Podcasts about road bikes

One weekend remains at a fantastic Giro d'Italia. We won't try to guess what happens, because that's impossible, and that's why the race is so good.Caley, Jonny, and Dane discuss the stories of the week, including Ayuso's bee sting, Carapaz's form, and Lance's toilet investment. Plus, we hear from Luis Lemus on the impact of Isaac del Toro on Mexican cycling. 

It's the last rest day of the Giro d'Italia, and two bits of GC news dominate conversation: Isaac Del Toro is officially UAE's leader now, and Primoz Roglič might pull out entirely. Caley, Jonny, and Kit are joined by Intern Nick to discuss Primoz Roglič's inevitable move to Israel-Premier Tech, Juan Ayuso's inevitable move to Movistar, and Del Toro's ability to put on a jacket. Plus much more besides, of course. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Welcome back to Spin Cycle, where no news is too big and no joke too small. We're about halfway through the Giro, and what a Giro it's been. Caley, Jonny, and Kit take a moment to appreciate a Grand Tour without Pogačar in it, and then look ahead to the next one he'll be in. The Tour de France finish in Paris has changed, and it's way harder. Can Pogi win it? Should the classics men get excited? Plus, a one-night stand could land you in doping jail. Beware! 

The Giro d'Italia's mini Strade Bianche had everything: A winner everybody can hear for, a precocious young talent, GC crashes, dust galore.In this episode of Spin Cycle, Caley, Jonny, and Kit break down a spectacular weekend of racing, look back at some of our favorite Grand Tours stages of the modern era, downsize Big Jim to Medium Sized Jim, and wonder how UAE will handle yet another leadership question. 

Primoz Roglič showed the Giro how to hang off a race director's car on Thursday and Mads Pedersen probably had to go on a boat even though he fell down. The Giro is going to Giro, always. Caley, Jonny, and Kit jump on to chat through the last few days of racing and concrete reporting that Total Energies and Ineos are about to become a new chemical romance. Plus, some kind words for the Giro TV crew and Mathias Vacek, who is so good it's actually quite scary. 

This week we've got wireless shifting on our minds. Campagnolo's new 13-speed wireless continues to be seen out in the wild, now at the Giro d'Italia. Dave has had his hands on WheelTop's latest wireless mountain bike derailleur and shifter. And SRAM has an option to upgrade its new mechanical T70/T90 system to wireless, and nope, we're not joking.Additionally, Ronan is feeling misunderstood. We warn about using modern Ai-type tech in your repair endeavours. And of course, there's plenty more.As always, Escape Collective members will hear our popular Ask a Wrench segment. This week, Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) and Dave Rome answer member-submitted questions related to fixing tubeless punctures in road tyres, the complications of Cannondale's Ai asymmetry, and we provide some thoughts on the best tyre setups for amateur racing across multiple disciplines. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here.Time stamps:2:50 - Ronan's feeling misunderstood8:15 - Thumb shifter all-but-confirmed for next-gen Campagnolo Wireless13:30 - Dave's first impressions of WheelTop wireless (EDS OX2.0)23:00 - a PSA about using Ai to help you wrench27:00 - SRAM's new mechanical shifting can be upgraded to wireless32:00 - Canyon updates the Ultimate and Endurace road bikes38:00 - Rocky Mountain secures new Canadian owners39:20 - Where to for Felt Bicycles?42:00 - Threaded this week45:00 - Time for Ask a Wrench (member's feed only)49:00 - How to properly fix a cut tubeless tyre57:00 - Cannondale Ai crank woes1:04:00 - Best tyre setups by disciplines

If there's one thing we've learned over the first three days of the Giro d'Italia, it's never make a bet with Mads Pedersen. The Lidl-Trek rider is on fire, trimmers in hand. In today's episode, Caley, Jonny, and Kit break down the Giro's opening weekend, question the morality of one of a big newspaper, learn the fate of the Tro-Bro Leon pig, and introduce the Farce-O-Meter. 

The Giro d'Italia is upon us! Chris Marshall Bell rings in from Albania with the answers to cycling's biggest questions - whose legs are good? Who will be taking it day by day? We've got everything you need to know about the year's first Grand Tour. Plus, there's been a massive shakeup at GreenEdge. Longtime director Matt White is out. What are we hearing? 

How is it that a product can be raced by a professional, in a professional event, and that the media aren't allowed to tell all? It's become a surprisingly common occurrence, and in this episode, you'll hear Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome explain how it all works.You'll also hear about Campagnolo's latest spotted new drivetrain, and why it likely spells a wider change to 13-speed. Also, Ronan and Dave discuss the new Cannondale Synapse and its rather confusing overlap with other bikes in Cannondale's range. The conversation then moves to cover other new products and industry news.Finally, Escape Collective members will hear our popular Ask a Wrench segment. This week, Ronan and Dave answer member-submitted questions related to their favourite Co2 inflator heads (and preferred alternatives), an update to the Classified two-speed hub system, and calibrating power meters. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here.Language warning: Ronan said a naughty word at the 6:58 point of the episode.Time stamps:2:00 - Spotting new products in clear sight and embargos explained10:40 - Campagnolo 13-speed EPS Wireless is coming22:00 - We're not sure how to define the new Cannondale Synapse37:00 - Chit chat, amusing clickbait, and problematic AI41:00 - Canyon US and Amazon Prime42:00 - Industry news from DT Swiss43:20 - Vittoria updates the Rubino45:30 - Park Tool's new free things47:00 - Feedback Sports' new chain whip alternative50:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)51:00 - Our preferred Co2 inflator heads and alternatives59:20 - Calibrating power meters1:04:10 - Classified's requirements for the 10T cassettes

It's time for the second edition of our ‘In for Review' Geek Warning podcast. Like the first edition, this one looks to share some of the bikes we've been testing and the gear we've been enjoying.Plus, we've added a segment that talks about newly released products we're interested in trying. And for those on the Escape Collective member feed (which as the name implies, is only for members), you'll get a little extra as we discuss a few of the products that haven't quite met the mark. If you aren't a member yet, you can sign up here.This episode is hosted by tech editor Dave Rome, and you'll also hear Escape's tech writers Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt.Enjoy!Time stamps:3:30 - Van Rysel RCR-F aero bike14:00 - Standert Kettensäge alloy gravel racer23:00 - Dave was sidelined for a bit24:25 - What we're enjoying using25:00 - POC Cytal road helmet28:45 - Women's bib-shorts31:30 - Michelin's road tyres35:30 - Alex's introduction to cargo bibs38:30 - Feedback Sport's Pro E-Lift repair stand43:30 - New products we're intrigued to try43:50 - Suvi's keen to test the Cannondale Synapse49:00 - New Wahoo computers52:00 - Boardman SLR 105 Di2 road bike56:00 - A new wave of gravel tyres58:45 - Member-only bonus section: the products that have left us underwhelmed1:00:00 - What's with tyre logos not lining up?1:04:00 - Fizik's entry into helmets1:08:00 - Dave's expensive tool purchase

Welcome back to Spin Cycle. In this episode, Caley, Jonny, and Kit give Astana the props they've been yearning for (almost as valuable as UCI points). Then, a look at the youngsters of Romandie, a cluster of a TTT at the Vuelta, and a trip in the sad Visma Van. Plus, Joe Laverick joins to discuss the Traka and how gravel has become a meme. 

Marketing, activate! Red Bull's "groundbreaking" new feature is just a sprint point, but what does the company's increasing involvement in pro cycling mean going forward? That question is far more interesting. Caley, Dane, and Intern Nick are back to discuss Red Bull's latest, whether prologues are good, and we hear from Lachlan Morton on his decision to race Unbound XL.  

In the arc of a life – especially one as rich and eventful as Greg LeMond's - certain stories get lost to the grander narrative. But in 1987, the bigger story was still unwritten. That year – soon after he'd won his first Tour de France, in the prime of his career – Greg LeMond was shot, and almost died.A Grand Tour champion, violence, drugs, intrigue, rehabilitation, and redemption: this is that story.We're running this first episode across our network, but future episodes will only be found on the Rabbit Holes channel. Subscribe to Rabbit Holes on iTunes, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Production and sound design by Will and Stuart at Redbricks Media. Music from EpidemicSound. Thanks to Chris Marshall-Bell.Escape Collective is an entirely independent and member-funded publication, and this content is only possible through the support of our members. To subscribe, go to www.escapecollective.com/join.

Hello geeks!It's time to talk about the big wheels that are seemingly beginning to gain speed. As reported by Josh Weinberg, it sure seems many are looking at 32 in wheels, but it's still early days as to whether we'll see history repeat itself.Within you'll also find a new segment where Dave puts the call out to brands to produce a product that he feels is lacking in the market.You'll also hear Josh, Zach, and Dave discuss some of the more interesting products from the BeSpoked show.The episode wraps with our usual Ask a Wrench segment. Here you'll hear the geeks chat Schwalbe Clik Valves, thoughts on inner tubes for road, and a little more about Campagnolo inner cables. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here.Love tech? We've had a handful of other tech-related podcasts this week, including a chat Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome had about things to consider if buying a new aero road bike (find it in the Performance Process channel). Plus, Josh Weinberg caught up with Lachlan Morton about upcoming events and the tech decisions.Time stamps:2:00 - 32 in wheels are the next big thing20:50 - ReTyre continues to expand its eco-friendly tyre operation23:45 - Industry Wish list: Better headsets for a specific application29:30 - A quick tech chat with Lachlan Morton39:20 - Hunt's new Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc road wheels41:00 - Bespoked things42:00 Garbaruk's prototype electronic rear derailleur50:00 - KOM Xeno Infinity hub52:20 - Antidote comes to gravel with the Path Seeker59:30 - Ask a Wrench (Member-feed exclusive)1:01:00 - The best inner tubes for road (member-only)1:04:30 - Early thoughts on Schwalbe Clik Valves (member-only)1:10:00 - More on Campagnolo mechanical cables (member-only)

