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This week we got new Shimano R9300 Dura-Ace, although not quite the release many had wished for. Escape's senior tech editors, Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, talk through this new release, the details that are easily overlooked, and where Shimano could do more.Ronan then shares what he saw while covering tech at the Tour de France and how perceived trends can often be false. Dave then raises the increasing problem of Large Language Models (aka, Ai answers) leading people astray in topics that have limited information available online.There's also a bit of interesting tech news from Silca and Tune.As per usual, members of Escape Collective also get Ask a Wrench. This week, Zach Edwards of the Boulder Groupetto joins Dave to cover topics such as noisy drivetrains, why aero isn't more prominent in downhill racing, and what we look for in good headset cable routing. Time stamps: 00:02:21 - Shimano's new Dura-Ace R9300, sorta 00:19:01 - How pro bike fit is and isn't progressing 00:34:20 - PSA related to using Ai for tech help 00:41:15 - Silca's new Super Secret 2.0 00:45:00 - Tune's interesting approach to carbon spokes 00:51:00 - Ronan's got some Record to build 00:52:30 - Ask a Wrench (Members Only) 00:53:00 - Chain noise in more extreme angles 01:02:45 - Where's the aero in downhill? 01:11:20 - What to look for in good headset cable routing
The people demanded – well, some of them asked – for a mash-up episode. At Alpe d'Huez, we gathered in a car park (a typically glamorous recording location) to record a bonus episode, which will go out later this week.The Cycling Podcast x Escape Collective. Or Escape Collective + The Cycling Podcast, if you prefer.Graham and I joined Caley Fretz and Iain Treloar for a freewheeling, sometimes whimsical chat about life on the road at the Tour de France, this year's race, and how the media landscape has continued to evolve.Caley was an early guest on The Cycling Podcast way back in 2014, when he worked for VeloNews. In recent years, having established the Escape Collective, they've established their own podcast and have often joked about sharing the mic for a one-off episode. Midway through the Tour we found ourselves at the same hotel – the charming Saint Regis in Chalon-sur-Saône – and they were recording their episode as we were enjoying dinner. At some point, Caley shouted over and I joined them for a few minutes. Anyway, our people got together with their people, we thrashed out the terms and quibbled over the fine details and spent 40 minutes or so chatting about the Tour. We know that many listeners tune in to both podcasts so hopefully you'll enjoy the exchange of anecdotes and ideas in the episode.
Today on the show: Sepp Kuss comes close, Seixas has a minor falter, and Pogi is a super domestique. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Tadej Pogačar won atop Alpe d'Huez and, crucially, did not poop himself as far as we know, despite wearing the black shorts again.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: We are on the mountain, UAE are sick and Richard Carapaz is sometimes inevitable.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
We're going back to basics in this week's episode. While Geek Warning is usually for tech-obsessed cyclists, this edition covers the common conversations a bicycle mechanic would have with a client. It's for everyone and anyone who does a little of their own bike maintenance. Many road cyclists are still relatively new to disc brakes, so Jack Duncan and Dave Rome start the episode with a deep dive into many facets of ownership. The basics of chain lube and drivetrain wear are covered later on, as are some thoughts about tyre wear and who tubeless may be right for. After all that, members of Escape Collective get the usual Ask a Wrench segment, this time with the return of a familiar voice. Time stamps: 00:03:45 - The biggest red flag for when something is wrong 00:06:20 - Brakes usually shouldn't squeak or squeal 00:16:00 - Disc brake pad wear 00:20:00 - Pad spacers and travel 00:24:00 - Burning brakes is questionable at best 00:26:15 - The importance of brake bed-in 00:29:20 - Why brakes need scheduled bleeding 00:35:00 - Shifting to chain lube basics 00:43:00 - How a drivetrain wears 00:50:30 - Tubeless is great, but not for everyone 00:57:30 - Don't ignore your front tyre wear 1:05:00 - Ask a Wrench (members-only podcast feed) 1:05:30 - Welcome back to Zach Edwards 1:06:15 - Chasing a forward-offset seatpost 1:14:20 - A weird sound in older AXS front shifting 1:21:45 - Pedals with a top-out knock
Look deeper, Alex — Max wants his flowers. Sore leg, black nicks, an unconvincing podium smile. Gross Hartner suddenly does it all. Parapant's 11-0 in polka dot sprints and nobody can explain why Carapaz keeps trying. Mauro Schmid, absolute bargain. Feud with the rivals, officially over.In this episode:"Look deeper, Alex" — the receipts get read into the recordSore leg, black nicks, unconvincing smile — reading between the linesGross Hartner's biggest role of the Tour, almost by accidentTrek's rethink pays off, Quinn's contract future, an unsolicited EF pitchParapant 11, Carapaz 0 — the KOM sprint saga continuesMauro Schmid, bargain of the centuryMedia manager gossip, Escape Collective, ending the feudPlappy's parents drop by, more Aussie Uno-X talk"The boys club doesn't want you in it, Remco" — four battles brewing for Alpe d'HuezLast pair of Tour de France edition Oakleys up for grabs
A breakaway and a sprint stage in one, a green jersey competition that looks to be going down to the wire, and we finally talk to a maillot sable.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Remco won the time trial we all expected him to win, poor Lipo is out of the Tour, and the doping testers just keep coming. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: A huge day at the Tour de France, Remco wins, Jonas dropped out, and there were anti-doping drop-ins overnight.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: This little-known guy called Tadej Pogacar won a stage; reckon he's gonna be a pretty big deal one day. Paul Seixas stormed into the white jersey to provide some feel-good factor at the Tour, and Tadej Pogacar won another stage.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Mauro Schmid wheelies across the finish line, Tom Pidcock is back in the mix, and we went to Buffalo Grill. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Christian hat die Tour de France am Tourmalet erlebt und Lucas macht Dienstreisen jetzt mit Zug und Fahrrad. (00:00:00) Begrüßung (00:01:28) Per E-Auto zur Tour (00:12:17) Christian will in die Pyrenäen (00:16:12) Der Tag der Tourmalet-Etappe (00:24:48) Die Werbekarawane (00:30:00) Die Helis kommen (00:35:19) Was zieht die Leute zur Tour? (00:37:58) Lucas' Dienstreise (00:42:53) Gibt es Nachteile? (00:47:50) Wie zufrieden ist Lucas mit der Bahn? (00:54:20) Wie geht’s weiter? (00:56:10) Verabschiedung (00:57:30) Sommerregen – Kitschkrieg feat. Milleniumkid & Domiziana Hier geht’s zum Artikel bei Escape Collective über die Fahrzeuge der Werbekarawane: https://escapecollective.com/a-drivtour-de-france-caravan-vehicles-of-years-past/ Hier geht’s zu unserer Playlist auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0rFFrMDgoZX2PdHMwvaEmG?si=8w56NndiQQikVzEDcWtjNg Hier könnt ihr uns bei Steady unterstützen: https://steadyhq.com/de/antritt/about Hier entlang geht's zu den Links unserer Werbepartner: https://detektor.fm/werbepartner/antritt ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/gesellschaft/antritt-christian-zur-tour-am-tourmalet-und-lucas-auf-dienstreise
Christian hat die Tour de France am Tourmalet erlebt und Lucas macht Dienstreisen jetzt mit Zug und Fahrrad. (00:00:00) Begrüßung (00:01:28) Per E-Auto zur Tour (00:12:17) Christian will in die Pyrenäen (00:16:12) Der Tag der Tourmalet-Etappe (00:24:48) Die Werbekarawane (00:30:00) Die Helis kommen (00:35:19) Was zieht die Leute zur Tour? (00:37:58) Lucas' Dienstreise (00:42:53) Gibt es Nachteile? (00:47:50) Wie zufrieden ist Lucas mit der Bahn? (00:54:20) Wie geht’s weiter? (00:56:10) Verabschiedung (00:57:30) Sommerregen – Kitschkrieg feat. Milleniumkid & Domiziana Hier geht’s zum Artikel bei Escape Collective über die Fahrzeuge der Werbekarawane: https://escapecollective.com/a-drivtour-de-france-caravan-vehicles-of-years-past/ Hier geht’s zu unserer Playlist auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0rFFrMDgoZX2PdHMwvaEmG?si=8w56NndiQQikVzEDcWtjNg Hier könnt ihr uns bei Steady unterstützen: https://steadyhq.com/de/antritt/about Hier entlang geht's zu den Links unserer Werbepartner: https://detektor.fm/werbepartner/antritt ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/gesellschaft/antritt-christian-zur-tour-am-tourmalet-und-lucas-auf-dienstreise
Christian hat die Tour de France am Tourmalet erlebt und Lucas macht Dienstreisen jetzt mit Zug und Fahrrad. (00:00:00) Begrüßung (00:01:28) Per E-Auto zur Tour (00:12:17) Christian will in die Pyrenäen (00:16:12) Der Tag der Tourmalet-Etappe (00:24:48) Die Werbekarawane (00:30:00) Die Helis kommen (00:35:19) Was zieht die Leute zur Tour? (00:37:58) Lucas' Dienstreise (00:42:53) Gibt es Nachteile? (00:47:50) Wie zufrieden ist Lucas mit der Bahn? (00:54:20) Wie geht’s weiter? (00:56:10) Verabschiedung (00:57:30) Sommerregen – Kitschkrieg feat. Milleniumkid & Domiziana Hier geht’s zum Artikel bei Escape Collective über die Fahrzeuge der Werbekarawane: https://escapecollective.com/a-drivtour-de-france-caravan-vehicles-of-years-past/ Hier geht’s zu unserer Playlist auf Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0rFFrMDgoZX2PdHMwvaEmG?si=8w56NndiQQikVzEDcWtjNg Hier könnt ihr uns bei Steady unterstützen: https://steadyhq.com/de/antritt/about Hier entlang geht's zu den Links unserer Werbepartner: https://detektor.fm/werbepartner/antritt ➡️ Artikel zum Nachlesen: https://detektor.fm/gesellschaft/antritt-christian-zur-tour-am-tourmalet-und-lucas-auf-dienstreise
