We Bought The Best Budget Bikes & Entered An Elite Road Race!

[@gcn]

Were you impressed with the budget bikes? What other challenges would you like to see us do with them?

[@troycollett8540]

Hill climb

[@ryanryan4223]

gimme one of those cheap bikes and I'll be happy lol

[@DarenC]

Wonder how I'd do on my oldest bike. Reynolds 531c frame & forks, SunTour AccuShift 12-spd gears, cost £300 back in 1988. OK, I know really; I'd be dropped within 500m, but that's _me_ not the bike. Still, it'd be interesting to see how proper vintage bikes stack up against the latest.

[@Tzurakmar]

Lets see a video on that used Trek. Love to hear in detail what that money actually got him.

[@danielellis663]

Upgrade the wheels to some budget 50mm wheels. No more than £600.

[@권용대-b5v]

I like these budget challenges. It’s much more realistic than riding hyper/super bikes for most people. Keep going on GCN!!

[@lukewalker1051]

Quite right. I would say most viewers ride a bike somewhere between the bikes in the race and superbikes GCN shills for their sponsors nobody can afford. Pros are given superbikes to ride, they don't buy them.

[@spotsill]

As I have personally learned a entry level bike that is a good fit and comfortable to ride is better then a better bike that is uncomfortable and that you can’t get the fit correct on .

[@fishlacroscopy]

It’s it really more realistic? Look at what the others in the video ride. I know most people in my area ride bikes closer to super bikes than these budget bikes.

[@iMadrid11]

Budget challenges don’t sell new bikes. Which is what GCN sponsors wants. Pinarello, Trek and Decathlon don’t make money on secondary bike sales. Except for consumables like tires. You’ll always need new tires for your bike when they wear out.

[@mauriceperry2165]

I do like to see the super bikes and obviously the channel wouldn't exist without the support from. certain brands. However I love the cheaper bike challenges to give a different perspective and give an idea of the bikes that quite a few of us ride or start on are capable of.

[@LouieBaLLz]

Mark played Ollie perfectly! He even got himself dropped to simulate what would've happened to Ollie.

[@Jean-jk4zv]

🤣

[@kakarot2430]

Olie sure can't have a break :lol

[@gcn]

Mark is famously a great method actor

[@LouieBaLLz]

@@kakarot2430 it's all in fun. Ollie would smoke this keyboard warrior any day on the road. 😁

[@ricardoperez5224]

Lmao 🤣

[@garethrichards5054]

I would love to see a rematch with £500 worth of upgrades. Where would they put the money and how would they save watts?

[@daviddemoise3526]

I’d be interested to see the comparison between a $500 bike and $500 to upgrade vs starting with a $1,000 used bike. I find in my area that price range can get you into a pretty nice fairly modern bike, but not sure if it’s better.

[@gcn]

Nice idea Gareth!

[@IronHorsey3]

That's so cool and many would toss them into the wheels?

[@imperialspy3457]

@@IronHorsey3 and the tyres haha.

[@wayfarin]

This + Alibaba = hyperbike

[@makkomise]

While it's nice to see the top-spec stuff, i absolutely love this kind of content! Much more relatable to i'd say most of us...

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it, Did you catch our cheap bike challenge last year? kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2KwdH2MnJd3hKc

[@trovelemmanuel5627]

Agreed. Def can't be buying these elite bikes😅

[@shauncasey8295]

@@trovelemmanuel5627 Don't need to. Get on a bike and ride, any bike. All these KZbin cycling channels want to turn riding a bike into rocket science. After all, they need clicks and likes and subscribers, and daily content.

[@MrAaronbreeding]

​@@trovelemmanuel5627gm

[@238949]

Great to see a Triban in the challenge, Triban 3, my first ever road bike £80 bargain 2nd hand, only ridden 3 times, loved her to bits, great value bikes

[@Jean-jk4zv]

Also got a triban 3 for 150, used it for 5 years of fast commute, just changed the back wheel because I'm a power rider and I ruined the rear hub pretty quickly 😅 Decathlon mid range bikes are great value for the price and for beginners or commuters

[@frlipa]

Why only 3 times?

