August 2017

In this special edition of Ask GCN Anything, Dan is reporting from Eurobike, a world renowned cycling trade show in Germany. Joined by fi'zi:k's production manager  Giovanni Fogal, we answer your saddle and shoe questions for you this week.


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Contact points on your bike include the saddle, handlebars and pedals, which are crucial to making sure you are comfortable on your rides. Choosing the right shoes, saddle, bars and bartape can make all the difference not only to how pleasurable your ride is, but also how well you can perform. 

Thank you for sending in your saddle and shoe questions to the show for this special episode. Remember to keep sending in you cycling questions to Ask GCN Anything About Cycling using the hashtag #torqueback

- What's the most underrated innovation in shoes and saddles?
- Why are road shoes and pedals better for road cycling?
- How can you find the best saddle before committing to buy?
- Cheap saddle vs expensive saddle - what's the difference?
- What is the lifespan of a saddle? When should you replace your saddle?
- What's the difference in stiffness between plastic soles and carbon?
- Are women's specific saddles worth it?
- What about if you have wide feet?

You can still enter our competition to win a saddle and pair of fi'zi:k shoes of your choice, simply click here ➡️  

If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍  

Watch more on GCN...
fi'zi:k 2018 shoe launch with Simon 📹  

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Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling

Ask GCN Anything About Saddles And Cycling Shoes – From Eurobike 2017

In association with Zwift. 
New indoor cycling trainers, turbo trainers, the Wahoo Kickr Climb and the latest developments from Zwift have all made Eurobike 2017 the place to find the latest advances in indoor cycling training tech.

Former Tour de France pro cyclist Dan Lloyd is over at Eurobike – the largest bike trade show in the world. The indoor training market has seen some huge advances in recent years, and this year is no different. Dan selects his indoor tech highlights from the show in this video.

Which is your highlight? Let us know down in the comments 👇

If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 

Watch more on GCN...
NEW Tech from Eurobike 2017 📹  

Eurobike 2017: The Future Of Indoor Training? NEW Smart Trainers For 2018

Proven to be a rapid ride so far this year, Chris Froome is now equipped with the super lightweight Pinarello Dogma F10 X-Light for the Vuelta A España. Can it help Team Sky secure a second Grand Tour in 2017? 


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Dan Lloyd is at the start of the 2017 Vuelta a España to check out Froomey's ride set up for the flatter stages on the final Grand Tour of the season. Pinarello's new carbon lay up gives a more lightweight mode of the F10, now named the X-Light.

With a custom paint job featuring the signature Rhino representing charity Unite For Wildlife, it's unmistakably the bike of Team Sky's lead man Chris Froome.

What do you think of Froome's new ride? Let us know in the comments below! 🦏

Frame and forks: Pinarello Dogma F10 X-Light
Wheels: R9100 Dura Ace 
Tyres: Continental Tubular Competition ProLtd 25mm
Handlebars: Pro Stealth Evo one-piece stem/bar, Di2 climbers buttons 
Seatpost: Pinarello integrated
Saddle: Fi'zi:k Antares Carbon Rail
Shifters: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 R9100 
Brakes: Shimano Dura Ace R9100 
Front Mech: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 R9100 
Rear Mech: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 R9100 
Chainset: Osymmetric Chain Rings 54/42T
Pedals: Shimano Dura Ace
Powermeter: Stages Dual Sided Power Meter 
Cassette: 11/30T

Saddle height: 79.5cm
Reach: 55cm
Bar width: 40cm
Stem length: 120mm
Crank length: 175mm
Tyre width: 25mm

Finishing touches: Elite bottle cages, custom paint job

Watch more on GCN...
Team Sky's Race Hub 📹 . 

Chris Froome's Pinarello Dogma F10 X-Light | La Vuelta A España 2017

This video contains a lot of new products. But, as you know, we've worked with fi'zi:k on the launch of their new 2018 range. As you have also seen, this video and the Unboxing contain paid promotion for fi'zi:k. We want you to know that all opinions expressed by Dan regarding fi'zi:k's products (from 4:27) are his own.

GCN is at Eurobike, the world's largest bike show. In today's video former Tour de France cyclist Dan Lloyd checks out all the latest and greatest road bike tech from the show.

Day 1 of Eurobike always brings lots of surprises and plenty of new tech. Dan didn't have to look too far, then, to find some seriously cool new stuff, including... 9 new pairs of ZIpp wheels, new hubs from Rotor which have a clutch mechanism rather than a freehub, new helmets from KASK and new glasses from KOO. That's left us a bit breathless but there is yet more bike tech with a bike box from Topeak and, of course the new fi'zi:k range that we launched on the channel yesterday.

Watch more on GCN...
More on the new fi'zi:k shoes 📹  

Eurobike 2017: NEW Road Bike Tech For 2018 From The World's Biggest Cycling Show

We've seen fi'zi:k's new road shoes, and even their off road models over with our friends at GMBN. Now it's time for their 2018 saddle range, which Simon Richardson is here to unveil for the first time. 

The Spine Concept System devised by fi'zi:k is a quick and easy way for any rider to find out which of these saddles will be most suitable specifically for you.

The flexibility in your hamstrings and lower back will determine the angle of your pelvis when you are in the saddle. This pelvis angle will impact on the saddle suitability, so the different ranges are designed to take this into account. 

Arione
Antares
Aliante
Women's Specific Luce
Versus Evo
The Open range - available in Arione, Antares and Aliante

All models are available in regular or wide.
Most saddles are available in these three models;
 -R3 (k:ium alloy rail)
 -R1 (carbon rail)
 -00 (carbon rail and shell) 

Watch more on GCN...
GMBN fi'zi:k 2018 MTB Shoes  📹  

Unboxing The NEW fi'zi:k 2018 Saddle Range | Win With GCN!

In a world exclusive, we bring you the fi'zi:k launch of the 2018 road cycling shoe range. There are some exciting changes afoot... dare you miss them?

Simon's unboxing rather a few treats for us this week, in a seen-here-first mammoth episode with the fi'zi:k 2018 road cycling shoes. From boa technology to clever arch support, there are some exciting developments...

- R1 Infinito Knit
- R1 Infinito
- Aria R3
- R4B
- The Artica
- R5

Watch more on GCN...
Check out GMBN's grand reveal of the MTB range from fi'zi:k 📹  

Unboxing The NEW fi'zi:k 2018 Road Cycling Shoe Range

Episode 242 is here, where Si and Matt discuss everything cycling from pro cycling budgets to brakeless bikes, check out the new Ultegra groupset and see how our very own John Beavan got on in the Haute Route. Did he make it to the end?

We've got the poll results to reveal as to why you really ride your bike. It might surprise you...

It's not been a good week for Cannondale Drapac, who have announced some budget shortages for 2018. It leads us to ask the question; has pro cycling screwed itself? Should we be looking at alternatives to ensure that our beautiful sport remains as entertaining as ever? Let us know your thoughts below.

Don't miss out on our latest update from Mark Beaumont, currently on track to smash the round the world record and three-quarters of the way through his mega cycling challenge.

Back on the pro cycling theme, we've got the latest from La Vuelta and emerging transfer news for the 2018 season. 

Congratulations to the winners of the Assos kit bundles (Lysanne Sansoucy - CAN, Nicholas Fanaras - US, Leif Justham - AU & Nura Flores - US) and to Luka Malic, the winner of the Schindelhauer Bike, Sena helmet and Cycliq light! 

Gustavo Santos wins the caption competition this week and with it a GCN Camelbak bottle. More impressive though is Contador's 10 second bike sketch, one of the best yet! 

Fancy your chances with the 🦈  Shark of Messina 🦈 ? Send us in your  Send us in your captions to be in with a chance of winning! 

And lastly we have some cool footage from State Bicycle Company in Extreme Corner. 

We also have some exciting news about fi'zi:k on the way. Watch this space... 

Watch more on GCN...
Dan's AG2R La Mondiale Truck Tour 📹  

Has Pro Cycling Screwed Itself? | The GCN Show Ep. 242

Dan puts on the workshop apron and shows you how to easily swap brake hoses on hydraulic disc brakes.

Let us know your tips for swapping hydraulic brake hoses in the comments below 👇

Follow Dan Lloyd and his simple steps to swap front/rear brake hoses on hydraulic brakes, especially when using the Shimano system.
You will need
2x8mm spanners
2.5mm Allen Key
6mm Allen Key
Brake Pad Spacer or Folded up cardboard
Flathead screwdriver
Disc Brake Oil
Hydraulic Oil
Rag

It's a fairly complex task to undertake but follow Dan's instructions carefully and you will be fine. 

Watch more on GCN...
How To Not Maintain Your Bike - Road Bike Maintenance  📹  


How To Bleed Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes  📹  

How To Swap Hydraulic Disc Brake Hoses On A Road Bike | Maintenance Monday

Dan Lloyd is back with another truck tour, and it's time for AG2R La Mondiale, home to Grand Tour contender Romain Bardet. We take a fascinating closer look into the provisions for the mechanics and soigneurs for the Grand Tours for the weeks on the road. 🚚

From the Factor O2 Pro bikes to cable housing, the mechanic's truck is a cyclist's paradise of parts and tools, ready to equip the Grand Tour team AG2R La Mondiale with the best set ups for all of their racing stages. As a mobile workshop, the truck must house the spares, and the expertise necessary to keep the team's Factor bikes running smoothly for the race ahead.

Not to be underestimated, the soigneurs also have a crucial job in keeping the teams performing at their best. Truck provisions include laundry facilities and a pantry for fuelling riders before and after stages as well as keeping their kit fresh for each stage.  

