

Dude, here in colombia there's a bunch of peasants that ride in a 50 pound bike from the past century, carrying 40 pounds of potatoes up hill and they are still faster than a lot of pros.

[@robertopics]

???

[@donmichigan8201]

Because they're chewing those coca leaves....

[@تومريتشاردز]

Haywood Jablome you had to go there 😂

[@BARACKOBAMA-zp5wi]

Can u give like the actual speed?

[@donmichigan8201]

BARACKOBAMA1718188191 I suppose the more they chew, the faster they chew. I don't know how to measure chewing speed

[@bittersweethood]

sure gears don't matter, weight doesnt matter, nothing matters when you are riding "ALONE" in your own world, passing people you see on the road doesnt mean you are faster or better than him/her, because you don't know the distance he has been riding, the intensity that person was riding before, or what type of interval training he/she is doing at the moment. Go ride with a proper group of roadies, do a 50km which involved some climbing, with your fixie and your jeans, put the video here to prove that you can keep up without getting drop, then you can tell us bike and gear don't matter. I bet any gradient with more than just 5%, you and your fixie with that gear ratio, won't be able to keep up with the group.

[@michaelwrigley5438]

I would actually be fascinated to see this.

[@kirkulate]

Shit Yeah! I do the same thing! I love flying by guys on there mt bikes. Especially when they get all bent and give chase. They never catch up. And it makes me pedal harder. Fixed gear! ✊ One speed is all you need

[@aliafan7357]

Don’t know why, but for me climbing on fixed gear is easier than geared bike, one time there are fun rides in my town, lot of mtb people passing me until climbing section, it’s just fun watching them staring at me riding fixed gear on a climb as i passing them with some people try to follow me and then give up, and yeah even on off road most of them are slow as hell, then im just speeding through with my skinny tire and never had any issue with it

[@tjenglish7036]

That's the point though he's saying most people aren't gonna be going on 50 km rides or if they are it's just for fun so the extra thousands in exchange for seconds isn't worth it

[@ernestfrigelj2876]

@@tjenglish7036 but most ppl dont care about those extra seconds.....they love cycling and they love tech and why not spend on smthing you love

[@racsofischer7601]

damn black bikes just hit different. I just repaired mine that was waiting looong overdue fixes and I'm so happy right now !

[@Mububban23]

I completed a hills sportive on my stock 2.1kg wheelset and suffered. I then did another event on upgraded 1.5kg wheelset and wasn’t hating it on every incline. So to me, it was money well spent! But my bike is still a 10kg alloy lower/mid range bike, and I still love it 😀 Any day on the bike is a good day!

[@mikefule330]

Excellent video. Yes, a lighter, more aero, stiffer bike will be a bit faster, but if it fits, it's robust, and it is reasonably light then that's all you need. Anything else is either a bonus or an indulgence. Cycling used to be a cheap and simple hobby and a viable method of daily transport. Look in a bike shop now and you'd think it was the most technical and elite sport out there. I did my longest ever day on the cheapest bike I've ever owned: a mild steel framed 5 speed with chromed steel wheels. I like a nice bike, but it's always the rider that makes the most difference.

[@ricky7396]

Good effort on the backpack I used to not have a rack/panniers and used to camp/tour on my bike with a 100l Karrimor Sabre rucksack on my back. It is so much easier with panniers.

[@davidcurrie4952]

I agree, some people buy bikes that fit their needs, other people buy bikes that fit their egos. Guess which group has more fun riding their bike.

[@outerlimitsurvey]

I wouldn't say they don't matter but I will agree that the point of diminishing returns occurs far more quickly than most cyclists realize. I have lots of gear with many 10's of thousands of miles on it that still works great that I have no reason to replace. My road bike is 30 years old. My lugged steel frame with good components weighs 10 kg. In 2000 I upgraded from 7 speed friction to 9 speed index because 7 speed freewheels were getting harder to find but with careful shopping my total budget for that upgrade was only $200. Until I get within 10kg of my race weight it is cheaper to loose weight on the engine than the bike. For competitive cyclists every pound or fraction of a second can mean the difference between victory and defeat but the rest of us need comfortable, reliable, reasonably light gear that doesn't break the bank. A friend of mine got a $500 Trek hybrid; I was amazed. It's aluminum frame wouldn't win any beauty contests but the bike was light and it stopped and shifted better than any bike that existed 30 years ago. For people who do club rides, centuries and rallies it was really all the bike they need.

