Is it safe to ride a road bike on gravel? Plus, the death of suspension fork boots, and your other tech questions answered

In this latest edition of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan sits down with Factor Bikes CEO and founder, Rob Gitelis. They discuss Rob’s history in the cycling world, firstly behind the scenes in carbon manufacture before taking over at Factor, then move on to the future of the material as well as take on the big question about the state of the bike industry today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Mars 202437min

Manufacturers of carbon rims are increasingly adopting hookless rims, citing benefits such as lower weight, improved aerodynamics and reduced manufacturing costs.   Last week, though, on stage five of the 2024 UAE Tour, Thomas De Gendt suffered a high-speed crash while – seemingly – just riding along.   De Gendt’s wheels, a set of Zipp’s 353 NSW carbon wheels with hookless rims, were initially deemed to be at fault, but can we be sure about what actually happened, and could there be more to this story than meets the eye?   In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, deputy editor, Jack Luke, and senior technical writer, Smon von Bromley, discuss the incident and what it might mean for the future of wheel and tyre tech on road bikes.   Simon’s in-depth feature on the incident: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/de-gendt-uae-tour-crash-are-hookless-rims-safe   Since this episode was recorded, Vittoria has released a statement seeking to clarify the cause of the incident: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/vittoria-statement-de-gendt-crash-hookless-rims  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 Mars 202445min

How do we test the best road cycling kit on the market? In a follow-up to our MTB testing secrets podcast, Tom sits down with Ash and Simon to discuss the trickiest road cycling kit to test, and how we overcome those difficulties. Power meters, saddles, shoes, wheels and smart trainers all pose their own difficulties, but with a bit of know-how and experience, we can ensure our reviews are as accurate as possible. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

26 Feb 202455min

It’s been a big week for tech news on BikeRadar. George, Jack and Simon discuss five of the week’s most interesting stories, from Campagnolo’s new gravel groupset to a revamped Canyon Spectral trail bike, via five-star power meter pedals.   Read more on BikeRadar: Campagnolo Ekar GT is the brand’s widest-ranging gravel groupset ever – and it's cheaper than Ekar https://www.bikeradar.com/news/campagnolo-ekar-gt   Favero’s new off-road power meter pedals ditch the pods and undercut rivals on price https://www.bikeradar.com/news/favero-assioma-pro-mx-power-meter-pedals   Favero Assioma PRO MX review https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/training/power-meters/favero-assioma-pro-mx-power-meter-pedals-review   Canyon revamps Spectral CF range with K.I.S. steering stabiliser, frame storage and reduced travel https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-canyon-spectral-cf-range   Canyon Spectral CF 9 first ride review https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/canyon-spectral-cf-9-first-ride-review   Panaracer's new Agilest Fast road tyre is claimed to be ‘as fast as anything in the market’ https://www.bikeradar.com/news/panaracer-agilest-fast-tyre   New Oakley Aro 7 helmet cheats the wind with integrated visor https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-oakley-aro-7-aero-helmet   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

23 Feb 202456min

Our Tech Q&A episodes are back, with Rob and Warren giving their expert advice on all things cycling tech and answering the questions our listeners have sent to podcast@bikeradar.com . In this episode, we weigh in on light versus heavy spokes, and the plethora of headset options out there. We’ve questions on the necessity of cycling computers and the differences between single-pivot linkage actuated suspension (faux-bar) and Horst-Link (four-bar) designs. There’s also a request for recommendations when it comes to purchasing a bike for a child. If you’ve a question of your own, please pop us an email! ” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Feb 202446min

In today’s episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, deputy editor Jack Luke and senior technical editor Tom Marvin discuss this week’s biggest news stories in MTB tech.    With Orange Bikes saved from administration, the pair consider how the brand may evolve in the coming years. They also ponder what it is that makes Pivot, and brands like it, so cool, and the proliferation of integration on modern mountain bikes.    And please don’t forget to share your thoughts on what you consider the coolest cycling brands and integration with podcast@bikeradar.com  https://www.bikeradar.com/news/orange-bikes-saved-by-owner-ash-ball  https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/orange-bikes-administration-opinion https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/scott-ransom-900-rc-first-ride-review https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-pivot-switchblade Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Feb 202430min

With decades of experience between them, our tech team of Tom, Rob and Luke have come up against a raft of tricky tests in their time. Some products are simply difficult to put through their paces, while others involve a lot of background work to ensure the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed. Over the years, the team has come up with a few ways of ensuring our reviews are as accurate as possible – and some of those techniques might leave you surprised!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Feb 202444min

Winter can be a tough time for a cyclist, so in this episode, BikeRadar's George Scott, Jack Luke and Simon von Bromley talk through 6 winter cycling mistakes to avoid. And they're talking from bitter experience!   Listen to our podcast with three waterproof experts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bikeradar-podcast/id1461106709?i=1000644146441   Read Simon's High-Mileage Heroes of the Sportful Fiandre Light NoRain Vest: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/sportful-fiandre-light-norain-vest   BikeRadar's buyer's guide to chain lubes: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/chain-lubes   How to wax your chain: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/workshop/how-to-wax-a-chain   How to treat and avoid saddle sores: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/health/how-to-avoid-and-treat-saddle-sores   UK Climbing – 10 tips on staying warm in winter: https://www.ukclimbing.com/articles/skills/10_tips_on_staying_warm_in_winter_by_andy_kirkpatrick-6903 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

9 Feb 202454min