From Strava's own guidelines about segments: Motor-pacing, or drafting behind a motorized vehicle, is considered motor assistance and conflicts with the fairness and integrity of segment leaderboards. When uploading data from a motor-paced ride, please use the "Only You" or "Followers" privacy control on the activity edit screen.
TRUE STORY: In 1982 I was working for the Japan Group in So. Calif. The group consisted of Shimano, Araya, SR, Mitsuboshi, etc., etc. I worked the Marui division in this tiny office on Colorado BLVD where Tioga and ARAYA ran their US operation. We were all crammed in there and I was the only Non Smoker! I kid you not, often when we got visitors from Shimano Japan you could barely see the other side of the office it was so full of smoke. One day I got a fax from ARAYA asking me to design a complete line of bicycles for the US market because they got a hair up their butt. They figured why not since they already had an ARAYA brand bikes in Japan. At the time I was in charge of designing the entire Shogun bike line which was secretly owned by the Shimano family (And Yes I created the Shogan KAZI TT bike). Anyways, I was given the task and gave me less than 5 months in time for the INTERBIKE trade show. All was going well until it came time to come up with a Brand Name. We went in circles for more than two weeks and I finally put my foot down and said "OK the name is FOCUS or I quit'..! The line was an instant success as Focus sold very well in its first year. But like you stumbling with the name, people and dealers in the east coast also had a huge problem with the name FOCUS. So they flew me out to the east coast to visit some FOCUS dealers to see what the problem was. The moment the shop owners found out I represented the FOCUS brand they went off on me!!! ""What the hell were you thinking calling these nice bikes FUCKUS ..!" "We are so embarrassed customers walking into our shop asking for FUCKUS bikes out loud in front of other customers. We are the point of parting with the bike line unless you change the name, and NOW! About 3 months later FORD introduced the Ford FOCUS, and that finally broke the ice for them to except the brand. After I left the Japan group in 1886 to start onZa, I never again followed up to see what happened to the Focus bike brand. Until one day I saw that it was in the Tour de France and learned that somehow it ended up with a German owner.
The thing that makes the Papa’s ride so special is that the course is the same as what thousands of other Perth cyclists do every week in their clubs, bunches or solo. These roads are extremely popular and have cyclists on them every day of the week. Seeing how the pros go on the same roads/segments as what us mere mortals ride on makes it epic. 👌🏻
Totally agree - if an event is advertised as an official race, it's going to put off people who don't consider themselves to be "racers", as either a professional or dedicated amateur. Years ago, when I was much younger, Austin (where I live) used to hold criteriums downtown using about a 9 block square course. Both registered amateurs (categorized and licensed) as well as everyday riders could enter these races. They went on for several hours, featuring races between highly categorized amateurs and non-categorized by age group, from kids to oldsters. Interference with traffic was avoided by scheduling it on the weekend, and by event organizers working with the police to cordon off the streets needed for about a 3 hour time block. It was great, attracting many riders and spectators. Just fun for all.
I’ve been following Francis Cade’s daily posts, and they’ve been brilliant! 8-9 minute length videos tops, which makes them easily consumable. One of the highlights was the interactions with random folks along the way which formed as big a part of their journey as the actual riding!
I used to ride the B and later A group of the Old Papa's ride in the 90's. No other ride since has come close to fun and enjoyment this gave me. It was never a race, just one finish line sprint at the end before having coffee in Fremantle. When I started riding, Henk Vogels senior gave me a push up a particular hill. This gave me huge encouragement to ride and train. The ride during summer also had pros like Henk Vogels junior riding, who was on his winter break from Europe. For me it was not about the race, but the joy of being out in the clear air before the heat of the day in Perth
Papa's is iconic, it has been around since I was a kid, and I am old now. 25 years ago Boxing Day ride was just a huge ride. It was not filled with pros like this until maybe 15 years ago when Vogels, Brownie, Meyer brothers and a few others started crushing them.
Kind to play in to your motor pacing conversation. I just got back in to cycling again after 10 years of casual riding. By the way , I’m in my 60s and just semi retired. I’ve been back at it since June I’m getting back into riding shape on the road and I just got back into riding into faster groups. My gripe is why are people on racing bikes with electric motors riding with us? What are your thoughts.
Equating Trek to Ford (even if it was just for the metaphor) = the funniest and most accurate thing ever 😂. Great pod as always fellas. Happy new year!
I agree. The best "racing" I've done is the Wednesday morning shop ride when we light it up for 3 laps of a course. This is what got me into official racing too. So much fun and even more fun when ex-pros turn up to smash us.
I'm on track for the 500 with my wife, and we have a couple of friends doing it as well. Regardless of whether people do 1000, 500 is challenging for me, and thank you for acknowledging those of us who are struggling to get it done, but are getting it done.
I just completed the Festive 500 today. I'm in agreeance with you guys on the topic, but specifically when it comes to Christmas Day. When you get those people that post on Strava or social media flexing that they did 150km+ on Christmas Day, I'm actually not impressed at all: I'm moreso disappointed that someone would sacrifice a day that is supposed to be about family (and maybe friends as well, depending on your situation) to go ride your bike. It's a bit selfish, in my opinion. As an aside to that comment, though, I have mates that have kept a tradition they started back on Christmas Day 2019 alive where they all meet bright & early at 6am & go for an MTB ride. They get their ride in early, finishing up around 8am, and they have the rest of their day to spend time with family & other friends. Pretty cool.
@Emily Gartland sweet essay there, especially with all the red herrings. If that's how you want to spend your Christmas, fine: there is a way can do it without flexing about it on social media. If it's really not about the cOmMeRcIaL & cOnTrIvEd HoLiDaY, then don't have to post about it on social media on that day specifically. Speaking annecdotally, the folks I follow/am friends with on social media don't post about riding 100km+ all the time, but most of those same people will do a big ride on Christmas Day will post about it to flex. As if to say "look at me riding a f-load of kms today, meanwhile you're probably sitting at the table stuffing your face with ham & dessert & chocolates. I'm such a great person".
spot on with the comments on the impact of youtubers. Katie on the mid-range Ribble, Francis on the Scott. People that normal riders can relate to (and like), riding ridiculous distances.
Here in the US one of the things that Trek has been aggressively doing is buying out local bike shops to extend their "Trek Store" brand. While Trek has already had an extensive dealer network here in the US, the trend to buy into an established dealership is new.
@@hamishosborne8740 Specialized is doing this as well but not to the extent of Trek. There are a bunch of Trek stores and a handful of Specialized shops now.
@@hamishosborne8740 yup, my local (excellent) small chain has recently gone Trek branded, they were always mostly Trek with a few interesting alternatives and (best of all) offered free basic servicing for life (I bought 4 bikes from them over the years, all Trek). That servicing offer has gone (with Trek) and it's Trek/Bontrager or nothing now. Sad.
Strange strategy considering the direct to consumer model appears to be flourishing. I guess the traditional big brands are doubling down on what they know but there’s going to be stiff competition from Far East factory brands in future.
I have a focus izalco max 9.7 and it’s a top tier bike. I got it for half the price of what big brands where charging for the same components but a different frame. I can hang with anyone on the hills and the flats.