[@adamlynch9153]

His point can be applied to many things we spend money on. A little bit of research can save a bit of money.

[@SegaDisneyUniverse]

I'd rather stick with my Walmart bikes, they're alright in my opinion. Even though they're considered "toys" it shouldn't matter much, just as long as it gets you from point A to point B. A bike is only as good as the person using it. I had a nice Genesis mountain bike (for only $149.99) and from the time I was using it, lasted me a whole year (because well...that's how long i had it before I decided to get rid of it and upgrade to a moped) had no problems with it while going through my local streets with all the pot holes, debris and such, and I'm a pretty heavy set person. Plus, I would hate to spend over $500 on a bike for it to end up getting it stolen or jumped for it, nope not in my neighborhood!

[@latte6878]

I've been riding my used specialised allez sport 2015 that I got for only 290 euros. Aboslutely love that thing. People dont understand that instead of spending 5000$ for a more aero bike to save a couple minutes you could train harder for a month and fill that 2 minute gap with your own legs.

[@ChasingChinster]

I commute with a Marin Nicasio gravel bike which cost me $550. It has Shimano Claris. I maintain it and it's given me no problems, I have a lot of fun commuting. More important for me are lights to make sure I'm visible! I'm 25 now, when I was 11 years old and I got my first road bike, my dad and I always said right around $500 was the sweet spot for bikes. You get so much more bike for your money when you move from a $100-200 bike to a $500-600 bike. Anything after that you're just getting nice gear, it's a luxury.

[@insurancedice]

Virtually all of my early bikes were built out of trash. Literally scavenged from dumpsters and built around whatever parts I could find. Those bikes, for me, were freedom. A triumph of desire and skill to figure something out and fix it and I rode them everywhere. I have no animosity towards people who spend big money on something that really makes them more connected to the experience. That said, I've met a lot of jerks in the cycling community who buy a pile of carbon and put on Lycra and act like they own the road, and it really has turned me off to cycling as a sport.

[@JamesFilbird]

The Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) is the overriding theme here in this video - Everything comes down to 80% ability and 20% equipment.

[@Motorsportsgeek]

I love passing speed bikes with their 500$ gear and 6k bicycles on my 30lb XL mtb wearing loose cloths and a bag pack

[@forkayebee3831]

So I can agree with this a lot, I've had three bikes in my day. My first bike was a single speed (or fixed when I wanted) Critical Cycles bike. I loved the thing and would ride it for hours a day, every day, no matter the weather. I had some cheap bib shorts and a jersey and wore normal shoes (had flat pedals) and a helmet and just went. I got some money from a commission job at work and upgraded to a used Fuji Track Pro (the 09 model) and was sooooo happy. It had a bigger gear, nicer components (Fizik saddle, omnium crank, zip stem, etc) and in all it was a lot of bike, a sexy looking one too. It was beautiful, my first sprint my computer hit 32mph and I loved it. Granted it was with foot straps but those I added. In less than a week I got hit by a car and the bike was wrecked. I was off the bike for four months with injury and received money for damages to replace it. The Fuji was a build for a track competition but was never rode and apparently cost a lot more than I paid. So with the money, and urging from my brother, I got a new Specialized Allez Expert and specked it to have a full ultegra groupset. It had it all, it was my first bike with clipless pedals (fancy ultegra ones), my first bike with gears, and it was a beauty. Even had a second bottle cage which I never had before. Wound up costing over $3k with upgrades mind you (that extra bottle cage is costly!) But in all honesty, it hangs on my wall most of the time. I don't ride it much, I have been busy and all, but I just don't enjoy this bike as much as my cheap $200 steal single speed. It's kind of odd in a way, like even right now I wanted to just hop on the bike and take it for a spin but it just isn't the same and I put it off. I'd much rather hop on my Critical and go for hours than on my Specialized. Don't get me wrong, the bike is a blast to ride and handles really well and with the compact gearing it can be really zippy but it has less of that "I can thrash this and beat it up" appeal. And as nice as it is, I have taken it back to the shop for tuning multiple times. Front mech won't shift to the big ring, fishing line got caught in the rear mech which had to be re-assembled, bad press fit bottom bracket, bad cable tension leading to cable replacement, I can go on. Something about the ease of fixing a single speed and the ability to thrash it makes it so much more appealing to ride. I am even in the position to ride my bike to work now, but don't because I don't want to bring a change of shoes which would mean a backpack and what not. Not to mention worrying about mechanicals or something, which to the Criticals credit I had less than 5 or so issues with with my daily 30+ mile rides (which went on over 6 months) vs my now weekend warrior routine with my road bike if I ride at all. Currently just saving up to get a cheap steel frame single speed again to be honest. Really miss it (and threaded bottom brackets!) EDIT: I will also add words of advice from my uncle who does Iron Mans, when I asked what would be a good bike upgrade he simply said "You". He said if you aren't fit, your bike means nothing. Mentioning it's fun to see guys with nice bikes at the start of a triathlon and then not seeing them at the end because they spent too much on the kit and not enough on fitness. Though he has one hell of a bike, he said he built it over half a decade only getting upgrades after every competition because he knew he was in good enough shape to make use out of them.