Das neue U.P.P.E.R. CONCE.PT, der Technologieträger für alle zukünftigen OPEN-Bikes! Welche technische Philosophie steckt hinter den neuesten Entwicklungen bei OPEN! Freut Euch auf ein tolle Gespräch mit Gerard Vroomen und Andy Kessler. 
Ein Gespräch über Design, Technik, Leidenschaft – und warum Komfort und Geschwindigkeit kein Widerspruch sind. Gerard und Andy gehen auf die Entscheidung für die Produktion in Europa ein, und erläutern sehr detailliert die raffinierten technische Details des neuen UPPER CONCEPT Rahmens, wie z.B. die schlau integrierte Cockpit-Verstellung, das Monocoque-Design des Rahmens). Natürlich stellen wir auch die große Frage, wohin sich der Gravelmarkt bewegt. Sind Gravelbikes vielleicht sogar nur Roadbikes mit dickeren Reifen?
 ## LINKS ZUR SENDUNG ## Unser Test-Fahrt-Video zum neuen UPPER CONCEPT: https://youtu.be/BwSxC6woHYA Die Website von OPEN: https://opencycle.com/ OPEN in unserem Shop: https://www.enjoyyourbike.com/open-cycle/ Folge 19: Gerard und Andys OPEN-Phylosophie:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uljQA3tukU Folge 85: Gerard über das California MIN.D. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUhLZaN-JSA ## INHALT ## 00:00:00 Intro 00:04:44 A-B Fragen an Andy & Gerard 00:20:51 Gegenwart und Zukunft des Gravelbikes 00:29:41 Der Entwurf eines Rahmens fängt immer mit dem Reifen an 00:39:53 Langer Produktzyklus statt jedes Jahr marginale Änderungen. 00:41:32 Einstellbares integriertes Cockpit: Warum? Und die Technik-Details. 00:49:54 Neuentwicklung sehr teuer: die Entscheidung dahinter (Passion for the Bike) 00:57:57 Die Definition von Gravel 01:02:14 UPPER CONCEPT: Technologieträger für die Zukunft aller OPEN-Räder? 01:04:17 Rahmendesign: Komfort ist key. Trotz modernerAero-Formen 01:08:00 Monocoque: Der Rahmen kommt als Ganzes aus der Form 01:09:48 Hinterbau: noch dünnere Sitzstreben für mehr Komfort 01:12:32 Aerogabel ohne Kompromisse beim Komfort. 01:13:53 T47 statt Pressfit, aber nur weil es alle so wollen 01:16:41 Jede Rahmengröße bekommt eine eigene Gabel 01:18:54 Rahmengeometrie und Reifenbreiten 01:23:37 Rahmendesign! Auffälliges Designmerkmal: das neue Steuerrohr 01:29:48 Produktion: Umzug nach Europa eine Herausforderung? Die Gründe? 01:42:10 Statement zu den Verzögerungen der Auslieferung der neuen Modelle 01:47:53 Es gibt nur Road Bikes & Race Bikes: Die Zukunft des Gravelbikes! 01:53:25 Ausblick auf die die zukünftigen OPEN Modelle 01:55:49 Abschlussfragen: Lastenrad, Faltrad & Größter Fail, Gravel-Selbstbau

Who would you want on your Tour de France tandem? Would Pogi and Almeida beat Vingegaard and Jorgenson? These are other important questions answered on this episode of Spin Cycle. Caley, Kit, and Dane run through Liège, Remco Evenepoel's very bad day, Ben Healy's breath of fresh air, and Demi Vollering's disappointing spring. Plus, Chris Froome retirement news and an appreciation for good kit, from Kit of course. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.The best indicator for Fleche Wallonne victory seems to be whether or not you drink a podium beer at Amstel. Caley, Dane, Ronan, and Intern Nick break down the mid-week Classic, look ahead to Liege, discuss Uno-X's excellent new 7-11 kits, and wonder aloud where all the olds have gone. 

