What Happens When A Complete Beginner Rides A $10,000 Super Bike?

What would happen if we put a total beginner on a top-of-the-range super triathlon bike for a day? Geared towards helping experienced and elite triathletes to ride as fast as possible, how would our beginner triathlete Jacob get on? Let's find out!
Useful Links
Submit your Photo and Video to us 👉 gtn.io/UPLOAD
Check out the GTN Shop 👉 gtn.io/TeamKit
GTN Training Plans 👉 gcn.eu/gtntp
Watch more on GTN...
📹 Triathlon Bike Vs Road Bike - What’s The Difference? 👉 • Triathlon Bike Vs Road...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gtn.io/editorschoice
📹 Watch our weekly show, The GTN Show 👉 gtn.io/GTNshowPlaylist
Photos: © Triathlon / Getty Images
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound / Artlist 🎵
It's OK! (Instrumental Version) - Superintendent McCupcakes
Industry Standard - Matt Large
No Hesitation - Matt Large
Alcove Pacino - Jobii
Spacelag - Rocket Jr
#gtn #triathlon #swimbikerun #swim #bike #run
The Global Triathlon Network (GTN) is the world's biggest triathlon KZbin channel, with new videos every day! GTN is for anyone who loves triathlon: from seasoned triathletes to first-timers - and everyone in between!
With the help of our former pro and Olympic medal-winning team, we’re here to inform, entertain and inspire you to become a better triathlete; including videos on:
- How to swim, bike, and run faster with expert knowledge
- Try our session ideas
- Investigations into wide-ranging topics
- The best triathlon bike tech and gear with pro-know-how
- In-depth, entertaining features from the heart of the sport
- Chat, opinion and interact with us across the channel and on social media!
Join us on KZbin’s best triathlon channel to get closer to the sport and to become a better, faster and fitter triathlete!
Welcome to the Global Triathlon Network.
Thanks to our sponsors:
Canyon bikes: gtn.io/canyon-bikes
THEMAGIC5: gtn.io/TheMagic5
MET Helmets: gtn.io/MET
ON Running: gtn.io/On-Running
Orca: gtn.io/Orca
Park Tool: gtn.io/parktool
Precision Fuel & Hydration: gtn.io/PrecisionHydration
Selle Italia: gtn.io/SelleItalia
Trimtex: gtn.io/Trimtex
Wahoo: gtn.io/Wahoo
Zwift: gtn.io/zwift
Watch our sister channels:
Global Cycling Network - / gcn
GCN Tech - / gcntech
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Espanol - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Francais - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
GMBN Racing - gmbn.eu/GMBNracing
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn

[@NejonaBE]

I wouldn't call someone who can do a triathlon (and who will do an Iron Man in August) a complete beginner but maybe that's just me.

[@beeblebug]

If he's a beginner, what does that make me? 🤣

[@madrx2]

Typical clickbait from this group

[@markgeorge2200]

yeah that guy is an intermediate at least, but prob more of an amateur

[@DigitalMan6627]

He used to write for the Daily Mail,stretching the truth

[@tobysmith4662]

LOL and works for the Global Triathlon Network...

[@egovorch]

Since you have so many viewers that are in the beginner or intermediate range of triathlete, you should include more Jacob when trying new tech or workouts..it would be refreshing to see someone that reflects more of the people watching....great video!

[@gtn]

Noted! We would love to do more beginner content, what should we challenge Jacob to next?

[@egovorch]

@@gtn Greetings GTN...Perhaps after he completes his scheduled triathlon, use the numbers and have him some structured intervals running and in the pool. Then compare the before and after. Maybe also do some component upgrades to his current bike and see if that has any impact.....thank you for replying to my comment! I think you have a great channel and watch it all the time!

[@marge5385]

@@gtn I'd love him to test whether high-end wetsuit improves his performance, like James tested in one of the vids. I also would like if a female amateur triathlete or more of an older age grouper would also be brought in to address some of the aspects in the training that are more relevant to these groups

[@3Max]

@@gtn maybe go for some running content, either intervals / cadence drills, or maybe something hilly/terrain. Would be fun to see how/whether these help Jacob progress over time!

