Having Jimmy and Emily on talking about textiles. I'd love to see an indepth on what makes a good garmet. Best value for money and what to look for etc etc.
Gloves are totally underrated. Messing up your hands in a bike crash can have a serious impact on your ability to work, whether at a computer or physical labor. Healthy hands in general are underrated.
The 3D printing of metal parts is almost entirely about making stuff that’s impossible to machine rather than reducing cost. You CAN print cheaply but the resolution required for top quality bicycle parts means that the 3D printing machines cost between £80,000 - £250,000 (depending on how fast you need to print). It’s also a labour intensive thing, there’s tons of work to do to turn them from a ‘plate’ of parts to usable parts.
Best ride ever - in China on my first ever bike tour along the Li river (?) in pouring rain. I was soaked, got angry, and all of a sudden I was in this zone where everything flowed into turning the pedals. I felt like I was the water in the river rushing along with it. Perfection.
@@gurinderkular7209 agree, with billionaires kids backing them why bother being financially responsible? Just go all out with rubbish collabs & silly social campaigns.
During lockdown I spent a lot of time cycling around my home city at night and enjoying the eeriness of a city centre totally devoid of life - like if everyone just vanished off the face of the earth and I'd been left behind. Beyond just eerie sensations though, it was amazing to be able to cycle down huge roads with silky smooth surfaces and no traffic whatsoever!
Love that... Been doing it for years... head out after midnight on a warm summers night... you feel like batman cruising around the city in the dark :)
The function of blame is to hide the truth of a mistake. Every time I hear someone blaming, I think to myself, "What is the truth that is trying to be hidden?"
That sounds all very wise, and it may well be true in many cases, but sometimes the blame is just actually on someone or something else, and there is no truth or mistake to hide.
About Froome - I am leaning towards different fit "systems" used by the teams, based on team budget. If Sky/Ineos had a system similar to what I have seen Jumbo-Visma use, where a precise jig is used to set up each riders bike....and then Israel had a system which relied on written measurements adjusted with a tape measure, that could easily result in an error. Once the error is ridden for a period of time, and a new saddle is added or handlebar combo, the rider has basically "approved" the fit, if they did not complain...then the mech would measures again at some point and use that for future adjustments. In other words, based on my experience of 5 decades of riding and fiddling with my bike... no mechanic had ever set up my bike just right, in fact I never let mechanics work on my bikes without directly supervising or monitoring their work. I just do not trust anyone more than myself to have the appropriate attention to detail. They may have more skill and knowledge about bikes, but that does not rule out errors or mistakes while wrenching. And I've seen more than my share of mechanics making small errors which they then correct, but which end up creating additional problems (albeit minor to them) down the road.
Thank you for addressing the price of cycling kits. Companies like MA@P and P3dal M@fia charge upwards of 150usd for a simple jersey. I also only buy jerseys when on sale, because regular pricing is outrageous.
I think Rapha has great stuff but you can see that their newer stuff is made to save expenses compared to their older stuff. Their new Brevet jersey has removed the big zippered pocket in the rear and the small one up front at the chest. In another review on their page of their insulated Gilet I read that they removed a layer compared to the older model etc
Emily and Jimmi talking about cycling clothing, pricing and quality could make for a very interesting standalone video. They must have a ton of interesting insights.
Rapha does have some pretty awesome pieces of kit but I really think theyve been riding on a trendy name as of late(not saying their stuff isnt quality), especially here in colorado where some cyclists have a sense of "holier than thou" because theyre wearing rapha kit. I just cant justify the price when I can walk into pearl izumi and get similar quality things for better prices
Rapha is not "cool" anymore. They were unique when everyone else's clothing made you look like you were an energy drink can. But now there are tons of companies that make great kit that is simple.
Love your chats, I could listen and watch all day.. So laid back and funny as well. Excellent audio cause you use your microphones well and they are obviously good quality. Tanks Emily for your voice as it’s so warm and contrasts the guy’s so well
Francis revealing that the Australia trip wasn't as enjoyable as I thought was pretty eye-opening - it was the first cycling video I watched (aside from "A Bivvy, a Phone and a Drone" by Josh Reid) in 2021 and pretty much got me into cycling. The initial stages of Francis and Chris just going into the unknown was so enjoyable to watch.
