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Geek Warning
Escape Collective
168 episodes
1 week ago
Welcome to Geek Warning, a podcast focused on deciphering the world of cycling tech, explaining how bikes work, and how to make them better. Hosted by Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Brad Copeland, this weekly show is your fix for tech geekitude, covering the latest tech news, industry trends, answering mechanical questions, and whatever else is on our minds. Escape Collective is entirely member-funded. If you like this podcast please consider supporting us by becoming a member: https://escapecollective.com/member/
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All content for Geek Warning is the property of Escape Collective and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Welcome to Geek Warning, a podcast focused on deciphering the world of cycling tech, explaining how bikes work, and how to make them better. Hosted by Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Brad Copeland, this weekly show is your fix for tech geekitude, covering the latest tech news, industry trends, answering mechanical questions, and whatever else is on our minds. Escape Collective is entirely member-funded. If you like this podcast please consider supporting us by becoming a member: https://escapecollective.com/member/
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Tech News
News,
Sports News
Episodes (20/168)
Geek Warning
Progress creates opportunity in the backfill

It’s time to geek out. This week, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss how as bikes progress, market opportunity is often created in what those bikes previously provided. Through this conversation, Ronan and Dave come to an agreement on a specific style of bike that’s obviously missing today.

You’ll hear a PSA relevant to any modern bike, along with a few quick updates that provide a couple of brief tangents.

The episode wraps with Ronan and Dave discussing a fancy type of hex key (the topic of Dave’s Threaded article this week). We love our members, and so those on the member-only feed of the podcast get a little extra bonus chat before the regular 'Ask a Wrench' segment kicks in.

Happy geeking!

Time Stamps:

4:45 - There is always an opportunity to backfill
23:00 - PSA: Don’t ignore worn bearings
27:30 - No.6’s new gravel suspension corrected rigid fork
30:15 - Fara’s new GR4 gravel bike and a tangent on claimed frame weights
38:00 - Dave has sliding T-handle hex keys on his mind (again)
42:15 - The best sliding T-handle hex key (Member’s only)
49:30 - Ask a Wrench (Member’s only)
50:00 - Can a chain wear out even when it doesn’t measure as worn?
57:15 - The best spoke wrench to avoid nipple damage
1:02:00 - How should you clean a disc brake? How often?

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1 week ago
42 minutes

Geek Warning
The UCI approval sticker is overrated

A mix of rumours circling and the recently reviewed FiftyOne Sika road bike have Ronan and Dave pondering whether the UCI frame sticker is relevant to many of us. Spoiler, it’s not.

The episode was recorded a few days before we know for sure, but the social media profiles of athletes strongly point toward some interesting drop-bar-converted mountain bikes for the Leadville 100 race ahead.

Ronan and Dave discuss a PSA for themselves, and of course, members of Escape Collective get access to the Ask a Wrench segment with Brad Copeland, where this week a handful of drivetrain-related questions are answered, including one about measuring for lateral chain wear.

Enjoy!

Time stamps:

2:20 - The UCI approval sticker overrated
16:50 - Wild bikes expected at Leadville
31:30 - PSA for those with an air compressor
40:00 - Standert’s new Keiswerk
44:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (Members Only)
45:30 - Chasing noises that only occur under high load
54:00 - Upgrading an old MTB drivetrain that’s locked to an HG freehub
1:03:00 - All about lateral chain wear

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2 weeks ago
44 minutes

Geek Warning
Brakes, brakes, and brakes on big wheels

What in the upside-down world is this? Ronan Mc Laughlin has been investigating rumours around the UCI getting involved with the new 32 in wheelsize, and in this episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear the crew discuss what it may spell.

Additionally, you’ll hear the geeks (Ronan, Dave, and Alex) talk about some products that have left them a little underwhelmed as of late. New SRAM centerlock lockrings are on Dave’s mind. And there’s a PSA related to disc brake bed-in.

Members of Escape Collective also get access to our popular Ask a Wrench segment, where Dave and pro race mechanic (with Specialized Off-Racing Racing) Brad Copeland answer a number of member-submitted questions with helpful tips for all.

Enjoy!

Time stamps:

1:00 - Products that leave us wanting more
9:45 - UCI looking to ban 32in wheels and will it matter?
28:00 - SRAM finally has centerlock lockrings
33:00 - PSA: Brake bed-in is skipped far too much
39:30 - DT Swiss’ and Swiss Side’s recall
43:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (Escape members only)
45:00 - A call to action for the industry in regards to manuals
51:00 - Best chain lube for indoor cycling
58:15 - Stubborn tubeless tyre installs
1:09:00 - Dehumidifiers and tubeless sealant longevity

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3 weeks ago
43 minutes

Geek Warning
Finished with unfinished products in the market

Recorded just after watching Tadej and Jonas summit Ventoux on aero bikes, this episode sees Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Suvi Loponen discuss whether the latest and lightest road bikes are now designed for consumers, while aero bikes are for the pros.

Also within this week’s Geek Warning, you’ll hear Dave discuss why he thinks too many products are being released in an unfinished state. Of course, there’s a useful PSA, one that’s useful for anyone running disc brakes. And you’ll hear the geeks discuss some of the latest industry news.

The episode wraps with the Ask a Wrench segment. Here, Dave chats with pro race mechanic Brad Copeland in answering a number of member-submitted questions, including whether premium bottom brackets are less likely to make noises, a deep dive on SRAM’s newest ThreadMount power meters and the cross-compatibility available.

As usual, you’ll need to be a member of Escape Collective in order to listen the Ask a Wrench segment. You can sign up here and gain access to everything that Escape Collective has to offer.

Time stamps:

5:05 - Are aero bikes now climbing bikes?
14:25 - Unfinished products are on Dave’s mind
25:00 - PSA to check your rotors
30:00 - Rapha and EF-Education to part ways
35:30 - YT Industries’ “restructuring”
40:00 - Rouvy acquires BKool
48:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (Member Only)
53:00 - Are premium bottom brackets less likely to make noise?
1:07:40 - Schwalbe, pronounced
1:08:40 - SRAM ThreadMount power meter compatibility
1:16:30 - Mixing Shimano wheels and SRAM 12-speed drivetrains

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4 weeks ago
48 minutes

Geek Warning
Big wheels, TT saddles, and Five Stars

We’re in thick of race season and there’s plenty to discuss on the tech front. The mountain bike world is rubbing their eyes at the sight of a 32-inch-wheeled full suspension. Meanwhile, on the road, it’s the Time Trial that continues to tease future tech trends. Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Alex Hunt as they discuss these new sightings.

Outside of racing, you’ll also hear the geeks talk about a revised scoring system from the helmet test lab of Virginia Tech. Meanwhile, Dave has a PSA closely related to the latest edition of his Threaded workshop series. Plus there’s chat about news from DT Swiss, Pinarello, and Lightweight.

Members of Escape Collective get access to the popular Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode. This week, pro race mechanic Brad Copeland joins Dave Rome in answering questions related to narrowing down choices in buying a gravel wheelset, how to go about converting a certain suspension fork for use with dropbars, and whether there’s a difference between Shimano GRX and Ultegra brakes.

Time stamps:

2:00 - BMC’s big wheel testing
13:40 - Tour Time Trial tech
23:40 - Virginia Tech updates its helmet star ratings
32:00 - a PSA that every part is safety critical
41:00 - Lightweight’s big update
47:40 - Pinarello’s new gravel bikes
49:20 - DT Swiss’ stop ride notice
52:30 - Alex’s new bike day
53:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (member only)
54:45 - Thoughts on upgrading gravel bike wheels
1:10:00 - Converting a MTB to dropbar with a remote lockout suspension
1:20:00 - Shimano Ultegra versus GRX brakes

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1 month ago
53 minutes

Geek Warning
Tour Tech

It’s Tour time and tech editor Ronan McLaughlin has been on the ground capturing all the latest little tricks and tidbits. In this week’s Geek Warning, Dave Rome, and Ronan get together to talk through some of the bigger tech stories and finds coming from the biggest race.

