Alex: Welcome to the GCN tech show
with me Alex and Ollie. Hank: Welcome to GCN tech
show. I'm excited for this one, Alex. Woohoo. Alex: Wait, wait, wait, that comes later on.
Hold up. That's later on. This week, we've got hot tech, including the world's lightest saddle,
your upgrades, the bike vault. Hank: Our main talking point,
why are some bikes so expensive? Alex: Well, hold on, they come later on
still. Get the lid back on that. Hank: Sorry.
[music] Alex: Been the first
time since you've done the tech show with me. Hank: Mate, I haven't done the tech show in
a long time. I'm so excited to get started. Alex: Well, we start with the poll from last week.
Hank: Let's do it. Alex: Okay, let's get the results.
Last week, we asked what people thought of the Speeco Aero Breakaway bars.
Hank: What did you think of it, Alex? Alex: Well, it's not about me,
it's about the viewers. They vote. Hank: It is about the viewers.
Alex: 68% voted not. Hank: Oh, my gosh. To be honest,
I expected this result. I did. Alex: I'm not too surprised,
to be honest, and I agree. Hank: I wouldn't want to
see too many people on them because I think it'd be dangerous in the corners.
Alex: Not great, but onto the main talking point, which is--
Hank: Why are some bikes so expensive? [music]
Now, I know this is a really broad question, but there's loads of different areas
that we can discuss, isn't there, Alex? Alex: Yes, that's right. Over the years,
we've seen bikes become far more high-tech, and with that, the prices have increased, but there
are a number of different reasons for this. Hank: There are. We're going to start
off with R&D, research and development. Companies and manufacturers spend a whole
load of time and effort researching in to get those like hyper bikes and those high-performing
bikes. It's not just by luck that they just turn up and they just happen to be
the top, the fastest, and the lightest? No. It takes, well, it can take years, can't it?
Alex: Yes. It can take manufacturers quite a long time to recover these costs.
Hank: Yes, and one thing to note is that all that technology can and will creep down to the cheaper
ranges, but it does take a while, doesn't it? Alex: Yes, but don't be shocked to this
sort of expensive bikes, because, eventually, as we say, this technology will trickle down,
and it will benefit everyone. Over the years, we've done quite a few different
videos comparing old top-end groupsets to the cheaper but new groupsets, and do you know what?
Every time the cheaper new groupsets come out on top. Technology is going to help everybody.
Hank: It is indeed. We're going to go on to the next topic, aren't we?
Alex: Yes. Hank: Material costs. Now,
a lot of the consumers out there will think that material takes most of the cost. While those
high-tech materials do come quite expensive, they don't take up the majority of the costs, do they?
Alex: No they don't, and labor is actually one of the biggest costs to consider because
high-end carbon bikes with their intricate designs do require like a lot of human input to make them.
It can't just be automated with machines. Therefore, it's just an expensive process
getting all these people to make them. Hank: Yes, the more complicated the bikes,
the more time-consuming it is, I guess. The next point of topic is free market, isn't it?
Alex: That is right. Hank: Because, well,
there's a market for it. If people didn't buy these expensive bikes, then there wouldn't be
a market. The manufacturers or the distributors would have to drop that cost to get the sales,
but we, as a consumer, are buying these bikes, so- Alex: Well, they keep selling them.
Hank: They keep selling them. Alex: The retail customer bike
does include a markup for the shop that sells it because, well, you've gone there
and using their services, they've got to make some profit out of that otherwise,
well, the shop just wouldn't exist, and you wouldn't be able to buy your bike. Also,
it's why some direct to market brands can undercut shops that are selling bikes because they haven't
got that middleman earning that bit of money. Hank: Exactly. It's a fair point, and we love to
keep bike shops around, don't we, Alex? Alex: Yes, we do.
Hank: Also thinking about prestige of brands. Now this is high value for any manufacturer out there.
It's the brand, the look, and the feel, it's the name on the bike that holds a lot of weight,
too, isn't it? If you're buying a bike, you're also buying into the name upon that bike. That
marketing is quite an expensive area, isn't it? Alex: Yes, the brands invest heavily into their
marketing and keeping their brands prestigious and desirable for people.
Hank: Yes, I reckon it's about time we look at some numbers.
Alex: Yes, we do. I've actually done some quick math for this. I'm going to need my laptop here.
We've got-- Hank: Go on, Alex.
Alex: You love a bit of math, don't you? Hank: I love a bit of math.
Alex: I factored in some basic numbers here for the cost of owning about a £10,000 bike.
It's a hyper bike. Do you know what? I've broken it down, if you include approximate
maintenance costs over a four-year period, I reckon you're nearly looking at £0.25 a mile.
Hank: That's more than I thought. Alex: It's quite a lot. I've been fairly sort of
generous with some of the numbers, but it does give you a bit of a ballpark figure.
Hank: If you're doing a 100-mile ride,
how much would that cost me? Alex: It could potentially cost you £25.
Hank: Then we got to look at the positive Alex. The £25 is cheaper than a bus ride.
Alex: A lot cheaper than a taxi, that's for sure. Hank: A lot cheaper than a taxi and it's
enjoyable. It's fun. It's getting out, and it's your hobby. I guess the value--
Alex: It's not a business investment, is it? Hank: It's not a business investment.
Alex: It is good fun. Hank: Oh, we do like bike riding, don't we, mate?
Alex: Oh. [music]
Alex: Moving on to hot tech. First up, this week, we've got some all-terrain exploration gear.
It's a range of collaborations between the service cores and other brands. They're launching with
a brand new gravel shoe. Pretty cool, eh? It's got a unique colorway and the materials feature
reflective pigments in them. Safety first. Hank: I love these. They look absolutely
awesome, don't they? Alex: Yes.
Hank: They look like you've just stepped in a bit of mud and you've left that
green layer of mud at the bottom of your shoe. It's green, isn't it, on the shoe?
Alex: Oh, well. Hank: They look cool, though.
Alex: They do look cool. Hank: Moving on, though, they've also come up
with a hip pack that is handmade and really easily accessible to put all your integrals. Your snacks.
Alex: Oh, we love snacks. Hank: If you want to access your snacks on the
ride, then you can do that on your hip pack, and they also say that they're a lot more comfortable
than rucksacks. Do you know why, Alex? Alex: Tell me, go on.
Hank: From what I understand is that when you're using a rucksack on a bike,
it's very much top-heavy, so it can be quite uncomfortable to ride with.
Alex: Always sway you back as well. Hank: Always sway you back. The hip pack
very much is a lot more comfortable when riding that rough terrain. Moving on from that hip pack,
you've got ATG clothing. That's the technical clothing that they're coming out with in 2021.
Lots of really exciting stuff coming from that collaboration, which I'm really excited to see.
Alex: Up next, have you ever ridden into work and gone, "Do you know what? I just need to bring my
coffee with me." Hank: No.
Alex: If you had ever thought that, we've got a bike cup holder and this
goes on nearly any handlebar, it means you can take your coffee with you.
Hank: A bike cupholder? How is this going to work? Alex: You are going to need a sealed lid,
though, because it just clamps on the handlebars. It's got a little gripper
inside so your cup doesn't fall out. Hank: What if you go over a pothole
or a speed bump or you brake suddenly? Alex: You're going to have to apply
a bit of caution for that, aren't you? Hank: [laughs] I might have to try one. I'll have
to try one. There's a GCN Tech Challenge there somewhere, "How much coffee can you keep in your
cup on the way to work and be the fastest there?" Alex: Maybe even a penalty
for losing too much coffee. Hank: Ollie is not going to have a chance.
Alex: He hasn't got far too ride, though. Hank: True. He might get dropped. [laughs]
Next up is the Selle Italia C59 saddle that claims to be the lightest saddle
in the entire world sitting at 61 grams. Amazing. It actually looks quite cool.
Do you know what the weight of 61 grams is, Alex? Alex: No. Come on. Give me a comparison.
Hank: I did some research into this and a razor can weigh 61 grams, but more importantly,
a regular-sized egg weighs 60 grams. Alex: You would not want to sit
on the egg, though, would you? Hank: No, it's a bit fragile, isn't it?
Alex: The saddle will be a good idea, though. Do you know why the saddle is
so light? No? It's because it's made of carbon fiber, carbon fiber rails,
carbon fiber base. The padding, there is none. Hank: What? There's no padding?
Alex: No padding at all and that's why it's so light.
Hank: I've got to say, I need a saddle with padding, mate.
Alex: I'm quite intrigued and I've actually got one on order,
so I'm intrigued to see how this turns up like. Hank: World's lightest saddle, maybe then you
will drop Ollie on a climb. Actually, no, you do that one on the regular.
This is the next bit of hot tech. Alex: What is it?
Hank: The inflatable saddle cover? Oh, that looks cool, actually. It looks really comfortable.
I could do with one. Why is it in our list, though?
Alex: I featured it in because it's, do you know what, just a bit bizarre-looking, isn't it?
Hank: How does it work, then, Alex? Alex: It's interesting you asked that because
I've got a bit of a quote from their website. It says, "It uses the 3D airbag design with a gasbag,
internal air circulation, to spread the hips pressure, effective impact buffer hip,
and the aftershock, excellent permeability. It is the best partner of the rider."
I do feel like a little bit of that has got lost in translation somewhat.
Hank: You think? Alex: Yes, just a bit. How
much is it raised on Kickstarter? Hank: I'm going to say £500.
Alex: Your miles off. It's around £40,000. Hank: £40,000?
Alex: I feel like they might be coming to shop near you soon.
Hank: Right. Keep your eyes peeled. Up next is 2021 race bikes. We're
getting a kick off with GreenEDGE. Look at this. Alex: In 2021, GreenEDGE are going to be using
that brand new bike supplier, Bianchi, and they're going to be using a range of new bikes available.
Hank: Yes, they are. They're going to be using three bikes. They're going to
start off with their Specialissima, then the Oltre and also the Aquila You've got three
different bikes to use from, don't you, Alex? Alex: Yes, the Specialissima is their lightweight
GC bike with a frame of about 750 grams. Hank: Oh, nice lightweight bike.
Alex: The Oltre is their aerodynamic road race bike, ideal for those sprint stages and breakaway
stages and their Aquila. Hank: Yes or tequila.
Alex: Yes. Hank: No, we'll keep it at Aquila.
Alex: That's their time trial bike, isn't it? Hank: That is their time trial bike. We could see
some big time trials seen on one of those bikes, couldn't we?
Alex: Yes. What about the colors? Hank: Oh, yes, don't forget the colors.
They were going to be using the black one, weren't they,
because it's said to be a bit lighter, but don't worry because they're actually
staying with the traditional Bianchi color, which is celeste. For all you Bianchi fans out there,
don't worry GreenEDGE are going to be riding celeste colored bikes.
Snacks of the week. Yes, this time we've got Christmas snacks. Can't wait.
Alex: Lovely ladies sent us in these Christmas gifts, but they were addressed to Ollie.
Hank: Yes. Alex: We're going to have
to get rid of you, mate. You ready?
Hank: My name's not on this. Alex: Go. [snaps fingers] Hey,
nice of you to join us, mate. Ollie: What on earth is going on?
Alex: We're at snacks of the week and we thought this lovely lady has sent
in some snacks addressed to you, so it was only right that you had your cake.
Ollie: Oh, yes. Catherine, avid GCN viewer and also keen cyclist and baker sent us in this.
Check this out. A custom Christmas cake with our GCN round on the top. How amazing does that look?
Alex: That is very impressive. Ollie: Look at this. Look at that. That's not all.
Sent in some tins as well. Alex: Yes, I've got some.
Ollie: How come they're on that side? Alex: Yes, these are my ones. I've
got shortbread in here. In this one-- Ollie: They are the Amaretti biscuits, though.
Alex: There we go. Ollie: These are the shortbread. Look at that,
a little Christmas tree shortbread. Alex: Oh, yes. I've got chocolate
truffles as well. Ollie: Truffles?
Alex: Yes. These are all staying on my side, mate. Ollie: Why are they all on that side?
Alex: Yes, sorry.
Ollie: Thank you very much. I'm going to open this cake. Do you want a bit?
Alex: Yes, go on then. Yes. Ollie: Who was here before me?
Alex: Oh, I don't know, some new guy. Ollie: Oh, yes. It's cutting. Do you want a bit?
Alex: Yes, go on then. Ollie: Yes, nice. I'm just going to slice.
Alex: Oh, you should have taken the ribbon off the edge.
Ollie: Oh, yes, [beep]. Get rid of that. Alex: [laughs]
It's nice first time cutting a cake, is it? Ollie: Hang on.
How big a piece do you want? Alex: Just a small amount, I want to watch
my weight. Hank: Oh yes?
Alex: Yes. [music]
Ollie: Do you know what, mate? I'll tell you I've been--
[gasps] I've been looking forward to this all week. Ever
since you said they're sending it in. Alex: Good. Thanks for coming anyway,
mate. Cheers [snaps fingers]. Look at that. Ollie was saving that.
Hank: What? Alex: Oh, it's too late now. Don't worry about it.
Are you enjoying snacks of the week? Hank: Snacks of the week.
Alex: Thumbs up from you. Hank: My favorite part of the show.
Oh, these look-- What's next? Alex: Snacks of the week's done now with this lot.
It's now time for screw riding upgrades. Hank: Buy upgrades.
Alex: Buy upgrades. This is where you submit upgrades that you've made to your
bike’s equipment or cycle lives-- Hank: Hold on. That's Ollie's quote.
Alex: He's not here, it's all right. To win the ultimate prize.
Hank: Yes, this week's ultimate prize is the GCN ShadowStand. You’re going to be taking
some killer bike vault photos with that. Alex: First up, the poll from last week.
Hank: Yes, let's check out the results. Alex: We've got PELLEGRINIMTB's Lotus
lookalike up against BERN's Peugeot renovation. Hank: Yes. The results are quite close. They're
actually quite an even keel, actually, mate. At 47%, it's PELLEGRINIMTB's mountain bike, Lotus
lookalike. Taking the win, 52% is BERN's Peugeot renovation. We're going to get that sent over
to you. Keep an eye over on Facebook, isn't it? Alex: Yes, that's right. This week, we have got
DAVZAD's winter beats bike, which is built around a hybrid frame that he got last winter. Wow,
so it was stolen recently, actually. The silver lining was that he could get another bike.
He sourced all the parts, an old specialized Cirrus frame, handlebars, tires, fabric saddle,
SRAM derailleurs. Wow, he's invested a lot of time into this.
Hank: I love that. Look at that bike. It looks awesome.
Alex: Yes. Hank: He, DAVZAD, is up against
the GUMP. Now, the GUMP is from Louisville, in Kentucky. I've never been to Louisville. Have you?
Alex: No, I haven't. Hank: No? I'd like to go, so one day.
Half of the fun I have with cycling is wrenching on my bikes, so why not upgrade the bike shop
with the beer fridge, TV, cowhide rug, and Park Tool collection. The wife has a hard time getting
me out of the basement. I can definitely see why. Alex: This is pretty impressive, yes.
Hank: Look at that. Alex: It's like a lounge/bike work.
Hank: I love that and I love the color of the lighting.
Alex: Yes. It's even got Ollie on the telly. Hank: Oh.
Alex: Oh, yes. Hank: We might need to change that, but, other
than that, it all looks really good. Alex: That's impressive.
Hank: Yes, I love that. It's not up to us, of course.
Alex: No, it's not. Hank: It's up to you guys on the GCN app,
so head over there and get voting. Winner, don't forget, will win the ultimate prize.
Alex: Shadow stand. Hank:
It's now time for the bike vault. How does everyone get
their bike into the bike vault? Alex? Alex: Well, they upload them to the
GCN app into the bike vault section Hank: Yes they do, and we get to vote
if they're nice or- Alex: -super nice.
Hank: Then we ring the bell. [rings bell] Alex:
Do you know what, you've run that more than I've rung it since I've worked here.
Hank: I love ringing that bell. It's been so long. Let's get stuck into them bike vault bikes.
Alex: First up, NEILBAUER1 and he's got a-- What is this? It's a Rally Sprint. 1983 this is from.
