In a tech-launch heavy week, Suvi, Josh, and Alex have taken over the pod to chat about what was happening at the recent, season-ending Rouleur Live show, which led them to discuss the value of these cycling exhibitions a little more.

To wrap things up, the team chatted through the – admittedly very off-road focused – new product launches from Nukeproof, Ritchey, Velocity USA, and Lazer. If you scroll past the show timestamps, we've also included a little Rouleur Live gallery there for you to browse.

Timestamps:

00:10 – Intro, and Suvi's Brompton skills
04:49 – Rouleur Live: crowds, vibes & venue
05:45 – Show tech highlights: Reap aero gravel bike & POC bags
10:30 – What are trade shows even for now?
15:00 – Industry networking, media value & meeting members
20:39 – Nukeproof is back: new Reactor trail bike
25:00 – Ritchey Septimer breakaway gravel bike
32:00 – Tangent to talk about travel bikes vs hire vs bags
39:44 – 32" wheels & the emerging 32er niche
46:40 – New Lazer Impala: Dual Core trail helmet, helmet testing, MIPS rivals & Virginia Tech ratings
55:00 – Outro

If you were buying a mid-level performance bike, would you prefer an exceptional frame or a little compromise to get better components? That’s something that Ronan and Dave ponder in this week’s episode of Geek Warning.

In addition to that, you’ll learn about DT Swiss’ first wheel that features spokes that aren’t its own. There’s a PSA for anyone ignoring noises from their drivetrain. And Dave nerds out on some funny-looking screwdrivers.

Of course, members of Escape Collective get access to the Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode. Here, Dave and Brad Copeland go deep on whether bottom bracket bearings can last a lifetime and take a detour on the topic of flat mount mountain brakes.

Timestamps:

1:00 - Bigham’s Laser Bubble Tunnels
6:00 - Giant’s big bet on XC and high-end frames bumping up price points
19:00 - DT Swiss has a wheel with spokes that aren’t made by them
25:00 - Trek’s Project One now offering frame-only
29:00 - A PSA for your drivetrain
36:00 - Dave’s Good Thing of the week (decade?)
45:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (Members Only)
46:00 - A watery floor pump
52:00 - Can a bottom bracket bearing last a lifetime?
1:02:00 - Upgrading flat mount brakes on a mountain bike

It’s rare to get a bike that’s raced professionally throughout the season, that wins a World Championship title, and only then is released.

The new Giant Anthem cross-country bike is finally official, and tech editor Dave Rome recently flew to Taiwan to see how it’s made and get some early ride time on it.

While at that launch, Dave sat down with the bike’s lead category manager, Joe Staub, to learn about some of the design decisions, how Giant designs for manufacturing, and plenty more. At the end of the episode, you’ll also hear an interview with current XCO World Champion Alan Hatherly (as well as team manager Sebastion Boyington) about some specific tech thoughts for cross-country racing.

Usually, the full versions of our special episodes are only available to members of Escape Collective. We’re making an exception for this and keeping the full episode free for all. We just ask that if you find it interesting, please consider sharing it with someone who may also like it.

If you want more information on the bike, then head to EscapeCollective.com for a full write-up, including early ride impressions.