June 2016

Got a cycling question you want answered? Get in touch - #torqueback


Get exclusive GCN gear in the GCN store! 

Here's what we cover on this week's show:

What happens to the pros custom bikes?
What's the best way to deal with headwinds?
What's the longest ride you've ever done?
Should you wave when you see another rider?
How do I guest star on a GCN video?!
Should I shave my arms for cycling?
Is it OK to hang on the back of a passing group of cyclists?
How do I fix problems with gear shifting?

Watch more on GCN...
9 outside best for the Tour de France ▶︎ 

Buy NEW GCN cycling kit, casual wear and accessories in the GCN Shop: 

The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

How Do I Avoid Being A Wheelsucker? Ask GCN Anything About Cycling

We try to unravel the mystery of time gaps in the Tour de 

For people getting into cycling at this time of year, watching the Tour can be a little confusing. Tactics, time bonuses, the 3km 

 of these things come into play when deciding the winner of the maillot jaune, but what does it all mean? And how will the likes of Chris Froome and Alberto Contador set about trying to win the race overall? We explain in this video.

Watch more on GCN...
Tour de France 2016 Playlist ▶︎ 

How Do You Win The Tour De France? GCN's Guide To The Yellow Jersey

The big stars of the Tour de France are obvious; Froome, Quintana, Contador, Sagan... But, who are the underdogs that you should watch out for?

The Tour de France is the biggest bike race of the year. For the many big favourites who make it their major goal, it's a very high pressure situation. But, for the many up and coming riders – the underdogs – it isn't make or break. it's a race where careers are made.

Here are ten riders you should know about before the race. Stage wins, anyone?

Let us know your thoughts down in the comments and hit SHARE too!

Watch our Tour de France preview show ▶︎ 


More Tour videos in our 2016 Tour de France playlist ▶︎ 

9 Under The Radar Riders You Should Watch At The Tour De France

Shimano have just released the new Dura Ace 9100 groupset, we take you behind the scenes at the launch event itself

Check out the tech in detail in our First Look video: 

The launch of a new Dura Ace groupset is a global event in the cycling industry, and this 9100 brings a stack of developments. 

Shimano have launched their first ever power meter, and their first ever Dura Ace level hydraulic disc brake. 

This video takes you into the auditorium where Shimano released the information to the assembled global cycling media. 

New Shimano Dura Ace R9100 Launch – Exclusive Video!

Powermeters are one of the best tools for improving the quality of your training and getting fitter. 

We often talk about how powermeters are pretty much the ultimate training tool if you want to upgrade the quality of your training. Here are 5 bits of pro advice to help you to improve how you use your powermeter.

Watch more on GCN...
Aero testing with Team Sky ▶︎ 


How to test your fitness using a powermeter ▶︎ 

5 Ways To Get More From Your Powermeter

Shimano have lifted the lid on their new, all conquering Dura Ace groupset, the R9100. Simon Richardson talks us through the most important points. 

Shimano have released four versions of the new Dura Ace, mechanical shifting with rim brakes, electronic DI2 with rim brakes, and then two all new disc brake versions. 

DA 9100 also breaks new ground with a power meter, Shimano's first, and one that's taken 10 years to develop. 

Technology we are more familiar with also gets significant changes. Mechanical front and rear derailleurs also receive comprehensive redesigns. 

Watch the video to find out more, and why not SHARE it too!

Our video from the NEW Shimano Dura Ace launch ▶︎ 

New Shimano Dura Ace R9100 Groupset First Look

We get our hands on the SpeedX Leopard – cycling's most successful Kickstarter ever.


Limited edition Wattage Bazooka T-shirts - green: 

This week on the GCN Show:
 - Simon looks at the SpeedX Leopard. Have you got one of these on order? Let us know down in the comments.
 - Several brands have released new aero and cool (as in cooling, they're cool too, though) helmets.
 - Matt and Dan round up the best of the recent national championships results.

As always, have a go at the caption competition and let us know your thoughts on the week in cycling down in the comments!

