We Test 7 Tour De France Bikes From 7 Decades

Summary by Krater

GCN hosts Dan Lloyd and Simon Richardson ride seven Tour de France-winning bikes spanning seven decades from 1903 to 2026, comparing their technology, weight, gear ratios, and riding feel.

From the video

Answers: How have Tour de France bikes changed over the years?

• Evolution of Tour de France racing bikes
• Vintage bicycle technology vs modern carbon road bikes
• Tour de France average speed history
• Classic derailleur and gear shifting mechanisms
• Historic bike weights and frame materials

What it concludes

• The pace of change in Tour de France bike technology has been astounding, with average speeds increasing from 25 kph in 1903 to over 42 kph in modern times.
• Despite being heavy and primitive by modern standards, vintage Tour de France bikes from the mid-20th century were surprisingly manageable to ride on climbs and descents.
• Bicycle technology and aerodynamics have progressed exponentially, resulting in modern bikes that are significantly lighter, stiffer, and vastly faster than their historical predecessors.