It’s a geek-packed episode as senior tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, plus Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) discuss the week in tech. Ronan ponders the real highs and lows of Lidl-Trek experimenting with SRAM XPLR 1x13 drivetrains in road races. There’s a skeptical point of view to integrated pressure sensors in tubeless wheels. And the geeks discuss the importance of Trail figures in geometry, and why it’s oddly not provided by all brands – a topic Ronan was inspired to put into wr...
Mar 06, 2025•59 min•Ep. 135
In this special episode, we chat with Ultra-Distance specialist Kevin Benky Benkenstein on his bike and gear selections for a recent race across the Moroccan Atlas Mountain Range. That big ride is the Atlas Mountain Race (AMR), a beast of a ride that covers some 1,300 km with 23,000 m of elevation. It covers every surface imaginable, and both rider and bike are tested thoroughly in the little over four days that it took him to complete (good enough for a tied third-place finish in the men’s). De...
Feb 28, 2025•20 min•Ep. 134
Why don’t you see much wind tunnel-based testing on Escape Collective? It’s something the geeks are forever discussing internally, and in this week’s episode, they discuss some of the difficulties in getting such testing to provide truly useful results. You’ll also hear Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) cover the latest news in the world of cycling tech, including a recent high-profile wheel failure, Canyon’s new customisation program , and BMC’s latest recall. Me...
Feb 27, 2025•42 min•Ep. 133
The derailleur looks set to continue ruling the roost, but the increased attention to gearboxes is one to watch. In this week’s shorter-than-usual episode, the geeks chat about Fox Factory’s recently approved patent in the space. You’ll also hear some early speculation about Fizik’s entry into helmets, some new EU-based helmets standard inbound, and what our go-to tubeless tyre sealants are. Tech reporter Alex Hunt just wrapped up a big feature on big shoes , and the geeks give a basic overview ...
Feb 21, 2025•29 min•Ep. 132
PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals” – are in everything from waterproof jackets to chain lubes and electronics. They’re praised for their stain, friction, and water resistant properties but notorious for their environmental and health risks. These chemicals never break down, accumulating in water, soil, and even our bodies. As regulations restricting the use of PFAS roll in, the cycling industry is facing a dilemma: how can brands replace the chemicals that have been used in nearly every pa...
Feb 18, 2025•25 min•Ep. 131
It’s a new week and that means a new episode of the Geek Warning podcast. This week you’ll hear Suvi Loponen and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) join Dave Rome in covering the big tech topics of the week. You’ll get a beginner’s guide to PFAS (forever chemicals) and why you should care. Thoughts are shared on the new Cannondale SuperX gravel race bike. And a widespread leak teases new full wireless from Shimano. There’s something silly on Dave’s mind, and then the geeks wrap up the remaining te...
Feb 14, 2025•48 min•Ep. 130
This week on The Geek Warning podcast, join Ronan McLaughlin, Zach Edwards, and Dave Rome as they discuss the latest happenings in the world of cycling tech. The geeks cover what is believed to be the first win for tubeless in a cyclocross World Championship. There’s a UCI rider survey circling that strongly points to a few technical changes being considered. An approved patent and many rumours point to new SRAM Transmission mechanical coming soon. And there’s a new headset that claims to solve ...
Feb 07, 2025•48 min•Ep. 129
Oh hi, welcome back to Geek Warning! There are some things to tell this week. We’ve had a number of changes to the pod over the past few months (sorry!), and we’ve got a few more to share. Ask a Wrench, which sits at the end of our episodes, is now members-only . That means you’ll need to be on our member podcast feed to hear that extra part of the podcast. Meanwhile, the first hour of goodness is free for all. Additionally, you’ll still hear from UK-based tech writers Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 128
At the 2024 edition of the Tour Down Under, Ronan Mc Laughlin was joined by aerodynamicist JP Ballard as they walked through the pits to talk about the aero hits and misses within the latest bikes of the WorldTour. For 2025 we’re back with something of a similar theme. This time Dave Rome is joined by the Head of Aerodynamics at South Australian Sports Institute (SASI), John Pitman. Now, with access to a wind tunnel he oversees (a story we aim to share soon), Pitman takes a stroll through the pi...
