Best The Entry Level Left Podcasts (2025)

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Back to basics with chain lubes 48:01

Play Pause

2h ago48:01

48:01

Long-time listeners of Geek Warning are in for a treat as Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) returns for a full episode. Along with Dave Rome and Alex Hunt, there is a whole lot of ultimate bike geek to this week’s episode. Within, you’ll hear about some unintentionally leaked information related to what’s likely the next generation of Shimano road p…

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Workshop wishes and crooked hoods 52:19

7d ago52:19

52:19

This week on Geek Warning, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss why SRAM’s battle with the UCI may also prove positive for Shimano. Ronan asks Dave what his workshop wish is, which leads to an unexpected tangent about bike washing. There’s, of course, a PSA, which ends up being a conversation about how to align dropbar shifters. And the geeks su…

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Geek Warning Bonus: Trek on testing gravel suspension and bike design 28:40

5d ago28:40

28:40

Today, Trek launched a bike that’s sure to spark debate in comments sections. It’s called the CheckOut. It features a new 60 mm travel front suspension fork, courtesy of the RockShox Rudy XL, and 55 mm rear travel to match. It fits gravel-width cranks and has official clearance for up to 56 mm tyres (about a 29x2.25in). However, it’s the design and…

1
There is no best bike 52:20

11d ago52:20

52:20

When Escape Collective first launched, Ronan Mc Laughlin announced plans for an aero leaderboard. The goal was to test race bikes in real-world conditions using the latest testing tools to determine which bikes are the fastest. That obviously didn’t come to fruition, and this week, Dave and Ronan discuss why. The conversation leads to the two discu…

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The barriers to entry-level road race bikes 42:54

19d ago42:54

42:54

This week, Ronan and Dave ponder how they would equip an entry-level road bike, and while chatting, realise that maybe the industry has backed itself into a costly corner. Of course, there’s a PSA and a bunch of tech news to discuss. Meanwhile, members of Escape Collective get access to Ask a Wrench, where this week Dave and Zach Edwards answer fou…

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Riding a 32in and Ronan is now a mountain biker 1:13:35

25d ago1:13:35

1:13:35

An Irish road cyclist walks into the R&D department of an international bike brand and rides a prototype mountain bike. That’s the joke. In this episode, Dave and Ronan discuss 32-inch-wheeled mountain bikes and whether Ronan is now a mountain biker. There’s a detailed chat about the torque required when working with UDH hangers or SRAM Full Mount …

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'There are no new ideas left in cycling' 55:58

1M ago55:58

55:58

The Portland-based Made show has wrapped up for another year, and our website has been buzzing with coverage from the handmade bike event. This week’s Geek Warning is a bit different from the usual format, with the conversation focused mainly on what was seen at Made. Here, Dave Rome chats with Escape’s US tech editor Josh Weinberg along with famed…

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The spares we carry 37:46

1M ago37:46

37:46

It’s a shorter episode this week as Escape’s Suvi Loponen and Dave Rome catch up to discuss the spares they carry and how to ensure they work when you need them most. On the news front, they discuss the latest developments regarding the ongoing Shimano crank recall and an unexpected (and hopefully short-lived) issue affecting older Wahoo Bolt and R…

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Afforai Promo Code “ARCHANA” 2:36

1M ago2:36

2:36

https://afforaipromocode.site/By asish8

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Progress creates opportunity in the backfill 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

It’s time to geek out. This week, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss how as bikes progress, market opportunity is often created in what those bikes previously provided. Through this conversation, Ronan and Dave come to an agreement on a specific style of bike that’s obviously missing today. You’ll hear a PSA relevant to any modern bike, along …

1
The UCI approval sticker is overrated 44:12

2M ago44:12

44:12

A mix of rumours circling and the recently reviewed FiftyOne Sika road bike have Ronan and Dave pondering whether the UCI frame sticker is relevant to many of us. Spoiler, it’s not. The episode was recorded a few days before we know for sure, but the social media profiles of athletes strongly point toward some interesting drop-bar-converted mountai…

1
Brakes, brakes, and brakes on big wheels 43:38

2M ago43:38

43:38

What in the upside-down world is this? Ronan Mc Laughlin has been investigating rumours around the UCI getting involved with the new 32 in wheelsize, and in this episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear the crew discuss what it may spell. Additionally, you’ll hear the geeks (Ronan, Dave, and Alex) talk about some products that have left them a little u…

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Finished with unfinished products in the market 48:10

2M ago48:10

48:10

Recorded just after watching Tadej and Jonas summit Ventoux on aero bikes, this episode sees Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Suvi Loponen discuss whether the latest and lightest road bikes are now designed for consumers, while aero bikes are for the pros. Also within this week’s Geek Warning, you’ll hear Dave discuss why he thinks too many product…

1
Big wheels, TT saddles, and Five Stars 53:37

3M ago53:37

53:37

We’re in thick of race season and there’s plenty to discuss on the tech front. The mountain bike world is rubbing their eyes at the sight of a 32-inch-wheeled full suspension. Meanwhile, on the road, it’s the Time Trial that continues to tease future tech trends. Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Alex Hunt as they discuss these new sightings. …

1
Tour Tech 47:01

3M ago47:01

47:01

It’s Tour time and tech editor Ronan McLaughlin has been on the ground capturing all the latest little tricks and tidbits. In this week’s Geek Warning, Dave Rome, and Ronan get together to talk through some of the bigger tech stories and finds coming from the biggest race. Within you’ll hear about new bikes from Merida and Cervelo, some behind-the-…