[@238949]

@@frlipa lady who bought it got pregnant and didn't use it, hence selling it to me, I still have it, love her.

[@-P-Z-]

9:03 that transition though. Kudos for editor.

[@gcn]

Thanks Przemek!

[@lcooperdesign]

Which transition? No editing took place, the cameraman just caught the moment Si hit 88mph.

[@adamhill8290]

I love that Mark has such a good attitude and was a good sport about this. This was a fun experiment.

[@nerdexproject]

Super awesome video guys! :D Would love to see the same experiment again with three £1000 bikes!

[@bjsr126]

And then 2000,3000,4000!

[@gs78798]

More interesting would be going into the other direction: 250 £€$. Would love to see a 50 £$€ Challenge as well, but the bikes you get for that probably have to be repaired a little bit (at least in my area). But with very cheap upgrades like Ollie's selfmade disc wheel the race-challenge looks interesting. :-) And please add aero fins. :-P Perhaps an exception from modification rules have to be negotiated with the race officials? :-)

[@k04s4]

Triban rc120 is an amazing bike, great to see some realistic bikes that beginners can afford who aren't sponsored!

[@VéloAcoustic]

This is my first year racing and I'm riding on a 2011 Trek Lexa, just a basic alloy bike that my Grandfather and I put almost 20 year old Ultegra on. And guess what, I'm smashing it with 3 wins in a row and going. EDIT: 4 wins now And just beat a kid on a brand new stacked Pinarello Dogma F

[@kosskrit]

Cool! The differences between modern road bikes and older road bikes is not that dramatic as in mountain biking.

[@gcn]

That's an amazing record! Are you enjoying it?

[@VéloAcoustic]

@@gcn Very much so! The bike rides and works really well. The only bitter quality is I can feel the frame flex when I'm really hammering up a climb out of the saddle.

[@M5252email]

Talent makes it.

[@FRANK-pp4rn]

It's all about fitness, tactics, and handling. The bike is only a factor when you're at the top tier of racing.

[@sventice]

My big take-aways here are that, if you have a very limited budget, buy a good, very old bike rather than a mediocre new one, and then, once you've bought the old bike, fix or replace the worn-out bits BEFORE you race it. Also: you can probably totally get away with spending less than 1000 pounds/euros/dollars, but not 500. (Especially if hills are involved.) I think the best choice for most people is to just buy a decent mid-range bike new or very nearly new, and then upgrade it in small, financially digestible bites over time. (More comfortable saddle, better tires, better-fitting cranks, maybe new carbon wheels after a while, etc.)

[@JonicSc2Strategy]

As a beginner I would still just buy a newer bike like the decathlon one. You don't have to worry about used components and the geometry is geared more towards beginners. If you plan on racing and have good knowledge on bike maintenance I agree with you

[@a1white]

Love it! That Trek madone is a bargain (just need to get that gearing sorted), but how nice did that silver Ultegra look? Bit gutted that Ollie didn’t get to ride his magnificent Pinarello (get well soon Ollie). Shows you can get a very decent bike for a bit more than the awful Eurobike.

[@gcn]

Thanks Alex. There are certainly some bargains to be had!

[@johnarleentaninecz2867]

Where were you able to find it? Looking around, I don’t see these good deals.

[@joeuser2360]

I have that same Discover Channel Madone. It served me well for many years. Rather than sell it for peanuts, it's been repurposed to be my Zwift bike. Still has that classic styling, even on a stand.

[@melaniecotterell8263]

Used vehicles vary in condition too much for any comparison to be projected onto what someone else may experience. Compare a couple of new cheap bikes racing against the new expensive ones and then show the types of old expensive bikes that you may find out there. In a criterium an old expensive bike in perfect condition is just as good as a new expensive bike, maybe a couple feet per mile less, maybe not. And give each bike a true and tune before racing them. To be fair and not handicap one of them.

[@Mexximillion]

It's gorgeous. Fell in love when he pulled up.

