One potentially life-or-death thing you've missed - When pros train and race, they are usually accompanied by a team car and/or other cyclists so their ability to see what is around them is less important than it is to riders unaccompanied by a protective follow vehicle. For every millimeter increase in stem height, a rider gains several degrees of peripheral vision and that can make the difference between spotting the wayward driver - or not. So - if you're not a pro - un-slam that stem!
they say every thing and there opposite and re-post or remake previous videos every few months only for the sake of views and sponsor ads. The time of usefull tips and neutral gear opinion in gone for a long time. It is juste 90 % commercial content. Si became as ridiculous a second hand car sales man. He could sell his mother should she has 1 mm extra tyre width or 6 % more vertical compliance.
@@simonrano8072 you should watch GMBN, in Doddy's recent video he is pushing Muc-off like it's the cure. Every 10 seconds he's pulling a different bottle of Muc-off out of some random orifice. Some of the comments were hilarious though. This is more so GMBN but sponsorship used to get your product shown in the video but now the presenters are trying to sell you the products. Instead of how to choose the best grips, it's how to choose the best Ergon grips with a 20 minute infomercial.
I raced for years including many TT training and racing hours- one of my souvenirs for all that glory, cervical spine (neck) bone spurs and impinged nerves. Twenty years on, nearly no one cares about the glory days and I have many spacers on the stem to correct the painful spine damage. Think hard about the costs of aero to your long term health.
Damn. I have a nerve in my traps near my shoulder blades that hurts whenever I spend a long time on the bike. Now I’m thinking I should’ve gotten a more comfortable frame.
@@protem_music Not to frighten you but that's how my bone spurs started to manifest themselves- pain in the traps that then migrated into the deltoids and finally down the left arm and into the fingers (numbness and pain and spasms). Face it- aero and spine health are counter to eachother. Unless, you get yourself a recumbent with a fairing ;)
Finally a video recommending mudguards. Can't believe how many riders I see riding in the wet without mudguards. If it's raining or been raining heavily I get the steel winter bike out with full mudguards. It's hard work but when I hop back on the Cervelo I'm flying.
Manon, as a former professional athlete you are fully qualified to educate the general riders on why they shouldn't copy your former racing set-ups. However you are not a regular rider like us. You far more of a rider then most of us ever will be. Telling us from that perspective is not arrogance since you have the achievements to back it up.
I bought my first bike online and got a 57cm frame size. I’m 1.7m tall, so it is waay to large for me, only allowing me to slam my stem so much. In a way it’s nice for comfort, however my next bike will definitely be more fitting, 52-54cm frame, so I can adapt to a more aero position :). Cycling gives you a lifelong bucket list and I love it
I’m 57 and ride 100 miles a week. If I even attempted to ride a bike with a pro-style setup I’d....well, it wouldn’t be good. In my head, I look like Sagan on my bike. In reality, I’m old, slow, and too damn fat
Funny this video comes in while I’m reading “Bike Fit” by Phil Burt. Indeed pro cyclists have their setup focused on power and being more aerodynamic, sacrificing their comfort (or their ability to sustain those positions for long periods of time). Although I still think that we are failing to see more content on bike fitting advise, i believe it is crucial to get it done specially by someone who knows and understand body position on a bicycle a bio mechanic such as Giuseppe Giannecchini has helped from Pro cyclists to commuters on their bike position. My point is, we may not need that aggressive uncomfortable position for our bike rides but certainly is needed to avoid preventable injuries, starting by getting the correct bike frame. Simple comparison: having an injury will take time to get yourself back on the bicycle, but if is something more serious it will cost for example a visit to the chiropractor (shoulder, neck, lower back etc), the fact that you may have been sustaining a less than ideal position can also be making your body overcompensating (like we seen on Emma Pooley bike fitting video). In the end, a bike fitting session is not the holy grail that you do it once and forget, but it does help you for longer, reduces the risk of serious injuries, makes you comfortable and therefore faster on the bicycle and costs you less than all those chiropractor sessions you will be booking in (and probably all those sport massages you been having because of unbearable pain)
Pretty good summary, but I have had so few flats on tubulars compared to clinchers, it doesn't even enter my mind. At the most, I carry a stem remover, some sealant, and a pump. It isn't race-fast, of course, but I've always been able to ride home. Others I know keep a pre-glued tubular wrapped up in a bag, and with strong hands, they rip off the flatted tire and put the spare on in under 3 minutes. They don't do any scary descents on the spare, but they always get home. And the ride quality -- non-racers should get to enjoy a good tubular, too.
A couple of thoughts on what you mentioned. I used to work for a major parts manufacturer. I would get calls or emails from people sometimes wanting a 56 tooth chain ring, 140mm stem, 180mm crank arms and such. First they would get upset that I didnt have such a strange item in stock and then mention that "has to be available to the general public" rule. I would point them to the one and only retailer we had that stocked those strange items for us to say they were indeed available. Then they would call back thinking they were being ripped off, wanting to know why the stem that was normally $120 retail was $780 for the 140mm. I'd have to explain that no one wants those so to shift production to make say just 40 of those for the world was expensive. If you want the strange item you have to pay what it cost to make it.
@@DavidslvPT Yes 175 is standard equipment on a XL or L frame bike. 177.5 and 180 are standard options but only available in top line spec (i.e. Dura Ace). My old bike came with 175mm but I eventually swapped them for 172.5. Even if you are tall the longest crank isn't always the best option unless you have the perfect body for it.
In my BMX days a group of us had collectively, sets of 170, 175, and 180 crank arms. And rings to swap from 40t to 52t. It all depended on the track. The arms were all about leverage, though, as it was a single speed. With multi gear setups, it all becomes about leg length, and comfort, staying seated most of the time. So much has changed since the 80's, in both sports.
If only we’d had RUclips 35 years ago! My first ‘proper’ road bike; Vitus 979 (the cool bonded alloy one Sean Kelly rode), Mavic GP4 rims on Mavic 501 hubs (yep, tubular!), Shimano 600 groupset, Campag Nuevo Record pedals with Cinelli clips and double straps, 42/52 11-21 6spd freewheel 11-13-15-17-19-21; I live in the Surrey Hills and it’s all short sharp climbs. I loved that bike and rode it everywhere, but it didn’t do me any favours long term and I’m struggling to ride at all now. Good advice from Manon here.
I take that as excellent advice!! Thank you Manon!! I always feel like an oddball when out on the trail and passed by a group of amateur wannabe pros. I’m not a pro, I’m not even that good of a cyclist. I am, however, passionate about cycling and have made my bikes as comfy as possible to allow me to go an enjoyable 100K at my desired performance level. BTW,, I’m out to buy a set of mudguards and I don’t care how foolish looking the “pros” on my local trails think I am. Like you said, my boot is dry. LOL
Seriously tho. I've only been into riding road bikes for a few months. Can you or somebody ....tell me why girls seats have holes in them??? I can't get a straight answer from anyone. I thought that they were for farts trying to escape ;) but I don't know if that would be the real reason.. seriously though. Why poke a hole in your seat!!?? Makes no sense to me.
Agreed. The needs of comfort transition along a continuum to the needs of survival if you ride as I do year-round at fairly high latitudes in mid-continent North America: it's not merely about staying comfortable, it's about not freezing to death. For example, despite the shocking density of frigid, dry air (compared with balmy), a more upright position accommodates bulkier clothing.
Perhaps my favorite line: "Their job is to ride their bikes and then recover from riding their bikes" Key word: recover! LOL. No where is the word "enjoy" mentioned. Manon always a pleasure to listen to.
I love the tubulars on my racebike. When I puncture I pour some sealant in via the valvestem. Sometimes it 's necessary to replace the tubular tyre by a spare preglued one. It takes me less than 10 minutes. When the glue isn 't to old you can keep on riding at fairly normal speed even in the corners with a pressure of 8 bar.
Changing tubulars is perfectly fine when you know what you are doing. Most people telling horror stories about tubulars are people that have not used them for any period of time... Remember that tubulars were also what was used way back when racers were repairing their own punctures. If you know what you are doing it is actually faster to repair than a clincher. Not even talking about tubeless which are actually more likely to end up in calling a cab the (few) times you will get a puncture that won't seal or a big hole...
Said this very thing on a blog yesterday. I'm 60 years-old/raced thru the 1980's. Didn't switch to clinchers (exclusively for training) until late 1989 for cost reasons. To this day I run tubulars on my race wheelsets. Way back when they were also called "sew-ups". Can't count how many Vittoria Corsa CX's I did "surgery" on - taught by a coach from Italy. I actually grew to enjoy it. Also, the same coach taught me how to properly fold a spare pre-glued (older) tubular very tightly into a small package - wrapped in newspaper (& tiny nylon drawstring bag from a camping store) & tucked under the back of the seat with a spare toe strap. The coach also said that in Italy, when he was young their "fuel" bottle was filled with a mix of Chianti, sugar & raw egg. Mmmmm! So, ok, lets skip the sugar & egg. Eh? We now live in a soft, instant gratification era. All I keep hearing out there is tubulars are "messy", a pain, & as Manon (ill advises IMHO) here, (sic) "..you'll never get a spare on in the field/impossible!". Bullcrap! Agreed, julmessionier! One MUST practice doing it with proper technique. And understand they need to be pre-stretched. Yada yada. I just can't get over the modern wank/whine factor. All this tech/marketing/social media has turned everyone into farmed rabbits. And tubeless? Yeah right! I've been searching 40 years for that one vaccination against everything. Horse pookie! Soul Surfer/Soul Cyclist/Triathlete/Free Diver. No narcissistic GoPro footage. No expensive telemetry ever! I knew my watts because I knew my body. And I won! "...Long ago, it must be. I have a photograph. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you." -Bookends - Simon & Garfunkel. Cheers.
I am 56 and have my stem slammed. I am fortunate that I am VERY flexible. I can ride all day in an aero position. I have also spent my entire life riding in an aero position. This IS comfortable for me, otherwise I wouldn't do it.
jcsrst yes I am the the same age and raced for over 20 years. I ride also ride in the same position I always have with a slammed 14cm stem. My gravel bike put me a bit higher and I felt no additional comfort. It felt slow so I found a stem with some drop and it feels right now.
Doing something continuously is way different from (re)starting as an adult. The rule is to make small changes and observe how your body reacts. Often people are riding bikes that are too big and decide to put their seat up a crazy 2 cm and wonder why their hands are numb, back hurts, and hamstrings are screaming.
2016 track world champion Manon Lloyd prefers a more comfortable position. She is 23 and fortunate to be reasonably flexible. Ego is a transparent fault that cannot resist showing itself.
I've run tubs for years, including commuting around 300km a week riding in and out of London during the winter. I've always used Pit Stop pro to fix punctures and it has always worked with one exception when I just had to get the train home. Pit Stop Pro works really well and you do get far fewer punctures with tubs anyway. I think in 20,000km ridden I had maybe four or five punctures.
Couldn't agree more. Finally a GCN video that makes sense, like in the old days. Please more videos with common sense, (use of mud guards, lights, high viz clothing, mechanics) and less fat tyre and gravel bikes nonsense.
Omg, I can relate to this so much. I had this headache not too long ago and I didn’t know the cause until my friend suggested me it might be attributed to my saddle position being too high. As a medic, I searched for different kinds of headache and found that there really is a type of headache called cervicogenic headache, where due to tight neck muscles, your cervical nerves are being under pressure and cause you pain. Apparently, my saddle height forced me to raising my neck all the time and putting strain on it... lesson learned:(
Great video Manon. 90% of riders go out to enjoy riding and not to compete. The other 10% can re watch the GCN videos on how to set up your bike like a pro. 🇬🇧
I agree with using clinchers or tubeless tires over tubular tires. The rest of the advice I don't agree with unless you are a casual cyclist. Casual riders don't generally follow GCN in my experience. . I upgraded my groupset from Shimano 105 to Dura Ace, slammed my stem, and replaced it with a 130mm drop stem and carbon aero handlebars. I ditched my compact 105 crankset 50/34T for a standard 53/39T Dura Ace crankset because I was running out of gears on my rides. For the first two weeks I was slower due to the drastically lower riding position (my body wasn't used to it) and then after a month, my muscles adapted and now I'm one minutes and 40 seconds faster for every 15 miles ridden. I consider myself an avid cyclist who does a lot of group rides. The guys I ride with are very fast and now I'm the second fastest rider in my group (I was in the middle before). . I agree that copying the pros isn't for everyone. I'm not a pro and don't desire to be one. I do enjoy giving myself every edge and advantage through improved gear and setup. The low aero riding position is becoming more and more comfortable as time goes on. I don't experience back pain after my rides anymore.
In the 70s almost everyone with a road bike used tubulars. My dad rode from Sweden to Marseille on a road bike with tubs, and he had to fix a couple of flats along the way, so I'm sure it's fully doable.
I have seen so many friends get stranded by punctures on tubeless. Unless you hit something small like a thorn, the sealant just vomits everywhere and does nothing to keep the air in. And naturally, that is your ride done. Yet you keep pushing tubeless on the basis of marginal rolling resistance gains instead of the endlessly more practical inner tubes (latex or plastic if you are really concerned about weight and rolling resistance). Two simple tyre levers, a patch or new tube and a pump later, you're back on the road.
True.. i feel it now. My body feel so sore this week because I set my bycicle look like pro's. Now I realize that I am just a regular rider. Thanks for the video.
Best episode ever. So much sense talked by Manon. Slammed stems are like slammed Vauxhall Corsas - minority appeal and extremely uncomfortable. Compacts and big cassettes have opened up cycling to so many more people.
Not everyone's the same. I regularly do 4+ hour rides in supreme comfort on my slammed stem machine. Also, GCN never said you should slam your stem, they just suggested why someone might want to, which were legitimate reasons. If you want to get free speed, and it isn't uncomfortable, make your bike as pro as you like
Well, considering position on the bike, I do not agree. If you have a flexible body you can slam your stem completely in gradual steps. I am 62 and it took me just 15-20 rides of around 125 km to get stronger back and core muscles that allow me to cycle in a deep position during my rides without any problems. We are always told to adapt our setup to our body, but your body can also adapt to your bike setup.
I agree just because they say up right position supposed to be more comfortable doesn't necessarily mean it's going be more comfortable to everyone .I spent 300.00 on bike fit it was comfortable but it still bother me .than I switch for a stem that more slammed down so much relief on my neck .To me being up right position all the time bother my neck I can't speak for everyone out there it should go by what feels good to you .and I choose to ride Tubular tires because clinchers suck.
A hunched-over-low position is good for downhill I find, and although is indeed strenuous on the lower back, can be quite tolerable when used in moderation.
I rode tubulars for years and I'd much rather change a flat tubular than replace a tube on the side of the road. The trick is to have the tire pre-stretched with some old glue already on the tape.
Yeah I ride tubs and they are nowhere near as difficult to maintain as many make out. Prestretch and glue. If you get a puncture, quick check, stick some sealant in, inflate. If that doesn't work, Rip OT off, replace, inflate. Off you go.
Most Mudguards are too short and you still get soaked following someone with them. The only ones I've seen working are those with big home-made mudflaps attached, that almost touch the ground.
