The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast Ep 110: Can This New Groupset Save Campagnolo? + Specialized Has Lost Its Mind
Dec 4, 2025
The hosts delve into Campagnolo's financial struggles and its potential revival with a mid-tier groupset. They discuss the backlash against Specialized over a marketing blunder that left wheels looking backwards. Listeners get insights on winter training tips, emphasizing shorter turbo sessions for consistency. An entertaining debate unfolds on e-shifting's necessity in cycling. Plus, anecdotes about gym stories and a DIY mishap add a fun twist to the conversation!
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Transcript
Episode notes
Battery Coating Broke My SRAM Shifter
- Francis ran into SRAM battery issues and learned Energizer's bitter coating can stop contacts working.
- He cleaned batteries with Goo Gone (or tongue jokingly) and restored shifting function.
Heritage Isn’t Enough In Modern Groupsets
- Heritage and prestige alone no longer guarantee market relevance in groupsets; tech-first rivals scale better.
- Modern marketing, sponsorship and niche identity matter as much as product quality.
Specialized's Frankenbike GIF Fluff-Up
- Specialized accidentally published a GIF frame showing a bike with the front wheel built as a rear wheel, sparking AI-image claims.
- The company later said it was a faulty GIF and that the animation was meant to illustrate unconventional wheel depth choices.