Poor old Alex. Getting all that flack for something so trivial. It was a bloody bike build that cost a few quid more than expected. Hardly life and death, is it?!
GCN gave a false narrative as a journalistic organization. Alex lived in a bubble as a former pro rider with a Dura Ace crankset lying around a parts pile. This is why you hire Copy Editors check every piece of work for errors, inconsistencies and clarity; before they are published.
A 30% markup on the target cost for the build ain't a 'trivial' difference. I mean, who doesn't have a Dura Ace crankset lying around in their house? /s 2:30 Yup, this is the real issue with the story.
@@rogersimmons8788 No. Light entertainment is Ollie testing the effects of alcohol on riding. It is what it is, I don't think anyone can take such content seriously. But if you put out a video where you're supposed to show the average viewer, I don't know, maybe that's just entertainment for you, oh master bike builder. But for other people genuinely looking for tips on how to build a decent bike on a budget, and you go and use parts that you already have, it's kind of a sloppy job, isn't it? Not really in the spirit of what you're supposed to be doing in this case. Yeah, some people do give a crap about lazy & misleading content.
GCN is a funny one. I love it but hate it at the same time. The challenges and long rides are fun but the rehashed informercial stuff is absolute bollocks and it makes me sad that people maybe dont see them for what they are? Also, they will never replicate the chemistry of the original 4. A lot of those earlier videos are just iconic for me.
I agree so much! While certain videos are still somewhat interesting (Ollie is doing not a bad job to get actually some data eg) all the opinions on new products are unfortunately worthless. I understand that they need the sponsors, but actual testing and some critique here and there would really help to keep at least some authenticy in this regard.
GCN are such bike snobs in my view. Their long freakout video about leaning your bike against something because it might get scratched or never turning your bike upside down to do anything (the woman confessed she wouldn't know how to change a flat with the bike upside down). What? lol
I’m very much a beginner cyclist in every way. I really like gcn. It’s good entertainment and they cover a wide variety of topics. If they are helping to widen cycling to more people such as myself then surely that’s a good thing? We’re it not for them I dare say I wouldn’t be as keen as I Am now.
well said. so it turns out there’s commerce in day to day life. unless we’re all entrepreneurs we get paid by someone pushing something…. and if we are, then it’s us pushing it. it can be done nicely and ethically, it also turns out.
i don't think Alex was that far off with 100 pounds for a used 10 speed dura ace crankset; and as Francis mentioned, if it had been a 10-speed used ultegra the bike would have performed the same. Also, whether the crank was $100 or $200 didn't really impact what the series was about. He still did ok in an elite race with a spare parts bike on a commuter frame. Some people just love to hate GCN. Some of their output can be a bit cringy; but some of it is entertaining and informative, and all on their youtube channel is free. The race coverage and films on GCN plus have transformed what cycling, particularly racing, we are able to watch in the US. The cycling community is too small to be picking sides. I see friend of the show Chris Hall is hanging out with them in Austria.
I think people get upset because they know there's no way that one can build a bike for less than 1k with a dura ace crank and probably feel GCN is just click baiting them. After all, having one lying around doesn't or shouldn't count since most people don't have that luxury.
For me that whole thing was a very interesting idea, shame Alex met such harsh critique, and i wish he ends series, but i must say for 1000 pounds you can probably buy new bike that is likely to outperform that old bike Alex bought
The only thing I would say about the bike build is I don’t see the point. The cost ended up around the same price as a similar new bike which will come with a warranty and all new parts. There does not seem to be any benefit in the bike build and buying a secondhand bike is always a risk.
GCN budget builds have got a bit notorious for using stuff just lying around or a local bike shop just happened to find hauded at the back of their store room. Thing is, I would speculate most of us viewers aren't ex-pros and our parts bins are actually full of discarded junk. Also, not every bike store is going to take time out to find cheap unwanted parts, understandably so.
GMBN had a "budget" DH Bike build which consisted of a fork they got refurbished for free by someone they knew and 26" wheels they got to test at no cost. A budget is unfair to reach if the stuff you're getting at no cost is because you're a RUclips channel - that's not reflective of the average viewer's experience.
From my experience not even close. Tiagra will have more drag and will be more likely to creak. Although Dura Ace cranks are also known to delaminate and thusly creak, but it's a much less common occurrence than a Tiagra creak.
the gcn thing definatley dont let the truth get in the way of a good story ... you could always just stick a generic crank on teh bike and save money tpo spend elseware .
Some ideas for the bikes under 600 pounds: 1. Do a charity raffle via your RUclips channel. 2. Donate to a needy cause for them to raffle off. 3. Make a video showing you donating them to someone (clicks for coin). 4. Send me one? Keep up the great content.
My 2c worth on it, was it a mistake - sure. Could Alex have said "I had this Dura-Ace crank laying around, literally I'm an ex-professional racer and I'll use it for speed but you can buy a used Ultegra crank for $125 and it'll perform just the same" - yup. Did he put out his amendment video saying just as much, yes. People need to lighten up, because while it was an error - everyone who was complaining are just being keyboard warriors because they know too well you can get a used crank for $125 no problem.
Agreed. Look at the major change when Muc-Off bailed and Silca became a major sponsor. Everything is now "wax your chain". Total bullshit. I can clean and wet lube a chain in under 15 minutes. Takes a minimum just to remove your chain properly. BTW, every chain manufacturer recommends fitting the chain and not removing it unless you are replacing it.
No such thing as bad publicity ? Brings GCN to the top of an agenda point. Jimmi & Francis' recent videos on budget price point bike builds are arguably a better / informative and reasoned set of vlogs, offering a genuine spread of alternative ready made bikes & builds 👍
You should not buy used and worn cranks to match them with new parts. It will be technically far better to buy a cheaper new option and use that instead.
I bought a dura ace fc-7900 crank for £70 and built up a Felt b2r pro for £800 (excluding wheels because i have plenty, but with some parts left over to sell on). Alex was ripped off.
I like what Alex has been doing with his Postal Service-era Trek, just that, yes, he should be realistic with the cost of components. Still, not bad enough for fans to lose any sleep over it. And he did a great job, as you've done recently with discount bikes, showing that a thousand-dollar or pound Canyon generates reasonably close performance to their high-end models, at least under normal conditions by everyday riders. So, all in all, Alex is on the right track, just that maybe he should have a shop list the value of his components, new or used..
It was a total over reaction! You can get a brand new 11 speed Ultegra crank for £230 so I have no doubt you could get a second hand one for about £100 and it would make zero difference to the bike! The internet generation just love to have an excuse to get angry.
This is the least issue with GCN, that video is completelly fine, sh*t happens. Much bigger issue with GCN lately is that it seems more and more like factory for product placement.
I used to love GCN. The original four were great, funny, had such a good relationship and looked like they were doing it because they loved it. Then Matt left, Lasty disappeared and the channel became the Global Commercial Network. Such a shame. Thing is, they aren't alone because lots of bike websites and magazines etc. do what their paymasters say and push certain products. I prefer truly independent outlets and media because you get the truth and the whole story. I still watch old GCN videos more than the newer ones. Each to their own eh. As for the crank mistake, I couldn't really care. A hell of a lot of bike stuff (especially that marketed as a premium product) is overpriced anyway. If anything, the issue here is Shimano's marketing team leading everyone to believe a crank is worth that price.
Guys its a 9 speed crank. You‘d be lucky to get 100 for it. You guys just hear dura ace and off you go. You didn’t check over your videos! Did you actually see the crank? Or did you just hear dura ace?
Cmon back off Alex FFS we should be more aware of the big brands ruthlessly taking our sheckles. The podcast is great and definitely the way forward whose your next guest?.
People need to get a life. I've just built up a $AUD700 (ie 350 GBP) bike with a new Ultegra crank I had laying around....I know it's a big step to D/A but still ...
Alex is the nicest guy at GCN but when you come up with such an intentionally clickbaity title and then fail to pull it off, a little criticism is well-deserved. Just for clickbaitery. I understand that you might up in such situation when first video in the series is aired before the following ones are even shot and produced (including part sourcing issues) - but they are known for just ignoring their limits, GCN had multiple of such videos and they were always putting on their expensive Speedplay powermeter pedals as well....
I just don't get people slagging off GCN. 3.1M subscribers. It's big. It's commercial. Production is polished. It's successful. It's a business. The point of a business is to make a profit. But is that wrong? 3.1 million subscribers says they're doing the right thing.
Cade Media are really angry with GCN. No-one else gives a shit, we all know what GCN is, and accept it for what it is. The 'this is why you're all wrong' content is lazy and says more about the people posting it than anything else.
