The BikeRadar Podcast

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 crystal ball, and with the help of video presenter Tom Law and Technical Writer Luke Marshall, have built a wish-list of features for next-gen XTR. https://www.bikeradar.com/features/opinion/where-is-12-speed-mtb-di2 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 to gravel bikes: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-gravel-bikes Gravel bike setup explained: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/gravel-bike-setup   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.bikeradar.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 out all of our gravel racing content here: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/gravel-racing-week-bikeradar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 the essential gear you need to ride at your best. Tune in to find out how to make this summer your most enjoyable yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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.bikeradar.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 electronics on your next multi-day adventure.But, which digital devices should you pack in your panniers? Jack explains all.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 shifting is also claimed to be faster and smoother. In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editor Warren Rossiter shares his thoughts on the revised shifter ergonomics, enhanced braking and shifting changes with deputy editor Jack Luke and senior technical writer Simon von Bromley.  2024 SRAM Red AXS groupset review: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/groupsets/groupset-road/sram-red-axs-review Hands-on with SRAM Red AXS | Real weights vs Shimano Dura-Ace Di2: https://www.bikeradar.com/features/tech/2024-sram-red-axs-weights New SRAM Red AXS is the world’s lightest electronic disc brake groupset: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/new-sram-red-axs New Hammerhead Karoo integrates with SRAM AXS and improves GPS accuracy: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-hammerhead-karoo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover the debate on carbon vs. alloy handlebars, wheels, and rear derailleurs for mountain bike upgrades. Learn about the merits of GX, XO, and XXSL group set transmissions, suspension upgrades, and fork damping. Get advice on maximizing biking performance with strategic upgrades like premium trainers and specialized tires. Explore the benefits of quality bib shorts and lighter cassettes for an enhanced mountain biking experience.

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 the 2024 Bike of the Year test, their top three bikes in each category and, of course, the winners. Read more on our 2024 Road Bike of the Year test: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-road-bike-of-the-year-winnersCheck out our 2024 Mountain Bike of the Year winners: https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-mountain-bike-of-the-year-winnersListen to our 2024 Mountain Bike of the Year podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oNkfe5x1dzEdov9ajhTUK Here are all 24 bikes featured in our 2024 Road Bike of the Year test: Race Bike of the Year:Focus Izalco Max 9.8 – £6,599 / €6,799 (not available in the US)Specialized Tarmac SL8 Pro - SRAM Force eTap AXS – £8,000 / $8,500 / €8,500Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Aero – £4,799 / €4,999 / AU$7,649 (model not available in USA)Handsling A1R0evo Classified Powershift – £6,499.99 Endurance Bike of the Year:Canyon Endurace CF SLX 8 Di2 - £4,999 / $5,499Cinelli Pressure ADR (105 Di2 Ksyrium 30 build) - £3,799 / $4,754Specialized Roubaix SL8 Comp - £5,000 / $5,000Lauf Úthald Race Wireless - £4,458.05 ($5,628.00 inc. shipping) / $4,690Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 - £3,499 / $N/A Gravel Bike of the Year:Orbea Terra M41E Team Ix MyO - £4,518 / $4,638GT Grade Carbon Pro LE - £3,600 / $4,200Canyon Grail CF SLX 8 Di2 - £4,799 / $4,999Santa Cruz Stigmata Force-1x AXS RSV - £6,999.99 / $7,699Merida Silex 7000 - £3,000 / $N/A Budget Road Bike of the Year:Specialized Allez E5 - £1,000 / $1,200Cube Attain Pro - £1,099 / $N/ATrek Domane AL 2 Gen 4 - £1,050 / $1,199.99Vitus Razor Disc VR - £799.99 Urban Electric Bike of the Year:Cannondale Compact Neo - £2,000 / $1,900Ridgeback Arcus 3 - £2,999.99 / $N/AMerida eSpresso CC 675 EQ 2024 - £4,000 / $N/ASpecialized Turbo Vado SL 5.0 EQ - £3,400 / $4,499Tern NBD S5i - £4,000 / $4,699 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices