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

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke, Tom Law and Simon von Bromley look back at the biggest cycling tech news from the last oh-so-busy few weeks.  Among a deluge of other news, we’ve seen no fewer than three headline road bike tyre launches from Pirelli, Specialized and Vittoria. Resident tyre nerd Simon gives us the lowdown on everything we need to know about these sweet new treads.  CeramicSpeed has also released a new super-fancy lube designed for super-long rides in super-bad weather (just in time for summer in the Northern Hemisphere). The trio discuss this new slippery ointment – or, more accurately, listen to Simon extol the virtues of immersion waxing for the zillionth time.  Finally, Tom tries to explain what makes the Forbidden Druid trail bike interesting to Jack and Simon – a pair of smooth-brained roadies who don’t know an idler pivot from a kickback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Maj 202322min

In this bumper 2023 Road Bike of the Year special, BikeRadar’s road and gravel test team of Simon von Bromley, Ashley Quinlan, Warren Rossiter and Katherine Moore, sit down to discuss the top bikes from each category.   Split into Gravel, Budget Road, Women’s Road, Aero Road, Performance Road and Endurance Road, the team discuss which bikes shone in each hotly contested class and reveal this year’s winners.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15 Maj 20231h

In this episode out test team of Rob Weaver, Al Evans and Tom Marvin discuss their top three bikes from the 2023 MTB Bike of the Year test, covering a total of 24 bikes, split into Trail, Enduro and eMTB categories. They discuss the pros and cons of each bike, as well as revealing the winners in each of their respective categories.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Maj 202356min

BikeRadar digital writer Jack Evans speaks to Jenny Graham, the fastest woman to circumnavigate the globe by bicycle. They discuss Jenny’s new book about her Guinness World Record-breaking ride and the story behind its title, Coffee First, Then the World. Jenny explains why she favours unsupported over supported riding and shares her ultra-endurance cycling tips. Plus, find out why she nicknamed her faithful Shand bicycle “little pig”.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

8 Maj 202337min

When we test a bike, it’s easy to give a nod of approval to a frame, fork, drivetrain or brake, but it’s often the finishing touches that really ‘make’ a bike.  In this episode, senior technical editor Tom Marvin, digital writer Nick Clark and video presenter Tom Law pick out the components that rarely hog the limelight, but really deserve some time in the spotlight. In turn, this is an appreciation of the rarely praised product manager – the person who’s ridden test mules and studied OEM spec offerings and picked some praiseworthy components. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

5 Maj 202341min

French marque Mavic has a storied history in pro cycling. The brand is famous for its establishment of the neutral service, supporting the Tour de France (among a host of other races), and has been a near-constant presence in the bike world for decades. Recently, Mavic hit difficulties after its sale by the Amer Sports Group, followed by receivership, before an 11th-hour buy-out by the Bourrelier Group. Senior road tech editor Ashley Quinlan sits down with new co-CEO Jean-Michel Bourrelier to find out about some of the challenges of rescuing Mavic, and is joined by Simon von Bromley and Oscar Huckle in the studio to discuss what could be next for the brand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

1 Maj 202343min

With several teams and riders using single-chainring setups during this year’s Spring Classics, 1x drivetrains for road bikes are back in the conversation again. With this in mind, BikeRadar’s senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, sits down with senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan, and technical writer Oscar Huckle to discuss the potential advantages (and disadvantages) of ditching your front derailleur. They also consider whether Classified’s Powershift hub gear system could be the tech that finally unlocks the full potential of 1x drivetrains on the road. To find out more about 1x drivetrains, and whether they’re right for your bike and riding, head to https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/1x-drivetrains/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

28 Apr 202349min

George and Tom are back for another episode from Sea Otter, this time talking through new road, gravel and mountain bikes from Nukeproof, Van Rysel, Pole, Vitus, Yeti and Karbon. Check out our Sea Otter 2023 coverage: https://www.bikeradar.com/events/sea-otter/   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

24 Apr 202330min