I wholeheartedly believe Dan Lloyd’s journey back to fitness is the *best* GCN video of the past two years. 🧡

@zazzleman

2 ай бұрын

Same. Relevant to us normies. Loved seeing his VO2 max nearly the same as mine.

@Kivharo

2 ай бұрын

100% agree, very transparent (more than he needed to be, he’s just a presenter on KZread after all) very genuine. Chapeau.

@chrisball3412

2 ай бұрын

100%. it’s not a contest for him. It’s not like somebody’s gonna give him $100,000 to do this. He’s doing it for himself and putting it out there for everybody to go along with him. He’s not going for past glory. He’s not gonna be a racer. But it’s interesting to see if a ex-pro racer That’s probably below your average enthusiastic cyclist at this point can get back to levels that are better than your average cyclist, and something that he can be proud of and would be really inspiring for the rest of us to get healthier and fitter.

I've always seen Dan Lloyd as a person of integrity. Despite his legitimate racing pedigree, I appreciate his humble approach to his fitness journey. He just seems honest.

@mortigard

2 ай бұрын

Not gonna lie, I was shocked when he said that he has been heavily smoking for the last 10 years. I'm excited to continue to watch his journey . . . both out of curiosity and inspiration.

@jayobannon5359

2 ай бұрын

@@mortigard Also the 12 ounce curls.

Cycling is an athletic/recreational activity to me. It's good for me without being a "sport". What percentage of skiers compete? A *tiny* minority.

The first guy is like the cycling equivalent of Intsa Fitness 'influencers' who spend years with sub 10% bodyfat as naturals, get their hormone levels checked, and get on TRT because its 'low'. The doc doesn't say, maybe you should eat a little more food and get to a sustainable body fat level. Maybe the doc should have told the dude to eat a little more and ride a little less for a couple months and see how it changes. The sad thing is everyone is looking for shortcuts now and aren't willing to put in the work and be content with maxing out their genetic limits by fine tuning nutrition and putting in the consistent and volume of training required. When I hit 5wkg at threshold for the first time I'd been riding for 15 years and Intervals.icu put me in the top 2% of my age group. I don't think I have spectacular genetics (but who knows), but not everyone is going to make it based on genetics, time constraints, etc.

@brucehumphries6889

2 ай бұрын

Right! Dude need to lift some weights and eat

@proffate

2 ай бұрын

Yeah I think a lot of people don't want to acknowledge that a lot of the things a person could do to try to improve their ftp such as train a lot and diet would actually be unhealthy for you and cause your sex hormones to drop through the floor

@xAudiolith

2 ай бұрын

Just for quality of life and longevity you gotta sprinkle in some lifting.

Testicular cancer survivor here. Levels post single orchiectomy and chemo never bounced back - not healthy being at the level of a 70+yr old man in your 30s. On endocrinologist prescribed (PBS) TRT for life now. It didn't boost me to 5w/kg though, only got back to 4.8 before I dropped my training intensity back :)

@brettoau84

2 ай бұрын

@@daniel.s8126 Hey! I would have thought test level would be in the standard blood panel. It's worth getting checked next time. You can read more about the topic in this study here - "Testosterone replacement in young male cancer survivors: A 6-month double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial" www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6850530/

@brettoau84

2 ай бұрын

@@daniel.s8126 Comments are being weird it deleted my previous comment with a link. I would have thought test would have been part of your standard blood panel. Something to check with your GP next time anyway. To read a study on the topic you can google "Testosterone replacement in young male cancer survivors: A 6-month double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial"

@brettoau84

2 ай бұрын

@@daniel.s8126 test test, tried 3 times to reply to you and it always gets removed

Hey Jesse, hope Jay Vine is having a speedy recovery after the nasty crash 🙏

A lot of dudes new to cycling have no idea how fit 5wkg for 60 minutes is, especially if you ride on Zwift where its a big pond and you see people who are that fit around you. 5wkg for 60 minutes isn't even possible for many (most?) people on a physiological level regardless of how much they train. I had a friend who had this very same obsession with 5wkg. He turned himself inside out doing 20 hour weeks for months and months following his Training Peaks plan to the letter. This guy was as genetically gifted for cycling as any normal person could expect to be, and he had to work soooo hard to get there. And when he finally got to 5.0, he quit cycling immediately because the juice wasn't worth the squeeze.

@8rk

2 ай бұрын

Feel like that's exactly what happened to Ash Beech. I miss that guy.

@martinkroutil

2 ай бұрын

Yeah 5W/kg is my gues like 1% of cycling population. I have been cycling and really training for 4 years and I cap out on 4.6W/kg.

@sean7098

2 ай бұрын

5 w/kg is possible for most people genetically. Above that maybe not

@ColinSmith2001

2 ай бұрын

@@sean7098 Andrew Cogan did a "population" ftp post on Slowtwitch way way back and based on combing all the genetic bell curves put the average at about 4w/kg for a 20something male not overweight and willing to train.

@AndrewisTri-tn1uo

2 ай бұрын

@@sean7098 That's a pretty ridiculous statement. 95% of people are never in a position to prioritise cycling where they can train 20 hours a week to find out anything about their ceiling. And we can very safely assume the 5% that are, are not at all a representative sample. Also w/kg is an incredibly limited metric to try and make definitive useful statements about. Both in terms of performance on a bike and a fair measure of different humans.

Any good Dr would say your T is a bit low, you should see an Endocrinologist, in order to diagnose the cause (eg lifestyle / stress / temporary factors) and look at other ways to boost the T long long before prescribing TRT. When you boost / alter one hormone exogenously you alter the balance vs other hormones in the body - and with TRT he will crash his natural T production and be on it for life. Over prescribed and not responsible content for a goal as uninspiring as a good FTP result.

@mikek3614

2 ай бұрын

Agree. This is how it works here in Oz, and the route I followed. I've always been pretty healthy and fit but, due to injury when younger, my T-level dropped off a cliff with age (68yo) into unhealthy territory for other matters. Thus I am now on permanent (as you say) TRT. It's taken a solid 12 months for things to settle down, but my physical/mental health is better now than before. My levels have gone back up into the lower range of 'normal' which is all I needed. My endocrinologist says the numbers aren't so important as how much better I feel. The guy featured in the video should be looking at several other things first or he may be sorry...in the long run.

@BikeRacingWithoutMercy

2 ай бұрын

@@mikek3614 your experience is very interesting Mike, and clearly you had expert advice guidance. And really good to hear that you are now in a good place as a result . Aged 50 I have increasingly started to monitor my blood every 6months or so. And only would use it as you describe . Cheers

@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed

2 ай бұрын

I've said this countless times . 👍 Plus there is no good doctors they just want to push trt

I’m 66, raced amateur Crits in the US when I was younger. I’m still exceptionally fit for my age with a vo2 max of 53 and train 15+ hours a week on the bike plus weightlifting. I think the soft impression that you’re getting is just that we didn’t used to train as smart as people do now. Speaking for myself I definitely used to needlessly overtrain until I got a coach when I could afford it in my 60s. I spent way too much time in zone 3 & 4, and not enough in Zone 2 & 5. So yes, do people suffer less these days, I think so. But with “everyone “ having a power meter and HRV monitoring these days people are training a lot smarter.

@whatsuphonkycat

2 ай бұрын

U on trt jon?

@jongoerke8983

2 ай бұрын

@@whatsuphonkycatabsolutely not, I’m currently accepting what aging is doing to me. Given the steepness of the downhill trend from aging however, not sure if I’ll feel the same at 70 😉

@paddydunne774

2 ай бұрын

Exactly what was going through my mind, I’m in my 60’s to. Don’t spend anywhere near the amount of time on the bike as I used to. Actually enjoy lifting some weights 3 times a week and enjoy the company of friends out on a bike as much if not more than anything else. Just felt if I was healthier and happier the bike time would follow. Ride three Ultra bike packing races a year. Race them not so much 😉

@whatsuphonkycat

2 ай бұрын

@@jongoerke8983 appreciate the honesty and the inspiration! Currently 40, racing and loving it... disappointed that isn't enough for most dudes.

I loved Dan Lloyds video, as a self-identified cyclist who has followed similar path he has. (stressful job, full family life, too much drinking and shocking sweet tooth) Only I waited too long to change things meaningfully. A double bypass, pericarditis and gallbladder removed all in the last 12 months has been my wake-up call, and his journey is extremely relatable to 40-50 year olds who life gets away on them and priorities other than your health take over.

I just bought and built New Old Stock Sworks SL6 rim brake frameset in acid pink color. Could not be happier! :)

@ArnageLM

2 ай бұрын

Size 58 still available?

@nako1234

2 ай бұрын

@@ArnageLM No. It was only one frame in size 54 where I purchased mine.

@leeeeigh796

2 ай бұрын

Picture please!!!!

I'm not even a cyclist, just love bikes. but cant get enough of your show. Thanks for the laughs.

Good point about cycling. It's not just a competitive sport, it's also a fun way to exercise, a hobby, and some even use bicycles as a mode of transport!! 😂

Dan Lloyd's VO2 max was impressive in that video. He absolutely needs to just train until he hits a wall before trying any hormone replacement stuff. Creatine would be very beneficial.

The hemoglobin boost some people get from exogenous test is incredible. I got up to 188 hemo and 62% hct on 10AUD a week of compounds from the doc.

@franzkohlack8336

2 ай бұрын

Was looking for this comment 😎😁🤠

Easier gears means hills hurt less, wider tyres means bumps hurt less, breathable clothing means training in cold wet hurts less, lighter bikes means hills hurt less, Zwift means winter is easier, power meters means better pacing so rides and long efforts hurt less. So yes, we are softer now.

@justinhamer1829

2 ай бұрын

... or just can train smarter

Hello, long-time watcher, frequent commenter here. I’m a 43 year old male, American on testosterone. Here is my quick experience and reasoning for starting TRT. After 10 years of trying to figure out why my attitude and motivation have gone to shit, my doctor and I decided to test my testosterone. It came out extremely low . . . like in the 150-180 range. We tested it three times over a year and the numbers were consistently within that range. Before starting the therapy, my doctor made it clear that I will no longer be able to race my bike in sanctioned races. This was fine with me since my racing days were over. I tried gels over a few months with no improvement to my numbers. I started injections every other week and my peak testosterone numbers are around 800 now. What has the impact been? My overall mood and motivation is improving. Physically? I’m not really sure. I have a toddler in daycare, so every time I get into a solid block of training I get an upper respiratory infection. Anecdotally, I seem to recover faster from hard rides. What am I training for? I don’t want to get fat and I don’t want to get dropped on group rides with my friends. My biggest recommendation: start getting regular blood tests taken starting around age 30.

@toshman696969

2 ай бұрын

interesting, i used to race and turned 45. i feel like last 4 years due to my kiddo my training has gone to shit and so has my v02max and ftp. just few years back my v02max was sitting at 54 and ftp at solid 300-330 watts but last 2 years both numbers are extremely low and when i tested my testosterones and it has been pretty low and my energy level is sucked. my next visit i plan on testing everything and potentially asking for the same.

@mortigard

2 ай бұрын

@@toshman696969 doing a general blood test might bring out a lot of insights. Iron deficiency, low vitamin D, and so on can all cause similar symptoms. Good luck with your search!

Commuters are the toughest cyclists... battling with rush hour traffic daily, in all weather, then a full day at work and do it all over again

@Rajesh-cg5pz

Ай бұрын

This. Kids these days are scared to go through slight discomfort before a race because they could mess up their training for the race. Even when they go nothing on the line. Yes, modern cyclists are soft, not all of them, but for sure, a good amount.

I was absolutely full froth during the pandering session at the end discussing what two generations of rim brake development could have brought us! /chef’s kiss!

@Eirikkinserdal

2 ай бұрын

Yeah, direct mount was great. And coating compounds like exalith was also really great. So they could(can) keep developing it 🤔

Can't believe I made it into the show 😜 37:00

This is one of your standout episodes. Amazing content. Thanks a lot! Re: Soft cyclists/ Fashion cyclists - 49 and been cycling as a sport since I was 10. In recent years I've been doing 2 mid week short rides/ Turbo sessions and one big ride during the weekend. This gets me to 3.5 W/Kg, which is the max I could get (Been there for the past 2 years). I also love wearing Rapha kit. Am I soft? Am I even a cyclist? Long story short - As long as you love the sport you're one of us. Do whatever feels good, even if it's just 40km coffee rides in your aero kit and bike.

I'm 59 and had a full physical with full blood work, my testosterone came back low, 200 range, the doctor knows my exercise routine and suggested some dietary changes, but we are going to retest every 4 months to see if improvements are realized, or if we need to take another approach. I am not one to take meds, so if I can do this without patches, pills, or shots, I would rather do that. I do not race, but have noticed over the last year, some lower power and endurance abilities.

In Brazil its becoming common to get trt prescriptions after 35y "because it starts to decrease". All I can think of is, yes, it it decrease because you get old and that's ok, its ok to be old and not be strong or whatever as before, it part of life. Also, I don't understand why people can't to accept that there is always someone stronger and faster. It gets crazier when someone takes trt or anything else TO RIDE WITH FRIENDS.

Another great show guys thanks! Agreed on how good the Dan Lloyd video was. Re cycling getting soft: I think you both make valid points, there was definitely a "work hard not smart" mentality in cycling before that made people do stuff like cut carbs to get lean despite putting in 3500 kj days, brush off aero wheels, only do intervals and tempo rides, never any z2/low aerobic stuff, etc. but at the same time, the level has become ludicrous, if you aren't putting in the hours on the bike, getting customized coaching/understanding deep details of physiology you aren't in the game. Also really appreciated the "bikes you shouldn't be riding" segment, I think it's a lot easier to approach bike advice this way rather than looking at the plethora of positive reviews that exist for modern bikes.

This show just gets better and better, keep it going guys. 🇬🇧

Loved the episode! Cheers!

Dan Lloyd built the premier cycling KZread channel. He finished being a good pro and was key in building the GCN team/Platform. The smoking stands out but it’s just a symptom and shouldn’t be the story. I agree his journey/story looks authentic as does more of what GCN have done post GCN+ going down. I reckon you guys and others have also gone easier on GCN since their loss. Produced a dynamic shift…

Cycling is both a sport and a hobby. If sport has to be competition, then I never cycle for sport. I cycle as a hobby to stay fit, enjoy the weather, and spend time with like minded friends. I watch cycling as a sport... again, as a hobby for myself.

in 10 years we'll look back on trt like we look back on OxyContin ... a lot of people are getting rich

Living in the United States, I went to my doctor, Has a blood test and my doctor immediately wanted me to start on TST. I think all American doctors give their patients a pill or cream and move on to another patient. I personally would rather learn Why my testosterone is low and work from there. It is smarter to increase my testosterone naturally.

@robtt27

2 ай бұрын

I had a blood test and my doctor wanted to charge extra for testosterone and iron. She said she thinks the TRT thing is overprescribed so I had to give her credit for that. Charging extra I think was a bit much.

@kokonanana1

2 ай бұрын

@@robtt27Insurance only pays for certain tests.

@petermyers4409

2 ай бұрын

Prescriptions = profits

@mortigard

2 ай бұрын

That sounds like an issue with your doctor. My doctor had me take three separate tests over a year. As far as prescription profits go: testosterone costs about $30 out-of-pocket. This is far cheaper than my asthma inhalers.

@RylHango

2 ай бұрын

@@petermyers4409 doctors don't get paid to perscribe medication

Interesting commentary this week - well, usually is, but the subject matter around Dan Lloyd's experience was enlightening.

I can confirm what you said about the average level being super high now. There's a group ride I did often 6-8 years ago. Back then the average speed for the 35 mile ride was around 17.5 mph. I've recently started doing the ride again after a 6 year break and the average speed is now around 19 mph. Same route, same day, same time, same group designation (the "B" ride), but everyone is just a lot faster. Part of that may be better bikes, wheels, tires, etc., but a lot of it is just better average fitness.

Regarding TRT, I started TRT a few months ago (I’m 40 and not really cycling much at the moment). Some of the lifestyle changes that you’d assume you can do like sleep more, eat well and workout regularly are so much easier to do when your T is in a healthy level. It’s improved my mood and has enabled me to work on my health in a way in which I was previously struggling to do. I’m not saying this dude isn’t doping, because having exogenous drugs isn’t legal under competitive sports. Putting aside competitive sports, the group I used to ride with would not take kindly to someone riding with them on TRT. It’s a bit of a no no in cycling, but when you’re prioritising your health over performance, you make your own decisions for your own health.

I love my 2018 Emonda SLR Disc. It's basically the last H1 bike Trek made. My Domane RSL has a similar stack/reach, but it has an obligate tall spacer. Anyway my Emonda frame was around 700g painted...full build is 13.5lbs.

Hey boys, wonder if you could address this question that's been on my mind. Why don't (more) bike brands offer more customization? As a consumer it's frustrating to know that I will pay for a saddle, cranks, stem, and handlebars and might end up pulling everything off as soon as I get the bike. I understand that might increase their costs if they have to hold more stock, but I'd pay a bit more if it meant I'd get components that fit me.

@0ccupationalHazzard

2 ай бұрын

A lot of brands will sell you frame-sets which would be a route to do what you want. You can get a frame and all the components you want and pay a LBS to build it up for you. Overall admin is a but kore as you’ll have some more parts to track down (e.g. groupset) and get the LBS to build it but it’s a great way to get a good value bike that is tailored to you.

@uncleyemen

2 ай бұрын

@@0ccupationalHazzard that's true, and I could/may do that. I think for me the issue is that I don't understand *why* they don't do it. It would add that much more customer satisfaction (IMO) at little to no additional cost.

Gravel racing has taken off in the States because it is an individual sport; no team is required. Also, non-competitive riders can ride the same course as professional riders. Some gravel races now offer pace groups to ride with instead of racing.

This is the second go round for the NCL. First try was early 90’s and was televised on ESPN2. Much bigger scale but met a similar abrupt end.

Oddly, I have or have had most of the bikes mentioned (though mainly slightly different versions). I have a TCR disc, but the version before the new model. Got it mainly for winter training in the UK & as it fits 32's to ride the cobbles as our club go and ride an event put on by a club in Roubaix. The external cables / hoses aren't the cleanest but it makes it easier to travel with so I took to Spain last year. I then have a SystemSix to race crits & Road bike TT's on. It might not be loads more aero, but it is MORE aero than the SuperSix. Also it was heavily discounted as was 11spd, so fare cheaper than similar wind cheating Aero bikes in the Tour tests. It also it doesn't require proprietary stem/bar like Cervelo S5 or Aeroroad, so sourcing a longer stem and narrower bars isn't an issue. I also had an R5 of the super stiff variety, though it was a rim brake version that was an old Team Sunweb bike. It was direct, but not the harsest with the right tyre choices, but then I came from riding TT bikes with a structural stiff disc wheel on the back and 120psi 22mm tubs.

@jessiecoyle the bike you described exists in the form of the Trek Madone 9 H1…. Probably the most integrated rim brake aero frame that’s still light.

I’m in the US, I’m 32, and I see an endocrinologist every six months. My testosterone has fluctuated anywhere from as low as 400, to as high as 1100. My doctor has never once offered to prescribe TRT. I don’t think any *reputable* physician would prescribe TRT without some sort of history, or other hormonal dysfunction. However there’s plenty of places you can go here to get just that if that’s what you’re after.

Here in the US, we have a for profit healthcare system. People do shop around for doctors that will do pretty much whatever you want. There are doctors that get into trouble all the time for stuff like that.