All of these "cheap bike" videos are a frikkin joke. No regular joe can afford any of them anyway. My bike cost me around £300 including a brand new drive train, new saddle, new handlebars and new mid-range tyres. You know what? Its an absolute blast to ride! The bike industry is ridiculous, no wonder they're sitting on a ton of mid priced inventory that just isnt moving at all. But hey keep buying fancy new bikes, it means more choice in the second hand market for us regular joes.
Poor old Alex. Getting all that flack for something so trivial. It was a bloody bike build that cost a few quid more than expected. Hardly life and death, is it?!
GCN gave a false narrative as a journalistic organization. Alex lived in a bubble as a former pro rider with a Dura Ace crankset lying around a parts pile. This is why you hire Copy Editors check every piece of work for errors, inconsistencies and clarity; before they are published.
@@iMadrid11 I think you're taking life rather too seriously!
A 30% markup on the target cost for the build ain't a 'trivial' difference. I mean, who doesn't have a Dura Ace crankset lying around in their house? /s
2:30 Yup, this is the real issue with the story.
@@AG-el6vt It's a bit of light entertainment FFS. Who gives a crap?
@@rogersimmons8788 No. Light entertainment is Ollie testing the effects of alcohol on riding. It is what it is, I don't think anyone can take such content seriously.
But if you put out a video where you're supposed to show the average viewer, I don't know, maybe that's just entertainment for you, oh master bike builder. But for other people genuinely looking for tips on how to build a decent bike on a budget, and you go and use parts that you already have, it's kind of a sloppy job, isn't it? Not really in the spirit of what you're supposed to be doing in this case.
Yeah, some people do give a crap about lazy & misleading content.
GCN is a funny one. I love it but hate it at the same time. The challenges and long rides are fun but the rehashed informercial stuff is absolute bollocks and it makes me sad that people maybe dont see them for what they are?
Also, they will never replicate the chemistry of the original 4. A lot of those earlier videos are just iconic for me.
I agree so much! While certain videos are still somewhat interesting (Ollie is doing not a bad job to get actually some data eg) all the opinions on new products are unfortunately worthless. I understand that they need the sponsors, but actual testing and some critique here and there would really help to keep at least some authenticy in this regard.
GCN are such bike snobs in my view. Their long freakout video about leaning your bike against something because it might get scratched or never turning your bike upside down to do anything (the woman confessed she wouldn't know how to change a flat with the bike upside down). What? lol
I literally have a DA9000 chainset lying about too. Probably not the point, but he's not so out of touch.
GCN is still great. There always will be hit and miss with videos. Still way more entertaining then Netfix. 😅
I’m very much a beginner cyclist in every way. I really like gcn. It’s good entertainment and they cover a wide variety of topics. If they are helping to widen cycling to more people such as myself then surely that’s a good thing? We’re it not for them I dare say I wouldn’t be as keen as I
Am now.
You are just the target market they are looking for to push stupidly overpriced product onto.
@@greghart6310 I’ve not bought anything they have marketed. I just like the content and the banter they have.
well said. so it turns out there’s commerce in day to day life. unless we’re all entrepreneurs we get paid by someone pushing something…. and if we are, then it’s us pushing it. it can be done nicely and ethically, it also turns out.
You can get a Sram red 22 rear mech for 40 quid on the bay, the cranks probably cheaper because they are long as hell.
i don't think Alex was that far off with 100 pounds for a used 10 speed dura ace crankset; and as Francis mentioned, if it had been a 10-speed used ultegra the bike would have performed the same. Also, whether the crank was $100 or $200 didn't really impact what the series was about. He still did ok in an elite race with a spare parts bike on a commuter frame. Some people just love to hate GCN. Some of their output can be a bit cringy; but some of it is entertaining and informative, and all on their youtube channel is free. The race coverage and films on GCN plus have transformed what cycling, particularly racing, we are able to watch in the US. The cycling community is too small to be picking sides. I see friend of the show Chris Hall is hanging out with them in Austria.
beautifully put.
Has it been taken down, I cant find it?
some people's parts bin builds are extremely nice.
I think people get upset because they know there's no way that one can build a bike for less than 1k with a dura ace crank and probably feel GCN is just click baiting them. After all, having one lying around doesn't or shouldn't count since most people don't have that luxury.
