Escape Collective

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Channel • 9 Shows

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Updated weekly
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Updated 1 day ago
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Sport

Updated 25/10/2025
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Updated 6 days ago
Sports News

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Updated twice weekly

26 FEB

Can we stop talking in absolutes?

It’s common for everyone to chase the simple answer for what the best product is. In this week’s Geek Warning, Dave and Ronan discuss why those chasing the best of something may be landing upon fiction. Additionally, you’ll hear about the differing paths in aero road wheel design between the latest from Princeton Carbon Works and Cadex. Of course, there’s a PSA. And our Good Thing segment returns. As with every week, members of Escape Collective get access to our Ask a Wrench segment. This week, Zach Edwards joins Dave to discuss greasing principles, whether to lube electronic derailleurs, mixing-and-matching SRAM brakes, and more. If you like the show, then please consider leaving a review. It’s much appreciated. Happy geeking! Time stamps: 1:20 - Princeton Carbon Works’ research into rim widths 10:50 - Cadex’s new aero combo 20:00 - SRAM’s new gravity MTB products 22:55 - Ibis has a new XC bike 24:00 - On our mind: There is no best 36:50 - PSA: Know when you don’t know 46:00 - Good thing: Sync Ergonomics Aerobar Three 51:00 - Ask a Wrench (Members only) 51:30 - Do you lube the pivots of electronic derailleurs? 59:20 - Shimano MTB vs Road on an indoor trainer 1:04:00 - Mixing SRAM dropbar shifters with four-piston calipers 1:09:30 - Applying grease to a thread and how much to use

26 Feb

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51 min
24/01/2025

Winners and Losers of the 2025 WorldTour bikes

Hey Geeks! With the 2025 WorldTour kicking off in Australia, this episode dives straight into the bikes (and bits of tech) that caught our eyes, whether for the right or wrong reasons. The cast of Dave, Suvi, Ronan, and Alex discuss the recently leaked SRAM Force update and the ethical dilemma in covering such an unreleased product. And of course, there’s plenty more new things discussed, too. Toward the end you'll find the usual Ask a Wrench where Dave is joined by pro race mechanic Brad Copeland to answer member-submitted questions. All this and more in this week’s episode. Also, keep an eye out for a bonus episode of the Geek Warning podcast, where Dave Rome goes for a walk through the mechanic pits at the Tour Down Under with aerodynamics expert John Pitman. Unlike most of our bonus episodes, this one will be free to all. Please give it a share if you like it. Timestamps: 1:16 - On Our Minds: Winners and Losers of the 2025 World Tour Peloton Bikes38:00 - SRAM Force leak and its impact on the bike market44:08 - Lapierre recalls some road models45:00 - Rouvy Acquires Fulgaz47:50 - Classified releases a crank and expands cassette options for SRAM50:40 - Formula Cura road calipers52:12 - Pashley’s all-road bikes54:36 - 4iiii factory expansion55:00 - Ask a Wrench: Getting better longevity from an oil-based lube1:02:00 - Ask a Wrench: Slipping D-shaped seatpost woes1:07:50 - Ask a Wrench: Shimano GRX 12-speed braking and compatibility1:17:21 - Escapecollective.com content highlights1:21:19 - Outro

24/01/2025

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1h 23m
09/05/2025

Is every flagship drivetrain bound to go 13-speed?

How is it that a product can be raced by a professional, in a professional event, and that the media aren’t allowed to tell all? It’s become a surprisingly common occurrence, and in this episode, you’ll hear Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome explain how it all works. You’ll also hear about Campagnolo’s latest spotted new drivetrain, and why it likely spells a wider change to 13-speed. Also, Ronan and Dave discuss the new Cannondale Synapse and its rather confusing overlap with other bikes in Cannondale’s range. The conversation then moves to cover other new products and industry news. Finally, Escape Collective members will hear our popular Ask a Wrench segment. This week, Ronan and Dave answer member-submitted questions related to their favourite Co2 inflator heads (and preferred alternatives), an update to the Classified two-speed hub system, and calibrating power meters. As a reminder, you’ll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here. Language warning: Ronan said a naughty word at the 6:58 point of the episode. Time stamps: 2:00 - Spotting new products in clear sight and embargos explained10:40 - Campagnolo 13-speed EPS Wireless is coming22:00 - We’re not sure how to define the new Cannondale Synapse37:00 - Chit chat, amusing clickbait, and problematic AI41:00 - Canyon US and Amazon Prime42:00 - Industry news from DT Swiss43:20 - Vittoria updates the Rubino45:30 - Park Tool’s new free things47:00 - Feedback Sports’ new chain whip alternative50:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)51:00 - Our preferred Co2 inflator heads and alternatives59:20 - Calibrating power meters1:04:10 - Classified’s requirements for the 10T cassettes

09/05/2025

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51 min
07/05/2025

Special ep: In For Review, May 2025

It’s time for the second edition of our ‘In for Review’ Geek Warning podcast. Like the first edition, this one looks to share some of the bikes we’ve been testing and the gear we’ve been enjoying. Plus, we’ve added a segment that talks about newly released products we’re interested in trying. And for those on the Escape Collective member feed (which as the name implies, is only for members), you’ll get a little extra as we discuss a few of the products that haven’t quite met the mark. If you aren't a member yet, you can sign up here. This episode is hosted by tech editor Dave Rome, and you’ll also hear Escape’s tech writers Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt. Enjoy! Time stamps: 3:30 - Van Rysel RCR-F aero bike14:00 - Standert Kettensäge alloy gravel racer23:00 - Dave was sidelined for a bit24:25 - What we’re enjoying using25:00 - POC Cytal road helmet28:45 - Women’s bib-shorts31:30 - Michelin’s road tyres35:30 - Alex’s introduction to cargo bibs38:30 - Feedback Sport’s Pro E-Lift repair stand43:30 - New products we’re intrigued to try43:50 - Suvi’s keen to test the Cannondale Synapse49:00 - New Wahoo computers52:00 - Boardman SLR 105 Di2 road bike56:00 - A new wave of gravel tyres58:45 - Member-only bonus section: the products that have left us underwhelmed1:00:00 - What’s with tyre logos not lining up?1:04:00 - Fizik’s entry into helmets1:08:00 - Dave’s expensive tool purchase

07/05/2025

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1 hr
30/05/2025

Mountain bikers on gravel tyres. What in the upside-down world?

Our necks are hurting from the whiplash of information regarding what tyres are actually fastest off-road. Ronan teases a fresh discussion he had about optimising one sponsored rider for Unbound and some surprising lessons that came from that. It's a topic that continues to fascinate, especially given some of the world's best cross-country mountain bikers have been racing Short Track on 50 mm gravel tyres. In addition to that, you’ll hear Dave Rome, Alex Hunt, and Ronan McLaughlin explain why none of them are currently choosing to use 3D-printed saddles. There’s a PSA for anyone with wireless shifting, and of course, there’s new stuff to talk about, too. As usual, members also get our Ask a Wrench segment, which this week sees Dave Rome and pro race mechanic Brad Copeland answer a handful of questions, including: how keep 11-speed shifting running long-term, understanding bike handling, and best practises for travelling with new SRAM Full Mount derailleurs (Transmission and XPLR). Members can submit new questions here. Timestamps: 5:15 - Corrections corner related to 55 mm road tyres8:40 - Corrections corner related to the Zipp 303 SW naming11:00 - So mountain bike tyres aren’t always faster off-road?24:00 - DT Swiss joins the gravel suspension game29:30 - Why we don’t choose 3D-printed saddles42:10 - A PSA to wireless shifting44:30 - Polygon’s new Helios A road racer50:30 - Goodyear’s new Connector gravel race range55:00 - HED’s new gravel wheels58:30 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (member-only)59:40 - Keeping SRAM 11-speed going long-term1:05:30 - How to understand rear handling?1:09:00 - Travelling with SRAM T-Type/Full Mount derailleurs

30/05/2025

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59 min
25/04/2025

Electric inflators and a narrower UDH from Factor

The travel bike is a highly desirable item for many cyclists with dreams of frequent travel, but does it still hold a place with many modern airline policies? It’s one of the many topics you’ll hear the geeks discuss in this week’s episode. In addition to that, you’ll hear Dave Rome, along with Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) and Escape’s newest tech hire, Josh Weinberg, cover the latest in tech. They discuss the new Factor Monza road bike, where it sits in the range, and the sneaky new UDH Mini rear hanger. Silca’s entry into the electric pump world sparks a wider conversation about the category. Plus, there’s plenty more tech and industry happenings. The episode wraps with our usual Ask a Wrench segment. Here you’ll hear the geeks chat 11-speed Di2, common shock pump leakage, and ponder the pros and cons of modern gravel suspension. As a reminder, you’ll need to be a member of Escape Collective (go here) in order to access this popular segment of the podcast. Members can submit new questions here. Time stamps: 3:00 - The modern-day role of a travel bike?13:00 - a PSA we keep repeating as it needs repeating.17:00 - Silca enters the electric pump market25:00 - Factor’s Monza road bike33:00 - TrickStuff and DT Swiss36:30 - Kona Hei Hei mountain bike39:00 - Revel is closing down40:30 - A heist of Ari bikes44:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)44:00 - Using 11-speed Shimano Di2 on newer frames49:15 - RockShox Flight Attendant feeling less smooth and a common shock pump concern58:00 - Gravel suspension considerations and alternatives

