The Truth About Entry Level Bikes & Our Dream Bike Choices - The Wild Ones Podcast Ep.4

AUDIO-ONLY VERSIONS: podfollow.com/the-wild-ones/view
This week the lads chat viewer conspiracy theories, the state of entry level bikes in 2023, reveal their dream bike collections, play another round of Overrated or Underrated and answer your questions in the latest instalment of The Wild Ones Podcast.
Francis and Jimmi’s USA jersey is available to pre-order until Monday 3rd of July. You can get it here: www.attacus.cc
Here’s a full breakdown of the episode:
00:00 Francis’ Gravel & Gin Adventures
00:37 Francis & Jimmi Made a Jersey!
01:52 The SRAM Conspiracy
07:29 We Were Wrong About ‘Cheap’ Bikes
14:00 Best Value Entry Level Bikes
17:48 Buying A New Bike? Consider These Things
21:50 Is It Cheaper To Buy Second Hand?
24:18 Our Dream Bike Collections!
33:34 Bikes Of The Future Need These Features!
40:06 FLUFF Up Of The Week
42:16 Chain Wax Controversy
44:26 Overrated or Underrated: Bikefits
48:05 Overrated or Underrated: AliExpress Groupsets
50:06 Overrated or Underrated: Aluminium Bikes
54:36 Overrated or Underrated: DuraAce
55:56 Overrated or Underrated: Carbon Bikes
57:47 Overrated or Underrated: Zwift
01:00:19 Overrated or Underrated: Cleaning Your Bike
01:02:52 DIY Mechanics Is HARD
01:07:45 Help Us Name The Studio Plant!
01:08:17 Jimmi’s Latest Hit Track
If you’d like us to send in a question, story, some good news, things you’d like us to discuss or anything else, email us at [e-mail]
Thanks and see you next time.
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#cycling #bikes #bicycle

[@lastlapleader26]

100% the plant should be named Marco, Marco Plant-ani. 😂

[@DoctorTim]

This is the only answer!

[@Darrenmccall74]

That is absolutely fantastic I laughed out loud 😂 top name

[@philipp-christopherdeeke2210]

Yes!!

[@NRO416]

Correct.

[@cneubert28]

I support this.

[@cneubert28]

One reason I’m happy you both made a podcast, because every cycling podcast feels like it’s trying to sell me a monthly training plan, or products.

[@mokkediting]

2 guys BSing about bikes, exactly what I needed but didn't know it.

[@JamesSanderson85]

Don't worry, they'll be trying to sell you stuff in a couple of years.

[@EMBIKES]

you dont want more AG1 or LMNT >?>?? lol

[@cneubert28]

@@EMBIKES I’m fine with add placements as long as they are backing them and it’s a product they use. I do feel like every cycling podcast has an app or a subscription they focus on or code their answers to make you feel like you need to use it.

[@JoshuaBorrow]

you wanna give the nero show a go

[@olieko]

I honestly love this podcast, it's pretty concise without leaving out info. I love how you guys actually get in depth with the topics instead of just asking a bunch of rhetorical questions and not coming to a conclusion.

[@JayLato]

Welcome back to another episode of Opposite 1 Fern.

[@AwwSweet]

I see what You did here.

[@CatManDoSocial]

I appreciate your comments about immersive chain waxing. Knowing now what you thought it was makes your earlier comments make a little more sense. Being the bike enthusiasts that you are, I cannot imagine that you wouldn't love it and never go back, just like pretty much everyone who gives it a proper try. There are two inexpensive investments I recommend for starting, and these are just two things that make waxing enjoyable for me. 1. Reusable master links. Yes, more expensive but considerable less waste. I have been using the Wipperman Connex Link for over 20 years (not the same one over that time) and I've never had a failure. What makes the Connex Link unique is that they don't require tools for removal or installation. Worth their weight in gold. 2. M Speed Swisher tool. You can make something out of a wire hanger or whatever but this thing just makes waxing nicer in every way. Other than that, I have a $16 slow cooker from Amazon, a home made little thing that I run the chain through to break the links free from the wax (a cheap toilet paper holder might do the job as well) and Silca's hot melt wax, but you can obviously use any quality wax on the market. I also recommend following the Zero Friction Cycling KZbin channel (@zerofrictioncycling992). Adam is independent, intelligent, and his testing protocols are clear and objective. Again, doing what you do, it would be awesome if you looked into it. Best of luck and I look forward to hearing how you like it.

