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The BikeRadar Podcast

Our Mediawww.bikeradar.com
BikeRadar delve into the world of road and mountain biking to bring you the best tech content in cycling. Join the team for their weekly episodes and occasional bonus episodes.
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Episodes

Nathan Haas, WorldTour pro to gravel racer | BikeRadar Shorts

For this bitesized episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, editor-in-chief, George Scott, speaks to Nathan Haas, who enjoyed a ten-year career as a WorldTour professional on the road, before switching to gravel full-time in 2022. Nathan discusses the unique physiological, technical and tactical demands of gravel, as well as his tech setup, favourite races and targets for 2023. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...

Nov 09, 202223 min

Shimano 105 R7020 – Still the groupset you should be buying?

Shimano 105 saw an eagerly-awaited update in 2022. In came Di2 electronic shifting and 12-speeds (in a disc brake-only flavour to boot), while mechanical shifting 105 got left behind. In this podcast, BikeRadar’s road tech maestros Simon von Bromley, Ashley Quinlan and Warren Rossiter delve into our latest four-way bike group test, which featured the previous-generation 105 R7020 groupset. They discuss the continued merits of mechanical 105, why Shimano should consider updating 105 R7000/R7020 t...

Nov 07, 202243 min

The rise of electric bikes: why bike brands, cycling campaigners and politicians are backing ebikes

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, digital writer Jack Evans explores what’s powering the popularity of electric bikes. Jack asks Specialized Globe and Brompton why they’re investing in electric bike technology, while Emily Sinclair from cycling charity Sustrans and Selaine Saxby MP explain their support for ebikes. Meanwhile, Saul Leiken from Specialized Globe makes the case for electric cargo bikes as an alternative to cars in towns and cities. Brompton’s head of design, Will Carley Smi...

Nov 04, 20221 hr 10 min

BikeRadar Shorts | Scott's brand-new Genius trail bike has a hidden shock

Scott has just launched two new versions of its trail bike, the Genius. Both feature 150mm of travel at the rear, with 160mm forks, but the new Super Trail line, which also extends to the Spark family, gets more aggressive build kits with a focus on descending capabilities. Our senior technical editor Tom Marvin has ridden the Genius ST and, in this bite-sized episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, talks through the new bikes. Read more about the new Scott Genius: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-...

Nov 03, 202224 min

UK National Hill Climb Championships special | Cow bells, cut-off handlebars and the UK’s top climbers

In this special edition of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital writer Jack Evans records live from the UK National Hill Climb Championships in Llangollen, North Wales. After taking part himself, Jack reports on a totemic event in the UK domestic racing scene. You’ll hear from the UK’s top climbers, including the women’s and men’s champions, and find out which bikes they rode on the 1.6km climb, with an average gradient of 12.5 per cent. The clang of cow bells, blast of horns and roar from the crowd w...

Nov 01, 202241 min

Beginner’s guide to ebikes: what is an electric bike and how do they work?

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editors Tom Marvin, Warren Rossiter and Alex Evans introduce you to the world of electric bikes, covering off a range of topics from the very basics through to more complex issues such as maintenance, reliability and battery capacities. Whether you’re starting your ebike journey or you’re a seasoned super charger, there’s helpful and useful insight for all riders in this episode. Want to learn more about electric bikes? Check out these i...

Oct 31, 202251 min

Winter riding tips and tricks

Winter is almost upon us in the UK, and it's fair to say that heading out into the wilds when the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring isn't always the most appealing. However, if you want to keep in shape over the darker months, or just want to get out and about and enjoy your bike, it's still possible to do so when the sun isn't shining. Our senior technical editors, Alex, Warren and Tom, share their experience of getting getting winter miles in, following many, many years of non-stop winte...

Oct 28, 20221 hr

Canyon’s new self-centring steering system explained | Canyon K.I.S

Canyon has released a steering stabilisation system for the Spectral 29. This discreet system, which sits inside the top tube, provides a self-centring effect on the handlebars. Canyon claims this adds control and stability to calm the handling when things are getting rough at high speeds, or when you’re tackling slow-paced technical sections of trail, improving, the brand says, the connection between your front and rear wheels. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, technical editor in chief...

Oct 27, 202217 min

Tech Q&A – ride tracking, top tools and handlebar shapes

In our latest Tech Q&A episode, our tech-heads look at everything from how best to plan and track your rides, on and off road, to which tools realy should be in your tool kit, and how to pick the best handlebar shape for your road bike. There are other hints, tips and guides in there too, so make sure you listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 24, 202250 min

Full-suspension Specialized Diverge, Bianchi’s Air Deflector Wings & Bespoked 2022 | Road & gravel tech round-up

George, Ash and Stan from BikeRadar dissect a bumper week for road and gravel tech, covering the launch of the new Specialized Diverge STR and Bianchi Oltre RC, as well as the return of the Bespoked show. As Specialized’s first take on a full-suspension gravel bike, the Diverge STR introduces Future Shock Rear, a tendon-like system with 30mm of travel. The Oltre RC, meanwhile, is Bianchi’s next-generation aero road bike, complete with F1-inspired Air Deflector wings on the head tube. The trio al...

