The BikeRadar Podcast

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Simon von Bromley catches up with Warren Rossiter to discuss all of the groupset’s new features and find out how SRAM Red XPLR AXS performs out on the trails.   The duo also discuss Zipp’s new 303 XPLR wheelset, which features an enormous 32mm internal rim width.   While Warren says they perform fantastically, could these radically wide rims signal even mo...

In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Tom Marvin and Jack Luke recap on a busy period for mountain bike launches, kicking off with the Specialized Status 2 – an interesting do-it-all shred sled that offers the unusual option to run a 27.5/26in mullet wheel setup on smaller sizes.   The pair then discuss the fourth generation of Trek’s all-rounder Top Fuel, which gets lightly updated geometry,...

José Antonio Hermida is an institution of cross-country mountain bike racing.    From humble beginnings – winning his first race at age 14 in a hockey helmet, swim shorts and a T-shirt – he racked up a wealth of impressive wins throughout his 20-year racing career, culminating in a dominant performance at the 2010 World Championships. He also took silver at the 2004 Athens Olympics and fourth at t...

With the 2024 Tour de France coming to a dramatic close, we look back on the past three weeks of racing and some of the classic climbs that have defined the action. BikeRadar's George Scott is joined by Simon Warren, author of The 100 Greatest Climbs of the Tour de France, to talk through five must-ride ascents from this year's Tour. Which climbs should you put on your bucket list? Learn more abou...

After teasing it for weeks, Canyon has announced the new Aeroad CFR.   Said to be both lighter and more aerodynamic than the third-generation version, the 2025 Canyon Aeroad is boldly claimed to be “the fastest bike in the pro peloton”.   In this podcast, Jack Luke catches up with Simon von Bromley, who spent a few days in Calpe, Sapin, gathering intel and first impressions of the bike ahead of th...

Ever wanted to know what it’s like to ride a pro-spec bike? Listen up! Senior technical editor Ashley Quinlan has recently had the pleasure of running the rule over some of the best race bikes you’ll find in the pro peloton today, just in time for the Tour de France. Host Tom Marvin dusts off his roadie cap to ask Ash about the bikes, which one ranks best (and why), chat about why the winning mach...

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Ashley Quinlan catches up with Simon von Bromley to discuss the hottest tech trends from the 2024 Tour de France.   As always, there’s plenty to cover, including 1x drivetrains on the Galibier, Pogačar’s chunky tyres, Cavendish’s fully optimised bike setup, new aero bikes, waxed chains, aero tyres and more.   They also reflect on the events of stage 9 – th...

It's time for another Tech Q&A, this time with Rob Weaver and Oscar Huckle answering your mechanical queries.  In this episode we discuss how to check your carbon components are up to scratch, Fox's damper upgrades, cross compatibility with Campagnolo gears and more.  If you've got your own tech conundrum, email us at podcast@BikeRadar.com and we'll try and squeeze you into our next Tech Q&A episo...

The 15th version of Specialized’s Stumpjumper full-suspension trail bike has been launched, and Rob Weaver has ridden it! Not one to miss out on an opportunity to integrate some interesting tech, Specialized has collaborated with Fox to develop a unique shock to finely tune the suspension’s performance. In this episode, Rob talks us through the new bike, and interviews Specialized’s Stumpjumper pr...

It’s Tour time! BikeRadar’s George Scott and Simon von Bromley bring you this special episode from Florence, where they’ve been spotting new bikes ahead of the 2024 Tour. George and Simon talk through the new Pinarello Dogma F, an unreleased Van Rysel aero bike, the brand new Trek Madone, Canyon’s redesigned Aeroad and Dare’s latest aero machine. Head to our YouTube channel to see more of these bi...

We speak to Josie Lori Millard, one of Canyon’s supported gravel racers, to find out what her top tips are when it comes to racing gravel. Josie used to be a pro skateboarder, but has transitioned to the world of gravel racing, and very quickly picked up sponsorship from one of the biggest brands out there. We discuss kit and clothing, tyres and training in this episode of the BikeRadar podcast. T...

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Jack Luke is joined by Alex Evans and Simon von Bromley to discuss some of the most interesting bike tech stories from recent weeks.   First up, Alex takes us through the details on Specialized’s updated Chisel – its high-performing full-suspension alloy MTB.   Following that, Simon gives his take on Zwift’s latest innovation – a (relatively) low-priced, m...

Gravel bikes with suspension might not be mainstream yet, but there’s an increasing number of gravel-specific suspension forks making their way onto the market, both on production bikes, and available for consumers to fit to their existing bikes.   Beyond bouncy forks, plenty of gravel bikes have compliance built into the frame, to boost comfort levels.   In this third episode of BikeRadar’s lates...

XC has evolved, and so have the bikes. Following his test of four brand new XC race rigs, Tom Marvin is quizzed by Tom Law on the five things he learnt from his test. All four bikes are fresh for 2024, and represent the latest developments in the sport.  We delve into the details, from suspension to tyres and geometry. Full reviews of the four bikes will be on bikeradar.com soon – look out for the...

How do you pick a tyre for gravel riding? Jack Luke and Tom Marvin are joined by gravel race and former BikeRadar tech guru, Ben Delaney, in our second episode in our gravel cycling series with Canyon, to discuss just that.  How do you know what width tyre to get, or how much air you need to put in it? How important is tread pattern, and what on earth is tubeless and what are inserts?    Looking f...

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 presen...

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/adv...

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. Vi...

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...

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 be...

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. Visi...

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, whic...

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...

Upgrading parts on your bike is something many riders love to do. Whether it’s for a performance benefit or just a splash of personalisation and colour, it can be a fun, if expensive pastime. But which upgrades don’t bring the benefits their price tag suggests?  In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, senior technical editor Tom Marvin sits down with fellow shredders Luke Marshall and Tom Law to...

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...