Beginner Vs Amateur Vs Pro - How Much Difference Does Your Bike Make?

Подписаться 3,2 млн

Просмотров 722 тыс.

50% 1

We’ve done beginner vs amateur vs pro videos before but this one’s different, as not only do we have beginner, amateur and pro riders, but we’ve got beginner, amateur and pro bikes too! Alex is joined by beginner Phil and pro cyclist Gruff Lewis to test three bikes, equipped with Shimano Sora, 105 and Dura-Ace groupsets respectively, to see how much difference your bike makes depending on your ability!
In association with @RideShimano 👉 gcn.eu/Shimano
Useful Links:
Adventure Documentaries, Exclusive Shows & Live Racing on GCN+: gcn.eu/plus
Download the GCN App for free: gcn.eu/app
Visit the GCN Shop: gcn.eu/summersale30
Join the GCN Club: www.gcnclub.com/
Check out the route on Komoot 👉 gcn.eu/7Dq
Which of these bikes would you choose: beginner, amateur or pro? Let us know in the comments below! 💬
If you liked this video, be sure to give it a thumbs up 👍 and share it with your friends!
Watch more on GCN...
📹 Can A Beginner Cyclist Ride 30 Miles On A Bike? 👉 • Can A Beginner Cyclist...
📹 Watch our Editor’s Choice Playlist 👉 gcn.eu/editorschoice
📹 Or why not check out our Features Playlist 👉 gcn.eu/gcnfeatures
🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
All Wound Up - Tigerblood Jewel
Attenuator - OTE
Beginner's Luck - White Bones
Cut the Mustard - Tigerblood Jewel
Demo - Pro Reese
Distortion Glitch - SFX Producer
Dr.Conn - John Runefelt
Dream_Sober - Ajwaa
Electrical Glitch 1 - SFX Producer
Forever Again - Bonkers Beat Club
Golden Triangle - Ava Low
Heatwave - Lofive
High Coast Beat - Smartface
It'll Be a Slow Burn - The New Fools
Just Like Dat - Pro Reese
Mexican Standoff - Walt Adams
Night Shifts - Jones Meadow
Old Time Circus - Luella Gren
Panic Attack - Tigerblood Jewel
Pro - Cushy
Rise of the Velcro - Gabriel Lewis
Run Boy - Smartface
Take a Stance - Sven Lindvall
The Rat Not the Tail - Harry Edvino
Up in Arms - Will Harrison
Upon Entering Another Realm - Brendon Moeller
VHS Hero - Lofive
#gcn #cycling #roadbike #roadcycling #shimano #beginner #challenge #bikelife
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is the largest online cycling channel in the world, bringing together a global community of road cyclists to celebrate everything that’s great about the world of cycling.
Our videos bring fans compelling daily content including expert tutorials, techniques, training, racing, cutting-edge bike tech, unparalleled behind the scenes event coverage, humour, entertainment, and more.
Presented by ex-pro riders, GCN offers a uniquely qualified insight into the world of cycling, and most importantly it’s fuelled by our passionate and enthusiastic fans - everyone who makes up the GCN community. We also bring the latest and greatest tech to your attention, showcase the best places in the world to ride and get exclusive access to events and races.
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside Cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Castelli Clothing: gcn.eu/Castelli
Giro Helmets: gcn.eu/Giro
Pinarello Bikes: gcn.eu/Pinarello
Zipp Wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
Topeak Tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon Bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Pirelli Tyres: gcn.eu/Pirelli
Orbea Bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Vision Wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fitness
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Elite Bottles: gcn.eu/EliteBottles
Whoop Fitness: gcn.eu/Whoop
Komoot: gcn.eu/komoot
Selle Italia: gcn.eu/SelleItalia
SIS: gcn.eu/ScienceInSport
Zwift: gcn.eu/Zwift
Shimano Wheels: gcn.eu/Shimano
Shadow Stand: gcn.eu/ShadowStand
DMT Shoes: gcn.eu/DMT
Muc-Off: gcn.eu/MucOff
Watch our sister channels:
GCN Tech - / gcntech
GCN Racing - / gcnracing
Global Triathlon Network - / gtn
GCN Italia - / gcnitalia
GCN en Español - / gcnenespanol
GCN auf Deutsch - / gcnaufdeutsch
GCN en Français - / gcnenfrancais
GCN Japan - / gcnjapan
GCN Training - / gcntraining
Global Mountain Bike Network - / gmbn
GMBN Tech - / gmbntech
Electric Mountain Bike Network - / embn

Спорт

Опубликовано:

9 сен 2022

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 829

@gcn Год назад

Which of these bikes would you choose: beginner, amateur or pro?

@jonk5755 Год назад

I would love to go for the amateur-level bike but even your beginner level bike would be an upgrade from what I'm riding now but I'm on a pension! I still love to ride and have that grin on my face as Alex said despite heaving my 18kg of hybrid bike up the hills! Oh and the other thing, my family thinks I'd kill myself on a better bike going too fast down hills!

@NoelSlevin Год назад

I have the Canyon Endurace, but the 105 AL RB version. Wouldn’t change it. It’s perfect.

@innocentiuslacrim2290 Год назад

"Upper" beginner level absolutely. Very nice and solid bikes (I have Tiagra and Deore on mine). Those bikes have everything I need, they are fun to ride AND I can leave them parked on the street without worrying where I live.

@esenel92 Год назад

Amateur would be a nice to have (no electronic shifting though, as the price hike with the new 105 is just insane imho) but as I only have space for 1 bike that's also used for commuting and shopping, I'm kinda riding something below the beginner stuff here 🤣 With the punishment it takes carrying stuff, or things bumping into it (so no carbon for me either), or sometimes being parked outside in the rain for hours.. I'm really not gonna use anything expensive. Not to mention that over here even the mid range bike would probably be a one way bike, and you'll be walking or taking public transport home after work because the bike found itself a new owner.. I'd love to get a more advanced bike, but the way it is at the moment it's just not practical unfortunately. But, at least the way it's trickling down in about 20 yrs I'll be riding current gen dura-ace I guess 😁

@alinapopescu872 Год назад

Amateur for me. What would I be doing with a pro-level bike? And unlike Gruff, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing I own such an expensive thing.

@sunnyvalentino Год назад

Let's please have more of Phil. He makes this stuff feel real and relatable.

@giordanostramare 10 месяцев назад

I agree!!! Really enjoy see normal people, theire opinion and feeling

@bentaylor2945 10 месяцев назад

100% agree. Seeing a normal rider is great for us amateurs

@TheMisterSpok 10 месяцев назад

Phil is best

@prathaps848 9 месяцев назад

Yes, and Phil makes music videos too ;)

@alexanderpatterson6499 Год назад

More Phil please. GCN’s Presenter of the People.

@sabiti5428 Год назад

MOAR PHIL

@davidgascoigne Год назад

Phil Phil Phil Phil Phil! Absolute legend! Get him back for more!

@TheSteinbitt Год назад

He looks massively unfit, those 16 years since his YT debut took a toll:p

@user-jh8no1zb9e Год назад

@@TheSteinbitt Yeah , he's the peoples choice of people to go with the peoples choice 105

@AgentSmith16 Год назад

For everyone watching, do remember that at the moment, 105 still comes in 11 speed mechanical for less than half the price of its new Di2 option. The true groupset of the people lives on!

@kingofcrunk4237 Год назад

And for anyone else considering the options - the larger availability and lower price of 11-speed chains has me wishing I didn't go to SRAM 12-speed. It absolutely was not worth it, but it's what came on the bike.

@sabiti5428 Год назад

i like my second hand sram rival 1 tho

@Sir-Prizse Год назад

I ordered the "old" mechanical 105 this week, was finally back in stock. Long live the groupset of the people. My hope is that the new Tiagra (which must come at some point) is simply a rebranded 11-speed 105.

@hisdadjames4876 Год назад

Not only that, but the additional 2 additional gear ratios available off a 12 cassette (versus 11) are of absolutely trivial value to 99% of riders. The extra ratios overlap hugely with those you already have and an imperceptible change to your cadence or the incline has just the same effect. Am I wrong?🤷‍♂️

@2552legoboy Год назад

Give me sram red 10 speed for the same price I’m happy

@ai7844 Год назад

“Now I know how Oli feels” LOL 😅

@gcn Год назад

🤣

@FlatSpinMan Год назад

Cracked me up. Phil slaying.

@johnraphaelgalvan8412 Год назад

14:45 🤣

@davewilson7762 Год назад

Oh but the shame of being overtaken by an ebike 😥

@go4food19 Год назад

Savage!! Poor Ollie…

@bratSebastian Год назад

Ollie seems to be THE protagonist of all GCN shows regardless of he's showing his face in them or not.

@Navessalah Год назад

It's called success.

@yrnseventh Год назад

It's called charisma

@bharbir Год назад

Everybody loves Ollie.

@nathanielwaneangcaco4159 Год назад

Because he takes cycling WAY too seriously

@wilkbrucec Год назад

I think it is a case of picking on the people you love.

@daredemontriple6 Год назад

105, at least when it was mechanical shifting and not £2,000 a groupset, was undoubtedly the best option. Providing you an experience not far from the pros, for a price not far from the beginners. At the end of the day I think what you really have to remember is that what makes a bike fun to ride is only slightly influenced by the chain rings, the cassette, the brakes, the shifters, the handlebars, the wheels or anything else. 90% of the enjoyment, comes from the soul of the bike. The more I ride my bike (105) the more I like riding it - and that's not because of the components, after all they're deteriorating with time not improving. No it's because of the memories. All the brutal climbs and unnerving descents. All the sprint finishes to beat my mate to the cafe, or just to beat my own time on the lunch-time loop. That bike started off as purely a machine. A lump of carbon, steel, and otherwise. But now it's more. I enjoy riding it because of everywhere I've been with it, and how well I've come to know it. Because she bears scars just like I do, and often from the same source.

@ironmantooltime Год назад

When did 105 become £2k?? I'm out 😂

@nicktham1244 Год назад

You feel what I feel! I enjoy the ride whenever wherever

@henrikwille8135 Год назад

The new Di2 105 is more like 1800, the old mechanical is more like 1000

@daredemontriple6 Год назад

@@henrikwille8135 well that's what I mean. For 800 you could buy an entire beginner bike. 105 has never been cheap, but it's almost double the price these days

@brandonclark8736 Год назад

Same for me, well written. I've only grown to love my 2020 Domane SL5 105 even more!

@axelsaxles8462 Год назад

I think, and I mean this wholeheartedly, "KEEP PHIL ON GCN!"; how many of us are pros? Yeah, thought so, therefore, it's nice to have that perspective! I imagine that the brands won't like it, but, and hear me out, WE DON'T NEED THOSE GAINS BECAUSE I WORK FULL TIME AND DON'T HAVE THE TIME TO EVEN TRY AND BE MORE THAN AMATEUR BECAUSE OF LIFE, FAMILY, FRIENDS, FEEDING MYSELF, CRAPPING, MORE FEEDING, SHOPPING FOR OUR OWN FOOD, READING, DOING OTHER PAST-TIME THINGS. Bravo Phil, you legend.

@sabiti5428 Год назад

MOAR PHIL

@cyclingjack 9 месяцев назад

Agree with you mate, you don’t need to shout 😅

@ragwort3369 Год назад

Phil's comment that Dura Ace is twice the cost of 105, but it doesn't provide twice the enjoyment is all that needs to be said, really!

@cyndyroo4512 Год назад

Loved this video! Alex has excellent chemistry with guest presenters and appears respectful while having fun with it "he's like a baby bird leaving the nest." I really appreciated Gruff's inclusion of Phil - using Phil's name, turning and looking at Phil when he was speaking. In my experience as a beginner cyclist, there can be a tendency to overlook those who aren't well-established in the sport. Props to Gruff for being top notch kind. And I have to go with Dura Ace on my next bike...I mean I couldn't rest knowing there was a better option and I didn't go for it. :D

@AleksiJoensuu Год назад

Top comment this! I got a good feeling out of this whole video, and I think GCN has been great (at least) lately about bringing in total novices. It's more than just being respectful: they've been invited into the FUN of it all. My heart melted a little when Manon made a second video with Harriet because "You guys all liked her so much". I hope there will be more stuff with Phil, Harriet - and Griff(Gruff?) for that matter!

@hogroamer260 Год назад

Agreed, Phil could be a brain surgeon, don't judge a book by it's cover. And we all have different priorities in life.

@Surfrdan Год назад

Gruff is a legend and just as kind and respectful off the camera. A real gent. It would be fantastic to see more of him over on GCN

@gcn Год назад

@@hogroamer260 Please don't let Phil do brain surgery on us!!

@michaeljosian08 Год назад

Now I'm sticking with my Sora GS.💪🚲

@brendonnoble5227 Год назад

And as it is compatible with alivio rear mechs you can fit an 11-36t cassette. Smile going up hill.

@mtblover Год назад

Ditto

@steffrees951 Год назад

Nice to see Gruff on the channel. I remember being part of the massive crowds that cheered him on when the Tour of Britain came to his hometown last year and who was on the front - Gruff. Top guy and I hope to see more of him on the channel!

@gcn Год назад

We'd love to have him back!

@lenolenoleno Год назад

Fun vid, but surely people see straight through this "X groupset = X speed" nonsense. Body position (e.g. the beginner bike has the bars right up to the top/super high stack and being an endurance bike/not pro fitted probably a wider bar too) has the majority of effect on speed and secondly then frame/wheels (for aero). Just a total false equivalency to simply correlate groupset Tier to speed (since what groupset has little to no actual impact on a short uncomplicated point to point timed run).

@gcn Год назад

That's why we used different bikes. It put the groupsets in context

@rdunn1971 Год назад

Nice content guys, as ever. However, I know Shimano are a 'friend' of the channel but other brands are available. It would be nice to see SRAM or Campy represented more often.

@andypaul999 Год назад

Its sponsored content, Sram need to come up with some coin first.

@MS-bw7yt Год назад

Well it is not often in the cycling industry that something is objective, but I would argue that shimano just makes the best groupsets objectively. Sram wireless technology is nice but engineering wise is lacks so much behind and Campag always feels special and has some of the flair of an Italian sports car but at the end of the day Shimano just has the best product

@KILLTHEREDDITOR Год назад

@@MS-bw7yt 105 di2 is also expensive as shit compared to something like rival etap

@MS-bw7yt Год назад

@@KILLTHEREDDITOR last time I looked, the difference was 1300 vs 1500 €. Well worth it in my opinion for a bottom bracket standard that wasn't engineering by an intern and gearing and sprocket ratios that actually make sense

@MS-bw7yt Год назад

And with Sram you are stuck with dot fluid for your brakes. Wanna bleed your brakes once an year? No thanks. Leave dot fluid for cars where it belongs

@samhamfast Год назад

Phil and Gruff were both awesome. I hope to see both in the future.

@gcn Год назад

We hope to get both of them in more videos too!

@sventice Год назад

I totally agree with your conclusion here: a mid-level groupset is probably the best option for most non-racing enthusiasts who like a nice ride and who can afford it. But it's worth noting the other message: The entry-level bike is still a good bike. That alloy Canyon with Tiagra or Sora is probably nearly as good or maybe even better than many high-end bicycles from the early 2000's. You can totally ride such a bike and perform well and have a nice time.

@Alexisenpairedeski 5 месяцев назад

I actually use 105 di2 and I race, I think till you have a electric groupset you’re ready to race

@Dunky80 Год назад

I went for a bike ride with my dog in a backpack and found them filming this next to my car. Was nice to say hi to Alex and Gruff who I thought was just watching lol.

@mohdnormohdaminnullah4064 Год назад

And here i am with my shimano claris.. loving it

@paulbradbury4397 Год назад

I enjoyed this video on so many levels. Informative regarding the bikes but mainly, as an old friend of Phil’s, getting to see his old music video that I’d forgotten about and how much his accent has changed since he moved ‘down south’. I’ve got plenty of embarrassing stories for the next video if the GCN producers require it. Top stuff!

@simonrichardson5259 Год назад

Yes please Paul! Bring it on.

@kingofcrunk4237 Год назад

One of the best comparison GCN videos I've ever seen. I love that Gruff doesn't come across as a distant, un-approachable cycling god that many of us would see him as. Phil's right there with it having a good time and giving valuable input. Alex, you did well.

@kerbodynamicx472 Год назад

In a nutshell: Beginner: “105, it’s a huge improvement!” Amateur: “105, best bang for the buck!” Pro: “ 105 is nice, but Dura-Ace because I’m pro”

@geo3802 Год назад

It is worse than that. "Pro. "Dura-Ace because it looks good and I'm that vain".

@junkandcrapamen Год назад

"105, best bang for the buck." LOL. $2K for a mid level groupset is value, is it? Absurd. Clearly the $400 Sora groupset is the best value here.

@luccaguizz Год назад

@@junkandcrapamen well the best bang for the buck would be the mechanical 105

@rudolphpyatt4833 Год назад

Sora (or Tiagra) is the New Groupset of the People.

@kerbodynamicx472 Год назад

@@junkandcrapamen by saying best bang for the buck, I’m referring to 105 R7000 mechanical here.

@Millicente Год назад

One of the things I'm looking forward to most about my beginner bike is the day I replace my 1x beginner groupset with a solid 105 or higher.

@chrisridesbicycles Год назад

Gruff showed very clearly where I should invest to get faster: In strength and core training to hold a more aerodynamic position and not wiggle around on the bike. Concerning the groupsets, I guess the savings to Dura Ace was mostly down to the deeper wheels. Can you make a video about DI2 cross compatibility? Can you for example use the Ultegra levers with the 105 mechs to get the nice buttons on the hoods?

@HattieHaha Год назад

AYO PHIL you made it!! 👌👌

@phillipbailey7080 Год назад

Ha Harriet you're the OG. It's a little terrifying but also amazing to ride those bikes!

@mrbombastikalime9867 Год назад

Legend

@wotexpat9367 Год назад

‘Even Ollie has dropped me’…. Now that is a burn. 😅

@xtrailz Год назад

Phil is the man! let's be honest 98% of us are like Phil or Harriet

@johngannon1 Год назад

Super video - a perfect combo of Alex, Phil and Griff. I’d happily watch them again in another test/challenge. And yes, as a confirmed aspiring amateur, I’d pick the 105 amateur bike.

@adamrobinson3929 Год назад

Fantastic video! So interesting and helpful to hear Phil and Gruff's comments on the bikes/groupsets. And well done to all three boys on those efforts! 🤝🏼

@daveinacave Год назад

Phil’s experience for the Ace seems to be summed up in his opening comment about it Being worth so so much- it’s so hard to truly use and trust something like that when it’s such a significant investment- for so many of us fear is a blessing and a treat- not a regular investment in our lives, so holding back on such an expensive bike makes complete sense

@kimsue429 Год назад

Loved Phill's presentation of the Dura-Ace! I upgraded from my beginner bike earlier this year to carbon and electronic shifting and wow, what a difference! Instantly faster and an absolute joy to ride!

@kimsue429 Год назад

@@ax1066a-ghd2 I rode the same distances/routes that I usually ride, instantly gained 2-3 mph to my average speed. I couldn't believe it, lots of efficiencies gained. Most notably, the hub and the weight of the bike. My typical rides are 35-100 miles. As for a new bike being uncomfortable to ride, I would recommend a professional bike fit before you buy a new bike, then buy your new bike based on your measurements and then follow back up with your fitter once you have the bike. I've gotten 2 fittings since I started cycling and they've also made a big difference. Cheers, enjoy your rides!

@qurozulfikar Год назад

@@ax1066a-ghd2 for me.. the massive point of mid level is enjoyable.. a litte bit faster yes, price & performance wise for further year to come. No need pro level, not on it level so.

@qurozulfikar Год назад

@@ax1066a-ghd2 just chill mate.. the important thing about cycling is self improving rather than upgrade a bike.. you saw the pro level is faster even with beginner bike.. dont stop & keep pedaling for fun.. cheers..

@RifleEyez Год назад

@@qurozulfikar Exactly. Unless you're a pro it's kinda pointless investing so much and then you're given bikes anyway, because if you're not a pro you have lots of room to improve fitness which will make a bigger difference. A 15 second increase over 20-30 minutes is simply not enough for me to justify spending a lot of money, extrapolating that out over say an hour - hour and a half ride that's not even a minute saved. I feel people get too stuck on that side of things tbh when really any decently comfortable bike (say a entry level Trek Domane 2 or a Decathlon) is going to be fun if you're not racing and it's just a side hobby for fitness (like 1-2 rides a week).

@thomascocks9136 Месяц назад

@RifleEyez if you earn $30 an hour that 30 seconds is worth 50c. So you can justify a $1000 spend as saving money if you're going to spend at least 2000 hours riding 😀 my commute to work is about an hour each way so I just need to commute 5 days a week for about 4 years to make my money back 😂

@ciriciri9071 Год назад

Shimano claris squad rise up 😅

@shepshape2585 Год назад

Great video, and once again you've proven that unless you're a pro, whether road or crit, you don't need Dura Ace or even Ultegra. The 105 group set has always been a workhorse and it's plenty sweet for the vast majority of cyclists. I happened to get a great deal on a close out Scott Solace with an Ultegra group set, but since then I've replaced the front derailleur with 105 and will keep doing that as more parts degrade over time.

@yonglingng5640 Год назад

If one has no intention to use aftermarket parts on one's groupset, 105 R7000 is indeed very sufficient.

@brendane3920 Год назад

One of the best uploads for a while from GCN. A realistic evaluation of three levels of bikes. While I would love the DuraAce, I honestly could not see the point as I am 55 and rarely ever feel the need to go so fast anymore. However, as Phil pointed out, there IS a difference and IMHO even going from a not even entry level road bike to a Claris is noticeable as to how much more fun and comfortable a ride can be. If anyone has a free large lightweight bike with a functioning DuraAce going free though, I am sure I could find a space for it in my heart.

@joefilms6547 Год назад

Phil was brilliant on this video seemed a complete natural on camera, would love to see him on more videos 😊

@jemilh Год назад

Bought my first roadbike 4 years ago. Shimano Sora gears and no-name brakes. Done at least 15000km on that groupset. Only changed cassette and big rings once. I’m sure ultegra ore dura ace are better, but don’t rule sora out 👍

@sabiti5428 Год назад

mine was a second hand claris Nashiki. commuted on that bike for 3 years. the bearings are pretty shot in it now (snow and salt take its toll) and upgraded to a jamis renegade frameset with sram rival 1x hydro and a mullet wheelset (700c front and 650b in back). going 1x was the best decision i made, since i want as little fuss on the road as possible.

@geoffbaker4452 Год назад

Or Tiagra..

@clintizzo7693 Год назад

I think this is my favorite GCN video. Fun and makes me feel good about my 105.

@yumedan Год назад

Great stuff lads! Had really been waiting for a clear break down like this. Definitely gonna start looking around for a good 2nd hand group set upgrade.

@MrLuigi-oi7gm Год назад

Wonderful video and a great job by all three of the boys. I think the choices at the end confirmed what I have just discovered fairly recently after buying my first bike with electronic shifting (11 speed Ultegra Di2). Electric shifting is to die for. I never thought I'd say that. But I ride in an area with a lot of undulating roads where I'm having to shift a lot. Being able to make those shifts with a little tap of my finger...No man or woman has experienced greater joy! ❤️

@geo3802 Год назад

Once again GCN demonstrates that for the 95% of us spending money on a pro bike is a complete waste. One could go mid-level and just upgrade to aero wheels for the looks at the cafe.

@MrBoggins1234 Год назад

Yep and get fitter and stronger by riding more.

@vesalehtinen4534 Год назад

If you have the money to spend and you enjoy riding the top spec bike, then I don't think it's a waste at all.

@dh7314 Год назад

But the goal isn’t to spend as little as possible for most of us, I’d probably be just as slow on a 10 year old clunker as on my current bike. The goal, regardless of budget is to buy the bike that excites you - the bike you can’t wait to ride, and if you get that thrill from an expensive bike then good. Bit like buying a posh watch, you buy it for the passion not the accuracy

@geo3802 Год назад

@@dh7314 That is the perspective of one who can afford the posh watch. Admittedly I ride a carbon fiber bike with carbon fiber aero wheels running 105s. The difference is, except for the wheels, everything is 10 yrs old. Although I might be able to afford the new bike I choose to ride a fairly nice bike that enhances performance a little and, well, it looks real good but cost a fraction. I have a passion for riding whether on one of my old steel cruisers I pulled off someone's rubbish heap and fixed up, or my tandem with my wife, or my street bike. For some I guess the passion comes from the thing. I would bet for most the passion comes from the activity.

@doubleplay4 Год назад

Aero wheel upgrade is not for the looks. It's massive saving of watts and higher speeds even for the average rider.

@hogroamer260 Год назад

Not only a comparison of equipment but, of riders as well. Lived this format! So great justification by each rider o which package they would purchase.

@bubblesezblonde Год назад

Enjoyed this a lot. Nice shout-out by Phill to the Siborg's excellent vids. I'm sticking with mechanicals until my age forces me to go battery assist.

@stuartdavis7922 Год назад

Really liked Phil in the video, seemed good on camera and he was excited by mid range equipment which most of us buy.

@mrvwbug4423 Год назад

On the MTB side the differences are even less between groupsets. Shimano Deore 12 speed shifts nearly as well as XTR 12 speed it's just heavier and doesn't get the double upshift unless you install an XT or XTR shifter. Brakes are also not included with the MTB groupsets so you can end up with weird mixes like my enduro bike which has Deore rear mech and cassette, SLX chain, SLX chainring (or absolute black sometimes), XT cranks and XT 4 piston brakes with XT icetech rotors. And the shimano MTB brakes from SLX to XTR all use servo wave

@charlieyorke5126 Год назад

This was a fantastic video - I would love to see more like this showing the difference between beginner/ amateur/ pro maybe at different disciplines/ routes to show it’s all achievable and inspiring! It’s also amazing to learn more about the pros and beginners you feature! Great work GCN

@charlieyorke5126 Год назад

It may also be cool to see the riders using their own actual bikes and switching them amongst the group!! Would show the potential of our own bikes!!

@AndreiNeacsu Год назад

On my bikes I run combinations of all sorts of groupsets with parts that either replaced, upgraded, or even downgraded the original ones, depending on the goals and budget. For example, I have a road bike with 11sp 105 and Tiagra wheels, another with 9sp Ultegra and 105 BB (due to not finding a Ultegra octalink on italian thread when the original Ultegra wore out), two ciclocross bikes with Sora 9sp mixed with Tiagra and Novatec hubs, Deore XT (newest manufactured on 9sp, which is still compatible with STI levers) derailleurs, etc. Not counting the wheels, the only "full groupset" bikes I have are a road bike with 2x11 105(mentioned above), one monstecross (people call them "adventure bikes" or "wide gravel bikes" today) with 3x9 Sora, and a vintage road bike modernized with 2x8 Claris. That's just 3 out of 12. My point is that you don't need to be fixated on a specific groupset; cut costs where you can, upgrade as you break or wear out components, be realistic about what you want to achieve and have fun all the way doing it. If you learn mechanical skills along the way, then more glory to you.

@Stewensson83 Год назад

A very useful video guys, thank you very much! Keep up the good work! :)

@MedvedActual 11 месяцев назад

Awesome video. Love GCN content and the always proper level of humor!

@eduardomonteiro8041 Год назад

Amazing video, put in practical terms what any enthusiast want to do. Thanks for the good work.

@erich8258 Год назад

For many nonracers, Tiagra is the best choice, I think, but it seems to get overlooked. It's sturdy and works well, and 2x10 provides plenty of gears to choose from.

@erictrent4331 8 месяцев назад

I second this.

@francisyuweh706 10 месяцев назад

Great ride and time with Phil and Gruff, keep it up guys and keep sharing!

@melomane01 Год назад

This was helpful as I'm thinking about upgrading my bike right now. Thank you.

@jamiefarrell6496 Год назад

More Phil please!👏🏻👏🏻

@tarantedong Год назад

Yes, a natural on camera!

@gcn Год назад

What would you like to see him do next?

@jamiefarrell6496 Год назад

@@gcn Would love to see "real world" progression for him. Choosing a new bike? Choosing/riding with a club? Preparing for an event? Zwifting through the winter? Figuring out cleaning and maintenance tasks. 👍🏻👍🏻

@MbanziSD Год назад

For me personally, Ultegra mechanical is the choice. Having said that, I am jealous of the wife's shiny Ultegra Di2 setup! Hard to beat the value for money 105 provides though!

@darrynalexander2036 5 месяцев назад

Glad I watched this video! I'm new to cycling, getting race ready, training hard etc. I've been using a rental bike 3/4 times a week while deciding on a bike, and I've been so focused on getting a Dura ace groupset. Now I'm thinking of downgrading to the Ultegra di2, and saving a bit of cash.

@AnythingTwoWheels Год назад

Love the content you guys bring out, Phil what a legend new recruit right there for sure

@svencornelis7932 Год назад

After 10k kms, I'm still extreme happy with my 105 groupset on my €750 Specialized Allez

@ttbmg Год назад

That was an awesome video and demonstration. Each one of the Riders seemed very authentic also . I really enjoyed that one, thank you GCN

@gcn Год назад

Glad you enjoyed it Travis!

@nightsfalling Год назад

I am not a pro but I prefer dura ace. I just love how responsive shifting feels. I have an old bicycle with rim brakes and dura ace components and like to ride it more than my bike with 105 and disk brakes.

@MrBoggins1234 Год назад

I have a 10 year old alloy bike with ultegra 10speed it's perfect and I love it.

@crbondur Год назад

Such a fun video! I watched this with my wife (she rides a "beginner" bike, where as I ride an "amateur" bike) and we truly enjoyed the reminder that having fun on the bike is the important thing, no matter what bike you have. :D

@gcn Год назад

Well said Chris!

@michaelobrien4259 Год назад

Enjoyable show with 3 good blokes. Loved the girl doing the overtake!

@MrBoggins1234 Год назад

For the thousands of pounds between these groupsets (crazy UK pricing!!) for everyone upto serious amateurs it would seem the best investment you can make is becoming a fitter, stronger, more skilled rider. If £is limited start spending on HRM, Strava or training peaks great clothing (for all seasons) and nutrition. And ride. Ride! Difference between Sora and dura-ace is less than 30s over 24 minutes. You'll make up many, many minutes in this test by being the best version of yourself.

@iliastsamatos9371 Год назад

Thanks for making videos like this. A lot of „fun amateur“ riders like me get interesting facts about bikes and groupsets. 😊

@Cycling-through-cancer Год назад

Great video GCN. You’re back in business with some quality , entertaining videos.

@gcn Год назад

Thanks Gareth!

@stevenfreeman7798 Год назад

Brilliant video! Just the the type of topic we want to see!!

@davidthomas9079 Год назад

Chapeau team. you both did a great effort. Even though i didn`t enter the event you blitz my best time by minutes! Always a savage climb. Great to meet you both and managed to get myself in the video at the finish line. Great video.

@kevster6244 Год назад

What a great comparison video, with a pro level rider telling his thoughts on a low end group set in a positive light.

@roarman75 Год назад

Great video comparison and conversation afterwards.

@dougford5691 Месяц назад

Need to bring Phil back more often. He is my level of rider and I appreciate his input. real stuff!

@mikebillington3152 Год назад

Great film and proper realistic comment and message

@allthingsunrelated2919 Год назад

This was great, very interesting and looked super fun!

@jeffreysaffir1375 Год назад

Job well done gentlemen. Very enjoyable. The fastest 23:06 I have viewed in a while. FWIW I'm upgrading the 105 mechanical group set on my 2020 Domane SL5 to SRAM Rival eTap AXS after doing much research on the SRAM groups vs. Shimano.

@qurozulfikar Год назад

Eye opener.. thank you mate.. now the course is improving self performance wise with at least 105.. promise will not go for dura ace because that not match with my age.. superb mate..

@tongucyaman 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for the objective test. It is very insightful. I teach Biostatistics at an Ivy League university (fka Kings College😊). According to the measurements displayed at 19:36, my calculations show no significant differences (>1%) between bike upgrades for each type of rider except for beginner bicyclists upgrading from Sora to 105. This finding will be a more apparent answer because no Sora-equipped bicycle comes with low rolling resistance tires, Look cleats, or even clipless pedals and shoes. So the money is worth spending between Sora and 105 for beginners and upgrading pedals, tires and wheels first. I am closer to the beginner end of the spectrum and did ride a 105-equipped Orbea Euskatel team frame for 15 years and recently upgraded to Evil Chamois Hagar with GRX Di2 2x; now going for Elite G45 wheels. This channel is one of my favorites. Keep producing great content. 🎉

@jamiemcdonald4880 Год назад

Very well presented video! I'd choose the mid level amateur bike... and I recently did. The results were as expected. Just purchased a Pinarello Prince with Ultegra 12spd di2. I purchased it specifically because I wanted electronic shifting. At my amateur level Dura Ace makes no valuable difference to me. Going from mechanical Ultegra on my 2017 Specialized Roubaix that I absolutely love, to the electronic 2022 Pinarello Prince is like going from carbureted to fuel injection back in the 80's. You wonder why it hasn't been this way the whole time... My Prince while being more aero is heavier than my Roubaix even with the same set of carbon wheels. I don't know that the 12 gears makes a difference over 11, but the difference of electronic vs. mechanical is so significant it is almost incomprehensible. With the constantly rolling terrain that I ride, I do a lot of shifting. Strava has indicated a few seconds difference on all the local segments...I don't loose as much momentum / speed between shifts becasues of how precise and quick the new Shimano Di2 is relatively to mechanical. I still soft pedal between gears, but not as much as I did with mechanical. Thanks Shimano for an amazing Ultegra electronic group set!!!

@fiacobelli Год назад

Si, for these videos, showing the ratio between power and speed (w/mph) may give us a good indication of the savings on watts in each bike

@user-pj7ui3qf5r 9 месяцев назад

Another factor for me is the bike light enough to put up on the bike rack on the car roof... Great information thanks Phil.

@brendonsmith5029 Год назад

Just the video I wanted you to make. Right on point. My family and I have theee road bikes, two with 105 and one with sram red all 10 speed. 105 is the best bang for your buck. Love your work.

@madmick9205 Год назад

great video.. just goes to show how expensive it is to 'chase seconds' and unless your a pro racer there's really no point in spending so much for so little gains. the 105 will put that smile on your face. Funny though, cause I have ultegra 8000 mechanical, and at my age it's probably my last real bike. Thankfully, it's a great bike so I do not feel held back by it. But, we all know that I will be trying to justify to my partner why I will be needing a new bike with 105 electronic shifting and disk brakes at some point soon!!!

@rgbplumbinghilton Год назад

I have raced 105 group sets for years. They are fantastic quality at an affordable price. Even the Sora sets are good but 9 speed restricts gearing choice

@madmick9205 Год назад

@@rgbplumbinghilton I've not been at it long. Started with a Claris set up, jumped to Ultegra and was under whelmed to be honest. great bike, all carbon but changed the crank to 165mm and cassette to 34 tooth and so used 105 simply because it's way good enough. cheaper too. There's so much hype around the kit, but I grew out of it, mostly!

@rgbplumbinghilton Год назад

@@madmick9205 bikes have come a long way since my first one in 1985!! All group sets are pretty good now. Indexed and fairly smooth. Saving weight costs a fortune. A cheap weight saver is to ride with one bottle instead of 2. That saves nearly a kilo. £2000 extra on gears saves you half of that 😳

@notreally2406 Год назад

*you're

@madmick9205 Год назад

@@rgbplumbinghilton absolutely, plus, I could probably save quite a few kilos by drinking less beer 🍺. In fact, truth be told by your reckoning, I could save about £20,000 by losing the waste line. Sad, but true:)

@michaelb1761 Год назад

It would have been nice to see the different groupsets on the same frame, as I'm sure I'm not the only one who bought a bike with mid-range components with the idea that I might upgrade as the original components wore out.

@voiceofreason9780 Год назад

Yes. Using the same frame would also eliminate other variables, such as rider position. It looked as if the "beginner" bike had the most relaxed rider position (greater stack height, etc.), which might account for a large percentage of any speed difference. There is no way to know what effect each group set actually had on rider speed in this test.

@ianc.4601 Год назад

Indeed. As an experiment it's nonsense. As a fun video showcasing Shimano kit, it's excellent.

@ArtistSoftwareEngineer Год назад

I switch regularly between 3x8 speed Shimano 2300 on a Decathlon Triban 3, and a 1x Ultegra Di2/Deore XT 11 speed setup on an ultra expensive carbon fibre e-road bike. By far the biggest difference is in the feel of the shifters. And Gryff mentioned it - but assigning the up/down to the buttons on the hoods is just wonderful. But Strava doesn’t lie. The Triban has been upgraded with an ancient set of Mavic Heliums which I scored for £100, and despite me having a £2k set of DT Swiss 1400s with 240 hubs on the e-bike, the Triban is faster, lighter and a razor blade through corners. I love both bikes. Just ride whatever you have.

@nwabox Год назад

Cool video! Love the challenge

@ryanw8987 Год назад

Recently picked up a 2020 Felt Broam 60 (entry-level gravel bike with a Sora/Claris 2x8 group set) for some adventure riding and to be my new winter commuter. The two bikes I've been riding for a few years now both have the same "generation" of 2x10 group set components, with full Ultegra 6700 on one and a mix of 105 5700/DA 7900 on the other. Though I do notice the bigger jumps between gears a bit on the 8spd bike, the shifting performance is rock solid. Being sort of the mechanic for my riding group, I've had the opportunity to try a variety of group sets from a pristine DA 7700 through Ultegra 8000 (mechanical and Di2 versions) to SRAM AXS. And as far as shifting performance, the newer Sora/Claris group on my bike feels closer to the 8000-series Ultegra than the 6700. I got the Broam with intentions to pull off the cheap drivetrain and throw on a 1x11 or even 1x12, and I'm still planning to, but the current set gives me confidence that I can get through the winter without issue so I can take my time getting the new setup that I'm looking for.

@Tbo1235 Год назад

Looked like a great day Alex. Brilliant video

@woolfel Год назад

I have the same frame as the Orbea Orca OMX but in Red. Same paint job as the top end. That's one sexy bike and the paint job is sooo nice.

@willday990 Год назад

Fantastic video! As a beginner, this is just what I wanted to see and know. Sadly, I will have to start saving up for the 105 now, but it’s great to see that it really will make a difference on the time but more importantly the enjoyment of the ride and ease of riding.

@gcn Год назад

Thanks Will, glad you enjoyed it!

@ItsJustaDustStorm Год назад

If you're a beginner, you don't need this Di2 stuff! Learn on a mechanical groupset; it will be 95% of the experience and it'll be way cheaper to boot. I started on Sora, went to Tiagra (10 speed), then upgraded to a decent carbon bike with mechanical 105. I'd still have that bike if I hadn't had to move back to the other side of the globe. I now have a "good" carbon cyclocross bike (Felt F3X) with newish Ultegra componentry. Is there a noticeable difference? To me, an undoubtedly amateur rider... From 105 to Ultegra? Nah. If you find it secondhand on a good bike and the price is right, sure, save some grams I guess, but it's worth keeping in mind that higher-end, lighter components tend to be a bit more fragile. My ultegra set is very picky, and my 105 was mostly solid. My Tiagra felt like I could kick it in the face and never break it. 105 used to be a great base, as you got an 11 speed setup that was close to Ultegra weight and close enough to Dura-Ace that it wouldn't matter unless you were pro, semi-pro, or getting to those levels. Great to have , but not essential, especially given the price. It feels like Tiagra is going to take that role going forward. I digress. If you're new to road biking...find a decent bike THAT FITS YOU. You don't need Di2. You don't even need mechanical 105. A properly set-up bike, even with Sora, will be fast. Hell, come to Central Park. You'll see people on Sora who will wreck 90% of people riding 105. The engine is way more important than the drivetrain. Tldr; find a bike that you like and fits you. You don't need to spend $4000 on a bike to fall in love, or to feel adequate, no matter what GCN or any other channel tries to convince you.

@a1white Год назад

You really don’t need di2! Mechanical is great. Cheaper to buy and maintain. 10 speed Tiagra is a fantastic groupset or previous gen 11 speed 105 (still being produced), if you feel Sora is too low end

@willday990 Год назад

@@ItsJustaDustStorm Lots of great thoughts here. I have been cycling for about 2.5 years now, going maybe twice a month. Sometimes more and sometimes less. I got used hybrid mountain/commuter bike for $350 and it needed a lot of care with several flats and gearing that didn't like how I was changing gear under load. I was lucky enough to pick up a almost new mountain e-bike about a year ago with disc brakes and I was amazed at how much smoother and easier that made riding; while the motor is nice it's the brakes and gears making the big difference. As I ride on paved trailed, I'm looking to finally pick up a road bike instead. I had a friend take me to a nice shop and show me a $2,200 road bike with 105. I also found a used bike with Sora on it for $1,000. I plan to go with the Sora now and in a few years I'll find a chance to try out the 105 and see what the difference is to me. As I'm in my 40s and cycling is for fun and not for competition, I'm sometimes will to pay a bit more than I should for comfort and ease while biking. Based on the video, there are some ways that 105 is just a smoother and easier experience. The upgrade to the 105 is 90% not about going faster for me, it's about the better experience.

@ItsJustaDustStorm Год назад

@@willday990 if you could upgrade to mechanical 105 fairly economically...that might be worth it. Someday. If you really want to push times. But if you're riding at your current rate...man, just keep the Sora. You're enjoying yourself on a good bike for a grand. Don't let people try to push you into upgrading when it's not necessary for you.

@dominicbritt 2 месяца назад

The 11 speed Shimano road disc brakes are great (and the 105 12 speed ones pretty much on par). The servo wave shifters on the 12 speed Ultegra and DuraAce group sets are phenomenal.

@joegamas1194 Год назад

Awesome video and extremely informative, eye opener actually, I would love to own a Dura-Ace group set even though I know it wouldn’t make that much difference in my performance since I’m at the pro level, but more for aesthetics and catching my friends eyes and attention, I would be very proud of my bike but very broke too…. lol Phil was awesome and he fit right in…great job boys

@bittiapina Год назад

Been liking all this love GCN is showing Sora groupset 😌👌

@gcn Год назад

We've had a lot of fun with it!

@adnartmadmartm8718 Год назад

I love Sora (got an old 9 speed shifter on my gravel bike) but let's face it: it's literally twice as heavy as DuraAce. I mean, at this point I'm thinking they're making it this heavy on purpose just to make people avoid it. Or to put things into perspective, let's say you get a top tier 7kg bike with DuraAce. Replace the groupset with Sora and BAM! You now have a sub-mediocre road bike weighing in at a hefty 9.5kg. That's entry-level Decathlon bikes (no offence to Decathlon, at least they're an honest brand).

@GilbertTang Год назад

I really enjoyed Phil. Thanks a lot for representing.

@djvincekline7338 Год назад

Great video. I am deeply in love with my black and blue Specialized Allez from 2017. The design is simply beautiful. I do however feel not to comfortable with the very basic Claris groupset and at some time I would like to upgrade it to105. But probably an older version, one which doesn't cost me 2500 Euros... When you're married and you earn a relatively low (although higher than average here in Spain) salary then it is simply impossible to pay that much money. But for now, losing a lot of weight is the first objective. Then the cycling would anyway go a lot faster

@philiphiggs1615 Год назад

Great video. Agree entirely with the final summation. Amateur bike with 105 D2i would be just fine. Thanks GCN.

@stephenedwards1600 Год назад

Great video, also great to see Alex settling into his presenter role.

@clarasiegfursvw296 Год назад

„It’s all in the legs at the end of the day“ - absolutely true. Do many of us have the many to do ourselves a favor for 4k more? Absolutely true, too

@199jyt Год назад

awesome video! informative, entertaining and shows the bike isn't everything: "it's all in the legs"

@ayowser01 Год назад

This is just a long-winded 105 Di2 commercial, disguised as entry/amateur/pro bike comparison...that I still enjoyed watching 🙂

@bobbylee6102 Год назад

Awesome video as always guys. Thanks

@gcn Год назад

Thanks Bobby!

@island661 Год назад

Great video and information! 🚲

@dantater753 Год назад

I love my hydro brakes now that I went to deore from entry level tektros. Spending a whole month and bunch of money trying to get a good bleed on those tektros was the biggest pain in the neck I've had with cycling thus far.

@nalissa77 Год назад

That was great! Very enjoyable.

@autofox5.067 9 месяцев назад

Im enjoying all your content and I have yet to select a road bike. Im having to save up a bit but this was a really fair demo between the three levels of bike. I will probably purchase used and find a mid tier bike. Im sure it will be all the bike I will ever need!