In this episode of the podcast, our testing team of Tom Marvin, Alex Evans, Luke Marshall and Tom Law talk through the six bikes that have made it into our 2024 Headline Bike Test. The broad range of bikes featured in this test all represent the direction mountain biking is heading in, and we’ve been putting them through their paces over the past few months. Featured are the XC-focussed Cervélo ZFS-5, the ready-to-rally Norco Sight, Trek’s high-pivot enduro Slash, the pocket-friendly Merida One-...
Oct 30, 2023•50 min
We're back for episode two in our training series with Wahoo Fitness. In this episode, Wahoo's principal sports scientist, Mac Cassin, talks BikeRadar's George Scott through fitness testing. What is a fitness test, why should you do one and what options are out there? While Functional Threshold Power may often be the go-to test, Mac also explains why FTP isn't always the answer. Got a fitness or training question for Mac? Email us at podcast@bikeradar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...
Oct 26, 2023•56 min
We all lust after the pro-spec bikes seen on the WorldTour circuit, but do you actually get a better bike by paying top dollar? In an era of carbon fibre, electronic shifting, and hydraulic disc brakes, it might be possible to get all the performance you’ll ever need from a mid-range bike. In this episode, BikeRadar’s senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, and senior technical editor, Ashley Quinlan, discuss a recent group test of three mid-range road racing bikes – the Canyon Ultimate CF S...
Oct 22, 2023•45 min
For the first episode in our new series with Wahoo Fitness, BikeRadar’s George Scott is joined by Wahoo’s lead sports scientist, Mac Cassin, for a training jargon buster. George quizzes Mac on ten key training terms, covering: structured training, power, heart rate, training zones, FTP, energy systems, endurance, sweetspot, VO2 max and periodisation. Got a question for Mac? Email us at podcast@bikeradar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Simon von Bromley grills Jack Luke and Tom Marvin on the gravel cycling accessories they recommend ahead of his conversion to a full-time gravel rider. What accessories do you like to take on your gravel rides? Send your recommendations to podcast@bikeradar.com https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-gravel-tyres/ https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-gravel-bike-accessories/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...
Oct 15, 2023•37 min
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke, Simon von Bromley and Tom Marvin discuss this week’s biggest news in cycling tech. Kicking things off, Simon explains why he thinks the new Aerosensor Aerodynamic Cycling System might be the DIY aero optimisation system we’ve been waiting for. The trio then delve into the new Orbea Occam, arguing about whether flip chips are pointless along the way. Finally, Jack gives an overview of his review of the new Canyon Grail. Please send us your thou...
Oct 12, 2023•37 min
The new men’s UCI gravel world champion, Matej Mohorič, speaks to BikeRadar’s George Scott less than 24 hours after winning the rainbow jersey in his first-ever gravel race. Here’s what we know so far about the new Merida Silex: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/new-merida-silex/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 11, 2023•18 min
In this Tech Q&A we have our senior road technical editor Warren Rossiter and senior technical writer Simon von Bromley offering up their expertise on a range of listener questions. How deep is too deep, when it comes to carbon hoops? Can you tell how worn your cassette is? Plus questions on integrated bars, budget bike choices and the pros and cons of latex inner tubes. If you have a question for a future Tech Q&A, don’t forget to fire them through to podcast@bikeradar.com Learn more ab...
Oct 08, 2023•36 min
Aerosensor recently launched its Aerodynamic Cycling System (ACS), a suite of devices which promise real-time drag measurements on the road. With a patented design claimed to offer easy setup and repeatable data “in practically all weather conditions” could the Aerosensor ACS be about to reshape aerodynamic testing in cycling? To find out, BikeRadar’s senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, spoke to Aerosensor’s founder, Dr Barney Garrood. With extensive experience as an aerodynamicist in Fo...
Oct 05, 2023•50 min
In this episode, our mountain bikers Tom, Tom and Max play a quick game of ‘Would you rather?'. Presented with a choice between two unappealing propositions, the guys have to choose what combo of mountain bike kit they’d strap to their bikes to get the most out of their rides. Would they pick grippy tyres that puncture all the time, or tyres that never puncture but slip and slide all over the place? Perhaps they prefer a rigid bike with a dropper, or a full-suspension rig with a rigid post? List...
