Utterly Bonkers, But Is It Any Good? Elliptical Cycling Challenge

[@gcn]

What do you make of stand up cycling??

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

I think Conor is a real stand up guy for doing this😏

[@gbart981]

They are lots of fun except in the wind. Still like being able to sit down on my bike;)

[@apm9507]

Makes Connor even TALLER!

[@davetbassbos]

They look like Doctor Who villains.

[@apm9507]

Idai is incredibly charming and funny! Get him as a special GCN presenter!

[@cdcaterham]

We now wait with baited breath for "four ellipticals versus Si on a TT bike" Ollie will be having kittens trying to calculate the aerodynamics involved! 😹🙀

[@rhinosunited1]

Make it happen GCN!

[@bubblesezblonde]

yeppers we all know the outcome. All will be assimilated. Resistance is Futile.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

😂 Internal cable routing will save you 0.6 Watts at 45kph - out of 2000. What about Connor on this vs. Olli on a hydrobike?

[@cdcaterham]

Then get them on the track... elliptical team pursuit! The possibilities are endless.

[@carlk1183]

That and PRAY Ollie doesn't get dropped! Poor guy will never live that down. People were so relentless with it. Dr. Bridgewood, I have faith in you!

[@francoispayen]

What a character! Idai really flies off the starting line on this thing. His "YOU'RE THE TALLEST PERSON I'VE EVER INSTRUCTED!" at the beginning of the video instantly cracked me up 😆

[@gcn]

🤣

[@neilchatterjee7644]

Have Idai back on. He’s a blast onscreen.

[@antonychesters9803]

Absolutely. If he's a personal trainer his personality alone would have him up with the best but the guy is obviously very fit with an incredible love of life. Bring him back to help with reviewing other 'out there' designs.

[@nigellee2350]

I rode a 130 miler with Idai on an elliptigo. So encouraging, his enthusiasm is so infectious.

[@chrisc1140]

That Idai guy seems like a real *standup* fellow

[@gcn]

Good one Chris! 😂

[@Metal-Possum]

You should see yourself out.

[@nmanchin]

He was awesome!

[@effyleven]

Agree. *Very Nice Guy..* The sort of bloke it is good to spend time with.

[@AdamEngst]

I've been riding an ElliptiGO since 2013 after giving it a try as a way to get more running-like exercise while injured. It's a great machine. There were a few things that didn't get mentioned in the video. Most important, because you're standing up and in a natural position, it's a lot more comfortable than a normal road bike, with no hand, arm, neck, back, or butt pain. Because you stand so tall and are looking straight ahead, rather than down at the road, you get a great view, which makes it ideal for relaxed rides in scenic countryside. Looking so large and strange is also good for making sure cars pay attention to you. There's no question that it's slower and harder than biking due to the weight (my 8C is 44 pounds) and non-aerodynamic riding position-you take the wind full in the chest. (Folks on road bikes love drafting behind me.) ElliptiGO's research suggests it's 30% harder, but that just means you're getting a better workout at a slower speed. The aerodynamics make descending hills much slower than a road bike, but riding up is similar-you're already standing up on the pedals and you can shift all the way down (8 or 11 speeds in the hub). The main downsides are noise-the tracks make a wooshing noise-and the related fact that it doesn't like dirt roads because the slightest bit of grit in the tracks makes even more noise. The hub gearing works well, but if it needs more than basic adjusting, it's a royal pain to repair.

[@bryguy6509]

Yes! I think it's also important to mention that I'm sure crushing it on an ElliptiGO may actually be a better workout than riding a typical bicycle. No science to back that up but I just have a feeling.

[@4nz-nl]

Sounds good Adam! Actually, lots of those advantages also fit with a recumbent bicycle, minus the free visibility plus the aerodynamics.

[@Winterstick549]

Can you ride over 13mph over a long period,, after getting used to it of course.

[@AdamEngst]

@@Winterstick549 Yes. Obviously, speed depends on a variety of factors like terrain, surface, and your conditioning, but I did a 100-mile ride on the ElliptiGO some years ago and averaged almost 15 mph. That was a particularly flat course and I had company (it was the AIDS Ride for Life in Ithaca, around Cayuga Lake), but in more normal long rides around the area here, I generally average 13 mph or so.

[@Winterstick549]

@@AdamEngst That's pretty good. Thanks.

[@fazerchef]

I've known Idai for a number of years, and he came out with me on my first elliptical ride when I bought one and kindly took me out to show me the ropes. he's an incredible guy with a big heart, check out his videos, he's an absolute machine ,you should definitely make him a feature on your channel .

[@ianradcliffe4835]

I bought an Elliptigo about 3 years ago as I had a knee problem that was limiting my road cycling. Lots of fun and gives a good work out. Not as fast as a road bike but with its gears it can handle hills and cover decent distances. I'm a similar height to Conor which means when you are riding one you're as tall as a horse rider giving you a very different view of the word. Attracts lots of attention. Be prepared to wear shades! Lots of fun catching up other cyclists and seeing their reaction.

[@aloras405]

I’m thinking about getting one for my husband.

[@gcn]

Great to hear you've been able to keep enjoying getting out on the bike Ian!!

[@LUCYDIAMONDBOXER1]

Would be hilarious seeing these in the peloton. Would be like seeing a gaggle of geese bobbing up down Alpe d'Huez 😄

[@TheOrgil220]

I would watch that.

[@gcn]

That would be awesome!! 😂

[@RazzFazz-Race]

since 1934 not possible any more…

[@lhandbhel]

looks like penguins..

[@VJTedescoIII]

Glad to see this video. The ElliptiGO was my gateway drug back into cycling in mid-life. After the doctors made me stop running, I was an unhappy indoor elliptical user for several years. My wife read an article about the ElliptiGO in Runner's World and found a local bike shop that carried them. Knowing I was unhappy indoors, she goaded me into a test ride and quickly "approved" a purchase. For a couple years the ElliptiGO was my primary cardiovascular exercise, but I found myself wanting to go faster, farther and climb hills better than I could on my ElliptiGO 8c. At age 49, I set the ElliptiGO aside and took up road cycling and I've never looked back. Happily, I was able to sell my used ElliptiGO to another injured runner looking for something new.

[@andrelamothe9339]

MY dad loves his ElliptiGO, and I ride one too. Conor really hits home on the biggest word to describe ElliptoGO's: Fun. They are just plain fun. Every time a friend rides mine they laugh and smile the whole time. They're a great workout and a great POV of the road too. Great vid, Idai is a delight.

[@MrWarrensimmons]

Idai sold me my Elliptigo longstride back in 2012 and it is still one of the best things on two wheels that i have ever bought. I got it to save my arse from further destruction after doing the PBP in 2011. My arse still thanks me.

[@DanRC69]

Adai seems like such a genuinely nice guy, so positive and enthusiastic, he'd definitely make a good member of the team.

[@kylemacasero]

I love his energy so much

[@suartblofeld]

I've now ridden over 20,000 miles on my ElliptiGO bike and even completed the Everesting challenge on it. Other friends have Everested too. So this thing can really climb too as well as providing an amazing workout and its tonnes of fun as this video clearly shows. Great to see ElliptiGO on GCN! Thanks guys.

[@gcn]

That's awesome!

[@afrocentricalbion]

Genuine question. Why would you ride one of these rather than a conventional bicycle? Is it just the novelty factor? The first thing I thought when I saw this was, you can't sit down and have a rest. If I feel my joints are stressed during a ride (on my hardtail) I drop the gears and make it easier. I don't quite understand why people feel it's less stressful on joints.

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

These sound fantastic. I'd get one if I wasn't strapped for cash and looking to buy my first roadie first. Adai was stealing the show too, damn. I like him.

[@EnterTheOrb]

You can get 2nd hand carbon bikes for £300-400

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

@@EnterTheOrb In Asia?

[@josephacosta5252]

@@Relevant_Irrelevance cool username!

[@Relevant_Irrelevance]

@@josephacosta5252 Thanks

[@mischief2168]

Well done Conor ~ a really enjoyable fun film. Weirdly I used the word 'giraffe' about five seconds before you did, but it sure was stylish. And Idai, what a great bloke.

[@otherwisesignificant]

Y'all should have Idai on again. Really entertaining guy.

[@petewillmot]

11:19 Idai stands on tree…. Conor is still taller than him!! Brilliant film guys! I was smiling and laughing watching this one! An absolute joy bringer!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it Pete!

[@hzunasdfgbciw]

That Idai dude is cool, so much fun and positivity. :-) Someone in my city rides a similar thing, but it's more like a full crosstrainer on wheels, powered by arms and legs. No idea how he steers, well I guess I'll better keep some distance next time our ways cross. ^^

[@M16Murphy]

That may be a StreetStrider. You steer it the way you steer a skateboard. To turn, you throw out your hip and lean into it.