Oct 21, 202249 min

Adaptive bikes explained: what they are, the different types and why they're important

In this episode, we talk to Vicky Balfour about adaptive bikes. As well as being a regular Mountain Biking UK Magazine and BikeRadar workshop contributor, through her, and her family's love of cycling, Vicky has direct experience using adaptive bicycles and can be regularly found on cycling adventures with her daughter, who rides her own adaptive trike. In this podcast, Vicky helps guide us through the different options to consider when choosing an adaptive bicycle as well as the requirements an...

Oct 17, 202249 min

Mountain and gravel bike tyre inserts explained

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast we look a little deeper at tyre inserts. These loops of foam sit inside your tyres, offering puncture protection and improved tyre stability. But, do they work well? Are they worth investing in? And, are they easy to fit? Our tech-heads Warren Rossiter and Luke Marshall wade in with their experiences of using tyre inserts in their gravel bikes and mountain bikes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices...

Oct 14, 202238 min

Aero vs all-rounder bikes – how to choose what's right for you

In this episode of the BikeRadart Podast, senior technical writer Simon von Bromley is joined by senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan and digital writer Jack Evans to chat about one of the enduring debates in road bikes: aero vs all-rounder. They discuss their personal preferences, the key differences between aero and all-rounder roadnikes, recognise the recent blending of the two styles, as well as offer their advice on how to choose which one is right for you. Along the way, Ash (probably) m...

Oct 10, 202253 min

Gravel and all-road wheelsets explained

What defines a gravel or all-road wheelset? In this episode, Ash, Simon and Oscar discuss the technical differences between gravel, all-road and road wheelsets. What kind of rim width you should be looking for, carbon vs aluminium, hooked versus hookless rims, and how to choose the right wheelset for your needs. For more advice and information, plus our pick of the best gravel wheelsets currently available, check out our buyer’s guide; https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-gravel-w...

Oct 07, 202246 min

2023 All-Stars MTB bike test round-up

Pulling our testing expertise from MBUK issue 413, our full MTB tech team talk through some of the most important, or influential, mountain bikes that'll be gracing our trails in 2023. Some are innovative and some represent the trends we're seeing across the market, from XC race rigs to bike-park slayers. We then give you the lowdown as to how well they ride, and whether the trends they embody are worth considering. Bikes include Pole's innovative Voima eMTB, Hope's high-pivot HB916, the Bird Fo...

Oct 03, 20221 hr 29 min

Our guide to mountain bike night riding

With the nights drawing in, we've been flat out testing the best night-riding lights on the market, both up in the depths of the Tweed Valley and in the deepest, darkest Forest of Dean, with our night-riding experts Alex Evans and Luke Marshall. The team delve into the inner workings of lights – the beams, the lumens, batteries and mounts, before we take a quick straw poll about what we love, and hate, about riding at night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more...

Sep 30, 202254 min

Tech Q&A - short-travel eMTBs, shoulder-season kit and worn-out lids

In this episode of our semi-regular Tech Q&A Podcast, our senior tech team of Alex, Warren and Tom look into downcountry electric mountain bikes, the best kit to wear when the weather doesn't know what it's doing, and how often you should replace your helmet. There's more, too, so tune in for your tech fix. If you have a question for a future Tech Q&A, don't forget to email us – podcast@bikeradar.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad ch...

Sep 26, 202243 min

MTB news roundup - 3 Santa Cruz, 2 Pivot and 1 Trek

Deputy editor Jack Luke quizzes our senior technical editor Tom Marvin on the latest new mountain bikes. It's been a busy time over in the US, with three of the most prominent brands releasing a host of new bikes. Santa Cruz led the charge, with three of its models receiving an update – the Tallboy, 5010 and Nomad. It's goodbye 27.5in and hello mullet in California. Pivot has recently expanded its eMTB line, with both a longer-travel and a lighter-weight version of its Shuttle platform. Finally,...

Sep 23, 202236 min

BikeRadar Meets | Trek’s director of road bikes, Jordan Roessingh, on the development of the new Madone and Domane

BikeRadar’s editor-in-chief, George Scott, chats to Trek’s director of road bikes, Jordan Roessingh, about two of this year’s key road launches – the new Trek Madone aero bike and updated Trek Domane endurance bike. Jordan lifts the lid on the Madone’s IsoFlow concept and how Trek has tried to achieve a balance of aerodynamics, lightweight and comfort, as well as explaining why the US brand has moved away from front IsoSpeed on the new Domane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more info...

