In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Simon von Bromley catches up with Warren Rossiter to discuss all of the groupset’s new features and find out how SRAM Red XPLR AXS performs out on the trails. The duo also discuss Zipp’s new 303 XPLR wheelset, which features an enormous 32mm internal rim width. While Warren says they perform fantastically, …

Over the past two decades, Team GB has been the dominant track cycling force at the Olympic Games – and arrives at Paris 2024 looking to add to the haul of gold medals. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, triple Olympic champion Ed Clancy reveals the space-age tech used to help power British riders to glory through his career. Learn more abou…

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Tom Marvin and Jack Luke recap on a busy period for mountain bike launches, kicking off with the Specialized Status 2 – an interesting do-it-all shred sled that offers the unusual option to run a 27.5/26in mullet wheel setup on smaller sizes. The pair then discuss the fourth generation of Trek’s all-rounder…

José Antonio Hermida is an institution of cross-country mountain bike racing. From humble beginnings – winning his first race at age 14 in a hockey helmet, swim shorts and a T-shirt – he racked up a wealth of impressive wins throughout his 20-year racing career, culminating in a dominant performance at the 2010 World Championships. He also took sil…

With the 2024 Tour de France coming to a dramatic close, we look back on the past three weeks of racing and some of the classic climbs that have defined the action. BikeRadar's George Scott is joined by Simon Warren, author of The 100 Greatest Climbs of the Tour de France, to talk through five must-ride ascents from this year's Tour. Which climbs s…

After teasing it for weeks, Canyon has announced the new Aeroad CFR. Said to be both lighter and more aerodynamic than the third-generation version, the 2025 Canyon Aeroad is boldly claimed to be “the fastest bike in the pro peloton”. In this podcast, Jack Luke catches up with Simon von Bromley, who spent a few days in Calpe, Sapin, gathering intel…

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to ride a pro-spec bike? Listen up! Senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan has recently had the pleasure of running the rule over some of the best race bikes you’ll find in the pro peloton today, just in time for the Tour de France. Host Tom Marvin dusts off his roadie cap to ask Ash about the bikes, which one ran…

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Ashley Quinlan catches up with Simon von Bromley to discuss the hottest tech trends from the 2024 Tour de France. As always, there’s plenty to cover, including 1x drivetrains on the Galibier, Pogačar’s chunky tyres, Cavendish’s fully optimised bike setup, new aero bikes, waxed chains, aero tyres and more. T…

It's time for another Tech Q&A, this time with Rob Weaver and Oscar Huckle answering your mechanical queries. In this episode we discuss how to check your carbon components are up to scratch, Fox's damper upgrades, cross compatibility with Campagnolo gears and more. If you've got your own tech conundrum, email us at podcast@BikeRadar.com and we'll …

The 15th version of Specialized’s Stumpjumper full-suspension trail bike has been launched, and Rob Weaver has ridden it! Not one to miss out on an opportunity to integrate some interesting tech, Specialized has collaborated with Fox to develop a unique shock to finely tune the suspension’s performance. In this episode, Rob talks us through the new…

It’s Tour time! BikeRadar’s George Scott and Simon von Bromley bring you this special episode from Florence, where they’ve been spotting new bikes ahead of the 2024 Tour. George and Simon talk through the new Pinarello Dogma F, an unreleased Van Rysel aero bike, the brand new Trek Madone, Canyon’s redesigned Aeroad and Dare’s latest aero machine. H…

We speak to Josie Lori Millard, one of Canyon’s supported gravel racers, to find out what her top tips are when it comes to racing gravel. Josie used to be a pro skateboarder, but has transitioned to the world of gravel racing, and very quickly picked up sponsorship from one of the biggest brands out there. We discuss kit and clothing, tyres and tr…

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Jack Luke is joined by Alex Evans and Simon von Bromley to discuss some of the most interesting bike tech stories from recent weeks. First up, Alex takes us through the details on Specialized’s updated Chisel – its high-performing full-suspension alloy MTB. Following that, Simon gives his take on Zwift’s la…

Gravel bikes with suspension might not be mainstream yet, but there’s an increasing number of gravel-specific suspension forks making their way onto the market, both on production bikes, and available for consumers to fit to their existing bikes. Beyond bouncy forks, plenty of gravel bikes have compliance built into the frame, to boost comfort leve…

XC has evolved, and so have the bikes. Following his test of four brand new XC race rigs, Tom Marvin is quizzed by Tom Law on the five things he learnt from his test. All four bikes are fresh for 2024, and represent the latest developments in the sport. We delve into the details, from suspension to tyres and geometry. Full reviews of the four bikes…

How do you pick a tyre for gravel riding? Jack Luke and Tom Marvin are joined by gravel race and former BikeRadar tech guru, Ben Delaney, in our second episode in our gravel cycling series with Canyon, to discuss just that. How do you know what width tyre to get, or how much air you need to put in it? How important is tread pattern, and what on ear…

Last updated in 2014, Shimano’s XTR Di2 groupset is getting long in the tooth. But with the recent release of a semi-wireless, 12-speed GRX groupset, we’re hopeful a new version of the Japanese brand’s top-end race-ready mountain bike groupset late could be with us soon. But what can we expect from a new XTR Di2 groupset? We’ve dug out BikeRadar cr…

In our XPLR NASH podcast with David Rives, we explored the Wonders Center and Science Museum's mission to promote a creationist view of Earth's formation. David discussed the museum's exhibits and its aim to align scientific evidence with the biblical creation account. We examined the challenges and advantages of both creationism and Darwinism, add…

Jack Luke and Tom Marvin are joined by gravel racing legend, Ben Delaney, for the first episode in our gravel cycling series with Canyon. In this episode, the trio discuss what gravel cycling even is and the key things to consider when shopping for you first gravel bike. Looking for more info? Check out these in-depth buyers guides: Buyer’s guide t…

Unbound, arguably the most important gravel race in the world, took place last weekend, and our eyes on the ground spotted a host of interesting tech strapped to bikes and bodies. Jack Luke and Liam Cahill guide Tom Marvin through the most interesting bits of tech seen at the Mid-West’s foremost gravel event. For more Unbound tech, head to www.bike…

Ahead of Unbound 2024, Tom Marvin grills Jack Luke on gravel racing and busts a few myths along the way. No you don’t need to be a pro, no you don’t need to be able to ride silly-long distances and no you don’t even have to ride a gravel bike. For a lot of people, it’s not even a race. This podcast is part of Gravel Racing Week on BikeRadar. Check …

As summer approaches, it's the perfect time to take full advantage of your time on the trails. In this episode, tech writer Luke Marshall is joined by fellow riders Tom Law and Nick Clark to explore how to make the most of your summer riding experience. They share tips on discovering new trails, optimising your bike's performance, and identifying t…

Yesterday, Shimano announced GRX Di2 RX825 – its long-awaited 12-speed electronic gravel bike groupset. In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Jack Luke grills Simon von Bromley to find out what’s changed, what’s stayed the same and what’s missing. For the full scoop on Shimano’s first 12-speed electronic gravel bike groupset head to www.bikerad…

Electronics and bikepacking don’t always go hand in hand. The romanticism of disappearing on your bike for days on end often comes as part of a digital detox, disconnecting from tech in order to mindfully focus on your surroundings. However, Jack Luke, a man well versed in spending weeks under canvas, believes that there’s plenty of place for elect…

SRAM's new Red AXS groupset is claimed to be the world's lightest electronic disc brake road bike groupset, saving 154g versus the previous generation. Priced from around £4,090 / $4,090 / €4,135, the groupset is fully wireless, with a new lever and hood design, increased brake adjustability, and improved braking performance from the hoods. Front s…

