June 11, 2026

New climbing bikes are being seen, but rarely raced

1 hour 1 minute

New bikes are now rolling in from all directions with both the road and mountain bike race seasons in full swing. In this week’s episode, Dave chats with new hire Jack Duncan about what he’s been seeing at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (aka, the Dauphine).

Later in the episode, Jack and Dave discuss new cross-country mountain bikes from Orbea and Lapierre. Then Alex Hunt joins to talk about his experience with the new Scott Spark.

Not even prompted by Dave, the geeks also cover space and weight-efficient tools for travel. And as per usual, members of Escape Collective get access to our popular Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode.

Time stamps:

00:01:10 - Pre-Tour tech at the Dauphine

00:09:00 - A tangent on big brand wheels

00:14:00 - Mystery new shoes

00:15:20 - New climbing bikes are being seen, but rarely raced

00:23:30 - How to pack tools for travel is on our mind

00:41:00 - It’s a week of new 29er XC MTB, starting with the Orbea Oiz and Lapierre XR

00:49:30 - Alex Hunt joins to talk about Scott’s Spark update

00:59:00 - RIP Charlie Cunningham

01:01:40 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (members only)

01:03:00 - Small electric inflators where low pressures matter

01:13:00 - Discontinued pedal lubes and PFAS’

01:20:30 - What on saddles makes them a wear item?

01:27:00 - Pondering a handlebar that turns more freely

01:30:30 - Talking about our mechanical work

...more

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By Escape Collective

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