Today on the show: We're here to tell you how the Race was Wærenskjold, and how it was the fastest in Tour history, and we finally got a glimpse of Julian Alaphilippe.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Everyone tried to beat Tadej Pogačar on Bastille Day, to absolutely no effect. The boos only give him more power, and we are having a lovely day now that we've left Aurillac.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
It's mailbag time! We open up the postal sack in Aurillac where the first Tour de France rest day is being held to answer a series of questions from our dear members. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: A breakaway managed to thwart Tadej Pogačar, but a stone nearly thwarted Tom Pidcock. Oh, and Iain spent all day on the publicity caravan.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Tim Merlier makes it two in a row, Liam Slock kept the Lotto party going and tomorrow's stage has sadly been shortened.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: A sprint showdown in Bordeaux, it's Remco vs Lipowitz at Red Bull Bora Hansgrohe, and Iain Treloar has arrived.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Tadej Pogačar turned the Tourmalet into a Tourmalaise for the rest of the GC contenders, Torstein Traeen dropped out of the yellow jersey in dramatic fashion, and Huub Artz is back.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: We finally had a sprint, an interesting solo breakaway artist, and we are ready to get into the mountainsIf you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
TODAY ON THE SHOW: A real breakaway at the Tour de France, the hype Traen has left the station, and near perfection from Andy Schleck's brave boys. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Tadej Pogačar got the gift-giving out of his system and returned to his usual place as the soul-destroying eater of dreams we know, love and respect.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: After Visma laid down the gauntlet with their TTT win, UAE delivered the sort of response we've somehow grown used to. With Isaac del Toro taking a stage win part-gifted by Tadej Pogačar, with both riders looking ominous already.If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: Jonas Vingegaard and Visma Lease a Bike flew to the Tour de France's first yellow jersey, we now know who's actually leading every team, and we're in love with team time trials. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
The Tour Dailies are back!Caley, Jonny, and Ronan join you from Barcelona, where Remco Evenepoel is already annoyed, team time trial tactics are simmering, and Chris Froome has made the announcement everyone is waiting for. If you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
It's the week of the Tour de France Grand Départ, and with it have come a few big bike launches. Escape's senior tech editors, Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, jump on to discuss whether Specialized's new Tarmac hits the mark. There's also a new bike from Orbea. Plus Dave asks Ronan to confirm just how progressive his fit is, and as it turns out, the answer is not very. Ronan then jumps on a call with Daan Teugels from Belgian Cycling Factory to discuss how Eddy Merckx's reduced-frame-size options can still meet racers' needs. As always, members of Escape Collective don't just support independent journalism; they get access to everything we have to offer. For Geek Warning, that means access to the weekly Ask a Wrench segment, where pro mechanics answer our member's tech questions. And apologies for the audio this week, as Dave accidentally landed on his backup microphone. Time stamps: 00:01:39 - Specialized's new SL9 is a little too familiar 00:19:50 - Kinky steerer tubes aren't as naughty as they sound 00:23:45 - Orbea's new Orca Aero 00:32:00 - How progressive is Ronan's position? 00:40:00 - An aero-optimised run at the Tour Divide 00:45:20 - Giant's new Revolt Advanced SL (and the Liv Devote Advanced SL) 00:48:50 - Campagnolo and Zipp's new price point wheel options 00:53:45 - Chatting reduced frame size options with Eddy Merckx 01:13:15 - Back to Ronan and Dave 01:15:00 - Ask a Wrench (members only) 01:17:00 - Bearing maintenance after a big event 1:26:30 - Can an event like Unbound ruin a new chain? 1:32:00 - MTB disc brake caliper alignment woes 1:42:30 - A fix for leaky ProMax brakes
It's time for a Geek Warning crossover episode! Ronan Mc Laughlin and Jack Duncan join Caley Fretz ahead of this year's Tour de France to break down how bikes and gear are changing and highlight what our tech reporters think will be the most important equipment of a modern Tour. This whole episode is free for everyone, but if you want to get Golden Hour and After Dark for the rest of the month, then Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
The 2026 Tour de France is here! The official roadbook has landed and that means it's time for Caley, Dane, and Jonny to dive headlong into the route, picking apart each stage in detail. Want to get Golden Hour and After Dark? Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to every full-length episode.
Today on the show: we have a new raft of national champions, a megabucks bid has apparently come in for Paul Seixas, and in the members-only Golden Hour section, we'll discuss how UCI President David Lappartient has said something that we don't think we hate, which is miraculous.Want to get Golden Hour and After Dark? Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to the whole Mailbag episode.
Today on the show: David Gaudu may finally be running out of road and Remco Evenepoel needs a doctor's note.After we head to Golden Hour, Oscar Onley is out of the tour and leaves Netcompany-Ineos with few options. Oh, And we have opinions on TNT's new AI storytelling.Want to get Golden Hour and After Dark? Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to the whole Mailbag episode.
The tech crew at Escape Collective have been paying close attention to the progression toward 32in wheels in gravel and mountain bike, and while the conversation has come up a few times, it felt time to dedicate some real time to the topic.This week, Escape tech staffers Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Alex Hunt chat about 32ers in the news, whether the UCI's potential involvement will slow things, and if a new wheel size is of positive net gain for the wider industry. In addition to big wheels, the geeks also talk about some other new products. Meanwhile, members of Escape Collective get Ask a Wrench, the weekly segment where our members' technical questions get answered.Time stamps: 00:02:15 - 32ers in the news 00:03:00 - Thömus gets the first World Cup podium 00:07:00 - Canyon's Lux Era concept 00:10:20 - A few big wheels at Spoken 00:12:30 - The UCI's involvement 00:23:00 - Brands preparing for the next big thing 00:28:30 - Complications in 32er suspension 00:36:00 - It's a high-risk time for more stock 00:39:30 - Cheaper bikes will be worse 00:42:00 - Why didn't it start with gravel bikes? 00:49:00 - Wolf Tooth's lower cost range of products 00:51:50 - Black Inc's new Hyper wheels. So many carbon spokes 00:59:00 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (members only) 01:01:00 - Should you service new suspension and talking bushing clearances 01:14:24 - Fighting stuck tubeless tyres. How to deal with them on the trail? 01:26:00 - A recall-related question
Today we have a special episode for a special boy. Paul Seixas. The boy wonder, the one true king of France. The hope is immeasurable. The pressure is immense. The mailbag is bursting at the seams. So let's get to it. Spin Cycle listeners get 25% off when you sign up for Escape Collective here.Already a member? Get the member feed here to listen to the whole Mailbag episode.
This week, Dave, Ronan, and new guy Jack chat about Eddy Merckx's new bike and why it's surprised Ronan. The bike provides good fodder for diving into more serviceable cockpits and for understanding why only fashion may limit the uptake of progressive road geometry. There's good news for those who prefer cable-actuated shifting, as Shimano has updated its mountain bike offerings. Dave has other things on his mind, too, including Australia's Spoken bike show and how downhill is teasing future puzzling for disc brakes.Of course, there's plenty more than that, and members of Escape Collective also get Ask a Wrench at the end of the episode (members-only feed).Time stamps: 00:01:30 - The new Eddy Merckx and an exploration into progressive road geometry 00:22:45 - Shimano's mechanical shifting update 00:29:00 - Shimano updates a real classic 00:31:45 - Don't miss Overnight Success 00:33:50 - Downhill tech is on Dave's mind and the pursuit of heat-regulated brakes 00:39:15 - Dave makes a case for why Australia's builder scene is world-class 00:46:00 - Cannondale's nostalgic Team Dream CAAD14s 00:47:15 - Bianchi's new Specialissima 00:51:45 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (Members Only) 00:54:00 - A Shimano mechanical dropbar shifter that's coming undone 01:03:00 - Inconsistent Torx tooling 01:13:45 - Noisy eccentric bottom bracket challenges 01:21:20 - Disc brake pads for high elevation bike packing
Today on the show: Isaac del Toro is the new old boy wonder, Luke Tucks well into second place, and we need to talk about Liam Slock.Sign up for Escape Collective.Already a member? Get the member feed here.
Today on the show: Fighting talk at the Dauphiné, Ayuso is all the way back, and Chris Froome has found something to do.Sign up for Escape Collective.Already a member? Get the member feed here.
New bikes are now rolling in from all directions with both the road and mountain bike race seasons in full swing. In this week's episode, Dave chats with new hire Jack Duncan about what he's been seeing at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (aka, the Dauphine). Later in the episode, Jack and Dave discuss new cross-country mountain bikes from Orbea and Lapierre. Then Alex Hunt joins to talk about his experience with the new Scott Spark. Not even prompted by Dave, the geeks also cover space and weight-efficient tools for travel. And as per usual, members of Escape Collective get access to our popular Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode. Time stamps: 00:01:10 - Pre-Tour tech at the Dauphine 00:09:00 - A tangent on big brand wheels 00:14:00 - Mystery new shoes 00:15:20 - New climbing bikes are being seen, but rarely raced 00:23:30 - How to pack tools for travel is on our mind 00:41:00 - It's a week of new 29er XC MTB, starting with the Orbea Oiz and Lapierre XR 00:49:30 - Alex Hunt joins to talk about Scott's Spark update 00:59:00 - RIP Charlie Cunningham 01:01:40 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (members only) 01:03:00 - Small electric inflators where low pressures matter 01:13:00 - Discontinued pedal lubes and PFAS' 01:20:30 - What on saddles makes them a wear item? 01:27:00 - Pondering a handlebar that turns more freely 01:30:30 - Talking about our mechanical work
Today on the show: Seixas hype hits the Dauphiné, Van Schip has been disqualified yet again, and everyone is invited to Thibaut Pinot's farm.Sign up for Escape Collective.Already a member? Get the member feed here.
Today on the show: The motorbike whisperer gives his reasons, Richard Plugge is sad, and Dave Brailsford is officially back. Plus, Paul Seixas races the Dauphine (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes). Sign up for Escape Collective.Already a member? Get the member feed here.
Geek Warning gets a new voice as Escape's new US tech editor - Jack Duncan - joins the motley crew. Together with Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, the geeks cover a broad range of topics from Unbound tech, UCI doing UCI things, Ronan's custom inner sole journey, and hubs that allow cassettes to fall off. Of course, members of Escape Collective also get Ask a Wrench. This week, Dave is joined by Jack Duncan to answer a number of questions from our members. Also, Dave sends his apologies to members listening to Ask a Wrench as his mic settings had changed without warning. Time stamps: 00:00:00 - An introduction to Jack Duncan 00:04:30 - Unbound tech wrap 00:16:25 - Disqualification over 20 grams 00:28:00 - Cassettes that fall off and Dave's Public Rambling Rant 00:33:00 - Carbon inner soles are on Ronan's mind 00:49:30 - Ask a Wrench (members only) 00:51:00 - Running a 12-speed chain on a 11-speed cassette 00:57:45 - battery drain issues in an AXS shifter 1:04:00 - How to add grip to a slippery brake lever
Management changes, ties to Leopard-Trek, return of the Schlecks, and a team getting shaken like Mads Pedersen's hands on the Arenberg. Caley and Jonny break it all down, including some breaking news coming through at the very last minute. Sign up for Escape Collective.Already a member? Get the member feed here.
Today on the show: Lorena Wiebes has been chucked out of the Giro, Jonas Vingegaard has won the Giro, and Giulio Ciccone was big mad, at the Giro.Sign up for Escape Collective.Already a member? Get the member feed here.
Today on the show: Vingegaard is now a quotes machine, Thomas Dekker's panhandle burrito nightmares come back to haunt him, and Demi Vollering's chatbot will see you now.Sign up for Escape Collective. Already a member? Get the member feed here.
