Is every flagship drivetrain bound to go 13-speed?
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 explained10:40 - Campagnolo 13-speed EPS Wireless is coming22:00 - We’re not sure how to define the new Cannondale Synapse37:00 - Chit chat, amusing clickbait, and problematic AI41:00 - Canyon US and Amazon Prime42:00 - Industry news from DT Swiss43:20 - Vittoria updates the Rubino45:30 - Park Tool’s new free things47:00 - Feedback Sports’ new chain whip alternative50:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)51:00 - Our preferred Co2 inflator heads and alternatives59:20 - Calibrating power meters1:04:10 - Classified’s requirements for the 10T cassettes
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50:49
Special ep: In For Review, May 2025
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 bike14:00 - Standert Kettensäge alloy gravel racer23:00 - Dave was sidelined for a bit24:25 - What we’re enjoying using25:00 - POC Cytal road helmet28:45 - Women’s bib-shorts31:30 - Michelin’s road tyres35:30 - Alex’s introduction to cargo bibs38:30 - Feedback Sport’s Pro E-Lift repair stand43:30 - New products we’re intrigued to try43:50 - Suvi’s keen to test the Cannondale Synapse49:00 - New Wahoo computers52:00 - Boardman SLR 105 Di2 road bike56:00 - A new wave of gravel tyres58:45 - Member-only bonus section: the products that have left us underwhelmed1:00:00 - What’s with tyre logos not lining up?1:04:00 - Fizik’s entry into helmets1:08:00 - Dave’s expensive tool purchase
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59:52
Wheel size history is repeating
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 thing20:50 - ReTyre continues to expand its eco-friendly tyre operation23:45 - Industry Wish list: Better headsets for a specific application29:30 - A quick tech chat with Lachlan Morton39:20 - Hunt’s new Aerodynamicist Carbon Disc road wheels41:00 - Bespoked things42:00 Garbaruk’s prototype electronic rear derailleur50:00 - KOM Xeno Infinity hub52:20 - Antidote comes to gravel with the Path Seeker59:30 - 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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59:58
Electric inflators and a narrower UDH from Factor
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 market25:00 - Factor’s Monza road bike33:00 - TrickStuff and DT Swiss36:30 - Kona Hei Hei mountain bike39:00 - Revel is closing down40:30 - A heist of Ari bikes44:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)44:00 - Using 11-speed Shimano Di2 on newer frames49:15 - RockShox Flight Attendant feeling less smooth and a common shock pump concern58:00 - Gravel suspension considerations and alternatives
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45:43
Wrapping Roubaix and Sea Otter tech
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 tyres6:40 - 13-speed shifting taken to 12 and what tells of SRAM road of the future17:30 - UCI is measuring things. Why?25:20 - Colnago’s new V5RS33:30 - Sea Otter is a Classic39:00 - The rise of the gearbox47:30 - Upside-down suspension returns53:00 - 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 bike1:13:00 - Ask a Wrench (members only)1:17:00 - Upgrading bolts, where and where not1:26:00 - SRAM Transmission on a non-Boost bike1:35:00 - Wheels taking on water
Welcome to Geek Warning, a podcast focused on deciphering the world of cycling tech, explaining how bikes work, and how to make them better. Hosted by Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Brad Copeland, this weekly show is your fix for tech geekitude, covering the latest tech news, industry trends, answering mechanical questions, and whatever else is on our minds.
Escape Collective is entirely member-funded. If you like this podcast please consider supporting us by becoming a member: https://escapecollective.com/member/
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