After a rather lengthy break, I’ve picked up cycling again by the end of 2016. Having spent over 15 years in the IT component industry, writing about the latest developments, it was surprisingly hard to find trustworthy sources that allowed me to build opinions based on what I’d consider facts. The cycling industry and the IT component industry seem to have a rather thick and cloudy marketing layer in common, making it difficult to find reliable, stable and trustworthy information.
After having read through and watched the “mainstream” publications and YouTube channels I figured they do have their justification but their content is at some point repetitive – for example: there seems to be a content plan aligned with the YouTube algorithm, when the next version of “How to change a tire” is going to be published. On top of that they’re not as independent as I would have liked them to be. Having run a website, where the business model was based on ad revenue, I do undertsand that one can’t just call everything “bullshit”, “crap”, or whatever straight away, but there are always politically correct ways to point out pros and cons that allow the reader to help him develop an enducated opinion.
Long story short then, what are my top picks when it comes to good/interesting content on cycling related topcis – no particular order?
DC Rainmaker – In-depth reviews of bike tech
When it comes to in-depth reviews on cycling head units, power meters, indoor trainers, smart watches, action camers, … basically everything that is cycling and triathlon related and contains a micro chip, then DC Rainmaker is your go-to-address. All of his reviews are extremely thorough and as objective as possible (my opinion).
To visit the DC Rainmaker’s site or YouTube channel, just click one of the images above.
Dylan Johnson – Science based training advice
Dylan Johnson is an active gravel racer and cycling coach. His videos are based on latest research. To me it’s always refreshing to see how he debunks training myths and breaks down training, weight loss and nutrition in easy digestible content. Apart from that he’s a funny presenter, which makes watching his videos not just interesting but also fun.
To get to Dylan’s YouTube Channel, click the image above.
Peak Torque – Cycling through engineering glasses
PT’s background is in engineering and that is how he approaches cycling. If for instance you want to learn more in-depth how power meters (strain gauges) work, then there are some educative videos on that topic. On top of that some of this biomechanical illustrations helped me to better understand how cleat position, saddle height and position and handle bar position/height work together, which ultimately led to less pain on and off the bike.
To go to the Peak Torque YouTube Channel, simply click the image above.
Hambini – Aerospace engineer takes on cycling industry
Hambini is an aerospace engineer by training and his videos are always as direct and in-your-face as they can possibly be, while being backed-up by hard facts. This has made him aquire a stack of love letters (that’s extremely sarcastic) from the industry. Hambini runs a YouTube channel as well as a website where he sells his own, high-precision bottom brackets, which is also what the YT-Channel was focused around in the beginning days.
Again: to visit either the Hambini website or YouTube channel, click one of the images above.
Ride Adelaide – Interesting tire reviews
The content I appreciate most from the Ride Adelaide YouTube Channel are all the gravel tyre reviews. There are quite a few of them and, to me, they provide a solid basis on what to consider and dig deeper.
To visit the Ride Adelaide YouTube channel, click the image above.
Bicycle Rolling Resistance
This to me is the go-to-source when it comes to reviews of bicycle tires. If there is a new tire out that’s even remotely relevant any kind of cycling, then Bicycle Rolling Resistance does have a review up with data allowing you to compare different models to ultimately take an educated decision. Imo they’re simply one of the best sources when it comes to choosing tires for your bicycle.
To check out Bicylcle Rolling Resistance, click the image above.
Lanterne Rouge – Road racing coverage
Although I’m not that much a fun of professional cycling, I do love watching the Lanterne Rouge YouTube summaries. The analysis and commentary is always spot on an everything has been excellently researched that getting up to speed on all the big cycling events is a pleasure.
You get the the Lanterne Rouge YouTube Channel by clicking on the image above. On top of that they also host a podcast.
Rides of Japan – Lightweight perfectionst
If you’re into lightweight bike stuff, then you’re going to like this channel and on top of that the videography is always pixel perfect. Apart from the fact that the videos are generally interesting the high level of self-irony is absolutely refreshing.
Once again, you can get to the Rides of Japan YouTube channel by clicking the pic above.
GPLama
GPLama, aka Shane Miller, runs a YouTube channel taking care of a similar niche like DC Rainmaker. Therefore a lot of his content is about bike tech that contains a micro chip as well. Apart from that he’s really into Zwift also covering all the updates.
To get to the GPLama YouTube channel, hit the pic above.
Lüscher Teknik
Lüscher Technik is most famous for his cut-up-reviews, where he takes a crashed carbon frame, does an ultrasound check for voids and cuts it up to see how well it’s been manufactured. This is one of the very first YouTube channels that started calling the bicycle industry’s sometimes low standards on quality control and bad manufacturing out.
Click the image to get to the channel.
Cycling Apps
If it is in-depth knowledge from recent studies you seek or an entire slew of cycling related calculators, then cycling apps is a great resource to have on the radar.
To visit their site, click the image above.
Others
I’m sure I’ve forgotten at least ten other site and YouTube channels, which is why I will update this post whenever I remember one or stumble upon a new one.
If you have suggestions that require adding to this list, please drop them in the comments and I’ll consider adding them!