[@j_ckkennedy]

Loving the podcast guys. Had a £350 decathlon bike as my first road bike, glad to see them getting the recognition they deserve! Also currently running 1x microshift on my gravel bike and cannot fault it at all, hasn’t missed a beat.

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

Advent 9 and Advent X are really decent groupsets. And Decathlon just make really good starter bikes that get people started. Their success is a blessing for the sport.

[@j.c.7780]

One thing I've learnt from these videos which I really wasn't expecting was how much of a gamer Francis is

[@leighharwood9415]

And how much he doesn't actually like cycling 😉🤣🤣

[@tracymackie9119]

Changed my hydraulic brakes for TRP Spyre cable operated as I wanted to simplify the groupset to Campy/Shimano mix. They work just as good, easier to maintain even work well on mountain descents.

[@mattgardner2427]

Loving these podcasts guys! Keep em coming!

[@PeterSmithCA]

Love this podcast. As for sponsored content, I appreciate when you tell me, but I'm also able to make my own decisions. What works for you and others may not for me, and vice versa. But exposure to different brands, products, and opinions is always good!

[@willhopewell]

What I'm finding now, is after my first £600 decathlon bike and now looking for something better.. the options from ribble, specialised, Scott, canyon etc their "better" options come with similar if not worse parts and are between 1-2k! Absolutely stumped with my next choice

[@okreidieh]

It depends on your budget. If your looking for value I would consider van rysel higher up specs or look for a bargain on the user market

[@0dcd9530]

Before doing any research you should just define what you mean by "something better". Is it faster? More comfortable? easier to wrench? a bike allowing you to carry stuff and/or do backpacking? a better fit? What are your complains on your current bike? For example if the issue is speed or bike fit or aero it might be you need a more aggressive frame. But if fit is right and you are limited by say, gearing range or possibilities you might just want a new groupset. The frame might be good enough and changing saddles, handlebar, wheels and groupset might just transform it and it can be done gradually.

[@faisalalsaiful3838]

Maybe take a look at merida if you still haven't bought one

[@ElrocStone]

I love the outro song, it cracked me up immediately, its very relatable to anyone thats ever had a dog.

[@simonnaylor9695]

Between your component sponsorship and Jimmy's music empire, you guys will soon be podcasting from your Monaco registered super yacht 😂

[@JSC131]

I love cycle exchange used them for a number of years it's like an aladdins cave of bikes staff are 1st class too great service. Love the podcast guys definitely a positive addition to the channel.

[@Gouranga552]

Entry Level Check List: Is the bike complete out of the box? Does it suit your cycling needs? Is it within the entry level price range ie, Can you get EVERYTHING within a "starter" budget, Helmet, Chain Lube, Tire Pump, Water Bottle, Bottle Cage, Multi Tool, Bib, Jerersey, Shoes, Pedals, Bike Lock, Backpack , Lamps. etc. I went with the Triban RC 100 based on CM opinions on the RC 120. It was avalaible in multiple sizes, the price was just 300$ CDN. You can't even buy a set of wheels for that price, you can't buy a group set for that price, you can't get a light weight frame for that price, You get so much bike with the RC 100 its hard to justify spending 10x more when you're just getting into the sport. Especially when you're talking 1500$ for a carbon wheel set which would net marginal improvements, you're not going 5x faster.

[@antonpeterson1245]

About 12 years ago, I bought a decathlon bike for £600. It was the top end of their sport (aluminium frame) range with 10sp Tiagra. The on below this had 3x9 Sora (with the silly thumb shifter) for £450 and then at the bottom 3x8 2300 (claris) for £300. The value for money has always been there. I'm still ride my £600 bike

[@romanluu]

The thing about entering the sport is that you not only need to spend money on a bike, but also the gear and maintenance. I am experiencing this myself right now as I am looking to add cycling to my running and swimming. Even an entry level Canyon Endurace is quite a significant expense for me, so I am gravitating towards an RC 520 from Decathlon.

[@TSDG91]

I've invested in the RC520 two weeks ago, primarily to save my knees and ankles from the 550 miles I've run this year already. As you say £850 on the bike, plus £300 on shoes, clothing and tools/spares/parts soon adds up. Even more so if like me you end up wanting Garmin GPS to join the ecosystem you have already.

[@barneyklingenberg4078]

@@TSDG91 It's not more expensive then the gym. 40 pounds an month = 480 pounds a year. That bike will easily last 3 years with some basic parts and maintenance. You need clothes in the gym too. You will get kicked out when naked outside the shower. That said Gyms offer free showers for that subscription. So that would probably be the better deal if we get energy lunacy again.

[@paulawright6868]

Can we see Jimmi in a mercatone uno top and a gold ear ring when he gets the Marco Pantani bike please?

[@gregmcnicoll5520]

So refreshing to hear your views have changed on entry level bikes. That Scott you had is entry level, but terrible value for money. I ride a Triban RC120 and it has very similar spec to the Scott, but half the price. Good to see you guys chat about this!

[@TSDG91]

Thanks to you two I've just invested in my first road bike. I wanted something nice but felt spending £1600 on a carbon framed 105 bike might be too much to jump into head first. I ended up getting the Triban RC520. Hoping to get many happy miles under my belt before upgrading! Love the product reviews and ride videos. Keep it up chaps!

[@Ca11mero]

A lot of people had that as their first bike :)

[@sandles003]

Love the podcast guys. 👌 It's my favourite.

[@pshoward]

Love the podcast. I had an earlier version of the entry level decathlon bike when I got into cycling it was great.

[@mikekelly1771]

Always done my own bike fit. Never had an issue. Out of curiosity and the possibility of squeezing out some marginal gains, I booked in to get a bike fit from a shop that boasted it's service as second to none. Within a week I developed knee pain. Consulted bike fitter and was advised to push on, it's just my body getting used to the new position. After 6 months of increasing pain, loss of power and average speed I had to change back to my old position. Unfortunately, that 6 months in the wrong position damaged my left knee, and five years later it is still damaged and not properly recovered. If you are comfortable on your bike, and in no pain, don't change a thing.

[@jochenkraus7016]

Can you describe what changes the bike fitter made to your previous position? Saddle up/down, cleat position/direction,...?

[@user-so7yz2qi7s]

I’d love to challenge you two advise me on my return to cycling bike shopping, insight can be gained from watching you but you have more insight to begin with so not a win win to avoid mistakes!

[@petermikus2363]

The Van Rysel bikes and gear from decathlon look really good as well, value and fashion wise. They are also getting into the pro scene with this brand which considering decathlons enormous budget could be quiet interesting. If i remember correctly AG2R is gonna be using them

[@AnthonyGeers-sc6pj]

The plant could be named “Max the wax” to gain back the hot waxing lovers :-) Love your show and now podcast. Hot waxer this year for the first time! And has been a game changer: after the fastidious initial cleaning (with heavy chemicals), now the chain maintenance is easy and super fast.

[@cx123456]

Nice you brought it up, and I really appreciate the idea of being upfront with every single product review you'll do. It's hilarious how much mental gymnastics some content creators are doing saying they did received this $5k product for free and they are allowed to keep it, but the review is 100% sincere and objective because they haven't been paid any money. Personally I don't mind, as long as it's not CBD and mobile games, and you're being honest about what you're doing. The only thing that's funnier is to visit your LBS and ask the staff why would you pay the extra for said entry level premium bike instead of getting one at Decathlon.

[@0dcd9530]

RE DIY bike mechanics. I think it is relatively easy to be mechanic of your own bikes, especially if you have a limited number of technologies involved. Like everything can be learned relatively easily and tools can be purchased. Among the two things mentionned as difficult by Francis and Jimmy, pressfit stuff and hydro brakes, these aren't rocket science either but maybe they aren't comfy with it as of now. Like if you have one bike, you can easily learn the tech surrounding every part, as well as the gotcha and specific problems and solutions of a specific brands[1] What is very difficult however, is to be a DIY bike mechanics for everybody and trying to fix different bikes with vastly different technologies, from city bikes with coaster brakes and threaded headsets to high end road bikes with internal routing and stuff as well as full suspended MTBs. The amount of tooling, space and knowledge needed is in that case huge. I have started being my own mechanic 12 years ago after being tired of not finding a decent campagnolo mechanic in my area at the time. I also bought many many tools, some specific to only one part or one line. Only thing I haven't touched yet is the fork and shock of my mountain bike. Since I love to learn and wrench my bike, I am currently documenting myself about it to do my first full service of the suspension of my trail bike, and do it right. The thing is. There is knowledge, and there is experience. You can get the knowledge easily, the experience only with repeating stuff. I did a lot of mistakes in the process as well, learnt from them but everytime I service or install something totally new to me introduces new risks while a professionnal bike mechanic will probably have done that routinely for months already and be perfectly used to it at the same point of time. [1] like that crankset alu bolt that oxidize and can stay stuck on some sram crankset and that can be easily replaced by a steel bolt found with lower end ones. Something not mentionned in the manual but you get to learn by wrenching them.