[@deafgraphs]

"Don't buy upgrades, ride up grades" Merckx

[@justinwiggy]

Ironic that one of your other videos is titled "top 5 components to upgrade" 😂

[@krweg23]

Haters gonna hate 😂

[@wes.758]

i use to ride a $100 road bike from target for 3 years and it was great

[@tommyreyes7033]

Gearing on your fixed gear is according to your Terrain !!! if you live on (Hills gears 63 gear 42-18) (17 to 19 miles per hour 90 to 100) RPMs ) ( flat riding 75 gear to 80 gear.) /Velodrome 88 gear Or 90 gear 22-25 mph 90 to 100 RPMs

[@theweirdlookingcat8062]

I started on an 80s steel frame racer with friction gears and toe straps. I left a great number of overweight club riders behind me who rode high end carbon bikes as its the engine that provides most performance not a trick bike.

[@etoineschrdlu9382]

You are correct. I just took posession of a 19.6 lb. Carbon frame, Dura-Ace group trials bike. Suddenly the average speed of my 2-3 times a week 20 mile ride is almost 2 mph faster than when I was riding an 80's vintage Bianchi Veloce just three weeks ago. Being close to retirement age, I get passed by younger, fitter riders on cheaper, heavier bikes all the time. Frankly, both bikes, the Bianchi and the CF, were more bike than I could justify buying new at retail. My riding them was like sticking an unmodified Ford Pinto engine into a F1 car. Nevermind that I can't afford buying such bikes brand new. But I have friends, serious biking friends that have too many bikes, want to buy more and have to get rid of their excess inventory. Because they are desparate for the cash and for some reason they seem to like me, they will offer me these lovely pieces at a ridiculously low price. I feel priveledged to own such beautiful and exotic bikes. Sometimes you just have to "upgrade"; not for any practical reason, but for the shear enjoyment and appreciation of it.

[@nefariousstylo9943]

We've all dropped a foo. A trick I've adopted riding distances is to conciously pull my head back up and look around, I have to find one pretty thing before I can get back to an aero position. I found we focus on the act of riding so much that we fixate on minor details until they feel serious. But if you take a moment to turn your attention from the bike, how tired you are, etc you'll be able to bring your focus back with more energy. Tl;dr Focus on the ride and not the bike or your legs, ride faster, pass the foos get the koms.

[@udayaai]

Truth is, biking technology wouldn't get this far if people weren't constantly upgrading parts, buying more expensive parts. it forces companies to innovate and compete.

[@akajocesvise]

I could partly agree... fancy materials and good bikes have their role but its not the only thing - as you said - will is far more important

[@russellbaker4256]

Brave video. Last couple of weeks I've spent changing the shift and brake cables, chain and re-taping. I need to just get out on it more

[@klausbrinck2137]

it´s a pity that there aren´t much other channels like this, which are soooooo good.... thumbs up!!!

[@psychobotLoL]

Fun story, when I broke my bike I fixed it Shifts broke so I took old wheel from friend and made my bike fixed, it was hard in the beginning (I had also pause from riding a bike because while I was breaking my bike I broke my wrist) but now I feel safe and good on it, and finally can maintain it myself.

[@SquishySenpai]

I've recently started commuting by bicycle to and from work again due to lack of a car. I'm riding a Fixie. I absolutely hate it. With lots of hills, stop lights, stop signs and idiots that don't look before pulling out of driveways, it's a much more taxing ride than it would be with gears. I can't wait to dump this thing and get a mountain bike with hybrid style tires or something.

