Wheel Size History Is Repeating Geek Warning podcast

49:42

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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Special ep: Why is kit so expensive? 44:56

3 days ago44:56

44:56

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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Tech so smart it’s dumb 51:34

9 days ago51:34

51:34

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…

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Is every flagship drivetrain bound to go 13-speed? 50:49

16 days ago50:49

50:49

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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Special ep: In For Review, May 2025 59:52

18 days ago59:52

59:52

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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Wheel size history is repeating 59:58

23 days ago59:58

59:58

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)…

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Electric inflators and a narrower UDH from Factor 45:43

4 weeks ago45:43

45:43

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…

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Wrapping Roubaix and Sea Otter tech 1:15:32

5 weeks ago1:15:32

1:15:32

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…

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A lot of new tech and pricing fears 57:23

6 weeks ago57:23

57:23

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…

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What’s the widest tyre we’ll see at Roubaix? 52:05

7 weeks ago52:05

52:05

Paris-Roubaix is just around the corner and the geeks have been pondering just how wide we’ll see the tyres of the pros go. Some studies have shown that 40s are fastest, but as you’ll hear from Ronan, the testing he’s currently in the thick of is showing otherwise. You’ll also hear Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) discuss some of the new interesting groupsets coming from Chinese manufacturers and what it may take for them to break through into the mainstream market. Plus, there’s plenty of new tech to discuss, including the new RockShox Reverb AXS dropper and some interesting industry news. Finally, 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 in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Enjoy! Time stamps: 2:15 - The widest tyre we’ll see at Roubaix? 23:15 - Taipei Cycle Show and lower-cost drivetrain competition 33:20 - refreshed eeWings from CaneCreek 35:10 - RockShox Reverb AXS dropper 38:15 - SRAM ‘cybersecurity’ issue 39:45 - Brose bicycle acquired by Yamaha 41:40 - Velo gets a recycling partner in SRAM 42:50 - One April Fools that got us chuckling 46:00 - CyclingSpy now on Escape 52:00 - Ask a Wrench - Member Only 53:30 - A mystery click in the front end 1:01:15 - The best cycling tool for persuasion 1:05:00 - Cutting steerer tubes and the impact on resale value 1:12:00 - A detailed conversation on tight XD/XDR cassette sleeves (plus related tools)…

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Tyre pressure apps and unexpected counterfeits 50:57

8 weeks ago50:57

50:57

Our podcast episodes are a little like our own children, of course, we love them all. However, maybe, just maybe, some are loved a little more than others. This episode is a good one. Tune in as the regular crew of Ronan, Dave, and Zach chat about the growing world of tyre pressure calculators and whether electronic shifting has made frame designers lazy. Meanwhile, the public service announcement relates to counterfeit products and it’s a big one that we’re sure to return to in future. With the Taipei Cycle Show on we’re seeing a flurry of new products to discuss, including a few new fun bikes. Finally, members of Escape Collective ( go here ) get another edition of Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland. Here, the geeks answer a few interesting questions, with a whole lot of detail related to bike setup for long gravel events. If you liked this episode, then please give it a share with some like-minded riding friends. Time stamps: 1:30 - Vittoria’s new tyre pressure app and wider category thoughts 14:00 - On Dave’s mind is frame limitation in mechanical groupset selection 29:45 - a PSA to not buy your big name product from sketchy sources 36:00 - Big new things from SRAM, which we’ve covered elsewhere 37:30 - Bendy road ahead for Komoot 39:00 - Bianchi celebrates 140 years 41:00 - Fox’s new 36 SL and where it sits 42:45 - Tern updates the GSD 43:30 - Giant’s first bike with a recycled composite frame 50:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (member-only from this point) 54:00 - Ask a Wrench: Prepping a bike for performance at Unbound 200 1:10:00 - Ask a Wrench: Chainline confusion 1:17:00 - Ask a Wrench: Fixing peeling decals…

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Special ep: Deep dive with SRAM on mechanical Transmission and new brakes 1:19:49

8 weeks ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Oh yes, we’re in the thick of product launch season, and we're keeping focused on the most interesting stuff. SRAM has just overhauled its more budget-conscious mountain bike drivetrains, and they share much in common with the premium Transmission AXS. Except, they have a cable. Plus, at least on the mountain bike side, SRAM has gone all-in on mineral oil brakes. It’s a huge change for a company that’s spent more than 15 years promoting the benefits of DOT fluid. To hear and learn all about the product, SRAM lent us a few of its product managers and engineers without the public relation adults in the room. Of course, we have full and detailed write-ups on Escape Collective. There’s some overlap between this podcast and the writing, but you’ll find plenty of unique information in each. It’s also worth reminding that Escape Collective is wholly funded by its members, and so this isn’t paid for, sponsored, or partnership content. It’s just a geeky chat that felt appropriate for the Geek Warning podcast. Those on the Escape Collective member feeds will get a bonus section at the end with Dave and Josh covering a few elements that SRAM didn't want to discuss, along with some early ride thoughts. Enjoy! Time stamps: 1:00 - Meet the guests 4:00 - An intro to Eagle 70 and 90 9:00 - Was SRAM all-in on electronic at a point? 11:20 - Cross-compatibility in Transmission and why mechanical is only a price point option 18:00 - Set up 26:00 - Cable routing basics 37:30 - What about bikes without a UDH? 39:00 - Shift speed things 46:30 - A fully rebuildable derailleur 50:00 - Time for brakes and a move to mineral oil 58:30 - Explaining the new brake range 1:03:00 - The Motive brake 1:07:30 - Are there tuning guides for these brakes? 1:10:00 - Brake set up tips 1:20:00 - Josh and Dave share their thoughts of Eagle 90 (member-only) 1:34:00 - Thoughts on the Motive brakes and a crystal ball moment (member-only)…

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Unique features that make endurance bikes less desirable 47:58

9 weeks ago47:58

47:58

Why do so many road bikes with endurance geometry have unique selling added features that wouldn’t fly in more performance-oriented bikes? That’s the big question that Ronan, Dave, and Zach discuss in this week’s episode of Geek Warning. Plus, you’ll hear a useful PSA for those who use newer road pedals. Dave then rings up new Escape recruit Josh Weinberg to discuss the latest in road, gravel, and cross-country mountain bike tech – including Fox's new 34 SL fork release (something we've also covered in writing). The episode closes with the usual answering of member-submitted technical questions. However, for this last section, you will need to be a member of Escape Collective and either logged into the member-only podcast feed or via our Podcast page (again, logged in members only). Thanks for listening! And if you like it, please consider sending it to a fellow tech-loving cyclist. Time stamps: 1:40 - Corrections Corner 2:45 - On Our Minds: Unique selling features that actually don’t help sell bikes 22:00 - PSA: Composite-bodied road pedals are a wear item 25:00 - Introducing Josh and chatting Mid-South gravel tech 28:30 - Teravail has a whole wheel-system 31:20 - Chris King launches its own alloy wheelset 34:00 - Fox releases the new 34 SL fork 39:00 - Fox’s new all-in-one remote lever 41:55 - LiteSpeed’s new impressively lightweight road frame 45:25 - Ask a Wrench (member-feed only) 47:00 - A mystery and isolated leaking brake lever (member-feed only) 54:00 - Good and bad of solid polymer bearings (member-feed only) 1:01:00 - How to deal with a stuck tubeless valve (member-feed only)…

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Matching fit between bikes and cordless air tools 1:00:50

10 weeks ago1:00:50

1:00:50

What do matching bike fits and cordless air tools have in common? Truthfully, very little, but you’ll hear them both discussed in this week’s episode of Geek Warning. Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards as they discuss these topics on their minds, plus share the latest in tech. Listeners on our free feed will get a whole hour, meanwhile members of Escape Collective get treated to an extra geeky 30 minutes with Dave Rome and pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answering listener questions. Time stamps: 3:30 - Our methods, tips, and tools for matching fit between bikes 25:00 - On our mind: Air powered tools versus an air compressor 39:40 - PSA: Don’t forget your computer mount 42:00 - Cannondale’s new Topstone 45:20 - Vittoria has a 29 mm road tyre just for wide rims 50:10 - Specialized has a busy week of new tyres 51:45 - Ari’s new Signal Peak 3.0 cross-country bike 53:30 - State Bicycle’s budget Carbon All-Road 59:39 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland 1:03:00 - Repairing bikes for friends (member-only) 1:10:30 - Do jockey pulley wheels have a direction? (member-only) 1:18:15 - Is there a benefit to warming a chain? (member-only) 1:25:30 - Tips for removing frayed cables from shifters (member-only)…

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The first ’In for Review’ special episode 1:05:12

11 weeks ago1:05:12