[@gurinderkular7209]

Another great chat, I'm really enjoying the series. I would like to suggest a topic which is the second hand bike market. It seems that demand in the market has totally sunk and bikes aren't shifting. I've been watching ebay over the past 6 months as a buyer and potential seller and the majority of listing's are attracting no bids. I've no doubt that the over supply issues and general low consumer confidence have contributed to this situation. Would love to know your view

[@CycleNLincs]

22:57 - I couldn't bring myself to spend £1XXX on a bike and no interest in the £300 - £600 entry level stuff. I know what you mean by the second hand market been a minefield too. So I feel I did best of both, I bought a cheap, second hand aluminium frame got it powder coated black. Found a fork, headset, bars, stem seat, seat post, bottle cages wheels & tyres and groupset I could afford. Bought new where I could and second hand where I couldn't and I love it. This was my first road bike and I did my research to get it all together. My career background let be build it myself too. Hard to say the final price but it was still about the decathlon micro shift bike you had. I roll comfortably around on a Tiagra 2x10 speed bike with rim brakes and 105 hubs for less than £400. Yes I did built it myself but I'm sure a bike shop would have built the bike for you for a little more money if you needed that service. I'd do it for free if someone asked me in my area.

[@BD1ZZ]

Certainly there is wide variation in skill of bike fitters, but having had the pleasure of a really good one (not my first attempt sadly), the end result was worth every penny. Of course I'm referencing a tri bike, but I cannot heap enough praise on the shop that sorted me out.

[@logojones96]

oh noooo not the censor bleeps. If more shops had employees that knew just a little more about good bike sizing then fits wouldn't be as important. Every time ive gone to a shop they try and sell me a 56-58cm bike and I ride a 52 usually (very comfortably) lol.

[@contrastufffs]

you'd have to wire from a hub dynamo to your shifters to power them (and either have wired electronic shifting, or a second dynamo in the rear to power the mech), and i don't know how many road cyclists would go for all that. on the other hand, if you had electronic shifting on a commuter bike, that'd go great. commuters (like me) love us some extra wiring if it means we don't have to charge stuff. dynamo lights are more a commuter thing than a roadie thing, and this is an extension of that.

[@gethinap]

100% due to set up when it comes to mechanical disc brakes. I remember getting my Alloy Cannondale from a LBS and the brakes were scary. A tiny bit of tinkering and it was among the best bikes I've owned when it comes to breaking performance. They were Promax Decoders which don't have the best reputation.

[@John-gw3mj]

I think that there's probably a good video in second hand still. You're right that people with little to no experience are at risk of having a bad time if they buy second hand, but if they've got a friend who knows bikes, they are more likely to get something good. It would be cool to see you both find a second-hand bike for a friend and talk through what you're looking at and thinking about through the process. The obvious thing that springs to mind is how you can easily tell the probably stolen bikes on sites like Gumtree. For inspiration, it could be worth having a look at the old Linus Tech Tips series "Scrapyard Wars" for a similar concept in second hand PCs.

[@IanHulme]

The song at the end had me. 😂 Fantastic

[@satbythesea]

enjoying the new podcast thingy... nice work! plant name? has to be beelzebub

[@theonemanopinion2764]

Love this podcast!

[@aarondangelo6313]

catching up on the podcast.. this outro song.... hahahahahahaa so awesome!!

[@jrubinstein42]

I bought a Carrera TDF from Halfords for about £250 about 10 years ago and it's still going strong. Upgraded bits as I learnt more about bikes and now it's my commuter running an old Dura ace groupset I picked up cheap.

