Tom Bowers Cycling - How I Built a Sub-6kg Climbing Bike for Under Β£1000!

Description

Building a Sub-6kg UCI Illegal Hill Climb Bike for Under Β£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 β€” from weight-saving upgrades to the final weigh-in. With a strict budget of under Β£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!

Want to support the channel?
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!

πŸ”§ Upgrades include: Bars, stem, saddle, tpu tubes, brakes, cassette, lightweight tires, and more.
πŸ’‘ 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

πŸ’¬ What would you upgrade next? Drop your ideas in the comments!
πŸ“Ί Don’t miss the next phase β€” 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

Follow me on social media!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tom_bowers_/
Twitter/ X : https://x.com/fairlylongbike
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063006021739
Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/1876048

βœ‰οΈ Email Enquiries: tom@tbcycling.uk

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Bike part mentions in this video

Kocevlo SL Road Carbon handlebar ultra light 150g Compatible internal cabling system Gravel road bike handlebar 31.8mm

Created: June 12, 2025

The 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

AFFILIATE by Tom Bowers CyclingACTIVE
aliexpress.com
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
$79.00
πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
€49.69
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
Β£38.98
Rating there:
4.7 (88 reviews)
Last checked:
13 days
ago
AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
aliexpress.com
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
$78.82
πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
€49.69
πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
Β£38.82
Last checked:
13 days
ago

UNO Ultralight 7/17 Degrees Bike Stems MTB Mountain Road Bicycle Stem 31.8* 60 -130mm

Created: June 12, 2025

The 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 Β£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 Β£15)
  • Durable enough to survive tough cycling events

Cons

  • No cons found in the analysis.
  • Key Points

    • Weighs 104 grams with bolt
    • Cost less than Β£15
    • Used in a demanding cycling event without issues
    AFFILIATE by Tom Bowers CyclingACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €16.89
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£13.79
    Last checked:
    13 days
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $21.98
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €17.19
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£14.08
    Last checked:
    13 days
    ago

    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

    Created: March 12, 2025

    The 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

    Key Points

    • Model: ZTTO SLR Gen3 11-speed cassette
    • Weight: 113g for 11-28T version
    • Construction: Top three sprockets are aluminum block
    • Intended use: Race-only component
    • Expected lifespan: Hoping to last at least one season
    AFFILIATE by Trace VeloACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $107.33
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €70.69
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£53.98
    Rating there:
    4.1 (13 reviews)
    Last checked:
    1 day
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $107.33
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €70.69
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£53.98
    Last checked:
    3 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $107.55
    Rating there:
    3.8 (9 reviews)
    Last checked:
    3 months
    ago

    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

    Created: February 02, 2025

    The 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

    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $8.07
    Last checked:
    5 months
    ago
    AFFILIATE by MyBikePartsACTIVE
    aliexpress.com
    πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ
    $8.07
    πŸ‡«πŸ‡·
    €6.29
    πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§
    Β£5.09
    Rating there:
    4.8 (136 reviews)
    Last checked:
    5 months
    ago