Here's why the UCI should ban Visma-Lease a Bike's helmets - The GCN Show

There was only one place to start in this week's GCN Show and that, of course, was with Visma-Lease a Bike's new time trial helmets from the opening stage of Tirreno-Adriatico.

Read more: Visma-Lease a Bike and Jonas Vingegaard debut spectacular new time trial helmet

Shocking the world on Monday, the Dutch WorldTeam lifted the lid on their latest piece of aerodynamic equipment from Giro. Sporting a protruded front that extends far in front of a rider's face, the new helmet has drawn quick comparisons to something out of Star Wars and pro riders themselves have not been short on passing judgment.

Sam Welsford of Bora-Hansgrohe made his opinion known on X, as did former professional rider Chris Boardman, whilst Geraint Thomas of Ineos Grenadiers gave his reaction on the latest episode of the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club Podcast.

"That's the way cycling is going as well, isn't it? Aero is a massive deal these days so even if you look like an absolute clown, as long as you go fast and win, then who cares?" he said.

Just a day after its unveiling, the UCI even launched an internal review of their regulations in response to safety concerns surrounding Giro's offering. Suffice it to say, that this debate is not going to rest lightly.

Read more: UCI bans Specialized head sock and fires warning to Visma's new TT helmet

Adding their voice to the mix, our very own Daniel Lloyd and Si Richardson cast their assessment in this week's GCN Show and Dan in particular has one resounding thought: it's time for the UCI to ban such helmet designs!

Lycra was banned in Downhill Mountain Biking, time trial bikes were reined in by the UCI in the late 1990s and now, Dan argues, it is time for the governing body to step in once again! What do you think? Should Visma-Lease a Bike's new Giro helmet be banned? Give us your thoughts in the comments below.

Before we move on from racing, if you like the look of Dan and Si's t-shirts on this week's show, the good news is they're available now to buy over on the GCN Shop. There are loads of design and styles to help get you fully ready for the spring racing season. Head over there or click on the rail below for more info.

Elsewhere in this week's Cycling Shorts segment, we take a look at the new Canyon Grizl:ON that was launched on Tuesday morning. In the new gravel bike, the German manufacturer has electrified its ever-popular off-roader. There's even a full commuter option with mudguards and pannier racks, so there's no excuse for Dan not to cycle to work now, right?

Read more: Canyon electrifies the Grizl with the new Grizl:ON gravel e-bike

Hacks and Bodges

With clarion calls sent to the UCI and time spent looking at this week's Cycling Shorts, there's only one place to go next - Hacks and Bodges. Dan and Si cast their votes on this week's entries, but remember, you can submit your entries for next time via our uploader. Please remember to include as much detail as possible.

Read more: Upload your cycling photos and be featured on our GCN shows

Hole-mending with Rithwan from Brunei

Our first entry comes from Rithwan, whose handle on Instagram is @redscottaddiction. He had a problem with his Scott Addict 20 2019 and with the help of a trip to a hardware store, he was soon back riding. We will let him explain.

"I was just cycling and decided to stop at the cafe. When I went back to my bike. I noticed that I have lost my cable plug for the front derailleur cable. To prevent further damage to my carbon frame. I decided to buy a small pack of screw plugs from the hardware store nearby and borrowed some pliers from the friendly employees. Slit the plug to the cable and stuck it in the hole."

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Plugging the gap!

An unusual saddle from Melbourne, Australia

Writing to us from Australia, @sunny.9.8 on Instagram has spotted a unique setup at their university. The following bike was locked up outside and whilst its owner was not in sight, we dare say they may be walking rather uncomfortably after riding atop this saddle!

© GCN

Have you ever seen anything like this?

A nifty and subtle bike rack from Maria

Maria got in touch with what we think looks like a fantastic bike rack for her Bianchi Pista.

"Wanted an affordable bike rack that disappeared into the wall and didn't stand out when bike removed. So got some industrial wall brackets, sprayed them white, wrapped some oversized laces for cushioning and fixed to the wall."

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This looks pretty nifty to us!

This Enigma Escape bike has an alternative 'arse saver'

Based in Snowdonia, Toto ran into difficulties with his saddle bag preventing him from attaching an 'arse saver' mud flap to the underside of his saddle. Rather than accept defeat, he has taped an arse saver to the underside of his saddle bag and in turn, he is saved from getting a wet backside. It may not be the most aesthetic of entries, but we're giving Toto a bonus point for spreading the word about Hack or Bodge.

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Toto has asked the question, now it's up to you to decide!

Coming up on the channel this week*

Wednesday 6 March: Here's how to always dress right

Thursday 7 March: Super commuting on this brand-new bike

Friday 8 March: What is the Q factor and why does everybody always ignore it?

Saturday 9 March: Can Ollie Bridgewood hold a professional cyclist's wheel on the flat?

Sunday 10 March: Beginner vs amateur vs pro: The descending edition

*Video schedules are subject to change

Did you know: You can now listen to The GCN Show as a podcast. That means you can still get all the insight from the latest episode of the GCN Show without actually having to look at Dan and Si at all, if that's ever been an issue for you. Search for "Global Cycling Network" on your chosen podcast provider.

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