Are Heavier Riders Ever Faster, Mixing Carbon & Aluminium & TPU Tubes | GCN Tech Clinic

Published at : 23 Dec 2025

Welcome to the GCN Tech Clinic, where we tackle your most pressing bike maintenance and tech questions! In this episode, we use physics to explain why a heavier rider can be faster than a lighter rider on a flat time trial, and we settle the debate on which is more fuel efficient: a roof rack or a rear rack. Plus, we cover the real risks of using CO2 or electric pumps on TPE inner tubes.

Chapters: ⏱️
00:18 - TPE Tube Inflation Risks
01:54 - Why Heavier Riders Can Be Faster
04:13 - Bike Transport: Roof Rack vs. Rear Rack Fuel Usage
05:43 - Shimano Di2 Hood Lights Not Working?
06:52 - Is Lithium Grease Safe on a Carbon Steerer?
08:15 - Aluminum Post in a Carbon Frame: Is it Safe?

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Have you ever switched from a roof rack to a rear tow-bar rack to save on fuel? Did you notice a difference in your MPG/fuel usage? Let us know the real-world results! 👇

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