We call it "commuting tempo" here. The rules are: if someone passes you, you've lost. If you pass them after being passed, you've still lost but so have they.
Bit late to this party but that first 17min really is important, and especially for me and what I do I take a lot from these. For me it's always been about building something behind the scenes so that I can afford to do the trips or races I want to do, rather being told what I have to do. Transparency with my audience is the cornerstone of my channel and what I do, and although I've spoken about how I make a living and create funding for my own adventures I think I need to cover it more often after seeing this. Cade, and what this channel has become, has been a breath of fresh air in this cycling space and I absolutely love how you genuinely care about the community. Very relatable and it's why I keep coming back.
About the aluminium, there is a huge difference between different aloys (added metals copper, titanium,...). A huge factor is also the heattreatment. I often wonder if Aluminium frames have had enough RND time/resources for road racing. They were only the go-to frame for a very short period at the end of the 90's, but quickly replaced by carbon.
I would've liked to hear them talk more about the crossover between QA/QC and the frame materials. Typically, the cheaper models do have poor QA/QC resulting in things like shoddy BB shells etc. but even then it still happens with high end carbon frames. They didn't really talk about that - in fact they actually said most things are at a decent standard, which isn't really true when you look at tolerances.
Some aluminium alloys used on frames are more prone to corrosion and have to be painted to prevent water bourne contaminants contacting it. That can be a problem with chips etc being an entry point. Something like 6061 T6 can be exposed to weather and won’t corrode in the same way if the paint is chipped etc.
This is exactly how Influencers should be with transparency. For product endorsements and paid sponsored video content. The amount they get paid is acceptable to keep privately. If they choose not declare it.
I like that they talk about how they fund cool ideas and trips. But I think they have a fair bit to learn about advertising standards. What is declared and not declared on the channel doesn’t seem to be consistent and non of their titles/thumbnails have AD on them when some videos would definitely be defined as ads in the UK.
One of the most genuine podcast episodes I’ve ever listened to, you give a crap about your audience and what they wanna hear and I’m all here the journey x
Guys this is really really good, your honesty about the sponsor is actually brilliant content and for me has hugely increased your credibility. Love this approach of honesty and openness. Its also been very good that youve been doing entry level bikes.
I have a lower end aluminium frame but it rides very well. There's nothing wrong with it. Fork is full carbon, so is the seatpost. Wheels are a bit heavy but I'm going to swap with some carbon 50mm wheels which should save 400 to 600 grams. (new tires will also save some weight) Maybe switch to carbon bars in the future and potentially put on a lighter (electronic) groupset. I can't see myself lusting after a carbon bike (much more expensive) because I wouldn't get much value out of it.
You can also get a cheaper carbon frame. U don't need to choose from the known brands... most also get their frames from China and brand them. Will get an aluminium frame then build it with 105 group set.
@@krissk77 that's completely true! I've looked a lot at chinese manufacturers and there are plenty that look like good quality. The main issue with Chinese frames is that they are often really really aggressive and since I'm no Vingegaard I can't ride those bikes. I ride endurance bikes and I don't see those often from Chinese brands...
The Garmin boat motors are integrated with their GPS capabilities, allowing the motor to slowly, but autonomously navigate the boat along a pre-approved route!
One of my favorite podcasts, along with Chris Miller podcast. It’s like guys sitting at a bar just talking bike stuff for an hour. Perfect mix of tech, opinion, and reality.
On the topic of 'greetings', in France, some random people (mostly pedestrians) greeted me, a touring cyclist, with 'courage!', and I almost teared up every time because I thought that's just so sweet and indeed encouraging.
State of UK roads, especially in Winter, my Canyon Grizl gravel bike has been bike of choice over and over again - if the roads don't improve I can see 'grvl' bikes being the mainstay for most outings as they're fast enough when your avoiding pots holes that can damage cars and road debris everywhere!
Aw mate this is so accurate for me too. I want to build/buy one too, (planning on a bike fit first though) there’s loads of trails and canal pathways near to me which would mean I can try new spots I can’t take my road bike despite trying. The roads are fucking shocking after this winter too. Dying to have sometime I can ride on gnarlier terrain!