[@waterunderthefridge6058]

My first entry level road bike ($900 AUD/479 GBP) was from an Indonesian company called Polygon, here in Australia they're exclusively sold online and are still a bit niche. They have a cult following in SE Asia. Alloy frame, plenty of groupset choices for all budgets (mine was an 8 speed Claris), proper hoods/shifters, rim brakes, alloy rims, 25mm tyres... lots of bike for the money, a true entry level road bike. Surprised they're not more common in Europe and North America.

[@microcolonel]

In America, there is bikesdirect, and they give you a lot of bike for the money, whatever kind of bike you're looking for. If you want to get into a new type of bike and have it be usable, they'll ship it to you in a few days. Have $300 USD and want to try a single speed CX bike with disc brakes? Five days later it's on your doorstep. A lot of people would pay 30-50% more for it not to be made in China, but manufacturers that don't build there, also don't build actual entry level bikes. Giant should make a Taiwan-built single speed with cable discs, clearance for 700×50s, and an undressed round tube stainless frame... they'd sell heaps. As for chain lube, I use the DuPont PTFE and Boron Nitride lubricants; either the chain specific stuff or their general non-stick dry lubricant.

[@LukeGJPotter]

43:15 Jimmy mentioning WendWax. Francis, you shilled that so hard back in the day. 😁

[@stelivesey489]

I recently got into road cycling for fitness reasons, plus I live in a lovely area for cycling and the Halfords vid led me to your channel. I ended up with a used Carrera to start. Changed the cassette and spent a good while setting up the brakes. In the end, it was an acceptable ride and I put a fair few miles in. The biggest issues I had with it and the other entry level bikes is the lack of sizes. Upgraded to a used Contend SL1 Disc which cost less than the Carrera new and fit me properly. Difference has been night and day, especially the fit. Another thing to focus on is entry level gear. I've suffered with some awful shoes and helmets. Love the podcast, any thoughts on having a third guest every now and then?

[@chrisibberson9742]

Wonder if graphene tracks could be incorporated into a bike frame which could be used to make connection from the wheels to the frame to the electronic groupsets to charge them while riding could also charge phones and lights what you think?

[@Sooperhans3636]

Love you guys! Catching up on all the episodes. Gonna miss the swearing.

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

I've had my decathlon roadie for a year and some change now, and it is hands down one of my best purchases ever. No regrets. I don't need disc brakes nor do I need carbon to be a happy lad just pedaling along.

[@tommurphy5133]

I run trp spyres on my gravel bike and honestly I love them. Think the breaking performance is outstanding given they are relatively cheap tbh.

[@ThePsychodo]

A better question than unlimited money would be if you had x amount given to you and it had to be spent on bikes, what would you get /why. 40k and what would you buy? Etc

[@Csapi007]

Decathlon also has some excellent value models on the performance end of the scale: - NCR CF: full carbon road bike with Rival AXS, 2850€ - EDR CF: full carbon aero road bike with Rival AXS including powermeter, 3300€ - GCR: full carbon gravel bike with Rival AXS, 2500€ Bikes from the name brands with these specs cost easily double!

[@lerybana8588]

hi, thank you for your good bike reviews and tips, i have been just a beginner and planning to upgrade a bike and find your channel really interesting, if you have a chance to review a bike currently I am riding pls do i would like to see what are my past mistakes and dont do it on the future i have this FIXIE Inc. Floater Race 8S red, i was just wandering if it is considered as gravel or road 😂

[@10flyingdutchman]

I commuted through winters in Seattle. Mechanical disc is far better than mechanical rim. I ran cheap mechanical discs and they far outperformed Ultegra brakes and calipers.

[@GiorgioCamozzi]

For the wax: Get the Silca Chain Stripper to remove all grease, get a cheap slow cooker, get silca super secret chain blend for the hot waxing and super secret chain lube for rewaxing in between hot waxes. It's really straight forward, clean and super efficient (performance wise but also time wise)

[@DanTuber]

Have you used the stripper stuff? Is it worth the price?

[@Unwavering137]

What does all that stuff you recommended cost, a couple hundred bucks? The Silca guy, Josh charges fat dollars for everything he sells. I don't care to shower him with my cash for his overpriced gimmicks.

[@DanTuber]

@@Unwavering137 Silca Wax bag is £33 ...lasts a long time. Slow cooker is super cheap. You don't need that stripper product. Any cheap degreaer will do.

[@leighharwood9415]

Another great podcast, im loving it. Any chance of a video where you take a budget bike, the Triban for example, and slowly add reasonable price upgrades to see how much difference it makes. Wattage / time saved for each upgrade and then the overall difference. Im thinking latex tubes, tyres, narrow bars, body position, skin suit etc. Anyway keep up the good work 💪

[@neutronpcxt372]

IMO, I would just upgrade the tires and swap out the butyl tubes for TPU tubes. Drop bars also work, but for some people, they aren't that comfortable.

[@leighharwood9415]

@@neutronpcxt372 Thanks for the reply, I am a life long cyclist and also have my opinion on what works for me but it would be interesting to see what difference these things actually make at real world speeds. There was a recent study on deep section wheels and at 30kph it only saved around 5 seconds over a 25k course which really surprised me and these additional costs often stop cyclists at the point of entry

[@johnnyboy4711]

elite wheels to for Harry!!!dont forget those!love my 50s and TT disc and 88.

[@SteevDouglas]

I cycle commute about 40 miles a day (round trip) and the difference between my cheaper hybrid and my "entry level" gravel and road bikes made a big difference in speed and comfort in. My best purchase for commuting in the poorer weather was actually a £1500 Lapierre ebike. Before getting those bikes I wouldn't have paid more than a couple of hundred on a bike.

[@senasplage]

57:33 Bamboo frame ! YOU should try that !

[@IanLGagnon]

Using a race bike to commute can make some sense when it's not a new one. I have a 7.7kg (17lbs) Tarmac Pro SL3 with a modern Ultegra groupset that is my daily commuter. Lots of hills, so it's nice for climbing. It's 12 years old, so not really worth multi-thousand pound now, but still much nicer than needed to commute... but it sure does make it more fun.

[@HarMegiddo]

Love this podcast.

[@jeffholder1156]

Price is probably the best driving factor for classifying entry level.

[@homerj1640]

I love the outro song! We can relate.

[@NicolaDiMarco]

If you buy a bike with Shimano 105, which is a high-entry-level/mid-range bike, usually the groupset represent more than 50% of the total cost of the bike. In all cases wheels and tires included are likely the first thing to go as they're usually the lowest quality. Given this, the real difference between a Triban and Canyon, both with Shimano 105, is going to be a few hundred bucks, which is probably justified if you take into account aesthetics, brand, personal preference, maybe slightly better built (maybe). Lots of people blames Pinarello or Specialized to be too expensive but a Shimano dura ace di2 retails at 2.5k, dura ace wheels at around 2k, it comes with some fancy Lynx saddle which cost additional 250 and so on. So Shimano is the one likely to charge more for industrial made components rather than exclusive bike builder that need to do frames and pain in hand, don't have monopoly (like shimano does) and need to design new models every second year at least.

[@krissk77]

Actually the group set will be 2/3 of the total cost... if u compare prices of components online.

[@r.davies2702]

I use mechanical disc brakes, TRP funnily enough. And I find them fantastic whatever the weather. Possibly not as good as hydro's but more than good enough for me. I agree, correct set-up is probably a contributing factor. I'm running ceramic pads and not had any issues.

[@northerngiant2915]

I’m betting it was resin brake pads and resin-only rotors. It doesn’t matter how good or bad the mechanism is if your squeezing on butter.

[@kevinlyon9501]

Well there's a lot to comment on, I'll pick bike cleaning my method is functionally clean the only time it gets water on it is when it rains. Keep the oily bits clean use Squirt lube and it appears chain lasts longer than the wet lube I used previously. Wouldn't class myself as amateur bike mechanic I just build my own bikes and maintain them, when there was a local bike shop I would hang out with the lads in the workshop on Saturday make them tea or bring biscuits, beers etc.I worked there for a bit as well. so I was able to learn a lot from them.

[@StuartMcFarlane]

Thanks for having integrity and not just shilling for every and any company. There are far too many videos that are nothing more than advertising and commercials for product x or y.

