The BikeRadar Podcast

The UCI has announced sweeping controversial changes to its technical regulation, including new limits on handlebar width, helmets and tyre size.  Due to take effect from 2026, officials say the rules are designed to level the playing field and ensure “sporting fairness”, but the response from riders and industry figures has been mixed. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke and senior tech writer Simon Von Bromley explain the key details of the changes, and how the experts and racers have reacted to the changes. https://www.bikeradar.com/news/uci-tech-rules-2026 https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/uci-handlebar-width-rules-2026 https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/uci-handlebar-width-womens-impact https://www.bikeradar.com/news/uci-rejects-one-cycling Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tech Q&A is back, with Jack Luke, Tom Marvin and Simon Von Bromley fielding your questions. This time around, the trio cover: Do MTBers wear padded shorts, and if so what kind? Having recently crashed their gravel bike at a local trail centre, one rider is looking for a fun hardtail with a £2,000 budget – we recommend our three top picks Can you fit bigger brake rotors to a converted e-bike to help with stopping power? What to do if your mechanical shifting isn’t performing at its best Smartwatches as an alternative to GPS bike computers – are they any good, what compromises might you have to make, and what brands we’d recommend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke grills Simon von Bromley on his experience with Vistar – an all-new drivetrain that neatly integrates Classified’s two-speed hub into a fresh component ecosystem from TRP.    The pair are joined by MBUK presenter Tom Marvin, who gives his take on the system, having tested Classified for BikeRadar on his gravel bike.   https://www.bikeradar.com/news/official-tour-de-france-guide https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/groupsets/groupset-road/trp-classified-vistar-powershift-groupset-review https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-kills-di2-batteries-with-self-powered-qauto-hub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke and Simon von Bromley get stuck into Campagnolo Super Record 13 – the world’s first 2x 13-speed wireless road groupset.   Lighter than the competition, full of smart tech and surprisingly affordable, could Super Record 13 be the comeback Campag fans have been waiting for? The pair also cover: The return of the iconic Campag thumb shifter Why SRAM and Shimano should be worried Future launches from Campagnolo  Shimano’s strangest product launch in years  And last week’s top story   Read more on everything discussed in today’s podcast:   https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/groupsets/groupset-road/campagnolo-super-record-13-first-ride-review https://www.bikeradar.com/news/campagnolo-super-record-13 https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-kills-di2-batteries-with-self-powered-qauto-hub https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/progress-or-protectionism-in-ebike-industry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Senior tech ed Alex and video presenter Tom chat all things XTR Di2, from the brand’s removal of wires and internal batteries through to shifter ergonomics and shift performance. Tune in if you want all the juicy insights on Shimano’s latest product. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital editor Jack Luke takes a super nerdy deep dive into Chris Mehlman's drop bar Pivot Les, which he’ll race at Unbound XL 2025.    We explore the specifics of his bike setup, including lots of detail on the logic behind his tyre, suspension and bag choices, and how this unconventional approach reflects wider gravel racing tech trends. If you're a fan of big gravel adventures, weird bikes and clever hacks, you won't want to miss this one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mountain bike tyre widths seemed to have plateaued, but could making them wider offer more traction and cushioning, or even make you faster? Some people certainly think so. In this episode, Tom, Alex and Rob revisit the tyre-width debate, talk through their experiences testing and riding bikes equipped with wider rubber, and discuss the pros and cons. Have we hit the sweet spot already or is there still room for improvement? Tune in to find out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke and Simon von Bromley unpack the chubby new direction for road bike tyres. Are 50mm tyres the future or a passing fad?   The pair also cover:    ·         The new Cervélo S5  ·         Standert’s Kreissäge RS – a “circular saw” for chasing KOMs ·         A drunken 1970s cycling adventure ·         Last week’s top content ·         Why saddle packs maybe don’t suck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tech Q&A is back, with Jack Luke and Simon Von Bromley fielding your questions. This time around, the pair cover: 26in, 27.5in or 29in? Which wheel size suits trail riding? Best British bike brands: Looking beyond Orange and Whyte? We suggest five UK makes worth a look – plus the Whyte T-140 RS gets a shoutout as a standout full-suspension option Mechanical disc brake upgrades: We share easy, affordable tips to boost lever feel and stopping power without switching to hydraulic Health benefits of cycling: From cardio to mental clarity, we run through the physical and psychological boosts two wheels can bring Best tyres for wet commutes: Grip, durability and rolling resistance – what to look for when choosing rubber for rainy-day riding What happens when an e-bike battery dies? For riders considering an ebike, we explain battery life, maintenance and proper recycling. Got a question for a future episode? Drop us a message at Podcast@bikeradar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A new 13-speed Campagnolo Super Record groupset has been spotted at the 2025 Giro d’Italia, and it’s more than just an extra cog. From a redesigned rear derailleur and potential 1x compatibility to the long-awaited return of the iconic thumb shifter, this could mark a real turning point for the legendary Italian brand. We dig into what’s new, what’s still to come, and why this matters for Campagnolo’s place in the modern peloton.   https://www.bikeradar.com/news/new-campagnolo-super-record-wireless-groupset-2025-giro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices