We saw how bad Britain’s cheapest bike was as an everyday commuter and on a hill climb! But could we make it any better with just a few component swaps?
Si goes in search of bargain bike parts to be used on our cheapest bike and see if those small upgrades could make a significant impact on the performance!
0:00 Upgrading Britain’s cheapest road bike
01:07 Where do you turn to for bargain bike parts
01:23 Visiting a local bike shop
01:57 Checking the internet
02:36 Local charity bike shop
03:56 Swapping the brakes and handlebars
05:25 The finished product
07:00 First thoughts
08:13 Testing the new brakes
09:05 Other shortcomings
10:00 Getting pedals and shoes
11:49 Trying out the bike with the upgrades
13:07 Final thoughts
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What would you do to improve such a bike? 💸
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25 Comments
What would you do to improve such a bike? 💸
I guess GCN is now a male only presenters club.
I’d like to see what second hand bike you can buy for what that cost (including upgrades) and how it compares
The tyres come off the bead after 1 ride. Wheel bearings collapse after a few weeks….dont buy it
This was entertaining, but GCN continues to avoid the useful range of new, budget bikes from Decathlon brands and the like. Clunker upgrades are less likely to ruffle sponsor feathers, but they don't offer realistic solutions. This bike makes sense for no one; if you have a tiny budget, buy a used hybrid.
Are there not small community bike shops that do used bikes and rebuilds in England? I find many here in the states and I have built up a great commutor bike. In fact, was just visiting one and plan to build another as I gave my last one away.
……..Why Waste Money For Upgrades When You Just Got The Best Deal Of Your Life [U JUST FOUND A TREASURE :))]. The Cheapest Bike That Looks Good And Absolutely Functions The Same As What Is Called A Road Bike. But Only That You Are Not Paying Extra For The Brand Name And For Sure The Quality Is Not That Great! For That Kind Of Buy, Upgrading It Is An Idiotic Decision For It Is Already Perfect As It Is And It Looks Slim And Great. Buy Another Used Well Branded Bike If You Want A Quality Bike……..And For Me, UPGRADING Means, Upgrading A Quality Bike That You Have To Become A Much Much Better Quality Bike.
Sick of seeing these shitty upgrades vids getting boring time to un scribed
Love these vids guys.. Showing what’s possible and ways to get into cycling where you really don’t have to spend a lot of money up front so encouraging for people new to the sport and just wanting to have a go.. 8m with you buying second hand 😊 well done GCN 😊 Pete 🚴♀️🚴🏻👍
If you only have £100 this is an AMAZING bike.
another $50 or so for a second hand set of sti/brifters and it'll be great as it could be
and maybe a better set of brake pads if needed
Loved this video, cheap upgrades, some techy knowledge, where to get good value bits (while supporting a good cause) as well as the usual great presentation from Si, would love to see more like this!
very nice video
Alex would've just fitted a spare Dura Ace crank he had lying around
dogma with cheap components and wheels , or caad13 on dura ace and expensive wheels ?
First time a buying and upgrading a cheap bike?
Beste Episode bis dato! Weiter so und danke🎉
Best bike is the bike that takes you from A to B without mechanical problems, not the expensive super bike
I love to see your happiness when you managed to break you bike 🙂
I love these videos where I can feel your genuine feelings and authentic impressions 🙂
I think it shows that in all reality ,we spend way too much on our bikes, for so little return!
This was a great watch! I think a video series like this would be really interesting and a lot more applicable to some of us regular cyclists. I'd love to watch more videos about upgrading 'normal' or cheap bikes with second-hand parts or with cheap alternatives from Temu and AliExpress, all while avoiding the counterfeits. Also charity bike shops deserve a video of their own!
6:00 you’re literally riding with the brake caliper in opened mode, look at that gap and the lever position… no wonder you say it breaks badly 😀
Si doesnt want to buy counterfeit parts but he buys that bike….
lol imagine buying something on ali-express and believing it is authentic
For the overall price of this bike, I think it could offer a lot of bang for the buck for the market its designed for.