Geek Warning

If you were buying a mid-level performance bike, would you prefer an exceptional frame or a little compromise to get better components? That’s something that Ronan and Dave ponder in this week’s episode of Geek Warning.

In addition to that, you’ll learn about DT Swiss’ first wheel that features spokes that aren’t its own. There’s a PSA for anyone ignoring noises from their drivetrain. And Dave nerds out on some funny-looking screwdrivers.

Of course, members of Escape Collective get access to the Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode. Here, Dave and Brad Copeland go deep on whether bottom bracket bearings can last a lifetime and take a detour on the topic of flat mount mountain brakes.

Timestamps:

1:00 - Bigham’s Laser Bubble Tunnels
6:00 - Giant’s big bet on XC and high-end frames bumping up price points
19:00 - DT Swiss has a wheel with spokes that aren’t made by them
25:00 - Trek’s Project One now offering frame-only
29:00 - A PSA for your drivetrain
36:00 - Dave’s Good Thing of the week (decade?)
45:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (Members Only)
46:00 - A watery floor pump
52:00 - Can a bottom bracket bearing last a lifetime?
1:02:00 - Upgrading flat mount brakes on a mountain bike

It’s rare to get a bike that’s raced professionally throughout the season, that wins a World Championship title, and only then is released.

The new Giant Anthem cross-country bike is finally official, and tech editor Dave Rome recently flew to Taiwan to see how it’s made and get some early ride time on it.

While at that launch, Dave sat down with the bike’s lead category manager, Joe Staub, to learn about some of the design decisions, how Giant designs for manufacturing, and plenty more. At the end of the episode, you’ll also hear an interview with current XCO World Champion Alan Hatherly (as well as team manager Sebastion Boyington) about some specific tech thoughts for cross-country racing.

Usually, the full versions of our special episodes are only available to members of Escape Collective. We’re making an exception for this and keeping the full episode free for all. We just ask that if you find it interesting, please consider sharing it with someone who may also like it.

If you want more information on the bike, then head to EscapeCollective.com for a full write-up, including early ride impressions.

Welcome back, geeks!

This week’s episode is a bit of a mixed bag, with Dave and Ronan kicking things off with a chat about Giant’s flagship factory. Things then jump to South Africa, where Escape’s CEO Wade Wallace sits down with racer and occasional tech contributor Kevin Bekenstein to chat tech at the inaugural Gravel Burn stage race.

Finally, members of Escape Collective will hear the return of Brad Copeland in the Ask a Wrench segment.

Time stamps:
2:30 - Dave’s trip to Taiwan
6:30 - Touring Giant’s flagship facility
14:45 - Equipment basics for Gravel Burn
22:00 - A proven use case for gravel suspension
50:00 - Brad Copeland returns for Ask a Wrench (Members only)
54:00 - Indoor bike and trainer servicing
1:14:00 - Shimano front shifter that keeps getting hard to use.
1:27:00 - Long-term storage of mountain bike suspension

Jeez, that Dave and Ronan can sure ramble on about a new groupset. Indeed, this week’s Geek Warning has the geeks geeking over Campagnolo’s much-awaited release of 1x13 wireless. They chat about what's new, the limitations of a single chainring for general road riding, and why the future for the iconic Italian manufacturer seems brighter.

While that chat may be a little premium for some tastes, the rest of the episode is all about more practical things. From tips for freehub servicing through to chatting good tech docs, this week’s episode lives up to the podcast’s name.

Time stamps:

2:30 - A Corrections Corner that only members need
4:00 - Campagnolo’s big Super Record expansion and the limits of 1x road
26:00 - Looking at Look’s Vision pedals
30:00 - New warranty options for CSS rim customers
32:00 - a PSA for your freehub
41:00 - Readily available technical manuals are a Good Thing
48:50 - Ask a Wrench (Members Only, with Zach Edwards)
49:30 - What’s up with gravel suspension?
55:00 - Threaded bottom bracket creaks
1:04:00 - Putting new Shimano XTR Di2 on a road bike
1:17:00 - Zach’s preferred brakes to bleed

Warning, geeks inbound. This week, Dave and Ronan catch up to discuss WorldTour rumours and a few of the bigger stories in tech. One of which is Wilier’s new aero bike, and while it wasn’t what Ronan had expected, it raises questions about whether the new crop of Hyperbikes are a consumer-friendly option.

Of course, there’s a PSA and Dave shares a ‘Good Thing’ that was on his mind from earlier in the day. And as per usual, members of Escape Collective get an extra half an hour of geekery as submitted questions get answered.

Time stamps:

1:00 - A little bit about electric tyre inflators
10:45 - Wilier’s new Filante SLR aero bike isn’t so radical
17:15 - WorldTour tech rumours
31:00 - Strava wants to be friends with Garmin again
34:00 - PSA to preventing stuck tubeless valve nuts
37:00 - Good Things for bleeding brakes
44:00 - Ask A Wrench (Members Only)
44:30 - Maintenance time versus durability in chain lubes
52:00 - Wedges in cycling shoes
1:01:00 - How to know when a slick tyre is worn
1:05:00 - Finding a 160 mm crank for use with 2x GRX

Gravel World’s, Bespoked Dresden, and new products have kept Escape’s tech team busy over the past week. In this episode of Geek Warning, Dave and Ronan discuss a few of the bigger tech sightings and why they may prove to be irrelevant.

There’s talk of Campagnolo’s latest products, plus Ronan further explains the role of saddle positioning tools.

Members of Escape Collective also get access to the Ask a Wrench segment (this week with Boulder Groupetto). Of particular interest for many is a question related to the use of grease versus anti-seize versus threadlocker.

Happy geeking!

Time stamps:

2:20 - Tech at UCI Gravel Worlds
8:00 - Ultra-wide wheels from Dangerholm
19:00 - Campagnolo goes Ultra
27:30 - Good products, inspired by another podcast
33:30 - Pet peeve meets PSA related to saddle positioning
45:00 - Ask a Wrench with Boulder Groupetto (Members Only)
47:00 - Tech that less tech-savvy riders should avoid
58:30 - Grease vs Anti-Seize vs Threadlocker
1:12:00 - A member-submitted tip
1:15:00 - Omnium tyre choices

It’s a rare occurrence that timezone align for Escape’s entire tech team to get together and casually chat about what’s keeping each of them busy.

For this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Dave, Ronan, Suvi, Josh, and Alex discuss some of the test products and testing that has been on their minds as of late.

Enjoy!

Time stamps:

3:00 - The bikes we rode last
5:00 - Early thoughts on the Cervelo Aspero 5
8:00 - Canyon Grizl
12:00 - Trek CheckOut
18:00 - Stinner Refugio Ti and Salsa Spearfish
21:00 - A long-awaited Basso review
23:00 - A tangent (rant) into how we do and don’t get review bikes to fit us
37:30 - PFAS-free waterproof and cool-weather kit (Members Only)
44:00 - Wolf Tooth’s entry to SPD pedals
53:00 - Ronan’s power meter pedal deep-dive
56:00 - Josh’ Dynamo adventures
58:00 - Not feeling the difference in Shimano’s new cleats
1:07:00 - Ronan thinks he’s owned a Tarmac SL8 for 7 years. Alex praises the Scott Addict RC.
1:13:00 - THE electric inflator test is coming this week!

Emergency episode time!

Caley and Ronan dive into a story that started with chainrings and cogs, and ended up in court. The BCA has ordered the UCI to suspend its new Maximum Gear Ratio Standard, siding with SRAM in a dispute that could reshape how cycling’s rules are made. What began as a “safety test” for rider speed has become a battle over who really governs the sport, and whether the UCI is still above competition law.

Come get geeky with Dave, Ronan, and Zach (Boulder Grupetto), as they add context to the latest cycling tech.

This week you’ll hear about adjustable crank lengths, whether fancy bottom brackets are worth the expense, and if modular mechanical rear derailleurs will succeed.

Members of Escape will also hear a non-safety-critical PSA, and of course, Ask a Wrench. That Ask a Wrench is a little different from the usual, with a long chat about whether the review bikes we get are given special treatment by the brands.

Time stamps:

1:50 - Adjustable length cranks return with SRM
10:15 - A dive into fancy fancy bottom brackets via CeramicSpeed’s overhaul
29:30 - Did Specialized get the new Aethos right?
37:30 - Debating premium, modular, mechanical rear derailleurs.
44:00 - PSA - Check your hex keys for wear (Members Only)
51:00 - Ask a Wrench (Members Only)
53:00 - Do we get special bikes to review?
1:04:00 - Solving mystery air in disc brakes

Long-time listeners of Geek Warning are in for a treat as Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) returns for a full episode. Along with Dave Rome and Alex Hunt, there is a whole lot of ultimate bike geek to this week’s episode.

Within, you’ll hear about some unintentionally leaked information related to what’s likely the next generation of Shimano road pedals.

Dave then takes the conversation to an old favourite topic – chain waxing. Next, those new to cycling or less knowledgeable about the technical aspects may appreciate a dedicated new section that aims to cover topics that bike shop staff frequently repeat multiple times a week. This week, it’s all about drip-on wax lubes.

Of course there’s some industry news to talk about, and finally a decision on the UCIs handlebar width pondering.

All of that is free for all, but members of Escape Collective then get access to the Ask a Wrench segment of the podcast. Here, the geeks answer a number of member-submitted technical questions with information that should prove helpful if you’re working on bikes or keen to expand your technical knowledge.

Happy geeking!

Time stamps:
01:50 - Is a new generation of Shimano road pedals around the corner?
10:40 - Chain waxing temperatures, does it matter?
17:00 - Back to basics: Chain lubes
31:00 - UCI adjusts and confirms its bar width ruling
37:30 - YT set to close
42:50 - CSS Composites closing
48:00 - Ask a Wrench (Members only)
48:30 - Getting perfect shifting with Shimano Tiagra
56:30 - Where to begin with modern mountain bike geometry
1:04:30 - Shimano 12-speed cassettes and the Adhesive Ring