Upgrading parts on your bike is something many riders love to do. Whether it’s for a performance benefit or just a splash of personalisation and colour, it can be a fun, if expensive pastime. But which upgrades don’t bring the benefits their price tag suggests? In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editor Tom Marvin sits down w…

After months of testing, it's time to announce our Road Bike of the Year winners. We've got categories for race, endurance, gravel and budget road bikes, as well as urban electric bikes. We're also announcing an overall winner across all five categories. In this podcast, our test team of Ashley Quinlan, Simon von Bromley and Warren Rossiter discuss…

What are the best mountain bikes on sale in 2024? We have the answers. Bike of the Year has come around again, and Tom, Rob and Al have been hard at work testing some of the best mountain bikes around. In this episode, our tech team discuss the best trail, enduro, full-fat and SL ebikes, following three months of dedicated testing. For full reviews…

In this edition of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical writer Simon von Bromley and senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan discuss Ash’s recent test of £500 alloy wheelsets. The duo cover off the key winners and losers, deliver some surprising findings and discuss whether a £500 alloy wheelset is worth buying in 2024. Finally, Ash shares some o…

If you’ve been paying attention to the pro road-racing scene recently, you may have noticed many riders are increasingly using oversized chainrings. Are today’s pro riders so fast they simply need bigger gears than before, or could there be more to this tech trend than meets the eye? In today’s episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Simon von Bromley si…

Are you confused by the jargon you read in our reviews? Find technical terms all a bit much? In this podcast, our technical writer and all-round tech-head Luke Marshall guides you through some of the terms that pop up frequently in our mountain bike reviews. If there are other terms you’re not sure the meaning of, pop us an email, and we’ll do our …

Sea Otter 2024, part trade show, part mountain, road and gravel festival, has just wrapped up. The beady eyes of George Scott and Jack Luke have been on the search for the best MTB kit at the show, and they bring you their top picks here. From fancy frames to brand new pedals, via a very fast set of tyres, the 2024 Sea Otter has provided the goods.…

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 ran…

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 al…

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 send…

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 po…

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…

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.…

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 ta…

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 m…

Fastest Known Times (FKTs) are individual time trials raced over typically mixed-terrain ultra-endurance routes. A long-established racing format in the thru-hiking and backpacking worlds, cycling FKTs have surged in popularity in recent years. In today's episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, custodian of fastestknowntimes.org.uk and ultra-endurance ra…

How do you pick a pocket-friendly gravel bike? What should you look out for and what key features can you expect if you’re spending around £1,000? Senior road technical editor Warren Rossiter has recently completed a test of budget gravel bikes, and in this episode he and Tom discuss the entry-level gravel bike market. They cover the kit you’re lik…

Bike of the Year is coming! Testing for our annual bike review bonanza is well underway. In this episode, George Scott is joined by two of our lead testers, Tom Marvin and Warren Rossiter, to preview Bike of the Year 2024. With nine categories across road, gravel, MTB and urban, what bikes can you expect to see in the test? Tune-in to find out… Rea…

Specialized’s cross-country bike, the Epic 8, was launched with an updated RockShox Flight Attendant, updated to work seamlessly with XC race rigs. In this episode, Tom Marvin speaks to Brian Gordon, Specialized’s product lead on all things XC, and Chris Mandell, North America PR man for SRAM. They discuss the new Specialized Epic 8 and Epic 8 EVO,…

What are your baseline fork settings? The dark-arts of bar tape, and our pick of the best workstands, plus more, feature in this episode of our Tech Q&A series. Tech experts Warren Rossiter and Alex Evans weigh in to help out our listeners navigate the world of cycling tech. Have you any unanswered questions? Pop them to podcast@bikeradar.com and w…

It’s (another) new bike day at BikeRadar – the 10th generation Giant TCR has launched, and we’ve jumped into the podcast studio to cover the major headlines. Senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan is your host, joined by road tech aficionados Simon von Bromley and Liam Cahill to discuss how the latest TCR stacks up. We also hear from Giant’s Andrew…

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 questio…

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…

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…

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 cheape…