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? 💸

    Watch more on GCN…
    📹 We Bought THE CHEAPEST Road Bike. Is It Any GOOD? 👉 https://youtu.be/v0WHri3kWVg
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    🎵 Music – licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
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    #gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #cheapbike #cheapbikeaccessories #bikeupgrades #brakesystems #charity #bikeshop

    📸 Photos – © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sirotti Images

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    25 Comments

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. ……..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.

    4. 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 🚴‍♀️🚴🏻👍

    5. 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!

    6. 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!

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