[@xosece]

got a Triban RC 120 yesterday, my first ever road bike (I've always had MTBs), flat bars version 'cos I prefer to be more upright compared to drops though I like both systems. It's really good to see "realistic" bikes for most people being able to at least compete

[@adamrobinson3929]

Loved seeing Mark on here! GTN / GCN / GMBN you're all great!

[@blakaxe]

Older bikes are so cool. That trek is beautiful.

[@Bazza1968]

Superb video today guys.... Recently bought a 2021 Vitus Razor Disc for £629 new...only required upgrades are new stem/saddle, and a set of DT Swiss 32mm P1800 wheels and Vittoria Rubino Pro tyres running tubeless, got the bike I want for

[@joebarrow4074]

Triban 520 Sora for winter/commute/gravel here running 38c (love it), with immaculate (eat your dinner off it clean) 10 year old modern classic S Works Roubaix for best (my forever bike)

[@richcrompton6891]

What a great video! I love riding my old Trek (2007 vintage) for a while now, I’ve hankered after a new bike, but shortages and price hikes have made me rethink. I’ve upgraded the drivetrain, wheels and tyres, saddle and pedals. Tweaked the fit, cut down the stem and although it’s a comfort frame, it feels far more lively now. I’m really happy with it. For the amount of fun I’ve had on it over the years, the cost to fun ratio must be extraordinary! I will now be looking for a second hand bargain though…

[@tonyBobb5209]

Would like to see more budget bike challenges. It would welcome more people to the sport before feeling the need to invest in a bike that costs several thousands. Hilarious video! Well done to Si and Alex, including Mark for attending haha! Looking forward to Ollie's return. Keep up the great work guys 👏🏼

[@shauncasey8295]

For the vast majority of people, say at least 90%. There is absolutely, positively no need to invest in a bike that cost several thousand dollars.

[@leedorney]

That triathlon sock/cycling joke was brilliantly funny 👌

[@zerobeat2020]

This really helps taking away the entry barriers to the sport. Well done!

[@LUMIGOCHA]

GCN + GTN combo video is always such a gift. keep the awesome work.

[@benbartley9362]

This video has Top Gear Vibes 😂 keep it up really awesome to watch 👌

[@truthseeker8483]

A great idea Top gear for cycling

[@mikecortes8481]

That Trek still holds up!! Truly one ☝️ of the greatest bikes ever made!! 🤙

[@alholds]

So true! Miss mine

[@somethingwentwrong3298]

I built the sameTrek Madone that appears in this video from parts. I have a huge grin on my face everytime I ride it. It also climbs like a boss.

[@co6mo]

2:44 cant believe my Eyes! My bike❤️ on gcn

[@jomshobbies]

I love these kind of challenges! It does prove that you can still compete even with a small budget!

[@mannie8735]

Compete but not win

[@ripapa6355]

I only ride mtb, but this is the best sports based youtube channel around. I love the challenges you put yourselves through. I pretty much mock roadies as a hobby because, well I ride mtb, but seriously, you guys are rthe best.

[@aveedub7403]

Brilliant guys, that was enjoyable to see, when I was in my racing heyday I had the best I could afford, always less than the competition, and not having a car meant I cycled tens of miles at the crack of dawn even before the start line! Enjoyed my time though!

[@shaunbyrne9553]

Love this. Was wishing the post race discussion continued. If you could change one thing on your individual bikes, setup, or preparation, what would that be?

[@brendonsmith5029]

That was great, let's see a beginner version. Where beginners enter a similar event on entry level bikes. Perhaps the GCN presenters could be the coaches.

[@Badger_66]

Great idea 👍

[@rolandoinductivo8013]

heres your next content gcn

[@johnarleentaninecz2867]

Great idea! Also, do they have age group racing? I am 60 yo and just getting into bicycles

[@gcn]

That's a really cool idea, did you watch our "World Tour To Cat 4" Documentary on GCN+? Tom Southam from EF took the reigns of a group of racing rookies

[@entombed_kills]

@@gcn Will there be second season? Loved that series.

[@rahuldasmajumder5121]

The best video. We would love more affordable bike videos. Awesome content guys. Love from 🇮🇳India

[@aslam7952]

Finally a budget bike challenge with a really good value brand new bike that you can actually purchase - Triban.

[@shanghaidiscovery2664]

Yes. I have an RC120 too - quite OK. but I bought it also 2 years back and can't believe it is around the 500 mark now - for that price can buy cheapest Trek or Specialized unless these also went up in value

[@romanlf5620]

Van rysel (décathlon too) is also a nice bargain :)

[@9uiop]

@@shanghaidiscovery2664 Unfortunately the prices are all higher for every brand. IMO decathlon bikes are still the best value in this category.

[@Bikey_McBeardface]

@@9uiop I think Wiggle/CR/Vitus are pretty good too, the components are on the lower end (Claris, Sora, etc) for equivalent prices but the frames and wheels are a bit higher spec, and if you catch a bike at the end of the line they really flog them off cheap.

[@shanghaidiscovery2664]

@@9uiop I can see that also Decathlon discontinued the rim brake version of the RC120. But overall as a beginner cyclist 2 years ago, I actually liked the experience of buying at Decathlon vs when I went to Trek to take a look. The sales guy at Decathlon was super nice and helpful. whilst at Trek they were trying to upsell me to something that I didn't want

[@ConsciousBreaks]

I like these videos when the GCN presenters enter races, like when Hank and Manon raced in the fixed gear criteriums, although I would like to see more of the actual racing.

[@bentheiler7728]

Loved the video. For me, watching what happened to Mark has made me feel a little better as I did exactly the same thing in my first ever race.. luckily that was online so no one saw!

[@gearmonkey]

love love love the dropped chain cam

[@masoodrehman118]

I've got the RC120 and I love it. I'm new to road bikes having ridden mountain bikes my whole life, definitely the worst bike out of all the people I ride with but it puts in the work just fine!!!

[@echematiko]

great video. I would love to see it on an different price range may be 1k or 2k but everything included ( helmet shoes pedals etc) may be each GCN presenter gets to pick a bike and actually get it ( no canyon that is never in stock ) have different test. race commuting bike packing, etc

[@aslam7952]

Yes, would love to see the real world value of something like a Triban RC520.

[@shreyasc331]

Yes, I thought this test was interesting, but given the constant shout outs to modern day 105 mechanical, that would make an interesting benchmark. In the UK, can get that groupset (or better) with disc brakes and carbon frame for around £2k (recent second hand, or on government cycle to work scheme)...more importantly, I reckon that is a more realistic entry point for many people looking to get into more serious road biking. Plus, I don't have the ability (or tools) to sort out an old bike like Alex, so would probably cost a bit for the LBS to sort out any niggles. I sold a perfect 2017 Trek Emonda SL5 for a lot less than 1k, that would be a much more competitive option, for just a bit more than £500.

[@Lesley_Pokemon]

nice video guys love it giving the cheap bikes a podium is very lovely

[@nukedathlonman]

Wow - I really like that near immaculate Trek Madone 5.1. For under $500, that was a steal of a deal.

[@rogervansimpsen1657]

The TREK Madone is beautiful in the blue trim and doesn't look old at all....thx ...good job fellas...grtz from Flanders 👍🏻🍻.

[@MrRobbo303]

That trek madone is freaking cool.

[@mikesneaky-h7s]

Just the entertainment i needed on a grey sunday. Thanks boys

[@veloman59]

Great video - I really think this makes the point that its still the head and the legs that do the vast majority of the work although I'm not against anyone with a superlight - super spec bike. Keep them coming

[@judosteffer]

This was awesome! So much more realistic! More £500 bike challenges please! I think these kind of challenges with more reasonably priced bikes would also bring newer viewers in, starting out with a similar budget to get into cycling, and then become long term GCN viewers.

[@CodyR212]

Easily the best video this channel has ever done. Very relevant and relatable

[@Nick-ye8pf]

Yes! The Rc120 was my first bike and I rode it for 7 years. What a bike. I recently bought a carbon bike for over 3x the cost, and honestly it’s hard to tell much difference. That’s a lot of bike for the cheap price.

[@Cammor566]

Would be great to see another one of these, keep up the amazing work!

[@seattlegrrlie]

I'm watching this out with covid too. Sorry Ollie, get better soon!

[@rangersmith4652]

Fun video. In my recent search for a sub-$1000 bike to serve primarily as a wheel-on indoor trainer, I searched for used steel bikes but couldn't find anything suitable (at least an 8-speed cluster) for under a grand. So I acquired a Tommaso Imola "endurance" road bike for slightly more than the limit imposed here. It's got a 6061 aluminum frame, chromoly fork, full 24-speed Claris groupset, decent enough alloy wheels, and entry-level Kenda 25mm tires. It's not light: 11.67 kg, nearly 26 lbs. All in all, it's a decent wheel-on trainer bike that can serve on the road as a backup or as a flat-pedal option for a guest rider. I'm happy that it does not serve as my main road bike.

[@demarco250]

Was super excited about this video when announced and it didn't disappoint!! Would love these bikes to pepper other comparisons with the eurokbike!

[@jonathangiddy530]

Love the challenge. For my first 5 years of cycling I rode a £350 US Postal Trek with Ultegra group and Conti Gator tyres. Never raced it, but loved it - brilliant bike, only 8.2 kg, full OLCV frame, wheels were not original, but it was good enough for Lance 15 years earlier (now I am old and have a new bike with motor assistance). I believe the second hand market can provide a brilliant bike, that you can slowly upgrade as required (tyres, wheels, saddle, stem...).

[@jascollinscork]

BEST racing video of yers I’ve EVER seen…. So honest yet sooo 😂😂😍 what slowed Si down was his windshield Glasses 😜 and Mark was a fine replacement for Ollie’s “throwing a sickie” to get out of racing 🤣🤣🤣

[@miguelcpt]

GCN should do more videos like these. Where I ride, I hardly see people on superbikes.

[@viwx]

I'm impressed by 7:20 when he puts the chain back in position while riding. How?!!!

[@adrianlamb9786]

absolutely love this video. Did my first crit Race in Harvey Hadden a few days ago with my budget Caad 8, got lapped 4 times but I have to say it was the most fun I 've had in ages, and such an eye-opening experience as well.

[@ashleyweston5420]

Well done GCN, great vid relevant to the majority without huge budgets.

[@ericrickert3045]

All 3 of them are nicer than my 2010 Trek 1000c. Of course, my idea of success at 64 years old is to persist on a regular schedule and watch the data, which helps to keep me interested and engaged. My peripheral goal is better fitness, but getting stronger, faster, and smarter is my main goal. This was an interesting video, and my main takeaway is the importance of bike maintenance. To date, I have never dropped a chain, but my bike is maintained well. Thanks for this video!!

[@trevejenkyn9888]

This was really good, a very honest one thank you

[@samuelwiggins8183]

Loved this video. You guys need to experiment with other price points too. Also these closed circuit races are awesome. Love to see more of this type of content.

[@Bodkin_Ye_Pointy]

That was a cool presentation. Well worth the watch.

[@davehause8571]

so awesome... glad they hung in there with those bikes.

[@scottyi9299]

Mark is actually a power house. He could sustain more than 300w on tt position on a tri bike, so that's probably more if he's sitting more upright and open his chest to breath more easily. Thanks for playing as Ollie's part lol (although Ollie now transforms from dropped to dropper)

[@richardcarr6493]

l believe this is the right direction for GCN more realistic to us average cyclists bikes we still own :) YAY the classic TREK WON THIS CHALLENGE !!

[@maitrivihara]

As much as I like gcn videos. I liked this one even more. Not that a 5000 pound bike isn't "realistic". 🙄 It's just not something everyone can afford. Alex finishing just outside the top ten was superb and gives a lot of people hope (not necessarily about winning or finishing close but that we can get a cheap bike and do well/ride fast.) I had a Bianchi hybrid that I converted into a road bike and despite it being really heavy was fast... Very fast. With just 8 (x2) gears to play with i could keep up with anyone and was quite quick in races. Even broke plenty koms if that matters. Rode some 30000 km before parting with it. 🚲❤️

[@davidsnow1481]

It goes to show you that an old bike still has it. Good job Alex that trek looks great. Keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

[@HIROckstar]

This is much more fun! Love to see this thanks guys!

