The Bicycle That Changes Lives | World Bicycle Relief On GCN

[@woozertoo]

Best bicycle reviewed by GCN, ever.

[@warayupay84]

woozer, I agree!

[@gcn]

Thanks guys. We think so.

[@andyc9902]

The best let's all make a better world

[@Century_Rider]

Proving once again that weight isn't the most important quality of a bicycle! Great work promoting World Bicycle Relief!

[@colombianflag717]

I agreed

[@markbailey70]

Dan, you and GCN team are to be commended for your work on Fundraising for Buffalo bikes. The videos you have done on how bikes changes lives in Zambia perfectly highlights what a difference bikes can make to these people. Keep up the great work.

[@daniellloyd100]

Mark Bailey Thanks Mark.

[@matthewsponseller]

These videos and this effort make me very proud to wear my GCN sweat shirt this winter! GCN is doing a great thing by bringing this to the attention of it's viewership, and by being directly involved by going to Zambia and learning / showing how the bikes are used and are changing lives for the better. I will certainly be donating to this cause and to help GCN exceed 200 bikes donated next year.

[@gcn]

Thank you so much Matthew!

[@tomskid27]

A noble and stand up thing you did with this series this week! Showing how some generosity helps those that actually can benefit from it is great! Very honorable GCN!

[@gcn]

Thank you for being so generous Tom.

[@saadaalkafage2260]

tom sevensixtwo nguyen م ححح ج ق ج

[@dormantat]

Happy to donate. You should auction off one of the bikes.

[@magpie7791]

This is true social mobility, when taking stock of what these children do just to go to school. It really put what we in the first world call obstacles, into sharp contrast. We have lost some of the drive these people possess. How many adults would do what these young people do?? It humbles me greatly.

[@keriezy]

This is so freaking cool! It's not even an ugly mess like beach cruisers.

[@scottfox6271]

GCN is the best! You amaze me with the depth of your bike knowledge and your love of bikes. With this video you've again raised the bar-thank you!

[@gcn]

Cheers Scott, means a lot!

[@ARKINHK]

Just donated US$ 100. Hope that helps a little.

[@daniellloyd100]

ARK INHK that'll help a lot, thanks!

[@andyc9902]

It will help a lot. God bless your kind soul

[@jochem1986]

Happy to be a part of it.

[@JAWORA46]

Kudos for valves lined up with tire graphics :)

[@TheSJCieply]

I'm surprised that this won't be sold in the developed world. It's probably one of the best options for careless people with low incomes.

[@hayabusa27]

This is amazing! GCN should make more videos in Africa to support this cause. I just watched this and wish I seen this sooner!

[@russwright]

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Just donated through work (they match my donation). Great cause, well done.

[@bengt_axle]

A great humanitarian project, but also a nice collaboration among bike makers. Dan, it would be nice to learn a bit about what the bike industry contributors (named above in the video description) have contributed and how the project came to be. For example, who designed the frame and why is it called a Buffalo bike? I've seen the assembly video, and I think it is great that the assembly is done locally, including the manufacturing of the wheels.

[@stepforward9498]

Another great video. Thank you so much Daniel for introducing. The most important bike by far. Eye opener. Hope a lot of people spend something on this lovely project!!!

[@picknicker1990]

Lasty's climbing bike :D

[@gcn]

Sounds like a plan...

[@benwilliams4088]

Sadly I cannot easily donate right now as I am living on a student budget (fun!), however, you guys have inspired me to raise money for World Bicycle Relief when I do the Paris to Hayling Charity Ride next year in July. Hopefully I will make up my full share of the donations then! Thanks again GCN for the inspiration!

[@gcn]

That's awesome Ben, make sure you keep us updated next year and good luck!

[@benwilliams4088]

Global Cycling Network thank you! And I'll keep you posted :)

[@misterlonestar]

Nice bomb proof bike 🚲

[@bhumiriady]

Simple, but very robust and effective bike... Love it!

[@BruceChastain]

that's really awesome. I know first hand that's really not an easy task to pull off getting bikes to Africa.

[@marshallemmett3313]

What's the gear ratio on the bikes? And are they able to change the ratio after they get the bike?

[@claudiutoader4118]

GCN, Im disappointed. We want a full tour of the bike. Whats the gears ratio? What about those Kenda buffalo tyres? Are they made just for the buffalo bike?

[@gcn]

Sorry to hear that Claudiu. The tyres are indeed made specifically for these bikes, and you can find more info on how it's built here gcn.eu/BuffaloBuild

[@robbchastain3036]

This is fantastic, this effort to get these bikes to these young people, cheers to all for getting involved in this GCN effort. But what about lights for these bikes? Surely the kids have to ride sometimes before or after daylight?

[@tjj3903]

Buffalo bike is very good !

[@th_js]

And I thought my bike was heavy......

[@skeletalforce9673]

Tomi Saaranen yeah but it is not made to support that much weight.

[@th_js]

Yeah but still 24kg That’s insane!

[@TheGerm24]

Light weight doesn't come cheap. They make these things for $150 or so and they don't fall apart like a cheap Walmart bike.

[@lisapet160]

That charity is associated with Clinton foundation. That make me believe that they are not much difference from other prominent charities which put 95% of donation for own salaries and expenses. The latter may for from top price office space rental all the way to bribing politicians and other campaigns. So, that charity might be able to re-allocate money flow and build lighter bikes.

[@MrDarrylR]

@@lisapet160 www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=16680 CF is one of the better charities. Not quite the best (which earn 5 stars) but administrative expenses are under 11%.

[@ZOMBIEHEADSHOTKILLER]

what kinda kickstand is that on this bike?... i have been looking for a heavy duty, and wide kick stand just like that, i wanna get one!

[@kasongonkhoma2571]

Yes Zambia. Although here it's one of the most expensive bikes to us.

[@raphaeltiziani7476]

How big are the cogs? 36*22?

[@juliohenrique8546]

46x21

[@oscarlaight6493]

Freehub sound test please?😂 Great vid, loving the charity work

[@UniformWhiskyEcho]

We're nearing the 500 mark. Hope we can donate more than 500 bikes

[@panzerveps]

That's incredible... just 5 more bikes to go.

[@UniformWhiskyEcho]

Boom! 500. Awesome peps in the GCN community.

[@david131092]

Comes with a turbo stand too

[@colombianflag717]

Great work guy's

[@jasongraham1186]

You can also add WBR to your Amazon Smile account and Amazon will donate on your behalf a portion of what you spend on the site. It's not much but every bit helps!

[@Goodman-4525]

Is it possible to buy one for myself?

[@donaldostrem4982]

That along in which you would like to purchase a Chinese "Flying Pigeon" one day. That would be a show piece @ a local bicycle shop.

[@sajeewanhatangala6498]

We did seek two bicycles for a charity of children.We sent 347 requests to bicycles donations projects in the world for obtaining two bicycles.But we failed to getting any bicycle to us since 3 years.

[@123456bmx]

I would've thought they would be fitted solid foam type tyres

[@gcn]

Hey, WBR's engineers tried all sorts of tyres and found these to be best.

[@gcn]

Hey, WBR's engineers tried all sorts of tyres and found these to be best.

[@MustardDonkey]

Global Cycling Network what about the need for air in the tires though? would it be presumptuous for me to think that rural African countries do not have easy access to an air pump?

[@jimbobeire]

in a previous video they said that they give a pump along with the bike.

[@MustardDonkey]

jimbobeire oh silly me. then it's all good

[@beigemaster]

All very well and good, but is it UCI legal?

[@fellmonkey]

There is so much we may have gained through "developing" but i'd say there's much we have lost.

[@babakhandani]

Great video. But I would like to know/learn is, how do the recipients of these bikes manage maintenance of these bikes. Simple stuff, like chain wear, tyres, tubes, and pedals, Who pays and does maintenance?

[@gcn]

Thanks, when a distribution happens, there are a number of field mechanics trained so that they can help to maintain the bikes and supply spares. There's also a committee in each school/locality to make sure they're being cared for. Cheers!

[@babakhandani]

Good to know. But, I would still like to know who pays for the parts. Tyres for example, will wear out and will cost money. Will the girl in your video be able to afford replacing the worn out parts when it happens? I think its great that these kids get bikes. And it is certainly way better than not getting one, but, it probably creates its own set of problems.

[@flashwashington2735]

@@babakhandani They sell it. and the shops and the training sometimes providing micro loans. The Umbrella firm is non- profit three out of five star charity, 85% of donations reach the target. The Engineering corp is for profit competing against the local bike makers and shops for the dollars. This is how you judge charities. Not the warm fuzzy feelings everyone is sharing. You too can give to disrupt local economies!! I made it look bad! Still something to consider. Before throwing in with your hard earned moolah. Do the research. Why take my word for it?

[@billyboy8534]

I wish I could buy one, but they aren't sold in the US.

[@stepforward9498]

Come on folks, dont be shy. Only 47 bikes until now. We will make the 200!😊💶

[@gregvassilakos]

How about doing a comparison of a Dutch Omafiets, a Chinese Flying Pigeon, and a Buffalo Bike? The specifications for the three seem to have a lot of overlap.

[@Hans-sb1ko]

The good old days of GCN... Nowadays, it's just videos on how to change a tube and Canyon and occasionally one of them riding up a hill in a city bike.

[@solarheat9016]

Cotter pin cranks and threaded headsets? 😮😢 But, I do like the kickstand and rack. 😊

[@farouqomaro598]

Good bike

[@killer121l]

No brakes?

[@newttella1043]

Coaster brakes

[@alexmeier3538]

I would have added front brakes

[@ritchierichh]

Samot Roger it's about creating a bike with minimal maintenance.

[@alexmeier3538]

Richard Camacho yes. But when you fell off the bike because you were too heavy thats bad

[@ritchierichh]

Samot Roger if it's weight your talking about, a front brake has a greater chance of causing harm if decending. A coaster break is perfect.

[@kaimcdonald5359]

hello GCN on your website do you have a size guide as I am looking to buy some kit and do not know what size to get, I am 165cm tall so what size would you recommend for me.

[@katiereilly7995]

Jesus up hills the weight would kill me with one gear any child that has one of them could well make it as a pro

[@katiereilly7995]

Doubt it

[@tettazwo9865]

Please update the donation link!

[@somethingreal5042]

time to donate a pinarello

[@jedhuang3817]

75 -100 USD shall be the reasonable retail price

[@TheRJRabbit23]

Why isn’t the government of Zambia building paved roads for these bikes?

[@alwaysbeshooting8841]

Nothing wrong with a single speed but seeing as it’s going to be loaded with water and food each day they should have given it granny gears! Maybe not a 1:1 ratio but a 36t chainring and 28t cog would be a good start. At 80 cadence still gives you 9mph which is a heck of a lot better than walking. Keep in mind how heavy the bike is and you have to get up dirt roads/Hills.

[@isbemorph]

i think they've also considered safety like escaping some thugs trying to jump you, then faster gear wins, while if transporting some 50kg water can through a tough terrain you can always push the bike.

[@Drag0ncl0ud]

From the looks of the video, it looks like they have something close to 46/20 ish (kind of hard to see the rear cog clearly here). They are not cycling at 80rpm. If you watch the video it looks more like 40. This is the way non-cyclists pedal because it’s easier. You see it all the time with the working class in the US. Going super slow always in the highest gear on a walmart bike. It makes sense for them because they aren’t trying to go fast. It’s more about conserving energy. They may not even be going 9mph. Walking on flat to rolling terrain is around 2-3 mph, and can be less than 1mph on steep inclines. Even 6mph is ridiculously superior to that and the single gear reduces maintenance costs.

[@flashwashington2735]

@@isbemorph and escape the rougher thugs!!

[@tmfrs2]

Is it possible to donate our old bikes

[@skeletalforce9673]

Well you can sell it and donate the profit

[@nimaforoughi7266]

SkeletalForce May be easier, and you won't have to ship it. I like to think locally in that sense. Also, there is nothing wrong with donating your bike to someone in your community. Depending on where you're from, a bicycle can provide safe reliable transportation.

[@gcn]

Hey Jorge, the Buffalo Bicycles are designed to be best for riding and maintaining in the communities where they are used, hence second hand bikes are not suitable in the most part. There may be somewhere local to you that recycles used bicycles that you might be able to find. Cheers!

[@donaldostrem4982]

My question is, since there are so many bicycles trashed and laid to waste in China, why doesn't GCR get these bikes and transfer them to Africa where they will be put to good use?

[@alexmeier3538]

I would have chosen a robus gear hub with 3 gears. I have an old shimano Torpedo on a Herkules commuting bike from the 70s. The first gear is ideal for climbs (even small ones in the city) and when the bike is loaded with goods. For better safety I would recommend cheap V-Breaks (maybe 5-10$ higher costs).

[@alexmeier3538]

Duncan O'Sullivan yes. Personlly i would add front v brakes for all and a gear hub as an upgrade.

[@rokupixruiqi368]

that 3 speed gear hub might cost more than the bike...., quantity and quality matters most here. Or if everyone donates some it might be possible!

[@isbemorph]

even if it costs the same a 3speed hub needs a very precise adjustment, if not it would be skipping between gears trashing it eventually, so single speed is the best here, no maintenance and durability. What i'd add tho is a little chain tensioner, i don't think it would add up the price. So instead super tight binding chain leaving the factory, it would have a little slack with a popper tension.

