GCN Tech Show: The best bikes from the Bike Vault

It’s the final GCN Tech Show of the year, so what better way to celebrate than with a Bike Vault special? In this special episode, Alex Paton and GTN's Mark Threlfall are picking out some of the best bike submissions from this year and further back.

These are a selection of the most voted-on bikes from the GCN App before it closed recently, but do they still meet with Ollie and Alex’s strict protocol for a 'Supernice' vote and a ring of the bell?

Before we get started, here's a quick a reminder of the criteria bikes need to meet to earn a 'Supernice'. It’s not just about having a stunning bike.

Rules of the Bike Vault

• Valves need to be aligned with the tyre's logos on both the front and rear wheel
• Cranks need to be in a horizontal position with the driveside crank pointing forwards
• Pedals must be level
• 'Biggie Smalls' - this sees the chain positioned on the big chain ring but in the bottom of the cassette
• For single chain rings the middle of the cassette is acceptable
• Try and get your bike standing as upright as possible with minimal lean
• Do not put the bike on any jagged rocks or walls that could scratch the bike
• Photos should show the bike against a nice clean background, with no mess interfering with the shot
• There should be minimal clutter on the bike, so remove saddle bags etc

It’s also worth reminding you that you can still submit your Bike Vault entries for inclusion in the GCN Tech Show via our web uploader here. We’re working on ways to improve the uploader and make more of your contributions visible across this very website, so please keep checking back for more info and of course we’ll still be featuring the best in each week’s tech show.

The most ‘Supernice' bikes from the GCN App

Submitted by: maxz | Supernice vote: 91%

Here’s what maxz had to say about the bike: "My dream bike. An Orbea Orca Aero which I ordered in my fav colours and built it up from scratch in my cellar. It is totally customized and the result of my dreams. Every detail is how I always imagined it. Tubeless, Carbon Rims, Di2, carbon bottle cages (yes they are f****** awesome), etc... I don't have the words to describe the feeling. I hope you love it as much as I do."

It looks like everyone did with a whopping 91% Supernice vote.

© GCN

This Orbea Orca Aero Custom from maxz was voted one of the most Supernice bikes of all time in the GCN app

Submitted by: arl7474 | Supernice vote: 91%

There wasn’t much detail from arl7474. Just that he gave the bike a good clean during the weekend. Then he left the bike to do the talking.

BMC Timemachine Road against a moody sky or a maybe just a grey wall. Either way, neat looking bike

Submitted by r_m_turner | Supernice vote: 89%

This took four months to arrive due to the pandemic and Brexit apparently. Looks like it was worth the wait!

© GCN

It took a while for the this White Pinarello Prince TiCR to be delivered but it sure was worth the wait

Submitted by airweaver1 | Supernice vote: 86%

Airweaver1 was very happy with this build and looks like most of you agreed. Here’s the spec provided: All Zipp components. Seatpost, 130mm -12 stem, 42cm bar, cages, 404 wheels. Frame is 61cm, Fizik Arionne saddle.

© GCN

This Bianchi Sprint looking radiant in the trademark striking celeste colourway

Submitted by mrudolf | Supernice vote: 86%

We didn't get much detail on this one, other that it was fresh back from mrudolf’s first 100 mile ride. Either way, it got the approval of our app users who thought it was certainly worthy of a Supernice.

© GCN

Black Trek Madone SLR 7 Project One just back from a 100-mile ride

Submitted by toni84 | Supernice vote: 86%

Here’s what toni84 told us about this Cinelli: "Recently bought this beauty secondhand. Put some new wheels on it and couldn't help sharing. Rides like a dream."

This Cinelli Superstar Disc rides like a dream apparently, but what did you think of it?

Submitted by mbfoxysoxy | Supernice vote: 85%

Now here’s the classic example of a great bike but one that doesn’t obey the Bike Vault rules. Cranks not set at the correct angle, cluttered background, albeit in a very comfy looking room. What will the guys think of this one?

© GCN

A stunning Colnago C64 but what's it doing in the bedroom?

Submitted by cedblais | Supernice vote: 84%

Here’s cedblais’ description of his 2021 Trek Emonda: "Slightly modified to have this ultra unique look. I changed the cockpit, the chainring and of course the wheels. Next in the list: ceramic speed OPW."

This was doing pretty well even without the latest upgrade.

© GCN

Some well thought through modifications to make this one unique

Submitted by ashwin.k | Supernice vote: 83%

This beauty from Canada is finished in matte black and gold, with a chain to match. The only bit that’s missing are the pedals but that hasn’t stopped it getting plenty of Supernice votes along the way. Will Alex and Mark pick up on that detail though?

© GCN

Will the matte black and gold finish for this Orbea be enough to meet with presenter approval?

Submitted by mark.trcklebank | Supernice vote: 83%

Mark tells us that he changed the 23mm tyres for 28mm Schwalbe Pro One, has Dura Ace Pedals, Tacx bottle cages, a Raceware Garmin mount and has added brand stickers to the frame. The bike weighs a 8.4kg.

Cannondale Systemsix Hi Mod with tan wall tyres

Submitted by tom.k | Supernice vote: 82%

This was tom.k’s first ride out in Richmond Park London on his Trek Madone SLR7. He must have been pretty impressed from the response he got. Definitely an improvement on his previous 11kg steel commuter with mudguards!

© GCN

Trek Madone SLR7 against a rather scorched Richmond Park in England

Submitted by jackwilliams11 | Supernice vote: 81%

What a beauty. Freshly cleaned and gleaming in the sun. Did the guys spot the mismatched tyres though and how did that impact their vote?

This freshly washed BMC Timemachine Road 01 Four from jackwilliams11 is a beaut!

So there you have it. What a quality bunch of bikes – which was your favourite? Thank you to everyone who has submitted them via the GCN App over the last few years. Don’t forget that you can still submit them for inclusion in the show via the uploader. And if you’re hoping for Ollie to ring the bell next year then make sure you’re carefully checking through those criteria at the top of the article.