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

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.

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