Uploaded May 2022 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Ex-pro cyclist Simon Richardson is on a quest to find out how performance has changed over the decades by comparing a modern racing machine with a classic bike of yesteryear.
Simon will be recreating Eddy Merckx’s legendary 1969 Faema Team bike from scratch, travelling the country to source new-old stock which has laid dormant for years. This includes a period correct bike fit from Terry Dolan, and input from retro legends; Sid Barras and Philippa York, to discuss how the bikes they raced on compare against today's carbon beasts.
But how will a retro 60s replica really compare when pitted against a modern carbon road bike?
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Ex-pro cyclist Simon Richardson is on a quest to find out how performance has changed over the decades by comparing a modern racing machine with a classic bike of yesteryear.
Simon will be recreating Eddy Merckx’s legendary 1969 Faema Team bike from scratch, travelling the country to source new-old stock which has laid dormant for years. This includes a period correct bike fit from Terry Dolan, and input from retro legends; Sid Barras and Philippa York, to discuss how the bikes they raced on compare against today's carbon beasts.
But how will a retro 60s replica really compare when pitted against a modern carbon road bike?
Sign up for GCN+ now: https://gcn.eu/plus
____________________
GCN+ is the home of the world’s most thrilling live bike races, highlights, exclusive shows and epic cycling documentaries that you can enjoy live + ad-free + on-demand + interactive + all-year round.
GCN+ is more of everything you’ve come to love from GCN but taken to the next level: more entertainment, more races, more inspiration, more access, more analysis, more science and more to watch with exclusive and original long-form films, documentaries and shows.
GCN+ is #cycling like you’ve never seen it before.
