How I Built a Sub-6kg Climbing Bike for Under £1000!
Tom Bowers Cycling
December 18, 2024
Building a Sub-6kg UCI Illegal Hill Climb Bike for Under £1000!
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In this video, I transform a 2014 BMC Teammachine rim brake bike into a sub-6kg hill climbing weapon. I cover every step of the journey — from weight-saving upgrades to the final weigh-in. With a strict budget of under £1000, I break down costs, grams saved, and ride impressions. Want to see how I hit sub-6kg? Watch to the end for the surprise reveal!
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Buy The Parts Featured
Ridenow TPU - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oDJSnGF
UNO Stem - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oBvWvrZ
ULtralight Cassette - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_oFQzDqR
Koclevo Handlebars - https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_opUAtZ9
Or to see everything AliExpress I recommend: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ejvq4EA or enter the search code [AYMARW] on the AliExpress homepage!
🔧 Upgrades include: Bars, stem, saddle, tpu tubes, brakes, cassette, lightweight tires, and more.
💡 What’s next? Phase 2: Carbon wheels, ultralight cranks, and every other marginal weight gain possible.
Missed Part 1 where I show the original bike?
https://youtu.be/0AZ7npmw6RA?si=33tdul7klZUTFnXo
💬 What would you upgrade next? Drop your ideas in the comments!
📺 Don’t miss the next phase — Subscribe for more lightweight bike builds, iconic climb challenges, and Zwift racing action!
Chapters
00:00 – Intro
01:19 – The Upgrades
06:05 – Cost per gram breakdown
08:20 – Weigh In
08:40 – One final upgrade
10:32 – Final Weigh In
#HillClimbBike #LightweightBikeBuild #BikeUpgrades #BMCteammachine #cyclingvlog
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Parts Mentioned
RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit
ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal
UNO Ultralight 7/17 Degrees Bike Stems MTB Mountain Road Bicycle Stem 31.8* 60 -130mm
Kocevlo SL Road Carbon handlebar ultra light 150g Compatible internal cabling system Gravel road bike handlebar 31.8mm
Sunshine Savings/Seasonal Savings
TubesRideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit
Created: February 02, 2025The RideNow TPU Bike Inner Tube 700C X18 23 25 28 32 35 37 40C MTB Gravel Ultralight Bicycle Tire 26 /27.5 /29 Inch with Patch Kit is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary
MyBikeParts
CassetteZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal
Created: March 12, 2025The reviewer discusses the ZTTO SLR Gen3 11-speed cassette as one of the most exciting upgrades made to their hill climb bike. They highlight its extremely low weight of 113g for the 11-28T version, which was a significant factor in their decision to purchase it. They note that the cassette's teeth are well-machined with proper Shimano-style ramps, resulting in brilliant shifting performance. However, they express concerns about durability since the top three sprockets are made from a single block of aluminum, suggesting it may not last long under heavy use. The reviewer clarifies that this is intended as a race-only cassette that won't see many miles, hoping it will last at least a season.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Extremely lightweight at 113g for the 11-28T version
- Teeth are well-machined with proper Shimano-style ramps
- Brilliant shifting performance
- Good value for a race-specific component
Cons
- Top three sprockets made from a single block of aluminum
- Durability concerns for long-term use
- Not suitable for high-mileage riding
MyBikeParts
ZTTO SLR Gen3 11speed Road Bike Cassette 11 Speed 11-30 11-32 11-34 11-36 11-28T 112g K7 11s Spokets HGR universal - AliExpress 18
StemUNO Ultralight 7/17 Degrees Bike Stems MTB Mountain Road Bicycle Stem 31.8* 60 -130mm
Created: June 12, 2025The reviewer discusses the UNO Advanced stem as a value upgrade, mentioning its lightweight and affordability. They highlight that the stem, along with a cheap AliExpress bolt, only weighs 104 grams and cost less than £15. They also mention surviving a tough cycling event (three-Peak cyc across) with this stem, indicating confidence in its durability despite its low cost.
AI-Summary
Pros
- Lightweight (104 grams with bolt)
- Affordable (less than £15)
- Durable enough to survive tough cycling events
Creator Links
HandlebarKocevlo SL Road Carbon handlebar ultra light 150g Compatible internal cabling system Gravel road bike handlebar 31.8mm
Created: June 12, 2025The Kocevlo SL Road Carbon handlebar ultra light 150g Compatible internal cabling system Gravel road bike handlebar 31.8mm is not mentioned in this video.
AI-Summary
Creator Links