The UCI drops another HUGE rule change, plus SRAM and Shimano’s new groupsets
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke and senior technical writer Simon von Bromley break down a huge week in cycling tech news. From the UCI’s latest major rule change to new groupsets from SRAM and Shimano – and motorsport giant Brembo entering the cycling world via Specialized – they unpack all the key stories. Plus, don’t miss BikeRadar’s top story of the week and our rant of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
20 Jun 39min
Key points you need to know about the UCI’s controversial new tech rules
The UCI has announced sweeping controversial changes to its technical regulation, including new limits on handlebar width, helmets and tyre size. Due to take effect from 2026, officials say the rules are designed to level the playing field and ensure “sporting fairness”, but the response from riders and industry figures has been mixed. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke and senior tech writer Simon Von Bromley explain the key details of the changes, and how the experts and racers have reacted to the changes. https://www.bikeradar.com/news/uci-tech-rules-2026 https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/uci-handlebar-width-rules-2026 https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/uci-handlebar-width-womens-impact https://www.bikeradar.com/news/uci-rejects-one-cycling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19 Jun 28min
Tech Q&A – your questions answered! Padded shorts for MTBing, £2k XC bikes, how to build a do-it-all gravel bike, better brakes for converted e-bikes and more
The Tech Q&A is back, with Jack Luke, Tom Marvin and Simon Von Bromley fielding your questions. This time around, the trio cover: Do MTBers wear padded shorts, and if so what kind? Having recently crashed their gravel bike at a local trail centre, one rider is looking for a fun hardtail with a £2,000 budget – we recommend our three top picks Can you fit bigger brake rotors to a converted e-bike to help with stopping power? What to do if your mechanical shifting isn’t performing at its best Smartwatches as an alternative to GPS bike computers – are they any good, what compromises might you have to make, and what brands we’d recommend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
15 Jun 41min
Why TRP Vistar is the best Classified integration yet – plus why alloy bottle cage bolts suck
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke grills Simon von Bromley on his experience with Vistar – an all-new drivetrain that neatly integrates Classified’s two-speed hub into a fresh component ecosystem from TRP. The pair are joined by MBUK presenter Tom Marvin, who gives his take on the system, having tested Classified for BikeRadar on his gravel bike. https://www.bikeradar.com/news/official-tour-de-france-guide https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/groupsets/groupset-road/trp-classified-vistar-powershift-groupset-review https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-kills-di2-batteries-with-self-powered-qauto-hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12 Jun 32min
Campagnolo strikes back with Super Record 13 – and Shimano gets weird with Q’Auto
This week on the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke and Simon von Bromley get stuck into Campagnolo Super Record 13 – the world’s first 2x 13-speed wireless road groupset. Lighter than the competition, full of smart tech and surprisingly affordable, could Super Record 13 be the comeback Campag fans have been waiting for? The pair also cover: The return of the iconic Campag thumb shifter Why SRAM and Shimano should be worried Future launches from Campagnolo Shimano’s strangest product launch in years And last week’s top story Read more on everything discussed in today’s podcast: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/groupsets/groupset-road/campagnolo-super-record-13-first-ride-review https://www.bikeradar.com/news/campagnolo-super-record-13 https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-kills-di2-batteries-with-self-powered-qauto-hub https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/progress-or-protectionism-in-ebike-industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 Jun 38min
Shimano launches XTR M9200 Di2, its first wireless electronic MTB drivetrain
Senior tech ed Alex and video presenter Tom chat all things XTR Di2, from the brand’s removal of wires and internal batteries through to shifter ergonomics and shift performance. Tune in if you want all the juicy insights on Shimano’s latest product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
4 Jun 43min
A drop bar MTB for Unbound?! Why Chris Mehlman’s wild Pivot LES SL could be the future of gravel tech
In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke takes a super nerdy deep dive into Chris Mehlman's drop bar Pivot Les, which he’ll race at Unbound XL 2025. We explore the specifics of his bike setup, including lots of detail on the logic behind his tyre, suspension and bag choices, and how this unconventional approach reflects wider gravel racing tech trends. If you're a fan of big gravel adventures, weird bikes and clever hacks, you won't want to miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29 Mai 50min
Should mountain bike tyres be even wider? Why bigger might not always be better
Mountain bike tyre widths seemed to have plateaued, but could making them wider offer more traction and cushioning, or even make you faster? Some people certainly think so. In this episode, Tom, Alex and Rob revisit the tyre-width debate, talk through their experiences testing and riding bikes equipped with wider rubber, and discuss the pros and cons. Have we hit the sweet spot already or is there still room for improvement? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 Mai 30min