The travel bike is a highly desirable item for many cyclists with dreams of frequent travel, but does it still hold a place with many modern airline policies? It's one of the many topics you'll hear the geeks discuss in this week's episode.In addition to that, you'll hear Dave Rome, along with Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) and Escape's newest tech hire, Josh Weinberg, cover the latest in tech. They discuss the new Factor Monza road bike, where it sits in the range, and the sneaky new UDH Mini rear hanger. Silca's entry into the electric pump world sparks a wider conversation about the category. Plus, there's plenty more tech and industry happenings.The episode wraps with our usual Ask a Wrench segment. Here you'll hear the geeks chat 11-speed Di2, common shock pump leakage, and ponder the pros and cons of modern gravel suspension. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here.Time stamps:3:00 - The modern-day role of a travel bike?13:00 - a PSA we keep repeating as it needs repeating.17:00 - Silca enters the electric pump market25:00 - Factor's Monza road bike33:00 - TrickStuff and DT Swiss36:30 - Kona Hei Hei mountain bike39:00 - Revel is closing down40:30 - A heist of Ari bikes44:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)44:00 - Using 11-speed Shimano Di2 on newer frames49:15 - RockShox Flight Attendant feeling less smooth and a common shock pump concern58:00 - Gravel suspension considerations and alternatives

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Is Tadej Pogačar tired? Amstel Gold sure seemed to suggest it. Caley, Dane, and Intern Nick break down the weekend's racing, a crazy story about Lucho Herrera, the One Day Oscars, and lots more. Then, Joe Laverick joins to discuss a new take on road racing that looks like a lot like an old take on road racing. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Time to pivot to the Ardennes! By the time you listen to this, Brabantse Pijl will be wrapped up, and with it the return of Remco Evenepoel to the pro peloton. Caley and Dane are joined by Iain Treloar to put a bow on the cobbled classics and look ahead to the hilly one-days coming up. Plus Iain brings news of a new scam on the Internet. 

Welcome back to Geek Warning. It's been a big few weeks for the cycling world, with the Classics and the Sea Otter Classic sharing a weekend.Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome kick off the show chatting Roubaix tech, including some hacked derailleurs and questionable measurements. Then they chat about Colnago's latest race bike.Dave then jumps on with US tech editor Josh Weinberg to talk all things Sea Otter, including some of the bigger tech news. Plus, there's a beginner's guide to why many in the industry are seemingly obsessed with gearboxes in place of the old derailleur.All of those chats are based loosely on content already published on Escape Collective. So check out the Tech section of the website in order to see more on all of these things.The episode wraps with our usual Ask a Wrench segment with pro race mechanic Brad Copeland. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here.Time stamps:1:30 - We told you so corner and Roubaix tyres6:40 - 13-speed shifting taken to 12 and what tells of SRAM road of the future17:30 - UCI is measuring things. Why?25:20 - Colnago's new V5RS33:30 - Sea Otter is a Classic39:00 - The rise of the gearbox47:30 - Upside-down suspension returns53:00 - Sea Otter big and small finds (Qvist, Continental, Vittoria, Abbey Bike Tools, Terravail, mini inflators, and much more)1:08:00 - Stromm's new aero road bike1:13:00 - Ask a Wrench (members only)1:17:00 - Upgrading bolts, where and where not1:26:00 - SRAM Transmission on a non-Boost bike1:35:00 - Wheels taking on water

Caley, Ronan and Jonny come to you live from the Roubaix velodrome to break down the action and discuss the long-term narrative implications for what was a day out on the cobbles of northern France that will live long in the memory.

The Spin Cycle crew talks Paris-Roubaix. Caley Fretz, Jonny Long, Dane Cash, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Zac Williams discuss all the storylines and field a few member questions ahead of the big race in front of a live audience in Kortrijk, Belgium.

Welcome back to Geek Warning! The podcast that puts all the most interesting cycling tech and advice into one place.Before you tune in to the latest episode, it's worth noting that the geeks often record a few days before an episode drops. In any normal week that's no problem, but it's been far from a normal week. In this episode Ronan McLaughlin, Suvi Loponen, and Dave Rome chat about the impact of tariffs on the cycling industry - many of which have been put on hold in the time between recording and publishing. Still, some discussed themes are likely to become true.On a happier note it's the week of the Sea Otter Classic in California. Recent years have seen this event organically become the industry tradeshow for the North American market, and with that, you can bet there are always plenty of new things to see. The geeks discuss some of the bigger announcements leading into the event.Lastly, the episode wraps up with our Ask a Wrench segment featuring pro-race mechanic Brad Copeland. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here.Time stamps:2:20 - Extra info corner and 40 mm road tyres5:00 - Tariff fears and a potential benefiting sector18:00 - A PSA for that bike used on an indoor trainer24:00 - Sea Otter Classic is here, and oh so much new tech25:00 - New Allied Able gravel bike26:30 - Niner ORE 9 RDO29:50 - Zwift's big updates37:20 - Wahoo's new head units and a Radar40:00 - Optis, an inflatable tyre insert42:10 - DT Swiss 350 DEG44:30 - Maxxis revamps entire gravel tyre range46:15 - Cadex joins the 3D printed saddle game48:10 - TPU Tube Sealant?!50:30 - OneUp updates its carbon bar and a short tangent54:10 - Fizik's entry into helmets57:00 - Ask a Wrench time (Member only)1:00:00 - Longevity of Campagnolo gear cables1:07:20 - Disc brake pad compounds1:14:00 - Burning off oils from disc rotors1:18:00 - Glitter and tyre sealants

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Flanders is the best of bike racing, and Sunday did not disappoint. Caley, Jonny, and Dane sit down in Oudenaarde's old square to discuss Pogačar's villain arc, Kopecky's biceps, and how there was very little anybody could do about today's outcomes. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.The crew is back in Belgium! Caley, Jonny, Dane, and special guest Nick are on the streets of Ghent and focused on De Ronde, the Tour of Flanders coming on Sunday. They break down the two key protagonists and who might upset the apple cart, plus bring a healthy dose of Belgian flavor throughout. Then, a look a the shrinking podiums in mountain bike racing and what the racers are doing about it and what Visma should have done about the strawberry in their Mustard. 

Paris-Roubaix is just around the corner and the geeks have been pondering just how wide we'll see the tyres of the pros go. Some studies have shown that 40s are fastest, but as you'll hear from Ronan, the testing he's currently in the thick of is showing otherwise.You'll also hear Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) discuss some of the new interesting groupsets coming from Chinese manufacturers and what it may take for them to break through into the mainstream market. Plus, there's plenty of new tech to discuss, including the new RockShox Reverb AXS dropper and some interesting industry news.Finally, the episode wraps up with our Ask a Wrench segment featuring pro-race mechanic Brad Copeland. As a reminder, you'll need to be a member of Escape Collective in order to access this popular segment of the podcast.Enjoy!Time stamps:2:15 - The widest tyre we'll see at Roubaix?23:15 - Taipei Cycle Show and lower-cost drivetrain competition33:20 - refreshed eeWings from CaneCreek35:10 - RockShox Reverb AXS dropper38:15 - SRAM ‘cybersecurity' issue39:45 - Brose bicycle acquired by Yamaha41:40 - Velo gets a recycling partner in SRAM42:50 - One April Fools that got us chuckling46:00 - CyclingSpy now on Escape52:00 - Ask a Wrench - Member Only53:30 - A mystery click in the front end1:01:15 - The best cycling tool for persuasion1:05:00 - Cutting steerer tubes and the impact on resale value1:12:00 - A detailed conversation on tight XD/XDR cassette sleeves (plus related tools)

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.This week on Spin Cycle: Mathieu van der Poel got spit on, a Belgian rider got stuck in his hotel room, and Kit thinks Mads Pedersen is going to win Flanders. Plus the crew discuss E3, Gent-Wevelgem, Fabio Jakobsen's surgery, and extra team in the Ground Tours, and look ahead to Holy Week. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Tadej Pogačar is officially heading to Paris-Roubaix. What do we think? Can he win? Is it all a secret ploy to get Nils Politt across the line first? Probably not. Caley, Jonny, and Dane discuss the biggest news of the week (anything Pogačar does, obviously) and then question WTF was happening with all the crashes at Brugge de Panne, look into the extra wildcard teams that might be racing Grand Tours this season, and salute Caleb Ewan getting an early win in Ineos colors. Plus much more, of course. 

Our podcast episodes are a little like our own children, of course, we love them all. However, maybe, just maybe, some are loved a little more than others. This episode is a good one.Tune in as the regular crew of Ronan, Dave, and Zach chat about the growing world of tyre pressure calculators and whether electronic shifting has made frame designers lazy. Meanwhile, the public service announcement relates to counterfeit products and it's a big one that we're sure to return to in future.With the Taipei Cycle Show on we're seeing a flurry of new products to discuss, including a few new fun bikes.Finally, members of Escape Collective (go here) get another edition of Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland. Here, the geeks answer a few interesting questions, with a whole lot of detail related to bike setup for long gravel events.If you liked this episode, then please give it a share with some like-minded riding friends.Time stamps:1:30 - Vittoria's new tyre pressure app and wider category thoughts14:00 - On Dave's mind is frame limitation in mechanical groupset selection29:45 - a PSA to not buy your big name product from sketchy sources36:00 - Big new things from SRAM, which we've covered elsewhere37:30 - Bendy road ahead for Komoot39:00 - Bianchi celebrates 140 years41:00 - Fox's new 36 SL and where it sits42:45 - Tern updates the GSD43:30 - Giant's first bike with a recycled composite frame50:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (member-only from this point)54:00 - Ask a Wrench: Prepping a bike for performance at Unbound 2001:10:00 - Ask a Wrench: Chainline confusion1:17:00 - Ask a Wrench: Fixing peeling decals

Oh yes, we're in the thick of product launch season, and we're keeping focused on the most interesting stuff. SRAM has just overhauled its more budget-conscious mountain bike drivetrains, and they share much in common with the premium Transmission AXS. Except, they have a cable.Plus, at least on the mountain bike side, SRAM has gone all-in on mineral oil brakes. It's a huge change for a company that's spent more than 15 years promoting the benefits of DOT fluid.To hear and learn all about the product, SRAM lent us a few of its product managers and engineers without the public relation adults in the room.Of course, we have full and detailed write-ups on Escape Collective. There's some overlap between this podcast and the writing, but you'll find plenty of unique information in each.It's also worth reminding that Escape Collective is wholly funded by its members, and so this isn't paid for, sponsored, or partnership content. It's just a geeky chat that felt appropriate for the Geek Warning podcast. Those on the Escape Collective member feeds will get a bonus section at the end with Dave and Josh covering a few elements that SRAM didn't want to discuss, along with some early ride thoughts.Enjoy!Time stamps:1:00 - Meet the guests4:00 - An intro to Eagle 70 and 909:00 - Was SRAM all-in on electronic at a point?11:20 - Cross-compatibility in Transmission and why mechanical is only a price point option18:00 - Set up26:00 - Cable routing basics37:30 - What about bikes without a UDH?39:00 - Shift speed things46:30 - A fully rebuildable derailleur50:00 - Time for brakes and a move to mineral oil58:30 - Explaining the new brake range1:03:00 - The Motive brake1:07:30 - Are there tuning guides for these brakes?1:10:00 - Brake set up tips1:20:00 - Josh and Dave share their thoughts of Eagle 90 (member-only)1:34:00 - Thoughts on the Motive brakes and a crystal ball moment (member-only) 

He's Ganna Poel up the Pog-gio! And other Milan-San Remo puns. How good was that weekend of bike racing? This week's Spin Cycle kicks off looking at Pogačar's team tactics in light of a behind-the-scenes video that dropped after the race. Things seemed to go mostly to plan, but did they? Then, why can't cycling have more races like MSR? How do you build proper launchpads? We have some ideas. Plus, Mads Pedersen's gut is not a place you want to be,  the UCI Track Champions League bit the dust, Marc Madiot thinks France is best, and Vingegaard is back riding again. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Two Milan-San Remos for the price of one? Sign us up. This week's Spin Cycle previews the best 15 minutes in bike racing, the finale of Milan-San Remo, and makes some guesses about the return of the women's MSR for the first time in 20 years. But first, we dive headlong into the UCI's hatred of nipples, some strange man management at Cofidis, the Tours de France coming back to the UK, and the potential for a new stage race in Colorado. 

Why do so many road bikes with endurance geometry have unique selling added features that wouldn't fly in more performance-oriented bikes? That's the big question that Ronan, Dave, and Zach discuss in this week's episode of Geek Warning.Plus, you'll hear a useful PSA for those who use newer road pedals. Dave then rings up new Escape recruit Josh Weinberg to discuss the latest in road, gravel, and cross-country mountain bike tech – including Fox's new 34 SL fork release (something we've also covered in writing).The episode closes with the usual answering of member-submitted technical questions. However, for this last section, you will need to be a member of Escape Collective and either logged into the member-only podcast feed or via our Podcast page (again, logged in members only).Thanks for listening! And if you like it, please consider sending it to a fellow tech-loving cyclist.Time stamps:1:40 - Corrections Corner2:45 - On Our Minds: Unique selling features that actually don't help sell bikes22:00 - PSA: Composite-bodied road pedals are a wear item25:00 - Introducing Josh and chatting Mid-South gravel tech28:30 - Teravail has a whole wheel-system31:20 - Chris King launches its own alloy wheelset34:00 - Fox releases the new 34 SL fork39:00 - Fox's new all-in-one remote lever41:55 - LiteSpeed's new impressively lightweight road frame45:25 - Ask a Wrench (member-feed only)47:00 - A mystery and isolated leaking brake lever (member-feed only)54:00 - Good and bad of solid polymer bearings (member-feed only)1:01:00 - How to deal with a stuck tubeless valve (member-feed only)

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.This week on Spin Cycle: Caley, Jonny, and Kit dive into Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, discussing Sunday's dominant American duo, big boys who are good at climbing, and Ineos' new lease on life. Plus a bit of transfer speculation (Ayuso to Movistar anyone?) and the things on Patrick Lefevere's banned list. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.We're in the thick of it. Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, rain, snow, riders warming hands on motorcycle exhaust manifolds, Jonas Vingegaard falling down. Caley, Jonny, and Dane break it all down on this week's Spin Cycle. Plus, is David Gaudu the baddie? 

