I'd like to see these TT bikes ridden on a velodrome (yes, I understand the bottom bracket and crank length issue) with a set normalised power - so you could actually rank them meaningfully.
The TT bikes and comparisons are great, but what about a similar series with a climb and famous climbing bikes? Start off with maybe one of Robert Millar's TDF bikes? I'm sure Philippa would be a great source of info on the bikes too, I know custom parts were used sometimes - Pete Matthews wheels for example
The position is almost all that matters. The frame makes very little difference anyway. From my time trial experience I can say that very, very good aero handlebars like the Vision TFA & Co can be significantly faster than normal handlebars that only look aerodynamic but then have clamping devices everywhere, for example. But we're talking about maybe 8 watts at 45 km/h. Maximum. So only if you can hide the brake cables better with the TFA handlebars. Otherwise, there's not much to be gained. And I'm talking about the difference between basebar + extensions and not time trial bike cockpit vs. racing bike handlebars. The Walser is a super cool bike, no question. Walser himself once said that there was hardly any further development compared to the bike, so not much to get. Except, in this case, for the cable routing. But all in all, what distinguishes a road bike, whether aero or not, from a time trial or triathlon bike is most of all the position of the rider. And clearly: if the bike position is not adapted to the rider, then it is not maximally fast. With road bike positions, you can help a little with more degrees of freedom during the ride. This is hardly possible with a fixed TT position. Or significantly less. Ollie himself knows how much aero optimisations can make a difference, and it's crazy. In this respect, it is also the case that the Lotusbike MUST actually be faster, if the position is set correctly or can be set correctly. Because the frame itself and the handlebars and cables only make up a fraction. We are easily talking about 80% to 20% here. But the 20% includes not only the frame, but also all the rest such as wheels, handlebars, etc. In this respect, with a good time trial position, the time trial bikes should always, really always win, unless the course is very, very hilly. The Walser was and is a very fast bike. But what was really fast in 2003 was a well-trained Jan Ullrich, unlike many other years. Unfortunately - or fortunately in 2003.
GCN should have a regular 'go-to' test circuit, much like a certain show of the past where 3 gentlemen and a mysterious white-clad test driver held entertaining drives. GCN should have a mysterious 'unknown' test rider to test these legendary bikes. LOL! Great show, Si and Ollie, and all the other GCN presenters!
Olli's science based answer to the question is exactly why we love his presentation skills. This was a fascinating video, hope none of the team got too cold, although my heart goes out to the freezing cold camera person on the back of the motorbike.
Great vid. 🙂 I'd like to add a bit of further information on Walser and the bike from my memory: Walser not only built tt bikes but also racing sleds which was what he started with. The bikes were actually a smaller part of his business than the sleds. In late 2003 (I think) German magazine "Tour" visited Walser in his factory in Switzerland where he told about doing night shifts before the 2003 Tour. I think not all Bianchi riders had their Walser bike ready for the prologue and the last ones arrived just in time for the team time trial (stage 4 I think). During these night shifts he was eating old chocolate easter bunnies with expired best before dates as it was the only thing available and it paid a toll on his stomach but the bikes arrived on time for the team time trial. :-D More over the success of these bikes wasn't really new as Team Gerolsteiner was using them at least since 2002 (while being supplied by Wilier officially). Michael Rich served as a test driver for Walser and Gerolsteiner whenever they tried something new. When Gerolsteiner folded some of these were up for grabs at the sale at the headquarter. Around 2010 Walser created a tt bike in cooperation with Focus. I remember an interview from that time in which he explained that the shape of a rider's leg influences the whole aerodynamic and so building a bike for an unknown group of buyers is guessing in this regard but he tried to create a shape which would work with most legs and get a good result despite not being perfect for anybody as it's not possible. Since then he seems to have vanished away a bit from the cycling scene as far as I know.
I appreciate you guys actually uttering the name Lance Armstrong. It seems to have been verboten for a fair number of years. Great bit guys, keep the content coming!
It was a great, exciting and epic era of cycling with one of the most memorable stages ever ridden. And the field was very much on the same level in terms of doping.
Whatever you think about Lance and the dopers, it was always annoying when people went out of their way to never mention him or anyone from that time. THIS video mentioned Lance AND Jan!!
I'd love to know how you're managing to get such clear audio when riding. Storm force winds and going for it, yet totally crisp and clear! A vid on documenting your tour/bikepacking would be brilliant.
I have the road version of that bike, with the full sexiest Dura Ace ever made, and it is lighting fast, and super responsive. It is one bike I will never sell, even have the full TMobile kit as well. Can ya tell I'm a huge Jan fan lol. Good video guys!
Ollie was riding at 265 - 270 watts on these bikes... "That" makes me feel really good, because last month I trained on Zwift at 272.14 at an average of 9.8 miles! Not bad for an "Olde Guy"! Cool bikes!
Big love for the B4040. But could I propose a new GCN test track, not far from the B4040? The Little Somerford > Great Somerford > Dauntsey loop is almost exactly 10km. And you can pop in for coffee in my kitchen when you've finished. Just don't ride it in the other direction (because I have the Strava KOM and want to keep it that way!).
I love this series. Si seemed to cope really well with the extreme position. Despite moaning about getting old, you are far from it man. I really envy your hip functionality.
I love that Si rode at perceived effort. This is exactly why I like endurance bikes. You lose a bit of aero, but gain longevity and comfort. And at the extremes, like in this video, even on short routes the times can even out, and you still wind up more comfortable.
This video was fantastic, I think videos always come across particularly well when the presenters are genuinely interested in what they are talking about. Well done lads!
Great work impressive day to be out in the elements as a presenter also whom ever else was there to support/run a camera, thumbs up for sacrificing your comfort to keep me entertained.
This bike and the greatest machine in cycling history together were the perfect liason. For me ir always was a pleasure to watch Jan Ulrich cycling, what a talent he was! Especially in time trial with his Walser... I ride a aeroad too - but with etap and dt Swiss. It's a fantastic bike i think!
Olli/Si you ought to continue this series with a look at the cousin of the Lotus Bike, The Giant MCR. I was involved with Mike Burrows on the design and I also have a pristine MCR you could borrow.
I think we hit "peak aero" a long time ago when it comes to bikes. I have a 2007 Felt DA that has a similar geometry to the Giant and its invariably always fast when I race it . Just did a sprint duathlon this past saturday and averaged over 26 mph on it. My neck gets stiff because of the low front end but its quick. LOL
I remember the first time I rode a carbon bike (on a British road no less with all the bumps and potholes), it was terrifying. Imagine being the first person ever to ride a carbon monocoque frame, flying down a descent, without that underlying sense of security that others have done it before you. Fair play!
The era of the micro TT frame! 👍. A club mate back in the day had a Cougar in an almost French Blue colour. It was stunning and fast...... I asked him if I could buy it?, he said No! 😏
Admire GCN and specially these presenters, but in this video almost every major fact is wrong. This bike never beat Armstrong neither is this an Andreas Walser Bike. In facht Jan Ullrich rode a "Walser-Bianchi" in 2003 when he almost defeated Armstrong. I would LOVE to see you test the Real Walser bike in this series since this was just a great beast of a bike.
What bike do you want us to try and beat next? Let us know in the comments! 👇
The trek TT bike lance used
One of the early triathlon bikes
A Brompton 😐
I'd like to see these TT bikes ridden on a velodrome (yes, I understand the bottom bracket and crank length issue) with a set normalised power - so you could actually rank them meaningfully.
The TT bikes and comparisons are great, but what about a similar series with a climb and famous climbing bikes? Start off with maybe one of Robert Millar's TDF bikes? I'm sure Philippa would be a great source of info on the bikes too, I know custom parts were used sometimes - Pete Matthews wheels for example
Ollie is SO fast @ 14:00 the shock wave of his passing blasted the trash bid over!
Well spotted!
Rocket man 🚀
And again at 19:23. I came here to comment that Ollie has now dropped two TdF champions and two rubbish bins.