Jesse's comment that a 'pat on the back' at a fondo or a bunch ride can be super motivating really resonated with me. Receiving kudos from Chris at the Mudgee classic this year that I was the MVP really made my day, ride and had more of a positive impact than an actual 'race result'. thanks for the video guys, love the content.
The $20k bike thing in Sydney is 100% all about status and the “look-at-me-look-at-me.!” factor… Same with the helmet/ clothing/ shoes… It’s about “gains” cause it sounds better and just because they can.
Bought the new trek madone sl7 ultegra . I’ll never be as fast as the bike deserves. I bought it cause i love it and cycling is one of two of my hobbies. The reason I got Trek is because the bike shop treated me well and has since the first day I walked in the store. I buy cloths at thrift stores and live well below my means in every other aspect of my life.
I just had buyers remorse and returned my Canyon Aeroad as $10k USD was just unfathomable to me. However, my friend ordered a $14k Trek Emonda which he will take delivery of in March. As a similarly older member of the community, I’m looking forward to your strength training content. Have a great and productive New Year, gentlemen!
Regarding Trek, I personally know nothing about anything. But a local Trek distributor (in the US) informed me that over the course of the bomb that went off in the supply chains, Trek basically did the opposite of the other major outfits. While Spec and Giant were cutting orders with the components distro, Trek then increased their purchasing and sniped those orders. As a result, they were getting preferred treatment from the likes of Shimano in the aftermath. The relevance of this is that while marketing is marketing, at the end of the day 99.95% are going to buy the bike that's in stock. I can drool over a Spec all day but if its always out and I'm in a 6-10 months wait list, I'm going to go get the Trek down the street. And then from there in that consumer's mind, its simultaneously Trek looks good and Spec looks incompetent.
Hi agree hundred percent I was looking for a bike for my daughter between a trek and a giant. The giant that was similar to the trek was several states away for sale and I drove 20 minutes to a trek store and bought the trek bike that day.
Honestly couldn’t care what other people do. I’ll probably fall 100km short of the 500 due to bike issues and some bad weather but I wouldn’t normally squeeze 400km in in a week & especially Christmas week. So no matter what my final distance is I’m still feeling good going into 2023 and that’s all that matters
About five years ago, I found out my 6 year old first carbon bike (Neuvation FC500) had a cracked frame. Went back-and-forth and decided to get the frame repaired by Calfee . While I was waiting for the repair work, a friend let me borrow his Sworks tarmac SL4. Oh my God, I was so blown away by the performance and responsiveness. I immediately started rationalizing why it was OK for me to spend $12,000 on an Sworks tarmac SL6 DuraAce Di2. Bought it with 2 months. That is my current bike. No regrets, ever. And yes I also live in an affluent area (San Francisco) where we see these bikes all the time.
Trek is a strong brand in the US , where I live. In 2017 I bought a Trek Emonda SLR with mechanical Dura Ace because I always wanted a really nice bike, and fully realizing my ability would never do the bike justice. Also 2 years out from a full ankle fusion! There is no chance for me to ever push this bike to it’s limit. That said, I love the bike. I think a large number of these top end bikes are sold for similar reasons.
Someone may have said already, but over here in NZ, Focus E MTB is on a massive rise!! Good stock for dealers, great spec, good value. Locally, Focus don't need their road bikes. But they do have a little bit of desireability with some guys.
I just got a Trek Domane. I first looked at bike shops close to me, then checked what brands they sell and then checked which geometry fit me best. I ended up with Trek but it could have been any brand really.
Focus is owned by Pon Holdings and has certainly taken a step back in the competition bike market, but have redoubled on e-bikes. This seems intentional by Pon as Cervelo is their main brand for road-gravel (and now CX,) with Santa Cruz being their MTB-centric property.
@@Konzuug Yeah, the Dorel (Cannondale, GT, Schwinn) acquisition makes things complicated. GT was already on the way out. Schwinn is more or less a dead brand. Pon has to be the largest company in terms of cycling related revenue at this point, surpassing Giant Manufacturing Co.
The titanium bike not being slower is true. If you look at gcn they tested a 1980s bike against a pinarello f10 3 years ago the aero gain at 45km/h was 35 watts. But since 2018 every year the bikes have meant to have got 15 to 20 watts faster. If you take a modern titanium Steel bike with aero wheels and bars I would wreck on the aero difference is less than 10 and may be less than 5 watts. The other offset is you may find the increased comfort level may allow you to reach climbs in a less fatigued. I went back to steel last year and struggled a bit until I popped my 50s on.
Being Dutch I can confirm this, most serious cyclists (Who don't get sponsored) will not spend that much money on a bike. Just a good carbon frame with Ultegra will do. Sweet spot is between 4 and 6k.
Agree with the Francis Cade videos I want to go for a ride each day I watch them. Cam Nicholls just dropped a vid about the Hell's Ride in Melbourne its a good watch.
Feeling stitched up on a local KOM as the segment record was set 5 years ago and since then 4 speed bumps have been added to the route making this KOM no longer reflective of the segment. Any grounds to report pre-speed bump records to nab the KOM?
I own a 2011 Trek Madone 6.5 and am waiting delivery of my Project One 2023 Trek Madone SLR 9. This is why I decided to spend the money... When I bought my current bike back in 2012, I was riding quite a bit, got in shape and felt great. Until I had an accident. Then I started making excuses to not ride and over the past few years have gotten fat. Last year, I decided to change that. I bought the new Kickr V6, rocker plate, 65" TV and set up a new pain cave. Since I spent alot of money, I'm forcing myself to use it. As a self reward for getting back into shape, I decided to get a new bike. I got the highest spec partly to make sure I would keep up with my efforts of getting back into shape, partly so I can't blame hardware for performances, partly to have a high end bike for once in my life, and lastly because I had the money. I won't get the bike for another 4 months and this has me motivated to not be the old fat guy riding a top spec bike. I'm on track to my goals and there will be little that could keep me from them. My health goal is my top priority.
I'm with Jessie on the "Strava KOM Draft Rule" 😂 If you organise your own vehicle to motorpace behind that's not leaderboard worthy. If a bus / tractor / truck / low flying plane happens to come past and you latch on, that's fair (but a dangerous) game!
This week I found myself try to keep up with Chris Miller on my Elves bike down at Centennial Park. Way too hard for this rider to maintain a wattage to hold his wheel After 400 ks into my Rapha 500. I've taken ill now I'm squeezing out a few ks everyday on the indoor zwift ride 37 k's to go. Enjoyed the content this week.
Watching Papas gave a feeling similar to the thrill and spirit of fixie alleycat videos. There's something about absolutely chopping it in an unsanctioned, bragging rights type event that everyone can appreciate - whether they're a spectator, online viewer or rider. Sure theres a safety risk but that speaks directly to the thrill and novelty of it. Also, similar to what you were saying on this, I'd add that people are drawn to them because they fill the gap left between recreational/ social bunchies and organised races. In something like Papas you can feel good about holding your own amongst the front but you won't feel bad if you get dropped because its 'not a race.' All for it
There’s a guy at my local bunch ride that wears basketball shorts and a t shirt with socks on his bars as tt pads and consistently finishes in the top few guys up the last climb😂 the masters guys on their superbikes get quite upset when they get dropped
Guys - l am not surprised that the Scott Addict is selling so well. Was looking for a carbon framed bike and this model stood out due to the design. (Fantastic!!) Also has a endurance/comfort position and integrated stem. Topics: 1. Would like to see you do a bike packing trip. 2. Best bike routes around major cities. 3. Race between Jessie and yourself to a location vis a different routes. 4. New product reviews.
On F500 - I like this challenge as it gives me an excuse to go and do as many non-boring rides while I'm on holidays between Christmas to New Year. This year I did a crit race, a 180km gravel ride, and 3-4 Brisbane classics to get my 500 with 1 day spare 😁
Too many good discussion topics. I’m inclined to write a novel just to cover each topic. Well done gentlemen. You’re truly gems both of you. Happy New Year.
5:2 is great. I use it occasionally through the year. It's very useful for riders getting near their maximal recoverable volume. The 2 days off really prevents overreaching too far etc.
in regard to the Festive 500, there will always be someone who doubles up on our achievement so we can't feel badly about it. We just need to accept and move on.
That Francis Cade content has been great lately! I think you guys might be getting caught in your own search bubble or something, maybe browse YT logged out sometime? Great cycling content exists here! Dustin Klein has great weekly posts that are usually going for a ride and having fun. Ben Delaney does interviews and factory tours and I really enjoy his format. Path Less Pedaled - the party paced, watercolor painter of YT cycling - reviews great alternatives to cycling norms and marketing trends. Zach Gallardo creates fun riding videos and thoughtful reviews of the fixie/single speed side of cycling. Miranda in the Wild has more varied outdoor content but does some adventure biking stuff and always does a great job of promoting the activities as well as the products reviewed. Habini mixes nonsensical commentary with technical investigative product testing and it feels real and relatable. Luis Scott has an inspired, seasoned, experienced perspective on road riding and gear. Ryan Van Duzer is inspirational and happy and encouraging all at the same time. More cycling content needs to be like Duzer! Sam's Bikes is a Aussie EMTB reviewer with big sunnies and long term reviews that other creators are not taking the time to do. Hardtail Party creates technical content and offers buyers assistance for a very specific market segment. The expertise and focus is so good! Traveling Thru vlogs long distance travels across the world on the cheap with a driven attitude, great vistas and limited marketing support. Bobo creates sketch comedy content about mountain biking and it's really wonderful stuff. Adventures, quirky songs, absurd situations - very funny! Sam Pilgrim is always full of energy and pushing biking of all types into the unknown while also being a active competitive MTB cyclist. Rémy Métailler brings the extreme side of MTB, showcasing the fast, exposed trails and dangerous drops that most will never ride with skill and knowledge sharing at the forefront.
Awesome podcast as always & fantastic discussions. Btw, as a Canadian I totally agree with your assessment of the Trek brand. Although there are lots of Trek bikes still sold in Canada, the brand is definitely not what it was 5 or 10 years ago. I have a strong bias for Specialize bikes since I’ve ridden then for many years and have a few in my collection. But honestly, I don’t see Specialize the same as few years ago. The brand is too expensive for what it offers and now there are better brands that offer more at less cost. All said, Happy new year to you & Jesse and look forward to more content in 2023. Lastly, if u guys ever decide to come to Canada, definitely hit me up and we’ll get out some awesome epic adventures in Quebec or Ontario. Just don’t come now since it’s winter and very cold here 🥶 😂. Cheers 😃
High end bikes... three words. 'Joy of ownership'. You guys are approaching the perceived value from a performance perspective as you are competitive riders. A top, top end bike is way more achievable for more people than a Ferrari or McLaren . The bike question I have is how come some top end bikes retail for more than all the separate component parts.
I purchased a Ridley because I saw Caleb Ewan riding one it made me research the bikes and I like the shape/style. I wouldn’t have know about them if lotto didn’t ride them.
This is my first time doing the Festive 500. I’m trying to do all of it as hill repeats. Probably not going to hit 500km but it’s been a blast pushing myself (it’s been very very very cold where I’m at so there’s not many other cyclists about).
I ride a high end custom bike. My FTP is between 3.8-4.0 w/kg. I can’t speak for everyone but I didn’t buy the bike for performance. I could get similar performance from a bike that is half the price. I bought it because it’s how I want to spend my money.
Great chat, to just comment on a couple of things, just finished my first Festive 500, i did it on Zwift…. Ok some people will say it doesn’t count but I don’t care I managed to get the KM in by doing group rides on Zwift and the support from everyone was great, and it was a good way to end not such a great year on the bike….. just want to also say congratulations to those riders who are having a go and also finishing the Festive 500…. Great job everyone 👍 as for the Super-bikes…. I turned up at a club on a round tubed 16 year old essentially metal bike with rim brakes and a mechanical groupset and i can safely say I felt a bit out of place….. Will a new Carbon Aero bike make me any faster…. Er no, I’m 52, and not built like a racing snake, but will it make me feel more like one of the group yes, do they look nice, yes, but can I really justify £10,000 - £15,000 on a bicycle just so I feel I fit in….. No!! Especially if I don’t want a divorce 😂, that’s one of the reasons I love Zwift, I ride, I get sweat points and I have a dream garage….. 😂 Happy New Year everyone all the best for 2023 👍
I have seen the super expensive bikes trend mostly in the Ironman triathlon realm of things. The funny thing is the most people on those bikes look like a drag chute with how their body is positioned and the faster guys typically are on slightly lower spec bikes.
I was in Southern California a couple weeks ago and I was riding my 5 year old Cannondale, I was the only one without deep section carbon wheels and a $13,000 bike. It was a little strange (but not really, lol) because I'm not used to that in Arizona. It's not just Sydney, it's wherever there is a lot of disposable income, people like to show off.
I bought a very expensive S-works 2022 Crux because I love gravel, am a lighter rider and can tell the difference is the weight of gravel bikes. And in my area, I can also use it on fast paced group rides as a road bike. The cost hurt, but worth it to me. Not a lot of very expensive bikes in North Carolina that I see.
With regards to Trek - I think in Sydney, whilst they do have a faithful following, I think something strange happened after Clarence St got bought out by Trek, and I think Turramurra cyclery was sold to them as well. They've always charged a premium, but if I was gonna pay extra, why not buy a Spesh? 3 years of no overseas travel means some people have more cash on their hands, so will splurge for that crazy specced bike. A cheaper way to go faster and get a better time on Bobbo (or any other climb) is leave your bidon and saddle bag at the bottom :)
I started on a Alu Synapse in 2012. I now ride an Orbea Orca and F12 with an F on order. I love tech and design and appreciate innovation. I fully accept that it doesn’t make a difference to my numbers but I work hard I like cool tech and life to short.. Ps. We all spend time or money on things we value.. bikes are no different
I was happy on my $2k Allez with 105 and stock alloy wheels until the wife saw the electronic gears on TdF and said “how come you don’t have electronic gears, I thought you’d want that for sure”. Ended up spending nearly $15k on a Time carbon frame, Ultegra Di2, Dura Ace C50 wheels. My reasoning: I can afford it; I’m 50 and it’s probably a bike that I can keep for life now; I wanted to see what a high end bike was like. For me there’s zero peer pressure - I almost exclusively ride solo so it’s just for my own enjoyment and fitness. Amazing bike to ride, it’s the kind of bike you just want to ride every day. I have a kick ass MTB too though so I have to split my time between the two
I've got a couple of the Rapha Pro Team flyweight jerseys and they're brilliant but the best lightweight jersey I have is the Castelli Climbers jersey 3.0. The design of the pockets and placement of the rear gripper is absolute genius.
