We Bought The Best Budget Bikes & Entered An Elite Road Race!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 มิ.ย. 2024
- We get a lot of requests from fans of the channel about doing more content featuring affordable bikes. So, we gave Si, Alex and Ollie £500 each and asked them to buy the best budget bikes they could find, then entered them into an elite road race. Do you need to spend thousands of £/€/$ to go racing? Let's find out how they got on!
Watch Alex upgrade the Pinarello 👉 • Fixing Up The Cheapest...
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Were you impressed by the budget bikes? What other challenges would you like to see us do? Let us know in the comments below! 💬
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Were you impressed with the budget bikes? What other challenges would you like to see us do with them?
Hill climb
gimme one of those cheap bikes and I'll be happy lol
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.
Lets see a video on that used Trek. Love to hear in detail what that money actually got him.
Upgrade the wheels to some budget 50mm wheels. No more than £600.
I like these budget challenges. It’s much more realistic than riding hyper/super bikes for most people. Keep going on GCN!!
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
Mark played Ollie perfectly! He even got himself dropped to simulate what would've happened to Ollie.
🤣
Olie sure can't have a break :lol
Mark is famously a great method actor
@@kakarot2430 it's all in fun. Ollie would smoke this keyboard warrior any day on the road. 😁
Lmao 🤣
I would love to see a rematch with £500 worth of upgrades. Where would they put the money and how would they save watts?
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.
Nice idea Gareth!
That's so cool and many would toss them into the wheels?
@@IronHorsey3 and the tyres haha.
This + Alibaba = hyperbike
I had a racing friend back in the eighties. He had actually raced in France some years earlier and for all of us amateur newbies we absorbed every bit of cycling he would pass on to us. He once described his first race in France. It was early in the race season and he said the team's bike sponsor had not yet provided him with a race bike. He was forced to ride his training bike, a bike that was setup for the usual bad weather, a heavy beast complete with fenders. He said the whole peleton was laughing at the start line, but not many were laughing when he managed to finish a respectable 11th place.
Mice fake story.
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...
Glad you enjoyed it, Did you catch our cheap bike challenge last year? th-cam.com/video/51MCJVg2DNE/w-d-xo.html
Agreed. Def can't be buying these elite bikes😅
@@trovelemmanuel5627 Don't need to. Get on a bike and ride, any bike. All these TH-cam cycling channels want to turn riding a bike into rocket science. After all, they need clicks and likes and subscribers, and daily content.
@@trovelemmanuel5627gm
9:03 that transition though. Kudos for editor.
Thanks Przemek!
Which transition? No editing took place, the cameraman just caught the moment Si hit 88mph.
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
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
Why only 3 times?
@@frlipa lady who bought it got pregnant and didn't use it, hence selling it to me, I still have it, love her.
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
Cool! The differences between modern road bikes and older road bikes is not that dramatic as in mountain biking.
That's an amazing record! Are you enjoying it?
@@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.
Talent makes it.
It's all about fitness, tactics, and handling. The bike is only a factor when you're at the top tier of racing.
Super awesome video guys! :D Would love to see the same experiment again with three £1000 bikes!
And then 2000,3000,4000!
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? :-)
I love that Mark has such a good attitude and was a good sport about this. This was a fun experiment.
Triban rc120 is an amazing bike, great to see some realistic bikes that beginners can afford who aren't sponsored!
Mark just forgot that this was a draft-legal event.
Exactly, he did a great job of leaving a 12 metre gap to the the rider in front. What a sportsman
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.)
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
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.
Thanks Alex. There are certainly some bargains to be had!
Where were you able to find it? Looking around, I don’t see these good deals.
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.
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.
It's gorgeous. Fell in love when he pulled up.
Finally a budget bike challenge with a really good value brand new bike that you can actually purchase - Triban.
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
Van rysel (décathlon too) is also a nice bargain :)
@@shanghaidiscovery2664 Unfortunately the prices are all higher for every brand. IMO decathlon bikes are still the best value in this category.
@@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.
@@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
That triathlon sock/cycling joke was brilliantly funny 👌
GCN + GTN combo video is always such a gift. keep the awesome work.
Older bikes are so cool. That trek is beautiful.
Loved seeing Mark on here! GTN / GCN / GMBN you're all great!
That trek madone is freaking cool.
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…
Would be great to see another one of these, keep up the amazing work!
This really helps taking away the entry barriers to the sport. Well done!
I love these kind of challenges! It does prove that you can still compete even with a small budget!
Compete but not win
love love love the dropped chain cam
love the video and the content as usual. Entertaining and informative. keep up the good work.
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
GCN gang is simply awesome!!! So entertaining and informative!
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 👏🏼
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.
Was super excited about this video when announced and it didn't disappoint!! Would love these bikes to pepper other comparisons with the eurokbike!
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.
That Trek still holds up!! Truly one ☝️ of the greatest bikes ever made!! 🤙
So true! Miss mine
Just the entertainment i needed on a grey sunday. Thanks boys
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.
Wow, just loved this concept. Keep up the excellent work!
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.
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?
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.
This video has Top Gear Vibes 😂 keep it up really awesome to watch 👌
A great idea Top gear for cycling
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.
Great idea 👍
heres your next content gcn
Great idea! Also, do they have age group racing? I am 60 yo and just getting into bicycles
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
@@gcn Will there be second season? Loved that series.
Easily the best video this channel has ever done. Very relevant and relatable
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 🤣🤣🤣
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
nice video guys love it giving the cheap bikes a podium is very lovely
The best video. We would love more affordable bike videos. Awesome content guys. Love from 🇮🇳India
This is great content GCN! Love this style of video.
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!
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.
Well done GCN, great vid relevant to the majority without huge budgets.
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.
so awesome... glad they hung in there with those bikes.
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
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)
This was really good, a very honest one thank you
This is much more fun! Love to see this thanks guys!
I'm watching this out with covid too. Sorry Ollie, get better soon!
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.
Loved this episode. Perhaps my favorite ever. Thanks!
The TREK Madone is beautiful in the blue trim and doesn't look old at all....thx ...good job fellas...grtz from Flanders 👍🏻🍻.
Great episode,always loved that model of the Madone, they were a sharp looking bike
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!
Great vid guys as others have said please do more of these type of vids excellent 👍
this videos are great.. new riders can enjoy racing on entry level bikes more 😁
It’s not just Ollie, even his bike gets dropped regardless of the rider! Get well soon Ollie!
That was an excellent video! I just wish it could have been longer! And more stats
GCN should do more videos like these. Where I ride, I hardly see people on superbikes.
This was great! I’d also like to see you guys race on your own bikes. See whether you can win on even terms.
Awesome video. Thanks GCN!!!
That Trek is gorgeous !! :)
GREAT EPISODE! Now a follow up episode with upgrades like budget aero wheels and a used Shimano 105 drivetrain.
We need more content like this.
Wow - I really like that near immaculate Trek Madone 5.1. For under $500, that was a steal of a deal.
Thanks guys, this video gives me hope for possibly racing one day.
I would love to see you guys do the race on your top of the range bikes and see the comparison between the two.
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.
How'd I miss this one? Budget GCN is my favourite GCN! ❤️
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...).
Incredible effort with a budget bike! Impressive
more videos like this please! more races on budget bikes with the price of the bikes increasing each time
I love seeing you guys racing
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!!!
Silver groupsets.... I am Reality missing them! Beautiful Trek...
This looks sooo much like the Monday night Portland International Raceway series. We used to call these “training races” and didn’t often ride our race wheels, sometimes not even our race bike, especially if there was rain in the forecast.
Great. More race videos please. Thanks.
Let’s see a super tuck challenge. Lol.
Love the content. Thank you for all your hard work
Thanks Si for actually getting a budget bike, and not a magically cheap used top end bike.
That Trek is insanely beautiful!!
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.
I'm impressed by 7:20 when he puts the chain back in position while riding. How?!!!
More budget videos for the people!!!
Love budget bike vids!
That Trek is lovely.
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
Yes, would love to see the real world value of something like a Triban RC520.
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.
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)
I love my Triban RC 120. GCN just proves they are now relatable to average blokes like me.
More content like this please!
Nice ride guys very impressive
The trek is absolute perfection 👌
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")