[@matejkavc]

I like this video. I was thinking of upgrading my bike so I could go faster and do better trainings, but hey, I can get tired even if I ride a bit slower. I dont have enough money to upgrade my bike either. He just reminded me that I can enjoy cycling without pro equipment.

[@Garacha222]

This is a healthy perspective. Humbling messages throughout. I generally feel that if an upgrade is something I can appreciably notice, it can be an option.

[@ursoulspure]

I agree, if you love riding bike and kit are second, albeit a close second. Especially if you've ridden for a while and are experienced. An experienced rider knows what he needs and what will make the miles less of a prison and more of a refuge. Ride on and ride safely.

[@MichaelCoolGuy86]

I have several bikes: Tri-Bike, Road-Bike, Classic Road-Bike converted to Single-Speed, and a Mini-Velo. All of which drastically vary in price. However, I gotta say, the price of the bikes and their components and even their weight really don't matter when it's a beautiful day outside and you're enjoying the scenery. Yeah, I probably wouldn't bring my Mini-Velo to a race, but if I didn't care about position, why not? Sure, a bike is a tool to a certain extent, and there are definitely different types that do certain things specifically better than others, but for actual enjoyment? I think you'll be happy with anything that lets you feel the wind in your hair and sun on your face. Whether its a Walmart bike for $99 or a carbon Road-Bike for $999, you'll still enjoy the ride if you have the right state of mind and maybe even enjoying it with others.

[@a.wolfgang6423]

I had the standard norco seat that cracked when it was cold and ripped every time I fell so I upgraded to a 100$ SDG circuit made from Kevlar and titanium. There was a horrible creak from my bottom bracket but I was 99% sure it came from one of my pedals and my old plastic pedals were worn on the outside so I bought Funn Mamba one side clip pedals for about 70$(55%discount). I bought a new derailleur hanger for 35$ because my old was bent. I bought 4 brake pads for 40$ because I want to have spares and my old ones were worn. I bought a shimano bleed kit for 40$ because I had to bleed my brakes. I bought a 27,5 X 2,8 WTB ranger TCS tough fast rolling tire for 80$ because my old tire was completely smooth. I bought too chains for 28$ because my old one broke. I bought two new cassettes for 160$ because I wanted to have a spare and my old one was worn. I have to buy a new bottom bracket, bottom bracket tool, fork oil, fork grease, hex wrenches, a fork pump, different fork seals, isopropyl alcohol, a new click shifter, cable end caps and a shimano brake caliper for about 180$. Total=733$ 😭😱🤮💸💸💸💸💸💸 170$ cosmetic 443$ worn parts 120$ on tools

[@Markikuunn]

Those are good points that don’t mean much because I like to expend money on my bike to fill the existencial hole that the moments away from my bike gives

[@ti0chema]

Everything that doesn't matter to you is essential for the competitive rider.. It all depends of where you are seeing it from.

[@uptownsamcv]

i just put together my first single speed from the cheapest aluminum framed bike I could find and i realy like it, a mongoose detain...

[@flee4170]

This guy is right. The negative comments are butthurt people that make crazy expensive upgrades to save 8oz. To each their own and it's not my money but bikes as well as anything are a huge marketing pitch to make more money. He's saying buy quality but there is a point of just buying to keep up with the Joneses.

[@brixomatic]

Dumb statement. I could argue your negative comment is just someone jealous of not being able to make a crazy upgrade to save 8oz without having to have a bad conscience looking at their bank account balance, so you're trying to spoil other people's fun, putting yourself over others, like you're so smart not wasting your money. Well guess what: Bikes can be a hobby and whatever you do with it doesn't have to have any other purpose than being fun, and you can be willing to spend that money for that and still be a smart person. And if someone likes building a bike that they like to the smallest detail, so be it. And quite frankly I don't think that most people who like to spend a lot of money or time building their individual dream bike do care what the Joneses like. They usually have an idea about the look, feel and concept of a bike, like being minimalist or light, aero, color matched, retro, silent, hiding complexity, easy to use, comfy, multi purpose, extreme, a sleeper, a bike celebrating a certain material (like steel, aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre or wood) or showing off a material mix, a replica, "most bang for the buck" or whatever concept they have in mind and then they start searching the right bits and pieces and building towards it.

[@shechshire]

Rich lNo, they’re just people with much more experience than you or zack.