Check out our Tour de France preview ▶︎ 


5 training metrics you should know about ▶︎ 

Music:
Mikey Bruce, James Green - Fire It Up
Israel Medina - Waves
Per Ljungqvist, George Nakas - Keep On Rising
Josh Kirsch/Media Right Productions - Morning Stroll
Israel Medina - Resonance
Marc Adamo, Tico Zamora - Hometown Throwdown
John Glenn Kunkel - Far Away Blues

Edvald Boasson Hagen © Stiehl Photography 

The World's First Ever 'Smart Bike' | The GCN Show Ep. 181

Your helmet is an important bit of kit – here's how they're tested to make sure they're safe.

You might have noticed the safety standard sticker on your cycling helmet. Once you buy a helmet, it's something that you probably take for granted, but, a lot goes into testing bike helmets to make sure that they're safe to use, and, of course, that they'll actually protect your head.

Watch more on GCN...
How to choose a helmet with Team Sky's Geraint Thomas ▶︎ 


How to make sure that your helmet fits you ▶︎ 

Cycle Helmet Safety Standards Explained

It’s 3519km long and the ultimate endurance test in all of pro cycling. Chris Froome, Alberto Contador and Nairo Quintana are the ‘big three’ who are expected to duke it out for the coveted yellow jersey, but there are a number of riders who are capable of breaking onto the podium at the very least.

It’s not just a battle in the mountains of the Pyrenees and Alps, however. There are 9 stages, classified ‘flat’ by the organisers, which offer a chance for sprinters Marcel Kittel, Andre Greipel and Mark Cavendish to go head-to-head once again. All the big names will be there, and we can’t wait for the Grand Depart on July 2nd!

The guys have made their predictions, which may have cursed the favourites already…but who are you expecting to take their chance at the biggest race of the year? COMMENT and let us know.

Thanks to Bistro La Barrique, Bath, for hosting our preview show!

Don't forget to pick up one of our special edition yellow GCN t-shirts in our store. Be quick, they're selling fast! 

Watch more on GCN...
Tour de France 2015 playlist ▶︎ 


How to sprint like Mark Cavendish ▶︎ 

 NEW GCN cycling kit, casual wear and accessories in the GCN Shop: 

Tour De France 2016 Preview Show

In association with Training Peaks.
These are the key numbers you need to focus on when analysing your power data.

Programs like TrainingPeaks make it much easier to have all your data in one place and even more importantly be able to measure progress and improvements in your training. These 5 metrics will allow you to see how hard you worked for a given session and manage your training load accordingly.

Watch more on GCN...
How to find out your Functional Threshold Power ▶︎ 

5 Key Metrics To Analyse Your Power Data

Designed with the Italian sports car manufacturers, this bike is meant to be ridden fast.
Subscribe to GCN: 

This bike, as used by Team Nippo-Vini Fantini, is loud and proudly Italian, from the full Campagnolo groupset to the neon-yellow flourishes at the cockpit. What do you think of this De Rosa? Let us know in the comments.

Frame and forks: De Rosa SK Pininfarina
Wheels: Campagnolo Bora Ultra 50
Tyres: IRC Formula Pro Race Team (25mm)
Handlebars: FSA
Stem: FSA 140mm
Seatpost: Integrated
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR
Shifters: Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Brakes: Campagnolo Super Record Dual-Mount
Front Mech: Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Rear Mech: Campagnolo Super Record EPS
Chainset: Campagnolo Super Record 11spd
Pedals: Time Xpresso 10 Carbon
Chainring size: 53/39T
Cassette: Campagnolo Super Record 11-27T

Bike weight: 7.2kg
Saddle height: 74cm 
Reach: 58cm
Stem length: 140mm
Tyre width: 25mm

Watch more on GCN...
Pro bike playlist ▶︎ 

Grega Bole's De Rosa SK Pininfarina

COMMENT with your questions for next week's Ask GCN-ything, or get in touch on Twitter and Facebook - #torqueback

Does my FTP vary between indoor and outdoor training?
How do I improve my sock game?!
Gloves or no gloves?
Should I yell when passing other cyclists for safety?
Why do pros train behind a scooter?
Can I use alloy brake pads on carbon rims?
How do you crash?
Do helmets degrade over time?
What sort of training should I do for my first race?

Watch more on GCN...
How to train for your first race ▶︎ 

June 2016

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