For me that whole thing was a very interesting idea, shame Alex met such harsh critique, and i wish he ends series, but i must say for 1000 pounds you can probably buy new bike that is likely to outperform that old bike Alex bought
I don't think so. For 1000 pounds you can get only junk nowadays.
The only thing I would say about the bike build is I don’t see the point. The cost ended up around the same price as a similar new bike which will come with a warranty and all new parts. There does not seem to be any benefit in the bike build and buying a secondhand bike is always a risk.
Big deal. I've bought a brand new take-off Cannondale SiSL2 crank for 170 pounds and new Easton EC90 Handlebar for 40 pounds. Sometimes you're lucky.
GCN budget builds have got a bit notorious for using stuff just lying around or a local bike shop just happened to find hauded at the back of their store room. Thing is, I would speculate most of us viewers aren't ex-pros and our parts bins are actually full of discarded junk. Also, not every bike store is going to take time out to find cheap unwanted parts, understandably so.
GMBN had a "budget" DH Bike build which consisted of a fork they got refurbished for free by someone they knew and 26" wheels they got to test at no cost.
A budget is unfair to reach if the stuff you're getting at no cost is because you're a RUclips channel - that's not reflective of the average viewer's experience.
Let's be honest that dura ace crank probably doesn't perform better than a tiagra crank. Everything else he said in the video still holds
From my experience not even close. Tiagra will have more drag and will be more likely to creak. Although Dura Ace cranks are also known to delaminate and thusly creak, but it's a much less common occurrence than a Tiagra creak.
the gcn thing definatley dont let the truth get in the way of a good story ... you could always just stick a generic crank on teh bike and save money tpo spend elseware .
Some ideas for the bikes under 600 pounds: 1. Do a charity raffle via your RUclips channel. 2. Donate to a needy cause for them to raffle off. 3. Make a video showing you donating them to someone (clicks for coin). 4. Send me one? Keep up the great content.
My 2c worth on it, was it a mistake - sure. Could Alex have said "I had this Dura-Ace crank laying around, literally I'm an ex-professional racer and I'll use it for speed but you can buy a used Ultegra crank for $125 and it'll perform just the same" - yup. Did he put out his amendment video saying just as much, yes. People need to lighten up, because while it was an error - everyone who was complaining are just being keyboard warriors because they know too well you can get a used crank for $125 no problem.
GCN is just a series of ads and infomercials these days. I miss Mr. Stevens :(
Yes
Agreed. Look at the major change when Muc-Off bailed and Silca became a major sponsor. Everything is now "wax your chain". Total bullshit. I can clean and wet lube a chain in under 15 minutes. Takes a minimum just to remove your chain properly. BTW, every chain manufacturer recommends fitting the chain and not removing it unless you are replacing it.
Along with the childrens TV presenting style it unwatchable at this point.
and they recently did a video called "Has cycling marketing reached peak BS?" 😂
Matt Stephens was quite literally the entire back bone of GCN.. it's never been the same since he left
No such thing as bad publicity ? Brings GCN to the top of an agenda point.
Jimmi & Francis' recent videos on budget price point bike builds are arguably a better / informative and reasoned set of vlogs, offering a genuine spread of alternative ready made bikes & builds 👍
Coming up next - GCN build a Tour De France pro level bike for 50p using spare parts given to them by sponsors, that they find in the broom cupboard.
You should not buy used and worn cranks to match them with new parts. It will be technically far better to buy a cheaper new option and use that instead.
Love these podcasts 🎉❤
Queue all the comments hating on you Francis 😅😅😅 GCN SYMPATHISER!
Never in the world that crank ost 400, neither it costs 100. But it ain't that huge of a problem.
I bought a dura ace fc-7900 crank for £70 and built up a Felt b2r pro for £800 (excluding wheels because i have plenty, but with some parts left over to sell on). Alex was ripped off.
I like what Alex has been doing with his Postal Service-era Trek, just that, yes, he should be realistic with the cost of components. Still, not bad enough for fans to lose any sleep over it. And he did a great job, as you've done recently with discount bikes, showing that a thousand-dollar or pound Canyon generates reasonably close performance to their high-end models, at least under normal conditions by everyday riders. So, all in all, Alex is on the right track, just that maybe he should have a shop list the value of his components, new or used..