I think keeping a small “chimney” on steerer tube makes a lot of sense if you want to be able to change your position in the spring when your less flexible then in the autumn after a summer of riding.
@MRGRUMPY53 If you don't ride a lot in the winter it's a lot harder to stay low for long periods on end. Well, at least for me it is. Might also be the christmas belly, but hey... same rules apply. Easing your position slightly, moving the bars up, is really helpful. I've also tryed flipping my stem in the past, but that's quite drastic change, even with a 8% angle. Rather just move a spacer ring down to have a little lift and ease the back a bit.
@@STruple12 My bike is a 19yo Giant TCR with no mudguards. It has only been washed occasionally and works perfectly. Not sure why you'd have to wash it constantly unless you're on the OCD side of the spectrum. For reference, I live in a place with moderate annual rainfall numbers (1270mm or 50in depending on your unit of measurement bias).
@@afterburn2600 That was a half-assed joke, I'm not an OCD freak, don't worry. TCR is a road bike - if you a re lucky enough to ride it only on clean asphalt then good for you! MANY people do not have conditions like this and need to look somewhat decent when they arrive (e.g. without a mud stain on your backside) to their destination and that's what fenders are for. If you use your bike for fun or have clothes to change to in your destination, then feel free to continue to not use them. Every bike looks better without them
Forgotten the site, but I used a bike setup that offered 3 options. From memory I think one was the Merckx- long low horizontal back, then less severe, then comfort/ touring fit which is the one I chose for the Century ride around Lake Taupo in NZ
Good advice, watching pro videos can be self deflating but at 215lb and prolapsed disc issues for 30 years I'll never be a club cyclist, I've realised my expectations. I took up biking 2 years ago after moving from UK to Thailand. Spent a mere £200 on a road bike, set the seat height and found the handlebars were tooooo low, I had to increase my stem height by 100mm. Now 'manage to ride 50-70km with relatively pain free back (the old legs still feeling it though, as it should for a 58 year old)
I am currently running a 110mm minus 17 degree. I can ride 4 hours like that and it saves me a lot of energy and it forces me to be low on the bike. For me something extreme would be anything bigger than a 120mm, even though you can have a look that is extreme but not really. For example, sprinters usually ride smaller sizes, some climbers do too, so to make the cockpit longer they play with the length and degree of the steam. In my case is something similar, I can ride a 54cm or a 52 cm, with the 52 the set up looks more aggressive because I have the seat higher relative to the handlebars and swap the steam for a 110mm with a - 17 degree angle, by doing this I extended the cockpit. This is something that more males than females have to do, given that there are shorter-legged men than women; so more men have to play with the steam to ride the size they prefer. Also, longer steam helps you a lot descending as you can see by a video and research made by your own channel. This video came out patronizing and not to well informed. Also, even recreational riders and non-pros have goals and are fast. Here in California, even cat 5 riders have what you call "aggressive" setups.. Man some of us actually race, just we might be slow but we race and that is how we have fun and what makes us train and ride our bike. You are talking to people that like you feel like chilling and riding a bike, if you want to that just buy an $800 dollar bike and leave the bibs home, get a cruiser. Extreme endurance set ups on $6000 dollar plus bike is only acceptable for old cyclists that have cycled all their lives, it basically defeats the purpose of buying a bike with the geometry that has been developed in a wind tunnel.
This is interesting and well presented with a clear and precise voice. That doesn't mean that I agree with the whole content though! I have been in this sport since the Norman invasion (it seems like that) being involved in virtually all aspects and I would submit that most of the road riders are now riding with their bars too low. This achieves, sometimes, the opposite of an aero position with the arms dead straight and almost underneath the body when riding on the drops. Look at some riders from the past, particularly Bernard Hinaut and his peers. They achieved superb aero positions with the bars higher, so that they could get a flat back plus a more comfortable climbing position. Going even further back, Anquetil, achieved an aero position with his bars higher again. Obviously no-one used tri-bars then. Better stop now otherwise some will think that I have little time for modern riders which is the precise opposite of the truth. Time to go and watch the Daufine on the TV.
Trained on tubs all the time because that's all there was for a good tire if you flat peel it off and stretch a new one on. I don't understand how that's almost impossible to do out on the road.
Yes, I set up my bike like a pro, exactly like the best riders... gear ratios, the whole bit! Now, I just look at it, but boy does she looks fantastic!!
Looking like a pro while riding our bike is cool but this video gives me an eye opener about enjoying riding out bike without mimicking a pro cyclist way of riding. Simple enjoy riding and also don't forget to be extra carful on roads.
Ride what’s comfortable for you I ride slammed on my summer road bike but been doing it for 30 years I find it very comfortable and it improves the handling placing more weight over the front wheel especially if it’s damp👍
I enjoyed this video, there is a lil unspoken pressure between cyclist of stages they are at and with a glance you can see who is more serious about the sport than others. I personally have a MTB and a road bike, I can cycle the distance if need be but I don't pressure myself to be like everyone else as their experience to me is different. They don't have my knee injury or my 12hr shifts on their minds. (mostly)
I raced so long ago training on clinchers was not an option. We all had a spare tubular under our saddles. I could change a tubular tire in less time than changing tubes. You just had to make sure your glue was fairly fresh. More than one rider on the team rolled a tire of the rim going through a turn. FYI, for a pro look put a CO2 cartridge, pair of tire irons and tube in the middle pocket of one's jersey. It'll be barely noticeable and that middle pocket is tough to get to for us inflexible, non-pro riders.
I agree when you say that not all pro's stuff are suitable for regular riders. Expecially for tubulars. But i can say otherwise 'bout positioning like a pro.. I used to ride since i Was 15 now i' m 43 and i still ride set like a pro. Very low handlebar, high saddle, long stem and long crankset. Even now that I'm a regular rider and not a racer anymore i ride with 53/39 and 13/29 (12/25 as a racer). But i still can ride up to 7 hours without any issue. It's even a matter of habits.
I don't have to worry about my lawn mower falling and taking a chuck out of my carbon fibre top tube in my shed. 1) I don't have a lawn mower. 2) I don't have a carbon fibre bike. 3) I keep my bike in the house. I don't slam my stem either. I almost never ride on the drops. So I keep the stem in a comfortable position. To be honest I could do with slightly raising the stem. I have never used tubs and would not entertain the idea. If I ever bought that was fitted with tubs I would ask the bike shop to fit new wheels and tyres. I even ride with mudguards. Which stay on my bile permanently as I am too bone idle to take the off. Plus it would mean having to take off and re-fit the rack on the back of my bike. I do still use 23mm tyres. Mainly because of the age of my bike and I can't fit 25mm tyres unless I take my mudguards off. That ain't going to happen.
Mudguards make your chain dirty and wear faster. Especially on gravel bike. They also ruin your trp spire brakes. All that because the dirt falling/bouncing down from mudguard. I have experienced it. I have trp spire brakes and mudguards on my bike. On pictures I can see, that Trp spike brakes that are made for mtb and fatbikes have a little cover over brake pads so that sand can't fall inside, but the spires that are for road bikes, don't have it. But they still fit trp spire brakes to so many gravel and cyclocross bikes also.. Also beside sand and dirt, the water that rains down from mudguards, will make the brakes inner mechanics, especially tiny pall bearings rust and fail. Especially salty water from winter road.. But well, it's not like it's the end and u should throw those brakes away, or not using mudguards. I made little shelters for brakes.. mounted on frame above brake calipers. They protect the brakes from anything that falls from above. So I won and bicycle manufacturers, who don't want me to use mudguards or ride on bad weather have miserably lost.. The aesthetic and beauty also has lost but functionality and practical won.