25/04/2025

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46 min
06/06/2025

A Week of Wireless

June has started with a bang when it comes to new cycling tech. This week we’ve seen the long-awaited release of new Shimano XTR Di2, the next generation Super Record from Campagnolo, and a welcomed new power pedal from Favero. All are new products that Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss, in addition to being covered in more detail on Escape Collective. In addition to all that, Unbound gravel saw a whole bunch of unreleased bikes being raced, which Dave and Josh Weinberg (US tech and culture editor) discuss. Of course, there’s also the usual PSA, Ronan has something on his mind, and the episode wraps with the member-only Ask a Wrench segment (with Zach Edwards of Boulder Groupetto helping to answer questions). Members can submit new questions here. As a reminder, this week also brought a special episode of Geek Warning where Shimano’s North American MTB product manager, Nick Murdick, was interviewed about all things related to new XTR Di2. Timestamps: 2:30 - New Shimano XTR7:50 - Campagnolo’s new Super Record WRL 1319:15 - Favero Assioma Pro RS road power pedals27:45 - PSA on eye safety32:00 - On Ronan’s mind, uh oh40:00 - Unbound tech42:30 - Specialized’s new Diverge45:30 - A name suggestion for the new Pinarello gravel racer47:00 - Factor’s two new unreleased gravel bikes51:50 - Orbea’s also got two new gravel bikes going around54:00 - And Vos on a new Cervelo gravel race bike?55:00 - Euro versus US gravel racing seen in bike design1:00:30 - A pre-installed backup tube1:04:30 - Ask a Wrench (member-only)1:06:15 - How to adjust eccentric bottom brackets on single-speeds1:11:30 - A tip for finding dropped items1:15:40 - Our favourite hand cleaner? Hello gloves.1:22:00 - Removing the impossibly stuck crank

06/06/2025

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1h 5m
12/12/2025

Do we ever get tired of bikes?

Geek Warning time! Factor’s new One aero road bike, SRM’s non-power pedals, and whether riding bikes ever feels like work are all things Dave and Ronan discuss this week. There’s a bit of happy news for Spotify users, with our member-only channels now available on the green app. If you’ve been missing out on the Ask a Wrench segment (this week with Brad Copeland) because you’re loyal to Spotify, then now is the time to jump in. Time stamps: 3:00 - Factor’s new One14:00 - New non-power pedals from SRM23:00 - Cube’s recall25:30 - Do we ever get sick of bikes?37:30 - PSA for the bearings on your bike40:15 - Ask a Wrench (Members Only)41:00 - When to replace a punctured tubeless tyre49:00 - How much of a difference do a few millimetres make?57:00 - Pressures for winter tyres

12/12/2025

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41 min
12/03/2025

The first ’In for Review’ special episode

It was an idea teased in a previous episode of the Geek Warning podcast, and we’ve finally done it! Welcome to a pilot episode of In for Review – a special and approximately-monthly edition of Geek Warning that chats about some of the bikes and products we’re actively testing, the things on our minds related to those products, and the tangents that follow. This episode is entirely free for all to hear, but the upcoming content that we discuss will largely be exclusive to members of Escape Collective. This was a first draft, and we already have ideas for making it better. Still, we’re all ears if you have ideas, praise, or criticism. Time stamps: 1:20 - The new Scott Addict Ultimate and Schwalbe Aerothan tyres10:20 - Another Scott as Ronan is wrapping up the Foil15:00 - Testing the Enve MOG through a Scottish winter21:00 - Tangent into swapping between dropbar shifter brands24:00 - Swapping between bikes27:30 - Suvi is down the Rear Radar rabbit hole37:40 - Fizik’s custom 3D printed saddle49:15 - Ronan is trying to find a shoe he actually likes53:00 - Just a pure shameless plug from Ronan58:30 - Dave’s heaviest delivery in recent memory

12/03/2025

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1h 5m
24/10/2024

Fork me, it's the ring of death

Fork me, it's the ring of death

24/10/2024

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1h 1m

Welcome to Escape Collective, your home for independent cycling journalism.

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