Some alternative reality where people find DA cranks in their bins and parts boxes. I'd like to live in that reality.
Who cares ? It’s hardly making a difference.
I enjoyed the video series.
There’s far worse things in this world that people should raise issue with 😞
It was a total over reaction! You can get a brand new 11 speed Ultegra crank for £230 so I have no doubt you could get a second hand one for about £100 and it would make zero difference to the bike! The internet generation just love to have an excuse to get angry.
Cyclist are the most uptight people on earth sometimes🤦🏽♂️
This is the least issue with GCN, that video is completelly fine, sh*t happens. Much bigger issue with GCN lately is that it seems more and more like factory for product placement.
If people get angry at GCN then they must have a very low threshold for what makes them angry. Its entertainment. The cycling equivalent of Top Gear.
I used to love GCN. The original four were great, funny, had such a good relationship and looked like they were doing it because they loved it. Then Matt left, Lasty disappeared and the channel became the Global Commercial Network. Such a shame. Thing is, they aren't alone because lots of bike websites and magazines etc. do what their paymasters say and push certain products. I prefer truly independent outlets and media because you get the truth and the whole story. I still watch old GCN videos more than the newer ones. Each to their own eh.
As for the crank mistake, I couldn't really care. A hell of a lot of bike stuff (especially that marketed as a premium product) is overpriced anyway. If anything, the issue here is Shimano's marketing team leading everyone to believe a crank is worth that price.
Spot on.
When I feel like entertaining myself, I watch gcn. When I get serious, I watch peak torque and hambini
Guys its a 9 speed crank. You‘d be lucky to get 100 for it. You guys just hear dura ace and off you go. You didn’t check over your videos! Did you actually see the crank? Or did you just hear dura ace?
10 speed, the point stands though.
@@the318pop ok, thanks for clarifying!
Cmon back off Alex FFS we should be more aware of the big brands ruthlessly taking our sheckles. The podcast is great and definitely the way forward whose your next guest?.
I paid £84 for a brand new r8100 crank
The crank is not worth more that 100 . End of the story
People need to get a life. I've just built up a $AUD700 (ie 350 GBP) bike with a new Ultegra crank I had laying around....I know it's a big step to D/A but still ...
😂😂😂 it is a few hundred dollars off 1300 it still under 2000.
You should do a giveaway. With those under 600 pound bikes. Just so you aren’t sitting on them. Maybe a new cyclist would enjoy then
hmmm - im sure you guys get James on for comment generation.....
Sorry but can you guys call this podcast “beside 1 fern”?😂
Alex is the nicest guy at GCN but when you come up with such an intentionally clickbaity title and then fail to pull it off, a little criticism is well-deserved. Just for clickbaitery. I understand that you might up in such situation when first video in the series is aired before the following ones are even shot and produced (including part sourcing issues) - but they are known for just ignoring their limits, GCN had multiple of such videos and they were always putting on their expensive Speedplay powermeter pedals as well....
I just don't get people slagging off GCN. 3.1M subscribers. It's big. It's commercial. Production is polished. It's successful. It's a business. The point of a business is to make a profit. But is that wrong? 3.1 million subscribers says they're doing the right thing.
Cade Media are really angry with GCN. No-one else gives a shit, we all know what GCN is, and accept it for what it is. The 'this is why you're all wrong' content is lazy and says more about the people posting it than anything else.
All of these "cheap bike" videos are a frikkin joke. No regular joe can afford any of them anyway. My bike cost me around £300 including a brand new drive train, new saddle, new handlebars and new mid-range tyres. You know what? Its an absolute blast to ride! The bike industry is ridiculous, no wonder they're sitting on a ton of mid priced inventory that just isnt moving at all. But hey keep buying fancy new bikes, it means more choice in the second hand market for us regular joes.
These muppets are obviously scratching around for content ideas.
Shots fired at GCN….. Cade Media going straight for the jugular
Want to build a bike for £1000, go see Luke at Trace Velo.
Hey Cade, since you and your buddy Alex just have expensive bike gear laying around feel free to send them to me in America 🇺🇸 ❤🎉😊
GCN has gone so far down the commercial rabbit hole that it isn't worth wasting my time on them anymore.
Jimmy on the money
as usual. (i think he spells it ‘jimmi’.)
@@__uorson My phone autocorrects to Jimmy 😉