[@malcontent_1]

Hahaha Jimmi -- that Bella song at the end was 100% genius

[@andorsn]

The outro song is hilarious, did you upload a full version of it somewhere?

[@bertchalmers]

Decathlon have been great for bike fits for my two tribans, to the point the guy put the bike on a turbo, changed the stem, did the seat height even put on my spds. When I went to order my new bike.... by a company that rhymes with 'Wibble ' at the factory shop. They couldn't have been less interested in fit

[@novaneutron13.8]

You should make a video for aliexpress custom build in same (or maybe less) budget as Triban. I have been thinking to do this so that i can get lower weight and more features at same price.

[@ilhm474]

If you do the wax video please refer to the "zerofrictioncycling" guy, he's the go-to person for lube testing and has a lot of data that you're looking for, the difference in products can be HUGE.

[@nickcarolan2805]

Good video lads. Keep it up 🙂🇮🇪

[@Sanchez567]

Any dynamo that takes power from the pedalling motion to charge Di2 etc. will effectively reduce your watts going into the drivetrain. It will also add a not insignificant amount of weight. For e-bikes it makes sense but not for high end racing bikes. Solar energy also tricky because again of weight and actual surface area. You would have to wire up a lot of surfaces and photovoltaic surfaces are delicate if you don't protect them, again adding weight to the frame. Unless we can effectively build some photovoltaic cells into the carbon lay-up I don't see how you could do that. May happen at some point but not soon. (It would also massively increase the price of frames)

[@theophilepelras9795]

Since I saw your Decathlon video, my commuter bike broke down and I got a Triban rc120 second hand for half the price in neat condition and despite all the negative opinion I had about Microshift (also I did not get the point of a carbon fork in a 600€ bike), it feels pretty great and I even don’t want to take it for my commutes here in the Netherlands 😉

[@BurntToast1]

Great chat, loving this new pod. Can't help but ask though... is Jimmi wearing a kids watch? (looks like a vivofit jr)

[@Cade_Media]

It’s the Grogu edition Vivo Jr. 😅😀

[@dannyp5139]

That song? Omg I was laughing so hard!

[@clarencehowell1986]

Bought strattus S5 comes today. Is Giant or Trek better frame with lower group set . Confused , but for a 1,000 does it matter?

[@NolanSpace]

There is a growing market of Hybrid Mechanical Disc brakes. It'd be a good video to see your opinions, the bike shops opinion on a hybrid set up to undercut the cost of full hydraulic.

[@jimgriffin7367]

I do like the transparency on what's been bought/given.

[@jimgriffin7367]

not that it's really anyone's business, but I think for the people Francis appeals, down to earth folks would more than likely appreciate the ethics? Good stuff all around.

[@philipholenstein5685]

Bike fits are definitely not overrated. That is usually the opinion of someone who’s never had one and is living with discomfort on the bike without realizing it. Any rider who rides regularly should get a bike fit.

[@dan44zzt231]

I've had two bike fits, one was awful and caused loads of issues, and one was pretty good. It's value depends on the fitter and honestly I don't think there's too many good fitters around.

[@kellrockets101]

I spent so much money in the past on bike fits, specific orthotics .....caused me nothing but problems. I am not completely against them, but once I got my understanding of geometry and my own comfort I would never waste money getting a fit again

[@malcontent_1]

Please record my +1 vote in favor of testing *_mechanical_* disk brake options. I've seen very wide differences in performance among various brands, setups (bedding in pads), related components (pad material & cable housings), etc. Most "regular" people cannot service hydro brake systems, even if they wanted to.

[@maelbely4669]

you could try buy a refurbished bike. I work at a bike shop (s different gear) in sheffield and we by far sell refurbished bike most often. and its great being able to provide affordable bikes to all kinds of people

[@kowalski864]

Bike fits for normal people are a good idea if the bike fitter is good and if you are spending anything over 1500€ on a bike. I’d even say they are useful for beginners (especially if they are older) as it kind of takes some hesitations away, because you kind of don’t know at first how the bike should feel and you really need to ride a lot to find it out incrementally on your own by just fiddling around with the setup. I did a bike fit finally last year and feel much more relaxed on the bike being more informed about my position.

[@northerngiant2915]

Finding a good bike fitter outside of big cities is pretty tough.