[@BeaverTerror]

How the hell is this guy a "complete beginner" if he's been doing triathlon for a year and is training for a freaking ironman???

[@joshcullum88]

There’s a huge difference between doing these things and doing them competitively

[@MatthewBrace-xz2te]

This guy is top talent. Sign him up full time GTN.

[@dylanhunt5368]

For building strength and endurance, it doesn't matter if you have a $100 bike or a $10 000 bike. The bike just has to be good enough to take you the distance you're going for in the race unless you're looking to win it

[@colecoleman1499]

This was not the point of the video. Expensive bike hater

[@ihi4278]

Ur right i personally like to use my 300$ bike for everyday training and i just rent one for my main races

[@riccardorodighiero4178]

It's not totally true, you also need to get used to the position. You can only do that if you train with the bike you're gonna be using in the race

[@DavidFritzIII]

As long as the fit and position is good 👍

[@desroin]

Well I would want to have something with Shimano 105 at least just so you have the actual gearing of what you'll eventually want to ride anyway ^^'

[@filipe.portes]

Go Jacob!! Those are good numbers, not so much of a beginner. It seems to me that getting very comfortable with the aerobars in a cheaper bike is a good way to extract all the value on a expensive one.

[@gtn]

Very true! You can do lots of your fitness groundwork on any bike 🙌

[@MarS-jf2lw]

"complete beginner" = has finished triathlons 😂

[@markthrelfall3577]

Well I wouldn’t want them crashing my bike would I! 😂

[@peterv1307]

​@@markthrelfall3577 then dont call it a complete beginner.

[@markthrelfall3577]

@@peterv1307 he’s done 2 triathlons. Rides a gravel bike. I would still consider him a beginner 🤷‍♂️

[@marcuswills6569]

Technically speaking, anyone who's finished less than 5 Triathlons is regarded as a beginner

[@Michaelthearcheangel]

​@@marcuswills6569A COMPLETE beginner is ZERO triathlons, DUH

[@banjomechanic]

Jacob is aiming high! I like it. Great efforts! 👍👍

[@BandanaBoris]

Been a joy to watch Jacob in this episode. Get him on board for future "beginner" topics!

[@gtn]

What sort of thing would you like to see Jacob take on next? 👀

[@davidporter2828]

Great, I enjoyed that. I really like this format of occasionally featuring non elites on the show. I think it can help us all relate a bit more to the many challenges of triathlon training and racing.

[@gtn]

Thanks for commenting 🙌 What beginner topics would you like to see us cover?

[@davidporter2828]

@@gtn I think some discussion around Brick workouts would be good: frequency, duration and particularly pace/intensity. Should we always try to mimic race pace or effort? Are swim-bike Brick sessions worth it? Should we consider doing a race simulation with all three disciplines done back-to-back?? I reckon most novice athletes will be doing shorter distances so that might be the focus. Cheers 😃

[@sebastienbrochard9812]

I'll see you in Copenhagen ... doing my first full distance there too! 🎉

[@AquaDaz1]

Absolutely loved this idea and I think we have all felt like Jacob when we have upgraded to a new bike. I think with a little coaching from Mark, a Bike Fit, a sponsorship from @GTN and @Canyon and Jacob could have a great day at IM Copenhagen and potentially finish hours earlier and have a load of fun along the way, which essentially what it's all about. Great video guys.

[@gtn]

Even without us Jacob can smash it! 🙌 Would you like to see more of him on the channel?

[@jeromeibanez2891]

For most of us amateurs, a TT bike can only take you so far. I just did Lanzarote 70.3 yesterday and there were tons and tons of people on normal racing bikes (who looked obviously very experienced) totally obliterate those in superbikes.

[@kpsig]

It is so funny, this happens everywhere and in all cycling events. Especially with bigger riders, 85kg and more, who are also bigger in „width“, a weight benefit of 1kg on the frame and a small aero benefit coming from the frame, become less critical.

[@onepunchbud1472]

To be fair - 20min time savings is nothing for a long-distance where many normies are in the 5-6h range. Unless you are really good and are in the top of your age group it does not matter much. Lanzarote is even more rider focused imo because of the hills. I am kinda shocked it's that low against his bike which had such an upright position. Shows it again - it's about the rider!

[@ThminaKhan-rh4md]

The topic you are discussing is very good and clearly understood

[@jobanski]

Wow! Jacob looks really fit, and doing a full Ironman?!😮 definitely will be cheering you on in August!

[@gtn]

We will to 🙌

[@phillipbailey7080]

Go on Jacob! What an absolute legend!! More Jacob please!!! ❤

[@SR77SR]

Dude has such a good laugh

[@ranaabdullah2634]

It would be refreshing to see someone that reflects more of the people watching....great video 📷📸Absolutely loved this idea.😍

[@tonymc90]

How about looking at improving Jacobs position on his current road bike. Then look at the options around clip on bars and how to set them up for best results. Good effort Jacob.

[@gtn]

Road bikes can make great triathlon bike! We covered this subject in this video👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4DNqX5tmceHb6s

[@andrewmcalister3462]

Had a good laugh at Jacob's animations. 😂

[@user-xv2vb5ml9y]

This guy is top talent. Sign him up full time GTN.. Jacob is aiming high! I like it. Great efforts! .

[@tonig6412]

Nice video as always! I think another good video will be to compare a more affordable TT Bike between 1k to 3k even second hand to a top one £10k . I believe a decent TT bike will still knockoff pretty much the same time 🤞🏻

[@connorfletcher5201]

i agree because what kind of people that are unsponsored have £10k to spend on just one bike. Makes me question who the actual target ‘market’ is for this as sponsored athlete will get it free of charge

[@markavogler]

Fair play Mark, No way would I be letting any beginner on my super bike pride and joy. Especially when he says he fell off his own bike recently 😳.

[@cwr8618]

terrifying - a $10k bike. Not one car i've owned has been over $10k haha

[@purgostevejohal5771]

Good video guys, great work Jacob! For me the big benefit after the aero is running off the Tri-bike. Be interesting to research bike and run times together. Be a tough day though 😂

[@gtn]

Sounds like great research! ... Might need some training before hand 😂

[@perro0076]

I totally recommend practicing doing figure of 8s in an open car park somewhere with the aero bars. As far as investing on a super bike. It depends on whether you want to take part or compete. Unless, in training, you're doing the times that will challenge a top 10 place, save yourself the money. Fall back to a sprint tri, and work your way up from there

[@ginger1908]

You are more advanced than me Jacob, I taught myself to swim less than 2 years ago, my very first Triathlon is May 2023 and I have also signed up for Copenhagen. I suspect you will be wearing a GTN Trimtex tri suit, I will look out for you. Hopefully be able to catch you.

[@gtn]

Wow that's amazing Dominic! From learning how to swim to doing an Ironman, what are top tips for someone just getting into the sport? 👀

[@ginger1908]

@@gtn firstly belief, you need to believe in yourself. Don't compare yourself to others if they may be more advanced or quicker in one discipline. Breakdown each discipline don't think of the overall event. Don't stress (too much) once you know you're on time for the cut offs then enjoy it. And test your nutrition what works and what doesn't work for fuel. A lot of these things I have taken from GTN videos, some from my previous sport, some from watching others complete the event, and applied some of my own logic.

[@marge5385]

I'm not ready for Copenhagen IM yet (training for Elsinore HIM), but as i lived next to the route then cheering there couple of years now has been clearly an inspiration to start the journey myselg. I will be there and look out for both of you. It is a great course (i run and bike and swim there, hope to race too one day)

[@steveco1800]

The TT bike's ride position and bars look terrible for climbing - looks difficult to get forward and out the saddle (never ridden one).

[@clairhardywynn5620]

Watching Jacob getting up that hill a second time literally made me feel sick just watching it 🫣😟 gr8 vlog guys and massive kudos to Jacob for being such a good sport ….. and completing his mission !

[@deanb61]

The main difference is between a TT bike and a road bike. The difference between a reasonably priced TT bike and a top of the range pro level machine is much smaller. For someone like Jacob I'd suggest looking for and older 2nd hand TT bike, maybe allow some extra for upgrades and I bet his times will be close to the Canyon.

[@deanb61]

@diesel I've got a carbon frame Giant Defy Advanced with Ultegra groupset, not top of the range, but a fairly high spec road bike. I bought a second hand alloy frame TT bike with 105 groupset. I upgraded the wheels to alloy aero wheels and put new more angled tri bars on. On a flatish course It's about 5kph faster than the road bike for the same effort. So actually a wider difference than here, and it's far from a TT superbike.

[@gtn]

Great point Dean! there are some great second hand bargains to be had, Mark put together a video on what to look for 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5vPpJqphbqajsk

[@Aeronwor]

I would be intrested in Jabobs journey, and maybe a peek at the triathletes working behind the scenes.

[@raginald7mars408]

I did my first tri Athlon with my Bike from 1979 solid Steel... and was surprised how funny it was to pass the 5 000 Euro Super Bikes with the super fashion clothed Ultra Endurancers funny

[@lisapet160]

Steel has natural compliance, hence less fatigue down the long road. For unnatural, the bike costs 10k and more. Rider's fitness range is wider than bike's performance range, that's for sure too.

[@raginald7mars408]

@@lisapet160 inflates BIG EGOS Pre Tender

[@Kalenjinstf]

I think a much more interesting and fun video would have been about a complete beginner on a high priced super TT bike. I mean, this guy is a beginner, but not a complete one (he did 2 triathlons already, and trained in aero position). I would like to see, say, someone like my neighbor on such a bike: a guy that only uses his 200$ bike for going here and there around town, and that not only has never tried such a bike as the Canyon Speedmax retailing for 10 000$ but would be asthonished to learn such a bike exists (as that there are bikes costing more than 3000$). I would like to see a complete beginner discovering (or crashing himself with very poor handling skills, not to say he would have to clip the pedals first !) a top of the range race bike. (don't tell me to sit him on my personnal TT bike while filming it: I am not sponsored, I can't afford to buy a new bike for having made a stupid video about a dude falling on the ground!)

[@user-jb1hn2bl8p]

Nice video as always!

[@dems_mtb]

That is no complete beginner if he has done triathlons before!

[@bravesirmick8463]

Meh, I've done 15 and the club coach says I still look like a newbie...

[@savagepro9060]

@@bravesirmick8463 " . . . the club coach says I still look like . . ." does not MAKE you a beginner. You are NOT!

[@DigitalB11]

Completely pointless video. At least pick an “amateur” who can use tri-bars!! What’s the point of giving him that canyon if he can’t even use the tri-bars?! Pointless comparison between bikes

[@markthrelfall3577]

An amateur is not a beginner. Thanks for the honest feedback, but the idea was to throw a 10k bike at a total beginner. I mean imagine that as a beginner coming into the sport

[@marcuswills6569]

Not completely pointless when the stats show he was over a minute quicker even without the use of the tri-bars fully

[@MianBhai-my3yh]

Go on Jacob! What an absolute legend!! More Jacob

[@aliraza7702]

Good video man great work Jacob for me thee big benefits after the aero is running off

[@3Max]

Woulda been fun to know the gearing ratios of both bikes for the climb. Fun and informative video, thanks!

[@jamilatahir5279]

Video is very nice as always

[@umerumerbutt1962]

Nice video as always.

[@manhazafar4163]

Superb work!

[@jascollinscork]

Great video infairness…… very informative!!! But at the end of the day like you pointed out it all boils down to money 🙄 as I’m new to tri too I’ll be relying on clip on bars too!!

[@fizzaamjad8339]

Brilliant work

[@user-qi2fd6rm7u]

Had a good laugh at Jacob's animations 😂good morning and great job👍👍👍👍

[@steveco1800]

His normal bike is an Orro Terra C which is an all road / gravel bike. I have one for commuting. Nice bike but noticably slower than my normal road bike, let alone a TT superbike!

[@quratulainrazzaq3767]

Thanks for sharing

[@user-bj2lm1lu5m]

Great guide

[@ShahNoor-vw2ln]

Awesome work

[@mashrafkamboh1142]

I like it ,great efforts

[@martinfous3126]

See you in Copenhagen... It's gonna be my first full distance too ;-)

[@sehrikhan139]

Nice video and nice work

[@SD-cm3ll]

Quality video..Go Jacob..!!

[@MsGeoffers]

2 comments... 1) GTN should take a good look at the Bolton Ironman course and give a Tri bike v road bike opinion. 2) Make a project of this chap! Train him for his IronMan and show us his progress.

[@shahnaz.174]

Well done ❤ keep it up

[@Hina_irfan]

Go on jacob!!what an abeolute legend !!! More jacob please...❤

[@rafiawaqas2959]

Very informative 👍

[@BlackOff-me3ut]

Good workout and simple

[@AimanBuckets]

Very well explained 💟

[@SarwatNasir-ue7gr]

Great work

[@muzammilarif4083]

Go on Jacob! What an absolute legend!

[@Aleena_Shahbaz414]

Well explained 👏

[@MQasim799]

This is really good!

[@gadgets197]

Informative👍🏻

[@FoziaKhan-cl6tx]

Very helpful

[@user-ty5od5xw8u]

Great effort 👍👍

[@user-ho8gf9wr8w]

Great efforts👍👍👍❤

[@SabaIftikhar-xp6kv]

Absolutely great 👍👍👍

[@1markdun]

Like Jacob, I completed my first full, in Copenhagen, last August & loved it. I decided I’d hold on buying a full triathlon bike depending on how I got on. Bought my Argon Tri bike in October and have been out on it a few times since and I’m getting more and more used to the aero bars. Still a bit wobbly for the first few minutes and they’re definitely something you get more used to as the ride goes on

[@mushabbuttvlogs333]

Helpful video

[@HabibUllah-nq1xx]

Very good work

[@user-gl7nd1jm5c]

Great video❤

[@foodpassionwithfazanoman6792]

Nice job 💯💯💯

[@safdarabbas9663]

Good work keep it up

[@versatilecooking5152]

Good information 👍❤️❤️

[@SherkhanChang]

Good job bro👍👍

[@haiderbhai6850]

Outstanding video

[@emanbutt792]

Well done ✅ keep it up 👍

[@savagepro9060]

Would an exact Canyon frameset from years ago, even aluminium, coupled with a likewise efficient mechanical groupset make a difference or not? The $10,000 price point was made to look worthy!

[@ewtcizs1101]

Jesus I really felt the tactical crying half way through! 😂

[@Faisalbari-wp7od]

Very Nice bikesikul and Nice ride Good job keep it up boy

[@Nimra-bi5zc]

Informative video

[@user-zp5ey3ov2w]

Great racing

[@Bas2sax]

Great effort! His saddle seems a bit low on his road bike?

[@vaneezakhan3170]

Great content

[@zyafatali4012]

Nice work

[@munirahmed4904]

Go on jacok ! what an absolute legend!

[@SabaBarkat-hu6gf]

Beautiful video 📸

[@user-om6xd3jd6e]

Super work dear ❤❤❤❤

[@Irfan-218]

I like it great efforts

[@AliButt-gc4vj]

Very encouraging

[@TamaEnergy]

Just did my first 70.3 on my standard carbon road bike and was over taking loads on their TTs!

[@EatMyPropwash]

Watching Jacob climbing on the TT bike made my Vo2 max just watching increase. 😂

[@user-lo6cp2yf4p]

Amazing brother

[@sebastienbrochard9812]

Oh yeah, that first time in my TT was sooooo scary! 😅

[@mehwishkashif6950]

Nice vedios as always

[@Ajumi-]

Jakob rocks! :) cool video

[@Therealislam77]

Great video

[@rainbunnie]

Excellent 👌

[@findbetter]

I would also say, if Jacob had a similarly high class road bike, like a Canyon CFR, that gap between TT bike and regular road bike would be even more in favour of regular bike

[@aroojadnan146]

Good running

[@sherazbbi8998]

Nice video is always