The BikeRadar Podcast

For this bitesized episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, editor-in-chief, George Scott, speaks to Nathan Haas, who enjoyed a ten-year career as a WorldTour professional on the road, before switching to gravel full-time in 2022. Nathan discusses the unique physiological, technical and tactical demands of gravel, as well as his tech setup, favourite races and targets for 2023.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shimano 105 saw an eagerly-awaited update in 2022. In came Di2 electronic shifting and 12-speeds (in a disc brake-only flavour to boot), while mechanical shifting 105 got left behind. In this podcast, BikeRadar’s road tech maestros Simon von Bromley, Ashley Quinlan and Warren Rossiter delve into our latest four-way bike group test, which featured the previous-generation 105 R7020 groupset. They discuss the continued merits of mechanical 105, why Shimano should consider updating 105 R7000/R7020 to bring it into 12-speed line with its new electronic sibling, and if mechanical 105 R7020 is still the bang-for-buck performance benchmark groupset you shouldn’t ignore.Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, digital writer Jack Evans explores what’s powering the popularity of electric bikes.  Jack asks Specialized Globe and Brompton why they’re investing in electric bike technology, while Emily Sinclair from cycling charity Sustrans and Selaine Saxby MP explain their support for ebikes.  Meanwhile, Saul Leiken from Specialized Globe makes the case for electric cargo bikes as an alternative to cars in towns and cities. Brompton’s head of design, Will Carley Smith, says going electric was an easy decision for the brand, but incorporating an electric motor into a compact folding bike proved trickier.  Sustrans Cymru liveable cities and towns officer Emily Sinclair tells Jack about a Welsh government-funded scheme that loans electric bikes to people for free.  Conservative MP for North Devon Selaine Saxby is a keen ebike user. She says the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, which she co-chairs, advocates more financial support for people to buy electric bikes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scott has just launched two new versions of its trail bike, the Genius. Both feature 150mm of travel at the rear, with 160mm forks, but the new Super Trail line, which also extends to the Spark family, gets more aggressive build kits with a focus on descending capabilities.Our senior technical editor Tom Marvin has ridden the Genius ST and, in this bite-sized episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, talks through the new bikes. Read more about the new Scott Genius: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-scott-genius/ ‎Read Tom’s first ride review: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension-mountain-bikes/2023-scott-genius-st-900-tuned/Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special edition of the BikeRadar Podcast, digital writer Jack Evans records live from the UK National Hill Climb Championships in Llangollen, North Wales.  After taking part himself, Jack reports on a totemic event in the UK domestic racing scene.  You’ll hear from the UK’s top climbers, including the women’s and men’s champions, and find out which bikes they rode on the 1.6km climb, with an average gradient of 12.5 per cent.  The clang of cow bells, blast of horns and roar from the crowd will transport you to the Old Shoe’s relentlessly steep slopes.  https://www.bikeradar.com/features/pro-bike/2022-hill-climb-bikes/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01n3XHOtsyI&t=697sHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editors Tom Marvin, Warren Rossiter and Alex Evans introduce you to the world of electric bikes, covering off a range of topics from the very basics through to more complex issues such as maintenance, reliability and battery capacities.Whether you’re starting your ebike journey or you’re a seasoned super charger, there’s helpful and useful insight for all riders in this episode.Want to learn more about electric bikes? Check out these in-depth buyer’s guides over on BikeRadar.com:  https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/what-is-an-electric-bike/ https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-electric-bikes/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Winter is almost upon us in the UK, and it's fair to say that heading out into the wilds when the wind is blowing and the rain is pouring isn't always the most appealing.However, if you want to keep in shape over the darker months, or just want to get out and about and enjoy your bike, it's still possible to do so when the sun isn't shining.Our senior technical editors, Alex, Warren and Tom, share their experience of getting getting winter miles in, following many, many years of non-stop winter bike riding fun. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Canyon has released a steering stabilisation system for the Spectral 29. This discreet system, which sits inside the top tube, provides a self-centring effect on the handlebars. Canyon claims this adds control and stability to calm the handling when things are getting rough at high speeds, or when you’re tackling slow-paced technical sections of trail, improving, the brand says, the connection between your front and rear wheels.In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, technical editor in chief, Robin Weaver – who was among the first riders in the world to test the production version of the system – is grilled by technical editor Alex Evans to learn how the system works and whether its claimed benefits stack up in the real world.https://www.bikeradar.com/news/canyon-syntace-kis-self-centring-steering-stabilisation-system/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our latest Tech Q&A episode, our tech-heads look at everything from how best to plan and track your rides, on and off road, to which tools realy should be in your tool kit, and how to pick the best handlebar shape for your road bike. There are other hints, tips and guides in there too, so make sure you listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

George, Ash and Stan from BikeRadar dissect a bumper week for road and gravel tech, covering the launch of the new Specialized Diverge STR and Bianchi Oltre RC, as well as the return of the Bespoked show.As Specialized’s first take on a full-suspension gravel bike, the Diverge STR introduces Future Shock Rear, a tendon-like system with 30mm of travel.The Oltre RC, meanwhile, is Bianchi’s next-generation aero road bike, complete with F1-inspired Air Deflector wings on the head tube.The trio also reflect on the 2022 edition of Bespoked, the UK’s leading handmade bicycle show. What weird and wonderful machines did we find in London?New Specialized Diverge – https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-specialized-diverge-str/New Bianchi Oltre RC – https://www.bikeradar.com/news/bianchi-oltre-rc/BikeRadar’s Bespoked 2022 coverage – https://www.bikeradar.com/events/bespoked/Bespoked gallery – https://www.bikeradar.com/features/2022-bespoked-gallery/Sturdy reveals the Eimar, a 3D-printed, titanium time-trial bike – https://www.bikeradar.com/news/sturdy-eimar-time-trial-bike/Josh Poertner podcast – https://play.acast.com/s/bikeradarpodcast/bikeradar-meets-josh-poertner-of-silca-on-marginal-gains Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices