Specialized Aethos 2, next-gen Shimano pedals leaked, UCI cost caps and more…

From the biggest bike and groupset launches to innovations that arguably missed the mark, 2023 was an interesting year for tech news in road and gravel.   In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Ashley Quinlan, Simon von Bromley and Liam Cahill sit down to discuss some of their personal highlights from the year gone by. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Des 202351min

Just how good are modern downhill mountain bikes? Are they as hard to handle as an F1 car or can any mere mortal throw a leg over one and be certain of a great time?  In this episode, Rob is joined by Luke Marshall, our resident downhill racing expert, who’s returned from the French Alps after testing three of the latest DH bikes to share his findings and answer those all-important questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15 Des 202339min

Simon von Bromley thinks gamified indoor cycling, typified by Zwift’s virtual worlds, is the best thing since tanwall tyres. BikeRadar’s chief smart-trainer tester argues that indoor cycling apps should learn from popular video games, such as Mario Kart, and prioritise fun over realism.  On the other hand, Jack Evans wants to get fit, not have fun, on his turbo trainer. He prefers apps that focus on structured workouts, such as TrainerRoad.  With Jack Luke mediating, the pair debate their diametrically opposed views on indoor cycling.  https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/indoor-cycling-gamification/ https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/indoor-cycling-is-boring/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Des 202337min

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke, Simon von Bromley and Tom Marvin discuss the week’s biggest news in cycling tech. First off, the trio take a look at CeramicSpeed’s latest piece of high-end bling – the €579 / $669 Oversized Pulley Wheel System for SRAM’s Eagle Transmission drivetrains.   Next, Simon spills the beans on Van Rysel’s new RCR Pro. Created for the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale team and soon to be raced in the WorldTour, could this be the best-value superbike out there?   Wrapping things up is the news that Strava has finally implemented direct and group messaging . Is this a game-changing feature, and are there other features the team would like to see added to the popular ride-sharing app?   https://www.bikeradar.com/news/ceramicspeed-ospw-sram-eagle-transmission/ https://www.bikeradar.com/features/pro-bike/decathlon-ag2rs-van-rysel-rcr-pro-xcr-tt/ https://www.bikeradar.com/news/strava-messaging/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 Des 202329min

Warren Rossiter has had the chance to ride new endurance road bikes from two of the biggest manufacturers around, the Specialized Roubaix and the Giant Defy.   These bikes indicate two divergent takes on what makes for a great endurance road bike.   The Roubaix displays all-day comfort along with Specialized’s Future Shock suspension system, while the Defy is a ‘proper’ road bike, with quick handling derived from the TCR but with a little more comfort built in.     Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Des 202335min

MBUK and Cycling Plus magazines recently celebrated some of the standout riders in the world of cycling, with their inaugural Rider of the Year awards.   Via a public vote and expert panel, awards were given for Newcomer of the Year, Lifetime Achievement and Rider of the Year, across both road and mountain biking.   In this episode , our magazine editors, James Costley White from MBUK and Matt Baird from Cycling Plus, as well as podcast regular Rob Weaver, discuss the nominees and winners with Tom Marvin. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 Des 202328min

For a lot of people, buying a mountain bike tyre is a process shrouded in mystery. Confusing and undescriptive product names, a zillion tyre carcass options and compounds that appear to defy logical conventions all make deciding which tyre you need for the type of riding you do a mind-boggling affair. But who’s at fault? Do tyre brands need to make their naming conventions simpler – or even unified – to help people understand and compare models? BikeRadar’s tech-focused staffers Rob, Luke, Tom, and Alex chime in with their opinions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Nov 202334min

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, gravel newbie Simon von Bromley quizzes gravel regulars Warren Rossiter and Tom Marvin on their hints and tips to survive a winter struggling through the mud. From bike prep to clothing, nutrition to route selection, our gravel team’s tips ensure that Simon will keep pedalling with a smile on his face this winter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 Nov 202340min