14:02 the Green bin was so impressed it opened its mouth in awe, and fainted 😂
😂
Love the genuine discussion at the end! si and ollie best duo
This had to be one of your best vintage bike test I've ever seen you guys so enthralled with. Bravo
to you both keep up the good work.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it. Why not check out out Retro vs Modern documentary on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
This is the most epic presenter duo since Dan and Matt.
Don't tell Dan 🤫
I have to agree natural and they know there stuff great to watch
Nice to see Simon is back!
Agree. Ollie and Simon are top presenters and by far best riders of the group
Both made me keep on GCN
Ollie is going so fast that he's knocking bins over!
„Bins“😭😭😭 i love that word😂
You could say...It got dropped...
I'll let myself out
@@gcn Ollie's now dropping everyone and everything in sight !
Yep was just going to comment on the bin. Not a very aero bin…
That bin was rubbish.
The position is almost all that matters. The frame makes very little difference anyway. From my time trial experience I can say that very, very good aero handlebars like the Vision TFA & Co can be significantly faster than normal handlebars that only look aerodynamic but then have clamping devices everywhere, for example. But we're talking about maybe 8 watts at 45 km/h. Maximum. So only if you can hide the brake cables better with the TFA handlebars. Otherwise, there's not much to be gained. And I'm talking about the difference between basebar + extensions and not time trial bike cockpit vs. racing bike handlebars. The Walser is a super cool bike, no question. Walser himself once said that there was hardly any further development compared to the bike, so not much to get. Except, in this case, for the cable routing. But all in all, what distinguishes a road bike, whether aero or not, from a time trial or triathlon bike is most of all the position of the rider. And clearly: if the bike position is not adapted to the rider, then it is not maximally fast. With road bike positions, you can help a little with more degrees of freedom during the ride. This is hardly possible with a fixed TT position. Or significantly less. Ollie himself knows how much aero optimisations can make a difference, and it's crazy. In this respect, it is also the case that the Lotusbike MUST actually be faster, if the position is set correctly or can be set correctly. Because the frame itself and the handlebars and cables only make up a fraction. We are easily talking about 80% to 20% here. But the 20% includes not only the frame, but also all the rest such as wheels, handlebars, etc. In this respect, with a good time trial position, the time trial bikes should always, really always win, unless the course is very, very hilly. The Walser was and is a very fast bike. But what was really fast in 2003 was a well-trained Jan Ullrich, unlike many other years. Unfortunately - or fortunately in 2003.
That Ullrich bike is living room artwork. Stunning!
GCN should have a regular 'go-to' test circuit, much like a certain show of the past where 3 gentlemen and a mysterious white-clad test driver held entertaining drives. GCN should have a mysterious 'unknown' test rider to test these legendary bikes. LOL! Great show, Si and Ollie, and all the other GCN presenters!
Olli's science based answer to the question is exactly why we love his presentation skills. This was a fascinating video, hope none of the team got too cold, although my heart goes out to the freezing cold camera person on the back of the motorbike.
Hahaha glad you enjoyed the video 🙌 Was a cold wet day 🥶
I know Ollie puts some power out but blowing a wheely bin over with his draft takes him to another level!
Great vid. 🙂
I'd like to add a bit of further information on Walser and the bike from my memory:
Walser not only built tt bikes but also racing sleds which was what he started with. The bikes were actually a smaller part of his business than the sleds.
In late 2003 (I think) German magazine "Tour" visited Walser in his factory in Switzerland where he told about doing night shifts before the 2003 Tour. I think not all Bianchi riders had their Walser bike ready for the prologue and the last ones arrived just in time for the team time trial (stage 4 I think). During these night shifts he was eating old chocolate easter bunnies with expired best before dates as it was the only thing available and it paid a toll on his stomach but the bikes arrived on time for the team time trial. :-D
More over the success of these bikes wasn't really new as Team Gerolsteiner was using them at least since 2002 (while being supplied by Wilier officially). Michael Rich served as a test driver for Walser and Gerolsteiner whenever they tried something new. When Gerolsteiner folded some of these were up for grabs at the sale at the headquarter.