[@JustinKortuem]

love the video and the content as usual. Entertaining and informative. keep up the good work.

[@adamgurule1458]

Great work once again guys! Pretty much summed up my life with two videos, buy a bike second hand, fix it up and race. I often travel from Albuquerque to Denver to find the best second hand bikes. I've bought new bikes before and felt it yielded diminishing returns. You can buy a second hand bike and be just as fast!

[@MP-zf7kg]

sounds like you may be at the point where you have plenty of usable parts to do your fits. be cautious in Denver.... a lot of blatant bike-stealing, apparently.

[@askherbs]

I love my Triban RC 120. GCN just proves they are now relatable to average blokes like me.

[@Dave-pv1qr]

Great challenge, nice to see affordable bikes on GCN. In 2018 I started riding again on my Old Trek 8000 MTB ( road and cycle path) and eventually I wanted to try riding a road bike, but having not ridden one for 30 years I was a bit aprehensive. Not really knowing what to look for my budget started at £100 then £200 then £300, I didn't want to spend a lot just in case I didn't like it. Eventually I found a nice looking bike on ebay and contacted the seller and done a deal offline. I paid £340 for a 4 year old? Cube Peloton SL with Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels. The bike has 105 as standard which I later learned was a good thing after speaking to a long time cyclist at work. I really like this bike and glad I got it, I've covered 5500 miles in 3 years, not massive but I was only managing 12 miles per ride when I first started. Lockdown became the ideal opportunity to ride more as it was a way to get out of the house. Looking to get a Carbon bike, with electronic gears now. ;-)

[@Qurmoo]

The Top Gear team of cycling :). Great, I love it.

[@titomon]

It’s not just Ollie, even his bike gets dropped regardless of the rider! Get well soon Ollie!

[@bleckb]

Love it. I want my bike club to provide some bikes for youth racers to help break down the cost of entry into the sport. This shows those riders would not be at much, if any, disadvantage.

[@billcook4768]

That Trek is gorgeous. And for some of us, we know we will never be fast so looking good is all we can hope for. For $500 I’d buy that bike in a heartbeat.

[@leosarrade8995]

GREAT EPISODE! Now a follow up episode with upgrades like budget aero wheels and a used Shimano 105 drivetrain.

[@jasonsimpson4805]

Wow, just loved this concept. Keep up the excellent work!

[@frederickstaana1269]

this videos are great.. new riders can enjoy racing on entry level bikes more 😁

[@KiranMachiraju]

2:00 - That's a respectable looking bike

[@Destide]

Great idea using one used and one new at a realistic price. With things how they are at the moment I think more people will be looking to picking up a bike this is the sort of thing they'll be looking for. Great messages about cutting the elitism I love seeing everyone's awesome set-ups on the commute with my £350 boardman mtx.

[@trailzrock2]

I have 4 bikes. 1988 Eddy Merckx, 2000 Mrazek BOH FX, 2002 Cannondale Multisport 700. And my newest!! A 2005 Bianchi Cross Concept 🤘still riding them all 4 times a week.

[@littleshopofrandom685]

Thanks Si for actually getting a budget bike, and not a magically cheap used top end bike.

[@nluisa]

Very refreshing video. Cycling as a sport suffers a lot from psychological obsolescence. That is, a piece ok kit which suits perfecly fine only until something new comes in. In the current state of affairs, it can be every 6 months or so... I come across a lof of people who constantly buy the latest aerolight bike, when in reality they would make a lot more gains by improving their training/nutrition/position first. And this mentality definitely trickles down to new riders who are often told their 'old' bike is one of the main reasons why they don't ride faster. Not to mention the carbon footprint from buying new kit all the time. Naturaly I am not talking about racing, as I assume all boxes must be ticked, including aerodynamics I also noticed none of the presenters were wearing aero kit, unlike other racers (was that part of the budget?). Given skin tight clothing is worth as much as aero wheels, a skinsuit and aero helmet would likely save a lot of watts. I would love to see these bikes upgraded in a way that makes them comparable to a modern racing machine, with a nice pair of aero wheels and bar, adjusted for the same position as the staple canyons/pinarellos. Then getting a pro to ride both in these races. Especially the trek and pinarello shown in this video. I've known riders selling their top of the range bikes from 7 years ago, only to buy an updated mid range bike with discs, suplosedly because 'it's not worth upgrading an older bike'. As others have said in the comments, its the legs, not the kit!