What do matching bike fits and cordless air tools have in common? Truthfully, very little, but you'll hear them both discussed in this week's episode of Geek Warning.Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards as they discuss these topics on their minds, plus share the latest in tech.Listeners on our free feed will get a whole hour, meanwhile members of Escape Collective get treated to an extra geeky 30 minutes with Dave Rome and pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answering listener questions.Time stamps:3:30 - Our methods, tips, and tools for matching fit between bikes25:00 - On our mind: Air powered tools versus an air compressor39:40 - PSA: Don't forget your computer mount42:00 - Cannondale's new Topstone45:20 - Vittoria has a 29 mm road tyre just for wide rims50:10 - Specialized has a busy week of new tyres51:45 - Ari's new Signal Peak 3.0 cross-country bike53:30 - State Bicycle's budget Carbon All-Road59:39 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland1:03:00 - Repairing bikes for friends (member-only)1:10:30 - Do jockey pulley wheels have a direction? (member-only)1:18:15 - Is there a benefit to warming a chain? (member-only)1:25:30 - Tips for removing frayed cables from shifters (member-only)

It was an idea teased in a previous episode of the Geek Warning podcast, and we've finally done it! Welcome to a pilot episode of In for Review – a special and approximately-monthly edition of Geek Warning that chats about some of the bikes and products we're actively testing, the things on our minds related to those products, and the tangents that follow.This episode is entirely free for all to hear, but the upcoming content that we discuss will largely be exclusive to members of Escape Collective.This was a first draft, and we already have ideas for making it better. Still, we're all ears if you have ideas, praise, or criticism.Time stamps:1:20 - The new Scott Addict Ultimate and Schwalbe Aerothan tyres10:20 - Another Scott as Ronan is wrapping up the Foil15:00 - Testing the Enve MOG through a Scottish winter21:00 - Tangent into swapping between dropbar shifter brands24:00 - Swapping between bikes27:30 - Suvi is down the Rear Radar rabbit hole37:40 - Fizik's custom 3D printed saddle49:15 - Ronan is trying to find a shoe he actually likes53:00 - Just a pure shameless plug from Ronan58:30 - Dave's heaviest delivery in recent memory

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Ineos might get a co-sponsor? Yep. Reporter Chris Marshall Bell brings us an exclusive - TotalEnergies, which currently sponsors a French Pro Team, is in talks with the British squad to come on as a co-title sponsor. Negotiations have been ongoing for months, and while not confirmed, it could mean TotalEnergies invests 10 to 15 million euros into Ineos. Read about it here. Then, of course, we have to dive into Strade Bianche. How did Tadej Pogačar's expensive watch fare in his crash? Does Caley have some news about Pogi's Roubaix participation? (Yes). Finally, the crew discuss Bradley Wiggin's comments on Dave Brailsford, the Saudi PIF and its sponsorship of the Giro d'Italia, and the latest on how to watch pro cycling (or not, as it were) in the UK. 

Tadej Pogačar is going to Roubaix? Maybe for real this time? We can only dream. On this Strade Bianche Eve, the Spin Cycle crew cheers the news that the Tour de France Femmes may be headed to Yorkshire and discusses how Mathieu van der Poel toyed with the peloton before taking a moment to thoroughly enjoy Peter Sagan dancing on TV. Plus, everything you need to know ahead of Saturday's Strade Bianche and a look at the two stage races, Paris-Nice and Tirreno-Adriatico, kicking off this week. 

It's a geek-packed episode as senior tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, plus Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) discuss the week in tech.Ronan ponders the real highs and lows of Lidl-Trek experimenting with SRAM XPLR 1x13 drivetrains in road races. There's a skeptical point of view to integrated pressure sensors in tubeless wheels. And the geeks discuss the importance of Trail figures in geometry, and why it's oddly not provided by all brands – a topic Ronan was inspired to put into writing, too (coming soon).It had been a few weeks since the last PSA, and Dave has one related to common noises. And we've got a wrap of some fresh product news.As per usual, the episode ends with our Ask a Wrench segment that sees pro race mechanic Brad Copeland and Dave Rome answer a few member-submitted tech questions. It's something you'll need to logged into our member-feed of the podcast to hear.Time stamps:1:40 - Lidl-Trek using a 1x gravel groupset13:00 - Zipp playing with integrated pressure sensors21:10 - Where are all the trail figures and fork rakes?30:50 - PSA on easily solved bike noises31:10 - Continental's new Gran Prix TR tyre42:00 - OneUp's little pedal fumble43:30 - Industry9's new Hydra2 hub47:50 - Velocio's new high-riding hydration pack49:35 - Hammerhead Karoo gets its own “native extension” library plus a tangent on computers.58:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (members-only)1:00:00 - A further tip for comparing chain wear between riding disciplines (members-only)1:01:05 - Plugs and repairing tubeless tyres (members-only)1:06:10 - Speeding up the drying process of drip wax (members-only)1:10:00 - A complement for a previous answer - the advice worked (members-only)1:12:30 - Squealing Shimano brakes strike again (members-only)

Welcome back to Spin Cycle! We kick things off by diving headfirst into the opening weekend of the classics: Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne.First up, Omloop. What a weird day of racing, especially from the women's peloton. How and why did FDJ and SD Worx let the break get 15 minutes? It was a game of chicken where everyone ended up as a chicken. In the men's race, the surprise came in the finale as small groups came back together, which they don't usually do, resulting in a bigger bunch sprint than we've seen in years. At least a lovely old lady got her Arnaud de Lie moment. At Kuurne, Kaden Groves got a yellow card and Jasper Philipsen was fastest. Is Caley's Jonathan Milan draft pick already looking foolish? At Tour du Rwanda, the final stage was cancelled due to bad conditions. Not a great sign ahead of the planned World Championships later this year.Finally, we like to end the show on a high note, so last up is the news that the 2027 Tour de France might start in the UK. Jonny is ecstatic. 

This week's Spin Cycle podcast opens with the news that Rabobank is returning as a sponsor for Visma-Lease a Bike, like a salmon returning a once-polluted river. Rabobank's history in the sport is long and somewhat sordid, and their departure due to doping scandals felt final. Well, now they're back. What does that mean? Then Caley, Jonny, and Dane preview the upcoming Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne races, analyzing route changes, potential contenders like Wout van Aert and Tom Pidcock, and the "Omloop curse." We touch on UAE's classics team and possible favorites for the races. Finally, we head into corrections corner. 

In this special episode, we chat with Ultra-Distance specialist Kevin Benky Benkenstein on his bike and gear selections for a recent race across the Moroccan Atlas Mountain Range. That big ride is the Atlas Mountain Race (AMR), a beast of a ride that covers some 1,300 km with 23,000 m of elevation. It covers every surface imaginable, and both rider and bike are tested thoroughly in the little over four days that it took him to complete (good enough for a tied third-place finish in the men's).Designed to accompany an article that Kevin wrote for Escape Collective, this chat covers why a full-suspension frame ended up being the pick, why such trail-focussed tyres were selected, drivetrain choices, and plenty of geeky insight.Enjoy! Oh, and don't forget to check out escapecollective.com for the full write-up (or at least to see some photos).

Why don't you see much wind tunnel-based testing on Escape Collective? It's something the geeks are forever discussing internally, and in this week's episode, they discuss some of the difficulties in getting such testing to provide truly useful results.You'll also hear Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) cover the latest news in the world of cycling tech, including a recent high-profile wheel failure, Canyon's new customisation program, and BMC's latest recall.Members of Escape Collective get an extra 20 minutes in the form of Ask a Wrench. This week the geeks answer questions about converting a bike for triathlon, why chains wear more rapidly on mountain bikes, and silencing a certan type of creaky seatpost.Enjoy!Time stamps:4:20 - Chris Froome's wheel failure9:15 - Canyon's new customisation program15:55 - On Ronan's Mind: Quantitative testing making bikes worse33:20 - BMC recalls the Kaius gravel bike39:30 - Nukeproof returns41:45 - Ask a Wrench: a first triathlon (member-only)48:55 - Rapid chain wear on MTB (member-only)53:25 - Fixing a creaking Canyon/Ergon seatpost and our thoughts on carbon pastes (member-only)

It's a massive Spin Cycle show this week because we have something special: our 2025 Men's Pro Cycling Draft! Your favorite Spin Cycle podders, plus one member standing in for all the rest of you, pick their teams for the coming season. The first part of the show is your standard fare - discussion of the two best GC riders in the world and how they fared at their respective early-season stage races, plus an unfortunate trip to Crash Courtyard, where Chris Froome is waiting. 

Head to Escapecollective.com/member to sign up today.Today on Spin Cycle: Caley, Jonny, and Dane dive into the Algarve Poop Show, alternative race endings, and the curious case of Mou. Then, we head back to Ratcliffe Row with the help of a very handy compass.

The Spanish Strade Bianche, Clásica Jaén, needs a premium Sunday time slot. The race has only been around since 2022 but is already one of our favourites, and a rider favourite too. This week on the show, Caley, Kit, and Jonny discuss how to create new races properly, how not to set up a sprint (maybe no speed bumps), and Geraint Thomas' unsurprising announcement that this will be his last season. Plus, Alejandro Valverde's refusal to stop racing. And lots more, of course. 

This week, Caley, Dane, and Jonny discuss Netflix Unchained's cancellation, the troubles of Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS sports empire, and sprinters going head-to-head in the Middle East. Did Unchained work? Is Jim Ratcliffe bad at sports? He is in legal disputes, has pulled sponsorships, and cut jobs. The INEOS group was downgraded due to high debt. Things are bad. What's up at the Tour of Oman, where jerseys are being zipped and others unzipped? Finally, we discuss the UAE Tour, which will feature top sprinters. Tadej Pogačar will be there too. Excitement brims. 

Ok, ok, Pogačar is probably not going to Paris-Roubaix. But what if he is? WHAT IF?! Wouldn't it be glorious? This week's Spin Cycle tackles this cobbled hypothetical, discusses the use of time trial helmets in road race, and has a look at how the sprinters are doing so far this season. Plus lots more, of course.