Tech editor Alvin Holbrook fires up Velo's crystal ball to make some predictions about what the road and gravel world might look like in 2026. He makes his case for peak tire width combined with improved casings, more integrated pressure-monitoring systems (and more batteries), Chinese gravel bikes shaking up the market, and the continued slow demise of 2X drivetrains. But is he channelling Edgar Cayce, or are his divinations more in line with Miss Cleo? Josh, Alvin, and Levy also discuss how prepared they are (or aren't) for a mid-ride disaster, and the crew describes their own go-to repair kit that they each bring on every single ride. Also, when is it best to just call someone to come pick you up? Want to join Josh on his Zwift group ride? See the info here. See more episodes of the Velo Podcast here. Further reading: Hookless Is Out, AI Shades Are In: 7 Road Bike Trends We Expect to See in 2026 Garmin Teamed Up With Oakley and Meta to Make Smart Glasses We Actually Want to Wear MTB Tires Are Out, Suspension Is In: 5 Gravel Bike Trends We Expect in 2026 Forget $300 Fans, Our 3 Favorite Cooling Hacks for Indoor Training Are Basically Free 0:00 Intro1:20 Josh’s inflammatory no-tube comments3:11 Gravel predictions32:30 Interlude: Josh used the new Oakley x Meta Vanguard glasses39:45 Road predictions51:30 How prepared are you? What we carry for our rides59:00 Josh, Alvin, and Levy’s toolkits

Campagnolo’s Super Record X evolved from their 13-speed wireless road drivetrain and employs an off-road-specific rear derailleur with their Nano Clutch and race-focused gearing, but can it compete against GRX and Red? Velo tech editor Josh Ross explains the just-released Italian gruppo and their new, 50mm tall Bora gravel wheels. Alvin was at Rivian's launch of their (questionably named) Also TM-B e-bike and has all the details of this tech-heavy city rig. The Also employs a pedal-by-wire belt drive system, magnesium housing with TWO motors, an inverted suspension fork, and a car-like regenerative braking feature, but Levy wants to know if it will ever be available or if it's destined for vaporware status? Lastly, the crew digs into Josh's comprehensive indoor trainer buyer's guide, including the least expensive smart trainer that makes sense, why you should consider buying used, haptics and other add-ons, and what his price-no-object indoor setup might look like. They also share their tricks for making indoor rides "fun." Further reading I've ridden 32,000 Miles on Indoor Trainers. These Are the Best Ones. Campagnolo's Top-Shelf Super Record Group Is Going Gravel Rivian's New E-Bike Is the Most Impressive Bike I've Ridden All Year Timestamps 00:00 Intro2:00 Talking about Rivian’s new e-bike19:50 Campagnolo Super Record X37:00 Indoor training57:44 How much do you need to spend?1:03:00 Alvin: How do I make indoor training not suck?1:17:55 Josh’s dream setup

No one thinks “race bike” when I say Santa Cruz Stigmata, yet it’s probably the winningest pro gravel bike over the last bunch of years. It’s not light, but why might that not matter? KILLER livability No aero anything, forget about integrated shit, external seat post clamp (replaceable), and the fork is suspension corrected. Its glorious. Putting out nearly 5w/kg for 180km earned Matej Mohorič third place at the UCI Gravel World Championships, but how does it compare to one of the most intense Lifetime Grand Prix races? We look at Mohorič's effort versus Simon Pellaud's race data from a punchy Sea Otter course to see which event was "harder," and also how their numbers compare to our own much more human abilities. Spoiler alert: it ain't even close. Back in the real world, Alvin spent the last six months testing Santa Cruz's Stigmata and might have fallen in love with its off-road handling, but is the bike's geometry right for everyone? No, of course not, but Levy still tries to convince Josh that most gravel riders would have more fun (and be just as fast) on a slacker, longer bike like the Stiggy. Finally, we review Wolf Tooth's new gravel-specific, one-sided DEL pedal that promises low weight, more support, and an adjustable Q-factor. See the latest from the Velo Podcast here. Further reading: The Winning Bikes of Big Sugar Gravel 2025 Ran Big Gears and Even Bigger Tires Review: Wolf Tooth’s DEL Single-Sided Gravel Pedal Doesn’t Make Sense, but Might Be My New Favorite Spotted: New Roval Terra Aero Gravel Wheels with Carbon Spokes Under Big Sugar Winners Results: Matt Beers and Sofia Gomez Villafañe Power to Victory in Shortened Big Sugar Gravel 2025 Power Analysis: Is UCI Gravel Worlds Harder Than American Gravel? Review: 6 Months with the Santa Cruz Stigmata – More People Should Ride a Gravel Bike Like This 00:00 Intro11:20 Wolf Tooth DEL pedals23:15 UCI Gravel Worlds vs Life Time Grand Prix36:30 Big Sugar Gravel takeaways44:30 All about the Santa Cruz Stigmata53:45 Progressive geometry, where it works, and where it doesn’t1:12:00 Is downtube storage important?

It’s cold. It’s wet. Maybe it’s even snowing. Outside is always the best side, of course, but sometimes the only realistic option is to put your Bike on the trainer and get after it inside. Today’s sponsored podcast sees Levy sit down with Marek-Martin Matyska, Product Director at Rouvy, to chat about all things indoor training. Founded in the early 2000s by two brothers in the Czech Republic, Rouvy has grown to offer thousands of routes across six continents, from legendary European climbs to North American epics and scenic tours of New Zealand. Have you ever ridden in Namibia? Me neither, but now you can teleport yourself to the coast of Southern Africa at the push of a button . Matyska explains Rouvy’s total focus on realism, how they’re able to include so many ride options, and whether gravel and singletrack are on the menu. He also details the new Route Creator feature that allows users to build (and edit) their own realistic video routes while adding augmented reality features, and Levy has to ask if he’s able to add chasing UFOs or zombies for “extra motivation.” This podcast is sponsored by Rouvy. Sign up for Rouvy here: https://rouvy.com/

How different is European and North American gravel racing? Velo was at the Gravel World Championships in the Netherlands to inspect the bikes used by Marianne Vos, Tom Pidcock, and many others, with the relatively fast and smooth course necessitating some interesting equipment choices. Integrated air pressure adjustment systems, huge (for gravel) gearing, and wildly different tire combinations were all spotted, as well as more than a few custom paint jobs for the special occasion. Alvin, Josh, and Levy also delve into Suunto's legal action against Garmin and why it differs from the Strava debacle all while Levy attempts to convince the crew that social media is a psy-op while denying being addicted to Strava. We also dig into the latest 3T Racemax2 gravel bike, its background, Josh's early impressions from riding the bike, and ultimately, why the bike is so dang interesting. Finally, we talk about SRAM winning its suit with the UCI and the perfectly passive-aggressive response the UCI offered as a response. Further reading Custom Bikes and Unreleased Tech at UCI Gravel Worlds from Pidcock, Vermeersch and More The Sorta-Gravel Tech Pro Roadies Used at UCI Gravel Worlds Opinion: Suunto's Lawsuit Against Garmin Only Makes Strava Look Worse Third Time Lucky: Florian Vermeersch Takes Gravel World Championship with Stomping Day-Long Effort UCI Gravel World Championships: Lorena Wiebes Defeats Marianne Vos in Gripping Finale 3T Overhauls the Racemax 2 Italia for More Clearance, More Storage, and More Aero See prior episodes of the Velo Podcast here. 

Some of the best athletes in the world employ pre-game rituals out of superstition, habit, or to “get into the zone,” but you don’t need to be Michael Jordan or Maria Sharapova to benefit from such a routine. It turns out that those rituals, be it your lucky socks or that one song you just have to put on before heading out, can play an important role in readying your mind and body for what’s about to come. Today’s episode of the Velo Podcast sees Alvin, Josh, and Levy sharing their own pre-ride habits, with the latter’s possibly verging on neuroticism. The crew also digs into Alvin’s review of the finally updated Surly Straggler, a steel gravel bike designed for a good time rather than the fastest time, as well as Argon 18’s new Nitrogen aero road bike that is most definitely all about fast times. We bid adieu to Rapha and EF Pro Cycling's seven-year apparel partnership and how the two left a mark on cycling fashion in the collaboration. Further reading How Rapha and EF Pro Cycling Made Pro Cycling Kit Cool Review: The Surly Straggler Could Be a Modern Classic, but There’s a Catch First Ride: Argon 18 Nitrogen — Can You Have It All with an Aero Bike? 00:00 intro 1:45 Why we care so much about Rapha and EF Pro Cycling parting ways 15:00 The Surly Straggler 31:30 Argon 18 Nitrogen impressions 39:46 Ride rituals 53:30 Levy's ride rituals are neurotic

Gravel bike? Adventure bike? Bikepacking rig? With a drop handlebar but wide tires, proper suspension on both ends, and geometry that makes sense for good times on dirt, the just-released Trek CheckOUT looks like it’s ready for... well, just about anything, be it a quick singletrack rip or a race from Canada to the Mexican border. Will Tracy and Levy look into the CheckOUT’s features, including its near-endless mounting points and the new, longer travel Rudy XL fork, and Levy shares his questionable opinion from a mountain biker’s perspective.  Velo’s managing editor, Will Tracy, is also grilled by Levy to find out how he became The Boss, his time working for Peloton magazine, the differences between print and online cycling media, and how watching a race as a young kid shaped the rest of his life.

Velo Senior Tech Editor Josh Ross has been testing the second-generation Aethos and explains what’s changed and how it performs out on the road. We also talk about that kinda mostly hidden cable routing, the advances in FEA software that allow more grams to be shaved, and the new Roval Alpinist CLX III wheels that use thermoplastic spokes with titanium ends. Fancy.  Josh also compares the just-released Aethos to the previous version that we had at the Velo Field Test, and Levy forces him to decide between the Specialized and Scott Addict RC.

Will lower gearing make for safer racing? The UCI thinks so, but it could also make all of SRAM's 1X drivetrains verboten at the highest level of competition without affecting Shimano or Campagnolo. SRAM disagrees, obviously, and has begun legal action in Europe, citing reputational damage and EU competition laws. And as you'd expect, the UCI responded yet again. That and more on this week's episode of Velo Podcast. Velo Tech Editor Josh Ross and host Mike Levy dig into the details of the UCI's potential 10.46-meter rollout rule and why SRAM's 10-tooth cog doesn't comply, safer courses versus lower gearing, and the UCI's near silence when it comes to so many issues. We also discuss the UCI president's social media post congratulating Tadej Pogacar on his TT World Champs victory in Rwanda, despite Remco being the actual victor, and we look at Alvin's first impressions of Factor's new Aluto gravel bike.

Aero is... not everything? Forget about the wind tunnel, kammtail tube shapes, and 65mm deep rims because Cervelo's just-released R5 proves that light isn't just right, it's also fun. Alvin has been testing the new climbing-focused R5 and tells us what it's like to ride and why it might make more sense than an objectively faster aero bike, especially if you swap the tires. We headed off-road as Specialized debuted the 4th-generation Diverge gravel bike in Slovenia, and tech editor Josh Ross was there to find out how it performs. He explains all the updates, including room for 2.2" wide tires, its evolved geometry, and why it has an even bigger hole. We also dig into Specialized's decision to spec every model with their Future Shock suspension stem, and how it compares to a heavier and more complex suspension fork. We also discuss the latest updates to the Garmin 550 and 850 computers as well as Garmin's Rally power meter pedals, now available with rechargeable batteries. And last but not least: the Lazer VeloVox begs the question of who among us needs walkie talkies built into their helmets. Further reading Review: The Cervélo R5 Doesn’t Try to Appeal to Everyone, and It’s Better for It Review: Specialized Diverge 4 Fits a 2.2 Tire but You Have to Love Future Shock Special Bianchis, a Walkie Talkie for Group Rides, New Scope Wheels, and | This Week in Bike Tech Garmin Launches New, Brighter Edge 550 & 850 Alongside Updated Rally Power Meter Pedals

Do you dream about reviewing the newest bikes and equipment? In this episode, Levy goes behind the curtains at Velo to find out how Alvin and Josh ended up testing the latest (and sometimes) greatest gear, and what it's like to ride a different bike every other week.  We dig into Josh's origin story, which includes long-distance rollerblading epics, because of course it does, and how his love of photography led him from commercial car shoots in LA to press camps for new bikes in Europe. Alvin talks about how his time working at bike co-ops shaped his appreciation for the cycling community at large, his background in urban planning, and how he went from covering Sacramento Kings games to Italy to cover Campagnolo's Super Record. The crew also gets into Alvin's weekend crit race, Josh forcing himself to spend time on 50s, and Levy's four-day mission just to ride a single gravel road.

This week’s Velo Podcast takes a tech-heavy turn while Mike Levy is away, while Josh and I (Alvin Holbrook) dive deep into the latest gear, updates, and trends shaping cycling. We kick things off with Wahoo’s firmware updates. Credit to Wahoo, here, as they pushed a series of updates to its first-generation bike computers, experiencing mass file corruptions and problems, a long eight years after the first Elemnt computer was released. Next up are the new Shimano S-Phyre RX910 gravel shoes, the brand’s first gravel-specific model under its flagship line. At $480, they promise elite-level performance with a supple upper, serious stiffness, and clever pontoons that offer road shoe-like stability. Still, their pedal sensitivity and premium pricing sparked a lively debate on whether “gravel-specific” is worth the investment. We also tested Zwift’s new over-ear headphones, boasting 50-hour battery life, sweat resistance, and active noise cancellation. At $249, they’re aimed squarely at serious indoor riders, but are they really better than in-ear buds? From there, Josh shares highlights from the MADE Handmade Bike Show in Portland. Standouts included the fillet-brazed artistry of Ira Ryan, the aero-focused, 3D printed titanium No.22 Reactor, and a bold paint scheme from Black Magic. The show reinforced that road and gravel continue to dominate, but also showcased fresh experiments, like Moots’ monster-cross machine. Finally, we wrap with a bit of talk before Alvin's last criterium of the season. What bike, wheel, and tire combo should he roll with this weekend? With options like the Canyon Aeroad, Factor Monza, and Specialized Tarmac SL8, plus the latest Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, there's a lot to discuss. Further reading Shimano Makes Its Biggest Change to SPD Cleats in Decades and MAAP Collaborates with a Record Label | This Week in Bike Tech Review: The Shimano S-Phyre RX910 Gravel Shoes Makes SPD Feel Like Road Pedals Black Magic Paint Creates a Wild Pink and Blue Enve Melee No. 22 Reactor v2 3D Printed Aero Race Bike Shown at MADE MADE Show: It Doesn’t Get More Portland Than a Fillet Brazed Ira Ryan Bike Moots Adventure Bike With Suspension Teased at MADE Bike Show Updated Roval Rapide Wheels Add Carbon Spokes, New Sprint Model, And… Are Shallower Than Before? 00:00 Intro 01:18 Early Wahoo devices are still being updated 03:26 Experiences riding with Shimano's new S-Phyre Gravel shoes 17:20 Zwift has new (branded) headphones 28:20 MADE Bike Show: Josh's favorite bikes 55:15 Waffling about pre-crit gear choices

On this week’s Velo Podcast, we’re asking the hard questions: Why would anyone pay $50 to effectively suffer through a 20 km FTP test? And who rides 610 km in three days on a race road bike… on purpose? Alvin Holbrook did the former, signing up for a local time trial with less than 48 hours to prepare. Instead of tapering, he went full aero-nerd — swapping wheels, testing tires, fiddling with bars, and even breaking out the Chung Method to measure aero drag to find the fastest setup. Did it actually make him faster, or was it just a way to distract himself from the inevitable pain of the start ramp? Meanwhile, Josh Ross redefined commitment to aero. Not only did he ride the Swift Summit 200 (that’s 328 km in a single day) but he also rode 150 km to the start and 150 km home. Over three days, that’s over 610km on a Colnago Y1RS, topped off with a time trial helmet worn for nearly 24 hours. Why? We’re not sure either, but he’s here to explain. We also talk about the Fara Gr4 gravel bike, a race bike with a weird handlebar/stem setup and 57 mm tire clearance that has really piqued Alvin's interest. Free speed on the bike, CdA calculations, endless miles, and maybe a touch of madness: this week’s episode has it all. Further reading Review: The Colnago Y1Rs Rides Better Than It Has Any Right to I Had 48 Hours to Prep for My First Time Trial. Here’s What Happened. This Week in Bike Tech: No. 6 Lets You Quickly Swap Between Rigid and Suspension Forks, Ornot Goes Billboard, Fara Launches Big Clearance GR4 0:00 Intro 4:00 Fara Gr4 talk 9:49 Testing to find the fastest gear for a time trial 34:05 Josh does the Swift Summit 200 1:09:09 What's coming next

If hookless rims weigh less while being more aero and stronger than the antiquated and surely inferior hooked rim design, why are some of us so hesitant about using them? Today's show features Velo editors Josh Ross and Alvin Holbrook debating which rim design makes the most sense, while Levy questions whether changing from the proven hooked system is even worth the hassle. The guys also dig into loose-fitting tires, ever-changing compatibility lists, and whether pressure limits matter or not. 00:00 intro 02:30 Josh got a nail through his rim 13:00 Hook vs hookless on the road 22:10 dimensional consistency and tire pressure choice? 30:10 Why is there fuzziness in compatibility? 35:00 Claimed benefits of hookless 47:00 Issues with secondary and tertiary owners 1:01:20 conclusion Further reading ‘When Riders Express Concerns, It Worries Me:’ Hansen Welcomes Urgent UCI Review of Hookless Rims and Tires No Really, the Point of a Hookless Wheel Is Safety Riders’ Association President Calls For Further Action Relating to Hookless Tires and Rims UCI Announces Initial Findings in Its Urgent Review into Hookless Rims and Tires

Three years to win the Tour de France Femmes? Not so much. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot had said that it would take that long for her to transition from World Cup MTB competition to the very different challenges of multi-day road racing, but stage 8 showed that she's far ahead of schedule. Andrew Hood and Shane Stokes discuss her historic performance on the Col de la Madeleine that saw the Jumbo-Visma rider tempo away from Vollering and the other GC contenders in dominant yet measured fashion, and Levy wonders just how much danger she was in after being distanced the following day. They also get into why the TdFF doesn't finish in Paris, adding more stages, and why it might be better to hold the Femmes race before the Tour de France. Further reading: ‘It Isn’t What We Expect From Her’: Vollering Cites Lack of Power During Tour de France Femmes Defeat Ferrand-Prévot Talks Up 2027 Retirement After Femmes Success: ‘It Could be Beautiful, Extraordinary’ Tour de France Femmes Prize Money: Ferrand-Prévot Won Big, but It’s a Fraction of What Pogačar Got How Mountain Biking Made Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Unbeatable at the Tour de France Femmes See the latest from the Tour de France Femmes from Velo

How does 370 km (230 miles) a day, every day, for eleven days sound to you? That's what it took for Robin Gemperle not just to win this year's Tour Divide but to arrive at the Antelope Wells finish line, otherwise known as the Mexican border, quicker than any other rider in the history of the race. The latest episode of the Velo Podcast sees Mike Levy question Robin about his self-imposed sleep rules, tricks to deal with saddle sores, and the very first thing he does when he gets to a hotel. Robin also explains how he briefly considered using a full-suspension bike, his relatively simple Divide race plan, and why his laid-back approach on the bike could be his superpower. Whether you're into ultra-distance racing, enjoy the odd bike packing weekend, or just love an all-day ride, this is a conversation that you'll likely learn a thing or three from that you might be able to apply to your adventures, Tour Divide or otherwise.  Don't forget to see the latest from Velo!

Who had money on Wout van Aert dropping Pogacar on a climb during this year's Tour? With fans lined ten-deep and hanging out of apartment windows, the stepped and cobbled pitches of the Montmartre ascent looked more like a soaking wet spring Classic than the final stage of the La Grande Boucle. It's also where the Visma–Lease a Bike rider did the near-impossible by opening a gap on the yellow jersey (and everyone else) with only a death-defying descent and the Champs-Élysées between him and what has to be one of the sweetest wins of his career. The final episode of this year's Tour de France podcast coverage sees Mike Levy and Peter Cossins talk about whether too many HC climbs hurt the racing, that epic final stage, and why there were so many crashes the previous day. They also recount their favourite moments from a Tour that was never short of excitement. Further reading Emotional Van Aert Paris Win Turns Tour Fortunes Around for Visma ‘Highest and Lowest Levels I’ve Had’: Vingegaard Bittersweet on Tour de France After Demolishing the Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar Just Wants to Chill: ‘Maybe I Can Burn Out’ Tour de France Stage 21: Inspired Van Aert Wins in Paris, Pogačar Takes Fourth GC Victory Tour de France Prize Money: How Much Did Pogačar Win?