Within you’ll hear about new bikes from Merida and Cervelo, some behind-the-scenes sponsorship movements, how front derailleurs are becoming less common, and why the UCI’s handlebar width ruling is likely set to change (again).

In Ask a Wrench, members of Escape Collective will hear pro race mechanic Brad Copeland and Dave Rome answer questions related to rust-proofing steel frames, solving for a drooping chain, and how to solve the dreaded disc brake turkey gobble. As an added bonus, you’ll hear Brad’s impression of a turkey.

Time stamps:

2:00 - Merida’s unreleased Reacto
5:50 - Cervelo’s new S5 and Ronan’s early impressions
14:20 - Cervelo has a new R5 coming, too
18:30 - Musical Saddles of Sponsorships
26:00 - Updates inbound for the UCI’s handlebar width change?
37:45 - 1x gearing is on the rise
47:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (members only)
48:30 - Rust-protecting a steel frame
52:30 - Chain droop when riding in smaller cassette cogs
1:03:00 - Fixing the SRAM brake turkey gobble

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1 month ago
47 minutes

Geek Warning
Hookless to hooked and pondering spoke colours

The drowsiness of Eurobike has barely faded just as the Tour is about to kick off. This week, Escape’s tech team members Suvi Loponen, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Dave Rome are on Geek Warning to discuss the biggest tech of the week and some things on their minds.

A recap of Eurobike is provided by Suvi, along with pondering what the future holds for this event that seems to be in decline.

Ronan and Dave go deep on Enve’s new road wheels, which quite surprisingly, have a hooked rim. That’s big news from a company that pioneered the hookless road space.

Dave poses the impossible question of what coloured spokes he should choose. And there’s a fun PSA related to the countless problematic adverts seen from brands that create maintenance products.

The end of the episode wraps with our usual Ask a Wrench segment. This is typically exclusive to members of Escape Collective, but not this week! This week is a free week and so everyone will hear the full member-only version that includes pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answering a few member-submitted technical questions.

Time stamps:

1:00 - Eurobike recap and whether such trade shows are still relevant
18:20 - A deep chat on Enve’s new SES 4.5 Pro going hooked
33:00 - Canyon’s new Grizl and a new weird handlebar
38:30 - On Dave’s mind: Silver hubs, but what coloured spokes?
44:00 - PSA: Be cautious of maintenance product brands giving you maintenance advice on socials.
48:00 - Apidura’s Aero System
53:00 - Ask a Wrench (open to all for this week!)
54:30 - Footwear for mechanics
1:03:00 - How to find a mystery clicking noise
1:14:00 - General thoughts on hitch racks

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1 month ago
1 hour 23 minutes

Geek Warning
Special ep: Bikepacking aero nerd

In this special Performance Process x Geek Warning crossover, Dave Rome grills Ronan Mc Laughlin about every technical detail from his 3,000 km unsupported lap of Ireland. From aero bag hacks and drivetrain quirks to cleat regrets and a failed light, this is a deep dive into the tech setup behind a truly personal and punishing ultra-endurance ride. Ronan shares what worked, what didn’t, and what he’d change next time – all while reflecting on how the gear supported his mission to raise awareness for food allergy research.

The fundraiser is still open here, every contribution makes a real difference.

• £10 provides allergy education packs for a school
• £25 trains 50 teachers to support allergic kids
• £100 covers a life-saving dose of treatment for a child
• £1,500 funds six months on the life-changing Natasha Clinical Trial

Hitting the target, could fund 20 trial places for allergic children, and take a real step toward a future where no child has to live in fear of their food.

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1 month ago
27 minutes

Geek Warning
Shimano Di2, Classified, and Eurobike week

We’re not sure we’ve ever experienced a busier month in the world of cycling tech. All the major drivetrain manufacturers have released new things. We’ve had two custom bike shows and now it’s the world’s largest cycling tradeshow - Eurobike. And the tech conversations in the racing world have been a flurry of activity, too.

In this episode, you’ll hear the voices of the entire Escape tech editorial staff. Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Alex Hunt share their thoughts on new Shimano GRX, Classified’s update, BMC’s new SLR01, and plenty more. Then, Josh Weinberg and Suvi Loponen tease what they’re seeing on the ground at Eurobike.

As usual, members of Escape Collective 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: when to rewax a waxed chain; repairing a crashed aluminium rim brake bike and perhaps what to repalce it with; and our thoughts on mini hooked road rims. Members can submit new questions here.

Time stamps:

2:40 - Shimano GRX 1x Di2
8:55 - Classified talking with Shimano Di2
17:30 - Aero gravel race bikes continue to come out
26:20 - Brembo returning to bicycles?
20:00 - Canyon’s Endurace AllRoad
35:00 - BMC’s 5th Gen TeamMachine SLR01
42:40 - Conti’s new Archetype race tyre
45:55 - Stages returns
49:10 - Eurobike intro from Josh and Suvi
55:00 - What’s coming up
59:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)
1:01:00 - When to rewax a waxed chain
1:09:00 - Chain dropping down the cassette on XPLR
1:18:45 - Our thoughts on Mini Hooked road rims
1:28:00 - A damaged Klein road bike and what to replace it with

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1 month ago
59 minutes

Geek Warning
The week of wireless trickle

Wow, what a week for those who love cycling tech!

If four new dropbar groupsets from SRAM weren’t enough, then Shimano certainly fills that glass with its sudden release of XT and Deore Di2. Join Escape’s Dave Rome, Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt as they discuss what’s new and some things to be aware of.

Meanwhile, the UCI released some upcoming rule changes that have many riders and cycling businesses upset. The geeks discuss why some of these rulings have been blown out of proportion, and why one of them is arguably just wrong.

Of course, there are a couple of new bikes (Cervelo and Orbea) to discuss, and CeramicSpeed has released its first do-it-yourself hot melt wax which promises a whole lot of distance.

As always, members of Escape Collective have access to the Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode. Here, Dave Rome is joined by pro race mechanic Brad Copeland to answer a number of geeky questions, including a trick for keeping valve nuts in place without over-tightening them, our thoughts on the best cone wrenches, mixing-and-matching chainring sizes on SRAM, a rear shock that’s fussy to inflate, and a Shimano front derailleur that’s hard to shift.

Enjoy!

Time Stamps:

2:15 - Explaining the UCI’s Handlebar width ruling and specifically where it’s wrong
17:00 - SRAM’s new Force and Rival AXS
27:30 - Shimano’s new XT and Deore wireless shifting
36:30 - Cervelo’s new Aspero 5
43:45 - Orbea’s Terra gravel bike gets overhauled
47:00 - CeramicSpeed’s new long-lasting hot melt wax
52:00 - Ask a Wrench (Member-only!)
55:00 - A tip for tubeless valve nuts in place
58:30 - A deep dive and our top suggestions for good cone wrenches
1:10:00 - Mixing-and-matching chainring sizes with SRAM AXS
1:15:00 - Rear shock inflation woes and shock pumps
1:21:00 - Fixing Shimano Ultegra front derailleur that’s hard to shift

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2 months ago
53 minutes

Geek Warning
Special ep: A chat with SRAM about new Rival and Force and trickling down tech

In this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Suvi Loponen sits down with SRAM’s Dan Stefiuk and Paul Kantor to chat about the all-new Rival and Force AXS groupsets. From tech trickled down from Red, to the design philosophies that shaped these mid-tier offerings, we chat about how SRAM approaches performance, pricing, and compatibility.

For the full tech details and reviews of these new groupsets – or to sign up to get the full episode – head over to escapecollective.com.

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2 months ago
16 minutes

Geek Warning
Factory tours and fresh tech

This week in Geek Warning, tech writers Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt join Dave Rome to discuss their recent factory visits to SRAM, DT Swiss, Oquo, and more.

You’ll hear Dave and Alex debate about using full-suspension gravel bikes instead of a mountain bike. The geeks also discuss a whole lot of new and interesting tech.

As usual, members of Escape Collective have access to the Ask a Wrench segment of the episode, and this week, Australian national team mechanic, Peter Arch, joins to help answer the questions. Members can submit new questions here.

Time stamps:

2:00 - Factory visits
18:00 - Full Suspension gravel bikes are coming back
25:00 - TRP Vistar with Classified is finally official
29:00 - Spoken comes to Sydney in a week
30:15 - Oquo now making its own hub
33:15 - Industry9 acquires We Are One Composites
35:00 - Leaked Roval Rapide wheels
37:30 - No.22’s new Drifter gravel bike
39:10 - Unno returns to XC with the Horn, room for 2.6” tyres
41:50 - Pro’s new internally routed MTB handlebar, please no
46:00 - Trek joins the electric air inflator world
48:00 - Ronan’s big ride
54:30 - Ask A Wrench with National pro mechanic Peter Arch (member-only)
56:00 - Solving a skipping hub
1:01:30 - What’s going inside a hydraulic disc brake?
1:05:30 - Mystery flat tyre
1:10:30 - Safer lubricants and lubing cables

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2 months ago
54 minutes

Geek Warning
A Week of Wireless

June has started with a bang when it comes to new cycling tech. This week we’ve seen the long-awaited release of new Shimano XTR Di2, the next generation Super Record from Campagnolo, and a welcomed new power pedal from Favero. All are new products that Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss, in addition to being covered in more detail on Escape Collective.

In addition to all that, Unbound gravel saw a whole bunch of unreleased bikes being raced, which Dave and Josh Weinberg (US tech and culture editor) discuss.

Of course, there’s also the usual PSA, Ronan has something on his mind, and the episode wraps with the member-only Ask a Wrench segment (with Zach Edwards of Boulder Groupetto helping to answer questions). Members can submit new questions here.

As a reminder, this week also brought a special episode of Geek Warning where Shimano’s North American MTB product manager, Nick Murdick, was interviewed about all things related to new XTR Di2.

Timestamps:

2:30 - New Shimano XTR
7:50 - Campagnolo’s new Super Record WRL 13
19:15 - Favero Assioma Pro RS road power pedals
27:45 - PSA on eye safety
32:00 - On Ronan’s mind, uh oh
40:00 - Unbound tech
42:30 - Specialized’s new Diverge
45:30 - A name suggestion for the new Pinarello gravel racer
47:00 - Factor’s two new unreleased gravel bikes
51:50 - Orbea’s also got two new gravel bikes going around
54:00 - And Vos on a new Cervelo gravel race bike?
55:00 - Euro versus US gravel racing seen in bike design
1:00:30 - A pre-installed backup tube
1:04:30 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)
1:06:15 - How to adjust eccentric bottom brackets on single-speeds
1:11:30 - A tip for finding dropped items
1:15:40 - Our favourite hand cleaner? Hello gloves.
1:22:00 - Removing the impossibly stuck crank

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2 months ago
1 hour 5 minutes

Geek Warning
Special ep: Shimano’s MTB Product Manager on the new XTR Di2

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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2 months ago
21 minutes

Geek Warning
Mountain bikers on gravel tyres. What in the upside-down world?

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

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2 months ago
58 minutes

Geek Warning
Modern chain wins and questionable pressure sensors

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

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3 months ago
49 minutes

Geek Warning
Special ep: Why is kit so expensive?

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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3 months ago
44 minutes

Geek Warning
Tech so smart it’s dumb

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

Show more...
3 months ago
48 minutes

Geek Warning
Is every flagship drivetrain bound to go 13-speed?

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

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3 months ago
50 minutes

Geek Warning
Special ep: In For Review, May 2025

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

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3 months ago
59 minutes

Geek Warning
Welcome to Geek Warning, a podcast focused on deciphering the world of cycling tech, explaining how bikes work, and how to make them better. Hosted by Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Brad Copeland, this weekly show is your fix for tech geekitude, covering the latest tech news, industry trends, answering mechanical questions, and whatever else is on our minds. Escape Collective is entirely member-funded. If you like this podcast please consider supporting us by becoming a member: https://escapecollective.com/member/