Howdy geeks! It's Unbound race week, and with that, we've seen an expected amount of fresh new tech in the gravel space.This week, Escape's senior tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss Specalized's long-awaited update to the Crux. There's, of course, a bit of big wheel chatter. A fun new project product from Wheels Manufacturing. And plenty more.As a reminder, members of Escape Collective also get access to Ask a Wrench, where member questions are answered by Dave Rome and a quest mechanic (this week, Colorado-based Colin Williams returns). If you liked this episode, please leave us a review. It helps like-minded cyclists discover us.Time stamps: 00:00:30 - Ronan went racing 00:07:15 - Ronan rides the new Specialized Crux 00:14:50 - But is it actually aero? 00:23:47 - Are pure aero gravel bikes what we need? 00:30:05 - Scott's 32in gravel bike for Unbound 00:36:50 - Wheels Manufacturing's better mud stick 00:42:29 - Paragon Machine Works has been acquired 00:43:56 - Good thing: Mechanics you can trust 00:51:00 - Ask a Wrench (Members-Only feed) 00:52:30 - Weird pulley wheel wear 1:03:00 - When is it time to replace a wheel? 1:12:00 - A Dangerholm-inspired Full-Suspension gravel bike?
Today on the show: Vingegaard finally takes pink, Tim Rex pulls a prehistoric face, and we had a breakaway win that made us feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.Want After Dark? Sign up for Escape Collective.
Abby, Georgie, Gracie, and Loren break down all four stages of the Vuelta a Burgos. From the first two days for the sprinter(s), the second explosive stage that continued a fantastic run of form for a podcast favourite, and the final GC stage that allowed a new GC contender to emerge. Next, Abby spoke with Elisa Balsamo about sprinting against Lorena Wiebes, Lidl-Trek, and her wedding dress (written story coming to Escape Collective later this week).And finally, the team looks ahead to the Giro d'Italia, set to start Saturday, May 30th. Read Matt's story about Yara Kastelijn's victory here. Stay tuned for a special podcast on Friday, where Elisa Longo Borghini details her Giro d'Italia victory with Abby. Love what we do? Sign up for Escape Collective at escapecollective.com/wheeltalk
With Unbound on next week, and the Gralloch on last weekend, it felt timely to talk about going further on gravel. For this, Escape's tech and industry reporter, Suvi Loponen, joins Dave Rome. Also joining this week is special guest (and occasional Escape contributor) Kevin ‘Benky' Benkenstein, a familiar face in the ultra world. There's also talk of whether the trend in wide gravel rims is a good direction. And of course, there's plenty more. Just a quick note that Kevin did have some internet issues, so we apologise for the occasional delay in the recording. Members of Escape Collective get the full episode (and no ads!), where mechanic Colin Williams joins Dave to answer technical questions. Time stamps: 00:01:31 - Suvi's time at the Gralloch 00:10:48 - How to get comfortable when going far on gravel 00:17:13 - New Specialized and Canyon spotted at the Gralloch 00:18:29 - What benefits the pros doesn't always benefit us 00:20:33 - Unbound is coming 00:35:07 - New Enve gravel wheels 00:41:49 - Is wider really better, or is this just a trend? 00:45:55 - Niner bikes goes on pause 00:49:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only feed) 00:50:30 - How long does a bag of wax last? 00:55:15 - Running a road cassette with mountain bike derailleurs 00:59:30 - Building a tool to stress relieve a wheel 1:06:04 - Does suspension need servicing after storage?
This week, Abby, Georgie, and Loren are joined by special guest Matt de Neef of Escape Collective to talk about Itzulia Women - the latest WorldTour stage race in Spain, and Abby spoke with Lauren Dickson of FDJ United-Suez about the breakthrough results that landed her on the top team in women's cycling. The three stages and overall were swept by two riders, but neither was a member of the strongest team in the race. Mischa Bredewold was back for the third year, with a vengeance, while Dominika Włodarczyk surprised with a standout performance. Meanwhile, FDJ United-Suez was doing...something else. Earlier this year, Abby spoke with Lauren Dickson, who had a standout ride at Itzulia, about her rapid rise through the ranks and riding with some of the top women in the sport. You can read Matt's written story based on the interview here. Love women's cycling? Sign up for Escape Collective at escapecollective.com/wheeltalk to support this podcast, and thank you for listening!