The things bike companies still get wrong

Sea Otter 2024 has landed, merging trade-show tech with bike-festival vibes. Our editorial duo of Jack Luke and George Scott are pounding the grounds of Laguna Seca Raceway to bring you the best bits. This podcast focuses on the best of the drop-bar tech seen on day one. Jack Luke almost lost his marbles when he spotted Ritchey’s new Montebello randonneur bike, and was blown away by 5Dev’s scuff-proof cranks. There also were some fancy bikes from the likes of Parlee, while the team got a hands-on look at the new Cane Creek Invert gravel fork that has certainly stirred up plenty of comments. For the most up-to-date news from the show, follow BikeRadar’s Instagram account here: https://www.instagram.com/bikeradar/ And, of course, there are plenty of in-depth features on BikeRadar.com, including the stories below on Ritchey, Parlee, 5Dev and Cane Creek. https://www.bikeradar.com/news/ritchey-montebello https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-parlee-ouray https://www.bikeradar.com/news/5dev-diamond-coated-cranks https://www.bikeradar.com/news/cane-creek-invert-gravel-suspension-forks   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Apr 202425min

In today’s episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, deputy editor Jack Luke and senior technical writer Simon von Bromley discuss the latest tech news in road cycling.   Last week saw the launch of the new ENVE Fray and BMC Roadmachine – both endurance road bikes with an all-road slant. As well as sharing details of each new bike the pair discuss whether all-road bikes can really do double duty off and on the tarmac.   Next up, Jack and Simon discuss Campagnolo’s new HPPM power meter, and why it took the BikeRadar team by surprise.   Finally, this week’s podcast wraps with details about Shimano’s new Essa groupset – an 8-speed 1x-only groupset designed specifically for budget bikes. The duo consider how it fits in with Shimano’s Cues range, and what it could signal for entry-level bikes of the future.   As always, if you have any comments, questions or feedback about what was discussed in this podcast, you can email the BikeRadar team at podcast@bikeradar.com. https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/enve-fray-first-ride-review  https://www.bikeradar.com/news/bmc-roadmachine-2024  https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-campagnolo-hppm-power-meter https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-shimano-essa Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

14 Apr 202435min

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke, Tom Marvin and Warren Rossiter answer questions sent in by you, our beloved listeners. From average chain life to describing the feel of tyres, the trio shares solutions for your burning tech questions.    Thanks to Steve Wilson, Nicolas Rogowski, Tom Parish, Owen Lockwood and everyone else for sending in your questions!   If you have any questions you want answered in a future episode, send them to podcast@bikeradar.com    https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/workshop/how-to-set-up-your-mountain-bike-suspension-video-guides-to-help-you-get-the-most-from-your-bike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Apr 202433min

It's the morning after the night before and, with the dust settling on another edition of Paris-Roubaix, George, Liam and Simon sit down to digest this year's tech highlights. Big tyres, bigger chainrings, aero optimisations and even gravel bikes featured over the cobbles of the Hell of the North.   Got a question for the team? You can email us at podcast@bikeradar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 Apr 202430min

Dropper seatposts are near-ubiquitous on modern mountain bikes, but what separates the good from the bad, how do they work and what should you look out for when shopping for a new one?    Hot on the heels of a nine-way test, BikeRadar digital writer Nick Clark outlines the key buying considerations and spills the beans on the best and worst of dropper seatpost tech today.   He’s joined by BikeRadar MTB presenter Tom Law and deputy editor Jack Luke, who’ve each spent enough time swearing into a seat tube and fishing about for pesky cables to earn a spot in this episode.  BikeRadar’s buyer’s guide to the best dropper seatposts: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-dropper-posts Nick’s matt paint op-ed: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/matt-paint-is-trash      Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Apr 202436min

It’s easy to assume professional bike riders get access to the best kit available, but the reality can be very different.   From wild monocoque triathlon bikes through to ultra-light climbing bikes, long socks and myriad aerodynamic upgrades, there are many things pros simply aren’t allowed to use due to stringent regulations or sponsor restrictions.   In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, two of the team’s keenest roadies, Simon von Bromley and Liam Cahill, discuss all these things and how they’d change the rules if they were in charge.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

31 Mars 202447min

BikeRadar’s XC fans Rach and Tom look ahead to the 2024 XC season. The first rounds are coming up shortly in Brazil and the summer’s Olympic Games are on the horizon. The past six months have seen a host of exciting, new XC bikes and tech being launched, so in this episode we discuss the latest race bikes as well as picking out who we think will take home the gold from the summer Games in Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

29 Mars 202432min

Which accessories do you need for mountain biking and which don’t you need? We run through the five most important mountain bike accessories and reveal the five you don’t really need (though they may be nice to have). With over 70 years of cumulative MTB experience, Tom, Rob and Al know what makes our riding lives easier — and what doesn’t really make much difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Mars 202435min