How much speed can you buy?

How much speed can you buy? | NorCal Cycling


Source: NorCal Cycling Youtube Channel: How much speed can you buy?

Video How much speed can you buy? with NorCal Cycling

Video How much speed can you buy? with NorCal Cycling YouTube Channel.

How much speed can you buy?

Welcome to NorCal Cycling

NorCal Cycling is a YouTube channel that focuses on all things cycling, from equipment reviews to race analysis and everything in between. In this video, our host is comparing an entry-level BH bike to a high-end Scott bike to see how they stack up in terms of performance and value. Let’s dive into the details and see what we can learn from this comparison.

Testing Out the Bikes

To start things off, our host introduces the two bikes he’ll be comparing. The BH bike, which he estimates could be purchased for around $500, is an older model with entry-level alloy wheels and a hodgepodge of 105 and ultegra components. In contrast, the Scott bike is a top-of-the-line model with a price tag of $11,000, equipped with Shimano Dura Ace components and high-end Vittoria Corsa tires. The weight difference between the two bikes is just over a pound, with the Scott bike being the lighter of the two.

The Testing Grounds

The test is conducted on a known course of a known distance, with our host and his friend Mitch each taking turns riding the cheap and expensive bike at the same power output of 300 watts. The goal is to see how the bikes perform in real-world conditions and if the price difference translates to a tangible difference in speed.

Comparing Performance

The results of the test are unveiled, with the times and power outputs being analyzed to determine the difference in performance between the two bikes. The Scott bike proves to be faster, completing the course in 20 minutes and 41 seconds, while the BH bike takes 21 minutes and 37 seconds. This represents a 4.3% savings in time for the ten thousand dollar bike, showcasing a clear performance advantage for the more expensive option.

Putting the Data into Perspective

Our host reflects on the implications of the test results, noting that while the expensive bike does offer a performance increase, it’s not necessarily a guarantee of success in real-world racing. He shares personal experiences of winning races on the BH bike and losing races on the Scott bike, emphasizing that the choice of bike is just one factor in a complex sport like cycling.

Considerations for Your Own Cycling Journey

In closing, our host invites the audience to consider where the “sweet spot” might be for them when it comes to choosing a bike. He hints at the possibility of testing a mid-tier or open-mold Chinese bike in the future, highlighting the importance of finding the right balance between performance and value based on individual needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

The video comes to an end with a call to action for the audience to engage with the content and provide feedback on potential future comparisons. The emphasis is on creating informative and engaging content that resonates with fellow cycling enthusiasts and fosters a sense of community within the cycling world.


The opinions expressed in this space are the sole responsibility of the YouTube Channel NorCal Cycling and do not necessarily represent the views of CicloNews.