Some real Chao Mua bikes right there

I have a 2018ish Madone 9 (rim brake). On one of wheel sets I run the 30mm GP5000s. The wheels are the HED Jet+ Blacks that have a killer brake track. And a wide internal rim width. While brake modulation is better on my disc brakes bikes, the Madone still stops incredibly well and it is aerodynamically on par with the System 6, which I also own. So ya, it has taken 5 or 6 years for the disc brake bike to get on par with the peak of rim brake technology. That being said the new Scott Foil is probably a noticeable improvement in terms of aero and weight.

there were disc brake gravel bikes from 2014 which couldve been made into what is equivalent to the modern day endurance bike. they were comfortable and fast but we hadnt realised at the time.

I don't have global research, but in the average US male testosterone is well below the historical average. The average should be around 627 ng/dl, but recent surveys from 99-2021 found the US male average is 450 ng/dl. There is no definitive answer why this happened, but the obvious sources probably stem from either environmental or dietary sources. There is a KZread famous video of four 20ish year old men, in reasonable good fitness, getting their levels measured and all had below 200, two below 100 ng/dl. As a MAMIL, I've talked to a lot of Masters racers and the majority are taking enhancements, some more than one. I had one guy get angry and start screaming at me, because after telling me I should "try Cealis" before my next race, I responded, "aren't you concerned with your heart? The Stravafication of cycling has done interesting things to people's expectation of results. Joe from accounting is now setting his goal to take the KOM from some pro from Columbia, who visited his town. The expectation level and what people are willing to do in order to achieve it is nuts.

@federicosbetta1368

2 ай бұрын

is it possible that more people having multiple gig jobs, daily hours of commuting taking away sleep, massive use of corn syrup in processed food increasing insulin, are lowering testosterone average?

@echtogammut

2 ай бұрын

@@federicosbetta1368 That would presuppose that the current test cohort's work levels and stress levels are greater today than at any point since 1935. As bad as work is today, we would have similar spikes in the 40's and 80's in regards to low sleep and high stress. It's definitely a contributing factor, but you wouldn't be seeing men consistently in the upper bounds of female testosterone ranges without some kind of new interference factor.

About the 25mm internal rim wheels and fat tires, could someone please let me know what are the wheels available nowadays with such a wide rim? I can't find much info about this :( Thanks

Hmmmm. Owns 2015 Giant Defy Pro0 disc - 7.3kg with ultegra Di2 , pedals , bottle cages etc. Its also a extremely comfortable ride (the reason i still own it). Also Owns 2018 Sworks SL6 ultralight rim brake - 6.6kg fully built , pedals , bottle cages etc. Direct mount brakes and 30mm clinchers. 🤔 new isn't always better, its just new....

Thanks guy's i was looking to upgrade my old carbon defy and a 2017 disc is 1kg heavy but £1500 less than a new one...looks like im shopping for a new one.

Considering he measured in the top percentages of FTP, it's more a question of him realizing he is getting older and wants to eliminate the worsts habits. They probably checked if he had trouble with knees and a bunch of other stuff that tends to come with age, that we couldn't see in the short video. More ex-athletes and people in general should invest in stuff like this, even if half of it means nothing to them and their lifestyle. Most people don't do any checkups at all.

I enjoyed your conversation and thanks for showing us that young rider opting for shortcuts to attain five-watts-per-kilo power. That stuff always baffles me as cycling can generate a natural high and true fitness all be itself, no need to get juiced for social adulation. And about GCN, I just think if you say Dan is in his fifties, he will have to respond by asking someone to hold his mineral water. 😀

54:28: not sure what the issue with shaping the brake track would be. I'm thinking resin top coat impregnated with graphene and possibly some kind of powdered alloy would sort out the braking power issue with carbon rim tracks and reduce wear significantly. Regarding the shape, they don't need to be flat, they could be moulded whatever shape you like and the pads would bed-in to it pretty quickly.

“Staring at the sun in the morning” fuck that’s an elite line 😂

Funny you should mention the brands trying to expand their market, this very morning I came across an add for cycling shorts being marketed as motorcycling underwear.

I am 64. Testosterone is low for my age. I got tested because no matter how little I ate I still put on weight. Doctor would not even consider replacements. Said if you were obese or unable to do 300km a week on the bike I might see a problem. As far as the master's scene. Yep it is out of control. No idea how they convince their doctors to get it.

@mikew466

2 ай бұрын

Specialty doctors that only prescribe this stuff. Usually under the heading of anti-aging clinics. You'll go in for a blood test and come out with a scrip for Testosterone and HGH.

I cannot rag on the dude on the TCR disc. I have a 2018 Cannondale SuperSix HighMod Disc. LOL! I do have a new aero bike, but I do love the Cannondale still. It has SRAM Red Etap and is pretty light. It has been a great bike. I don't race in road, I can keep up in a faster group ride on it. Granted, the aero bike does carry speed better but if I have a long day of climbing, the Cannondale is a dream. But, I do agree that the disc brakes were an afterthought but at least my Cannondale rides great.

