The BikeRadar Podcast

Bianchi is in deep trouble, according to reporting by Escape Collective and The Business of Cycling.With debts amounting to €100 million at the end of 2024 and masses of unsold inventory, the historic Italian brand appears to be on the brink of becoming the next major victim of the post-COVID bike industry slump.So where did it all go wrong, and how can the brand that made bikes for legends such as Fausto Coppi and Marco Pantani find its way back to sustainability? Simon and Warren are back to discuss that and more in this week’s episode of the BikeRadar podcast.Following that discussion, Simon quizzes Warren on his recent testing of Factor’s radical aero road bike, the One. Is it a specialist tool you should only buy if you’re an elite racer, or is it a bike average riders might actually consider?We then finish up with our news in brief, in which Simon and Warren discuss Pivot’s new road bike, research from Imperial College London that shows collapsible bike helmets offer less protection that conventional ones, and the news that a third of women pro cyclists receive no team salary, according to a report by The Cyclists' Alliance.Sources: Escape Collective: 'We have been too ambitious' - Bianchi fights to survive amid losses The Business of Cycling: How a Giant Was Brought to Its Knees - The Business of Cycling

Cannondale’s owners have announced plans to close its US office and move all of the brand’s operations to Europe. So, is this the beginning of the end for the iconic American brand or are everyone’s worries misplaced? Simon and Warren are back to discuss that and more in this week’s episode of the BikeRadar podcast! Following that, the two chat about ENVE’s new super-deep 6.7 road wheels – and whether Warren thinks they can justify their close-to-$4,000 price tag. The duo then finish up the pod with the news in brief, in which they cover Team Total Energies signing up to ride Pardus bikes in 2027, the controversial result at last weekend’s British Hill Climb Championships, and last but not least, Zwift’s new premium subscription tier, Zwift+.

Simon and Ashley are back for another episode of the BikeRadar podcast.We kick off with the news that Garmin has announced three new bike computers, including a new flagship Edge 1060 – its most expensive bike computer ever!After talking through what’s new, Simon and Ashley discuss why Garmin products seem to launch at such high prices nowadays, and whether it feels justified or not.Following that, in light of Simon’s recently published review of Shimano’s S-Phyre RX910 gravel cycling shoes, the two discuss 2-bolt versus 3-bolt cleats for road cycling, and which is better for everyday riders.We then finish things off with the news in brief, which this week includes details of the COROS Dura 2 bike computer, two new tyres from Continental and Komoot’s latest update for Google wearables.

As Rapha is closing stores across the world, MAAP has just opened a ‘concept store’ in central London.With that in mind, Simon and Warren are back for another episode of the BikeRadar podcast to discuss whether MAAP is the ‘new Rapha’, or if it can build something more sustainable like ASSOS or Castelli.Following that, the two discuss Warren’s soon-to-be-published review of Shimano’s GRX Di2 electronic gravel groupset – and what they’d like to see improved in a future version.Then in ‘news in brief’, they discuss the City of London Police’s innovative ‘sin bin’ for red light-jumping cyclists, Hunt’s new super-wide gravel wheels and DT Swiss’s new gravel suspension fork – and whether gravel suspension has become irrelevant thanks to bikes with increasingly wide tyre clearance.

Thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this video https://feedbacksports.com/Should you buy a race bike or something more versatile? It’s a question that the cycling community can’t stop talking about, but in this week’s edition of the BikeRadar podcast Simon and Warren have their final say on the debate, once and for all (maybe)...Following that, Warren brings us the news about Colnago’s new G5-X gravel bike, and what it’s like to ride, following his time out in Tuscany with the Italian brand.And then, in our news in brief, we’ve got news of Ridley’s new climbing bike, the Falcn RS 2.0, Look’s new gravel race bike and, finally, Van Rysel’s new 32in cross-country bike – which has some very interesting wheels, so stick around to the end of the podcast for that!

Thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this video https://feedbacksports.com/Every cyclist loves a cheeky upgrade, but some of the things the bike industry wants to sell us simply aren’t worth it! And conversely, there are a few upgrades that don’t get enough love.In this week’s edition of the BikeRadar podcast, Simon and Warren give you their picks for the most over- and underrated cycling upgrades.From ceramic bearings to expensive shoes, and pro-spec frames and components – what’s your pick for the most overrated cycling upgrade? Let us know in the comments below.Following that, Simon and Warren discuss titanium road bikes in light of Warren’s recent review of Ribble’s new Allroad Ti, and what it could signal about the future of the frame material.Then, in this week’s news in brief, the duo discuss Tom Pidcock’s interesting wheel choice at the recent road world championships, the news that Madison will now be distributing IGPSport bike computers and accessories in the UK and, finally, MAAP’s new winter kit collection.

Thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this podcast https://feedbacksports.com/ In this week’s episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Simon and Warren are back to digest the biggest cycling tech stories of the week. First up was Wednesday’s news that Fran Millar has stepped down as CEO of Rapha with immediate effect, after just two years at the helm. Following that, Rapha confirmed an “organisational restructure” and a “formal consultation process with affected team members” would soon begin. With that in mind, Simon and Warren share their takes on where this all leaves the iconic British apparel brand, why everything seems to keep going wrong for it, and how it can get back on track. Following that, Simon quizzes Warren on his recent review of Newmen’s new Streem G.62 aero gravel wheels, which feature super-deep, and super-wide, aero rims. Are extreme wheels like this just for pro racers or are they suitable for punters too? As always, Warren’s got plenty of thoughts to share from his testing. Then, in this week’s news in brief, the duo cover the UCI’s recently announced review of its infamous Lugano Charter, and what rules they’d change if they were in charge of cycling. Simon and Warren also discuss Castelli’s recently updated Gabba and Perfetto jackets, and whether the iconic foul weather jacket fits into their cycling wardrobes. Lastly, they finish up with Specialized’s latest special edition bike – a £12,999 / $14,999, limited edition replica of Remco Evenepoel’s Gold S-Works Tarmac SL9. Should everyday riders be buying Olympic gold medal-themed bikes? Simon’s not so sure… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this video https://feedbacksports.com/   In this week’s episode of the BikeRadar Podcast Simon and Warren are back to discuss the new Canyon Grail, which Warren has recently been testing.   While its aero credentials and massive tyre clearance have captured headlines, might its aggressive pricing be the big story here? Warren thinks so…   Following that, the two discuss Shimano’s new SPD-SLR pedal system, and reflect on why it’s been a slightly underwhelming launch so far.   They then wrap up with the news in brief, which this week includes the new Specialized S-Works Diverge, new wide road tyre options from Vittoria and Continental, and another wild new time trial helmet from POC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this video https://feedbacksports.com/ More images of Shimano’s unreleased Dura-Ace Di2 R9300 groupset have leaked online, which suggest the Japanese brand may have finally solved one of the current groupset’s biggest issues! Simon and Felix discuss that and more in this week’s episode of the BikeRadar podcast. Following the Shimano chat, we’ve got all the details on WTB and Stromm’s new aero gravel tyres, and the cool tech that might mean you no longer need to worry about aerodynamics when opting for chunky rubber.  Then there’s the news of ENVE’s new Melee V2 road bike, which is bucking trends with a controversial cut in tyre clearance. Simon’s not impressed… Lastly, we round out the podcast with details of Zwift’s updated smart indoor bike, the Ride V2 and news of a world expansion coming to the platform this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices