I don't seek to be influenced, I seek information, I don't seek personalities, I seek content. The field has become flooded by second rate content the anger comes trying to seperate the good from the abysmal.
What I don't like about social media is that its displacing real social interaction and creating a lot of fake, one way friendships. Don't "love" people that don't love you back.
I've been making very simple youtube vlogs for a year and absolutely love it when I get a comment about my not so pristine overshoes in winter and not having the perfect outfit.
I'm with Nick on this, I can't stand the term. I tend to associate it with people looking for fame or attention. Not people just posting quality content, sharing their lifestyle, information etc. Influencer for me tends to be about image more so than quality content. I suppose that is subjective. But Francis I'd consider more a "content creator."
yes. alot of them a bordering on toxic capitalism. i dont mind independent reviews but I hate sponsored content. they are mostly trying to help their sponsors advertise their new goods. Cycling has to be inclusive and influencers showing off their expensive top end stuff has a really negative impact on people who are not able to afford them
I totally agree and think channels like GCN have made this sport so elitist and are killing off the club scene and inclusivity of what cycling was all about. It used to be about having fun, riding bikes and friendships and now it’s all about expensive tech, aerodynamics and ugly bikes for the middle class weekend warrior.
@@rolandmg1 we didn't have high speed internet in our hands 15yrs ago. Magazines did what GCN is doing now. Times haven't changed in that respect. It is easier to comment on it though😂
@@veganpotterthevegan It was different before around 2014, most magazines sold advertising space for companies to promote their products. I stopped buying magazines like Cycling Weekly in 2016 when they started getting paid by the manufacturers to use their editorials and articles for product placement. I’ve been looking back at old magazines and they weren’t all about buying the latest tech, they focused much more on the racing and training etc. Cycling changed after 2012 with a whole new demographic, the middle class hobby rider. The industry saw a great opportunity to make a lot of money so started paying the influencers on social media and GCN is a prime example.
@@rolandmg1well first of all ur supposed to be aerodynamic when cycling that’s number one it’s to get people as fast as possible if not then we might as well all use jeans and t-shirt or Nike shorts (which I used to do). I just got into road biking about 2 months ago and now I already have the full Rapha kit the jersey, bib shorts, cycling shoes and about to get their long sleeve next month for the colder months ahead as we get into autumn then winter then eventually the cycling glasses. Sure I agree it is a lot of elitism I’m probably bias as I’m a member of Rapha cycling club and I ride with them once a week (I do their social rides) and their is a tendency to show like “oh if u don’t have the right cycling gear then u can’t roll with us or become a member of our community” but on the other hand I think it’s good because it gives some sort of structure that u wouldn’t take just anyone off the street to join their rides because if ur not even willing to adapt or fit into the group then what’s the point? Might as well not join in the first place.
TH-cam cycling influencers are talking BS 95% of the time. Either being perverted by the pay to play game or by the pressure to put out content on a regular basis to make a living. Content that ends up being boring or insignificant. Just like this channel does most of the time. Remove the improvised or poorly research 💩 content and you end up with a few minutes a week of relevant content. Most of them are trying to survived after loosing their job in traditional outlets.
Hey guys, i guess im old enough to just be happy. I watch you guys cause it makes me happy. Same with other more 'nefarious' content. One thing i would say is, some of the smaller brands, that dont advertise are nice too. Sometimes, better.
Yeah if I don't like a certain page/channel/profile I just block or mute it lol. Like I can't stand Durianrider so I just don't watch his videos anymore. Simple
An American channel but I really like Mitch Boyer as he’s very passionate but also makes himself very relatable. Bike builds show the trials and tribulations of working through mistakes. Climbing videos show the times he didn’t succeed. Things like that. It’s cool seeing his journey and it makes me want to get on my bike as well.
When it comes to influencers in the bike space, there are good and bad just like everything else. What I like is that in the last few years, more and more influencers/channels on TH-cam are showing us how to get the best value for our money so that more people get into the sport without breaking their wallets. TraceVelo, you guys, and a few others get most of my attention. GCN gets very little of my attention because they're mostly about pushing the big brands and every one of their videos is a commercial for another high end bike. Over and over again it's been proven that it's not the bike, it's never been the bike, and it'll never be the bike. Give Pogacar or Remco an aluminum bike with aluminum wheels and a 105 group set and they're still dropping the fastest non pros riding top spec bikes. They're probably still dropping a lot of the Tour pros. So influence me all you like, just make sure you're influencing people to save money and ride their bikes.
If people are on Instagram and are just modelling on bikes, but don’t ride bikes, they are selling themselves not cycling. There are a lot of accounts that have hot women posing near or on bikes, perfect hair and makeup, that you never see them riding them or shagged out after a ride. It’s disingenuous. What are they selling? It’s not cycling.
Often. I hate that they don't ask some obvious questions mostly. I got a book explaining geometry to me. Although 🏍️, most applies. A steering system shouldn't be heavy. I tried it. Everything flexes if you mount too much on handlebars. It's bad. I don't see any mention or discussion of frame mounted front racks/baskets when someone reviews a travel bike even though there are some non grandma frames made for it out there. I don't see anyone discuss uci roadbike geometry much either. Why would i want nervous handling? Seen Safa bryan descent? I think id want slacker longer more stable and I don't see how it would be a disadvantage much on road.
Underrated or overrated? It really depends on the content creator. Francis’ content, talent as a videographer and editor makes him underrated as an influencer. The two bikes and a wheelchair epic would win an award if there was such an award for TH-cam videos. The last day of that ride was probably the highlight of the year for me. The best influencers include their failures as well as their victories. As cyclists we can identify with both because we’ve experienced both!
Upon reflection of when i asked this question (it still stands as i find most influencers/content creators incredibly off putting) ive come to the conclusion of its probably more a problem with saturation and algorithms. Being into cycling naturally means i follow and search out "specific" cycling content. The problem arises that due to that you are bombarded with all the absolute cycling for likes guff that comes with it. So its not just a case of not watching it or ignoring it, it's literally forced upon you. I have absolutely zero interest in a "how to wash a bike" a "get ready for a ride with me" or a "cycling solves everything reel" but it seems to constantly be pushed. Ergo to my point that if thats the image being projected to me, without actively seeking it out then how will that effect new people coming into cycling.
With regards to the actual pushing products and pushing their sponsors etc I think 99% of people see through it and will not be influenced to buy based upon it. I think it naturally just devalues the creators/influencers opinion on anything they recommend. I generally find the more people that seem to be pushing products and brands on socials the more I'm put off them. Stykr is a great example of this, I see so so many people pushing them closely followed by their discount codes and it really comes across weirdly forced.
I agree. There is a lot of rubbish out there. And I agree, just don't watch them. Watch what you like. My 2 favorites (besides Cade media.😊) is "Keep Smiling Adventures" with Josh and Ryan VanDuzer's channel. Both are beautifully filmed and narrated. They film all the good stuff as well as the mud/ snow slogs. The mechanical breakdowns. Looking forward to tomorrow's Jimmie and Francis podcast. Cheers 🌞🚴♀️🖖
Social media. I tend to find that many of them are simply looking a way to make money. Stop work amd play for the rest if your life. Foolish. I hate social media. By in large.
Social media should always be taken with a pinch of salt. I'll post a nice picture that I took on my ride. I won't post the same picture on a crappy day when it's teeming it down with rain. I post the nice stuff so people know it's not always crap when you get out on your bike. It's like hey life can be wank, but come on every now and then we get to do this.
We need more (bike) influencers. We need more „how to wash your gravel bike“ videos produced by a average joe who’s dreaming of become a famous TH-cam star.
I take cycling influencers well all influencers with a grain of salt these are only people with an opinion I view the videos as something to watch when I’m bored. I sometimes do get some useful information.
I don't need anyone but me to influence what I buy. Social media has it's merits but also is or at least can be very negative. Buy this, buy that... from people who generally get given spendy bike kit for free. Then again, I'm an old school dinosaur. I think disk brakes are a scam by the big companies, as are wider tires. Yes, i ride with a tin-foil hat under my helmet, but I'm still fast and very happy with my decisions.
I wouldn’t call you guys influencers. They only show perfect pictures or 30 second videos. You guys are life stylist. You show what is real and speak truths.
I am not a fan (too old) but see Amy on her cycling adventures and she is just grateful to be on her bike never mind get some free stuff. Kate Butler also enthusiastic and if it gets people esp women on bikes that's good.
I dunno, I liked her stuff in the beginning, when it was just about how happy cycling got her. But now watching her stuff is just like watching another influencer on insta.
I agree Mark, I'm old enough and with far too much experience to be mugged by the 'advertising' influencers telling us that having these £180 cycling shorts and electric gears makes cycling so much more enjoyable. Amy, on the other hand, is just so genuinely happy to be riding a bike that watching her rubs off on me and makes me smile. She is what I'd call a "proper" influencer, doing for the right reasons.
Puck M is overrated. Well, depending on the measure being used, I suppose. The other Puck (Pieterse), not so. She’s hilarious, great fun and - most importantly - hugely talented.
I follow them both. People follow PM for different reasons. But I will say that she does actually ride and train. I think she knows she’s never going to be good enough to compete and so has taken on this more celebrity cyclist persona as a career. Her promotion choices are quite high profile. Obviously, coffee, cars, bikes, cycling clothing. I’m more sick of seeing people that don’t show that they ride and just pose in brand new gear, models that do it just to get follows and likes from cyclists that you never see even sit on the bike. PP is like you say fun and engaging, but when she gets on the bike in a race she’s flat out in beast mode and a talented racer.
I don't seek to be influenced, I seek information, I don't seek personalities, I seek content. The field has become flooded by second rate content the anger comes trying to seperate the good from the abysmal.
There's a ton of rubbish, but true influencers, like like Seth from Berm Peak, are worth their status.
Yup, Seth is great. Cade Media is certainly rubbish though
What I don't like about social media is that its displacing real social interaction and creating a lot of fake, one way friendships.
Don't "love" people that don't love you back.
I've been making very simple youtube vlogs for a year and absolutely love it when I get a comment about my not so pristine overshoes in winter and not having the perfect outfit.
I'm with Nick on this, I can't stand the term. I tend to associate it with people looking for fame or attention. Not people just posting quality content, sharing their lifestyle, information etc. Influencer for me tends to be about image more so than quality content. I suppose that is subjective. But Francis I'd consider more a "content creator."
yes. alot of them a bordering on toxic capitalism. i dont mind independent reviews but I hate sponsored content. they are mostly trying to help their sponsors advertise their new goods. Cycling has to be inclusive and influencers showing off their expensive top end stuff has a really negative impact on people who are not able to afford them
I totally agree and think channels like GCN have made this sport so elitist and are killing off the club scene and inclusivity of what cycling was all about.
It used to be about having fun, riding bikes and friendships and now it’s all about expensive tech, aerodynamics and ugly bikes for the middle class weekend warrior.
Definitely not great but these clowns mostly advertise for lesser qualified friends and they really aren't experts themselves either.
@@rolandmg1 we didn't have high speed internet in our hands 15yrs ago. Magazines did what GCN is doing now. Times haven't changed in that respect. It is easier to comment on it though😂
@@veganpotterthevegan It was different before around 2014, most magazines sold advertising space for companies to promote their products.
I stopped buying magazines like Cycling Weekly in 2016 when they started getting paid by the manufacturers to use their editorials and articles for product placement.
I’ve been looking back at old magazines and they weren’t all about buying the latest tech, they focused much more on the racing and training etc.
Cycling changed after 2012 with a whole new demographic, the middle class hobby rider.
The industry saw a great opportunity to make a lot of money so started paying the influencers on social media and GCN is a prime example.
@@rolandmg1well first of all ur supposed to be aerodynamic when cycling that’s number one it’s to get people as fast as possible if not then we might as well all use jeans and t-shirt or Nike shorts (which I used to do). I just got into road biking about 2 months ago and now I already have the full Rapha kit the jersey, bib shorts, cycling shoes and about to get their long sleeve next month for the colder months ahead as we get into autumn then winter then eventually the cycling glasses. Sure I agree it is a lot of elitism I’m probably bias as I’m a member of Rapha cycling club and I ride with them once a week (I do their social rides) and their is a tendency to show like “oh if u don’t have the right cycling gear then u can’t roll with us or become a member of our community” but on the other hand I think it’s good because it gives some sort of structure that u wouldn’t take just anyone off the street to join their rides because if ur not even willing to adapt or fit into the group then what’s the point? Might as well not join in the first place.
I just listen the stuff for entertainment. Still riding my 14 year old Storck bike with triple ultegra, rimbrakes, 25mm tires and never had a bikefit.
TH-cam cycling influencers are talking BS 95% of the time.
Either being perverted by the pay to play game or by the pressure to put out content on a regular basis to make a living. Content that ends up being boring or insignificant. Just like this channel does most of the time.
Remove the improvised or poorly research 💩 content and you end up with a few minutes a week of relevant content.
Most of them are trying to survived after loosing their job in traditional outlets.
The worst kind is making a whole 30 min video on “how to achieve 300watts” But teaching you nothing just showing he’s so great because he managed it.
Hey guys, i guess im old enough to just be happy. I watch you guys cause it makes me happy. Same with other more 'nefarious' content. One thing i would say is, some of the smaller brands, that dont advertise are nice too. Sometimes, better.
Some just need to spend more time on the bike and less time on here…
Most cycling influencers probably don’t even ride. Just pose with their bikes.
Yeah if I don't like a certain page/channel/profile I just block or mute it lol. Like I can't stand Durianrider so I just don't watch his videos anymore. Simple
Agreed I can’t stand that guy. But he does pop up even though I tell TH-cam not to recommend his channel.
An American channel but I really like Mitch Boyer as he’s very passionate but also makes himself very relatable. Bike builds show the trials and tribulations of working through mistakes. Climbing videos show the times he didn’t succeed. Things like that. It’s cool seeing his journey and it makes me want to get on my bike as well.
So much of it is relatable and very well-said about influencers and influencing.
Puck Moonen is an actual goddess she gets a pass.
Puck at least rides her bike. A lot of people are just posing on their bikes, they are models not cyclists.
When it comes to influencers in the bike space, there are good and bad just like everything else. What I like is that in the last few years, more and more influencers/channels on TH-cam are showing us how to get the best value for our money so that more people get into the sport without breaking their wallets. TraceVelo, you guys, and a few others get most of my attention. GCN gets very little of my attention because they're mostly about pushing the big brands and every one of their videos is a commercial for another high end bike. Over and over again it's been proven that it's not the bike, it's never been the bike, and it'll never be the bike. Give Pogacar or Remco an aluminum bike with aluminum wheels and a 105 group set and they're still dropping the fastest non pros riding top spec bikes. They're probably still dropping a lot of the Tour pros. So influence me all you like, just make sure you're influencing people to save money and ride their bikes.
A breath of fresh air. Thank you.
The problem with many influencers is credibility. Nick is informative, believable, and relatable.
If people are on Instagram and are just modelling on bikes, but don’t ride bikes, they are selling themselves not cycling.
There are a lot of accounts that have hot women posing near or on bikes, perfect hair and makeup, that you never see them riding them or shagged out after a ride.
It’s disingenuous. What are they selling? It’s not cycling.
Often. I hate that they don't ask some obvious questions mostly. I got a book explaining geometry to me. Although 🏍️, most applies. A steering system shouldn't be heavy. I tried it. Everything flexes if you mount too much on handlebars. It's bad. I don't see any mention or discussion of frame mounted front racks/baskets when someone reviews a travel bike even though there are some non grandma frames made for it out there. I don't see anyone discuss uci roadbike geometry much either. Why would i want nervous handling? Seen Safa bryan descent? I think id want slacker longer more stable and I don't see how it would be a disadvantage much on road.
Underrated or overrated? It really depends on the content creator. Francis’ content, talent as a videographer and editor makes him underrated as an influencer. The two bikes and a wheelchair epic would win an award if there was such an award for TH-cam videos. The last day of that ride was probably the highlight of the year for me. The best influencers include their failures as well as their victories. As cyclists we can identify with both because we’ve experienced both!
Upon reflection of when i asked this question (it still stands as i find most influencers/content creators incredibly off putting) ive come to the conclusion of its probably more a problem with saturation and algorithms. Being into cycling naturally means i follow and search out "specific" cycling content. The problem arises that due to that you are bombarded with all the absolute cycling for likes guff that comes with it. So its not just a case of not watching it or ignoring it, it's literally forced upon you. I have absolutely zero interest in a "how to wash a bike" a "get ready for a ride with me" or a "cycling solves everything reel" but it seems to constantly be pushed. Ergo to my point that if thats the image being projected to me, without actively seeking it out then how will that effect new people coming into cycling.
With regards to the actual pushing products and pushing their sponsors etc I think 99% of people see through it and will not be influenced to buy based upon it. I think it naturally just devalues the creators/influencers opinion on anything they recommend.
I generally find the more people that seem to be pushing products and brands on socials the more I'm put off them. Stykr is a great example of this, I see so so many people pushing them closely followed by their discount codes and it really comes across weirdly forced.
I agree. There is a lot of rubbish out there. And I agree, just don't watch them.
Watch what you like. My 2 favorites (besides Cade media.😊) is "Keep Smiling Adventures" with Josh and Ryan VanDuzer's channel. Both are beautifully filmed and narrated. They film all the good stuff as well as the mud/ snow slogs. The mechanical breakdowns.
Looking forward to tomorrow's Jimmie and Francis podcast.
Cheers 🌞🚴♀️🖖
Being attractive is the no1 best attribute to be an influencer.
But there is some great photography on there, if you’re looking for it.
Social media. I tend to find that many of them are simply looking a way to make money. Stop work amd play for the rest if your life. Foolish. I hate social media. By in large.
Social media should always be taken with a pinch of salt. I'll post a nice picture that I took on my ride. I won't post the same picture on a crappy day when it's teeming it down with rain. I post the nice stuff so people know it's not always crap when you get out on your bike. It's like hey life can be wank, but come on every now and then we get to do this.
We show our best selves online...
Unless its the comments section!
No , its good for sport, business and we all can learn from each other’s..some of them are better, some of them have different focus
Are they NOT? ...and I mean ALL of them.
We need more (bike) influencers. We need more „how to wash your gravel bike“ videos produced by a average joe who’s dreaming of become a famous TH-cam star.
I take cycling influencers well all influencers with a grain of salt these are only people with an opinion I view the videos as something to watch when I’m bored. I sometimes do get some useful information.
Influencers is an annoying term as if I’m that easily influenced. If you use that term about yourself,you’ve got tickets on yourself 👍😃
Yeah, especially that Cade guy! 😂
oh the irony; a bunch of influencers hating on influencers...
You guys are the only ‘influencers’ I know, and you’re OK.
It's become a thing to do and get sh1t loads of stuff thrown at them just because they have lots of followers and nothing to do with talent.
Lots of them are, yes.
Only be influenced by honesty.
I don't get this whole elites thing really don't. It's just cycling don't pay attention to anyone it's that simple
Yes cycling influencers are overrated like Francis and Jimmy but that northern lass in the podcast: yes my queen 😂
I don't need anyone but me to influence what I buy. Social media has it's merits but also is or at least can be very negative. Buy this, buy that... from people who generally get given spendy bike kit for free. Then again, I'm an old school dinosaur. I think disk brakes are a scam by the big companies, as are wider tires. Yes, i ride with a tin-foil hat under my helmet, but I'm still fast and very happy with my decisions.
I wouldn’t call you guys influencers. They only show perfect pictures or 30 second videos.
You guys are life stylist. You show what is real and speak truths.
yes
I am not a fan (too old) but see Amy on her cycling adventures and she is just grateful to be on her bike never mind get some free stuff. Kate Butler also enthusiastic and if it gets people esp women on bikes that's good.
I dunno, I liked her stuff in the beginning, when it was just about how happy cycling got her. But now watching her stuff is just like watching another influencer on insta.
I agree Mark, I'm old enough and with far too much experience to be mugged by the 'advertising' influencers telling us that having these £180 cycling shorts and electric gears makes cycling so much more enjoyable.
Amy, on the other hand, is just so genuinely happy to be riding a bike that watching her rubs off on me and makes me smile. She is what I'd call a "proper" influencer, doing for the right reasons.
Cycling influencers what!? How funny🚴🏽
🤦♂
Puck M is overrated. Well, depending on the measure being used, I suppose.
The other Puck (Pieterse), not so. She’s hilarious, great fun and - most importantly - hugely talented.
I follow them both.
People follow PM for different reasons. But I will say that she does actually ride and train. I think she knows she’s never going to be good enough to compete and so has taken on this more celebrity cyclist persona as a career.
Her promotion choices are quite high profile. Obviously, coffee, cars, bikes, cycling clothing.
I’m more sick of seeing people that don’t show that they ride and just pose in brand new gear, models that do it just to get follows and likes from cyclists that you never see even sit on the bike.
PP is like you say fun and engaging, but when she gets on the bike in a race she’s flat out in beast mode and a talented racer.
Are you not mixing up genuine content creators and internet models or so-called influencers?