#askgcntech I have a rim brake bike with aluminum wheels and latex tubes. If I were to switch to carbon wheels with rim brakes could I still run latex tubes on long descents (7 miles, 2600ft) or would I risk blowouts? I do have good braking technique (not riding the brakes). Would it be a mandatory change to butyl or tubeless at that point? Lastly, what would be the most efficient: carbon wheels with butyl, or aluminum wheels with latex?
#askgcntech What is the best lube type for "British" gravel (wet, mud, dirt, sand, gravel, etc) and what type of lube should I take with me for a multi day gravel trip such as the KAW?
The best spare to take with you when you have tubeless is a spare wheel...and some cleaner to get all the sealant muck off. Can you do aero tests using a large dork disk? and another with dual dork disks? 🙂 I guess I better stop using PTFE sprays.....they sure work well though....
#askgcntech is it safe to use a steam cleaner to clean your bike? I've seen some videos online and it looks really handy, but I was wondering if it's similar to a pressure washer and penetrates places it shouldn't? Or are there components that the steam can damage? I've seen even some cleaners marketed specifically for bikes.
One of the best Tech Clinics so far. The dynamic between you three is great. Would certainly love more content for and about what one contributor called Clydesdales - (heavier riders) over 100/110kg.
@@gcntech ...and, as someone who was 90kg pre-injury and is now 100kg, i am super interested in a study on rider weight affects on equipment, climbing, etc - i mean, i can FEEL how much slower i am going uphill now. conversely, downhill is faster now... ;)
@Galen Kehler the losses are small at when you're not going over 35kph. And if you're going faster than that for a sustained period, you're probably in a group and not at the front of the group for very long.
I'm 68kg and have also been using 32mm tubeless for about a year. I love the comfort, stability and control. And if anything I'm averaging quicker than my old 28mm with inner tubes😀
Thank you for having Josh Poertner on the show. He is amazing in his ability to answer any question you through at him in terms we can all understand without sacrificing detail. I feel like if you asked him how to build an atomic clock, he would answer in a minute and everyone would be able to go into their garage a build one in an afternoon.
🏆🏆🏆 You have created a compelling formula for discussing technical topics with a unique perspective. Josh has the ability to answer controversial questions with flair, poise and credibility. Yves and Ollie add useful commentary and with good follow-up questions 👍. Aside: I was wondering why Silca has been creating more innovative products as of late. Now I know why. Keep up the good work guys.
I like the way Josh thinks about his answers. He has a real gift for explaining tech with words not techies can understand. And he also explains his position with facts and science. Invite him back as often as possible as a guest. He really fits well with you GCN bike nerds.
My CX bike (2016 Jake the Snake) has: up to 40c tires, fenders (with 35 or smaller tires), rear rack, two bottle cages....and like 6,000 miles on it because it truly does it all from canyon roads to non-techy singletrack (but i've never CX raced it!). Is 2016 before the wave of gravel-specific bikes? I got rid of my carbon hardtail, but kept Jake, along with a dedicated road bike and full suspension MTB.
I have a 17 JTS. It actually fits studded 42s without any issues. I ran it through the winter without fenders. My older 13 Kona Rove CX could fit 50s without fenders or the same 42s with
@Veganpotter Thevegan I've owned 5 other bikes simultaneously to this one. Im not a "gravel rider" so 1000/yr seems pretty decent for the bike used only then for mixed surface and fender-weatether riding. Plenty of other rides on the road and mountain bikes to complement it!
Great video guys! Love Josh's knowledge! I'm 210 lbs and switched to 32c over winter for reflective sidewalls. I run tubeless at 60-65 psi in dry conditions and 55-60 lbs in wet. The ride quality is awesome and I am as fast as I need to be for a commute bike with storage for all 4 seasons (in Seattle). I also run Silca secret chain blend (no PTFE!). Re-waxing is simple and an easy evening chore once a week or so. I get to spend more time with my bike, and it's much cleaner with no grease. I describe it as a luxury sedan. Solid, tight, and a bit heavier and more luxurious (steel/carbon fork) :) Ride on everyone 🚲
Josh is an honest legend, I'll listen more if he is on regularly. His answer for weight vs. aero on wheels didn't take into account steady rolling vs. crit like constantly stop and go accelerations. The weight takes it's toll when accelerating
If you look at the math, there's three things wheels need to overcome on your bike. Aerodynamics, wheel mass, wheel inertia. Aero is the dominant factor that makes a difference, followed by mass which is 10 times less significant, and over coming wheel inertia which is 100 times less than that. Now let's take into account that you're already moving when accelerating in a crit. The mass/inertia you need to overcome is almost nothing, like way below a percent.
Wouldn't it also be Watts/KG, not just Watts, since I'm a fatty and going slower on those 7.5%+ grades and need way more watts to go fast enough for aero gains? Would be really interested to see the equation to see how rider mass might actually cancel out.
absolutely loved having josh on - he brings a very unique perspective to the discussion points (thinking about the PTFE/PFAS stuff) and that adds another level of credibility. perhaps he can join in via zoom/etc every now and again? :)
I love my cross bike, always loved her. I bought when the gravel bike fever was unknown, and swap conti5000 and schwalbe cx tires for summer and winter rides. ✌🏾
Last year I did 3 UCI Gravel Races with my CX Canyon inflate 6, I can't complain, it's lighter, it's faster in the corners, it handles very well, for me 35mm tyre is enough. This year I will do 4 more competitions, already one this weekend in Valkenburg, Holland.
Came scrolling trought comments to see if anyone pointed this out. I'm preety sure, author of the question have not meant CX (cyclo cross) bike, just a cross bike. Like an even more modest XC (cross country)
Thanks for answering my question, but I feel yu have misinterpreted the question .. I was not talking about cyclocross race bikes, but cross/touring bikes (e.g. Merida Crossway) As I have mentioned in my original question)
Thank you for addressing the differences between cross bikes and gravel ones, and why the latter gets more coverage than the former. I was wondering about the same thing. It's clear now.
@@LukaszMielczarek Ah, that's funny. The first question referred to a "cross bike," and the GCN presenters thought it was synonymous to a "cyclocross bike," as was obvious from their response. In fact, in the US, "cross bikes" usually mean "cyclocross bikes." That may be the case in the UK, too.
I think the first commentator was not talking about cyclocross bikes, much rather about a rigid flat bar bike with not too big, knobbly 700c tyres. I think english speakers would refer to them as fitness bikes.
Silca frame pumps with the plastic head brings back memories, from the 80's, where most riders were on 20mm tires. With that frame pump, you'd start sweating at 85 psi, grunting at 90 psi, and cursing at 95 psi. On the other hand, my 38 year old Silca Track pump works like new. Back in the 80's, I got it on sale for $25 USD. Speaking of spoking, I once built up a rear wheel, with a large flange hub, 4 cross. I had read somewhere that 4X wheels could be crashed, and not destroyed.
Here in Belgium we have HUGE Pfas/Pfos scandals now comming out from 3M that has been polluting the neighbourhoods of their industries. Rural areas are adviced to not eat anything produced in open air like from gardens or eggs from free range chickens.
A show very well done. Using paper money to ride a damaged tire home certainly can work. I have in my bag a piece of Tyvek, recycled from a used mailing envelope. Very strong. Fortunately, I've not had to put it to the test. Bonus: If I did, I'd still have some cash to buy a refreshment, as consolation for wrecking an expensive tire -- unless I forgot to put my cash in my pocket, which I have done.
I think we are, as a race society, seeing a flood of riders who have never trained "wrong". They always had power meters, Wizz bang bikes, online training plans, heck you can race and not leave your house. The previous riders had to train wrong, then train right, and the time was spent learning VS excelling.
You got the cross bike thing completely wrong. They're talking about what non-race focussed brands are calling cross bikes and that's just a off-road capable hybrid, often with a low travel suspension fork. They even gave an example in the Merida. Sometimes you really have to get out of you're small roadie bubble (as nice as it is).
The Merida crossway is a hybrid. Not a cyclocross bike. The viewer got their terminology wrong, not GCN. Although I can't blame the viewer too much because bike category names are horribly arbitrary and straight up confusing sometimes. For example a "hybrid" bike can be anything between a literal road bike with flat handlebars to something that's damn near a hard tail mountain bike. A cyclocross bike on the other hand is at least very specific to a narrow category of racing. There is nothing else like a cyclocross bike even if a gravel or road bike looks similar.
@@Pastamistic in poland hybrid bikes are called cross bikes. Merida is German and they called their hybrid bike line - "Crossway", mabye germans also use that terminology? (and the name of the model was included in the question).
"What spares do I need for tubeless question" Well, do you really need any spares/repair kits with you when you have inserts installed in the wheels? You would be able to ride back home easily and do the repair job there.
I would love to try that. I've been using inserts for mountain biking for a while now and it was a life saver for one enduro race stage. If the road insert is equivalent to about 60psi during a puncture that isn't too far off what I run on 28c tires anyway.
I have put a large enough hole in a tire right where the tread meets the sidewall that needed a boot. There's no way I could have sealed it with any tubeless plug kit. It only happened once in over 10,000 miles but I'm glad I had a boot and a spare tube for the roadside fix. If it's not a long ride and there's a decent way to get back home in a worst case scenario then just a plug kit and pump is great!
Dr Bridgewood gets to nerd out on chemistry, Ollie Bridgewood mentions his hour record. Poor ol' Dave didn't mention his new bike or his former pro racing career
I think your definition of a crossbike and what the first question refers to is quite different. Where the commenter lives a crossbike is a bike with flat handlebar, usually with telescopic shock absorbers in the front, more relaxed geometry, and lower end groupsets, like Shimano Alivio or Turney. This is the most common type of bike that people ride on.
6:57 When I had a tyre blow out a while back I made a tyre boot by ripping out the clear plastic window from my wallet (the bit that's designed to make ID cards etc visible). Worked long enough to get home.
#askgcntech Hi Technocrats. For waxing the chain, what’s the most efficient way to remove and the refit the chain? Would I need to get a new quick link every time I do the full wax treatment? Thanks and love the show.
Great content. 🎉. Why in the cycling world - as athletes- do they not understand on/off /training / cutting periods and how to create blocks. It seems like they do. 🤔
LOL I don't think you have bought a CX bike in a long time 😁 apart say the CRUX most CX bikes take nearly 40mm on 700c and 42-50mm depending how knobbly tire is. I have a Kensis CX cross light for winter with full mud SKS guards + bottle cages and summer bike is Trek Boone carbon frame which also takes full mud guards+bottle frames 😁 So you can't define CX bike by one or two bikes ie CRUX or odd Italian bike. It's like picking a gravel bike and ignoring the rest, like saying 3T Exploro gravel is typical gravel bike with no mud guards and recommend 36mm tire clearance ?
RE: Spares while riding tubeless. When riding with inserts, spares are optional. Put a mini tool in your pocket and press on. Say goodbye to external bags.
#askgcntech Hi guys, so I hear you talking about the 'rear mech hanger' quite a lot. Well, I think it is something, erm, well, hanging, and to the rear. Possibly near the cassette or lower down about the S shaped chain thingy-ma-bob. You see, not that teckie! What is it, what does it do and is it at risk if you fall over? I also hear it is something to be removed if travelling and that you should take a spare one! Sounds important, so I should know all of this, yes? Probably not able to change it/remove it though unless just a bolt to undo.
#askgcntech Trying to reconcile what I feel with what my limited understanding of aerodynamics tells me. Is riding with a perfectly orthogonal cross wind harder than riding at the same speed with no wind at all? Resolving the forces into vectors tell me that it should not be harder, but my body tells me otherwise.
Cool info about the CX bikes and confirms the choice I made for my current build!! I'll be riding mine mostly in the city and on my commute to work but we do have this small hill in the middle of the city with trails just 2 blocks (litterally!) up the hill from where I live. I Think I'll be going with 2 wheelsets, one more suited for pavement with a bit taller gearing and an other one a bit stouter and I can go 40mm easy with lower gearing for climbing and having fun with my MTB friends!!
@@gcntech I posted a hack or bodge about a part I machined for that build and someone in the comments said something about a Lotus Super 7 and it's exactly how I see that bike... Road legal with a racing pedigree... It won't win you Le Mans or haul your groceries but perfect for having a fun drive!! The Focus frameset I got does have a spot for a bottle cage but that's it... It's totally impractical in any other regards and I don't care! With the riding I plan on doing with it, I'm sure I'll never be stranded far away enough to warrant getting a ton of kit on it. I may need to get something else more sensible for longer rides... That's what I'll tell the GF!!!
#askgcntech If I were to increase the stem length by 20 mm and switch to a handlebar with 20 mm less reach, will the overall reach still feel the same when riding on the hoods? (same angles and not considering handling)
#askgcntech I’m building a custom frame and need help… Time to pick a BB; threaded seems smart; BSA doesn’t support internal routing, so T47 is the logical choice. Here’s my question: why do some bike manufacturers, such as Trek, use a needlessly wide T47 BB shell? (What am I giving up by sticking with 68mm or 73mm T47 shell width?) -Chris from Louisiana
With a wider shell, the stays can have a much stronger/stiffer joining point while creating more tire clearance. Also, there are frames with BSA bbs that have internal routing. It's simply a bit tight but it's not like you're going to route that housing regularly
#askgcntech Hey guys I want to buy new cycling glasses should i go for the photochromic glasses or the normal glasses ? Are photochromic good for night riding?
Has there been anything on riding shirtless vs wearing a jersey? I know they did the Jersey vs suit episode. Just curious if shirtless has an advantage. As long as you don’t fall off of course.
Riding shirtless has a huge disadvantage: you sweat far more! Having a jersey on creates a thin sweat film on the skin that helps cooling the body, with no jersey on the sweat drips off the skin, so more of that "cooling device" (sweat) is needed and produced. Especially when you train indoor, this is is a matter - I have even seen the cracks of GCN in their videos with opened jerseys. It is the same on hot days: when you open the window instead of closing the shutters, the warm air fills the room, it is becoming much warmer inside than it would be with closed windows and shutters.
I have always carried 2 tubes, and 3 CO2 cartridges. I have popped 2 tubes on more than one ride and given I don't have many people I'd want to call it's a must for me. Fixing a flat on a ride is not exactly easy or fast.
You can, but you may lose tyre pressure overnight. Yes, sealant makes inserting a tube messier. But no sealant means you lose many of the advantages tubeless. Without sealant, pinhole punctures no longer fix themselves, and you can't plug small tears. Yes, with large sidewall tears, the recommended solution is to boot the tyre and insert a tube. But how many times in your cycling life have you had to boot a tyre?
@@andrewmcalister3462 I've booted at least 3 road tires a year in the last 15yrs and probably 2mtb tires and I barely ride my mountain bike. I've also had "some luck" using 2 dynaplugs for a sidewall cut that was small enough for that.
#askgcntech Hi Ollie and Cuthbert, I'm thinking about upgrading my wheels on my entry level 9-speed bike, however, the wheels I'm looking at (Zipp 303 S) say they are compatible with 10/11-speed. Is it possible to use these wheels and would I need anything to make it compatible e.g. a spacer for the cassette? Any tips on how to install them?
@@DS-pe7eg True. “Hybrid” is the older term. Marketing speak these days indeed refers to “fitness” bike. I think that’s how Trek refers to their FX series, which really are flatbar road bikes.
Bonjour GCN, I subscribe to mywindsock (amazing for geekery) and I have recently upgraded to the premium version. This gives me a CDA number after each ride. Do you know how accurate this is? I have two bikes I ride regularly, one seems to average a CDA of 0.41 and the other more like 0.38. What does this mean in terms of wattage at real world speeds of day 30kph and 40kph?
Merida Crossway IS NOT A CX BIKE!!! It is a crossbike, meaning a cross between roadbike, gravelbike, hardtail. It has suspension, flat handlebar, but is meant for riding mostly on smooth roads. It basically is a commuter bike. And all the talk was about CX bikes while the question was about crossbikes (not cyclocross bikes)...
#ASKGCNTECH I recently started hot melt waxing my chains, what do you recommend for protecting the chain when cleaning the rest of the bike? Would the wax treatment hold up to that amount of water or accidental contact with cleaning products with normal frame and drivetrain cleaning or should I remove the chain? It seems like a lot of quick links to replace for gravel bikes that get dirty often… thanks!
I use Silca secret chain blend and re-wax every 1-2 weeks (150-200 miles). I have 3 waxed chains I rotate through to make it super convenient if I have a really nasty day. Otherwise, I will gently rinse my frame off with hot water if it's wet out (we have an outside spigot) and set it in front of the heater in the garage for a couple of hours. If it's dry-ish, it stays pretty clean. I should say that I have the luxury of parking my bike inside next to my desk, so it is able to dry thoroughly during the work day.
I think you guys have mistaken what the first comment was talking about. The Merida Crossway was given as an example of a cross bike, which is not a cyclocross bike. In this context, a cross bike is road bike frame equipped with flat handlebars and wider tyres, more commonly called a hybrid bike. I think the reason nobody talks about them is just because they're not designed for athletes or serious training, but instead for general recreational use.
#askgcntech How do you recommend keeping sealant from clogging up my valves after a ride. I’m a couple weeks in and have had to replace them twice…am I doing something wrong??
With Silca's carbon fibre additive, I think Josh recommends popping a bead and pouring directly into the tyre, rather than injecting through the valves.
If you can mount them easily, just pop a bead and pour it right it. If your tire/rim/tape is finicky and you don't want to de-bead for every top up, get one of the sealant injector syringes -- with those you can just pull the valve core, stick the syringe all the way into the tire, and not get anything on the inside of the valve.
To the Tubeless question... I carry a dynaplug and a Smartphone... if 1 min of faffing about doesn't solve it... I (plan to) call home... haven't had to do it yet in 4 years of riding tubeless
Cross bike is not a CX bike ! This type of bike is way older than gravel bikes. You can also call them 'Fitness bike'. Look at the Merida CROSSWAY line to get an idea.
I really wish people wouldn’t buy CO2 canisters, single use and bad for the environment, just get a mini pump and accept that occasionally you might have to put in a little effort
I wasn't the one asking, but I think Alex misunderstood the first question. That person was asking about cross bikes and not 'cross bikes (CX bikes), hence why he wrote Merida Crossway as an example in the brackets.
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Drop your tech questions below using #askgcntech 👇
#askgcntech
I have a rim brake bike with aluminum wheels and latex tubes. If I were to switch to carbon wheels with rim brakes could I still run latex tubes on long descents (7 miles, 2600ft) or would I risk blowouts? I do have good braking technique (not riding the brakes).
Would it be a mandatory change to butyl or tubeless at that point? Lastly, what would be the most efficient: carbon wheels with butyl, or aluminum wheels with latex?
#askgcntech
What is the best lube type for "British" gravel (wet, mud, dirt, sand, gravel, etc) and what type of lube should I take with me for a multi day gravel trip such as the KAW?
The best spare to take with you when you have tubeless is a spare wheel...and some cleaner to get all the sealant muck off. Can you do aero tests using a large dork disk? and another with dual dork disks? 🙂 I guess I better stop using PTFE sprays.....they sure work well though....
#askgcntech is it safe to use a steam cleaner to clean your bike? I've seen some videos online and it looks really handy, but I was wondering if it's similar to a pressure washer and penetrates places it shouldn't? Or are there components that the steam can damage? I've seen even some cleaners marketed specifically for bikes.
How about a session on TPU tubes. The price has dropped heaps and possibly the cheapest way to save 200gms
Love Josh's stance on PFAS and PTFE. A great reason to support companies like SILCA
Yeah! That stands out to me as well. Fantastic to see a company looking at health this way.
I didn't know that, I use solid wax with PTFE for my chain, but I'll get rid of it.
I like that but I also don't get why he's selling gear wipes that aren't biodegradable
@@DS-pe7eg use it and never buy it again. The damage is done now that it's been manufactured.
@Veganpotter Thevegan but better to have the microplastics in a regulated landfill than get washed into the ocean.
Nice to have Josh, Ollie and Yves geek out to tech questions. Awesome! Josh should come back at least once a quarter
Yves always brings the nerdy questions 🔥
One of the best Tech Clinics so far. The dynamic between you three is great. Would certainly love more content for and about what one contributor called Clydesdales - (heavier riders) over 100/110kg.
Noted! We'll see what we can do 👀
@@gcntech ...and, as someone who was 90kg pre-injury and is now 100kg, i am super interested in a study on rider weight affects on equipment, climbing, etc - i mean, i can FEEL how much slower i am going uphill now. conversely, downhill is faster now... ;)
Josh is so good. Do what you can to include him more often.
1st question was wrongly answered: Merida Crossway is not a cyclocross bike... the guy was asking about trekking bikes. 😅
The guy asked why these types of bikes are not getting attention and they answered about a completely different type of bike. :D
Tyres will finally end up at 32s! Wow! I'm still coming to terms with 28s. Such a great show this week.
86kg rider here. Been running 32c tubeless tires for the last year and have been loving every mile
I'm also 86kg, but 32c is a huge wind drag. I can't see how I'd enjoy losing that many watts in the wind 😂
@Galen Kehler the losses are small at when you're not going over 35kph. And if you're going faster than that for a sustained period, you're probably in a group and not at the front of the group for very long.
We love to hear it! 🙌 Have you been able to take the road less traveled?
I'm 68kg and have also been using 32mm tubeless for about a year. I love the comfort, stability and control. And if anything I'm averaging quicker than my old 28mm with inner tubes😀
Awesome show guys. Tankx for having Josh on again, he's purty cool.
We love having Josh on the show! He really brings the knowledge 🙌
Josh Poertner is fun and knowledgable... add him to the constant GCN fold!
With Silca on board be sure to keep an eye out for more Josh content 👀
Love Josh's expert knowledge and explanations!!
Thank you for having Josh Poertner on the show. He is amazing in his ability to answer any question you through at him in terms we can all understand without sacrificing detail. I feel like if you asked him how to build an atomic clock, he would answer in a minute and everyone would be able to go into their garage a build one in an afternoon.
Hahahaha he's certainly got the knowledge 🙌
The question wasn't about CX bikes, the example was Merida Crossway
🏆🏆🏆 You have created a compelling formula for discussing technical topics with a unique perspective. Josh has the ability to answer controversial questions with flair, poise and credibility. Yves and Ollie add useful commentary and with good follow-up questions 👍. Aside: I was wondering why Silca has been creating more innovative products as of late. Now I know why. Keep up the good work guys.
I like the way Josh thinks about his answers. He has a real gift for explaining tech with words not techies can understand. And he also explains his position with facts and science. Invite him back as often as possible as a guest. He really fits well with you GCN bike nerds.
My CX bike (2016 Jake the Snake) has: up to 40c tires, fenders (with 35 or smaller tires), rear rack, two bottle cages....and like 6,000 miles on it because it truly does it all from canyon roads to non-techy singletrack (but i've never CX raced it!). Is 2016 before the wave of gravel-specific bikes? I got rid of my carbon hardtail, but kept Jake, along with a dedicated road bike and full suspension MTB.
I have a 17 JTS. It actually fits studded 42s without any issues. I ran it through the winter without fenders. My older 13 Kona Rove CX could fit 50s without fenders or the same 42s with
So only 1000 miles a year? Get out more!!!
@Veganpotter Thevegan I've owned 5 other bikes simultaneously to this one. Im not a "gravel rider" so 1000/yr seems pretty decent for the bike used only then for mixed surface and fender-weatether riding. Plenty of other rides on the road and mountain bikes to complement it!
Amazing shows with Josh so far. Learning so much tech nerdery!
Love to hear it! Anything you would like us to cover in the coming weeks? 👀
Great video guys! Love Josh's knowledge!
I'm 210 lbs and switched to 32c over winter for reflective sidewalls. I run tubeless at 60-65 psi in dry conditions and 55-60 lbs in wet.
The ride quality is awesome and I am as fast as I need to be for a commute bike with storage for all 4 seasons (in Seattle).
I also run Silca secret chain blend (no PTFE!). Re-waxing is simple and an easy evening chore once a week or so.
I get to spend more time with my bike, and it's much cleaner with no grease.
I describe it as a luxury sedan. Solid, tight, and a bit heavier and more luxurious (steel/carbon fork) :)
Ride on everyone 🚲
Josh is an honest legend, I'll listen more if he is on regularly. His answer for weight vs. aero on wheels didn't take into account steady rolling vs. crit like constantly stop and go accelerations. The weight takes it's toll when accelerating
If you look at the math, there's three things wheels need to overcome on your bike. Aerodynamics, wheel mass, wheel inertia. Aero is the dominant factor that makes a difference, followed by mass which is 10 times less significant, and over coming wheel inertia which is 100 times less than that. Now let's take into account that you're already moving when accelerating in a crit. The mass/inertia you need to overcome is almost nothing, like way below a percent.
Josh has his own Marginal Gains podcast, well worth a listen.
Wouldn't it also be Watts/KG, not just Watts, since I'm a fatty and going slower on those 7.5%+ grades and need way more watts to go fast enough for aero gains? Would be really interested to see the equation to see how rider mass might actually cancel out.
Enjoyable, informative, well presented episode chaps.. Thanks.👍
Lets be honest... Blew away the GCN show this week.😉
Silca makes some damn good product. Damn good. I have their saddle bag, bike pump, and chain lubricant. Best in class.
Is the bike pump the full length frame pump? 👀
@@gcntech No it's the Gravelero mini pump. Those full length pumps, though, heirloom quality!
absolutely loved having josh on - he brings a very unique perspective to the discussion points (thinking about the PTFE/PFAS stuff) and that adds another level of credibility. perhaps he can join in via zoom/etc every now and again? :)
I love my cross bike, always loved her. I bought when the gravel bike fever was unknown, and swap conti5000 and schwalbe cx tires for summer and winter rides. ✌🏾
Last year I did 3 UCI Gravel Races with my CX Canyon inflate 6, I can't complain, it's lighter, it's faster in the corners, it handles very well, for me 35mm tyre is enough. This year I will do 4 more competitions, already one this weekend in Valkenburg, Holland.
#askgcntech Ollie, Olaf, cross bike is not a CX bike. You guys kept not talking about the one in question. Is it really a tabu in cycling media?
Came scrolling trought comments to see if anyone pointed this out. I'm preety sure, author of the question have not meant CX (cyclo cross) bike, just a cross bike. Like an even more modest XC (cross country)
I think the first question is about a cross-trekking bike. I think you call them hibrid bike
Yep, if anyone had checked on the Merida Crossway series the question actually mentioned this would've been pretty clear
I think hybryd bike have road group sets and cross bike have mtb group set but I might be wrong
@@LukaszMielczarek Maybe you are right! In Hungary both called cross(-trekking) bike.
Thanks for answering my question, but I feel yu have misinterpreted the question .. I was not talking about cyclocross race bikes, but cross/touring bikes (e.g. Merida Crossway) As I have mentioned in my original question)
They're going to have to get Josh back next week just to publish a correction.
Thank you for addressing the differences between cross bikes and gravel ones, and why the latter gets more coverage than the former. I was wondering about the same thing. It's clear now.
You mean cyclocross bike not cross bike it's not the same at all, it sound similar but it's not
@@LukaszMielczarek Ah, that's funny. The first question referred to a "cross bike," and the GCN presenters thought it was synonymous to a "cyclocross bike," as was obvious from their response. In fact, in the US, "cross bikes" usually mean "cyclocross bikes." That may be the case in the UK, too.
Are you team cross bike or gravel bike? 👀
@@DaigoroToyama that's why he add Merida Crossway as example cross bike but maybe it's called other way in diffrent countries
@@gcntech I'm team MTB! I never rode drop handlebars bike 🫢
I think the first commentator was not talking about cyclocross bikes, much rather about a rigid flat bar bike with not too big, knobbly 700c tyres. I think english speakers would refer to them as fitness bikes.
I would say that fitness bike is what nowadays would be described as gravel with flatbar.
And Josh.... what a super cool t-shirt!
We need more Josh.
Silca frame pumps with the plastic head brings back memories, from the 80's, where most riders were on 20mm tires. With that frame pump, you'd start sweating at 85 psi, grunting at 90 psi, and cursing at 95 psi. On the other hand, my 38 year old Silca Track pump works like new. Back in the 80's, I got it on sale for $25 USD.
Speaking of spoking, I once built up a rear wheel, with a large flange hub, 4 cross. I had read somewhere that 4X wheels could be crashed, and not destroyed.
Love having Josh with you at the HQ! And Dr. Bridgewood brought his fluorine facts with him, too!
You can take a man out of chemistry 😂
Thanks Lars, Josh and Ollie...OAF ex-runner here . In the states , a Clydesdale was anyone over 180 lbs.
Loved hearing that aero makes a difference, even for us one day a week riders 👍
Here in Belgium we have HUGE Pfas/Pfos scandals now comming out from 3M that has been polluting the neighbourhoods of their industries.
Rural areas are adviced to not eat anything produced in open air like from gardens or eggs from free range chickens.
A show very well done. Using paper money to ride a damaged tire home certainly can work. I have in my bag a piece of Tyvek, recycled from a used mailing envelope. Very strong. Fortunately, I've not had to put it to the test. Bonus: If I did, I'd still have some cash to buy a refreshment, as consolation for wrecking an expensive tire -- unless I forgot to put my cash in my pocket, which I have done.
Great show guys,glad to see "Willam shatner"of the planet geek back!😁😎👍
Use a used gel wrapper as tire patch. So a snack wrapper can be useful flat tire hack.
Excellent show chaps. It's good to hear someone who knows what they're talking about for a change🤣, proper expertise thanks to Josh.
1:08 Alex was first so I will blame him 🙃 , but question was about cross bike not cyclocross bike that's way different bike as everybody know
What's a cross bike?
@@larrylem3582 Merida Crossway, Trek Dual Sport -google it
#AskGCNTech wonder if they check here to help better
You guys don't take a tubeless plug kit like a dynaplug? Rarely do you need a tube but a plug works perfectly.
Yeah, any puncture that you can't plug, is something you would probably need to boot even if you were running tubes.
Here in the US in age group racing racing, Clydesdales are men who are 200lbs in weight or more.
I think we are, as a race society, seeing a flood of riders who have never trained "wrong". They always had power meters, Wizz bang bikes, online training plans, heck you can race and not leave your house. The previous riders had to train wrong, then train right, and the time was spent learning VS excelling.
Great vid as usual and Josh is a really good, interesting guest to have!
What should we get josh back for? 👀
@@gcntech hmm, I'll get back to you!
You got the cross bike thing completely wrong. They're talking about what non-race focussed brands are calling cross bikes and that's just a off-road capable hybrid, often with a low travel suspension fork. They even gave an example in the Merida. Sometimes you really have to get out of you're small roadie bubble (as nice as it is).
The Merida crossway is a hybrid. Not a cyclocross bike. The viewer got their terminology wrong, not GCN. Although I can't blame the viewer too much because bike category names are horribly arbitrary and straight up confusing sometimes.
For example a "hybrid" bike can be anything between a literal road bike with flat handlebars to something that's damn near a hard tail mountain bike. A cyclocross bike on the other hand is at least very specific to a narrow category of racing. There is nothing else like a cyclocross bike even if a gravel or road bike looks similar.
@@Pastamistic in poland hybrid bikes are called cross bikes. Merida is German and they called their hybrid bike line - "Crossway", mabye germans also use that terminology? (and the name of the model was included in the question).
@@alicjaunknown good to know. Seems like a terminology issue amongst both manufacturers and languages then.
Ollie, Geoff - get on that golden nugget of info about the 7.5% aero/weight crossover point. I want to know more (oh and yeah, great job of course)
Canadian plastic notes are great for patching tire holes!
Best sidewall patch: Your fel packet! Two for deal. Energy to change or insert a tube and cover over the hole.
"What spares do I need for tubeless question" Well, do you really need any spares/repair kits with you when you have inserts installed in the wheels? You would be able to ride back home easily and do the repair job there.
I would love to try that. I've been using inserts for mountain biking for a while now and it was a life saver for one enduro race stage.
If the road insert is equivalent to about 60psi during a puncture that isn't too far off what I run on 28c tires anyway.
Alex is great there "yeah that is what I thought,"
Josh is right - Dynaplug plus pump; that's it. No tube or tyre levers needed.
I have put a large enough hole in a tire right where the tread meets the sidewall that needed a boot. There's no way I could have sealed it with any tubeless plug kit. It only happened once in over 10,000 miles but I'm glad I had a boot and a spare tube for the roadside fix.
If it's not a long ride and there's a decent way to get back home in a worst case scenario then just a plug kit and pump is great!
Hi Ollie. Just curios. When you wax a chain. How load does it scream when it's hairs are ripped out?
Dr Bridgewood gets to nerd out on chemistry, Ollie Bridgewood mentions his hour record. Poor ol' Dave didn't mention his new bike or his former pro racing career
When you've achieved the things Alex has, there is no need to brag 😂
@@gcntech who is this Alex you speak of. 😉
I think your definition of a crossbike and what the first question refers to is quite different. Where the commenter lives a crossbike is a bike with flat handlebar, usually with telescopic shock absorbers in the front, more relaxed geometry, and lower end groupsets, like Shimano Alivio or Turney. This is the most common type of bike that people ride on.
Bonus episode with Josh on GCN Tech? ❤❤❤ I hope you have more saved up?
We'll see what we can rope josh into 👀
I think you should pay this man, and put him on the crew.
6:57 When I had a tyre blow out a while back I made a tyre boot by ripping out the clear plastic window from my wallet (the bit that's designed to make ID cards etc visible). Worked long enough to get home.
Nice improvisation! A gel wrapper is my typical tyre boot - nutrition and patch kit all in one.
HACK!
Tyres must be one of the biggest gains for speed
More Josh please
Is there an optimum location for cleats with regards to clipping in. Thanks
Cool stuff
#askgcntech
Hi Technocrats. For waxing the chain, what’s the most efficient way to remove and the refit the chain? Would I need to get a new quick link every time I do the full wax treatment? Thanks and love the show.
Did he say 'lubricious'. That has to be my new favourite word.
Great content. 🎉. Why in the cycling world - as athletes- do they not understand on/off /training / cutting periods and how to create blocks. It seems like they do. 🤔
LOL I don't think you have bought a CX bike in a long time 😁 apart say the CRUX most CX bikes take nearly 40mm on 700c and 42-50mm depending how knobbly tire is. I have a Kensis CX cross light for winter with full mud SKS guards + bottle cages and summer bike is Trek Boone carbon frame which also takes full mud guards+bottle frames 😁 So you can't define CX bike by one or two bikes ie CRUX or odd Italian bike. It's like picking a gravel bike and ignoring the rest, like saying 3T Exploro gravel is typical gravel bike with no mud guards and recommend 36mm tire clearance ?
Y'all missed the main point of Q1. They were asking about unsuspended flat bar hybrid bikes.
RE: Spares while riding tubeless. When riding with inserts, spares are optional. Put a mini tool in your pocket and press on. Say goodbye to external bags.
Clydesdale riders are riders over 200lbs. I can confirm from firsthand experience, more tire, more better for us.
The mischievous look on Ollie's chemistry face. He might just coat his bike with that PTFE thingy!🤣😂
My favourite fact is that teflon was invented by accident
@@mlee6050 Teflon is still not safe, I understand
@@savagepro9060 yeah joy, let's use it to make non stick pans
#askgcntech Hi guys, so I hear you talking about the 'rear mech hanger' quite a lot. Well, I think it is something, erm, well, hanging, and to the rear. Possibly near the cassette or lower down about the S shaped chain thingy-ma-bob. You see, not that teckie!
What is it, what does it do and is it at risk if you fall over? I also hear it is something to be removed if travelling and that you should take a spare one! Sounds important, so I should know all of this, yes? Probably not able to change it/remove it though unless just a bolt to undo.
#askgcntech Trying to reconcile what I feel with what my limited understanding of aerodynamics tells me. Is riding with a perfectly orthogonal cross wind harder than riding at the same speed with no wind at all? Resolving the forces into vectors tell me that it should not be harder, but my body tells me otherwise.
Cool info about the CX bikes and confirms the choice I made for my current build!! I'll be riding mine mostly in the city and on my commute to work but we do have this small hill in the middle of the city with trails just 2 blocks (litterally!) up the hill from where I live. I Think I'll be going with 2 wheelsets, one more suited for pavement with a bit taller gearing and an other one a bit stouter and I can go 40mm easy with lower gearing for climbing and having fun with my MTB friends!!
Sounds like the perfect do it all bike! 🙌 Would you ever switch to a gravel bike or are you happy on the cross machine? 👀
@@gcntech I posted a hack or bodge about a part I machined for that build and someone in the comments said something about a Lotus Super 7 and it's exactly how I see that bike... Road legal with a racing pedigree... It won't win you Le Mans or haul your groceries but perfect for having a fun drive!! The Focus frameset I got does have a spot for a bottle cage but that's it... It's totally impractical in any other regards and I don't care! With the riding I plan on doing with it, I'm sure I'll never be stranded far away enough to warrant getting a ton of kit on it. I may need to get something else more sensible for longer rides... That's what I'll tell the GF!!!
#askgcntech If I were to increase the stem length by 20 mm and switch to a handlebar with 20 mm less reach, will the overall reach still feel the same when riding on the hoods? (same angles and not considering handling)
Hi - I don't get the 7.5% comment on aero at the end - please could someone explain?
I always thought higher cross or spoke count meant heavier weight can be on the wheel
#askgcntech
I’m building a custom frame and need help…
Time to pick a BB; threaded seems smart; BSA doesn’t support internal routing, so T47 is the logical choice.
Here’s my question: why do some bike manufacturers, such as Trek, use a needlessly wide T47 BB shell?
(What am I giving up by sticking with 68mm or 73mm T47 shell width?)
-Chris from Louisiana
With a wider shell, the stays can have a much stronger/stiffer joining point while creating more tire clearance. Also, there are frames with BSA bbs that have internal routing. It's simply a bit tight but it's not like you're going to route that housing regularly
Josh: "Don't use PTFE". Me: Checks the lube I just bought. Hangs head in shame.
#askgcntech Hey guys I want to buy new cycling glasses should i go for the photochromic glasses or the normal glasses ? Are photochromic good for night riding?
Has there been anything on riding shirtless vs wearing a jersey? I know they did the Jersey vs suit episode. Just curious if shirtless has an advantage. As long as you don’t fall off of course.
Definitely not, fabrics used on bile kits are far faster than bare skin
Riding shirtless has a huge disadvantage: you sweat far more! Having a jersey on creates a thin sweat film on the skin that helps cooling the body, with no jersey on the sweat drips off the skin, so more of that "cooling device" (sweat) is needed and produced. Especially when you train indoor, this is is a matter - I have even seen the cracks of GCN in their videos with opened jerseys. It is the same on hot days: when you open the window instead of closing the shutters, the warm air fills the room, it is becoming much warmer inside than it would be with closed windows and shutters.
