The BikeRadar Podcast

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

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 essential gear for anyone just getting into cycling. Leaning on their decades of riding experience, they tell you what bikes, kit and accessories are worth buying – and which ones you should avoid (at least when you’re just starting out). Following this, Simon quizzes Warren on his recently published review of the new Pinarello Dogma X. Although it’s by no means a bad bike, its lofty price tag makes it a tough sell versus the competition. Lastly, in this week’s news in brief, the duo discuss Campagnolo’s recent sale of a minority stake to an investment group reportedly backed by South African billionaire, Ivan Glasenberg. Then there’s the peculiar news of new carbon wheelsets from Columbus, and Panaracer’s new AGXERO road tyres. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this video https://feedbacksports.com/ Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9300 is being raced at La Vuelta, but I’m not at all impressed by what we’ve seen so far.   In this week’s episode of the BikeRadar podcast we’re going to discuss why this latest leak has left me – maybe us – so underwhelmed.   We’re then going to discuss this year’s best drop bar bike, yes, that’s right - our Bike of the Year has been crowned, and Warren here is going to tell you what it is and why it’s better than everything else.   Then, lastly we will of course have our news in brief, where we’ve got news of Specialized’s new ‘cheaper’ Tarmac SL9 range, Garmin’s new flagship smartwatch and Insta360’s latest action camera.   Before we crack on, a massive thanks to Feedback Sports for sponsoring this podcast and helping us keep it going. We’ll have more to tell you about them later. 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 discuss why the latest GPS bike computers can’t convince either of them to upgrade – and why Garmin’s 7-year old Edge 830 remains the undefeated champ (at least in Simon’s opinion).   Following this, Simon quizzes Warren on why he’s changed his mind about aero gravel bikes, following a number of recent bike tests.   We then round out the podcast with News in Brief, which includes details (and a hot take from Simon) about Continental’s new 32mm Aero 111 tyre, news that a fund to help young riders has been set up in memory of Finlay Tarling, and a brief preview of what to expect in our upcoming Bike of The Year test. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices