Are All Aero Bikes The Same? | GCN Tech Show Ep. 429

The UCI regulations for tech are criticized a lot and that is clearly legit. On the other hand, I see the weight limit as a huge factor for technical innovation.
When bikes became lighter, the pros started to use power meters in races. When bikes became even lighter, the aerodynamic was taken into consideration and heavier but more aero bikes were built, and wider tires, higher wheels… At the moment we are at a time with bikes that are light and aero at the same time, but many of them still don't reach the UCI weight limit.
I guess without the weight limit most pros would ride bikes like the Scott Addict RC or Cervelo R5 sub 6 kg.

Cvcling aerodvnamics is funny because the bike frame looks like the most "aero" thing, but it's actually a pretty small part of the total drag.
At ~40 km/h it's roughly: • Rider bodv: 65-75% • Wheels: 10-15% • Frame: 5-10% • Cockpit/cables: 5-10% • Bottles & drivetrain: 2-5%
So the biggest aero upgrade most of us could make isn't a new frame… it's our position on the bike
That said, in racing even saving 5-10 watts from the frame can matter, which is why brands still spend tons of time shaping tubes and hiding cables..

The sensor on the camera is getting worse. Gone from one to three dead pixels.

What manufacturers forget is that most people aren't interested in absolute aero per se' as a reason to buy a bike. At the end of the day its more about purpose and ultimately how fast a bike goes is determined by a persons ability. A good looking bike (subjective i know) that fits well, is within budget, some personalization that makes them (and me) feel good is what matters.

What about the CAAD 14?

That lean back at the sound of Alex saying "more stiffer" 🤣🤣🤣

Gents, the Caledonia-5 was updated last year. The Caledonia (no "-5") was just updated to add semi-internal cables, and the non-5 version does NOT have internal storage.

I think the Giant looks awesome but I would never own a bike with an ISP. I just don't understand why they're sticking with it in their lineup. But everyone is different.

Speaking for recumbent cyclists, we are tickled pink by endless 'aero' discussions. If car design had been held back to 1930s design and form, family cars would appear similar to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and sports cars would be about the same but with aero profile head lamps and deeper rims. FIA permitting, natch. All made from carbon of course..😅

Please, sir, may I have less Ollie.

Until the UCI stop being dicks and change the minimum weight to 6kg – you're going to see f**k all proper progress.
As an old fart, I remember the 6.8kg limit being introduced and it was purely an attempt to stop Trek (and Pharmstrong) from crushing European manufacturers who couldn't compete with them. Then the UCI realised they were on very dodgy ground and changed their rationale to "safety" based – claiming super light framesets were untested and may fail diring a ride. Interesting how this has been memory-holed over the years…

Generally speaking all aero bikes are likely just about the same for you, because most people don't ride fast enough to properly make use of the gains available in the first place.

Ollie, I'm pretty sure all metals are "of the earth" but aren't so pretentious about having "ium" in their name.

Hi Alex and Ollie, I would like to point out that my Bill Davidson Ti. bike did have a longer stem in the past. I got the bike in 1997 and the fit was excellent for many years. However, my existing position was not as comfortable as the years progressed. I had a bike fit evaluation to put me in a proper position again. The saddle was adjusted and a shorter stem was installed. My bike fitter said that it is normal to lose some flexibility as we age. The changes were successful in restoring comfort to my bike.
I feel the lesson to be learned here is an ideal position on the bike can change over the years. If you are having discomfort on the bike, it is well worth your time to reevaluate your bike fit. It worked for me.
Thanks for the wonderful sound of the bell as you declared my bike to be Super Nice !!!!!!
Bye, RI. TI. BIKE

When I last talked with my local bike mechanic, he agreed what a PAIN in the butt internal cables are, especially through the headset. For non pro riders, are the small gains worth it? This whole expensive trend to build bikes like the pros have (but they don't have to pay for, or service), is a money grab for manufacturers and marketing people, who want to sell the fantasy of being a pro to uncritical consumers, who are willing to make them rich.