[@flee4170]

shechshire no. Unless someone is highly competitive buying a $1800 set of wheels is for your own wants not to really make you much faster. What is really gained in the group ride or amateur crit ? I'm not opposed to people buying whatever they want. But for the vast majority of riders a quality bike is worth it but the high expense bikes or goodies are for our wants not needs. Face it, we're spoiled middle to upper class people spending money on frivolous things. I am guilty as well. Just like he said a good rider that's 20yrs old on a $1200 bike would drop most others on their $5600 cervelli with dura ace. Same with clothes. A quick dry champion gear shirt works almost unnoticeably as well as a $200 Rapha jersey. He's saying buy what you can afford and just F**king ride.

[@shechshire]

Are you serious? I have news for you, not every roadie is a sponsored Le Tour De France athlete buddy. Speed, that's what you gain. It will make you faster otherwise their's no point in buying them unless you're a fixie fan like Zack & buys non performance parts that are mainly for aesthetics or comfort. Sounds like you have some personal financial issues. Obviously, you should spend based on your income & necessities. I'm personally a bicycle commuter so my spending is well justified in that I don't own a car. Otherwise the fixie fad, road bicycling, & mountain bicycling are just hobbies that can get expensive, that I will agree with you. You mean Cervelo? Your reasoning is flawed & sounds kinda like you're repeating the words of inexperienced fixie fans. First of all, lets compare apples to apples here because that's a wild random assumption to make. Secondly, under what circumstances are you making that generalizing? Is that 20 year old just doing a trip to the grocery store or was he bicycling for 50 miles? As for your last comment, me being a commuter myself, it's all a matter of taste. I personally commute on a road bike & the clothes is sorta dependent on the occasion & weather. I think he just got insecure & self conscious about being criticized for looking like a total fixie hipster lol... Most people just get on their bike & "fucking ride" not sure what the fuck you're talking about.

[@littlegoobie]

If consumer choices were only this simple. It would mean 99% of the people should only consider owning 15 year old toyota corollas because nobody is a pro class driver, we only wear $14 timex watches because none of us dive to 100ft, we only buy dollar store kitchen knives because none of us are michelin chefs, and so on.

[@demonstructie]

Yeah fuck variety and consumer choice, every manufacturer should produce the same state issued standardized product, stripped of all bells and whistles deemed "unnecessary" by the Party. Hello communism!

[@michaelnuccio146]

Yeah. That's right. That is what they should do, and that is what we should be.

[@KennethKetchum]

His logic is excellent. I have an aluminum frame 2005 Trek 1200 bike but only use it for tours. I found, in the street, a steel frame Raleigh road bike from the mid 70s and train on it daily and if I had to, I could do a century on it with no problem. He is correct in that it is all about the rider and rarely about the bike. Sure, I am faster on my Trek but I know HOW to ride my Raleigh just as fast almost. I have no desire to get another bike in my lifetime unless my bikes are stolen or frames destroyed. I also have a Giant road bike from the eighties. Most bikes perform to people's needs is correct. A bike from Walmart is a toy except the Genesis road bike which has a lot of racing styled components. Put thinner rims and tires on this $129.00 bike and you are good to go. This proves his logic.

[@misamisatv]

"The value of a man's possessions should never exceed the sum of the man himself.."

[@littlegoobie]

since we're now quoting.... "he who dies with the most toys wins"

[@justineaves1977]

I ride a 70s road bike frame with 27 in Wheels and a coaster brake hub because I don't think it's fun to jam my knees in order to slow down or break and possibly risk hurting myself in a horrible accident just because it's cool. But when I was younger I did. I have more fun on my single speed coaster road bike than I ever did on a fixed gear. Getting old is interesting

[@morosis82]

I like to race, so I bought a bike that was focused on that. I commute on it, ride it all over the place, but treat it nicely as it cost a pretty penny. It's given me nearly 3 years of good service, having never broken badly once, because I bought quality components and maintainted them regularly (weekly clean and lube, etc). I ride 150-250km a week, but have done several rides in the 160-250km per day range. Mostly though, it's about fit, and it's a fast, aero, low in the front high in the back machine that gets me low and lets me pump along at 40km/h for.... a while. Let's say an hour, possibly more, on a decently flat track/road. If it's wet, or I feel like a bit of a tree change, I take the MTB ;)

[@ricard9566]

I have a 10 year old Trek SL1000 I brought off some guy on Gumtree. It was too big for him and he shoved it in his attic where it sat for 7 years until he sold it to me for £230. The only things I've changed are the saddle, shifters, rear mechs (broken 2) and I brought some second hand Hope Hoops wheels for £170. Oh and a friend gave me his old 2 piece cranks when I fitted his new ones for him. It weighs somewhere around 20lbs and I've ridden it as my main transport around town, across the Pyrenees, came 8th in my category in a 100km sportive and train on it religiously. You don't need a super high end bike to get fit, have fun and get results.