[@robertmendelson7724]

I got one of the 8 speed versions after some indelicate surgery and couldn’t be on a saddle for six months. It’s about twice the calories per mile as a road bike. For me at 72 it’s like running in slow motion but going 14 to to 15 mph on the flat. Great fun, good conditioning and excellent cross training. But uphill is very hard, like hiking uphill with a 40 pound pack.

[@gcn]

Very cool Robert - great alternative to the traditional bike!

[@Seppster58]

As a duck takes to water, Conor takes it on like a giraffe on the Serengeti. Nice ride guys!!

[@magicalpossibilities]

Today is my one year anniversary of owning my Elliptigo. I absolutely LOVE it! Have ridden probably close to 2000 miles.

[@gcn]

Wow, that's awesome Suzanne!

[@Shazidur07]

Conor: I feel like a giraffe.... Idai: yes you're very tall 😂

[@gcn]

In other news, water is wet! 🥴

[@adamcoatham]

What a guy Idai is! His positivity and energy are such a breath of fresh air. We should all try and be more Idai!

[@xtrailz]

This guy has done more chin-ups in 1 day than I have in my entire life

[@MisterAndyS]

It's about four a minute. I'm thinking I could do that... for maybe the first ten minutes.

[@boatman222345]

The main advantage this and other non traditional styles have over the typical road bike is the lack of injuries generated per year. I love road bikes and rode thousands of miles on them but my knees, wrists, neck and rear end finally couldn't take it anymore and I had to switch, first to recumbents and presently to a Swifty Zero kick scooter. Not as fast, nowhere near the climbing capacity or the miles per day but so blessedly free of pain and injuries! This stand up style bike looks promising as well.

[@gcn]

Certainly a great alternative to the traditional two wheelers!

[@taufikabidin412]

Arent recumbents easier to get more miles?

[@Tomask_]

I have a regular road bike, even though I'm currently not complaining about any physical pain (except when I'm riding for 2+ hours; sit-bones, wrists, neck, lower back), I'm a bit attracted to the idea of the recumbent bike (the two-wheelers), they look so interesting and comfortable. What do you think? is it worth the jump? I've not tried one before and they're naturally more costly than road/touring bikes.

[@taufikabidin412]

@Maciej Jan Długosz not all. If the leg is higher than heart, yes, but most LWB and some SWB have a geometry so the leg is lower than the heart whilr uphill, so that problem does not occur.

[@adamk9221]

🤣 10:07 Connor stoped and moved leg over the ghost saddle

[@briandsouza7854]

Good catch! 😂

[@daverickard13]

That is funny, but he's lifting his leg/foot over the elliptical arm.

[@gordonmculloch4904]

That’s funny. 😂👍

[@gcn]

Hahaha - great spot Adam!

[@adamk9221]

@@gcn You're welcome!

[@MildStallion1]

Interesting use of measurement systems in the UK; "let's go 200 meters to the 40 mile/hour sign"

[@richardharris8538]

I'd like to see Mike Woods on an elliptical, with Idai doing the commentary, of course. And it wouldn't hurt to have Idai as a GCN presenter.

[@dee.2848]

Agreed

[@recstoppauseplay]

If I had to choose between genius or bonkers it's got to be genius! What a wonderful idea and Idai Makaya and Conor do a great job presenting this brilliant invention.

[@gbart981]

Bought one for my wife since she had knee surgery and couldn't get enough bend in her knee to cycle. I also use it, but not on windy days;) Lots of fun, chance to use some different muscle groups.

[@easternbrown]

This video is 14 minutes well spent, cheered me up it did

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrisl.7099]

Conner you bloody cheat bringing out the road bike.. Hats off to Ida, I'm even more intrigued by the eliptigo than ever. Fair play to ya 👏

[@claywhiting1217]

Way to GO Idai! Keep on spreading the GOod Fun and Fitness the Stand UP Biking provides! Great interview and Conor picked up on it quick! Way to Drop the hammer on the sprints!

[@Roboscan]

These are interesting but my dork level is already pretty high, if I’d ride one of these I’d become a Dork Sith Lord.

[@johnburmester6162]

I was a competitive masters runner and 5 time Boston Marathoner that leveraged the ElliptiGO for cross training initially to bring my times down in the 5k to ultra marathon. After nine years and over 25,000 miles I still love my elliptigo. As a former runner now its a lifestyle for me, as well as fun and very comfortable way to maintain peak fitness as I move into my 60s.