[@isbemorph]

just had a brilliant idea.. a DUOMATIC hub, yes 2 speed built into the rear torpedo hub, no cables or levers. This would work great for such aplication.

[@taufikabidin412]

If it breaks, just weld it, same reason why many prefer steel bikes

[@jakegarrett8109]

Oh man, I saw possibly the scariest bike ever (and I've made some pretty sketchy stuff, think push lawn mower engine with a friction drive using a 12" horizontal saw blade sitting behind you pivoting on one bolt level sketchy...). Anyways, it was the nightmare braze/solder weld on my cousins bike he picked up for $2.18. He was complaining, "oh the shifter doesn't go into the big ring", and "its old" (was a vintage road bike, but with shifters on the steer tube, so not my favorite like down tube shifters for vintage). And yeah, the tires were older and minor cracks (I've ridden on 50 year old REALLY cracked out tires, they did fine other than leak some with a 15 year old inner tube). Those weren't the serious issues, its that weld on the seat stays that was making me worried. You hit a bump with that and you're a gonner on so many levels (seat tube is giong to collapse into the rear wheel, and you're going to loose balance and probably be tossed to the side with hopefully the side mounted seat stay not jabbing though your leg life a javelin.) Someone could have welded it, but aparently only had access to a cheap $15 propane (non-oxygen addative) torch from Lowes or other hardware store, and some kind of filler (kind of looked like melted coat hanger). I offered to buy it off of him for fear he would die on the thing. I've got a MIG welder I can fix it propperly (and he can borrow his Dad's, but we're both at college, so we can't fix it right now). Point is, I don't think a lot of people in Africa have access to a welder, a lot probably don't even have electricity. Torch might be the only thing they have (but hopefully they have a little more skill than whoever did this "repair").

[@mshayashi]

Big problem on this bicycle is that there is no headlight.

[@newttella1043]

Seems like a pickup truck. But would a lighter bike for students make more sense? Each kid weighs like 45 kilos or less, and the bike is 24 kilos! When the student no longer needs the lighter "student" bike it goes to another student. Adults can then switch to the heavy duty bike.

[@Drag0ncl0ud]

If they are carrying 100 kilos on the back, I doubt the difference in bike weight will matter. The terrain is also entirely unpaved. Remember, these kids are hauling huge buckets of water from the well everyday fo chores at home. So the extra strength of the bike is necessary. Also making 2 different bikes for adults and children increases the costs and restrict the amount of bikes they can give. You will notice Dan said they nixed the boy and girl versions and now make only 1 bike.

[@samemp6302]

What is its cost

[@hannesdhondt3096]

gcn.eu? Can they still use that top level domain in the UK? :-D

[@vincentcampagna3254]

wait, what ? no DI2 ? So whats the point of this bike ?.... ;)

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

Not a pro bike. Yeah, right. 😂😂😂 But used by people for school/work/professions. 😁 You were saying, Dan? 😜

[@liambarber9036]

Who else is going to be riding with Matt Stephens on Zwift? I know I will.

[@gcn]

How was it Liam?

[@liambarber9036]

Was amazing! Even if it was just on a computer, riding with an ex-Pro and GCN presenter that I have watched for many years, it was a total blast! Please do more like this.

[@francisbosingwa2777]

i mean how much is it

[@francisbosingwa2777]

how is a buffalo bicycle

[@akid4419]

Last week the Guardian published an article about the thousands of bicycles being scrapped while GCN s working so hard to raise funds to supply bikes: www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/nov/25/chinas-bike-share-graveyard-a-monument-to-industrys-arrogance

[@torisaurio]

why isn't it fixed? they could brake and it would add almost no cost

[@knutessigsudmitdill1350]

A total weight of 200 kg and fixed...great idea!

[@torisaurio]

well better than no brakes...

[@bobbyhempel1513]

It has brakes.Coasterbrakes perfect for what the bike is used for

[@naisonsheren4419]

how much is this bicycle

[@geacarcosmin7606]

First

[@aitchisonr7723]

54 but gmbn is better

[@danahsutton101]

We do so much for poor people but all I hear is complaints of how bad we are.

[@stepforward9498]

Äh, who exactly is we, the rich? The first world?, your family ?(guess not). And who exactly complains? Ah, the poor.

[@flashwashington2735]

@@stepforward9498 You should have to buy and ride that heavy 1960's tech bike for $134 or Market suggested retail price 150 - 205 USD. You'll see just how bad we are!!🤣🤣🤣🙃🙂🙃😉

[@bikesaredumb]

dumb question... is it flat in africa?

[@orkut37]

No brakes?

[@gcn]

Back pedal brakes A!