The NERO code for Pillar on The Feed isn’t working. Anyone else having that issue?

most rim brake calipers can clear 28mm tires, usually its the frame/fork that rubs. the giant propel had integrated aero v brakes. v brakes can clear any size by design.

6:58 I love that you guys chose my comment to Nick Pick ( the one with reference ranges) especially since I'm a huge fan of you guys and watch your show religiously. I will agree with you about the hematocrit levels but at the same time, that range is a much more tighter range than testosterone. So a deviation of about 10% will raise a red flag. Testosterone on the other hand has a much higher range because what's seen in normal studies has proven that it's a much wider range. You're right that without testing from an early age until older you truly won't know what's "normal" for you. I started testing my testosterone when I was 21 out of curiosity also helps I'm a medical student now and have continued since. Chris you were right I do come from a gym world of strength training and for the past 5 years, I've been a cyclist averaging about 120-150 miles a week. In America, TRT is very prevalent and with a simple request your primary doctor could obtain those results but to truly know your range you need to be abstaining from exercise 24-48hrs before the exam and in the early morning. The US is very liberal when it comes to anti-aging clinics and a lot of those who are active physically past their 40s or on it especially here in South Florida. There are groups I race with (for fun) who have insane FTP 40-50-year-olds their testosterone is well within a horse reference range. That being said lack of energy, sex drive, etc could be used to say you have low T and TrT could be warranted. To truly know your range you need to follow it from a very early age to know what's normal for you and that comes to show you how the pros could be doing it as well. Who is to say Mathieu van der Poel testosterone isn't 600-700 normally if there wasn't any prior test when he was 16-18? Anyway, I love what you guys do and I'm more excited to be in the limelight than anything else. Come to South Florida and let's get a ride in it's always sunny and 80°

Everyone is softer these days, no matter what they do because life is easier. Q factors and crank lengths weren’t important to people with rickets.😅

Another entertaining episode! I am sure its not on your agenda but if you ever want to add a random "american" voice to your show i would love the gig LOL. A few things to add here. First, in my experience a typical general practitioner here in the US would not prescribe TRT. In fact just getting the your levels tested would typically require you to spend a bit of time convincing you doctor that you need testing (you typically would need to be exciting symptoms of low T). More likely is that someone would seek out a performance medical clinic,that would be set up to do this testing and in many case one that is financially incentivized to get its patients on TRT. Secondly, according to the internet, Dan Lloyd will be 44 this coming August. I also appreciate, at least what appears to be, genuine honesty regarding his current health, and his genuine interest in improving it in a sustainable way. While i agree all the testing might be overkill, its still interesting to see. The most important takeaway for me so far is that my VO2 max (estimated by Garmin to be 52), is equivalent to Dans, and i am 17 years older than him ;). Lastly, Chris cracked me up with his question about cyclists being softer than in the past, truly an old guy comment. It sounds like the "when i was a kid" statement, like "when i was a kid we had to walk to school, and it was uphill both directions, in the snow, with no shoes, and we were happy to do it! lol

What’s your opinion on the decathlon triban rc520? As a beginner I’m deciding between giant contend, trek domane al2gen3 and the triban.

@15idog

2 ай бұрын

Check out Cade medias videos on decathlon bikes. kzread.info/dash/bejne/pYNqtrGHiJeofps.htmlsi=BeXMELhxbvY7xLun

Gravel riding and races has toughened up the cycling population. The numbers of gravel racing/ridings are increasing and/or steady and these races are challenging terrain and long distances. Gravel riding is strengthen the cyclist as a whole not making them soft. Also bike technology as improved to allow longer days in the saddle

Chris asks if there is a real medical downside to really low testosterone? The answer here is yes, symptoms can include but not limited to, lack of energy/lethargy, low mood / depression, low sex drive, excess body fat and low lean mass etc etc and the list goes on. Low testosterone seems to be a growing issue these days, alongside declining birth rates and I’m sure they are linked in some way, anyone with measurable low T levels should also have their sperm count tested ideally and if normal then lifestyle/sleep/diet can play a massive role in naturally lifting levels. I have a condition called Azoospermia (Testicular failure) which means I have to supplement Testosterone and it has been life changing for me, but it was quality sleep and diet which saw my levels move from boderline to “normal” even while supplementing.

They did figure out 1 1/4" rimbrake if you look at old bikes. Modern wheel with grooved carbon brake track and because tyre pressure is way lower, less issue with rim failure due to heat and high tyre pressure.

The Venge ViAS disc was necessary because the rim-brake version had horrible proprietary short-pull v-brakes.

Riding bikes to raise FTP is so last season, I'll stick to eating tacos for my power boost! 🌮💪

So I brought a second hand Giant TCR 2017 disc brake (same colour) as the one you called sh!t. It’s the best bike I’ve had but maybe that’s the point… convinced my mate to buy exactly the same bike so rather than railing against your view feeling slightly uncomfortable now. Bike does its job. My promise to self is once I’ve improved past 300 watts FTP then I’ll buy something better leaving the bright TCR as a winter bike. So Ultegra/DI2 what would you buy - a Canyon Aerode SLX 8 or a Giant Propel Pro 1. Riding will be 80% flat, racing up local hills, local TT on road bike, maybe a crit or two and occasional longer condo’s. I have a Wattbike now so I’ll save the bike for good (IK) weather days…. View(s) welcome.

5:47 if you're below normal levels in testosteronel then this isn't a doping issue, this is a health issue. To take TRT to being yourself to a normal healthy levels is good for your body. Testosterone plays a big role in more than just endurance. Your T level can be low even if you lead a healthy lifestyle and you have no idea why. It isn't always easy to know why.

Just want to say Mike Creed is a legend. Comes at bike racing from a completely different perspective and has been successful in so many different aspects of the sport. His podcasts from ten or so years ago are really interesting. Then there’s that time he lead that race and stops and salutes the crowd, when he was riding for Motorola. There should always be a place for guys like him to ply their trade. Absolute disrupter, you remember that time when Smart Top rider Travis McCabe attacked and won the US National Road Title, ahead of all the big US European focused outfits? Creed was in the car that day. A complete anarchist. 🤟

USA "anti aging" doctors and clinics are big business. Any vanity medical procedures are big business. TRT is basically signing up with a drug dealer. So easy to say "low T", just get tested at the end of the day. That clown trying to play off TRT like it's normal. Everyone knows that and doping masters in the US is as common as sugar in cereal. Calling it TRT is just the fashionable justification

USAC made an announcement earlier this week that the NCL riders would be allowed to join other Domestic Elite and Conti teams and be eligible to race at Pro Nationals. The challenge for the riders will be finding roster spots as team size is limited and Nationals is less than 30 days away.

Mark Lewis has a good video on his TRT usage. His experience is pretty positive from the wellness/health perspective (basically treating depression). I agree you're in very murky territory if you're racing and competing while on it, but there is a wider consideration than that. We do have to remember the vast (VAST) majority of rec cyclists never race competitively, and even the tiny fraction that do - not in any sense where fairness is really a huge consideration (as in results actually mean anything or full blown EPO/T doping would actually even help them significantly cause they never actually train properly anyway).

I am completely healthy but my red blood cell count is a bit low. In order to raise my FTP I am contemplating using my own blood donation or trying out erythropoetin.

@brettoau84

2 ай бұрын

Taking out your blood and putting it back in later surely is considered "all natural"?

@gregbrown3764

2 ай бұрын

@@brettoau84 Sense the historical joke my friend. Sense the historical joke.

@Leo-ii8nb

2 ай бұрын

@brettoau84 It is is supervised by my doctor Eufemiano Fuentes and he told me it is completely fine

@newttella1043

2 ай бұрын

@@brettoau84 You can recall your own blood donation?? Or do you mean you store your own blood a la Riccardo Ricco.

@brettoau84

2 ай бұрын

@@gregbrown3764 I got it, it was my attempt at continuing the joke

A mate of mine owns that exact TCR from 2017 you were criticising.

A stellar episode, may be because it speaks to a number of issues I have opinions on. Dan Lloyd vid good: honest and nearer to reality for many, so useful as it connects and doesn't preach. Early disc braked bikes. OMG you have trashed the second hand market, but you needed to. Those bikes were so harsh. Jesse's love of disc brake development. Disagree with him and Leutcher Technic is my man here. Rim brakes and carbon rims were never meant to be together and discs addressed the issues. Because of the characteristics of disc, a other design possibilities presented themselves. I am not criticising his use of rims. That's what I use and the stopping power of later rim bikes is excellent and I don't generally cycle in wet. But the technology had reached its potential peak imo. Sorry Jesse. Oh, read an interesting article in Cycling Weekly suggesting we all move to gravel bikes. For the UK, totally makes sense. Our roads may not be quite third-world, but if you want potholes and to experience that unexpected kick in the b*lls sensation, come here. Time flew past on this episode. Excellent.

All I see is you guys playing the algorithm game yourselves , well played 👏

Toad, Chicago GRIT, Tulsa, Gateway, Speed week... Those are the big crits. I did every day of toad and Chicago and those events are pretty professional for all levels. 21 days of racing between those two. That's where more money and sponsorship you should go.

Dan's story was great. Just honestly says he likes drinking and it's had negative health effects, but now he's going to put in some work and get back to us.

In the U.S., if you're over 21 and tell the right doc you are low on energy, they'll prescribe TRT. I don't think this is going to age well with the 20 somethings tho.

I broke my hip at age 62. Due to the nature of my injury, my primary care physician suspected low bone-density, and by extension low testosterone. It turns out I don't have low testosterone, but if I did, I'd be on TRT. Would that be doping?

@stickler6312

2 ай бұрын

Yes, doping. TRT is steroids.

Hahaha. I’m 100% that non-competitive hobbyist cyclist. Grew up not playing sport (chronic pain and knee surgeries as a teenager). I was a fairly high level musician though and I spent ~8 hours a week practicing (outside ensemble sessions). I love cycling but from a hands on building stuff and adventure perspective. But I’m definitely not a pas normal buyer - neopro is definitely more my speed.

Funny watching ozzies talk about TRT. TRT has been a reality for my entire time cycling, older men with veins popping out of calves is a regular occurrence...miami has to be the epicenter of "supplements" in the US

I believe Dan mentions in the video that he's 43. I'm not convinced he was a smoker unless I see photos. He quit pro cycling at 32.

The cycling marketing kit you showed is very fashion themed. They probably have someone doing the shoots/marketing that is more concerned with fashion and treating it like a fashion brand than they are with treating it like a cycling kit brand.

TRT is too boring. If you are a social media influencer, please choose a niche way of doping. Inhale some xenon, acquire some novel HIF stabilisers or play with your SMAD system

What about taking TRT and doping so i can smash my local climb KOMS, 100KG is hard going uphill, i can do 420W for 20min but the W/KG is low at my weight compared to a feather!

The investors may decide to reveal more information about where the funds went. Just looking at the background of Paris Wallace, you see that he is a Harvard MBA with a background in health technology startups. I think Chris has experience or knowledge of that space. CEO Andrea Pagnanelli has a background as a highly compensated sports executive. It is likely the C-suite of the NCL was highly compensated. The main issue is that 7.5 million is pretty bare bones funding (I know that sounds ridiculous) for any startup today and you would have to be lean and mean to execute a plan on that funding. If it were my startup, I would have raised five times that amount to attempt their initial plan, or actually used the seed funds to do some much simpler market trials. An approach like this would have similar to doing a pilot program for a potential streaming video series or a MVP for a tech startup. Their funding sources are what most entrepreneurs would consider "smart" money. I am sure most of the funders are quite intelligent, but they are high net worth individuals who most likely don't have a lot to lose on this investment and don't have the discipline or motivation to ensure their funds were wisely spent on a good business plan.

I don't think cyclists are softer now than previous generations, they just train smarter not harder. It used to be that making performance gains was all about large volume training, smashing yourself consistently and pushing enormous gears. Nowdays we know more about things like the benefits of lower intensity training and have better nutrition and fueling strategies etc. As a result, riders of this generation can get the same results (or better) with less time & effort than previous generations which has perhaps lead to the impression of being 'softer'.

I’ve heard from a couple of sources but have never researched myself, that 90% of cyclists will never get beyond 3.5 watts per kilo? 🤔 On another note: re the GCN series with Dan which I am looking forward to, sponsor been Whoop, my personal experience with Tim his product was very poor, here’s one example. I go and race the Long Dirty Warrny (250kms and 3800vm gravel race in Aus) I end up with TSS over 400 just for the event, I wake up the next day pretty stiff certainly not feeling great. Whoop tells me I’m 98% recovered and ready to perform at my max when I ask the Whoop AI chat how is this is even possible I get the response “if your feeling suicidal please contact support or call your local emergency services!! WTF!! Stuff like this happened regularly. On the days I felt my best days it told me I needed to rest as my recovery score was super low. 6 months into my subscription I took it off and threw it in the bin. I found it to be a joke..

Re: Softer - The average rider is way stronger than they were in the past but they are worse at riding bikes. When I was coming up in the 90s you learned from experienced riders so your skills, etiquette and fitness all grew together. Now someone gets on Zwift for a winter and hits 4 W/Kg but has no clue how to ride.

Touring bikes have had caliper rim brakes with 38mm tires for decades.

The only disc bike I’m every buying is anything from 2020 onward

I reckon power meters have made the average rider so much better. The ability to track progress, target zones, and have an idea of FTP >>> heart rate + speed.

Chris you are bang on about the Biohackers and frankly the lazy approach to training. Focused on marginal gains like cold plunges and sunrise and thinking a marginal gains approach will work to getting 5w/kg. Thank God cycling is a sport that takes actual time and sacrifice vs a quick fix to "increase" your test or dopamine

On TRT, Jesse "what wild west medical system do you have in America?".....oh, I see you have heard of us!!! Credit card medicine....you can get anything you want, it just will cost you. For TRT it is comically over-available and incredibly low-priced.

@cwmoo

2 ай бұрын

don't even have to leave your house to get it, it can be prescribed telemedicine and mailed to you

TRT is often prescribed in the USA by a general care doctor after a blood test and generally to men over the age of 60. 😀

I have to agree with your assessment that this guy is not a cyclist. I’ve been riding for 23 years now (I’m 37). I ride A LOT but there are still plenty of people I know who are better than me. Many of them have ridden for a lot less time than I have. Does that matter to me? No. Because I love cycling. I like that I have a relatively high FTP compared to other amateur cyclists but I LOVE cycling. That is what makes me a cyclist.

18:14 yes! There's a reason why there are ranges for normal/healthy levels. If it would be ok for Dan to take trt, then is Dan doping?

“In a Disco”?! 😂

life is too short to have a low ftp. if you’re transparent and able, its your choice.