Sep 19, 202247 min

Top tech tips for planning your next bikepacking trip or cycle tour

The thrill of heading into the unknown is half of the fun when cycle touring… but sometimes it’s nice to know what to expect. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke sits down with regular contributor, Katherine Moore, to discuss the tools, tips and tricks they use when planning multi-day cycling adventures. From simple tips like downloading offline maps to the charmingly nerdy world that is Geograph.org, we promise even seasoned tourists are bound to learn something new. https://www...

Sep 16, 202230 min

NEW ROAD BIKE ALERT! New bikes from Cervélo, Trek and Canyon (plus Zwift and Wahoo’s new smart trainers)

In this week’s edition of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke and Simon von Bromley discuss the latest road bike releases from Cervélo, Trek and Canyon. The pair also discuss the Zwift Hub – the indoor training brand’s first entry into the hardware market – and the recently updated Wahoo Kickr V6. https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2022-cervelo-soloist/ https://www.bikeradar.com/news/new-canyon-ultimate/ https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-trek-domane/ https://www.bikeradar.com/news/zwift-hub-smart-tra...

Sep 14, 202236 min

BikeRadar Meets | Canyon on the development of the new Ultimate

BikeRadar’s Ashley Quinlan sits down with Canyon’s Mattias Eurich (product manager) and Lukas Birr (product engineer) at the launch of the new Ultimate CFR road bike. It’s a case of evolution, not revolution, for Canyon’s racy all-rounder – so what’s changed and why? Read our news story on the new Canyon Ultimate: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-canyon-ultimate/ Read Ashley’s first ride review on the new Canyon Ultimate: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/canyon-ultimate-cfr-...

Sep 09, 202231 min

What’s the point of measuring power? How using a power meter can benefit your riding

BikeRadar’s digital writer, Jack Evans, talks to Tom Bell, an elite mountain biker, current UK national hill climb champion and cycling coach, about training with a power meter. Tom, who runs High North Performance coaching, explains what power means for cyclists and why it matters. All kinds of riders can benefit from measuring power, according to Tom, from beginners to advanced, and road riders to mountain bikers. Jack and Tom discuss ways to analyse your data, with both simple and advanced po...

Sep 05, 202242 min

BikeRadar's guide to mountain bike tyres

In this episode, BikeRadar's tech team dig a little deeper into mountain bike tyre tech. How are mountain bike tyres made? What is the tyre carcass? How do tread block shapes influence the feel of the tyre? All this and more, in this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 02, 202246 min

All new SRAM drivetrain and more tech insights from the 2022 Mountain Bike World Championships

Alex, Luke and Rob dissect the World Champs racing from Les Gets, France, talking you through their thoughts on the new SRAM drivetrain that was spotted, what direction the e-MTB cross-country race might take in the future and whether or not we’ll see more hardtails winning cross country events. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 31, 20221 hr 12 min

Everything you need to know about road racing: race formats explained and how to get started

BikeRadar’s George Scott and Simon von Bromley discuss how to get started in competitive road cycling: the race formats, tactics, equipment and how to take the plunge. You can also listen to our podcast on MTB racing: https://play.acast.com/s/bikeradarpodcast/everything-you-need-to-know-about-mountain-bike-race-formats And our podcast on gravel racing: https://play.acast.com/s/bikeradarpodcast/how-to-get-into-gravel-racing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more a...

Aug 29, 20221 hr 4 min

BikeRadar Meets | Josh Poertner of Silca on marginal gains

BikeRadar’s senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, speaks to Josh Poertner, CEO of Silca. Having spent over 13 years at Zipp, developing aerodynamic wheels and components, Poertner now runs Silca and is a performance and technical consultant to innumerable world-class teams and athletes. In this podcast, Poertner gives in-depth answers to all of Simon’s nerdiest questions on subjects such as tyres, wheels, aerodynamics, drivetrain efficiency and 3D printing, and how these things can potenti...

Aug 26, 20221 hr 22 min

What are mullet bikes and are they better?

The so-called mullet mountain bike is becoming more and more prevalent in the MTB world, with brands launching non-assisted and eMTB versions of bikes able to take a 29in front and 27.5in rear wheel. But why is this the case? What are the advantages and what are the disadvantages? Our tech editors weigh in with their takes on the fastest-growing fashion in mountain biking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Aug 22, 202243 min

How to film a mountain bike edit

Filming a mountain bike edit is a great way of spending a few days with your friends, but getting it right can be tough. Max Wilman, one of BikeRadar's in-house videographers, started filming his buddies as a 16 year old, and progressed his love for filming and MTB to the point where he's made a career out of it. In this episode, he shares his experience, to help budding film makers get off the ground, with tips on how to make a MTB edit. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informati...

Aug 19, 202257 min

Our Dream Garage - We pick our must-own bikes

What three bikes would be in your dream garage? Our tech team of Tom, Ash and Luke pick the three bikes that they'd most like to own - from enduro bikes to skinny-tubed road bikes, with a cargo bike in the middle. The team talk through each bike, justifying its place in their garage of dreams. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 15, 202257 min
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