Avsnitt
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Seven years have passed since we last saw an updated version of Shimano’s flagship mountain bike group. Assuming you weren’t holding your breath, and as a result are still with us, then today is the day of the update.
Yes, new XTR Di2 M9200 is here. It represents Shimano’s delayed entry into true wireless shifting, and brings with it a number of other interesting developments (a new brake oil, anyone?).In this episode, Escape Collective’s Dave Rome and Alex Hunt sit down with Shimano North America’s MTB Product Manager, Nick Murdick. The North American offices of Shimano have been playing an increasingly significant role in the development and design of Shimano’s next generation parts, and Nick has been at the centre of that for the new XTR.
This episode speaks candidly with Murdick about the new group, some challenges faced, some decisions behind the details, and a few teases of what may still be to come. Alex and Dave wrap up at the end with a few quick thoughts. Meanwhile, you’ll need to visit our article on Escape Collective to find all the nuanced details and ride impressions of the new XTR product range.
A chunk of this episode (along with our written report) is free for all to enjoy and learn from. However, as Escape is wholly member-funded (which means this isn’t sponsored or paid content), you will need to be a member of Escape Collective in order to hear it all.
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Our necks are hurting from the whiplash of information regarding what tyres are actually fastest off-road. Ronan teases a fresh discussion he had about optimising one sponsored rider for Unbound and some surprising lessons that came from that. It's a topic that continues to fascinate, especially given some of the world's best cross-country mountain bikers have been racing Short Track on 50 mm gravel tyres.
In addition to that, you’ll hear Dave Rome, Alex Hunt, and Ronan McLaughlin explain why none of them are currently choosing to use 3D-printed saddles. There’s a PSA for anyone with wireless shifting, and of course, there’s new stuff to talk about, too.
As usual, members also get our Ask a Wrench segment, which this week sees Dave Rome and pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answer a handful of questions, including: how keep 11-speed shifting running long-term, understanding bike handling, and best practises for travelling with new SRAM Full Mount derailleurs (Transmission and XPLR). Members can submit new questions here.
Timestamps:
5:15 - Corrections corner related to 55 mm road tyres
8:40 - Corrections corner related to the Zipp 303 SW naming
11:00 - So mountain bike tyres aren’t always faster off-road?
24:00 - DT Swiss joins the gravel suspension game
29:30 - Why we don’t choose 3D-printed saddles
42:10 - A PSA to wireless shifting
44:30 - Polygon’s new Helios A road racer
50:30 - Goodyear’s new Connector gravel race range
55:00 - HED’s new gravel wheels
58:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (member-only)
59:40 - Keeping SRAM 11-speed going long-term
1:05:30 - How to understand rear handling?
1:09:00 - Travelling with SRAM T-Type/Full Mount derailleurs -
Saknas det avsnitt?
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Welcome back to the cycling tech podcast with a Geek Warning.
This week, Escape’s tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss what’s been on their minds. For Dave, that’s how good modern chains have become and a cool upgrade option for DT Swiss hub users.For Ronan, it’s the new wheels from Zipp that have been occupying his time. This is a fairly long episode for members of Escape Collective (go here). Those on the member-only podcast feed won’t just hear what’s new, but rather will hear some criticism of Zipp’s new built-in pressure gauges and whether the company has addressed Ronan’s concerns about hookless.
As always, members also get our Ask a Wrench segment, which this week sees Dave Rome and pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answer a handful of questions related to disc brakes, along with one about the trend to toward wide gravel tyres and where suspension comes into that. Members can submit new questions here.
3:30 - Corrections corner: 14-speed cassettes do exist, sigh.
4:30 - Williams Racing Product’s Zero Drag Kit is cool
9:30 - Some things are really good, especially new chains
17:30 - PSA: Don’t pluck your (tyre) hairs
20:50 - Gunnar and Waterford names return
21:30 - Standert’s new scandium alloy road racer
24:30 - Pirelli’s new endurance road tyre that goes to 55 mm wide
31:15 - Rex releases its Black Magik drip wax
34:30 - Silca’s first grease and Dave’s go-to grease
37:00 - Zipp’s new range of wheels
42:15 - Wolf Tooth’s new Clik valves and bottom brackets
49:00 - Opinions on Zipp’s new wheels and sensors (member-only)
1:03:00 - Where we stand on hookless (member-only)
1:13:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)
1:15:00 - Dealing with rubbing discs
1:26:00 - Crop circles on disc rotors
1:32:00 - Cleaning with disc brakes
1:39:00 - Pondering wide tyres versus gravel suspension for Unbound -
You don’t have to look far these days to find a jersey and bib short that costs more than my first road bike, or one that costs less than lunch. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Smith, Brand Manager at Castelli and Sportful, to unpack what really drives the cost of cycling kit. From €1.50 chamois pads to €300 retail tags, we explore the full supply chain, manufacturing realities, sponsorship costs, direct-to-consumer myths, and why a €30 short might look the part and what it might be missing, if anything. If you’ve ever wondered what you’re really paying for, if it's marginal gains or just all margins for the manufacturers, this episode has answers.
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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 misunderstood
8:15 - Thumb shifter all-but-confirmed for next-gen Campagnolo Wireless
13:30 - Dave’s first impressions of WheelTop wireless (EDS OX2.0)
23:00 - a PSA about using Ai to help you wrench
27:00 - SRAM’s new mechanical shifting can be upgraded to wireless
32:00 - Canyon updates the Ultimate and Endurace road bikes
38:00 - Rocky Mountain secures new Canadian owners
39:20 - Where to for Felt Bicycles?
42:00 - Threaded this week
45:00 - Time for Ask a Wrench (member’s feed only)
49:00 - How to properly fix a cut tubeless tyre
57:00 - Cannondale Ai crank woes
1:04:00 - Best tyre setups by disciplines -
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 explained
10:40 - Campagnolo 13-speed EPS Wireless is coming
22:00 - We’re not sure how to define the new Cannondale Synapse
37:00 - Chit chat, amusing clickbait, and problematic AI
41:00 - Canyon US and Amazon Prime
42:00 - Industry news from DT Swiss
43:20 - Vittoria updates the Rubino
45:30 - Park Tool’s new free things
47:00 - Feedback Sports’ new chain whip alternative
50:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)
51:00 - Our preferred Co2 inflator heads and alternatives
59:20 - Calibrating power meters
1:04:10 - 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 bike
14:00 - Standert Kettensäge alloy gravel racer
23:00 - Dave was sidelined for a bit
24:25 - What we’re enjoying using
25:00 - POC Cytal road helmet
28:45 - Women’s bib-shorts
31:30 - Michelin’s road tyres
35:30 - Alex’s introduction to cargo bibs
38:30 - Feedback Sport’s Pro E-Lift repair stand
43:30 - New products we’re intrigued to try
43:50 - Suvi’s keen to test the Cannondale Synapse
49:00 - New Wahoo computers
52:00 - Boardman SLR 105 Di2 road bike
56:00 - A new wave of gravel tyres
58:45 - Member-only bonus section: the products that have left us underwhelmed
1:00:00 - What’s with tyre logos not lining up?
1:04:00 - Fizik’s entry into helmets
1:08:00 - Dave’s expensive tool purchase -
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 thing
20:50 - ReTyre continues to expand its eco-friendly tyre operation
23:45 - Industry Wish list: Better headsets for a specific application
29:30 - A quick tech chat with Lachlan Morton
39:20 - Hunt’s new Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc road wheels
41:00 - Bespoked things
42:00 Garbaruk’s prototype electronic rear derailleur
50:00 - KOM Xeno Infinity hub
52:20 - Antidote comes to gravel with the Path Seeker
59:30 - 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) -
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 market
25:00 - Factor’s Monza road bike
33:00 - TrickStuff and DT Swiss
36:30 - Kona Hei Hei mountain bike
39:00 - Revel is closing down
40:30 - A heist of Ari bikes
44:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)
44:00 - Using 11-speed Shimano Di2 on newer frames
49:15 - RockShox Flight Attendant feeling less smooth and a common shock pump concern
58:00 - Gravel suspension considerations and alternatives -
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 tyres
6:40 - 13-speed shifting taken to 12 and what tells of SRAM road of the future
17:30 - UCI is measuring things. Why?
25:20 - Colnago’s new V5RS
33:30 - Sea Otter is a Classic
39:00 - The rise of the gearbox
47:30 - Upside-down suspension returns
53:00 - 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 bike
1:13:00 - Ask a Wrench (members only)
1:17:00 - Upgrading bolts, where and where not
1:26:00 - SRAM Transmission on a non-Boost bike
1:35:00 - Wheels taking on water -
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 tyres
5:00 - Tariff fears and a potential benefiting sector
18:00 - A PSA for that bike used on an indoor trainer
24:00 - Sea Otter Classic is here, and oh so much new tech
25:00 - New Allied Able gravel bike
26:30 - Niner ORE 9 RDO
29:50 - Zwift’s big updates
37:20 - Wahoo’s new head units and a Radar
40:00 - Optis, an inflatable tyre insert
42:10 - DT Swiss 350 DEG
44:30 - Maxxis revamps entire gravel tyre range
46:15 - Cadex joins the 3D printed saddle game
48:10 - TPU Tube Sealant?!
50:30 - OneUp updates its carbon bar and a short tangent
54:10 - Fizik’s entry into helmets
57:00 - Ask a Wrench time (Member only)
1:00:00 - Longevity of Campagnolo gear cables
1:07:20 - Disc brake pad compounds
1:14:00 - Burning off oils from disc rotors
1:18:00 - Glitter and tyre sealants -
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 competition
33:20 - refreshed eeWings from CaneCreek
35:10 - RockShox Reverb AXS dropper
38:15 - SRAM ‘cybersecurity’ issue
39:45 - Brose bicycle acquired by Yamaha
41:40 - Velo gets a recycling partner in SRAM
42:50 - One April Fools that got us chuckling
46:00 - CyclingSpy now on Escape
52:00 - Ask a Wrench - Member Only
53:30 - A mystery click in the front end
1:01:15 - The best cycling tool for persuasion
1:05:00 - Cutting steerer tubes and the impact on resale value
1:12:00 - A detailed conversation on tight XD/XDR cassette sleeves (plus related tools) -
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 thoughts
14:00 - On Dave’s mind is frame limitation in mechanical groupset selection
29:45 - a PSA to not buy your big name product from sketchy sources
36:00 - Big new things from SRAM, which we’ve covered elsewhere
37:30 - Bendy road ahead for Komoot
39:00 - Bianchi celebrates 140 years
41:00 - Fox’s new 36 SL and where it sits
42:45 - Tern updates the GSD
43:30 - Giant’s first bike with a recycled composite frame
50:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (member-only from this point)
54:00 - Ask a Wrench: Prepping a bike for performance at Unbound 200
1:10:00 - Ask a Wrench: Chainline confusion
1:17:00 - 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 guests
4:00 - An intro to Eagle 70 and 90
9:00 - Was SRAM all-in on electronic at a point?
11:20 - Cross-compatibility in Transmission and why mechanical is only a price point option
18:00 - Set up
26:00 - Cable routing basics
37:30 - What about bikes without a UDH?
39:00 - Shift speed things
46:30 - A fully rebuildable derailleur
50:00 - Time for brakes and a move to mineral oil
58:30 - Explaining the new brake range
1:03:00 - The Motive brake
1:07:30 - Are there tuning guides for these brakes?
1:10:00 - Brake set up tips
1:20:00 - 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) -
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 Corner
2:45 - On Our Minds: Unique selling features that actually don’t help sell bikes
22:00 - PSA: Composite-bodied road pedals are a wear item
25:00 - Introducing Josh and chatting Mid-South gravel tech
28:30 - Teravail has a whole wheel-system
31:20 - Chris King launches its own alloy wheelset
34:00 - Fox releases the new 34 SL fork
39:00 - Fox’s new all-in-one remote lever
41:55 - LiteSpeed’s new impressively lightweight road frame
45:25 - 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) -
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 bikes
25:00 - On our mind: Air powered tools versus an air compressor
39:40 - PSA: Don’t forget your computer mount
42:00 - Cannondale’s new Topstone
45:20 - Vittoria has a 29 mm road tyre just for wide rims
50:10 - Specialized has a busy week of new tyres
51:45 - Ari’s new Signal Peak 3.0 cross-country bike
53:30 - State Bicycle’s budget Carbon All-Road
59:39 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland
1:03:00 - 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 tyres
10:20 - Another Scott as Ronan is wrapping up the Foil
15:00 - Testing the Enve MOG through a Scottish winter
21:00 - Tangent into swapping between dropbar shifter brands
24:00 - Swapping between bikes
27:30 - Suvi is down the Rear Radar rabbit hole
37:40 - Fizik’s custom 3D printed saddle
49:15 - Ronan is trying to find a shoe he actually likes
53:00 - Just a pure shameless plug from Ronan
58:30 - Dave’s heaviest delivery in recent memory -
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 groupset
13:00 - Zipp playing with integrated pressure sensors
21:10 - Where are all the trail figures and fork rakes?
30:50 - PSA on easily solved bike noises
31:10 - Continental’s new Gran Prix TR tyre
42:00 - OneUp’s little pedal fumble
43:30 - Industry9’s new Hydra2 hub
47:50 - Velocio’s new high-riding hydration pack
49:35 - 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) -
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).
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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 failure
9:15 - Canyon’s new customisation program
15:55 - On Ronan’s Mind: Quantitative testing making bikes worse
33:20 - BMC recalls the Kaius gravel bike
39:30 - Nukeproof returns
41:45 - 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) - Visa fler