[@MTBstuart]

be good to see you do entry level gravel bike, especially the decathlon offering

[@allisgood.6191]

The absolute black graphene wax is AMAZING! Cheers from Michigan.

[@michaelarnold1150]

Something I was wondering if someone has tried was replacing the current drive train with a dynamo to hub motor. Not like an e-bike that adds power to the riders' input but is a one for one.

[@tomshorey9]

Have a look at the Pinancle Laterite 2 at Evans Cycles. Think it’s £500ish at the moment. Claris and rim brake. Chose it over the Halfords one you had.

[@jenspetersimonsen4235]

Love your content - chapeau, chaps. IMO the discussion about entry or not is a tad more nuanced. Compare a £4-600 bike to a £1.000-1.500 bike when byuing into the sport. If you get hooked/addicted you will want to either upgrade your £600 bike (if feasible) OR buy a better one rather quickly to enhance your experience, hence loosing a good chunk of your initial investment due to depreciation (if your succeed in selling it). Either way I suspect you'll take a substantial loss. IF you end up concluding cycling isn't quite your thing (most likely within the first 6 months) you'll have a better chance of selling the higher qualli bike with minimal loss than the so-called 'entry-level' bike. SO, buying the £1.000-1.500 bike will present you with a substantial initial investment, BUT you potentially avoid loosing a chunk of money AND end up with a frame feasible to upgrade later 🙂

[@northerngiant2915]

19:07 The rim vs disc brake safety debate likely had to do with “resin only” rotors and awful resin brake pads. They are death in crappy weather and I can burn through a set 100 miles. Cheap Corki brand metallic brake pads and rotors are $25 for a full set and they work in all weather, just fine for commuting, it’s not fancy, but it works.

[@peterliuify]

Love the content. Give more hot takes

[@okreidieh]

When you receive merch to review ==> do you return it or do you then sell for a profit?

[@ariffau]

31:41 despite the Cade Media being sponsored by Scott, I personally think their new Plasma for triathlon is sickkkkkkkkk! Totally want one if I had unlimited money 🤣 And probably would ride it to the grocery store or something

[@theophilepelras9795]

About bike prices… I remember my first ‘proper’ commuter bike was a Trek 3700 which I paid 330€ in a local bike shop. Now the entry level Trek FX1 costs more than 600€. Even with inflation, that’s a huge increase in pricing…

[@nicolas2838]

Can you have a look at the Decathlon mid lvl bikes the NCR and the top lvl bikes FCR and RCR series? It feels like Decathlon does not spend much money on influencers so its really hard to get information about their stuff.

[@jd_5907]

Looks like a Kentia Palm to me so going off the iron clad rule of alliteration, Kevin?

[@anthonylloyd6094]

Hotchilli gravel group is cool. Been on their short route around Esher.

[@dantastic2851]

Loving ya content Mr Francis

[@jordan-rl5zz]

first person to type i love ur guys vids keep it up

[@Lasicak]

If you are cleaning a chain, the cleaner (degreaser) may be biodegradable but the oil that is cleaned from the chain not.

[@markburton3306]

I’ve had an interesting experience trying to get a better bike. I’m very much a casual cyclist and on the tall side at 6ft6. I’ve got a 2003 mountain bike and a 2014 commuter hybrid. Both are a bit small for me, but I can put up with it as they were fairly low cost. Last year, I wanted to upgrade to a road style bike where I could do longer rides (108km furthest so far). The cheapest I could find that might fit was a £2k Orbea Terra. It’s a great bike and I’m lucky to be able to afford it. But, cycling is very expensive past time

[@davesingleton5885]

Would you consider a video on beginner kit e.g. comparing some of the entry level bib shorts, jerseys etc?

[@cjohnson3836]

That's going to be an even bigger minefield than entry bikes. The problem is you have people who are honestly interested but on a budget. And then you have people that think anything over $50 for a bike is being ripped off because they neither know, nor are interested to know, what a bike (or in this case, kit) actually is. So they could do a video on something like NeoPro, which I think are pretty good value for the money and actually do proper cuts. But some asshole is going to scream, "tHat'S NoT enTRy lEvEL!!!". That will be the same asshole that ends up in a med clinic getting his nuts packed with gauze after chaffing it to an open wound because they decided to ride a 2" thick walmart saddle with $10 amazon shorts.