Jan 25, 2025•46 min•Ep. 127
Hey Geeks! With the 2025 WorldTour kicking off in Australia, this episode dives straight into the bikes (and bits of tech) that caught our eyes, whether for the right or wrong reasons. The cast of Dave, Suvi, Ronan, and Alex discuss the recently leaked SRAM Force update and the ethical dilemma in covering such an unreleased product. And of course, there’s plenty more new things discussed, too. Toward the end you'll find the usual Ask a Wrench where Dave is joined by pro race mechanic Brad Copela...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 126
In this week’s Geek Warning, the tech team — Dave Rome, Alex Hunt, Ronan McLaughlin, and Suvi Loponen — explore AI’s role in cycling tech, from training and design to marketing, while questioning even is truly “AI” and what’s just advanced machine learning – or marketing. Whether we’re all sick of hearing about it or think it has a place in some applications, you’ll find out. As the off-season is over (and keeps Dave busy at TDU), it seems we’re starting to see more and more new tech drops. This...
Jan 16, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 125
Welcome back to the first episode of Geek Warning for 2025. There’s plenty to discuss with the geeks having had a few weeks to dwell on their thoughts. Within, you’ll hear discussion over the industry woes continuing, some well-known brands suffering, and some big related moves. Switching things up, SRAM recently got approval for a patent related to a UDH equivalent of a brake mount. As the geeks discuss, it’s certainly something to watch out for. On Ronan’s mind is whether we’re about to see a ...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 124
Are modern road bike geometries due for an overhaul? As riders adopt more forward positions and longer stems, handling and weight distribution are facing new challenges. In this episode, Ronan McLaughlin talks to renowned frame builder Rob English about the intricacies of frame design and geometry. They explore topics such as progressive geometries, seat tube angles, bottom bracket drop, and how subtle tweaks can transform bike performance. Rob discusses how he designs bikes to match a rider’s c...
Dec 27, 2024•23 min•Ep. 123
It’s not the usual weekly show format this week, as instead, it’s time for our annual tech awards. Don’t worry, this isn’t just us praising new products, in fact, there’s hardly any of that. These are awards you won’t likely see promoted by the respective brand, as afterall, a poo emoji isn’t likely to help sell product. It’s not all negative though as the full cast of geeks discuss the biggest new tech trends, a few most desired products, and the most anticipated new products for 2025. With abs...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 122
Just when we started to think the bike industry was moving toward do-it-all road race bikes, we then get word that it’s all about to change once again. Dedicated aero bikes never entirely left, but as you’ll hear from the geeks, they’re very much coming back. This week, Ronan Mc Laughlin, Suvi Loponen, Brad Copeland, and Dave Rome are all on the pod to discuss the latest new bikes and what is driving these trends. You’ll learn about the biggest dos-and-don’ts in using a torque wrench, plus the g...
Dec 12, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 121
In this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Ronan McLaughlin sits down with the Colnago design team to dissect the design and development of their latest aero road bike, the Y1-RS. They explore how recent changes to UCI regulations opened up new possibilities in frame design, the challenges of balancing aerodynamics, stiffness, and rider comfort, and why the bike looks the way it does. The discussion covers everything from improving CFD modelling to a Colnago's stiffness tests, and the whys of that o...
Dec 10, 2024•41 min•Ep. 120
Welcome back to Geek Warning! This week Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, Suvi Loponen, and Brad Copeland are on the pod to discuss things such as Wahoo’s gigantic new head unit, Campagnolo’s return to the WorldTour, and the worrying trend of many cycling products being disposable. On our minds, and a general theme of the episode, is how to better cover sustainability aspects in the products we review. As you’ll hear, our focus is expecting a longer useable life (whether through serviceability or ju...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 119
This week, Escape’s newest tech writer, Alex Hunt becomes the latest voice on the show. Joined by Suvi, Dave, and Brad, the geeks discuss the biggest news in the week of tech, a tech development that could have a game-changing application, and answer several technical questions. There is Scott’s newly renewed focus on weight and what appears to be crazily light tyres coming from Schwalbe. Dave thinks Magura’s recently announced Easy Link hose system could be a glimpse at the future of easing the...
Nov 28, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 118
It’s a big week in the cycling tech world with Strava dropping a bomb on many connected apps. To learn more about what this upcoming change could mean for you, Ray Maker, aka DCRainMaker , joins the pod. Following that chat, you’ll hear from Suvi, Ronan, Dave, and Brad on various topics, ranging from Rouleur Live, a bunch of new bikes, and answering a couple of member questions. Plus, Dave shares something on his mind that then follows a different path. As usual, we encourage you to visit escape...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 117
Join Ronan, Dave, Suvi, and Brad as they discuss all things related to modern tyres. You’ll hear why Ronan now prefers hard-to-fit tyres, tips to make the installation easier, and our favourite online (free) pressure calculators. Of course, there are a few bits of news to cover, including an interesting new freehub patent from Lauf. And as usual, Brad and Dave answer a few mechanical questions submitted by Escape members. As a reminder, we’re now covering tech news in our Daily News (published o...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 116
Welcome back to Geek Warning. It’s a big cast with Suvi Loponen, Ronan Mc Laughlin, Brad Copeland, and Dave Rome chatting through the latest new tech and answering some mechanic-related questions.Ronan is quizzed over the “too long didn’t read” for the newly Spotted Ridley Noah Fast , plus what Pirelli is up to with its FSC-certified tyres . SRAM chains have been back in the media this week after some comments from cyclocross legend Sven Nys, the geeks speculate what could be happening here and ...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 115
It may be the off-season in the racing world, but the land of bike tech never sleeps. In this episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear Suvi, Dave, and Brad discuss an intriguing shifter-related patent from Campagnolo that perhaps can’t come soon enough. The geeks then discuss what they each seek in a drop handlebar and what their favourites are. Within this extended segment, you’ll hear about one-piece cockpits, more traditional two-piece setups, and picks for road and gravel purposes. We’ve also go...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 114
Oct 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 113
Things are a little flipped upside down in this week’s Geek Warning. Suvi, Dave, and Brad open the show by discussing their most meaningful bikes. The geeks then turn to pick a favourite side-access bottle cage for when frame space is limited. Of course there’s a handful of Ask a Wrench questions, answered. And the show wraps with a round-up of new tech to drop over the past week. A small note: Suvi experienced some audio issues toward the end of the episode, and so, the power of editing has her...
Oct 17, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 112
Welcome to another members-only (at least the full episode) edition of the Geek Warning podcast. This episode came together after the boutique brand Open Cycle [teased a long-awaited update to its Up gravel bike . For those who aren’t familiar with the Open Up, it was a bike to break new ground for the emerging sporty gravel space through its dual-wheel size compatibility with 700c and 650B. Meanwhile, it achieved the clearance between the rear tyre and chainring by introducing dropped chainstay...
Oct 12, 2024•35 min•Ep. 111
This episode introduces a new voice, Escape’s new tech writer, Suvi Loponen. Join Suvi, Brad, and Dave as they discuss the latest tech and a couple of new bikes seen at Gravel Worlds. Picking the Mount Rushmore of bicycle cranksets is sure to cause debate. Within you’ll hear Brad and Dave share some of the cranks that have left an impression on them. We’d love to hear your picks, so jump into the comments. Ask a Wrench continues, this time with Brad and Dave offering answers to three member-subm...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 110
In this episode of Performance Process, Ronan and Caley welcome Dylan Johnson, a lifetime Gran Prix athlete, coach, and data-driven performance-optimising YouTuber, to discuss the ins and outs of off-road racing. Dylan shares his insights on the category he arguably reignited: drop bar mountain bikes, exploring the whys and the pros and cons of ditching flat bars. He also delves into tyre selection, revealing his two tyres for gravel racing following his own rolling resistance and aero testing. ...
Oct 04, 2024•49 min•Ep. 109
Plus why modern bikes require more frequent headset inspections, Ridley’s new gravel bike, and a tonne more. It’s a big episode this week as the geeks, Dave and Brad, cover a whole lot of ground including the latest new products, a rant on silly-priced items, a little on chain wear, why headset inspections matter more than ever, and there’s an in-depth chat with a true geek of the wheel building world.That opening chat related to chains comes off a recent Threaded article about chain wear . Mean...
Oct 04, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 108
Plus why tyres are likely to keep getting wider. With the road season soon to come to a close, the events in the tech world are unsurprisingly more focused on the dirt. In this week’s episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear Brad and Dave cover the latest in tech across road, gravel, and mountain bike. Amongst a number of new things, the geeks discuss a future of electronic suspension and what that could spell for the gravel world. Why tyres are likely to continue trending wider in cross-country rac...
Sep 27, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 107
It’s new bike day for Lauf Cycles as the Icelandic bike company launches its first mountain bike. In this bonus episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear from two key people of the company about the design decisions behind the bike, how Lauf seemingly keeps finding itself ahead of emerging trends, and what allows Lauf to hit some impressive price points. To read and see more of this bike, head to Escape Collective . Non-members of Escape Collective can still tune in and listen to approximately half o...
Sep 25, 2024•28 min•Ep. 106