I have always carried 2 tubes, and 3 CO2 cartridges. I have popped 2 tubes on more than one ride and given I don't have many people I'd want to call it's a must for me. Fixing a flat on a ride is not exactly easy or fast.
Fixing a flat is easy so long as you have at least 3 fingers on each hand
Can you leave the sealer out and if you get a puncher just put a tube in
You can, but you may lose tyre pressure overnight. Yes, sealant makes inserting a tube messier. But no sealant means you lose many of the advantages tubeless. Without sealant, pinhole punctures no longer fix themselves, and you can't plug small tears. Yes, with large sidewall tears, the recommended solution is to boot the tyre and insert a tube. But how many times in your cycling life have you had to boot a tyre?
@@andrewmcalister3462 I've booted at least 3 road tires a year in the last 15yrs and probably 2mtb tires and I barely ride my mountain bike. I've also had "some luck" using 2 dynaplugs for a sidewall cut that was small enough for that.
#askgcntech Hi Ollie and Cuthbert, I'm thinking about upgrading my wheels on my entry level 9-speed bike, however, the wheels I'm looking at (Zipp 303 S) say they are compatible with 10/11-speed. Is it possible to use these wheels and would I need anything to make it compatible e.g. a spacer for the cassette? Any tips on how to install them?
Lol, do you know what cross bike is? No, it is not cyclocross bike, It is in-between MTB and trekking bike.
What was known as a hybrid.
@@rudolphpyatt4833 but hybrid bike is also called on what is fitness bike, a roadie with flatbar.
@@DS-pe7eg True. “Hybrid” is the older term. Marketing speak these days indeed refers to “fitness” bike. I think that’s how Trek refers to their FX series, which really are flatbar road bikes.
#askgcntech Are the aero gains truly applicable to an endurance rider averaging 18-20 mph over a 100+ mile ride?
20 mph is 32 km/h, so yeah, aero is definitely a noticeable factor at that speed
Bonjour GCN,
I subscribe to mywindsock (amazing for geekery) and I have recently upgraded to the premium version. This gives me a CDA number after each ride. Do you know how accurate this is? I have two bikes I ride regularly, one seems to average a CDA of 0.41 and the other more like 0.38. What does this mean in terms of wattage at real world speeds of day 30kph and 40kph?
Merida Crossway IS NOT A CX BIKE!!! It is a crossbike, meaning a cross between roadbike, gravelbike, hardtail. It has suspension, flat handlebar, but is meant for riding mostly on smooth roads. It basically is a commuter bike. And all the talk was about CX bikes while the question was about crossbikes (not cyclocross bikes)...
#ASKGCNTECH I recently started hot melt waxing my chains, what do you recommend for protecting the chain when cleaning the rest of the bike? Would the wax treatment hold up to that amount of water or accidental contact with cleaning products with normal frame and drivetrain cleaning or should I remove the chain? It seems like a lot of quick links to replace for gravel bikes that get dirty often… thanks!
I use Silca secret chain blend and re-wax every 1-2 weeks (150-200 miles). I have 3 waxed chains I rotate through to make it super convenient if I have a really nasty day.
Otherwise, I will gently rinse my frame off with hot water if it's wet out (we have an outside spigot) and set it in front of the heater in the garage for a couple of hours. If it's dry-ish, it stays pretty clean.
I should say that I have the luxury of parking my bike inside next to my desk, so it is able to dry thoroughly during the work day.
@@trabercampbell502 thanks!
I think you guys have mistaken what the first comment was talking about. The Merida Crossway was given as an example of a cross bike, which is not a cyclocross bike. In this context, a cross bike is road bike frame equipped with flat handlebars and wider tyres, more commonly called a hybrid bike. I think the reason nobody talks about them is just because they're not designed for athletes or serious training, but instead for general recreational use.
#askgcntech How do you recommend keeping sealant from clogging up my valves after a ride. I’m a couple weeks in and have had to replace them twice…am I doing something wrong??
With Silca's carbon fibre additive, I think Josh recommends popping a bead and pouring directly into the tyre, rather than injecting through the valves.
If you can mount them easily, just pop a bead and pour it right it. If your tire/rim/tape is finicky and you don't want to de-bead for every top up, get one of the sealant injector syringes -- with those you can just pull the valve core, stick the syringe all the way into the tire, and not get anything on the inside of the valve.
To the Tubeless question... I carry a dynaplug and a Smartphone... if 1 min of faffing about doesn't solve it... I (plan to) call home... haven't had to do it yet in 4 years of riding tubeless
Jesus christ Alex, the guy asked about CROSS bikes. Also known as hybrid or urban bikes. Not Cyclocross. He even gave an example, the Merida Crossway.
Merida crossway isnt a CX bike, u would call it hybrid bike.
Moleldum disulfide aka "moly" is better than PTFE. However, you'll be pressed to find it in current change lubes.
Silca has an oil based and two wax lubes using tungsten disulfide, as does Harvey's drip wax.
Cross bike is not a CX bike ! This type of bike is way older than gravel bikes. You can also call them 'Fitness bike'. Look at the Merida CROSSWAY line to get an idea.
Please explain how PFAS etc. is bad while polyacrylonitrile is not.
I really wish people wouldn’t buy CO2 canisters, single use and bad for the environment, just get a mini pump and accept that occasionally you might have to put in a little effort
I wasn't the one asking, but I think Alex misunderstood the first question. That person was asking about cross bikes and not 'cross bikes (CX bikes), hence why he wrote Merida Crossway as an example in the brackets.
Dork disc on a Zipp wheel, cut here. LOLOLOLOL
Josh Portner with endless plugs for his grossly overpriced products. Well done GCN.