The end is near, and the overall win is, barring a Pogi disaster, essentially wrapped up. That doesn't mean that the closing stages of this year's Tour de France have been boring, however, with Milan trucking towards Paris in green and Visma doing their best over the last two mountain stages to force a comeback for the ages. This episode sees Levy and Peter Cossins dig that idiotic fan trying to poach the stage 17 finish on his bike before a security guard knocked him into next week, and why Lenny Martinez (deservedly) lost the polka dot jersey after not one but three of the stickiest bottles. They also get into Ben O'Connor's emotional win on top of Courchevel, and Thymen Arensman's big-brain moves that allowed him to barely beat Vingegaard and Pogacar to the line for his second solo masterpiece of the Tour. Also, do you know how the French cows managed to shorten stage 19? Outrageously Sticky Bottles Bury the Polka Dot Dreams of Martinez at the Tour de France ‘All About Managing Your Efforts’: Ben O’Connor’s Resounding Queen Stage Win at Tour Tour de France Stage 19 Shortened Due to Contagious Disease Outbreak Amongst Local Cattle ‘I Ran Out of Energy’: Lipowitz and Red Bull’s Tactical Gamble Fails at Tour de France The Cruel Realities of Racing the Tour de France, the Hardest Endurance Event on the Planet UPDATE: More Sources Point to Evenepoel-Red Bull Move: Will the Blockbuster Deal Finally Happen? See the latest from the Velo Podcast up now, or the latest from the Tour de France. Further reading

The new Colnago Y1RS and Cervelo S5 have already won stages in this year’s Tour de France, but what are the latest (and some of the most expensive) aero road bikes like to ride and work on when you’re not a GC contender? Velo’s Josh Ross has been putting huge miles on both hyperbikes, and today’s podcast sees Levy and Alvin Holbrook question him about how they compare on the road, why the S5 feels so different from the Y1RS, and which bike makes the most sense for who and where. The crew also gets into the Colnago’s surprising build quality and the S5’s gorgeous paint, and Levy tries to understand how having to remove the bottom bracket to access the Di2 battery is acceptable. See the latest from the Velo Podcast, including the Tour de France, up now. Further reading: Colnago V5Rs Review: This One Is for Tadej, Not You Colnago Y1Rs vs Cervélo S5: Battle for Aero Supremacy Swiss Side Says UCI Rim Depth Ban Is ‘Counterproductive.’ Here’s Why. Cyclists’ Association President Adam Hansen Urges Patience With UCI Handlebar Width Rule Every Marginal Gain Made to Tadej Pogačar’s Stripped-Down Colnago Y1RS For Stage 13 of The Tour

Mike Levy and Pete Cossins return to unpack a wild stretch of Tour de France action from stages 14 to 16, plus all the bizarre, brilliant, and brutal stories behind the racing. Jonas Vingegaard has said many times that he's not at the Tour to race for second, and that's exactly what it looked like as he attacked Pogacar again and again on the slope of Mount Ventoux. Peter Cossins and Mike Levy are back to discuss stages 14, 15, and 16, where we saw the new version of Vingegaard, Mattias Skjelmose's nightmare front-flip over a road sign, and Quinn Simmons taking issue with possible motorbike interference. Julian Alaphilippe is also in the headlines for a wild day that started with a dislocated shoulder and ended with what he thought was a sprint victory over Wout van Aert... But that's not how it worked out, even if everyone would love a Loulou win. The duo also discusses a gutsy solo ride by Thymen Arensman and Tim Wellens’ surprise win as Belgian national champion. Michael Woods offered an honest look at the brutal reality of Tour rest days, and the guys break down weird moments: puke, poop, KOM crashes, and rogue socks. Heading into the final week, UAE looks dominant with five stage wins, and the yellow jersey looks more secure than ever. But can Jonas pull off a miracle in the Alps? See more from the Tour de France from Velo Listen to the latest from the Velo Podcast See more from Velo