Hank: [rings bell] Alex:
Wait. Hank: That's definitely a super nice.
Alex: Got to judge it a little bit first. Hank: Well, I'm preempting that fact
that it's going to be a super nice. Alex: Do you know the bike vault specifications?
Hank: Yes. Alex: Okay,
well I'll take that. It's got the valves lined up. It's presented nicely. You judged it super nice.
Hank: Yes, valves lined up, cranks set at 45 degrees, it's very clean, it's white, I like a
white bike, it's got a good background, saddle-- Alex: You judged it correctly, I think. I'll
go with super nice, so that's good. I'm happy with that.
Hank: High five. Right, next one. Alex: Next up, you go for this.
Hank: The next up we've got a Specialized Turbo Creo Comp Carbon. It's sent in by ANDILEEJORDAN.
Alex: First E bike that we've had on for quite a while, now. That's why I picked this one out,
but not-- well sub-optimal presentation, I'm going to say.
Hank: I'm going to agree with you there. Hasn't really thought about the background. We've got a
garage door, cranks aren't set up and aligned. Alex: Wheels not aligned.
Hank: Valves aren't aligned. Alex: Picture is not straight on.
Hank: Oh my gosh, I'm sorry. Alex: It's just a nice?
Hank: Do you know what? It's going to be a nice. Alex: It's a nice.
Hank: Next one. Alex: Next up, MARTY.CARRERASM32020.
Hank: Yes, keep hashing that one out, mate. [laughter].
Yes, this is the Ventum NS1, and I got to say, it looks like a really nice bike. I've
never ridden a Ventum, but it looks really cool. It looks like a definite super bike.
Alex: A few omissions. Hank: There are a
few omissions there, aren't there? Alex: Not in the correct gear, tires and wheels--
Hank: No, we're not in Biggie Smalls, are we? Alex: No. Saddle bags, he's still
got his accessories on. Hank: The cranks are the wrong way round.
Alex: They're the wrong way round. [chuckles] Hank: We've got a saddle bag with a light on the
back for a picture. We've got to take that off. Alex: Yes, we've got to take that
off. Again, it's a nice. Hank: Unfortunately, it's a nice.
I don't get to ring the bell. Alex: Next up, I don't think I can say this
name. I struggled on the last one. Hank: I'll give it a go, LESTANZEDINJA.
Alex: Yes, crisp titanium road tie. This is cool. Hank: This is a cool bike. Now, people are
going to say that this background is quite messy, but I think it adds to it. It gives
a bit of flavor, doesn't it? Alex: It does.
Hank: It's got the graffiti look. It's a titanium bike with carbon forks,
yet it looks beautiful, doesn't it? Alex: Saddle bags still. It does look
very good. I think-- Hank: That saddle
bag looks clean, though. Alex: Yes, it does look clean.
Still got multiple bottles on the bike. Hank: There's plenty of spares on that
bike. So, yes, I'm going to give it a-- Alex: I think it's nice, but I do think
it could get a super nice. [bell rings]
Hank: Right. Alex: Okay. That's our last entry for this week.
Hank: No. Alex: Do you know?
That went quick? Hank: That went really quick. I've
got to say though, bike vault is always the best bit of the show, so keep sending in your bikes.
All you have to do is upload them onto the GCN app. Everyone else gets to vote on them. We pick
out the favorites to go on the show. Right, that's it for the GCN tech show. It has been
amazing. I loved every minute of it. The snap bit was my absolute favorite,
so thank you Katherine for sending those in. Alex: If you need anymore Christmas gifts
head over to the GCN shop obviously. Hank: Yes, don't forget. Head over
to the GCN shop. You can get yourself some epic Christmas gifts for all your
cycling loved ones and some cool collection. Alex: That's enough of that for this week.
You all right there, mate? Ollie: Yes, I just had the worst dream.
I dreamt that Hank came and did the tech show. Alex: It was a reality for me.
Ollie: What? Alex:
I hope you've enjoyed this video and, if you have, give it a big thumbs up.
Ollie: He ate my snacks and everything. Alex: Yes, bizarre. He just came in and started
doing what he wanted. [00:19:49] [END OF AUDIO]