Lets be honest we all love cycling videos this is just what I need to get it going the blood I love it. I always watch these before I go out and get my body moving. I love when I always watch one of these, and then put up my heavy playlist I love like Delta Parole and then I just go haaaaard!!!! Tactic hasnt let me down yet.
I have an old Cervelo SLC-SL I bought largely because it was dirt cheap, and man it is pretty difficult to ride some days... big gears, no tire clearance whatsoever (gee, I love 19s!) and ridiculous ergos... but I have to admit it's worth it once you get it up to speed. Everyone with a desk job should be stretching their hamstrings much more anyways ;)
I agree with most of this but definitely NOT the no tubs one. I've ran on tubs the last year and not had one puncture. If you do get one.... You simply glue a repair patch on to get you home...no mincing around like clinchers replacing at side of road. And yes you have to replace tyre but punctures are extremely rare. Tubs are a dream to ride on 😃 Oh.... And Ps.... I've got an Sworks Tarmac SL5... Exactly the one Bora Hansgrohe were using in 2017... Set up same apart from slammed stem. I have no problem with it..... The difference between me and the Analagys you mention is that I'm not sat at a desk all day long. Please stop isolating the Uci like they're some untouchable gods.....if everyone rode uci bikes with the team colours of their choice,the world of cycling would be a much more colourful and exciting place to be.
Stem spacers allow you to fine tune the position of the bike to yourself. Unless your frame is custom made or you get really lucky, slamming the stem is usually going to put you in the wrong position. Honestly, I really like having a longer headtube because I can adjust my position depending on what I'm doing.
You look really sexy with a streak going from your butt up to your back. 😁 I'll put rain guards only if it's raining that day otherwise I'll take them off.
There was always a rule on club runs, mudguards from say, 1st Nov to 1st April (it probably varies a bit) If you didn't have them you had to ride at the back.
Well ... in 2015 I jumped from a bicycle for amateur (28mm large wheels, alloy frame) to the very radical Trek Madone (carbon, 6,8kg, 23mm-large tyres), and I fully equipped with high-end components (Dura-Ace). And even if I'm not the fastest cyclist on the planet I would exchange it for NO reason with a more comfortable/amateur bike. :-) Of course I know that carbon-fiber lasts 10-15 years before you have to replace the frame, but I accept the constraint. And I also know you have to stretch for 1 hour when you go back from your run.
I think over the years GCN has promoted the very opposite of this view and it's a problem with the whole bike industry really, particularly road bikes. E.g. this idea that a 36t chainring and 34t cassette is "easy" and will allow you to whizz up 20%+ hills with no problems - maybe I'm just a weakling but I had to go down to 30t at the front. Part of this problem is that GCN seems to only hire former pros as its presenters, giving an unbalanced view about what cycling is about.
Ya. Like every video they keep talking about watts this and watts that, you'll be a little faster is you do this, this is more arrow dynamic, and this will save you minutes. Like I care about all that? I just want to enjoy my ride, not compete in the tour.
Going from doing full time bike delivery to commuting 60 miles over hills a day so I can move peoples furniture. The not trying to recover when your off the bike hits a little to close to home. I've only lost one day to shoulders problems but I will never again let that happen
Manon, you said tubular tires are great for reducing puncture resistance, eh. Hmmm. I think most of us want tires that increase puncture resistance. (I should apologize to Manon. I wouldn't be half as good at presenting as she is. She's great, and a pleasure to watch.)
I use my Race-Bike to have fun. I like the emotions during the motion. The freedom first of all. To be in the nature, to feel my strengs(what left) etc. I am always leaving my Comfortzone. If i want to by safe and dry (except swet) i use a Turbo-trainer at Home.
For someone with multiple World, European, and National track titles ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manon_Lloyd ) you are truly the picture of humility to refer to yourself as a "regular rider" :-)
That's why I always hunch over as far as possible when working in the office.
Staying aero at your desk will make you work faster, to be fair!
Yeah, but that's just to lower your visible profile so that your boss is less likely to see you first!
But aero bars on your keyboard and the toilet.
😂😂😂🚴♀️🚴♀️🚴♀️
HAHAHAHAHAHA 😂😂😂
One potentially life-or-death thing you've missed - When pros train and race, they are usually accompanied by a team car and/or other cyclists so their ability to see what is around them is less important than it is to riders unaccompanied by a protective follow vehicle. For every millimeter increase in stem height, a rider gains several degrees of peripheral vision and that can make the difference between spotting the wayward driver - or not. So - if you're not a pro - un-slam that stem!
Watch next, "Bike Fit - How to set up your bike like pro" - GCN
Followed by how to wash your bike.
Isn't that just the "how to slam your stem" video?
lol true
😂
Hahaha true true
1:07 Ah yes a regular rider like the 2016 track world champion Manon Lloyd
Daniel my thoughts exactly 😂 Glad you’re putting me in that category with you Manon!
My thoughts 😂 but as we all know road riders have a far more aero position than track riders 😂
She bein humble and relatable.
My thoughts exactly. 😂😂😂
If given the chance, most 'regular' riders could become Pro. Hardest part is finding the opportunity. Or creating them.
GCN: Don't set your bike up like a pro...
Also GCN: how about this video on how to set your bike up like a pro.
TRUE
These are not excludents. Choose yours advice wisely, like a pro.
they say every thing and there opposite and re-post or remake previous videos every few months only for the sake of views and sponsor ads. The time of usefull tips and neutral gear opinion in gone for a long time. It is juste 90 % commercial content. Si became as ridiculous a second hand car sales man. He could sell his mother should she has 1 mm extra tyre width or 6 % more vertical compliance.
@@simonrano8072 you should watch GMBN, in Doddy's recent video he is pushing Muc-off like it's the cure. Every 10 seconds he's pulling a different bottle of Muc-off out of some random orifice. Some of the comments were hilarious though.
This is more so GMBN but sponsorship used to get your product shown in the video but now the presenters are trying to sell you the products. Instead of how to choose the best grips, it's how to choose the best Ergon grips with a 20 minute infomercial.
It's almost like they have multiple people that write for them!
When Manon says "regular riders like you and I". Yeah, ok. I wish I was as good as your normal.
@MRGRUMPY53 Manon is 1 in a million. And I ain't talking riders
Right.... I ride like 50 miles and im done
It jarred with me too....she should have said, 'regular riders like you and ME'.
I stand corrected! Manon did actually say '...like ME or you'. Perfect for grammar pedants like me!
Right?! Lol
I raced for years including many TT training and racing hours- one of my souvenirs for all that glory, cervical spine (neck) bone spurs and impinged nerves. Twenty years on, nearly no one cares about the glory days and I have many spacers on the stem to correct the painful spine damage. Think hard about the costs of aero to your long term health.
Thanks for the perspective, putting my spacers back in tonight
Damn. I have a nerve in my traps near my shoulder blades that hurts whenever I spend a long time on the bike. Now I’m thinking I should’ve gotten a more comfortable frame.
@@protem_music Not to frighten you but that's how my bone spurs started to manifest themselves- pain in the traps that then migrated into the deltoids and finally down the left arm and into the fingers (numbness and pain and spasms). Face it- aero and spine health are counter to eachother. Unless, you get yourself a recumbent with a fairing ;)
Same here. I was a pro triathlete in the 80's and now suffer from the same neck issues.
Build your core strength. And your aero
"We ride bikes just to enjoy ourselves." I'm not enjoying myself unless I'm suffering...
Suffering uphill. Thats it!
I'm suffering at 36 avs while my girlfriend enjoy herself at 20 av speed
There are good psychiatrists who coukld help you with that.
When you want to enjoy riding the bike more, you have to suffer! So no one enjoys the bike more than those pro bikers.😆
Dont ever watch GMBN then :D
Finally a video recommending mudguards. Can't believe how many riders I see riding in the wet without mudguards. If it's raining or been raining heavily I get the steel winter bike out with full mudguards. It's hard work but when I hop back on the Cervelo I'm flying.
Manon, as a former professional athlete you are fully qualified to educate the general riders on why they shouldn't copy your former racing set-ups.
However you are not a regular rider like us. You far more of a rider then most of us ever will be.
Telling us from that perspective is not arrogance since you have the achievements to back it up.
I bought my first bike online and got a 57cm frame size. I’m 1.7m tall, so it is waay to large for me, only allowing me to slam my stem so much. In a way it’s nice for comfort, however my next bike will definitely be more fitting, 52-54cm frame, so I can adapt to a more aero position :). Cycling gives you a lifelong bucket list and I love it
I’m 57 and ride 100 miles a week. If I even attempted to ride a bike with a pro-style setup I’d....well, it wouldn’t be good. In my head, I look like Sagan on my bike. In reality, I’m old, slow, and too damn fat
Good luck with having PROstates
Feel similar but on the other hand, why should I care whether I am old or fat or slow. I enjoy it as it is
You are much better than anyone spending their free time on the sofa
Reconizable for me, but the passion for cycling count's! 👍
@@michalsekara so you measure the value of a human in it‘s activitytime? I know what you mean, but rethink that expression pl
Funny this video comes in while I’m reading “Bike Fit” by Phil Burt. Indeed pro cyclists have their setup focused on power and being more aerodynamic, sacrificing their comfort (or their ability to sustain those positions for long periods of time). Although I still think that we are failing to see more content on bike fitting advise, i believe it is crucial to get it done specially by someone who knows and understand body position on a bicycle a bio mechanic such as Giuseppe Giannecchini has helped from Pro cyclists to commuters on their bike position. My point is, we may not need that aggressive uncomfortable position for our bike rides but certainly is needed to avoid preventable injuries, starting by getting the correct bike frame. Simple comparison: having an injury will take time to get yourself back on the bicycle, but if is something more serious it will cost for example a visit to the chiropractor (shoulder, neck, lower back etc), the fact that you may have been sustaining a less than ideal position can also be making your body overcompensating (like we seen on Emma Pooley bike fitting video). In the end, a bike fitting session is not the holy grail that you do it once and forget, but it does help you for longer, reduces the risk of serious injuries, makes you comfortable and therefore faster on the bicycle and costs you less than all those chiropractor sessions you will be booking in (and probably all those sport massages you been having because of unbearable pain)
Pretty good summary, but I have had so few flats on tubulars compared to clinchers, it doesn't even enter my mind. At the most, I carry a stem remover, some sealant, and a pump. It isn't race-fast, of course, but I've always been able to ride home. Others I know keep a pre-glued tubular wrapped up in a bag, and with strong hands, they rip off the flatted tire and put the spare on in under 3 minutes. They don't do any scary descents on the spare, but they always get home. And the ride quality -- non-racers should get to enjoy a good tubular, too.
A couple of thoughts on what you mentioned. I used to work for a major parts manufacturer. I would get calls or emails from people sometimes wanting a 56 tooth chain ring, 140mm stem, 180mm crank arms and such. First they would get upset that I didnt have such a strange item in stock and then mention that "has to be available to the general public" rule. I would point them to the one and only retailer we had that stocked those strange items for us to say they were indeed available. Then they would call back thinking they were being ripped off, wanting to know why the stem that was normally $120 retail was $780 for the 140mm. I'd have to explain that no one wants those so to shift production to make say just 40 of those for the world was expensive. If you want the strange item you have to pay what it cost to make it.
Really people asking for 180mm crank arms?
Worth nothing nowadays there are companies who make specific parts in big chainrings etc.
Elijah Kwon if you are about 2 meters tall and have 95cm leg length (inseam measure) it’s possible that the recommended size is 175-180mm
@@DavidslvPT Yes 175 is standard equipment on a XL or L frame bike. 177.5 and 180 are standard options but only available in top line spec (i.e. Dura Ace). My old bike came with 175mm but I eventually swapped them for 172.5. Even if you are tall the longest crank isn't always the best option unless you have the perfect body for it.
In my BMX days a group of us had collectively, sets of 170, 175, and 180 crank arms. And rings to swap from 40t to 52t. It all depended on the track.
The arms were all about leverage, though, as it was a single speed.
With multi gear setups, it all becomes about leg length, and comfort, staying seated most of the time. So much has changed since the 80's, in both sports.
@@elijahkwon422 I think it's odd with people who need big and tall they just don't go to Lennard Zinn
If only we’d had RUclips 35 years ago! My first ‘proper’ road bike; Vitus 979 (the cool bonded alloy one Sean Kelly rode), Mavic GP4 rims on Mavic 501 hubs (yep, tubular!), Shimano 600 groupset, Campag Nuevo Record pedals with Cinelli clips and double straps, 42/52 11-21 6spd freewheel 11-13-15-17-19-21; I live in the Surrey Hills and it’s all short sharp climbs. I loved that bike and rode it everywhere, but it didn’t do me any favours long term and I’m struggling to ride at all now. Good advice from Manon here.
Love Manon's fresh and snarky approach in the videos. She's pretty much a perfect10 for this channel.
I take that as excellent advice!! Thank you Manon!!
I always feel like an oddball when out on the trail and passed by a group of amateur wannabe pros.
I’m not a pro, I’m not even that good of a cyclist.
I am, however, passionate about cycling and have made my bikes as comfy as possible to allow me to go an enjoyable 100K at my desired performance level.
BTW,, I’m out to buy a set of mudguards and I don’t care how foolish looking the “pros” on my local trails think I am. Like you said, my boot is dry. LOL
I agree. Good taste in RUclips videos BTW
Reynold Michael
glad you were entertained! Lol
Seriously tho. I've only been into riding road bikes for a few months. Can you or somebody ....tell me why girls seats have holes in them??? I can't get a straight answer from anyone. I thought that they were for farts trying to escape ;) but I don't know if that would be the real reason.. seriously though. Why poke a hole in your seat!!?? Makes no sense to me.
@@reynoldmichael1348 to reduce friction on body parts you don't have ;)
Agreed. The needs of comfort transition along a continuum to the needs of survival if you ride as I do year-round at fairly high latitudes in mid-continent North America: it's not merely about staying comfortable, it's about not freezing to death. For example, despite the shocking density of frigid, dry air (compared with balmy), a more upright position accommodates bulkier clothing.
Perhaps my favorite line: "Their job is to ride their bikes and then recover from riding their bikes" Key word: recover! LOL. No where is the word "enjoy" mentioned. Manon always a pleasure to listen to.
I wish there were more videos saying "this is how pros do it, but you should do it like this". Great video!
I wanted to be like my favorite pro rider once. It turns out that EPO is hard to get.
Totally!! I hear that you can still get old U.S. Postal kit though... :0
It isnt really....
@@luukrutten1295 it's actually less expensive than some high end bikes
I love the tubulars on my racebike. When I puncture I pour some sealant in via the valvestem.
Sometimes it 's necessary to replace the tubular tyre by a spare preglued one. It takes me less than 10 minutes.
When the glue isn 't to old you can keep on riding at fairly normal speed even in the corners with a pressure of 8 bar.
"A regular rider like me or you... "
Ummm... Manon? You are awesome, but I think surrendered your "regular rider" card some time ago. :)
Why I can't set up my bike like a pro...... because my thighs will hit my big gut!
I love Manon’s voice 😀.
Changing tubulars is perfectly fine when you know what you are doing. Most people telling horror stories about tubulars are people that have not used them for any period of time... Remember that tubulars were also what was used way back when racers were repairing their own punctures. If you know what you are doing it is actually faster to repair than a clincher. Not even talking about tubeless which are actually more likely to end up in calling a cab the (few) times you will get a puncture that won't seal or a big hole...
Said this very thing on a blog yesterday. I'm 60 years-old/raced thru the 1980's. Didn't switch to clinchers (exclusively for training) until late 1989 for cost reasons. To this day I run tubulars on my race wheelsets. Way back when they were also called "sew-ups". Can't count how many Vittoria Corsa CX's I did "surgery" on - taught by a coach from Italy. I actually grew to enjoy it. Also, the same coach taught me how to properly fold a spare pre-glued (older) tubular very tightly into a small package - wrapped in newspaper (& tiny nylon drawstring bag from a camping store) & tucked under the back of the seat with a spare toe strap. The coach also said that in Italy, when he was young their "fuel" bottle was filled with a mix of Chianti, sugar & raw egg. Mmmmm! So, ok, lets skip the sugar & egg. Eh? We now live in a soft, instant gratification era. All I keep hearing out there is tubulars are "messy", a pain, & as Manon (ill advises IMHO) here, (sic) "..you'll never get a spare on in the field/impossible!". Bullcrap! Agreed, julmessionier! One MUST practice doing it with proper technique. And understand they need to be pre-stretched. Yada yada. I just can't get over the modern wank/whine factor. All this tech/marketing/social media has turned everyone into farmed rabbits. And tubeless? Yeah right! I've been searching 40 years for that one vaccination against everything. Horse pookie! Soul Surfer/Soul Cyclist/Triathlete/Free Diver. No narcissistic GoPro footage. No expensive telemetry ever! I knew my watts because I knew my body. And I won! "...Long ago, it must be. I have a photograph. Preserve your memories. They're all that's left you." -Bookends - Simon & Garfunkel. Cheers.
@@jalspach9215 Properly applied/installed tubs on wheels feel ace.
I am 56 and have my stem slammed. I am fortunate that I am VERY flexible. I can ride all day in an aero position. I have also spent my entire life riding in an aero position. This IS comfortable for me, otherwise I wouldn't do it.
jcsrst yes I am the the same age and raced for over 20 years. I ride also ride in the same position I always have with a slammed 14cm stem. My gravel bike put me a bit higher and I felt no additional comfort. It felt slow so I found a stem with some drop and it feels right now.
Doing something continuously is way different from (re)starting as an adult. The rule is to make small changes and observe how your body reacts. Often people are riding bikes that are too big and decide to put their seat up a crazy 2 cm and wonder why their hands are numb, back hurts, and hamstrings are screaming.
2016 track world champion Manon Lloyd prefers a more comfortable position. She is 23 and fortunate to be reasonably flexible. Ego is a transparent fault that cannot resist showing itself.
@@renatab8293 Judgement is transparent fault too. My guess is you aren't flexible in any way.
I've run tubs for years, including commuting around 300km a week riding in and out of London during the winter. I've always used Pit Stop pro to fix punctures and it has always worked with one exception when I just had to get the train home. Pit Stop Pro works really well and you do get far fewer punctures with tubs anyway. I think in 20,000km ridden I had maybe four or five punctures.
I'll try this. Any time I see tubs I run away typically
Couldn't agree more. Finally a GCN video that makes sense, like in the old days. Please more videos with common sense, (use of mud guards, lights, high viz clothing, mechanics) and less fat tyre and gravel bikes nonsense.
Omg, I can relate to this so much. I had this headache not too long ago and I didn’t know the cause until my friend suggested me it might be attributed to my saddle position being too high. As a medic, I searched for different kinds of headache and found that there really is a type of headache called cervicogenic headache, where due to tight neck muscles, your cervical nerves are being under pressure and cause you pain. Apparently, my saddle height forced me to raising my neck all the time and putting strain on it... lesson learned:(
Highly valuable advice, the sport medicine and therapy is the other side of the professional cycling that we don’t see but it’s there.
Cheers from NYC
Great video Manon. 90% of riders go out to enjoy riding and not to compete. The other 10% can re watch the GCN videos on how to set up your bike like a pro. 🇬🇧
I agree with using clinchers or tubeless tires over tubular tires. The rest of the advice I don't agree with unless you are a casual cyclist. Casual riders don't generally follow GCN in my experience.
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I upgraded my groupset from Shimano 105 to Dura Ace, slammed my stem, and replaced it with a 130mm drop stem and carbon aero handlebars. I ditched my compact 105 crankset 50/34T for a standard 53/39T Dura Ace crankset because I was running out of gears on my rides. For the first two weeks I was slower due to the drastically lower riding position (my body wasn't used to it) and then after a month, my muscles adapted and now I'm one minutes and 40 seconds faster for every 15 miles ridden. I consider myself an avid cyclist who does a lot of group rides. The guys I ride with are very fast and now I'm the second fastest rider in my group (I was in the middle before).
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I agree that copying the pros isn't for everyone. I'm not a pro and don't desire to be one. I do enjoy giving myself every edge and advantage through improved gear and setup. The low aero riding position is becoming more and more comfortable as time goes on. I don't experience back pain after my rides anymore.
In the 70s almost everyone with a road bike used tubulars. My dad rode from Sweden to Marseille on a road bike with tubs, and he had to fix a couple of flats along the way, so I'm sure it's fully doable.
I have seen so many friends get stranded by punctures on tubeless. Unless you hit something small like a thorn, the sealant just vomits everywhere and does nothing to keep the air in. And naturally, that is your ride done. Yet you keep pushing tubeless on the basis of marginal rolling resistance gains instead of the endlessly more practical inner tubes (latex or plastic if you are really concerned about weight and rolling resistance). Two simple tyre levers, a patch or new tube and a pump later, you're back on the road.
True.. i feel it now. My body feel so sore this week because I set my bycicle look like pro's. Now I realize that I am just a regular rider. Thanks for the video.
Best episode ever. So much sense talked by Manon. Slammed stems are like slammed Vauxhall Corsas - minority appeal and extremely uncomfortable. Compacts and big cassettes have opened up cycling to so many more people.
Not everyone's the same. I regularly do 4+ hour rides in supreme comfort on my slammed stem machine. Also, GCN never said you should slam your stem, they just suggested why someone might want to, which were legitimate reasons. If you want to get free speed, and it isn't uncomfortable, make your bike as pro as you like
Don’t forget mudguards and front basket, equally important
The tassels are important too!!
Well, considering position on the bike, I do not agree. If you have a flexible body you can slam your stem completely in gradual steps. I am 62 and it took me just 15-20 rides of around 125 km to get stronger back and core muscles that allow me to cycle in a deep position during my rides without any problems. We are always told to adapt our setup to our body, but your body can also adapt to your bike setup.
I’ve gradually slammed my stem over the years of riding and it is comfortable and aero 🤷🏻♂️
Me too!
I agree just because they say up right position supposed to be more comfortable doesn't necessarily mean it's going be more comfortable to everyone .I spent 300.00 on bike fit it was comfortable but it still bother me .than I switch for a stem that more slammed down so much relief on my neck .To me being up right position all the time bother my neck I can't speak for everyone out there it should go by what feels good to you .and I choose to ride Tubular tires because clinchers suck.
I just slammed it one day, sawed off the excess and rode it like that afterwards. 🤷♂️.
Worked for me too. Well, not absolutely comfortable, but quite tolerable for 25 to 35 miles.
A hunched-over-low position is good for downhill I find, and although is indeed strenuous on the lower back, can be quite tolerable when used in moderation.
I rode tubulars for years and I'd much rather change a flat tubular than replace a tube on the side of the road. The trick is to have the tire pre-stretched with some old glue already on the tape.
Yeah I ride tubs and they are nowhere near as difficult to maintain as many make out. Prestretch and glue. If you get a puncture, quick check, stick some sealant in, inflate. If that doesn't work, Rip OT off, replace, inflate. Off you go.
Most Mudguards are too short and you still get soaked following someone with them. The only ones I've seen working are those with big home-made mudflaps attached, that almost touch the ground.
Well done! This is a long overdue topic. Kudos to GCN and to Manon.
I think keeping a small “chimney” on steerer tube makes a lot of sense if you want to be able to change your position in the spring when your less flexible then in the autumn after a summer of riding.
Bas Vredeling 5mm on top of the stem sufficient for most.
@MRGRUMPY53 If you don't ride a lot in the winter it's a lot harder to stay low for long periods on end. Well, at least for me it is. Might also be the christmas belly, but hey... same rules apply.
Easing your position slightly, moving the bars up, is really helpful. I've also tryed flipping my stem in the past, but that's quite drastic change, even with a 8% angle. Rather just move a spacer ring down to have a little lift and ease the back a bit.
I ride tubular tires and it is just as easy to swap a spare tubular as it is to change a tube out.
This is gold! Thanks Manon & the rest of you guys at the GCN network! Now send me some gear :-D
I was with you all the way... until mudguards!
I too am very fond of needing to wash my bike after every ride. Fenders all the way!
I thought that was funny. Even in rainy Seattle, only one of my bikes (the commuter) has fenders. The bikes meant for fun, don't.
@@STruple12 My bike is a 19yo Giant TCR with no mudguards. It has only been washed occasionally and works perfectly. Not sure why you'd have to wash it constantly unless you're on the OCD side of the spectrum. For reference, I live in a place with moderate annual rainfall numbers (1270mm or 50in depending on your unit of measurement bias).
@@afterburn2600 That was a half-assed joke, I'm not an OCD freak, don't worry. TCR is a road bike - if you a re lucky enough to ride it only on clean asphalt then good for you! MANY people do not have conditions like this and need to look somewhat decent when they arrive (e.g. without a mud stain on your backside) to their destination and that's what fenders are for.
If you use your bike for fun or have clothes to change to in your destination, then feel free to continue to not use them. Every bike looks better without them
My even more advanced "how not to behave like a pro"-advice regarding mudguards would be to just train indoors or not at all when it's wet ;-).
Great video to help us understanding that sometimes it's better to set a limit since we aren't pros 👍🏻
Forgotten the site, but I used a bike setup that offered 3 options. From memory I think one was the Merckx- long low horizontal back, then less severe, then comfort/ touring fit which is the one I chose for the Century ride around Lake Taupo in NZ
Good reminders GCN...keeping it clear what supports our ego and what is really needed ; ).
Good advice, watching pro videos can be self deflating but at 215lb and prolapsed disc issues for 30 years I'll never be a club cyclist, I've realised my expectations. I took up biking 2 years ago after moving from UK to Thailand. Spent a mere £200 on a road bike, set the seat height and found the handlebars were tooooo low, I had to increase my stem height by 100mm. Now 'manage to ride 50-70km with relatively pain free back (the old legs still feeling it though, as it should for a 58 year old)
Dinner plate on the front? Dinner plate goes on the back; I climb vertical walls
You sound like a mountie to me.
@@shannontrainer5857 haha lol mountain biking is really fun too
I am currently running a 110mm minus 17 degree. I can ride 4 hours like that and it saves me a lot of energy and it forces me to be low on the bike. For me something extreme would be anything bigger than a 120mm, even though you can have a look that is extreme but not really. For example, sprinters usually ride smaller sizes, some climbers do too, so to make the cockpit longer they play with the length and degree of the steam. In my case is something similar, I can ride a 54cm or a 52 cm, with the 52 the set up looks more aggressive because I have the seat higher relative to the handlebars and swap the steam for a 110mm with a - 17 degree angle, by doing this I extended the cockpit. This is something that more males than females have to do, given that there are shorter-legged men than women; so more men have to play with the steam to ride the size they prefer. Also, longer steam helps you a lot descending as you can see by a video and research made by your own channel. This video came out patronizing and not to well informed. Also, even recreational riders and non-pros have goals and are fast. Here in California, even cat 5 riders have what you call "aggressive" setups.. Man some of us actually race, just we might be slow but we race and that is how we have fun and what makes us train and ride our bike. You are talking to people that like you feel like chilling and riding a bike, if you want to that just buy an $800 dollar bike and leave the bibs home, get a cruiser. Extreme endurance set ups on $6000 dollar plus bike is only acceptable for old cyclists that have cycled all their lives, it basically defeats the purpose of buying a bike with the geometry that has been developed in a wind tunnel.
This is interesting and well presented with a clear and precise voice. That doesn't mean that I agree with the whole content though! I have been in this sport since the Norman invasion (it seems like that) being involved in virtually all aspects and I would submit that most of the road riders are now riding with their bars too low. This achieves, sometimes, the opposite of an aero position with the arms dead straight and almost underneath the body when riding on the drops. Look at some riders from the past, particularly Bernard Hinaut and his peers. They achieved superb aero positions with the bars higher, so that they could get a flat back plus a more comfortable climbing position. Going even further back, Anquetil, achieved an aero position with his bars higher again. Obviously no-one used tri-bars then. Better stop now otherwise some will think that I have little time for modern riders which is the precise opposite of the truth. Time to go and watch the Daufine on the TV.
Trained on tubs all the time because that's all there was for a good tire if you flat peel it off and stretch a new one on. I don't understand how that's almost impossible to do out on the road.
Well done. This is one of the most important videos. The things you mention should be conventional wisdom.
Yes, I set up my bike like a pro, exactly like the best riders... gear ratios, the whole bit!
Now, I just look at it, but boy does she looks fantastic!!
Manon stop humbling yourself, you ARE a pro! Even Ollie, the "common mans presenter" is pro, even if Manon is faster...
Oliver Bridgewood is so far away from a Pro like the earth from the moon and in contrast to you, he knows it!
I know all this already but it’s good to be reminded about it and bring me down to earth again!
Looking like a pro while riding our bike is cool but this video gives me an eye opener about enjoying riding out bike without mimicking a pro cyclist way of riding. Simple enjoy riding and also don't forget to be extra carful on roads.
Ride what’s comfortable for you I ride slammed on my summer road bike but been doing it for 30 years I find it very comfortable and it improves the handling placing more weight over the front wheel especially if it’s damp👍
I enjoyed this video, there is a lil unspoken pressure between cyclist of stages they are at and with a glance you can see who is more serious about the sport than others. I personally have a MTB and a road bike, I can cycle the distance if need be but I don't pressure myself to be like everyone else as their experience to me is different. They don't have my knee injury or my 12hr shifts on their minds. (mostly)
I raced so long ago training on clinchers was not an option. We all had a spare tubular under our saddles. I could change a tubular tire in less time than changing tubes. You just had to make sure your glue was fairly fresh. More than one rider on the team rolled a tire of the rim going through a turn. FYI, for a pro look put a CO2 cartridge, pair of tire irons and tube in the middle pocket of one's jersey. It'll be barely noticeable and that middle pocket is tough to get to for us inflexible, non-pro riders.
Tubs and tufu tape .... I can change a tub as quickly as an inner tube. Or I just put latex puncture repair in. It's more the cost issue.
I wish compact cranks existed back in the 80s. Climbing a cat 1 climb on a 42 x 23 absolutely sucks but I kept doing it for the love of climbing.
I agree when you say that not all pro's stuff are suitable for regular riders. Expecially for tubulars. But i can say otherwise 'bout positioning like a pro.. I used to ride since i Was 15 now i' m 43 and i still ride set like a pro. Very low handlebar, high saddle, long stem and long crankset. Even now that I'm a regular rider and not a racer anymore i ride with 53/39 and 13/29 (12/25 as a racer). But i still can ride up to 7 hours without any issue. It's even a matter of habits.
I don't have to worry about my lawn mower falling and taking a chuck out of my carbon fibre top tube in my shed. 1) I don't have a lawn mower. 2) I don't have a carbon fibre bike. 3) I keep my bike in the house. I don't slam my stem either. I almost never ride on the drops. So I keep the stem in a comfortable position. To be honest I could do with slightly raising the stem. I have never used tubs and would not entertain the idea. If I ever bought that was fitted with tubs I would ask the bike shop to fit new wheels and tyres. I even ride with mudguards. Which stay on my bile permanently as I am too bone idle to take the off. Plus it would mean having to take off and re-fit the rack on the back of my bike. I do still use 23mm tyres. Mainly because of the age of my bike and I can't fit 25mm tyres unless I take my mudguards off. That ain't going to happen.
Great episode. I have to admit, I have 0 interest in copying any pro's position or set up.
The only thing i wanna copy is how low they are when sprinting
That's some of the most sensible advice that I've heard. Thank you! 😊
Mudguards make your chain dirty and wear faster. Especially on gravel bike. They also ruin your trp spire brakes. All that because the dirt falling/bouncing down from mudguard. I have experienced it. I have trp spire brakes and mudguards on my bike. On pictures I can see, that Trp spike brakes that are made for mtb and fatbikes have a little cover over brake pads so that sand can't fall inside, but the spires that are for road bikes, don't have it. But they still fit trp spire brakes to so many gravel and cyclocross bikes also.. Also beside sand and dirt, the water that rains down from mudguards, will make the brakes inner mechanics, especially tiny pall bearings rust and fail. Especially salty water from winter road.. But well, it's not like it's the end and u should throw those brakes away, or not using mudguards. I made little shelters for brakes.. mounted on frame above brake calipers. They protect the brakes from anything that falls from above. So I won and bicycle manufacturers, who don't want me to use mudguards or ride on bad weather have miserably lost.. The aesthetic and beauty also has lost but functionality and practical won.
"Regular rider like you or me". Manon, I wish that I was one tenth the rider you are!
When I set my bike up like a pro my Enormous Stomach gets in the way of my Knees. But if I Lean Back everything is fine.
Same lol
Lets be honest we all love cycling videos this is just what I need to get it going the blood I love it. I always watch these before I go out and get my body moving. I love when I always watch one of these, and then put up my heavy playlist I love like Delta Parole and then I just go haaaaard!!!! Tactic hasnt let me down yet.
If I can't be a pro, I want to feel like one 😂
Thanks for video! Simple and clear!
who knew all i needed to become a stronger rider was manon belittling my cycling prowess
I have an old Cervelo SLC-SL I bought largely because it was dirt cheap, and man it is pretty difficult to ride some days... big gears, no tire clearance whatsoever (gee, I love 19s!) and ridiculous ergos... but I have to admit it's worth it once you get it up to speed. Everyone with a desk job should be stretching their hamstrings much more anyways ;)
I agree with most of this but definitely NOT the no tubs one. I've ran on tubs the last year and not had one puncture. If you do get one.... You simply glue a repair patch on to get you home...no mincing around like clinchers replacing at side of road. And yes you have to replace tyre but punctures are extremely rare. Tubs are a dream to ride on 😃
Oh.... And Ps.... I've got an Sworks Tarmac SL5... Exactly the one Bora Hansgrohe were using in 2017... Set up same apart from slammed stem. I have no problem with it..... The difference between me and the Analagys you mention is that I'm not sat at a desk all day long.
Please stop isolating the Uci like they're some untouchable gods.....if everyone rode uci bikes with the team colours of their choice,the world of cycling would be a much more colourful and exciting place to be.
Stems are supposed to be slammed... just make sure to get the right size bike for you as well as a matching geometry
Stem spacers allow you to fine tune the position of the bike to yourself. Unless your frame is custom made or you get really lucky, slamming the stem is usually going to put you in the wrong position. Honestly, I really like having a longer headtube because I can adjust my position depending on what I'm doing.
I'd agree with all that...apart from the mudguards, can't be having them.
Yeah i feel like an old man lol
You look really sexy with a streak going from your butt up to your back. 😁
I'll put rain guards only if it's raining that day otherwise I'll take them off.
There was always a rule on club runs, mudguards from say, 1st Nov to 1st April (it probably varies a bit) If you didn't have them you had to ride at the back.
Literally just came inside from slamming my stem... are you kidding me 🤷🏻♂️
Well ... in 2015 I jumped from a bicycle for amateur (28mm large wheels, alloy frame) to the very radical Trek Madone (carbon, 6,8kg, 23mm-large tyres), and I fully equipped with high-end components (Dura-Ace). And even if I'm not the fastest cyclist on the planet I would exchange it for NO reason with a more comfortable/amateur bike. :-) Of course I know that carbon-fiber lasts 10-15 years before you have to replace the frame, but I accept the constraint. And I also know you have to stretch for 1 hour when you go back from your run.
I think over the years GCN has promoted the very opposite of this view and it's a problem with the whole bike industry really, particularly road bikes. E.g. this idea that a 36t chainring and 34t cassette is "easy" and will allow you to whizz up 20%+ hills with no problems - maybe I'm just a weakling but I had to go down to 30t at the front. Part of this problem is that GCN seems to only hire former pros as its presenters, giving an unbalanced view about what cycling is about.
I fitted a custom 28/44 (110/74 spider on square taper BB of course how else?) on my road bike and love it! Right transmission for the right engine.
Ya. Like every video they keep talking about watts this and watts that, you'll be a little faster is you do this, this is more arrow dynamic, and this will save you minutes. Like I care about all that? I just want to enjoy my ride, not compete in the tour.
Absolutely loved this video and the advice given!
Great video, i show to all my friends!
In the garage next to the lawnmower... Yep. I'm that man.😂😂 Always like her films . Down to earth and no crap. 😊👍
Going from doing full time bike delivery to commuting 60 miles over hills a day so I can move peoples furniture. The not trying to recover when your off the bike hits a little to close to home. I've only lost one day to shoulders problems but I will never again let that happen
I’m still riding with the same position on my XC bike that I rode in the 90s (low, long, and fast) because it’s what I am adapted to.
Great stuff Manon!
I very much appreciate this video and the timing.
Very well said! Thanks for sharing!
Manon, you said tubular tires are great for reducing puncture resistance, eh. Hmmm. I think most of us want tires that increase puncture resistance. (I should apologize to Manon. I wouldn't be half as good at presenting as she is. She's great, and a pleasure to watch.)
Manon is so humble. This lady rode a century on a cheap used bike but still calls herself a "regular" rider 😀👍
I find it helpful to rewatch this video before a purchase
Congrats manon!!! Happy engagement
Nabeel Akhtar I did not see her ring ?
I've got a vibrating foam roller from pulseroll, it's as good as a masseur👌
I use my Race-Bike to have fun. I like the emotions during the motion. The freedom first of all.
To be in the nature, to feel my strengs(what left) etc. I am always leaving my Comfortzone.
If i want to by safe and dry (except swet) i use a Turbo-trainer at Home.
@R. Schowiada71 I love You 2
For someone with multiple World, European, and National track titles ( en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manon_Lloyd ) you are truly the picture of humility to refer to yourself as a "regular rider" :-)