I bet Jimmy is right about an all-road style bike. My wife and I have quite old bikes and weve both said our next bike will be a 'gravel' bike that can also go on road. We'll each have two sets of wheels, which are a lot smaller than a whole bike and easier to store, one slick one gravel specific. We live in Arizona where we do have a lot of amazing Public Lands so we can explore a ton with a gravel bike. Also on Emilys point of friendly Americans, it changes all over the place. When I grew up in Minnesota, very very north, we had a reputation as being 'Minnesota Nice'. When I moved to AZ, the people I ran into were much more reserved and less friendly. That didnt stop me from talking to strangers though haha
Glad you _finally_ got to the revelation that the carbon wheels are _the_ limiting factor (aka culprit) for rim brake bikes. My rim brakes stop great on alloy wheels.
It all depends on the quality of the carbon rims. I run rim brakes on Campagnolo Bora rims.. they have a special milled surface and stop on a dime. (You have to use the sacrificial red campag brake shoes though)
@@notkaty my point was that Francis, et al. have never made that distinction for their followers, previously stating "just get disc brakes" - _implying_ rim brakes don't cut it, without qualification
Absolutely love how genuine you guys are with reviews and comments. Personally, I would love to see a show on winter clothing, as a head up bum down gravel rider that likes to keep warm while out riding.
'Rim brakes keep bikes cheep'...and light, and simple to maintain, and look good, and work really well. But yeah don't mix with carbon rims 100% agree.
For stiffness of a frame: Extruded aluminum or carbon to a shape that the engineer and designers of the frames will get the parts of frames formed to. This shape is what will drive the stiffness feel to a frame. The grade of aluminum or carbon used in different areas will produce different results. In carbon, the layering and glue will also play a part in flexing and any stiffness a rider will feel. Butted is a forming process done at ends of the tubing of steel or aluminum. It generally means that at the ends they have more material to make the weld. Aluminum is usually advertised as triple butted, where steel is typically advertised as double butted. This process also has the inner parts of the tubing thought of as pushed out towards the ends making the overall tube lighter and stronger at the ends. This too will produce a different result in feel and weight of a frame.
I love the new set up of the channel not that I didn't like when Francis was solo but this set up is great and so many diverse people, and the channel can do different areas of cycling like James and Nick 😁 my hope is you all get bigger but keeping your humility in all you do. Keep up the good job.
Great channel guys, I think a move in content was the inevitable to keep it interesting. As for sponsors it is needed and appreciate you explaining things and good luck going forward, I believe it was always clear on the channel who was sponsoring it. I’ve stopped following a certain Lancashire lass due to no unique content and what I seen as hidden product placement. “Enjoy the ride”
I love your podcasts. Find them very entertaining, I'm not into ultra light stuff, just prefer a bike I feel comfortable on, I find gravel a bit of a marketing thing, back in the 80s used to do cycle touring on a Dawes super galaxy on routes people would now consider gravel, I do feel sad the dedicated touring bikes are almost extinct, I prefer a triple chainset for touring.
Let me start by saying that I am a big Francis Cade fan ... I've watched his videos pretty much since the start of his channel and I definitely prefer the old, "daily" vlogs with its cast of colorful characters, adventures and off the beaten path races. On the other hand, it's clear that from a total subscriber number perspective this model has proven to be incredibly successful. I don't watch the majority of these videos but I wish you luck in your new business venture. Very glad to hear that Francis is going on a road trip. Hopefully, it will include some of his old comrades. Suerte
I have only 3 sets of carbon rim brake wheels. They all brake very well. On one bike, I needed to upgrade to Ultegra rim brake calipers ,this made a big difference! I am also very attentive to the brake pad choice (different braking surfaces require specific products) My Stable includes rim and disc, I like them both.
It’s great to see you continue to want to deliver projects and products that speak to the audience. Would you ever consider doing a review/sponsorship with Planet X and the entry level varient of EC-130?
For sponsors I really like what Gamers Nexus are doing. Their videos if sponsored, are sponsored by a specific product, that they deem good. Any brand will have good and maybe not so good products. Focusing on the ones you yourself can stand behind, is like a win win for all. Video sponsored, manufacturer paid and happy viewer, since they will get a good product. Loved your stuff especially on the cheaper end of things. Have a good one
The bike industries embrace of "gravel" bikes is hilarious. After eliminating practical, multi-use bikes from their line up, and forcing "racing" bikes down our throats the last 40 years, the industry suddenly discovers that people want practical, multi-use bikes, not twitchy, overpriced racing bikes. Most all bikes used to come with fitments for fenders/mud guards, often ways to attach racks, and a relaxed, stable, comfortable geometry, and clearance for 30+mm tires, JUST LIKE A GRAVEL BIKES, SURPRISE!
