Lights ! Good for safety, 0 impact on performance ...(if you use the small flash lights to be used during the day). So why I'm not using them more often ... I don't know ...
@-alex-3724 If it wouldn't cover evenly, then your chain probably wasn't completely cleaned of oil-based lubes. Also, I believe that Super Secret is meant to complement a hot wax treatment, not as the sole lubricant. Personally, I don't care about the miniscule performance gains. But not getting black crap on your hands (or calf) whenever you touch the chain is reason enough to do it.
The Bell used to be the first thing I would take off after buying a new bike, it’s now one of the first things I put on a new bike……so useful when on tracks, canal towpaths etc.
In a tandem, we have four of them (two are enough, but the other two are for symmetry). PS I think the main reason bells are not popular amongst serious riders (and wannabes) is that they are not aero (and wouldn't work if made of carbon fiber)...
@@PrzemyslawSliwinskithe reason my bell comes off is because they cause more problems than they solve, the bell seems to be no directional so peds look around instead of moving to the side, unless it's a decent ring the sound gets lost amongst other traffic and noises, it seems to get peds backs up and they are less likely to move as they think you're being aggressive. I find a cheery passing on your left/right, followed by a thank you works wonders (unless the peds have earphones in then a bell wouldn't work anyway.) My only other solution is to get the classic clown honking horn, that seems to amuse people.
@@PrzemyslawSliwinskiyes, just a soft polite ding at a distance is enough for most people, just a polite "here I am, just want to let you know I'm here"... The nice thing about a mini bell is, if needed, you can do as many rings and as soft or as loud as you like... one soft ding at a distance for the dog walker or couple or baby carriage... a flurry of staccato blasts for the food delivery guy on his escooter.... :)
Ollie recommending two aero killing features - baskets and panniers - whatever next? Simon recommending zip ties for routine maintenance, and Hank recommending pre-ride risk assessment spreadsheets? .... 😄
Not sure Hank knows what they are! 😂 Ollie is all over the shop at the moment, he's even got himself a non aero bike! 👉 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-deWG6FF9tlM.html
For commuting I use a top bag on a rear carrier - I agree on the disadvantages of a backpack. Since it sits straight behind me, it's aerodynamic though.
What we are now realising is that Ollie isn't really about aero... just convenience. I had a sneakin' suspicion back when he went bikepacking on the E-bike with Hank and Connor and resorted to the glamping pod over a tent... Aero is a convenience. More speed for less effort. Baskets are less effort when lugging groceries. Panniers are not so bad when kept on the back (tested by GCN as far as I remember), but also more convenient then drybags for packing and unpacking
Excellent list, Ollie! 1) Immersive chain waxing is the best. I'll never go back. 2) I don't understand not wearing gloves on a bike, ever. This is a more recent trend that makes no sense to me. 3) As a former triathlete, I can confirm that tri bars rule. That said, I've never had them on my pure "road" bike. I also love bullhorn base bars. They're super comfortable and I descend much faster with them.
Definitely Team Panniers here! I shake my head sadly every time I see y'all doing a commute video with massive backpacks. Bonus to panniers; if you go down, they can protect your bike! When I got hit by a car (sideswiped the rear wheel)...my rear rack acted as a crumple zone, and the derailleur didn't hit the pavement at all because I had the pannier full. And my newest bike is set up with a rando bag...I can fit all my work stuff in there for a commute, or an easily accessible bunch of pastries for a long ride. And have room to carry a pair of grocery bags on the back end.
I have one bike dedicated to just this purpose. Regarding backpack. I use one because i carry all the things I need or someone else needs. Plus the storage like small grocery items It all depends on what I have to carry or what I have to pick up. For example, I took a frame ( draped over my neck), fork( carbon) parts in a backpack while riding the bike I was transferring them to. Took them to a shop to have them into one bike In closing it all depends on what I am going to do which I choose for the right purpose
I recently thoroughly degreased my bike’s chain and applied hot wax. I was worried the advertised benefits could be hype but they aren’t. Drive train is quieter (that probably means faster also) and shifts are effortlessly smooth, plus now totally clean. Fantastic bang for the buck.
Did it too for the mentioned benefits. Drove through light rain less than 100 km after I hot waxed a new chain and immediately got rust on it. Did I anyone experience the same, or did I do anything wrong?
@@lukasg6504 Guess I should have mentioned mine is a TT bike so it doesn’t see much wet weather and, therefore, I can’t comment on the potential for rust. Also I’m using a high spec SRAM chain and it appears to perhaps have some type of surface treatment or plating that may inhibit corrosion.
Onesies do not save money. The bib part wears out first, and then you need to replace the whole thing (have to sacrifice the jersey part). You could cut the jersey out with scissors but the whole point of these items is aero and your best riding kit, so you don’t want a jersey cut with scissors anyway. Debunked that codswallop!
Alot of people's bods aren't acceptable in alot of clothing, but if you have the confidence, don't care what others say, and/or have no self esteem issues, go for it.
Yes! Panniers!! Thank you. Couldn’t cycle without one. Absolute game changer. I use the Tortec velocity ones. Slimline and angled in to get the centre of gravity even better towards the centre of the bike. Really lightweight and cheap for what they are too.
Tribars are a must have for me. It's not so much the speed advantage, but the comfort. I can't understand why there's not a good solution for aero handlebars.
Yeah, it's unfortunate that most bikes are designed to be UCI legal instead of being designed for "normal" people with optimizations for aerodynamics, comfort, safety, ...
Great observation by Dr Bridgewood that most of us do not ride under the jurisdiction of the UCI. To avoid any confusion whilst out on the bike, perhaps the GCN shop could sell a ‘The UCI has not jurisdiction here’ onesie; or failing that, a t-shirt?
Mitts lol gloves, are a must, 100% agree. Protect those hands. Wax chains I probra ly never do it. Just to much, of and on the bike. I have been tempted to try a onesie. More afordable faster, but out in the sticks I already get some pretty odd stares in bibs and a jersey. I might try one all the same, give them something to talk about.
I'm all on board with the panniers and gloves! I have different gloves for each season and when I crashed recently, my gloves helped to protect my hands. My under-utilized tech is the good old camelbak. I don't like bottles on my bike and I'd rather have my water on me.
You don't realise how much you wanted gloves until you come off! Then it can get nasty 👀 Camelback is a great shout! Although a still a rare sight on the road, it's pretty common in our off road friends.
Instead of a bell, I added a car horn. I'm more worried about drivers not stopping to look in my direction as they turn into the intersection. Also, a radar light is a must for me now. It preps me for when a vehicle (s) is coming at me with speed so I can safely avoid potential hazards up without having to worry that a car is coming up on me quietly (Electric vehicles more so now). We don't all have the luxury of a film crew around us that makes cars give us proper space as we ride. In addition, open ear headphones (bone conduction ones) are safer than in-ear ones, especially when you have one drop out when you have to adjust your sunglasses, helmet or scratch an itch on your head
Interesting how GCN's appreciation of waxing chains correlates to the lack of muc-off ads... I do have to credit muc-off with me switching to waxing my chains as the last stuff I bought from them was a literal magnet for dirt and grime.
In Poland a bell is actually a mandatory piece of equipment for a bike (also reflective lights are, btw). Sadly, as it's not strictly policed, many people don't have them indstalled.
They will kill their over all chain, cassette and chain ring sales. But I know what you mean and I an just going g to spend that money on something else in the shop anyways.
I've never understood why the Lycra crowd refuse to use bells. In Denmark, where I ride, it's mandatory except for the MAMiLs, apparently. Must be an aero thing🤣
I commuted 18 miles round-trip for years and always a small pair of panniers to carry a change of clothes and shoes (showered at the office), a laptop, often other work stuff, and a lunch.
I totally agree with the comment about panniers. those seat post bags were designed for mountain bikes with rear suspensions. There’s no reason to use them on a hard tail. I have a basket on my cargo bike for store runs. I also have expandable bags that clip onto the side of the basket that essentially triple my carrying capacity.
#askgcntech : You should also test aero helmets which nowadays does not necessarily mean TT helmets (I myself love Specialzed McLaren TT), but meanwhile there are many helmets around with visor (e.g. Ekoi has got a quite cheap one - Ironman aero16), which help keeping out flies and wasps in summer, rain the whole vear, and cold air in fall/winter. Instead of a bell, I use a whistle (Bookman bike whistle), as it even helps defending against ruthless car drivers (I am sure a bell cannot be heard in a car). Concerning tribars: With the shown model, you can easily try and leave off one side, and just use e.g. the right one, which you can turn 90°, so the s-bend part shows to the inside, and you can easily put both hands on it. I came to that idea with my TT-bike, when I has watched several times the World ITT championships 2013 which took place in Tuscany, Italy, where the Swedish rider Gustav Larsson only had installed the right extension, which he grabbed with both hands. As I ride a Giant Cadex CFR converted to a TT bike, I can use a down-tube shifter for the front derailleur, and the idea with only one extension works pretty well. Waxed chains I use now already the third year, and this year I had to put off the 11-23 11speed cassette, from which (the 19/21/23 spiderarm) I let cutting off some material, so it fitted on a 8speed freewheel (on both a Specialized trispoke and a HED 3D disk wheel). I replaced it by a 19/21 spiderarm of a 11-30 11speed Ultegra cassette, and a 1.85mm spacer. The original Ulterga 11-23 cassette had about 27.000 km, with the use of oiled chains on the beginning. One waxed chain (only the drip-on Silca Super Secret) lasts about 7.000 km, as I often ride the big chainring in combination with the 21/19/18 teeth sprockets. With the use of oil, I would have had to replace the cassette last year, and the chains every 3000km, and I replace the 11speed chains when the wear is 0.5mm, as it is advised. For the chain, I use the KMC X11 SL - maybe the Dura Ace 11speed would even last longer, as it has got a special coating on it.
I'm not a racer and most of my rides are short but gloves, panniers, racks and a waxed chain I truly believe are a must. I don't wear lycra because I doubt i would make it look good.
I love panniers, but I also rarely use the set i have because the bike feels soo slow with them on! Can only imagine how much drag those panniers add at the backend of the bike! A LOTTT for sure haha
Mudguards. If you live in the UK and ride from September to June, they are life altering. Add a nice long flap to the back of front and rear guards for total protection. Saves your ass, drivetrain and legs from dirt and spray. Try them. You might like 'em.
for commuting to work everyday, i use the steco monkey-mee. a backpack carrier that you can bolt on your existing luggage carrier but you can secure your backpack on it
Agree: Panniers!! LOVE Mine. Ortliebs - waterproof suckers, gets my laptop through monsoons, still good after beating them up for 3 years. Gloves: I use fingerless. I like them. But they start smelling funky after a while so uhh... wash them. Alternative: No basket - get bungie cords! Leave the bungie cords in the panniers when you go grocery shopping. Plan the big squishy items on top of the rack, panniers on the sides. Wanna see just how much popcorn and toilet paper and gallons of kombucha I can haul? Cuz.... it looks ridiculous, but the bungee cords are great for that TP. And then no worries about the basket on days I don't need it. Panniers are better anyway. Nope: Onesie. For the same reason I don't get one piece dresses in favor of a skort or shorts + shirt for weightlifting. For the same reason I get a bikini instead of a one piece swim suit. Because one-piece suits are a pain in the rear when I need to stop and pee!! Bell. Urban area pedestrians I've seen just get confused by it and scatter in random directions. Best just yelling at them as loud as you can.
I think bells are a legal requirement. Waxed chains are excellent unless you live in the UK where it rains most days and you don't mind skipping chains with stiff links that ruin the fun of cycling.
i have a Domga F in Sram Red and i use closethegap bell i'm not using that much in a ride but every time i use it people thanks me, Every time you have the possibility to have bell take it's will be really important if you ride alone on little road.
Big vote for the Spruicycles bell. Stylist, discreet and a lot more useful than calling out “excuse me”. Also mitts. I raced on the track in my youth and they were compulsory. I never ride without them, but they have fallen out of fashion with many pros, and most of us follow what the pros do, so…
I have a couple of the much cheaper Rock Bros knockoffs (approx $15 US) and they have held up well. They are on the handlebar tucked up next to the stem and they are stealth and out of the way until I need to flick it with my thumb. (Mounted upside-down, really, so an upstroke from the thumb from a normal hand position on the tops is quite ergo.)
Panniers and aero bars are my road commuting staple. Even at low end zone 2 effort, you immediately see a 2kph increase the moment you drop onto the aeros (even with the panniers). I don't really understand why people use all those frame bags and oversized saddle bags
I've never had much luck with specific cycling gloves. I use Site gloves from Screwfix with thin woolly gloves as a liner. They work great; The only downside is when you wipe your nose with the back of your hand they're a bit rough.
Costco (US) sells the Head brand ski gloves that are snug and grippy; they are kind of a thin nylon/neoprene. They are a great deal, compared to higher priced ones marketed as cycling-specific winter gloves.
I’m a cycling nobody… but I wax my chain! It creates a silent ride that is what I imagine flying feels like. If you are at all tuned into your bike, you’ll love it. It’s just a different ride.
Panniers, I'm thinking of getting a gravel bike, its surprising, so many can't carry panniers, even if your out for just a day you'll need puncture repair kit/inner tubes/pump, warm cloths, waterproofs, water, munchies and you can't leave your bike anywhere for more than 3 seconds without a super strong D lock. So the Cannondale Topstone like many gravel bikes has rear suspension, it's not beyond the wit of man to create a pannier rack with pivoting joints. Those utterly stupid fashionable bags cantilevered off the seat post, the bending moments, oscillating loading's, they turn my engineering head into a right frenzy. Also you missed the most important bike tech off your list, a dog trailer, leaving your best mate at home when you go out all day, it's just wrong! Murphy absolutely loves his, every time I open the garage door he runs straight past me and jumps into his trailer.
As someone that wore unisuits for YEARS as part of rowing, they're great for short durations but if you're gonna be in them long enough that going to the bathroom can be assumed, they're...not exactly ideal. Having a onesie with *sleeves* would only make that worse since you can't just pull it down over your shoulders as quickly! I don't even want to bother with bibs. Just spandex shorts and a jersey for me, thanks!
Only downside to the onesie is if you need to relieve yourself at the roadside, that’s going to be a nuisance! Even in a toilet cubical it would be a major faff. Unless some brands provide a “quick access” zipper or flap 😆?
I wish there was something more effective than a bell. When I was riding with someone and they used the bell the pedestrians either didn’t hear it or didn’t know which way to move out of the way. The most effective method is just yelling, “ on your left” when you get ~ 30ft away
Baskets are awesome. I have a Thule basket on my gravel single speed, and 2 full bags from the supermarket fit in it perfectly. Just throw them in and go. Have a mini bell on it too. Front and rear Ibera racks. And full fenders (mudguards).
I mounted some tribals onto my gravel bike a few years ago, I was initially laughed at, but after the other riders/racers saw the added performance and comfort they gave me, they started mounting them onto their bikes.
@@gcntechfor long rides and for speed. Also I use them to carry larger packages like bike wheels. Works pretty well for that but the visibility is kinda bad then.😀
Well I wear gloves or mitts, I’ve got a basket bag (yes it’s a thing) and a bell. Panniers though might drag on the floor. And if I fit tri bars and wear a onesie on my Brompton and people point and laugh… I’m coming looking for ya Ollie!
Panniers have their place but having all that space generally means you pack loads of stuff you just don't need and in the wind they act like sails holding you back. For commuting I prefer a messenger bag, much better suited to the job than a backpack. TT bars - check, chain waxing - check, I'll pass on the skinsuits though.
I use the Knog Oi bells on my bikes. I also have an air horn as well. I don't always use it as the air bottle takes up a bottle cage. It does have a refillable bottle so you don't need to replace it after use. On my road bike and hybrid I do use the pannier. When I'm riding my road bike or hybrid. I always wear my long mountain bike trousers and GMBN race top. I never ride without gloves or mitts. I would never use tribars. They would have no benefit as I use a rucksack with a 3 litre Camelbak bladder. Also my Orbra Laufey with 140mm travel forks and 780mm wide bars with 35mm rise would REALLY silly. I won't be waxing my chains. Firstly I'm TOO bone idle to spend that much time doing it. I also ride my mountain bike more often. In UK wet and muddy conditions. I don't want a rusty chain due to the wax been washed off.
Great questions! 💸 Now I'll be waxing my chain, wearing gloves and onses, and looking into areo bars ⛓️ 🧤 💰💰💰 But I've thought of most of these to improve my rides.
Si in GCN show: "Don't use Bells!!" Ollie in GCN Tech: "Use bells!" 😂😂 To be clear, I side with Ollie. Here in the Netherlands it would be considered very rude to shout at people. Everyone has a bell. And uses them all the time to keep people safe. 👍👍
The other day when I was riding around Crater Lake bombing down a hill at 65kph a guy passed me, super tucking on a basket bike, with mud guards. Like he borrowed grandmas bike and took it racing 😂
On a fateful day a pedestrian just randomly moved onto the bike path, no warning and no reason to do so. I braked pretty hard and my bike slipped on the wet leaves, sending me stumbling to the ground awkwardly. But since it was already cold enought to warrant gloves, my hands were protected. From that day on I wear some type of gloves for every ride. It's not always my fault if I fall but it will still be my body that will be injured. As such, I always wear a helmet and gloves. I can be the safest riding cyclist in the world but I can't control other people.
Small saddle, handlebar and frame tube bags and backpacks are ok in my experience, but if you have to carry anything bigger for any distance then panniers are the way to go. But I would never mount an actual bell on my bike, although it would be a nice add-on feature to have on a light or computer. I always, though, and I mean always, wear cycling gloves with riding. Oh, and lights. Never hurts to carry a small set just in case you get caught out late, even if you didn't intend to. Nothing fancy, just a way to be seen front and rear for safety's sake. As for waxed chains, how are they better than dry lube such as Dumonde, which I swear by? Not looking to revive an old cycling debate, seriously asking as I don't know much about them.
The problem of the TRI-bar is the absence of a brake. And the solution should be as simple as adding a pair on them -- namely the side brake or auxiliary brake or whatever the name. I actually tried to fit one on my TRI bar, but unfortunately all the solutions seems only work with cable. So hydraulic disc brake there seems noway. Later it seems when the GRX groupset came around they seem to have something like a side brake, but by the time I already don't want to spend a lot of money on gears so I don't know if it works on hydraulic (maybe you guys should look into it for us). When you in urban area, the frequent change between braking position and TRI-rest position is annoying. So annoying that it offsets the benefit of TRI-bar's resting capabilities and the speed. When you are in quiter roads, you don't have this problem but the occasional braking needs could really startle you. It's all down to braking. Plus the "clip-on" aero bars aren't really clip-on. Theoritically yes it only takes a few minutes to fasten some screws, but actually it's the position tweak that takes time... Is this too left? too right? too long? too short? too high?... So once you nailed that down, you won't just take it off. The same happens when you took that off, you won't easily put it back. The solution is a real clip-on design I believe there are already some, but just don't know why they are all so expensive and not become mainstream.
@@MaxMustermann-nd4uy The tricky things is you don't know if you are in this "no need to brake" situation until you find yourself in this situation... That's the whole point of this "brake or not" debate and the ban of the TRI bar.
I sometimes get odd looks for always wearing mitts, even for short commutes but my hands are just so much more comfortable I don't see why you wouldn't! I've been told i should just develop callouses and then I'll be fine but call me mad, I just don't want massive callouses on my hands.
Great tips….. I can tick 2 off these off!! The Skinsuit and the aero gloves!!! Just because of comfort AND safety with the gloves for my hands!! Get great tan lines too 😂 Ollie you forgot the most Aero wearable product….. Aero socks…. Love my aero coach ones!!!
Bar end mirror, fenders, and kickstand. Mirror is a huge safety increase for minimal cost/weight/drag. Fenders keep everything cleaner and have minimal drag, and can be quite light, especially if homemade. Kickstand...well, hugely helpful for touring and commuting -- not so much for racing I suppose.
I’m on board with all of this stuff lol. I have a folding pannier basket I have a wicker basked on top of the same rack I have a bell, but angry pedestrians who also take up the whole bike path don’t understand what it means I wear my tri suit for riding a lot I have clip ons on my bike most of the time I don’t wear gloves as much as I used to but I do I wax my chains because it’s come out cheaper and a time saver
Bells require you to take your hands off the brakes exactly when you need to brake the most, plus no one pays them any attention. Too quiet and too gentle. I started riding in New York City and quickly learned to ride around with a whistle in my mouth. THAT has authority and allows you to brake while alerting people. Much more effective. As for onesies, I would never ride wearing black. Why Camouflage myself against the background of the road? I want to be seen, not hidden. I ride wearing the brightest colors I can find or red-and-white stripes. You can’t ride fast if you’re dead.
waxing is not popular because people know only for chefs procedure: pans/pots/cooker,cleaner, remote kitchen, other procedure is by inductive heater, directly on bike, 6 minutes procedure(cleaning and waxing in same time)
onesies are so much comfier, as ollie said if you go non-areo it is a jersey/bib combo but the main benefit is that you dont have annoying bib straps digging in!
There is something to be said for the purity and the spirit of cycling without the unneeded gadgets. Too much crap, including cell phones and bike computers, is arguably in conflict with that. A disciplined and thinking 20th Century man doesn't need that stuff out on the bike rides. Gloves, bells, panniers, all of that is dandy, if it works for you. Although a guy can get by fine without the bell, and I think you underrate backpacks for the all around use. It's very rare to buy too much at the supermarket to fit in one as long as you have a good perception for mass. Also some of us do not want to have extra things bolted down to the bike, especially if it's used for both utility and exercise. If you're strong in the back and the shoulders, why not make use of that?
As someone that has had a couple of skin cancers cut out of my hands and forearms I wear fingerless gloves and long sleeves on every ride. It’s disappointing here in Australia to see kids and young people wearing short sleeves and no gloves. Did a fondo yesterday and quite a few older people like myself were well protected but none of the younger ones! The Aussie sun is not your friend!
Where are you finding these onsies that aren't skinsuits? Skin suits most definitely don't carry the fraction of the price of buying jersey/bibs combined...
It is inconvenient to use the bathroom when you basically have to get completely undressed if you are in a onesie for just a training ride, but I do wear a onesie for triathlon. I can’t believe you recommended tri-bars, when you guys tease triathletes on the regular here. I have always worn gloves and I have switched to waxing my chains because of you Ollie, so thanks for that tip.
@@gcntech I’m using the Silca products. I can’t say I’ve noticed a wattage difference but my chain is definitely staying way, way cleaner and quieter, so worth it for that. I have a spare waxed chain too, so I can put a clean one on and keep riding even if I don’t have time to do a full clean and re-wax.