For more on life as a pro cyclist behind the scenes, Dan has a nosey around this tour truck. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section 👇

Watch more on GCN...
Romain Bardet's Factor O2 📹  


AG2R La Mondiale's Team Bus Tour with Matt Stephens 📹  

Inside The AG2R La Mondiale Mechanic's Truck | La Vuelta A España 2017

Shimano's NEW Ultegra groupset is here, following on from the release of the updated Dura Ace last year. SHARE this video!

Shimano released the latest version of their all conquering Dura-Ace Groupset last year. But hot on it's heels, is this, the little brother. The Ultegra R8000 Groupset. Now it was announced, a couple of months back, but seeing how Shimano actually invited us out to Austria to have a look at it, and to have a little ride on it, we thought it would be a bit rude to say no. Shimano Ultegra has always promised the functionality and the durability of Dura-Ace, but at a lower price point. But recently as well, it's also added in a little bit of versatility, which we'll see later on. Because it's not just about racing. 

Now as with Dura-Ace, there are four options here. So you have a mechanical shifting, rim brake version, which is R8000. You also have a mechanical shifting, hydraulic disc brake version, which is R8020. Then, you have an electronic Di2 shifting rim brake version which is R8050. And then finally you've got this, which is the bells and whistles R8070, electronic Di2 shifting with hydraulic disc brakes. There here is a whole load of tech that is new to the Ultegra level that's trickled down from Dura-Ace. So I'm going to walk you through it. 

Starting with shifters, up there. The big news with Shimano Dura-Ace was the improvement of the ergonomics of their hydraulic levers. And rejoice, the same things has happened here. So we've now got a smaller diameter lever body and also with shorter reach. I am told that it is every so slightly larger in diameter compared to the Dura-Ace 9170 version. But, frankly I've held the two side by side and I couldn't actually tell the difference. Sticking with ergonomics, you also still have the reach adjust, so great for people with small hands. You can move the lever in a little bit more. And you've also got lever pull adjustment as well. So if you're like me, like a lot of lever pull and therefore more pad clearance, you can set it up as that. Or, if you like a more immediate brake, so less lever pull and less pad clearance, you can have that as well. Now that's something that we take for granted on rim brakes, but until recently it didn't use to be possible on disc brakes. Now, having a look up here, the hidden buttons from Dura-Ace Di2 have also migrated across. 

NEW Shimano Ultegra Groupset – GCN's First Look At The Tech

The new super lightweight Look 785 Huez RS made its debut at the 2017 Tour de France, so we check out this bike ridden by Élie Gesbert from Team Fortuneo-Oscaro.

Inspired by Greg LeMond, the first Tour de France rider to win on a carbon bike, the 785 Huez RS is a new lightweight addition to Look's portfolio. Using Optimized Intertia Section technology to incorporate an optimal combination of round and square carbon tubing, the frame measures only 0.6mm thickness in places!

Dan Lloyd takes a closer *look* at this build...

Frame and forks: Look 785 Huez RS
Wheels: Corima S+
Tyres: Challenge Strada 24mm
Handlebars: Look Aero 
Stem: Ritchey 130mm
Seatpost: Look carbon
Saddle: Selle Italia SLR 
Shifters: Sram eTap Red
Brakes: Sram eTap Red
Front Mech: Sram eTap Red
Rear Mech: Sram eTap Red
Chainset: Look
Pedals: Look Power Pedals
Chainring size: 53/39T
Cassette: 11/32T

Bike weight: 6.9kg
Saddle height: 75cm
Reach: 56cm
Bar width: 44cm
Stem length: 130mm
Crank length: 170mm
Tyre width: 25mm

What do you think? Would you ride? Let us know in the comments 👇

Watch more on GCN...
Why we love team trucks! 📹  


Do motos make a difference in races? 📹  

Élie Gesbert's Look 785 Huez RS

In this special edition of Ask GCN Anything, we're joined by Australian Pro Cyclist Adam Hansen of team Lotto-Soudal. Dan Lloyd and Adam answer your #torqueback questions, from pro team tactics to tackling saddle sores! 

Adam Hansen is best known for his phenomenal record breaking streak of Grand Tours, currently standing at 18 consecutive finishes at the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España since 2011.

Loyal domestique, yet with several stage wins to his name as well as twice winner of the Australian self supported MTB Crocodile Trophy, Hansen is an impressive athlete. 🔥

Yet more than just a rider, Engineer Hansen has also turned his hand to a number of different enterprises including making his own super lightweight shoes. 

In this week's Ask GCN, Dan LLoyd poses your questions to Adam, as we gain further understanding of life in the pro peloton. Anything you'd love to know that you think we've missed? Pop your questions in the comments below! 👇


If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍  

Watch more on GCN...
Take a look inside Adam Hansen's suitcase 📹  


From the depths of the archives - rider diaries Vuelta 2013  📹  

August 2017

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