I’m with Francis base layers for cycling you don’t need, but when I’m hiking I never walk without one, and in the summer I wear a really lightweight rab long sleeve base layer instead of t shirts because I burn way to easy 😂
UPP (Unified Power Plant) Most Bosch systems use this method. So are you saying all bikes wth Bosch batteries shouldn't be used? That's like all the major brands...Also if your charging cable on your phone or shave etc is coiled up when it is charging then you have created a coil. While creating a coil with a charging cable doesn't directly lead to combustion, it can contribute to several factors that increase the risk of overheating, which under certain circumstances could lead to a fire. Here's why: Increased Resistance: Coiling the cable creates tighter loops, increasing the wire's overall length and electrical resistance. This resistance opposes the flow of electricity, causing the cable to heat up more than usual during charging. Trapped Heat: Coiling traps heat generated by the cable instead of allowing it to dissipate freely into the air. This further increases the internal temperature, potentially exceeding the cable's safe operating limits. Damage to Insulation: Constant coiling and uncoiling can damage the cable's insulation, exposing bare wires and creating potential short circuits. Short circuits can cause significant heat spikes, increasing fire risk.
Hi guys, I love what you guys are trying to create, I watch pretty much everything you put out and I wish you and everyone involved the very best for the future, for sure I will be with you. One negative point I have though is, you spend a lot of time talking about yourselves!!! No need! Not interested, I'm pretty sure not many folk are. You're supposed to be talking about bike stuff! 20mins in and you're still talking about yourselves. Get to the good stuff!!! 😉 Keep pedalling 👍
The common snapping turtle in the US is east of the Rocky mountains. Shouldn't have any in Death Valley! But they're nasty bad-tempered things and they get big, 20 pounds or more commonly, up to about 75 pouds and they live to be over 100. On the southern portion of their range is the Alligator snapping turtle and that gets to be commonly around 50 pounds and up to well over 200 pounds and one of the very few things that the common snapping turtle has to fear in the wild.
Love your content--even if most of it doesn't really affect me as a casual rider :) it's suggested here that most of Shimano's stuff that they sell (as in, the majority of their profits) is fishing gear; just to be clear (according to what I could find), bike gear IS most of what the sell, about 80% of their sales are for the biking industry, with about 18-19% being fishing gear (the rest, 'other stuff'). Also, regardless if 'turtle/tortoise' is used as a blanket term for either, there IS a technical difference between the two--NOT the same species.
Some of Shimano's profit loss likely due to their idiocy over the latest 105 release and making it initially all electronic. OEM retailers switched their lower / mid bikes to SRAM. Shimano has been synonymous with fishing reels for a long time. Used them a lot in 70s/80s.
The reasonably priced high-end aluminum frames can have better degrees of flex due to tube geometry/forming/butting and better welding tech that minimize concerns of old alu frames such as fatigue life and weld-heated stress fractures. TL;DR alu frames used to be harsh because the way to make them was rubbish compared to current times. now, they're quite comfy.
The roads here in caldwell tx are gravel rock and tar. Cars flying past throw the gravel all over. If you try to focus on going you have to worry about getting sucked into the deep gravel on the side of the road. Side roads are even worse. Thank God I ride a mtb/gravel style bike. 100mm up front and wide tires. Plus run a 1x10. There aren't really "hills" in texas. Just man made humps made with a crap ton of sand to make the humps. I've almost crashed because of the gravel on the side of the roads.
I don't have the space or money to have multiple bikes at the moment, so a gravel bike is perfect for me. I throw on 28mm conti GPs and use it as a pretty nice endurance bike, throw on the 40mm gravel tires it came with to explore dirt and gravel and for the winter, I have 50mm spiked winter tires. I'm not gonna do any mountain biking or road racing, so the one bike is all I need
You just saved me a lot of money. Instead of buying a new bike I'll stick with my 1992 (3 x7 XTR) rigid "MtB" with an aluminium frame and a nice road geometry. Rides really well and fast with wide road tires, can handle massive width tires. 3 downsides: no handlebar with drops, no fancy name like "Gravelbike", weighs a ton.
1. Cheap carbon was changing through the years and now evolved to simple thing - the frame will be with thick walls, so the frame weight will be somewhere around 1,5 kilos (with fork) or more. But it gives less chance for frame to break. The same relates to other bike details. I have 2 carbon handlebars from Aliexpress and they are perfectly fine. 2. Couldn't agree more about base layer. It adds just one more warming layer, not cooling or anything. Your cycling jersey has to be properly (well crafted/engineered) ventilated itself. That's what works for cooling and drying.
Regarding the fake charger, Amazon has an issue that they put all product items in a common bin. So, if you order a charger from the "Samsung Amazon store" it gets pulled out from the same bin as the retailer selling the 'fake charger'. I was wondering this after getting several obvious fake products from Philips and Oral-B, that I ordered from their "Amazon store". After doing some research I found a forum of retailers who use Amazon, and were having issues with their products being mixed with Chinese copies. At this point, if I want to be sure it comes from the retailer, I buy it in a store or directly from the manufacture.
8:31 That is totally right, when it comes to Decathlon. Another brand that gives you also "more" for your money is "Cube". I mean their entry level bikes are not better than the decathlon ones but many models are coming with disc brakes in the entry level section. Personally I think that 899 is too much for entry level biking. I would like to get one with hydraulic brakes and know that I have to spend 1,5K for that. But when 899 is entry level, I then don't have a problem to go with 1,5K for the better one instead. Anyway, I like those product review videos about bikes but also equipment a lot, it does not matter if it is Aliexpress stuff, or just the next dura ace or so. You seem honest and I like that about the content here in general.
Agreed. On the subject of big box stores and "Loads of stuff in the bike industry we should be talking about", there are more Go Outdoors stores in the UK than there are Decathlon. They have an in-house brand (Calibre) like Decathlon, Evans and Halfords; and there are other brands they represent (Polygon and Jamis). A 4-way deathmatch of UK big box store bikes has to happen at some point :)
@@NunoLima1337 Cade Media made a video about a halfords bike, when I remember correctly. It was a red one, whose looks I personally dispised. But yes there are cheap brands of some stores. But you might need to dive deep into that because they might not really state the components on their site or the size. But Triban is a good example, I am just a bit annoyed that they got rid of the rim brake version because I always wanted to test it out.
They’re are “reachers” and “settlers” as long as people vision themselves as a racer every time they get on bikes, there will be top level bikes. Here is the US, we want a Corvette or Porsche, but we seldom drive it the way it’s intended. We like how it makes us feel
Can you guys do a bit on speed wobbles? I've experienced them a few times, the first of which I legit thought I might die. It was terrifying. I still get them occasionally and a few of my buddies have as well and others never have. I'm a tall rider 191cm (6'3) and I feel like that may be a contributing factor, but who knows.
@@redauwg911 Speed wobbles happen when you have a vibration build up in the bike. This can have multiple reasons. A short stem might add to it, but will not be THE reason. It's a combination of road surface, small stearing movements (which are always happening), tires, tire pressure, rims, frame stiffness, weight distribution, aerodynamics etc. It often happens i.e. when people grab their handlebar too tight. The vibration from the road has "nowhere to go" and gets transfered to the frame. And when the vibration frequency of the frame happens to match your stearing movements it can build up and cause speed wobbles.
I picked up my aluminium Giant Contend AR 1 this week. It weighs 9.5kg and (discounted) cost £1,450. It has hydraulic disks, Shimano 105 2x11, etc. I’ve never ridden a carbon frame but it rides really nicely and cost around half of a similar carbon bike like the Defy. I’m very happy with my purchase for now. Carbon next time maybe…
Great video/podcast, as per usual. I have a question on the Shimano crank recall. How can Shimano give a figure on what the recall has cost them? I took two sets of cranks to a large local Shimano Dealer three months ago. I only found ou sevsn days ago, that they hadn't even stripped them down and checked them yet, and had forgotten that they have even got them on the premises. So, at this point in time, it's not known whether they will need to be replaced or not. Surely, Shimano's statement should be 'it has cost us £xxxxx to date'. I'm sure that there must be other people who haven't had their cranks checked or possibly replaced yet.
Bright colored kit is more visible. I agree with Francis that point to point rides motivate me to ride farther. Rim brakes on carbon fiber are dangerous! Direct mount rim brakes with aluminum brake surfaces work very well except when wet. I’ve never heard of a cyclist killing anyone. I live in Southern California and cyclists for the most part are friendly. Strength training is very beneficial for cycling especially if you don’t have all day to ride. Road cycling is certainly not dead here! Gravel is still a largely untapped market while there’s more market saturation in road cycling. It’s more of a marketing thing. For the majority of cyclists, a gravel with 2 sets of wheels will cover the needs.
Here in not so sunny North Herts a gravel bike doesnt cut it off road between September and May, simply too muddy. For general riding on quiet rural roads my tank like 2021 Genesis Croix De Fer, shod with 45mm gravel tyres copes admirably with potholes. Horses for courses. If using my roadbike i often travel on busier roads but then i have to mix it up with 44 tonne Eddie Stobart and chums.
US friendliness is all over that place, but generally the center is friendly and the coasts aren’t as much. East coast is aggressive externally, but sweethearts underneath and the west coast is passive aggressive so nice-ish to your face, but more concerned about themselves. Seattle where I now live don’t wave ever unless you ride a long way out to the countryside. But Indiana where I’m from is super friendly.
30:49 Also consider not only good rim brakes, just use good v brakes or mini v brakes, if they can be fitted. Because they brake even better, when adjusted right, and can make up to some insane tire clearance up to 45mm or 55 at some points. My "trekking" bike has entry level shimano v brakes on it and it slows down pretty well, and although it ways around 15 to 17kgs, I can stop it very fast when going 23 Kp/H or faster.
Functional strength training invaluable. Basic programme of weights or calisthenics definitely not time wasted. Not talking being a "Pumped up Peacock" on "3..2..1" :) Just that as we age, bone density diminishes, unless kept at bay by some sort of weight training circuit. Reason why, for many inactive people in later life a fall, ie resulting in a broken hip, can have disastrous consequences !
Lifestyle advertising will never end. There's been plenty of studies that show even when people know its happening, it still produces the desired outcome of the marketeer.
I’m a roadie at heart and always will be. All said most of my spring/summer riding nowadays is pretty much all off road on a gravel bike and just linking up sections of road. Main reason for me is the roads are lethal nowadays with lots of inconsiderate drivers who seem to love overtaking as close and as fast as possible. Granted not all drivers are like this but it’s so much more relaxing riding off road and away from traffic.
A very interesting hour of discussion. A few of the unpopular opinions I would mention: * Base layers. Absolutely necessary when it gets cold. So below minus 5c. Minus 15c and below, you want that sweat away from your skin ASAP. * Strength training. For cyclists, I'd say it's very important. It's a non-impact sport, and to avoid bone density losses, resistance training is key. I agree with your point on mobility too. Increased muscle mass gives you a bit more protection if you crash too, but fundamentally is vital for long term health into old age. Frailty is lethal. * Road cycling is dead. I find that it's a bit odd that gravel bikes are so popular in the UK when there is so little actual gravel. I love gravel, and ride endless gravel here in Sweden, but sometimes it's just really nice to go very fast, so out comes the road bike. Please consider a visit to Southern Sweden if you want some truly world class gravel. I believe you guys must know Josh Reid. He and I have ridden here, so will be able to give you a fuller picture of the potential here.
@@andrewcharlesworth2512 yeah, fair point. I'm quite comfortable on the road here on 25mm tyres at 115psi with 102kg bw. That just doesn't work back in the UK
The American South is known for having people be more friendly in day to day interactions compared to the North and the West Coast. There are some caveats to that though as pointed out by my Southern ex, that the friendliness is not always genuine and is often forced. While he did miss that first, he found that people in Northern California tended to be more genuine when being friendly.
Road cycling is not dead. But, I bought a gravel bike in December and I have had so much fun on it, it will be a tough call to switch back to the road bike in spring. The roads in Cardiff are shit, potholes everywhere, not a problem on the gravel bike. Doing a 250 mile bike packing trip over Easter, gravel bike. The ability to head down a gravel fire road when out on a ride, go do the shopping with some panniers on, winter riding, the list goes on. I have few century rides coming up which I will definitely do on the road bike (and likely feel even more zippy comparatively) other than that hard to see me choosing road bike for weekend rides
saw a burnt out ebike on the side of a bike path in bristol. no clue if it had that kind of battery but its crazy to think how dangerous these things can be
I agree, to a point. I have rim brakes on Zipp wheels that have a textured braking surface, and in the dry I honestly don’t see a difference with my alloy wheels. I never ride in the wet though, unless caught in the rain and when this happens there’s a substantial impact on braking, maybe 30%…
If someone's just obsessed with lightness, a carbon fibre fixie sounds good. You could use a cheaper alloy rim in front, no brake in the rear. Rimbrake of course. Or both carbon and just avoid using it unless truly necessary.
Glad you are more independent! Could you do a review of some of the British Brands ... Rayleigh, Boardman, Planet X, Ribble etc.... (The full Carbon Bordman road bike got a lot of good reviews) I don't have one my main 2 bikes are planet X .
Since COVID, there has been a massive increase in cyclings popularity. But in 2023 and coming into 2024, I think I see more and more running/jogging being the new "it" physical activity now. A lot of my cycling buddies have started taking it up.
I have been cycling in London for almost 20 years. On my commute rides I had far more close calls with dangerous cyclists than cars. I find it easier to anticipate a car's move than sudden overtake / change of direction from other cyclists. And it drives me nuts that many cyclists are treating red traffic lights as optional. I am not defending drivers at all but I see too many cyclists who have no respect for others these days.
Enjoyed the "Road cycling is dead" segment. Two thoughts I had while listening to this: First, gravel bikes may seem to be selling so many because it is a new segment and and people already have a road bike. Are people ditching their road bikes for gravel bikes at significant rates or keeping both? At some point I'd expect sales in this new segment to stabalize and I'm curious what the pie chart of sales by type looks like then. Second, I thought the trend prediciton that companies will sell more adventure/off-road specialized bikes that are road capable was interesting as that is aligned to what is happening in the automotive segment (especially in the USA). In the last 5 years the number of SUVs that have adventure/off-road aesthetics (and some have actual offrad capability) have increased significantly in the USA. I'm not sure how good strong the correlation between automotive and cycling trends is, but it seems people their vehicles to look like they can tackle any terain and maybe this is translating to bicycles too.
Having window shopped for current available named wheel makers, it is getting harder to find a rim/alloy wheelset on the maker's website. Bit sad but I understand maintenance is a smidge better on disc if they don't squeal! Rented out a Specialized Tarmac SL6 with disc and compared my no-fancy brand steel rim brake bike on Mavic Ksyrium Pro '18/19 wheelset, it was a love/hate experience until I hit some sand. Squealing horror. I'd hate to clean and tune those disc brakes compared to rims but you'd be cleaning a bigger surface area on rims. Biggest concern still, I want a mid to near 8kg bike that doesn't hurt the wallet. Tough for today's market.
I feel like the question about recording the trip being "work" and taking loads of effort kind of missed the point of the question. As a big trip together to celebrate retirement I would 100% recommend recording as much as possible. Not an exciting cycling video like Francis would do, but the moments together. Even if you dont watch the footage until 10 years later you will never regret having it, and your kids or family would love to see it years down the line. No need to edit a fancy video as the line of conversation went down, just capturing the moments.
As far as "gravel is the future" and "road cycling is dead", I was at my favorite LBS this week. I literally didn't see a single men's road bike. I asked the guy that was ringing up my purchase if they're no longer selling road bikes. He just chuckled.
Loved the podcast as always, only recently found your channel after get back into cycling this year. Have been binging the old episodes now too. Keep up the great work!
I agree with Jimmi about the base layer. I lost a lot of weight a few years back, and now when naked I look like I'm wearing a skin coloured sleeping bag. The base layer keeps things from wobbling about and stops me feeling as self conscious.
think i'm all alone with that and not sure if it fits into your channel...but i'd really like to know what happened to trekking bikes because i'm a huge fan and refuse to change to "gravel" bikes (here in germany i only find gravel bikes where they throw crap groupsets at and ask prices i just can't understand and i absolutely can't get used to drop bars). i drive about 100km each day for my normal routine and then depending on my mood longer tours around 300-400km