Around 2010 Walser created a tt bike in cooperation with Focus. I remember an interview from that time in which he explained that the shape of a rider's leg influences the whole aerodynamic and so building a bike for an unknown group of buyers is guessing in this regard but he tried to create a shape which would work with most legs and get a good result despite not being perfect for anybody as it's not possible.
Since then he seems to have vanished away a bit from the cycling scene as far as I know.
Thanks for the info!
ruclips.net/video/vzr-8z2FhoY/видео.html
I appreciate you guys actually uttering the name Lance Armstrong. It seems to have been verboten for a fair number of years. Great bit guys, keep the content coming!
It was a great, exciting and epic era of cycling with one of the most memorable stages ever ridden. And the field was very much on the same level in terms of doping.
Whatever you think about Lance and the dopers, it was always annoying when people went out of their way to never mention him or anyone from that time.
THIS video mentioned Lance AND Jan!!
I'd love to know how you're managing to get such clear audio when riding. Storm force winds and going for it, yet totally crisp and clear! A vid on documenting your tour/bikepacking would be brilliant.
You should check out some of our films on GCN+ 👉 plus.globalcyclingnetwork.com/films
I have the road version of that bike, with the full sexiest Dura Ace ever made, and it is lighting fast, and super responsive. It is one bike I will never sell, even have the full TMobile kit as well. Can ya tell I'm a huge Jan fan lol.
Good video guys!
The T-mobile kit certainly would've made it better!
Ollie was riding at 265 - 270 watts on these bikes... "That" makes me feel really good, because last month I trained on Zwift at 272.14 at an average of 9.8 miles! Not bad for an "Olde Guy"! Cool bikes!
Awesome power. Well done indeed
Thanks, Mate! 62 years old and still rocking. Anyone can do it.
Well done mate 272 is really not easy especially for 62 years old 👍
Thanks, Buddy! We can all use kind words, and you succeeded in making my day!
Holy crap: when the bin blew over at 19:23. That nearly made me spit my tea across the room!
They sure picked a miserable day for it!
GCN have gotten back on track with these videos! It's awesome to see these old but iconic bikes back in use!
Thanks! You should check out our 'World's rarest bikes' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/wrb
@@gcn Seriously?? The moment I compliment the channel, you use it as an opportunity to promote a paid app? Come on... I'm disappointed. Again.
This is exactly why we love riding bikes: because the tech, the storys, the history, the legends, the own experience and the bonding.
Have you seen our 'Retro vs modern documentary on GCN+? 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
geez.. Ollie is so fast and powerful now that the draft from his bike is able to knock over wheelie bins 14:01 #thecyclingpoltergeist
Those T-Mobile and Telekom bikes just looked cool, something about the livery just looks so fast
Time and time again as of late, you guys are nailing the interest card for videos!! This series is mint lads ❤️
Thanks a lot! Glad you enjoyed it
Love this series. I didn't get into cycling till recently. So getting to see these classic bikes in action is seriously cool.
Thanks! If you liked that, you should check out our Retro vs modern film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
Love the content guys!
Great to see an older bike holding its own!
I think those 60mm wheels and aero bars had a lot yo do with it! 🔥
Cheers! It truly is special isn't it!
For sure!
Weapon!.
I had a litespeed blade which the was same bike lance road in a few TOF TT's. Beautiful bike. He labelled it as a trek in think. Such a classic bike..
But in 2003 Ullrich rode for Bianchi not for T-Mobile. also his TT bike was Bianchi as you can see in the picuters at the beginning.
Big love for the B4040. But could I propose a new GCN test track, not far from the B4040? The Little Somerford > Great Somerford > Dauntsey loop is almost exactly 10km. And you can pop in for coffee in my kitchen when you've finished. Just don't ride it in the other direction (because I have the Strava KOM and want to keep it that way!).
Epic comment right here :) :) hahaha! But hey, seriously, I had a look at the map and if Im ever out that way I would also be happy to stop by??
The wake Ollie left around that corner - so much that it knocked over a bin. Wow.
Love the bike and all the bikes you guys have shown on this series.
Can't beat some nice retro tech 🙌
Great video! History, entertainment, good information - well done!
I hate riding in the rain. Especially cold, windy rain. Otherwise, great video! What a bike!
thankfully the internet exists and we can see you showcasing these great bikes thank you
If you liked that, you should check out the films we've made on GCN+ like this one, 'Retro vs modern' 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
Great video guys and much admiration for risking riding what must be a very valuable bike in that wind 👍👍👍🤩🤩
I love this series. Si seemed to cope really well with the extreme position. Despite moaning about getting old, you are far from it man. I really envy your hip functionality.
Si isn't on comments today but nice try 😉
I remember Klöden could be so narrow on this bike, while Ulrich looked big on it! Both was like Rockets. :D
I love that Si rode at perceived effort. This is exactly why I like endurance bikes. You lose a bit of aero, but gain longevity and comfort. And at the extremes, like in this video, even on short routes the times can even out, and you still wind up more comfortable.
Great job guys despite the horrible weather condition, wind was crazy. Thank you for video.
Glad you liked it!
This video was fantastic, I think videos always come across particularly well when the presenters are genuinely interested in what they are talking about. Well done lads!
Great work impressive day to be out in the elements as a presenter also whom ever else was there to support/run a camera, thumbs up for sacrificing your comfort to keep me entertained.
Wow! 14:00 Dr (hurricane) Ollie flies past so fast he drags a wheelie bin in his wake! Respect.
Kudos to you both that looked savage out there. Very entertaining though 👍🏻
Glad you enjoyed it!
You know what’s not Aero? Si’s Windscreen size glasses! Another quality video GCN.
Enjoying this series thanks!
Thanks! If you're enjoying this, you might also like our doc about the Lotus 108 & 110 bikes 👉 gcn.eu/7u6
Siborg on that vintage tt is quite an aesthetic...
Excellent video. Didn’t know about the bike manufacturer. Thanx and greetings from Ecuador 🇪🇨
Thanks! If you enjoyed this, you might also like our 'Retro VS Modern' bike doc here 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
01:12 I'm not sure that's what a rocket ship sounds like.
This bike and the greatest machine in cycling history together were the perfect liason. For me ir always was a pleasure to watch Jan Ulrich cycling, what a talent he was! Especially in time trial with his Walser...
I ride a aeroad too - but with etap and dt Swiss. It's a fantastic bike i think!
Great show and great video guys - DANKE and regards from Germany
Those T-Mobile logos on the wheels are fantastic.
The Aeroad is such a good looking bike 😍
Isn't it! If you like that, you should check out our documentary on GCN+ about the World's rarest bikes! 👉 gcn.eu/wrb
It's cool you guys covered this. 2003 is my favorite TdF edition.
Olli/Si you ought to continue this series with a look at the cousin of the Lotus Bike, The Giant MCR. I was involved with Mike Burrows on the design and I also have a pristine MCR you could borrow.
We have a film on GCN+ about the Lotus 108 and 110. Check it out! 👉 gcn.eu/7u6
@@gcn yeah seen it… hence my suggestion above 😃👍
Hi Stuart, yeah we'd be totally keen to borrow it if you're happy to let us ride it! Can you drop us a line please? Thanks, Si
@@gcn yeah no problem. Where to?
Si where do I need to contact you at?
13:58 i love how the waste bin just gets knocked over by the blast of wind in ollie's wake.
14:00 even the bin was blown away by that speed
I think we hit "peak aero" a long time ago when it comes to bikes. I have a 2007 Felt DA that has a similar geometry to the Giant and its invariably always fast when I race it . Just did a sprint duathlon this past saturday and averaged over 26 mph on it. My neck gets stiff because of the low front end but its quick. LOL
What jacket is Si wearing and why aren’t they available in the GCN shop?
Those black and pink wheels are gorgeous
So enjoyed this particular video posting , enjoying the humour 🚴♀️🚴♀️.
Ollie is so fast nowadays!!! He’s knocking over bins!
Ollie was so fast on the retro TT bike, his wake blew over the trash bin at 14:02!! 😂
That TT bike is wicked. A look at the future of bikes to come.