[@jbirdperez6003]

Exactly just fight on ! .. is.key

[@jussa101]

I partially agree, fitness always comes first. But at some point gains with going high end are there. I ride a heavy gravel bike with fat 42 mm tires avg rides at around 30km/h. Went with a tarmac, deep section wheels, slammed the stem. Avg speed now 35km/h+ on long rides.

[@MrHatchiFuto86]

Gotta say watching your videos has helped my bike experience alot 👍

[@Hotdang617]

To each his own... You can ride your $200 bike... I'll keep my supersix evo HM with zipp 202s... I've ridden many different types of bikes in my life and I can say I notice a huge difference with every component I add or subtract. I guess some people just don't pay attention to the details. And that's fine.

[@damonthomas8955]

I enjoy multi-day tours on my fixed wheel, but I hate backpacks, will I get mad fixie-points by adding racks and panniers to the bike?

[@dpm9a189]

Lycra shorts with padding are comfy on long rides

[@tmayberry7559]

My answer to upgrade s is have more than one bike with a different gearing for each . Secondly use car wax on the bike chain. Third, invent or backwards engineer items to use on your bike. Like making homemade mud guards out of a two liter bottle ( front and rear)

[@novamondal7339]

A nice bike doesn’t make a slow rider faster, but rather it gives a fast rider the ability to use all of their potential.

[@nostromosolo7957]

Does a Penny Farthing count as a fixie?

[@_IMNNO]

Luficers Flowers The answer is subjective, but whatever makes you happy is what counts.

[@ya-rx8nd]

Yes, I think it technically is.

[@danteF7o7]

My next build is a penny farthing, can’t get any more gangster

[@palicar]

2-wheeled big wheel

[@gav1nbeyond]

i just built a tall bike and have been having a blast, i made it out of 2 old bike frames i found at the tip

[@joelbah1]

I'm more of a roadie, but I love your channel. Thanks and keep it up!

[@zefa17]

To be honest, if upgrading matters to yourself! Just to it! I personally upgraded my gear to satisfied myself not others. To make it better according to my feelings, even slightly I’d considered it! So why not....

[@MarigotZoe13]

Definitely true. I realized this the most after I rode a complicated trail, realizing my skills did not match my ambitions for an expensive downhill bike. I will stick with my sturdy hardtail bike.

[@michaelwrigley5438]

If you aren't planning on riding terrain that justifies a full suspension then a hard tail can be an awesome choice. That being said, if you are planning on riding the right terrain for it, a full suspension bike does make a world of difference.

[@wearesofucked]

My Fuji classic fixie shreds 150$ on Craigslist and a little cash on new tires and a nice tuneup..

[@daily_dose_of_nothingness]

My friends says this also, i have Cube Aim 2020 3x8 drivetrain they have 3x9, 3x10, 2x11 but they said it will cost me double so i just bought bigger cassette 3x8 and that's it.

[@jennyxie5382]

That's what I think too. Bicycle is the same and I don't understand bicycle at all. I wanted to do casual food delivery with a cute 50 dollars bicycle. But I want to hit highest orders for max incentive too . Until the brakes handle broke due to plastic. Paddle disoriented from 1 knock. Tyres punchure trice. Sit got bent because of thin metal. Brakes wear off. I spent 50 dollars on brake handle and paddle. 60dollars for tyre replacement. 17 dollars for the seat tubing and the bolt. And I am hot head I can hit maximum incentive all the times after the 3rd week. And my bicycle always broke on Sundays where the most money could be earned. This Sunday the whole rear hub came off. I ditch the bicycle on the side , salvage the lock and some cables. Deliver 2 orders on foot . Took the bus home. I feel sad because of the paddles and brake handle. I want to salvage it but have to deliver food to customer. Human factor and Bicycle is equally important. This time I bought 200 dollars bicycle now waiting for it to come to me.