Have you ever gone racing on a vintage bike? 🚴 Let us know in the comments below! 👇
@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын
Well i only ever raced on 1970 era downshifters, steel frame, five gear block, tubulars.
@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын
Do a track stand at the start
@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын
A classic bike would generally come with 52 tooth large chaining and 14 teeth rear for 100.3 inches. Now i have 52x11 which is about 27 percent higher. Eddie probably used 54?
@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын
Fifty year old new campy wow!
@bradford_shaun_murray Жыл бұрын
No
@seattlegrrlie Жыл бұрын
Didn't crash, didn't get dropped, finished the race - that's a win
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Beers on Si 🍻
@biggertree7063 Жыл бұрын
As a vintage cyclist, I need a modern bike to keep up.
@JejjeP Жыл бұрын
A vintage cyclist is clearly a bigger problem than a vintage bike! :-D
@tomahoks Жыл бұрын
Well, lol
@haksaw123 Жыл бұрын
Definitely 👍 😂
@bradford_shaun_murray Жыл бұрын
love it lol
@budbud2509 Жыл бұрын
I need a 150cc one , but I do identify as a cyclists Stunning and Brave ........... 😂😂🤣🤣
@nt2883 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely love the takeaway message at the end. I recently tried a couple of crits after exclusively racing track for a few years. Turned up on a $200 facebook marketplace special sporting 15 year old Tiagra. Did I win? No, no I did not. Did I have fun? WAY more than $200 worth. Turn up on whatever you've got and get stuck in! We aren't playing for rainbow jerseys or olympic medals. Just have a go
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Great! This is what we love to hear! Doesn't matter what you ride or where you come, the main thing is the enjoyment! And we think it's pretty hard not to enjoy riding a bike 😉
@foldupaudi7645 Жыл бұрын
Love it!
@jetsetsc Жыл бұрын
Turn up on whatever you've got, and hopefully that also includes 10 years of pro racing experience. :)
@lgarcia67 Жыл бұрын
I recently went to try gravel riding. I did not have a “gravel bike” so I rented one. As I was riding, I realized I was just riding a mountain bike without front suspension, and with drop bars. I took my rusting away, 2004, Trek MTB, cleaned it, changed all the drive train and the breaks, and changed the handle bar for drops. I ended up with a super fun, super comfortable (the suspension is awesome) gravel bike. I spent just $350 for the drive train’s cheap components and that was it. Save your money, lose some pounds and just ride. You will get better.
@foldupaudi7645 Жыл бұрын
Best comment of the week
@bimblingalong Жыл бұрын
sure you had the wrong cassette in, the toe-clips were too small, & down tube shifters, but you also had the best looking bike there... so that's a win!
@stevemawer848 Жыл бұрын
He didn't have a cassette, he had a "freewheel block".
@cptjeff1 Жыл бұрын
@@stevemawer848 Also a bit of a corncob. He does know that you could have a wider range within those 5 gears installed even then, right? The pros didn't for the sake of macho, but you can get a much wider range than shown here, just depends on how authentic you want to be to Merckx and his ilk versus how you want to ride.
@stevemawer848 Жыл бұрын
@@cptjeff1 Ah yes, the Regina board with all those lovely sprockets waiting to be mixed and matched! Are things really better nowadays? 🙂
@l.d.t.6327 Жыл бұрын
I'm a vintage racer in Belgium, and I absolutely loved this clip. I would like to invite you to try out racing in retro races over here. There is a full calendar and It's so much fun, especially because it's much more tactical, with the slower shifting, slower accelerations etc.
@Boopop1024 Жыл бұрын
I know sometimes people give GCN grief for being sponsor funded and often talking about flashy new bikes (and I don' t they overdo this anyway), so chapeux for putting up a video that essentially says "actually, just ride the bike you've got" :)
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot, Tom!
@jeremynorth Жыл бұрын
I'm one of those critics so I liked this one for its honesty. Si is a good bloke too
@Driver8takeabreak Жыл бұрын
They have a lot of videos like this (using cheap bikes or older bikes).
@rizzlerforthergyatt Жыл бұрын
aren't almost all content creators sponsor funded ?
@nizar3469Ай бұрын
They do need the sponsors to keep giving us news funny vids Tech help tutorials for us
@lordraiden5398 Жыл бұрын
Way back in the late 80's I bought a used Vitus 979 Aluminum frameset. It was polished with a clearcoat. I transfered the Shimano 105 groupset from the bike I was riding and had a perforated leather Selle Italia seat. I still think that was the best bike I have ever owned.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Sounds lovely! Do you still have it?
@perpetualgrin5804 Жыл бұрын
Me too bought a 2nd hand Vitus in 86, did more miles than the space shuttle. Expensive but I go my $ out of it😅.
@robertmcfadyen9156 Жыл бұрын
Sounds very nice !
@angepicard796810 ай бұрын
979 and 992 are so fun to ride. So stiff and agressive.
@cariocakev Жыл бұрын
We (mostly vintage) riders of vintage bikes are really enjoying these videos with the Merckx! It’s been great watching your learning curve, from quick release torque to gear choice, pacing, and clear position. It shows how complex all the factors of cycling are and that no one thing - weight, aero, efficiency, and tactics are all powerful pieces of the puzzle. No silver bullets.
@SkyhawkSteve Жыл бұрын
One pleasure of riding a vintage bike is that the mere act of keeping up with the group is a victory! You also get to demoralize the riders behind you, when they realize that a 40 year old bike is ahead of them. 🙂
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it! Have you seen our 'Following Merckx film on GCN+? 👉 gcn.eu/1969
@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын
@@SkyhawkSteve not to mention a 40 year plus rider lol. i am 66 and would love to get back into "racing" condition... well, call it "not embarrassing myself to death" condition
@SkyhawkSteve Жыл бұрын
@@secretagent86 I'm a few years younger, and am happy to stay in decent shape, keep up with my fast peers, and just enjoy my bikes.
@slawomirb1984 Жыл бұрын
@@SkyhawkSteve "You also get to demoralize the riders behind you, when they realize that a 40 year old bike is ahead of them." Thats a hell of a fun! Something similar I did on ultra. Old XC bike with cheapest mods into gravel like bike, just for a little better speed as I always wanted. At first some laughs, then many on 29ers left behind..
@swites Жыл бұрын
Drafting makes an incredible difference that no wheelset, frame or skinsuit can compete with. So if you have none of those don't ride on, or go off the front! It actually forces you to ride smart and not waste energy or otherwise you get dropped.
@jason200912 Жыл бұрын
That's not true, it took 5 gcn drafters to beat a single tt bike guy
@paulmcknight4137 Жыл бұрын
No kidding! That could be why you "faced a wall" off the front! :)
@davidf2281 Жыл бұрын
@@jason200912 If you don't think drafting makes an enormous difference you haven't done much cycling
@swites Жыл бұрын
@@jason200912 First of all in a road race everyone is on the same road bikes. TT bikes are not allowed in road races. 2nd of all it is an undisputed fact that drafting saves one ~30% of ones energy. Anyone can see this if one has a power meter. In a recent race I was averaging ~300watts for a minute on the front and ~200 watts in the wheels at 40kph in my small group of 8 on the flat. Unless you're on a Boris bike you won't be dropped in the wheels of similar level cyclists.
@jason200912 Жыл бұрын
@@davidf2281 sure it makes a huge difference but you still need 5 road bikers to beat 1 tt biker
@brianf.nastali6827 Жыл бұрын
I've won many of modern races on a vintage bike...as have my kids. We all have modern bikes, but enjoy our "fun" vintage bikes. My daughter's first national track race 10ish years back, was on a borrowed 70's track bike...she beat competition riding $10k modern aero track bikes. There are definitely advantages to the modern bikes and components, but at the end of the day, in mass start races, especially crits, it's about the rider.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
It's all about the engine 🙌 Does your daughter still race?
@jonathanscott7372 Жыл бұрын
I agree, the rider makes a bigger difference than the bike.
@michaelatkinson7577 Жыл бұрын
My son is currently racing a 1953 Flying Scot (around 8Kg) at Scottish Highland Games Grasstrack races (fixie racing - quite exciting.....). The bike (frame) has been competing for nearly 70 years on the Grasstrack scene and he moved up to Adult racing from the juniors this year. First meeting out - he managed to win the 800m race....he did win the Scottish Grasstrack championship last year. We also have my 14 year old racing on a late 1940s Excel(sior) cycles steel fixie - leading the junior Grasstrack champs this year.
@tomrachellesfirstdance7843 Жыл бұрын
Good luck in 50 years getting a moden day dura ace to work 😂 Si as always a beast on the bike
@andrewmcalister3462 Жыл бұрын
At that stage, the di2 battery would hold about enough charge for the neutralised 1st lap.
@milosstoiljkovic Жыл бұрын
Mechanics say those old friction shifters are practically indestructable.
@jameslee-pevenhull5087 Жыл бұрын
My oldest bike with derailleur gears is a 1953 James that has Cyclo Benelux Standard THREE speed for 1/8" track chain. 27 x 1 1/8" High Pressure.
@lazlo2511 Жыл бұрын
You just made a whole generation subscribe to the channel with that awesomely crafted comment about getting stuck in no matter what you on! This day out was actually a breathe of fresh from GcN. Bravo.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much! We always look to inspire people to get out and ride!
@alaintallier1956 Жыл бұрын
Eddy Merckx has actually said in interviews what he would chose from the modern era it would be clipless pedals. Everything else is marginal, that he says was a game changer.
@jetsetsc Жыл бұрын
All of my bikes are from the 70's and 80's. They all have clipless pedals. :)
@bradjohnson169 Жыл бұрын
Yes, true re the pedals. The only other thing I would add would be 9 to 11 cogs in the back wheel + handlebar shifters. All else, frame wheelsets and tires need not be changed. Current bikes being carbon fiber are a real scam, far too expensive for what it gives in performance. They are also much too brittle.
@wildmano1965 Жыл бұрын
Nobody had clippless until around '86. Prolly started arriving on to the pro scene by '85...Look. Seems like they could have figured it out way sooner tho...funny how that worked.
@lunam724911 ай бұрын
clips are great in reality, grocery getter.....when you hit a large bump you can pull out of them naturaly , AND YOU CAN USE WORK SHOES OR SNEAKERS!
@Ronnymikkonen268610 ай бұрын
Maybe it's not really marginal? Perhaps. But the parts doesn't need to cost a fortune. There are great modern parts novadays. For example saddle, saddle post, rims, and so on.
@brianrainey2739 Жыл бұрын
Would love to see the whole GCN crew go on a tour, each with a ‘70’s bike they chose and with vintage wool kit and leather shoes w toeclips. You could still stop for coffee and cake but absolutely no gels allowed! 😄 Any chance any of the group knows how to do a roadside tubular repair?
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Hahahah that could be a lot of fun! We've done some epic retro challenges 👉 gcn.eu/1903
@MissCaraMint10 ай бұрын
I just fixed up my dad told road bike from the early 80s. It was such a joy to ride it. The downtube shifters are actually really nice, and I feel more in tune with the bike using them. It’s probably slower than a modern setup, but the feel is outstanding.
@anthonyhatter196 Жыл бұрын
Not a racer but welcome to my childhood and teenage years. Steel frames and toe clips. Those shifters bring a tear to my eye. Loved my early bikes, a Peugeot and a Dawes.❤
@russstarke6004 Жыл бұрын
Raced similar setup many times (cause I'm old). Of all the advances clipless pedals hold a special place in my heart. BTW I trained on my Merckx and raced a cheaper frame. Much more likely to mess up a bike in a race.
@secretagent86 Жыл бұрын
i totally agree about the clipless pedals. fabulous i raced in the 1970s and my poor Cinelli hit the deck too often. sigh
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Great point! Crashing a 10k super bike is never a good thing 👀
@AlexChklar Жыл бұрын
I think the biggest takeaway is racecraft. Learning how to ride in a bunch, hold a wheel etc, will get you a long way. Not riding safely or considerately in a bunch will get you spat out. Loved racing these kinds of events and launching ill fated attacks... Thanks for the memories!
@Kendoji1 Жыл бұрын
Amazing stuff. Si is a beast! As someone who rides a modern but vintage inspired steel bike (Temple) I’d love to see one of these videos with a traditional-ish steel frame but modern wheels, gears and other bits.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
You should check out our 'Retro vs Modern' doc on GCN+! 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
@nuttycommuter3718 Жыл бұрын
I’ve got a 1995 Mercian in Reynolds 531, but with modern 105 groupset and new wheels. The gears made the biggest positive difference - my smallest gear when I had Suntour was 42/21 and now it’s 34/28 so hills are much easier! However my pedals aren’t as good (IMO) - I had Time Equipe and they were absolutely stunning and had more float and were more comfortable than the new Ultegra I’ve got now.
@Fugitive_811 ай бұрын
The Vintage bikes were king in their era however, its close to impossible for an old bicycle to beat a modern bicycle with everything they have, carbon aero frames, 12 speed dura aces, carbon deep lip rims, faster and more accurate groupsets, all that cannot compare but it sure is a glory to ride one of these
@andrewjohnson9896 Жыл бұрын
Would love to see a follow-up on this, a series of videos showing this same race and going through the ages of bikes, up to a modern super bike. Would love to see this!!
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Great idea Andrew! In the meantime you could watch our 'Retro vs Modern' film on GCN+ 👉 gcn.eu/rvm
@mistagregory Жыл бұрын
When I compare my rides on Strava between my Pegoretti Luigino and my OPEN U.P. with 50mm aero wheels, the Pegoretti is just as fast if not faster on a lot of segments. Some of that might be due to the larger chainrings but still, that lugged steel bike is so fast and more comfortable than the carbon one.
@patrickwalsh279 Жыл бұрын
Lovely video: fun and articulate, especially that uplifting morale of the story at the end. As to the bike, didn't Merckx himself say "less upgrades, more riding up grades"? Being smart about your bike and while you're on it goes a long way, but then so does fitness. Cyclists obsess over the weight of their components and the "aero" qualities of their gear, but if you're not in shape, all the money in the world wasted on expensive gear won't save you from being dropped.
@equusasinus Жыл бұрын
In 2003, together with two other oldies from Canterbury Cycle Club, I decided to get a veteran's licence and go racing again. We entered a road race in Tenterden in Kent and I was riding a twenty year old classic De Rosa steel-frame bike. Unlike Si's 1969 bike with down-tube shifters and foot clips, I had upgraded the De Rosa with 21st century Campagnolo Record groupset and clipless pedals. To be honest, I don't think the classic steel bike was any handicap whatsoever. What failed was my nerve. After so many years since I last raced, I was terrified going flat-out downhill on narrow Kent country lanes, shoulder to shoulder in the peloton, watching the wheel in front as if it was a grenade with the pin out... After 15 miles I was dropped, but I kept a respectable distance from the broom wagon for the rest of the race. I never raced again but I just enjoy riding my bike.
@johndef5075 Жыл бұрын
I tried racing a couple times. After hearing the sound of snapping carbon frames in the cat 5 class I decided it wasnt my cup of tea😅
@nerigarcia7116 Жыл бұрын
What I love about the Met Trenta is that it looks like the old hairnet helmets of that time, from the front. I had a modern custom steel frame bike built with modern gearing and it can keep up in my group rides but it does take a little extra effort. Rides so smooth though. Now, if I took my '82 Olmo on my group ride, I think I'd struggle more to keep up mainly because of the gearing and the steel was a bit heavier. It feels more sluggish than my modern one. Once it's up to speed, it's up to speed. It's a like a truck and a sports car can both go 60 mph, one can just get there faster. I do feel the difference though when I get back on my carbon bike in the responsiveness on acceleration and handling. It takes less effort.
@pts95er Жыл бұрын
I grew up on old bikes with down tube shifters (I’m only 27) because all I could afford was older bikes. Didn’t stop me wiping the floor with all the others in the junior time trials and some crits. That said, 10 years on I can afford a newer bike, but am 1000 times slower 😂
@lunam724911 ай бұрын
27 to 37, shouldnt be that dramatic, ride a little more often but lil less intense, aerobic drop is higher now 37 to 42....42+ you mentally adjust that the olympics wont happen anymore...
@andyamos8594 Жыл бұрын
I did the Eroica Hispania last weekend. All bikes are vintage and much of the course is off road. A real test of endurance for old tech and rider!
@mitchpaliga4851 Жыл бұрын
My first road bike in my teen years was a 1970's Raleigh Grand Prix I bought from a friend. It had toe clips and was the wrong size for me. What did I know? Nothing but it was a gas. I had been riding BMX bikes before that, all this in the 1970's. Went to college and didn't buy another road bike until 2020 (mountain bikes up to that point). I discovered GCN at that time which has been great as I got back into road biking in my late '50's. Thanks GCN!
@gcn Жыл бұрын
That's so great to hear, Mitch! We're glad to have inspired your re-visit to road cycling!
@Aphidman1 Жыл бұрын
When a college student in the early 90s, my mid-80s very inexpensive bike frame broke. I got a hand-me-down racing frame from the 1970s and built it up with a mix of parts from the 1970s and 1980s. I confess to having clipless pedals by that time, though. I was able to hang in my local races, although the bike got its share of finger pointing and comments, especially the black rustoleum paint covering up its serious blemishes. I used the same bike for time trials in the early 2000s, albeit with a new paint job. It was called "Frankenbike." Tight finances drive innovation!
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Whatever works for you! Ignore the haters!
@jonathanscott7372 Жыл бұрын
I raced in the early 70's, but my bike had ten gears. (Later 12 gears) You could also buy toe clips of different lengths to make that comfortable. The shoes were much lighter and cooler with a metal plate with a slot, that slotted onto the pedal, meaning you could pull as well as push on the pedals, especially uphill. I only ever once had a problem getting my foot in the toe clip, and that was a criterium that started on cobbles. The straps were usually fairly tight to start with, you could pull them tighter when you got a chance, or needed too. I never started with them loose. I was frequently placed, but was a better track rider, than road rider, although I enjoyed the road more.
@kurre_kallkvist Жыл бұрын
Up until this spring, my only roadbike was a circa 1976 Bianchi. I did a benchmark run on that one vs. my new carbon bike, and at my puny 210W average, the difference between the bikes was about 45s over a reasonably flat 7km course... With comparable tyres on both and without mudguards and luggage rack on the Bianchi, the difference would have been much smaller though...
@jonathanscott7372 Жыл бұрын
I first road a time trial on a fairly normal bike, but just took the mudguards and rack off. The first time I rode on a proper racing bike, I improved my time by 4 minutes over 10 miles, despite crashing. (You can't corner on a racing bike, like on a normal bike with fatter tyres.)
@roadcyclist111 ай бұрын
What carbon bike did you use? A Chinese branded one?
@kurre_kallkvist11 ай бұрын
@@roadcyclist1 Yes, Chinese branded, BXT 135 Gravel. Built up with Shimano Ultegra and 105 components, Chinese carbon bar and stem and some DT Swiss r470db wheels from a Specialuzed Roubaix.
@joules531 Жыл бұрын
One of the best GCN videos ever! Really inspirational. And I write this as someone who used to race in the 80s, but gave up due to the bike tech arms race. If there was some opportunity to race with other riders, on basic bikes like we used to see (at least up until the mid 80s) then I'd get back into racing, even though I'm now in my 60s and obviously a lot slower than I was.
@DrSomhairle Жыл бұрын
Love it, nice to see you can race on an old bike, you could even upgrade the gears to more modern ones if you want!. And the pedals for that matter. Great one.
@e3dave744 Жыл бұрын
It might of not been the quickest bike there but what a cool looking retro machine
@1966jamesM Жыл бұрын
Super vid! I take it you never had to nail your cleats on to your (leather soled and highly polished) shoes then? It's very amusing watching younger riders make sense of the stuff we just took for granted.... Yes, toe clips had to be the right length, akin to having clipless cleats in the wrong place. Gear changing? Just pedaled quicker or slower - it was simply terrifying to do that in a race... and the noise!! I remember my bike wasn't particularly light by todays standards, but I had lighter wheels for TTing and RR;'ing, so we did take weight into account for the discipline, the thing, is looking at today's results, it's only the really fast guys who are really showing what new technology can do, the average club rider aren't really doing any different times to what we did on steel and ali. More riding up grades and less upgrades, said one very famous cyclist. Ride your bike, ride your bike, ride your bike, said another...
@larryt.atcycleitalia5786 Жыл бұрын
Thanks! Bikes don't win races - racers win races. BTW, if you'd offer me my choice of any bike in that race I would go home with the one you rode. Eternal value and class.
@zsigmondfoldessy8785 Жыл бұрын
For about twenty years from the eighties, I went to amateur competitions with a slightly modified three-speed picnic bike. :-) I was usually there in the first third of the field. I still use it sometimes.
@willjones7132 Жыл бұрын
Would be cool to see more with this bike doing more period refinements like larger toe clips and changing the gearing to suit the event, find out how good it could be.
@PaulJakma Жыл бұрын
+1 from me on that. I think the bike would do quite well. Clearly this kind of racing is about tactics in the bunch, not marginal aero gains. Any smooth rolling bike will work. And those old Campy Record hubs are still incredibly smooth spinning things to this day - better than a lot of modern hubs on that score.
@norton750commando Жыл бұрын
Yep, toe clips come in different sizes, but can be a bit tricky to find if you want to be period correct. I made the mistake of buying some smaller size toe clips to fit my Campy pedals on my early '80s Grandis as they were half the price of larger ones, and soon found out why. The balls of my feet were just a couple of cm's back where they should have been, and the ensuing discomfort was horrendous.
@keithjenkins79194 ай бұрын
Suggest you next try an approx 1980-2000 "vintage" that included bar mounted indexed shifters and clipless pedals, and maybe the Campagnolo Racing Triple. Most of the problems you mention had been overcome by then, but still "vintage." That will give the modern stuff a run for its money at a quarter of the price!
@aquilonianace4791 Жыл бұрын
Try again with clipless pedals, proper gears and some lycra. Also, you need teally stiff soled shoes and plates for clips. That's why your calves hurt. Wrong shoes, wrong gear. You are a beast though! 🦁
@karlbates7271 Жыл бұрын
As the great Eddy himself said ... " If you want to improve .. just ride up grades... Don't buy upgrades."
@jakelanoux8173 Жыл бұрын
Absolutely love these vintage bike vids
@lukewalker1051 Жыл бұрын
A wonderful video...especially for us oldsters who remember and raced on these old bikes. Takeaway is...like Lance said, its not about the bike....which of course is only partially true. Your talent as a rider and of course great genetics sure saved the day. Most of us trying to compete with the old equipment would be overwhelmed....downtube shifters which I remember back in the day, in this race format in particular, are a huge handicap. Toe clips that aren't custom made for proper length of foot...what you reported. Look at you go against these studly riders Si. Hats off. No doubt you are beaming with pride. They were all on the latest $10K wundersleds. Yes, Eddie would be proud and would be great if someone sent him this video. Great content and congrats. Just the mental tenacity to deal with the old tech among this sea of latest tech is impressive. I didn't expect this to be particularly pretty going in...thought it may end up being a homage video to how tech has changed the sport, and man was I wrong.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Thanks very much, Luke! Glad you found it interesting.
@veloman59 Жыл бұрын
Well done Si great film footage - takes me back a bit to the good old days of Eastway 😂
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Cheers Simon!
@larryvaught3053 Жыл бұрын
Fabulous video Si ! I was impressed with how well you did. I must admit you did look like a dork, but man that dork can ride! Great job mate, keep up the good work! 🚵♂️😎
@tyronebrown9936 Жыл бұрын
I ride a ‘96 Merlin Road w DA8, a ‘98 Litespeed Vortex w DA9 and a ‘00 Serotta Legend Ti w DA10 and I’m still fine on group rides on courses of about 55’ vertical per mile @ 18mph at age 63. Ride on folks.
@neilparnell5712 Жыл бұрын
My vintage De Bernardi Columbus SL steel frame with modern shimano 10 speed groupset and Mavic ES wheels weighs just under 9kg yet is just as quick and comfortable as my 7kg carbon bike with carbon C50 wheels on the same routes in the Peak District. It even descends quicker and more assuredly. I love both but it just shows that a good steel frame is still relevant. I only have modern groupset on it as I am 63 and vintage gearing would now kill me ! Everyone should own an old steel bike, it helps to appreciate the new stuff.
@johnnyt7067 Жыл бұрын
I think you're a bit harsh on your bike at the start of the video. It looks amazing to me. I would love to own it!
@iamthedalilama Жыл бұрын
The tow clip saga at the beginning of a race still gives me nightmares. I’ve been spat out the back in the first 100metres back in the day, then lapped. 😂
@timmysalazar9695 Жыл бұрын
Im glad you always feature vintage roadbikes, and this one is the best si far, racing vintage roadbikes!😊
@RNest11 Жыл бұрын
Loved the message, and the spirit. Biking is so universal. Greetings from France !
@Frandaman84 Жыл бұрын
I would love to see these but the frame being the only factor, great fun video, love Si, but it’s not the first time they accidentally come unprepepared. Keep up the good work
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@lbowsk2 ай бұрын
I used to ride a very similar bike. 80s vintage Peugeot frame (531) with Campy components. Brooks leather saddle. Toe clips. It's upstairs in a closet. I'm 65, Sniff. I sure miss being a young buck!
@lostisleminstrel9 ай бұрын
I only road raced on the exact same type of bike you are using. These are very good racing hardware. The old style shoes and cleats take some getting used to. Because of all the wind breaking going on you won't have trouble keeping up with the group. This era of bike was excellent and I doubt that the modern bikes would have much of an advantage on the type of course you were on as long as you stayed in the crowd and let someone else break the wind. I really enjoyed this video as it bought back so many good memories. By the way if you fall in an old set of pedals with the strap and the cleat on the shoe you won't be able to get your foot out of the pedal and you go down with the bike strapped to you. This is always awkward but it also leads to broken collar bones fairly easily though that is always an issue when falling off a bicycle. Don't ask, I just know.
@poly_hexamethyl Жыл бұрын
An equally (maybe even more) interesting question would be: "Can a Modern Bike Survive a Vintage Race?" Some of those early Giros/Tours/Vueltas were really nasty and might eat carbon fiber like it was carbohydrate... 🙂
@Alex-kr7zr Жыл бұрын
Yes, see Paris-Roibax
@walterstoops2671 Жыл бұрын
Of course I raced a Vintage Bike. I’m 71 and raced in the Chicago area on a custom made “Crit” bike. Courses were 4 corners in industrial parks and we used 13-18 straight blocks 52-49 up front. I still have the bike. I ride a Trek Emonda SLR now.
@user-so5rb9xt6j Жыл бұрын
Ah, the straight block...I remember those days fondly. Everybody had the same equipment, more or less, so marginal gains were ever so marginal.
@markclevedon81 Жыл бұрын
As a now older rider and recovering from a recent serious cycling crash - not my fault , but which has written off my late 80s immaculate road bike this has encouraged me to firstly replace my vintage bike and return to some veteran type racing. I enjoyed this feature which illustrates that a well set up older bike with an experienced, tactical rider can be competitive and enjoyable. Well done GCN. I wonder what the real world difference would be with a more modern bike with the same rider and strategy?
@Dreamweaver94 Жыл бұрын
I've got an 86 Cannondale and an 09 Cervelo P2-SL. The biggest change I feel is the down tube shifters, those are fun, but suck in terms of shift speed, usability, and practicality. The Cervelo is also easier to hold at higher speeds.
@garygareth29 күн бұрын
Just recently got a 1987 Peugeot 👍 love it simple and classic 👌
@simonsepic Жыл бұрын
Looking at how he is clocking all the other bikes, I know that feeling all too well
@woodsdavid2887 Жыл бұрын
Despite the aero penalty, that's a good looking jersey.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Si's quite the model 😉
@gregkosinski2303 Жыл бұрын
I think wheels and tires have come a long way, but I actually prefer a lugged steel frame and friction shifters. Clueless pedals are a huge improvement too obviously.
@peterwillson135511 ай бұрын
Yh but clipless pedals aren't. They're bad for your knees.
@nickdavis9280 Жыл бұрын
I reckon you would have done even better if you had it geared right. Great video!
@gcn Жыл бұрын
That sprint power 💥
@CC-zm9fw11 ай бұрын
Totally agree -“it’s what makes the pedals go round that really counts” as Mr Bishton said (a racing cyclist of the 1960s). Ive just done the HELL OF THE NORTH COTSWOLDS 100km mountain bike event on a ‘98 Marin Alpine Trail (26” wheels, 25yrs old) that cost £150 from a charity shop. Had a great ride, put in a decent time and beat lots of trick modern bikes
@roadcyclist111 ай бұрын
It still would have been easier on a modern bike, regardless.
@guards165611 ай бұрын
Best looking jersey in the race
@edwardp5748 Жыл бұрын
that is sick. great job!
@ciupercaaugustin Жыл бұрын
Another proof about how talented and stronger the old school cyclists were ,comparring with you guys
@Chimy1423 Жыл бұрын
Nice job Simon. Like one famous💉cyclist said...It's not about the bike.
@ShakeNBakeUK Жыл бұрын
"and that nearly finished me off" --> casually walking past ambulance
@ZENmud Жыл бұрын
I rode only amateur, briefly: a neighbor/friend in New Hampshire (1995-97) introduced me to the Thursday night training races held at the NH International Speedway, using the motorcycle course and oval; they were points races and I actually won once 🏆 🥇 But the track you ran at resembles a track my Amsterdam friend took me to; it had an outer loop, then three or four shorter straightaways in-between something like this: "WV" (close the top). It was a half-hour drive out of town. He's been a top-10 Masters over-45 for the Netherlands(!) 🇳🇱 I think it was a 10 or 15 lap race, and I happily abandoned after maybe 8 laps, to watch Bert try to win. About 2004?
@alecosavvas33612 ай бұрын
Would love to see Si racing with a modern aero bike to see the true difference and feel. Flip the script.
@mathisgraening1931 Жыл бұрын
"even the weather is georgeous": completely clouded up skies
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Pretty gorgeous for the UK 😅
@pompeymonkey3271 Жыл бұрын
That bike is still better than what I could afford as a junior in the late eighties! 🤣
@arhu74 Жыл бұрын
In spite all the performance and comfort benefits of modern bikes they still can't beat the classic steel lugged road bikes in looks
@moobaz8675 Жыл бұрын
Good effort and nice bike. I have expensive carbon, titanium and steel bikes. However, my favourite is a 1987 Revelle Romany tourer. Its not a racer but it makes me smile every-time I'm out on it and I don't need to rush anywhere with it, I just take the slow road. Anyway, I've never thought of racing, but might just have a go. What's the worst that can happen?
@seanlee76703 ай бұрын
A very nice bike. Man over machine. You are faster than a lot others that are on the modern bike!
@robertmcfadyen9156 Жыл бұрын
What scares me most about modern road bicycles made with carbon fiber based frames is how battle scars look and how easily cracks can occur from large road debris impacts . Some mountain bikes can look this way after one season .
@marvinsmall5002 Жыл бұрын
I would like to see you try again with different gears and your usual footwear and pedal. And maybe modern clothing
@Digi20 Жыл бұрын
the clothing might actually make almost as much difference as a modern aero frame.
@Pesmog Жыл бұрын
I would not have begrudged Si if he had changed the pedals, gearing and clothing. You need to be comfortable on the bike regardless of era.
@basikletavlog398711 ай бұрын
I'm a cyclist from the Philippines and I would be thankful if I'd get to try that vintage bike
@bluegem7211 ай бұрын
I think your body will adapt to whatever bike you ride. The bike is just half of the equation. You can literally build the muscle to push the bike you have.
@joekrepps Жыл бұрын
I bought an entry level racing bike in 1981, a Peugeot PFN-10. Within 2-3 years, I upgraded almost everything. The seat was the first to go! The standard plastic seat really was a pain in the arse. A lovely Ideale leather seat fixed that. I have a neuromuscular disorder so I knew I’d never be competitive but I tried two “citizen class” races anyway. Had it gone over during the C19 lockdowns. I asked the shop’s owner if there was _really_ any differences in feel between it and the shiny new Bianchis in his shop. He said I’d be surprised at how well my 40 year old bike would compare. (I noted it would be nice to have shifters on the brake hoods Vs. downtube shifters-he agreed.) He said I should keep it, with the period upgrades I did, for as long as I can. My original 1980’s team Peugeot wool jersey doesn’t fit my pudgy 2023 body so I got Chinese knockoffs. Wonderful little “Time Machine”! Loved the video. Very glad you gave it a go!
@zic27695 ай бұрын
The biggest takeaway, although I've known for years yet not been able to admit truly, is that the rider has the biggest impact on the two wheels. Equipment matter, but only on the margins.
@edb8120 Жыл бұрын
You need longer clips and the right style of shoes. You could also find a very lightweight and very tight wool jersey. I would also cheat and move to the 6 speed cog (and pick the correct gears). It does look great.
@steveprice9737 Жыл бұрын
I race regularly on my early 80s bike, on very hilly courses it can be faster than my carbon bike. Flat fast courses suffers aero disadvantages. I'll be using it at Malvern Mini Mountain this month.. over the hills twice.
@cb6866 Жыл бұрын
Thanks Si , and crew....the "pedals of death " ....scare the crap out of me ! Swiss alps, first day, first ride....yeah . Not good , nearly severed an artery in my leg . BUT , same trip , same day ..another rider had to be Helo'd off the mountain !! MMMM yup . it was still a trip of a lifetime . Cheers
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Wow, scary! 😳
@cb6866 Жыл бұрын
@@gcn The Helo landed on the lawn behind our hotel , while we were learning to play the Alpenhorn . Crazy doo doo , at the end of trip , 2 on crutches , one stitched up old fart .
@MrOtterdude11 ай бұрын
Toe clips are almost never long enough to pedal properly. All you need to do is extend them 1/2". Clearance can become an issue, but it solves the problem, for the most part.
@paulwood4142 Жыл бұрын
I don't know why but I prefer the look of these old bikes. And knowing what Si has under the hood no doubt he can keep up using it.
@mikeoc217 Жыл бұрын
I raced with a Sachs made from Reynolds tubing & Campy throughout circa early "70's" 🚴👍🏻
@ralphc1405 Жыл бұрын
Nice! Always wondered about the Regina chains back then...the (brass plated?) Oro and Record Oro drilled chains
@mikeoc217 Жыл бұрын
@@ralphc1405 I had all Campagnolo Record components, back the Shimano was in its infancy nothing like today.
@bikeyclown46696 ай бұрын
In my experience with toe clips at the start of a race, it's best to ignore tightening the loose strap at first. I found that focusing on getting my foot in the clip, riding smoothly in the pack and staying upright were more important to focus on in the beginning. Then tighten the loose strap at an appropriate time, usually along a long straight section with little drama. Just like modern pedals, you need to have your cleat adjusted appropriately before you race, so your calves are not being unnecessarily stressed.
@markjthomson Жыл бұрын
Excellent, yes, just do it. You don't need the fanciest latest greatest most up to datetest kit and bike... ride what ya brung!
@peatyxxjxxx14945 ай бұрын
“Everyone had access to the same equipment”… I rather like that concept for racing.
@gcn5 ай бұрын
Sounds like Japanese Keirin racing 👉 kzfaq.info/get/bejne/prx7Y8youMm4pqc.html
@johnnyt7067 Жыл бұрын
Your comments on the drive train and other "performance" component of the bike not making a huge difference but the pedals and other "ergonomic" components do seems spot on. I've seen comparison of £300 and £3000 groupsets and the conclusion was that it doesn't really make a huge amount of difference to your performance. What does make a difference is how comfortable are you on the bike. "comfort=fast" is a phrase I have heard. Makes sense to me.
@leedorney Жыл бұрын
What a classic of a production ✌️
@MrJob91 Жыл бұрын
What an incredible video. It shows what cycling is really about. Its about you riding the bike. Racing to have fun, to have a challenge and grow as a person. Ty gcn
@gcn Жыл бұрын
That's the idea! We love showing grassroots races like this, this is the backbone of bike racing 🙌
@BikeronaTrek Жыл бұрын
Wow, what a beautiful bike. I have a vintage Eddy Merckx Motorola that I do still ride once in awhile. I'm in my sixties so I'm slow. I can ride my new Trek Emonda though with no problem in the "b" group rides. I never was a pro unfortunately. What I find is drafting is the deal breaker in any ride. It's just with the new bike, aero wheels, clipless pedals, and aero suit and helmet just makes it less painful. But the beauty and ride of the old bikes! You've got me thinking I should ride the Merckx sometimes on the group rides, instead of just solo rides. Great video!
@havefunandbikestuff Жыл бұрын
Heck yeeaaahhh Si! That was fantastic 👏 I was riveted the whole vid. More like this please 🙏
@oblivionapproaches5790 Жыл бұрын
GCN presenter races are always the best.
@gcn Жыл бұрын
Glad you like them! What should we do next??
@andredegraaf1643 Жыл бұрын
I thought you had that bike customized for you? That would include getting the proper toe clips. I don't think that you needed to even have toe clips for this exercise. Just mount your favorite clipless pedals and race. This illustrates perfectly that you can race, (especially crits) on any equipment. Nobody that is contemplating racing should have to tell themselves that they can't because they don't have the resources to buy the latest $10,000 superbike. Any steel or aluminum race bike will do.