I'm from Australia and have to agree with Francis. I rode Perth to Sydney and it is not a great ride. It has some great moment, but also hour upon hour, day open day of open, flat terrain. I did exactly the same thing and look away from the distance markers because it can do your head in. I had one stretch of 3 days riding 8 - 9 hours a day and averaged less than 9kph due to head winds. There are much better places to do a trip in bike tour in Aus.
Unfortunately, Wheatus - Teenage Dirtbag was extremely famous in America. My wife at the time loved that song so much. I was forced to see them in concert twice.
Then maybe I should rephrase my comment… they were extremely famous in the Houston Texas area. You couldn’t turn on the radio without hearing it. And the former mentioned concerts.
46:05 I've always watched almost every episode of your podcasts on RU-vid because I always liked how the video adds photos and Stills of some of the things that you guys are talking about, because, in all honesty, I have NO idea what you guys are talking about sometimes lol. I downloaded an episode previously when I went on a ride, it did keep me entertained but being used to watching on RU-vid made listening a different experience. Now, I always listen to your episodes while working it's on Picture-in-Picture mode.
I fully agree with full-finger gloves on gravel but that's only because I recently had a "slid" with half-finger ones and scraped the hell out of my fingers, the parts outside of the glove that is.
What Jimmy says about the Rapha Core range is covered really well in the GCN+ documenatry on Rapha. The owner says exactly the same, that the idea is not to give a lesser quality garment but just to cut back on a few features and design touches to give a lower price point. It's worth a watch if you haven't already. In terms of great rides, I've had a few that have been massively memorable. One was in a brief gap in lockdown rules I went to the Lakes to do the Fred Whitton route by myself. Cresting Wrynose as the sun started to set was pretty special and felt like a big achievement. The other was by pure fluke in Mallorca when I realised that the road down Puig Mayor was just about to be closed for the annual hill climb event (the type with fast cars, not fast Feathers). Descending a road that you know is closed to cars with spectators lining each side was pretty awesome and about as close as I'll ever get to a race-day experience. I'm also unlikely to ever beat my time down that segment again!
The EF kit and collaborations are seriously fire especially that Giro Palace Rapha kit! But saying that, I won't be caught buying it or wearing it: most cyclists rocking Rapha in my parts are an unfriendly and stuck up bunch. Good luck with customers like that!
Foam rollers and similar can be both good and bad. The problem is I’ve found when working with patients is that some people think they have to hurt themselves to make themselves better. That’s not to say that rolling, like other body work, isn’t sometimes uncomfortable. But there is a point where the amount of pressure being used becomes detrimental to what’s trying to be achieved.
Loved going up in the north pennines using the waskerly way during first lockdown, glad i wasnt the only one enjoying themselves on two wheels up there ❤
Talking about a physio to properly fit a bike… I’m just a causal user (frequent rides, but rarely anything more than an hour long ride), but having a person trained as a physical therapist working at the bike shop to properly fit the purchase is a night and day difference, compared to just taking one off the floor and hopping on.
Regarding Rapha, that lady is completely right: it's about the psychology of the "expensiveness". But this business model is inherently limited to a relatively small market. If you aim to expand your market, then you have to a have a lower priced product range; but that risks hurting the brand prestige (and the psychological effect of expensiveness) and risks cannibalizing your existing customers (some of them migrating to the lower priced products). Funny that the other guy was so excited about the reversible jersey. No pocket is innovation now?! Some people are such easy target for marketing.
In the beginning Rapha Classic was the base line for the casual rider. It was “cheap” and good value for money. Now it’s too expensive compared to what you get.
I have mixed experience with mitts. On one hand, they help avoiding calluses and whatnot, that appear from directly pressure on the skin while holding the handlebar. On the other hand, it feels like you're not as much in the control of the bike, because there's now something in between your palms and handlebar.
3D printers if they perfectly work can do a lot of work overnight or over a week and SEEM cheap, but they'd be multi-million costing machines that depreciate say a million a year. So per day of work, figure 3000 to run it, for depreciation alone.
Foam rollers -- absolutely essential. I've had a nice full one for some time. Just remembered I need to buy a half roller per instructions from PT. I think a lacrosse ball is better than a tennis ball for spot work but the foam roll is needed for getting just a bit of height and balance off the ground with your back.
I always wear gloves. A) to protect my hands. B) for what ever reason my grips are always super sticky. It's gross to have to peel your hands off when you stop. and Yes, I've tried to clean the grips, Isopropyl, soap and water, Vinegar and water. nothing helps...
am unfit and only started cycling at 62, so I prefer a more upright position of a flat bar. Can you do a review of entry level specialized and Trek hybrids please?
Image that you could only listen to a single song - not by choice but whenever any song/tune that is being played, you only hear that song. Everyone else hears the proper song. Adverts? Same song. Glastonbury? Same song. Songs of praise? Same song. Radio? Same song all day. Madness.
Famous last words: something that is cheaper to produce but sounds cool = more expensive for the consumer. If 3D printing is cheaper let that reflect in the pricing 😁😁😁
Favourite ride: Moonrakers and Sunseekers 300km audax. An overnight audax starting in Bristol in November at 10.30pm: riding through the night down to Bournemouth then back to Bristol through the dawn and day. Conditions were perfect, the terrain is easy going and it was type 1 fun all the way. Also, when I started running again seriously, I got a sports massage to get a couple of issues dealt with and now manage myself with the foam roller so both are under-rated in my opinion.
I finished buying Carhartt when they forced their employees to get completely unnecessary, un-tested, highly questionable medical injections vs losing their jobs. F Carhartt.
I have bought lots of Rapha stuff over the last 12 years or so. What pieces do I still wear of Rapha? My white s/sleeve top that was bundled with arm warmers. Red l/sleeve jersey, & a white gilet. All among the first purchases I ever made. Everything since has faded or worn out. I don't shop there now. [Oh, & GT shoes X Giro colab. Pricey but the best].
Not wearing gloves does my head in... If you're going down thats the first point of contact - and literally shredded hands are one of the most common cycling related injuries.
Dirt is softer than tarmac. I always wear gloves on the road bike. I only wear gloves on wet days or somewhere rocky, never on smooth bikepark trails as I prefer the feel without gloving up.
Where I live Rapha is the most visible cycling brand for road cyclists. There are so many people with Rapha gear. Seems crazy that they can't turn a profit.
Sorry guy’s cycle clothing fabrics do differ. I have been in textiles for 45+ and know the and can tell the difference. There has been enormous advances in technical fabrics. Yes branding can be reflected in selling prices but that’s just good business. Mobile phones are another good example , all phones do what most of us want but some are capable of extraordinary. However branding is everything’ and separates manufactures. Also the more expensive phones have more features yet most phones look similar but it is so easy to think everything is the same, unless you understand the technical differences. Great blog incidentally 🚴♀️🤓
I was on a Rapha randonnée in the Pyrenees (2017) the day the takeover came through to the support staff on last day of riding. Much distress about the sale (and them losing their jobs). I personally think the quality has been hit and miss since then. I always pay full price and have been generally happy with my investment. I hate to think a restructuring will result in even lower quality or a loss of their superb customer support.
I like Rapha's aesthetic. But every jersey I've bought from them, lycra or merino, has faded or changed shade in the NZ sun after a year or so. Also, where they used to deliver to me 2-3 days, it now takes 2+ weeks.
Riding during lockdown was bliss. I rode the new forest every other day, 30-60 miles. Barely any cars, European roads, stunning weather. I was worried for my job at the time, but on that bike all the worry went. I've ridden in many places for many years but those rides were something else.
Great shortlist of songs Jimmi. I’d also find it hard to choose out of that list! If you haven’t heard already (and i’m sure you’d love them) Textures are back 🤟 Love the podcasts and everything Francis & you have built. Cheers 👋
Lockdown 2020 got me seriously back into cycling. Despite cycling every day to work, cycling was merely a means to an end- get to work. Lockdown reminded me of how pleasurable cycling could be. Shame cars had to return. I can remember the moment when there were almost NO cars on the road and then lockdown (UK) was relaxed and suddenly cars were back. Chalk and cheese, so I know what Jimmi is talking about regarding the Pennines. Would love to live in that area,.
Funny thing about the gloves, I always use gloves full finger. on XC bike I'm avoiding pads, but on road I'm using Specialized Body Geometry Sport Gel Long Finger Gloves, and I don't have Specialized bike ;) But they are the best for people with fragile carpal tunnel, and on road bike the pressure on CT is quite high. Only in those gloves I'm able to ride comfortable 3-5h rides .
True lockdown story.. I was riding on very quiet narrow country lanes in Sussex,. only car I came across all ride.. came up behind me and beeped me to get out of the way!
I was once on a really lovely drive during lockdown. Only other road user I came across was some bloody cyclist who I had to beep at to get them out the way! 😅
Right before Frances said tubular bells I thought the same thing lol and wear gloves all the time I’ve ripped both palms off sliding across asphalt in the rain very painful skin just dangling off raw bloody exposed nerves
I think the problem they are facing is Amazon...people can find cycling gear cheaper there vs buying expensive clothing from Rapha. Rapha may make better stuff than what people can buy an Amazon...but it still cost more than what some riders are willing to buy.
I was at the factory of our local cycling apparel brand and they showed me fabrics used by PNS that they use as well - there are just not so many fabric suppliers, so it is easy to end up using same fabrics. You pay extra for design, brand and service - I had to fit and order my jersey in the factory located in a shady industrial area of eastern european town, not fancy sophisticated shop in one of the most expensive capitals of Europe. As far as I know fabric was the same, quality comparable, I had custom design.
Cycling apparel: if you produce in Europe (as Isadore) and pay employees properly, pay taxes and social insurances, and take a bit care of environment, then you cannot sell a cycling jersey for 50 EUR. That is that simple. But these are costs, which are 100 % alright. Not only profit counts.
if I'm outside then I'll listen to music, If I'm running then I like to listen to audio books because then I focus on something, If I'm at home then I generally have RU-vid on even if I'm not actively watching. Maybe I should switch to listening to podcasts
i made it through a minute and four seconds of tesseracts King, that was more than enough for a life time and much of that minute was just watching the video. I should learn a lesson from this in regards to how pedestrians react to my music as i ride by, but i probably wont
3D print upfront cost quite high, but cheap to print, but impossible to print in "shimano" volumes. You can't really print anything structural from carbon, cause carbon is composite, there is carbon fiber, there is resin...
Make up 6 excuses a year and he still gets paid millions. Maybe he's using this as an excuse to dope himself to the tits so when he wins a 5th he can say "oh guys it's just because i changed my bike fit"
after an injury and gaining some kilos I had to buy new kit. Was able to find some cheap stuff on Amazon that actually worked quite well. You do have to be careful and read the reviews and material though. Even got a pair of bibs that had pockets on them, perfect for the turbo.
1 Song: The Same Deep Water As You (the cure) as it would reflect the eternal desolation and sadness of being stuck in a purgatorial landscape as you cry your existence away, stuck in that one song, as it plays on and on and on... bathed in reverb and desolation... how fitting that song would be...
I've driven from Perth to Adelaide and apart from the few highlights its so incredibly boring and the wind off the southern ocean is relentless. Gloves everytime for me even though ive forgotten them a couple of times.
I'm not an accountant but as it was explained to me the Rapha loss is based on amortised goodwill. Basically the Waltons purchased it for a price greater than the value of the physical assets and Rapha are writing this off over 10 years, this will appear as an expense and is basically what is responsible for the losses since they purchased it but doesn't indicate a loss in brand value.
So... Chris Froome apparently has the best mechanic who moved with him from team ineos, surly Gary Blum can use a tape measure to setup a bike and would have a record of previous measurements.