[@andrewknight9145]

I met Idai doing a 24 hour challenge at Goodwood, he was great to ride alongside especially through the terrible weather at night, always full of encouragement and good cheer. Keep up the good work.

[@trimmxx2169]

Adai was amazing character seems like a top bloke great energy. Now bring these to the pros that would be so funny to watch 😂

[@michaelganshirt8795]

Best quote, "I think that you are 8 feet tall right now."

[@robinseeberg3715]

Idai's energy is amazing! Please bring him back!

[@Rick--A-F]

I used to enjoy Adai's videos some years back, it's good to see him getting to show off the bike and his lovely character to a larger audience!

[@monochromebluess]

Tell Alex. The only bike you need is an Elliptical bike not a gravel bike after all ! Good fun video and both presenters made it. Never heard of these before. You learn something everyday.

[@DavidMackenzie]

Conner looked so happy doing this with that huge grin on his face. And Adai is such an interesting guy.

[@malcolmhedges7346]

I used to see a guy on an elliptical on my commute into work on the CS3 cycle path around Beckton area. First time I saw him I nearly fell off in surprise, bizarre but fascinating !

[@jasonw1777]

I was thinking the same. Also saw him a few times at Canning Town flyover

[@malcolmhedges7346]

@@jasonw1777 Must be the same guy, how many people were commuting along there on an elliptical! Heading East in the morning?

[@TheEpieikeia]

This elliptical gentleman is utterly genius! He ought to be part of the GCN Team. Btw I remember being overtaken by one of these ungainly bicycles on the Col de la Madone a couple of years ago much to my dismay...!

[@realisticpt7747]

If it makes you feel better the first time I came across one of these was when Idai overtook me up a hill on a sportive round London. I was on my carbon fibre racer...!!!

[@Jacksirrom]

I really love it when a guest wins a gcn competition

[@peterliljebladh]

I can't wait to see Connor attempting to set a new velodrome hour world record on that thing.

[@nickrossuk]

Had never heard of one of these before - now, having watched the video, I've now seen one out in the wild. The chap riding it looked like he was having a great time

[@jeffreylee5770]

Last summer I saw an older couple with elliptigo bikes on a trail. They seemed to be having fun. I did not think that they might have started using them due to osteoarthritis. I guess that is a great alternative to riding if a normal pedal bike becomes impossible to enjoy. The standing position does make it easier to look around. They did look quite heavy though.

[@ryanparker4996]

"YES, GOT 'IM!" Idai is a legend haha

[@ronaldchong]

what a fun video! elliptigo today, unicycle tomorrow, pogo stick on wednesday!

[@gcn]

How did you get your hands on our release schedule? 😂

[@KaminKevCrew]

Would love to see you try a rowbike - basically you perform the motion of rowing while riding a bike. Being a former rower, I always thought it would be really fun to try.

[@piotrwojcik1756]

No more sore saddle. No more expensive clipless shoes

[@ERKNEES2]

This was VERY entertaining 🤣

[@bicyclist2]

I used to work at a local bike shop in Columbus Ohio that sold these Eliptigo's. I tried riding one once. I didn't care for it. Unfortunately the bike shop went out of business. Thanks.

[@gamblore5148]

Can we get Sam Pilgrim on this thing?

[@seattlegrrlie]

I've seen a few in Seattle and they look so fun. An elliptical machine but on the road. I love it!!!

[@DavidtheDoom]

Any equipment getting more people out and moving is worth investing in! Seems like a great way for those unable (or unwilling if any such exist) to ride regular bikes.

[@gcn]

Agreed!

[@superyamagucci]

“I feel like a giraffe… like galloping!” “Yes Connor! Turn slowly!” “Oh I’m just saying I feel 100% normal!”

[@jennifercash1093]

The childish glee on Connor's face alone makes this video worth a watch! 🤣😂

[@nigellaver1]

I recall many years ago. A bunch of guys on these "bikes" participating in our 2nd largest timed mass participation cycle event in South Africa (947). Idai sounds like he's originally from SA

[@renevanleeuwen1813]

This is a fun channel. As a Dutchman I have seen some weird bicycles on the road, like the yellow zeppelin. But an elliptical...never :)

[@ChrisGuarraia]

I would give the ElliptiGo a go!

[@gregbyrne7725]

First time Conor didn't have to raise the saddle...