13:58 That entrance tho', makes you really understand whats going on with the wind
Ollie riding and the garbage can blowing over in the wind behind him. Was that the weather, or the wicked aero wind blast that he's created? Epic!
Kudos also to the filming team. A great job in crappy conditions 👏
Cheers! They weren't invited to Majorca for this one 🥺
Is it possible to get one of Lance Armstrong's bike frames (unridden secondary frames included)?
I remember the first time I rode a carbon bike (on a British road no less with all the bumps and potholes), it was terrifying. Imagine being the first person ever to ride a carbon monocoque frame, flying down a descent, without that underlying sense of security that others have done it before you. Fair play!
"... It sounds like a rocket ship. NEOWW." 😂 Can't not give this vid a like after that.
Ollie's flow is a thing of beauty.
Them deep section wheels on a windy day, oh joy.
Wow the speed! Even took a wheelie bin out!
Integrated seat posts are great. I've got an alloy track bike with one.
14:00
Ollie went sooo fast by that bin, that knocked it down!!!...
Very interesting video. Very much enjoyed seeing the vintage aero bike.
awesome. thank you!
Quality presenters … with Ollie’s new found power these 2 are the best and we need em to race each other straight up
Amazing video more of this
Please tell us the audio music track excellent, kudos to the editors
Love how you guys pick the crapiest day to ride one of the most beautiful TT Bikes. HAha
Ollie is so quick the wind coming off him knocked over that bin 14:01
I have so much love for the Walser and Jan Ullrich. I never clicked on one of the GCN videos so fast as this.
If you enjoyed this video, you might also like our 'Retro VS Modern' doc! You can check it out here 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
Ace video boys good watch 👍🏻
I remember watching this epic time trial in 2003, it looked like one bloke was on a motorbike whilst the rest were on pushys
Would have been nice to know the power on Si's runs with the same "perceived effort". Good vid though lads.
I wonder which took more of a battering throughout their time with Ulrich: that bike's cranks or Ulrich's knee cartilage
the latter, ulrich pedaling style cause him plenty of injuries... quite sad 😭😭😭
The era of the micro TT frame! 👍. A club mate back in the day had a Cougar in an almost French Blue colour. It was stunning and fast...... I asked him if I could buy it?, he said No! 😏
Admire GCN and specially these presenters, but in this video almost every major fact is wrong. This bike never beat Armstrong neither is this an Andreas Walser Bike. In facht Jan Ullrich rode a "Walser-Bianchi" in 2003 when he almost defeated Armstrong. I would LOVE to see you test the Real Walser bike in this series since this was just a great beast of a bike.
I’d be interested to see the power difference in Si’s runs to see the watts saved.
A minute of silence for our fallen comrade.
R.I.P Bin
10:35... that leaf must've played havoc with Ullrich's bike's CDA! Like a fork parachute
As a Scot, I can't help but laugh upon hearing the Cotswolds described as a wilderness.
Us southerners have to be a bit more creative with the word 😉
What a gorgeous bicycle ❤️💪🏻
Isn't it! You should check out our World's rarest bikes film on GCN+ for more amazing bikes! 👉 gcn.eu/wrb
The turbulence coming from off olly knocking a bin over @20.04 we knew he had improved but wow 😂😂😂
I managed to pick up a Giant TCR in kids sizing for my son in the same T-Mobile colour scheme last year
What a find 🙌 lucky kid!
Wonder how much faster ullrich’s bike became with his xentis mark 1 set in it. It was looking fast AF🥰
14:00 - That’s some heavy head wind to blow over a trash bin!
i hope your team gets the opportunity to ride one of Lance's TT bikes
Cracking video 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 so we now need to see the Lotus bike that ye've already riden vs this "Gaint" bike please 🙏 😀
We made a film on GCN+ about the Lotus bikes. You should check it out! 👉 gcn.eu/7u6
Just an epic bike and fantastic job men!
Love the rebranding of zipps
Iban Mayos Orbea Starship special from 2004. If you can find one. Its not aero though, sorry.