[@АндрейКомиссаров-ц1д]

I completely agree with you. The degree of training, the right tactics and the will to win are the most important things. The result depends less on the racing bicycle. And those who only rely on a superbike, there is a saying about a bad carpenter for them.

[@WhoCares-wo2oc]

I would love to see something to where you guys talk about your size and why you choose the size bike you use normally. Also would be cool to see pro sizes they use vs their size. Could help a lot of people who are new and want that aggressive look and style to pursue racing. Plus….. would just be downright interesting

[@benedicvelasco]

Now, try the budget bikes from Asia!! Trinx, Sunpeed, Atomic, etc.

[@willbryant5865]

Up for this.Their concept of budget bike greatly differs from ours.Hopefully they can incorporate more of the "Global" aspect of "GCN"

[@nstrug]

Never seen any of these brands in the U.K. they wouldn’t be budget by the time you had organised importing one.

[@marksalmon8619]

I would love to see you guys do the race on your top of the range bikes and see the comparison between the two.

[@qingyuhu]

GCN gang is simply awesome!!! So entertaining and informative!

[@lezardvaleth99]

Mark just forgot that this was a draft-legal event.

[@gcn]

Exactly, he did a great job of leaving a 12 metre gap to the the rider in front. What a sportsman

[@buntawrx]

Man, I have a triban rc120 and it is a very good bike. I have changed quite a lot on it over the years, but it's still going strong. Here's what I changed on it: Fizik Antares r7 saddle, Claris crankset, xtr bb, Conti 4season tyres, mavic aksium wheels, 110mm stem, and some nicer platform pedals.

[@GeordieAmanda]

I still ride the same Trek Madone as in the video - it's my number 1 bike :) I'm 60 now and it's not worth buying a new frame as far as I can see, so I just update and replace parts as they wear out. Funnily enough, I've got 6 bikes and the Madone and an old British Eagle (531C) are still my favourites to ride.

[@drift13b]

Let’s see a super tuck challenge. Lol. Love the content. Thank you for all your hard work

[@bradaltemeyer4472]

looked like fun, enjoy the race on whatever you ride. (my 1986 bike was my most expensive bike about $700 at the time, 27" frame size (XXLT or XXXLT), around that time I think only Panasonic made a larger frame (28")

[@Mutorcsym1391]

I've raced 100km trail race, and still ride, a 90's Giant Yukon mountain bike. On and off road. It weighs like an anvil. I've no idea what you guys enjoy as racing luxuries. But great video!!

[@simonm1447]

If it's that heavy it may be a steel frame - they are heavier, but they are also durable, steel has an excellent fatigue characteristic

[@Mutorcsym1391]

@@simonm1447 ty, I love my bike. A time will come when I'll be forced to go lighter, but for now. I'm givener forward. Heavy bike = strong 💕 z

[@AlexChklar]

That kind of shows me, what a beast road racing is. Even a top end triathlete can't hang on! I used to ride tt (held the club junior 10 mile record for some time back in the dim and distant past) but I got destroyed as soon as the road racing got underway... Brutal.

[@gcn]

He was just making sure he was out of the 12m draft zone

[@rally4vets]

Loved this episode. Perhaps my favorite ever. Thanks!

[@kasuk]

That was an excellent video! I just wish it could have been longer! And more stats

[@julianj9417]

more videos like this please! more races on budget bikes with the price of the bikes increasing each time

[@NeverTooTiredToRideTwoTyres]

How'd I miss this one? Budget GCN is my favourite GCN! ❤️

[@DB-sj8km]

This is great content GCN! Love this style of video.