[@donaldrieger381]

I ran across a group of these last summer at the Tour de Donut here in the U.S. They do tend to weave left & right like Conor on the climb. I would also think the harder you push down the more it would weave. That same company makes a 2nd style where you are just standing on a set of normal bicycle cranks. For the purpose they are designed for, they are probably great.

[@bikndave68]

That moment when Conor realized he was looking into someone’s second story window…

[@Mububban23]

Connor saying “I feel like a giraffe!” - surely that’s every day though? 😁

[@jonpoon3896]

Probably the only time Conor can borrow someone’s bike and fit it

[@jasonjaeger7383]

I love these kind of gcn videos!

[@surabelafabian9781]

I'll never use this vehicle but it's a thoroughly enjoyable video!

[@failedtolaunch80]

Hill race with the cyclist behind not even trying but still closing the gap 🤣. Also good there weren’t any low bridges 😂

[@gcn]

It's not the MOST efficient way of getting around! 😂

[@johnburmester6162]

Its baffling that this is new to so many people still. The 2020 Olympics included 23 athletes that actively cross-trained with elliptigo's -including the woman's marathon bronze medalist. The 2014 Boston Marathon winner (just weeks shy of his 39th birthday) also leveraged the elliptigo to both beat the younger competition and set a lifetime personal best.

[@ronmartin5339]

I have 14 assorted bikes, I've had the 11R since they came out and it is by far my favorite workout bike, I use it every week and have put thousands of miles on it, replacing the guide wheels and wheel guides probably 7 or 8 times!

[@ChrisinOSMS]

I finally rode one today, skiing is a good description. I needed to run through the gears, but once up to speed, it cruised nicely. This was a Facebook marketplace buy, it needs cleaning and new track wheels so hopefully it will be smoother and quieter soon.

[@RazzFazz-Race]

In think I met this guy at London-Edinburgh-Londonin 2013. There were 2 Eliptigo at the start. and one guy was black. He finished the brevet in less then 120hours… Chapeau!

[@cathschofield7488]

This was really good to watch and very interesting

[@MrAlexshellard]

Dont show this to the UCI haha! love the enthusiasm of this guy! Take one of those, up the wheel size, tinker with the geometry and lower the bars and that could get very interesting.

[@tddsctt]

Your next channel! I'd watch it to see Idai! He seems like a real cool guy.

[@maltesephil]

Awesome. Set up the Global Eliptical Bike Network with him as presenter

[@talantu2493]

ElliptiGo versus RoadBike was incredibly fun!😃

[@stevenspevere2217]

So fun to watch! I remember guys riding these in Ride the Rockies. Very impressive 👏

[@gcn]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed!

[@ridealoha2717]

Connor finally found a bike that fits! 🤣🚲

[@gcn]

🤣

[@Hysterically-Inaccurate]

We want more of Idai!

[@andyfairchild2383]

Toms Hill…. That takes me back, used to ride round there in my youth. Although I must admit the route usually involved going down it, not up!

[@joegamas1194]

This was awesome and an awesome video, totally refreshing and new ….I loved it

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you

[@TreyGruel]

I first saw someone on an "Ellipti-Go" about 5 years ago at a ~50 mile bike event. She did the whole long distance, but it was clear that hills were a struggle.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Conor...you are a good person !! Peace

[@polthomaskeeley7860]

These have been out for a long time. Cool item from GCN and Makaya :-)

[@rpkiller2489]

imagine a elliptical tandem bike that would be hilarious.

[@gcn]

Now there is an idea!

[@BaskinTapkan]

nice alternative, thanks for the video and comparison

[@gcn]

Thanks - glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidkline4372]

I saw a guy on an eliptigo on the Phil's trail system by Bend Oregon last year. Pretty cool.

[@fastestmilkman3840]

Please bring Idai back again!

[@hutchingjc]

Pimp the elliptical! Aero bars, racing tyres, dura ace crankset….. and go!

[@davidpatrick79]

What a guy. There's your GCN inspiration right there. I can't do 5 chin ups never mind 5000.

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

I have actually seen one or two of these being ridden on the dunwich dynamo. This was some years ago however

[@twiceaseager]

I'd be really interested to see a major bike company take an interest in these bikes, streamline the design and lighten them up a bit - I'd buy one, as I have ongoing issues with sitting on a saddle on a conventional road bike, which don't seem to be improving sadly.

[@dtchua]

Idai is such a good sport! 👍

[@Danger_Mouse_00]

I can see a stand up comedian liking these.😂

[@iancuk]

Cracked on giraffe and 8 feet height joke 🤣🤣. Please bring him back someday, GCN