So I got back into cycling 6 months after a 20 year hiatus just to get some cross training. I brought a Trek Emonda ALR 5 because the same spec Emonda SL 5 weights 500g more and costs $1300 more. IMO entry level carbon is a scam. Also got the ALR 5 because the wait times for a comparable bike was to long. On buying more expensive bikes I was looking at the Aeroad the other day and yeah I is more froth then my Emonda but the speed gains at my level would be negligible, still it looks cool so see how I feel when it comes back into stock. And on unsanctioned races. I've never raced. My local group had "Races" everyday from Christmas to Newyears. I only got to 1 day, there was 3 wait points in the first 40k, I had a blast holding the wheel from the 2nd to 3rd wait points as we ripped along a 17km section at over 40km/h. Got dropped for the last 40km but was super fun to ride up some climbs with guys and gals from conti teams.
Hey Chris, I am from Fresno and have shopped at Rubbersoul for many years, the shop you borrowed a bike from. I think you are mostly correct about your observations about super high end bikes being concentrated in expensive cities, though it is also true for certain parts of cities. For example here in Fresno there are very rich and very poor parts of the city. In the rich parts I see plenty of $6k+ USD bikes. Even bikes $10k+. 32:31
HI GUYS I LIVE IN THE USA AND TREK BIKES ARE EVERYWHERE AND I HAVE A OLDER MADONE AND JUST BOUGHT A NEW CHECKPOINT SL GRAVEL AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT BIKE AND I STILL RIDE MY MADONE 2014 AL THE TIME.
Regarding $20K bikes, I ride a Trek ALR-5 and luv passing guys riding carbon bikes 2-3x more expensive than mine. IMO, 1st priority to be fast is to spend time & effort working on the engine, spending $$ on a high end bike would be next if the engine work in not enough...
You beat me to it! And I couldn't agree more. I don't race, but I'm 60 and my bike's already 20. Last summer I beat half a dozen young blokes on expensive new bikes on the climb to the big Buddha in hong kong. lt felt great. Tha doesn't happen often. But it proves something I've always believed - you can't buy better legs. My dad used to say, "hills build character." I reckon he was spot on. Cheers
Another plus for Scott is that you could get them. Had 2019 Trek Emonda SLR7, loved it. Broke it in a crash May 2022. Insurance would have paid for a replacement Emonda, about 40 % price increase. Couldn't get one. LBS could get Scott Addict RC, took 2 months at same price as 2019 trek. Rides great, availability and price big plus.
You’re definitely spot on about the $20,000 bikes being frothy. I have a NOS Pinarello F12 X-Light from team INEOS (Ben Swift’s Spare frameset), and although its an amazing ride, it’s not any faster than my 2009 Cervelo S2 with Di2, and carbon wheels. I mainly bought it for the cool factor, and I knew that there really wouldn’t be much gains. Guys I ride with think it’s cool, but aren’t upset or anything for riding it.
There's not enough club level TTT's held, which is a shame. The barrier to entry is lower - most (?) to my knowledge don't require race licences just the normal club membership + insurance. I've done the West Head ITT which is fun but TTT's are even more social, you get to train together etc.
Also the only racing I got something out of was handicap. Once you've yelled at everyone to start pulling turns and stop sitting on and the train gets going, it's fun. But that's the same as a lot of bunch rides which don't need to have a race licence, pay an entry fee.
Only one comment regarding the TREK bikes, gentlemen. From Central Europe (Prague). I've had 3 TREK bikes so far (alu CX, carbon gravel and alu road) over the past 5 years. Different price levels, different use cases. Being a home mechanic who purchases framesets and builds the bikes himself, I can only praise TREK. I am not a racer, though. Hobby enthusiast only. To the point, finally - with all my other bikes (2x Specialized carbon, 1x Ribble Ti, 1x Winspace carbon) I've riden over the last 5 years, at the same time as the TREK bikes, the TREK bikes were the only ones without problems or creaks or faults or warranty claims. This may explain (at least in my case it does) why I stick to TREK bikes (frames). Of course I'll try again somethig new, Factor bike/frame this time, I've decided. We'll see how it turns out... Cheers and keep up the podcast rolling! Tomas
Big papas advocator here clearly. I agree how local races need this amount of support and exposure but I guess the thrill and the “anyone can join” type vibe is what people love. Even though it’s unsanctioned, I’ve found it safer than most races I’ve done this year
👉 *“You get sick of being nervous for things.”*
So well said.
thanks for the kind words chaps
From Strava's own guidelines about segments:
Motor-pacing, or drafting behind a motorized vehicle, is considered motor assistance and conflicts with the fairness and integrity of segment leaderboards. When uploading data from a motor-paced ride, please use the "Only You" or "Followers" privacy control on the activity edit screen.
How is this even a discussion. I have flagged rides from Van Aert (who rides near me btw) if he mentions a motor and took a KOM.
TRUE STORY: In 1982 I was working for the Japan Group in So. Calif. The group consisted of Shimano, Araya, SR, Mitsuboshi, etc., etc. I worked the Marui division in this tiny office on Colorado BLVD where Tioga and ARAYA ran their US operation. We were all crammed in there and I was the only Non Smoker! I kid you not, often when we got visitors from Shimano Japan you could barely see the other side of the office it was so full of smoke. One day I got a fax from ARAYA asking me to design a complete line of bicycles for the US market because they got a hair up their butt. They figured why not since they already had an ARAYA brand bikes in Japan. At the time I was in charge of designing the entire Shogun bike line which was secretly owned by the Shimano family (And Yes I created the Shogan KAZI TT bike). Anyways, I was given the task and gave me less than 5 months in time for the INTERBIKE trade show. All was going well until it came time to come up with a Brand Name. We went in circles for more than two weeks and I finally put my foot down and said "OK the name is FOCUS or I quit'..! The line was an instant success as Focus sold very well in its first year. But like you stumbling with the name, people and dealers in the east coast also had a huge problem with the name FOCUS. So they flew me out to the east coast to visit some FOCUS dealers to see what the problem was. The moment the shop owners found out I represented the FOCUS brand they went off on me!!! ""What the hell were you thinking calling these nice bikes FUCKUS ..!" "We are so embarrassed customers walking into our shop asking for FUCKUS bikes out loud in front of other customers. We are the point of parting with the bike line unless you change the name, and NOW! About 3 months later FORD introduced the Ford FOCUS, and that finally broke the ice for them to except the brand. After I left the Japan group in 1886 to start onZa, I never again followed up to see what happened to the Focus bike brand. Until one day I saw that it was in the Tour de France and learned that somehow it ended up with a German owner.
Wow, this is a cool post and one of the best YT comments I’ve ever read!
Well that's a fun little fact
Thanks for the cool story Daniel!
The thing that makes the Papa’s ride so special is that the course is the same as what thousands of other Perth cyclists do every week in their clubs, bunches or solo. These roads are extremely popular and have cyclists on them every day of the week. Seeing how the pros go on the same roads/segments as what us mere mortals ride on makes it epic. 👌🏻
Totally agree - if an event is advertised as an official race, it's going to put off people who don't consider themselves to be "racers", as either a professional or dedicated amateur. Years ago, when I was much younger, Austin (where I live) used to hold criteriums downtown using about a 9 block square course. Both registered amateurs (categorized and licensed) as well as everyday riders could enter these races. They went on for several hours, featuring races between highly categorized amateurs and non-categorized by age group, from kids to oldsters. Interference with traffic was avoided by scheduling it on the weekend, and by event organizers working with the police to cordon off the streets needed for about a 3 hour time block. It was great, attracting many riders and spectators. Just fun for all.
I’ve been following Francis Cade’s daily posts, and they’ve been brilliant! 8-9 minute length videos tops, which makes them easily consumable. One of the highlights was the interactions with random folks along the way which formed as big a part of their journey as the actual riding!
I used to ride the B and later A group of the Old Papa's ride in the 90's. No other ride since has come close to fun and enjoyment this gave me. It was never a race, just one finish line sprint at the end before having coffee in Fremantle. When I started riding, Henk Vogels senior gave me a push up a particular hill. This gave me huge encouragement to ride and train. The ride during summer also had pros like Henk Vogels junior riding, who was on his winter break from Europe. For me it was not about the race, but the joy of being out in the clear air before the heat of the day in Perth
Fast becoming the best cycling video. Almost the only one I consistently watch. Keep it up guys
Wow, thanks!
Papa's is iconic, it has been around since I was a kid, and I am old now. 25 years ago Boxing Day ride was just a huge ride. It was not filled with pros like this until maybe 15 years ago when Vogels, Brownie, Meyer brothers and a few others started crushing them.
Kind to play in to your motor pacing conversation. I just got back in to cycling again after 10 years of casual riding. By the way , I’m in my 60s and just semi retired. I’ve been back at it since June I’m getting back into riding shape on the road and I just got back into riding into faster groups. My gripe is why are people on racing bikes with electric motors riding with us? What are your thoughts.
Equating Trek to Ford (even if it was just for the metaphor) = the funniest and most accurate thing ever 😂. Great pod as always fellas. Happy new year!
I agree. The best "racing" I've done is the Wednesday morning shop ride when we light it up for 3 laps of a course. This is what got me into official racing too. So much fun and even more fun when ex-pros turn up to smash us.
I'm on track for the 500 with my wife, and we have a couple of friends doing it as well. Regardless of whether people do 1000, 500 is challenging for me, and thank you for acknowledging those of us who are struggling to get it done, but are getting it done.
You got this my dude!
@@cjohnson3836 99k to go!
I have to ride 106km today, lol
I just completed the Festive 500 today. I'm in agreeance with you guys on the topic, but specifically when it comes to Christmas Day. When you get those people that post on Strava or social media flexing that they did 150km+ on Christmas Day, I'm actually not impressed at all: I'm moreso disappointed that someone would sacrifice a day that is supposed to be about family (and maybe friends as well, depending on your situation) to go ride your bike. It's a bit selfish, in my opinion.
As an aside to that comment, though, I have mates that have kept a tradition they started back on Christmas Day 2019 alive where they all meet bright & early at 6am & go for an MTB ride. They get their ride in early, finishing up around 8am, and they have the rest of their day to spend time with family & other friends. Pretty cool.
@Emily Gartland sweet essay there, especially with all the red herrings. If that's how you want to spend your Christmas, fine: there is a way can do it without flexing about it on social media. If it's really not about the cOmMeRcIaL & cOnTrIvEd HoLiDaY, then don't have to post about it on social media on that day specifically.
Speaking annecdotally, the folks I follow/am friends with on social media don't post about riding 100km+ all the time, but most of those same people will do a big ride on Christmas Day will post about it to flex. As if to say "look at me riding a f-load of kms today, meanwhile you're probably sitting at the table stuffing your face with ham & dessert & chocolates. I'm such a great person".
spot on with the comments on the impact of youtubers. Katie on the mid-range Ribble, Francis on the Scott. People that normal riders can relate to (and like), riding ridiculous distances.
Here in the US one of the things that Trek has been aggressively doing is buying out local bike shops to extend their "Trek Store" brand. While Trek has already had an extensive dealer network here in the US, the trend to buy into an established dealership is new.
Same here in Australia. I believe trek is now the 3rd largest bike shop owner in Australia
@@hamishosborne8740 Specialized is doing this as well but not to the extent of Trek. There are a bunch of Trek stores and a handful of Specialized shops now.
@@hamishosborne8740 yup, my local (excellent) small chain has recently gone Trek branded, they were always mostly Trek with a few interesting alternatives and (best of all) offered free basic servicing for life (I bought 4 bikes from them over the years, all Trek). That servicing offer has gone (with Trek) and it's Trek/Bontrager or nothing now. Sad.
Strange strategy considering the direct to consumer model appears to be flourishing.
I guess the traditional big brands are doubling down on what they know but there’s going to be stiff competition from Far East factory brands in future.
I have a focus izalco max 9.7 and it’s a top tier bike. I got it for half the price of what big brands where charging for the same components but a different frame. I can hang with anyone on the hills and the flats.
Jesse's comment that a 'pat on the back' at a fondo or a bunch ride can be super motivating really resonated with me. Receiving kudos from Chris at the Mudgee classic this year that I was the MVP really made my day, ride and had more of a positive impact than an actual 'race result'.
thanks for the video guys, love the content.
The $20k bike thing in Sydney is 100% all about status and the “look-at-me-look-at-me.!” factor… Same with the helmet/ clothing/ shoes…
It’s about “gains” cause it sounds better and just because they can.
Bought the new trek madone sl7 ultegra . I’ll never be as fast as the bike deserves. I bought it cause i love it and cycling is one of two of my hobbies. The reason I got Trek is because the bike shop treated me well and has since the first day I walked in the store.
I buy cloths at thrift stores and live well below my means in every other aspect of my life.
Love the CCC section/idea! Creators promoting other creators, especially within the same genre...selfless, productive, maybe even essential! Kudos! 👍👍
I just had buyers remorse and returned my Canyon Aeroad as $10k USD was just unfathomable to me. However, my friend ordered a $14k Trek Emonda which he will take delivery of in March. As a similarly older member of the community, I’m looking forward to your strength training content. Have a great and productive New Year, gentlemen!
Regarding Trek, I personally know nothing about anything. But a local Trek distributor (in the US) informed me that over the course of the bomb that went off in the supply chains, Trek basically did the opposite of the other major outfits. While Spec and Giant were cutting orders with the components distro, Trek then increased their purchasing and sniped those orders. As a result, they were getting preferred treatment from the likes of Shimano in the aftermath. The relevance of this is that while marketing is marketing, at the end of the day 99.95% are going to buy the bike that's in stock. I can drool over a Spec all day but if its always out and I'm in a 6-10 months wait list, I'm going to go get the Trek down the street. And then from there in that consumer's mind, its simultaneously Trek looks good and Spec looks incompetent.
I bought 2 treks exaclty for this reason. Want a Crux, didn't exist and got a Boone
Hi agree hundred percent I was looking for a bike for my daughter between a trek and a giant. The giant that was similar to the trek was several states away for sale and I drove 20 minutes to a trek store and bought the trek bike that day.
Honestly couldn’t care what other people do. I’ll probably fall 100km short of the 500 due to bike issues and some bad weather but I wouldn’t normally squeeze 400km in in a week & especially Christmas week. So no matter what my final distance is I’m still feeling good going into 2023 and that’s all that matters
It’s very easy to eat and drink too much and sit around in that week so doing more than you usually do is a great effort 👏
Thanks for the Shout out lads. Keep them coming
About five years ago, I found out my 6 year old first carbon bike (Neuvation FC500) had a cracked frame. Went back-and-forth and decided to get the frame repaired by Calfee . While I was waiting for the repair work, a friend let me borrow his Sworks tarmac SL4. Oh my God, I was so blown away by the performance and responsiveness. I immediately started rationalizing why it was OK for me to spend $12,000 on an Sworks tarmac SL6 DuraAce Di2. Bought it with 2 months. That is my current bike. No regrets, ever. And yes I also live in an affluent area (San Francisco) where we see these bikes all the time.
Trek is a strong brand in the US , where I live. In 2017 I bought a Trek Emonda SLR with mechanical Dura Ace because I always wanted a really nice bike, and fully realizing my ability would never do the bike justice. Also 2 years out from a full ankle fusion! There is no chance for me to ever push this bike to it’s limit. That said, I love the bike. I think a large number of these top end bikes are sold for similar reasons.
I did three Festive 50s this week. Best week ever!
Thanks for acknowledging Boxing Day Papas in Perth! It was amazing to see the cycling culture is still alive in Perth!
Someone may have said already, but over here in NZ, Focus E MTB is on a massive rise!! Good stock for dealers, great spec, good value. Locally, Focus don't need their road bikes. But they do have a little bit of desireability with some guys.
Thanks for the info!
I just got a Trek Domane. I first looked at bike shops close to me, then checked what brands they sell and then checked which geometry fit me best. I ended up with Trek but it could have been any brand really.
Focus is owned by Pon Holdings and has certainly taken a step back in the competition bike market, but have redoubled on e-bikes. This seems intentional by Pon as Cervelo is their main brand for road-gravel (and now CX,) with Santa Cruz being their MTB-centric property.
I see they have dropped their cx bikes too
I love PONs showroom in Amsterdam. They also are a partial owner in Santa Cruz and Cannondale.
@@Konzuug Yeah, the Dorel (Cannondale, GT, Schwinn) acquisition makes things complicated. GT was already on the way out. Schwinn is more or less a dead brand. Pon has to be the largest company in terms of cycling related revenue at this point, surpassing Giant Manufacturing Co.
@@Konzuug PON Holdings are not partial owners of Cannondale they are the owners outright.
@@kidkarbon4775 Damn, didn't know they don't have a JV. Couldnt find anything about it on my Terminal
The titanium bike not being slower is true. If you look at gcn they tested a 1980s bike against a pinarello f10 3 years ago the aero gain at 45km/h was 35 watts. But since 2018 every year the bikes have meant to have got 15 to 20 watts faster. If you take a modern titanium
Steel bike with aero wheels and bars I would wreck on the aero difference is less than 10 and may be less than 5 watts. The other offset is you may find the increased comfort level may allow you to reach climbs in a less fatigued. I went back to steel last year and struggled a bit until I popped my 50s on.
Being Dutch I can confirm this, most serious cyclists (Who don't get sponsored) will not spend that much money on a bike. Just a good carbon frame with Ultegra will do. Sweet spot is between 4 and 6k.
Agree with the Francis Cade videos I want to go for a ride each day I watch them. Cam Nicholls just dropped a vid about the Hell's Ride in Melbourne its a good watch.
Yeah but Francis cade is nowhere nere safa Brian. Those guys named the wrong guy the most popular youtuber
Feeling stitched up on a local KOM as the segment record was set 5 years ago and since then 4 speed bumps have been added to the route making this KOM no longer reflective of the segment. Any grounds to report pre-speed bump records to nab the KOM?
First I've heard of the F500 Flex but I totally agree with your sentiment. Absolutely no need for it.
I own a 2011 Trek Madone 6.5 and am waiting delivery of my Project One 2023 Trek Madone SLR 9. This is why I decided to spend the money...
When I bought my current bike back in 2012, I was riding quite a bit, got in shape and felt great. Until I had an accident. Then I started making excuses to not ride and over the past few years have gotten fat. Last year, I decided to change that. I bought the new Kickr V6, rocker plate, 65" TV and set up a new pain cave. Since I spent alot of money, I'm forcing myself to use it. As a self reward for getting back into shape, I decided to get a new bike. I got the highest spec partly to make sure I would keep up with my efforts of getting back into shape, partly so I can't blame hardware for performances, partly to have a high end bike for once in my life, and lastly because I had the money.
I won't get the bike for another 4 months and this has me motivated to not be the old fat guy riding a top spec bike. I'm on track to my goals and there will be little that could keep me from them. My health goal is my top priority.
I'm with Jessie on the "Strava KOM Draft Rule" 😂 If you organise your own vehicle to motorpace behind that's not leaderboard worthy. If a bus / tractor / truck / low flying plane happens to come past and you latch on, that's fair (but a dangerous) game!
What about male riders pacing female riders so they get QOMs?
I still think buses should be no go as they have a known route and times. They aren't coming out of nowhere.
@@cjohnson3836 if you can breathe hard enough behind a bus to get a KOM, you deserve it 🥵😂
@@Corey-pd3mi but electric buses have no exhaust
@@cjohnson3836 if you happen to stumble across an electric bus you deserve the KOM 🤷♂️
I've been doing 5/2 training for about 4 years. I like it....I need it. I do Mon-OFF, Tue-Thur ON, Friday-OFF, Sat-Sun ON.
Same
In Singapore, rock up in anything other than S Works SL7/Venge and you’ll be told to get a new bike every week until you eventually do
This week I found myself try to keep up with Chris Miller on my Elves bike down at Centennial Park. Way too hard for this rider to maintain a wattage to hold his wheel
After 400 ks into my Rapha 500. I've taken ill now I'm squeezing out a few ks everyday on the indoor zwift ride
37 k's to go.
Enjoyed the content this week.
Watching Papas gave a feeling similar to the thrill and spirit of fixie alleycat videos. There's something about absolutely chopping it in an unsanctioned, bragging rights type event that everyone can appreciate - whether they're a spectator, online viewer or rider. Sure theres a safety risk but that speaks directly to the thrill and novelty of it.
Also, similar to what you were saying on this, I'd add that people are drawn to them because they fill the gap left between recreational/ social bunchies and organised races. In something like Papas you can feel good about holding your own amongst the front but you won't feel bad if you get dropped because its 'not a race.' All for it
There’s a guy at my local bunch ride that wears basketball shorts and a t shirt with socks on his bars as tt pads and consistently finishes in the top few guys up the last climb😂 the masters guys on their superbikes get quite upset when they get dropped
Love the time stamps!!! Allows me to pick and choose topics I’m interested in
Glad you like them!
Fernwee’s videos on RUclips give Focus brand some good marketing as usually there are a group of riders on this brand.
Good to know!
Thanks Chris and Jesse. See you soon in Ballarat
.
Guys - l am not surprised that the Scott Addict is selling so well.
Was looking for a carbon framed bike and this model stood out due to the design. (Fantastic!!) Also has a endurance/comfort position and integrated stem.
Topics:
1. Would like to see you do a bike packing trip.
2. Best bike routes around major cities.
3. Race between Jessie and yourself to a location vis a different routes.
4. New product reviews.
On F500 - I like this challenge as it gives me an excuse to go and do as many non-boring rides while I'm on holidays between Christmas to New Year. This year I did a crit race, a 180km gravel ride, and 3-4 Brisbane classics to get my 500 with 1 day spare 😁
Too many good discussion topics. I’m inclined to write a novel just to cover each topic. Well done gentlemen. You’re truly gems both of you. Happy New Year.
Trek have a huge presence on the Gold Coast. Two amazing stores and you see new treks on the road every day. I’m close to buying one
Totally in agreement about your Strava segment commentary 😂!
Strava is a social media platform and not to be taken seriously
Or completely private. I just use it to track my mileage for when I need to plan buying spare parts or sell a bike.
The “unfiltered” comments are the best
Best cycling channel on RUclips !!
I do ride Trek bikes for years now. Trek just makes great bikes and the support from the brand is superb. I think they will stay a successful brand.
5:2 is great. I use it occasionally through the year. It's very useful for riders getting near their maximal recoverable volume. The 2 days off really prevents overreaching too far etc.
in regard to the Festive 500, there will always be someone who doubles up on our achievement so we can't feel badly about it. We just need to accept and move on.
We have to remember the challenge is for ourselves, not to impress our already impressive cycling mates.
Chris, bring on the titanium bike review for the truth about BS bike industry selling over priced carbon bikes.
That Francis Cade content has been great lately! I think you guys might be getting caught in your own search bubble or something, maybe browse YT logged out sometime? Great cycling content exists here!
Dustin Klein has great weekly posts that are usually going for a ride and having fun.
Ben Delaney does interviews and factory tours and I really enjoy his format.
Path Less Pedaled - the party paced, watercolor painter of YT cycling - reviews great alternatives to cycling norms and marketing trends.
Zach Gallardo creates fun riding videos and thoughtful reviews of the fixie/single speed side of cycling.
Miranda in the Wild has more varied outdoor content but does some adventure biking stuff and always does a great job of promoting the activities as well as the products reviewed.
Habini mixes nonsensical commentary with technical investigative product testing and it feels real and relatable.
Luis Scott has an inspired, seasoned, experienced perspective on road riding and gear.
Ryan Van Duzer is inspirational and happy and encouraging all at the same time. More cycling content needs to be like Duzer!
Sam's Bikes is a Aussie EMTB reviewer with big sunnies and long term reviews that other creators are not taking the time to do.
Hardtail Party creates technical content and offers buyers assistance for a very specific market segment. The expertise and focus is so good!
Traveling Thru vlogs long distance travels across the world on the cheap with a driven attitude, great vistas and limited marketing support.
Bobo creates sketch comedy content about mountain biking and it's really wonderful stuff. Adventures, quirky songs, absurd situations - very funny!
Sam Pilgrim is always full of energy and pushing biking of all types into the unknown while also being a active competitive MTB cyclist.
Rémy Métailler brings the extreme side of MTB, showcasing the fast, exposed trails and dangerous drops that most will never ride with skill and knowledge sharing at the forefront.
Thanks @Raygun Rident!
WOW! So many creators here that I have never heard of. I need to get out of my bubble and watch more of these. Thanks RR
Awesome podcast as always & fantastic discussions. Btw, as a Canadian I totally agree with your assessment of the Trek brand. Although there are lots of Trek bikes still sold in Canada, the brand is definitely not what it was 5 or 10 years ago. I have a strong bias for Specialize bikes since I’ve ridden then for many years and have a few in my collection. But honestly, I don’t see Specialize the same as few years ago. The brand is too expensive for what it offers and now there are better brands that offer more at less cost. All said, Happy new year to you & Jesse and look forward to more content in 2023. Lastly, if u guys ever decide to come to
Canada, definitely hit me up and we’ll get out some awesome epic adventures in Quebec or Ontario. Just don’t come now since it’s winter and very cold here 🥶 😂. Cheers 😃
Totally agree.
High end bikes... three words. 'Joy of ownership'. You guys are approaching the perceived value from a performance perspective as you are competitive riders. A top, top end bike is way more achievable for more people than a Ferrari or McLaren . The bike question I have is how come some top end bikes retail for more than all the separate component parts.
I purchased a Ridley because I saw Caleb Ewan riding one it made me research the bikes and I like the shape/style. I wouldn’t have know about them if lotto didn’t ride them.
I have the KOM for (lead out pinch JPCC) Which I got because I got caught in a thunderstorm and the wind was behind me I wonder does it count as fair
Considering people are now tracking yearly weather averages to plan their big KOMs in favorable weather, I'd say its fine.
This is my first time doing the Festive 500. I’m trying to do all of it as hill repeats. Probably not going to hit 500km but it’s been a blast pushing myself (it’s been very very very cold where I’m at so there’s not many other cyclists about).
Congrats for the effort and for being honest..others are denials and some are bitter
46:12 Shout out for the Cervelo BTP videos - they were awesome, particularly the Flanders one
I ride a high end custom bike. My FTP is between 3.8-4.0 w/kg. I can’t speak for everyone but I didn’t buy the bike for performance. I could get similar performance from a bike that is half the price. I bought it because it’s how I want to spend my money.
Jasper's Hauut route was a great week of hit hitting those videos.
That super bunch ride, I looked just wanted to see if rim brakes would show up. Phew! Wasn't disappointed! #RimBrakesLives!
It’ll never die because the performance is better
@@archieman123 Until it rains on a descent 😜.
Great chat, to just comment on a couple of things, just finished my first Festive 500, i did it on Zwift…. Ok some people will say it doesn’t count but I don’t care I managed to get the KM in by doing group rides on Zwift and the support from everyone was great, and it was a good way to end not such a great year on the bike….. just want to also say congratulations to those riders who are having a go and also finishing the Festive 500…. Great job everyone 👍 as for the Super-bikes…. I turned up at a club on a round tubed 16 year old essentially metal bike with rim brakes and a mechanical groupset and i can safely say I felt a bit out of place….. Will a new Carbon Aero bike make me any faster…. Er no, I’m 52, and not built like a racing snake, but will it make me feel more like one of the group yes, do they look nice, yes, but can I really justify £10,000 - £15,000 on a bicycle just so I feel I fit in….. No!! Especially if I don’t want a divorce 😂, that’s one of the reasons I love Zwift, I ride, I get sweat points and I have a dream garage….. 😂 Happy New Year everyone all the best for 2023 👍
I have seen the super expensive bikes trend mostly in the Ironman triathlon realm of things. The funny thing is the most people on those bikes look like a drag chute with how their body is positioned and the faster guys typically are on slightly lower spec bikes.
We need a local Alviso race. Tuesday night, head to an industrial park and race under lights.
Enjoyed the watch as always 👌 Happy New Year guy's 👍 👊
Good to see Freo, memories from when I spent a year in Aus 10 years ok
I was in Southern California a couple weeks ago and I was riding my 5 year old Cannondale, I was the only one without deep section carbon wheels and a $13,000 bike. It was a little strange (but not really, lol) because I'm not used to that in Arizona. It's not just Sydney, it's wherever there is a lot of disposable income, people like to show off.
I bought a very expensive S-works 2022 Crux because I love gravel, am a lighter rider and can tell the difference is the weight of gravel bikes. And in my area, I can also use it on fast paced group rides as a road bike. The cost hurt, but worth it to me. Not a lot of very expensive bikes in North Carolina that I see.
Crux and Aethos are the only expensive new bikes I'd entertain buying because of the weight savings.
The real festive 500 wanker move is to buy the full festive 500 kit and wear it every day for the next 12 months
With regards to Trek - I think in Sydney, whilst they do have a faithful following, I think something strange happened after Clarence St got bought out by Trek, and I think Turramurra cyclery was sold to them as well. They've always charged a premium, but if I was gonna pay extra, why not buy a Spesh? 3 years of no overseas travel means some people have more cash on their hands, so will splurge for that crazy specced bike. A cheaper way to go faster and get a better time on Bobbo (or any other climb) is leave your bidon and saddle bag at the bottom :)
The motor pacing situation shows how from many angles, those platforms can be 'hacked'
The best part of owning an emonda aluminum rim brake bike is dropping people on madones and SL7s....
For more unsanctioned stuff. I run one myself. Super fun.
I started on a Alu Synapse in 2012. I now ride an Orbea Orca and F12 with an F on order.
I love tech and design and appreciate innovation. I fully accept that it doesn’t make a difference to my numbers but I work hard I like cool tech and life to short..
Ps. We all spend time or money on things we value.. bikes are no different
I was happy on my $2k Allez with 105 and stock alloy wheels until the wife saw the electronic gears on TdF and said “how come you don’t have electronic gears, I thought you’d want that for sure”. Ended up spending nearly $15k on a Time carbon frame, Ultegra Di2, Dura Ace C50 wheels. My reasoning: I can afford it; I’m 50 and it’s probably a bike that I can keep for life now; I wanted to see what a high end bike was like. For me there’s zero peer pressure - I almost exclusively ride solo so it’s just for my own enjoyment and fitness. Amazing bike to ride, it’s the kind of bike you just want to ride every day. I have a kick ass MTB too though so I have to split my time between the two
the RUclips creators are the future hope for American cycling and gravel
I've got a couple of the Rapha Pro Team flyweight jerseys and they're brilliant but the best lightweight jersey I have is the Castelli Climbers jersey 3.0. The design of the pockets and placement of the rear gripper is absolute genius.
So I got back into cycling 6 months after a 20 year hiatus just to get some cross training. I brought a Trek Emonda ALR 5 because the same spec Emonda SL 5 weights 500g more and costs $1300 more. IMO entry level carbon is a scam. Also got the ALR 5 because the wait times for a comparable bike was to long. On buying more expensive bikes I was looking at the Aeroad the other day and yeah I is more froth then my Emonda but the speed gains at my level would be negligible, still it looks cool so see how I feel when it comes back into stock.
And on unsanctioned races. I've never raced. My local group had "Races" everyday from Christmas to Newyears. I only got to 1 day, there was 3 wait points in the first 40k, I had a blast holding the wheel from the 2nd to 3rd wait points as we ripped along a 17km section at over 40km/h. Got dropped for the last 40km but was super fun to ride up some climbs with guys and gals from conti teams.
Hey Chris, I am from Fresno and have shopped at Rubbersoul for many years, the shop you borrowed a bike from. I think you are mostly correct about your observations about super high end bikes being concentrated in expensive cities, though it is also true for certain parts of cities. For example here in Fresno there are very rich and very poor parts of the city. In the rich parts I see plenty of $6k+ USD bikes. Even bikes $10k+. 32:31
I just bought myself a Trek Procaliber -what a great bike and also great looking.
I agree with Jesse, if you get lucky to get a truck or a bus to draft behind it’s still valid.
Agree to give them a warning before flagging the rides. Give them a(nother) chance to make the ride private.
HI GUYS I LIVE IN THE USA AND TREK BIKES ARE EVERYWHERE AND I HAVE A OLDER MADONE AND JUST BOUGHT A NEW CHECKPOINT SL GRAVEL AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THAT BIKE AND I STILL RIDE MY MADONE 2014 AL THE TIME.
Regarding $20K bikes, I ride a Trek ALR-5 and luv passing guys riding carbon bikes 2-3x more expensive than mine. IMO, 1st priority to be fast is to spend time & effort working on the engine, spending $$ on a high end bike would be next if the engine work in not enough...
You beat me to it! And I couldn't agree more.
I don't race, but I'm 60 and my bike's already 20. Last summer I beat half a dozen young blokes on expensive new bikes on the climb to the big Buddha in hong kong. lt felt great.
Tha doesn't happen often. But it proves something I've always believed - you can't buy better legs.
My dad used to say, "hills build character." I reckon he was spot on.
Cheers
Another plus for Scott is that you could get them. Had 2019 Trek Emonda SLR7, loved it. Broke it in a crash May 2022. Insurance would have paid for a replacement Emonda, about 40 % price increase. Couldn't get one. LBS could get Scott Addict RC, took 2 months at same price as 2019 trek.
Rides great, availability and price big plus.
You’re definitely spot on about the $20,000 bikes being frothy. I have a NOS Pinarello F12 X-Light from team INEOS (Ben Swift’s Spare frameset), and although its an amazing ride, it’s not any faster than my 2009 Cervelo S2 with Di2, and carbon wheels. I mainly bought it for the cool factor, and I knew that there really wouldn’t be much gains. Guys I ride with think it’s cool, but aren’t upset or anything for riding it.
loving the content guys
There's not enough club level TTT's held, which is a shame. The barrier to entry is lower - most (?) to my knowledge don't require race licences just the normal club membership + insurance. I've done the West Head ITT which is fun but TTT's are even more social, you get to train together etc.
Love the show. Don’t forget the ad with the old guy driving the Ferrari holding up all the traffic 😂😂
Also the only racing I got something out of was handicap. Once you've yelled at everyone to start pulling turns and stop sitting on and the train gets going, it's fun. But that's the same as a lot of bunch rides which don't need to have a race licence, pay an entry fee.
Totally agree with you both on the festive 500.
Only one comment regarding the TREK bikes, gentlemen. From Central Europe (Prague). I've had 3 TREK bikes so far (alu CX, carbon gravel and alu road) over the past 5 years. Different price levels, different use cases. Being a home mechanic who purchases framesets and builds the bikes himself, I can only praise TREK. I am not a racer, though. Hobby enthusiast only.
To the point, finally - with all my other bikes (2x Specialized carbon, 1x Ribble Ti, 1x Winspace carbon) I've riden over the last 5 years, at the same time as the TREK bikes, the TREK bikes were the only ones without problems or creaks or faults or warranty claims. This may explain (at least in my case it does) why I stick to TREK bikes (frames). Of course I'll try again somethig new, Factor bike/frame this time, I've decided. We'll see how it turns out...
Cheers and keep up the podcast rolling!
Tomas
Big papas advocator here clearly. I agree how local races need this amount of support and exposure but I guess the thrill and the “anyone can join” type vibe is what people love. Even though it’s unsanctioned, I’ve found it safer than most races I’ve done this year
Flew back from Europe just to ride Papas 👌