Oct 01, 2023•33 min
Shimano has recalled 2.8 million 11-speed Hollowtech road cranks worldwide following 4,519 incidents of cranksets delaminating in the US and Canada alone. Muddled early communications left riders and bike shops uncertain of exactly what was going on and too many questions remain unanswered by Shimano. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior tech writer Simon von Bromley and deputy editor Jack Luke discuss what happened in the hours after the recall was announced and where Shimano goes f...
Sep 28, 2023•39 min
BikeRadar’s Alex Evans and Tom Law discuss why SRAM’s entry into the ebike motor market is a big deal, the brand now offering a top-to - tail outfit of bike componentry. From the system’s wireless connectivity and simple controls through to its automatic - shifting tech, this level of full-system integration is unprecedented. But is the new system any good? Alex and Tom take a deep dive to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 28, 2023•49 min
Simon Warren, author of the 100 Greatest Climbs series of books, joins George Scott for this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast. Simon’s latest book covers 100 ascents in Spain, plus the Canary Islands and Majorca, but George tasks Simon with picking out six of the very best. Buy the book: https://www.100climbs.co.uk/product-page/100-greatest-cycling-climbs-of-spain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 24, 2023•34 min
In this special edition of the BikeRadar podcast, digital writer Jack Evans records live from the British Gravel Championships at the King’s Cup Gravel Festival in Suffolk, east England. After taking part himself, Jack reports on a prestigious event in the UK off-road racing scene. You’ll hear from gravel galacticos, such as Ineos Grenadier Connor Swift and double Olympic triathlon champion Alistair Brownlee, and women’s podium finishers. The cry of the crowd, buzzing freehubs and whirring press...
Sep 21, 2023•37 min
BikeRadar’s Rob Weaver and Alex Evans do a deep dive on four retro mountain bikes they want brought back to life with a modern twist. The pair discuss – among other things – the early days of drop - bar MTBs with Raleigh’s Tomac, the off-the-shelf performance of Giant’s ATX One DH, and how these bikes could be modernised to reflect current trends. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 17, 2023•51 min
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke and Tom Marvin discuss the biggest news in cycling tech this week, kicking things off with the new Santa Cruz Heckler SL and the Wahoo Kickr Move. We also hear from Ash Quinlan and Specialized’s senior design engineer, Glenn Bennett, who gives us the inside scoop on what went into designing the new Roubaix. Finally, we get a sneaky peek at the findings of Tom’s Classified Powershift hub review. As ever, if you have any thoughts, questions or fe...
Sep 14, 2023•37 min
BikeRadar’s George, Alex and Simon bring news of three new bikes. We’ve got something for everyone, with the new Ridley Falcn road bike, revamped Trek Slash enduro bike, and rough and rowdy Wilier Adlar gravel bike. Read our review of the Ridley Falcn – https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/ridley-falcn-rs-ultegra-di2-review/ Watch our video on the Trek Slash – https://youtu.be/-Izh1HyB_ck?si=Np60KsY6uEwG92ZG Listen to our podcast about high-pivot mountain bikes – https://open.spoti...
Sep 10, 2023•26 min
BikeRadar’s senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, recently took eight of the latest high-end road tubeless tyres to Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub to test their rolling resistance. In this episode, BikeRadar’s senior technical editor, Ashley Quinlan, grills Simon on what he learned from that test, and how the results compared to their subjective impressions of riding each tyre in the real world. For the full results of the Silverstone lab test plus in-depth reviews of each tyre, head t...
Sep 07, 2023•53 min
BikeRadar’s power meter cognoscente Simon von Bromley is often asked: “Which power meter should I buy?”. His answer is nuanced. Simon says you have to make compromises when choosing a power meter and probably always will. In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Simon discusses one of his favourite bike tech topics with senior road technical editor Ashley Quinlan and digital writer Jack Evans. https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/the-perfect-power-meter-doesnt-exist/ https://www.bikeradar...
Sep 03, 2023•46 min
In this episode, senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, is joined by road and gravel presenter, Liam Cahill and Ashley Quinlan, senior technical editor, to discuss the two big launches from Shimano – GRX RX810 and 105 R7100. Having attended the press camp in Portland, OR, USA, Liam shares all the details plus his impressions of how the new 12-speed GRX performs. In the final section, the trio dissect 105 R7100 – Shimano’s first 12-speed mechanical road groupset – and whether there’s enough ...
Aug 31, 2023•49 min
Over-biking or under-biking – which should you do? Is it best to buy a bike that can definitely handle every trail you’re going to throw its way, or is doing so going to lead to an uninspiring ride on more mellow, every-day terrain? If your bike isn’t built for the toughest trails, are you going to be left in a terrified heap, or grinning from ear to ear, as you wrestle it over hostile terrain? Our tech writers battle it out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Aug 27, 2023•27 min
Some of the world’s top professional cyclists are taking sodium bicarbonate to improve their performance in high-intensity efforts. To find out why, Jack Evans, BikeRadar’s digital writer and one of the team's strongest athletes, recently took part in the first independent trial of the Maurten Bicarb System used by Team Jumbo-Visma. In this episode, Jack explains how sodium bicarbonate can potentially improve cycling performance and reveals what happened when he took 20 bicarb capsules. Joined b...
Aug 24, 2023•40 min
Specialized and Canyon have both unveiled new, premium road bikes in recent weeks. The Tarmac SL8 made its first official appearance at the men’s World Championship road race in Glasgow. Canyon lifted the lid on the all-new Endurace CFR and updated Endurace CF SLX days later. In this edition of the BikeRadar podcast, Jack Luke is joined by Simon von Bromley and Jack Evans. They discuss Specialized’s claim that the Tarmac SL8 is faster than the Venge and weigh in on the ‘Speed Sniffer’ head tube....
Aug 21, 2023•45 min
We’re lucky at BikeRadar to be able to try out tons of new gear, whether that be bike components or riding kit. This means we rarely need to buy our own kit, which is a lovely problem to have. However, we’re not immune to the occasional purchase – perhaps a well-loved bit of test kit that’s been returned, or something a colleague has been raving about catches our eyes. In this episode, senior technical editor Tom Marvin is joined by technical writers Luke Marshall and Nick Clark to discuss the k...
Aug 17, 2023•38 min
A professional road cyclist’s bike is clearly different from yours – but is that always a good thing? At BikeRadar, we have plenty of expertise and opinions on pro bike tech. In this podcast, senior mountain bike technical editor Tom Marvin is joined by road and gravel video presenter Liam Cahill and digital writer Jack Evans. From handlebar width and bike weight to component choice, the trio discuss the peculiarities of pro bike setup. It turns out, they don’t always envy what elite cyclists ha...
Aug 13, 2023•39 min
Gravel race bikes and gravel bikepacking bikes are two very different things, so why do we still call both of them 'gravel bikes'? In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editor Warren Rossiter argues that the gravel bike genre needs splitting up into sub-sections, to help riders better distinguish between the increasingly diverse set of bikes labelled as ‘gravel’. For his full review, head to https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/gravel-bike-categorisation/ Learn more ab...
Aug 10, 2023•38 min
In between seeking out new tech and eating the finest fayre of his home nation, deputy editor Jack Luke enjoyed the track racing action at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow. Sunday found him watching the qualifications for the men’s elite individual pursuit, where Australia’s Conor Leahy put in a storming effort onboard an unreleased Factor track bike, seeding sixth ahead of the final event. This led to some enthusiastic cheering from a group of Australians in the stands, and who should be...
Aug 08, 2023•15 min
In recent weeks we’ve seen five notable electric mountain bikes being launched onto the market. Our senior technical editors Tom Marvin and Alex Evans bring you all the hot gossip on these new bikes, as well as some riding insights on a few of them too. The bikes range from under £4000 all the way up to just shy of £15000, making the selection as broad as they come. The bikes come from Vitus, Pivot, Mondraker, Intense and Trek, there’s plenty more information available on all the models on BIkeR...
Aug 08, 2023•46 min
Bikepacking has exploded in recent years – social media feeds seem filled with aesthetically pleasing pictures of people setting off into the distance on a bike loaded with camping kit. Here at BikeRadar, we’re not averse to the odd bit of bikepacking. Tom Marvin is joined by digital writer Oscar Huckle and videographer Robyn Furtado – between them they’ve spent plenty of nights under canvas. The team talk all things bikepacking, from route selection and kit picks, to how to load your bike up wi...
Aug 03, 2023•43 min
Deputy editor Jack Luke has just reinvigorated his love for mountain bikes after slinging his leg over a Pivot LES XC hardtail. In doing so, he’s realised there’s much to love about the modern mountain bike. But, there’s also lots that needs changing. In this episode, Jack condenses his rekindled love affair into three great recent developments and three adjustments that still need to happen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Aug 01, 2023•28 min