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Hookless to hooked and pondering spoke colours 1:23:37

3M ago1:23:37

1:23:37

The drowsiness of Eurobike has barely faded just as the Tour is about to kick off. This week, Escape’s tech team members Suvi Loponen, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Dave Rome are on Geek Warning to discuss the biggest tech of the week and some things on their minds. A recap of Eurobike is provided by Suvi, along with pondering what the future holds for th…

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Special ep: Bikepacking aero nerd 27:15

3M ago27:15

27:15

In this special Performance Process x Geek Warning crossover, Dave Rome grills Ronan Mc Laughlin about every technical detail from his 3,000 km unsupported lap of Ireland. From aero bag hacks and drivetrain quirks to cleat regrets and a failed light, this is a deep dive into the tech setup behind a truly personal and punishing ultra-endurance ride.…

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Shimano Di2, Classified, and Eurobike week 59:01

3M ago59:01

59:01

We’re not sure we’ve ever experienced a busier month in the world of cycling tech. All the major drivetrain manufacturers have released new things. We’ve had two custom bike shows and now it’s the world’s largest cycling tradeshow - Eurobike. And the tech conversations in the racing world have been a flurry of activity, too. In this episode, you’ll…

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The week of wireless trickle 53:39

4M ago53:39

53:39

Wow, what a week for those who love cycling tech! If four new dropbar groupsets from SRAM weren’t enough, then Shimano certainly fills that glass with its sudden release of XT and Deore Di2. Join Escape’s Dave Rome, Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt as they discuss what’s new and some things to be aware of. Meanwhile, the UCI released some upcoming rule c…

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Special ep: A chat with SRAM about new Rival and Force and trickling down tech 16:01

4M ago16:01

16:01

In this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Suvi Loponen sits down with SRAM’s Dan Stefiuk and Paul Kantor to chat about the all-new Rival and Force AXS groupsets. From tech trickled down from Red, to the design philosophies that shaped these mid-tier offerings, we chat about how SRAM approaches performance, pricing, and compatibility. For the full tech…

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Factory tours and fresh tech 54:57

4M ago54:57

54:57

This week in Geek Warning, tech writers Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt join Dave Rome to discuss their recent factory visits to SRAM, DT Swiss, Oquo, and more. You’ll hear Dave and Alex debate about using full-suspension gravel bikes instead of a mountain bike. The geeks also discuss a whole lot of new and interesting tech. As usual, members of Escape …

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A Week of Wireless 1:05:28

4M ago1:05:28

1:05:28

June has started with a bang when it comes to new cycling tech. This week we’ve seen the long-awaited release of new Shimano XTR Di2, the next generation Super Record from Campagnolo, and a welcomed new power pedal from Favero. All are new products that Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss, in addition to being covered in more detail on Escape C…

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Special ep: Shimano’s MTB Product Manager on the new XTR Di2 21:44

4M ago21:44

21:44

Seven years have passed since we last saw an updated version of Shimano’s flagship mountain bike group. Assuming you weren’t holding your breath, and as a result are still with us, then today is the day of the update. Yes, new XTR Di2 M9200 is here. It represents Shimano’s delayed entry into true wireless shifting, and brings with it a number of ot…

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Mountain bikers on gravel tyres. What in the upside-down world? 58:55

4M ago58:55

58:55

Our necks are hurting from the whiplash of information regarding what tyres are actually fastest off-road. Ronan teases a fresh discussion he had about optimising one sponsored rider for Unbound and some surprising lessons that came from that. It's a topic that continues to fascinate, especially given some of the world's best cross-country mountain…

1
Modern chain wins and questionable pressure sensors 49:42

5M ago49:42

49:42

Welcome back to the cycling tech podcast with a Geek Warning. This week, Escape’s tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin discuss what’s been on their minds. For Dave, that’s how good modern chains have become and a cool upgrade option for DT Swiss hub users.For Ronan, it’s the new wheels from Zipp that have been occupying his time. This is a …

1
Special ep: Why is kit so expensive? 44:56

5M ago44:56

44:56

You don’t have to look far these days to find a jersey and bib short that costs more than my first road bike, or one that costs less than lunch. In this episode, I sit down with Steve Smith, Brand Manager at Castelli and Sportful, to unpack what really drives the cost of cycling kit. From €1.50 chamois pads to €300 retail tags, we explore the full …

1
Tech so smart it’s dumb 51:34

5M ago51:34

51:34

This week we’ve got wireless shifting on our minds. Campagnolo’s new 13-speed wireless continues to be seen out in the wild, now at the Giro d’Italia. Dave has had his hands on WheelTop’s latest wireless mountain bike derailleur and shifter. And SRAM has an option to upgrade its new mechanical T70/T90 system to wireless, and nope, we’re not joking.…

1
Is every flagship drivetrain bound to go 13-speed? 50:49

5M ago50:49

50:49

How is it that a product can be raced by a professional, in a professional event, and that the media aren’t allowed to tell all? It’s become a surprisingly common occurrence, and in this episode, you’ll hear Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome explain how it all works. You’ll also hear about Campagnolo’s latest spotted new drivetrain, and why it likely…

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Special ep: In For Review, May 2025 59:52

5M ago59:52

59:52

It’s time for the second edition of our ‘In for Review’ Geek Warning podcast. Like the first edition, this one looks to share some of the bikes we’ve been testing and the gear we’ve been enjoying. Plus, we’ve added a segment that talks about newly released products we’re interested in trying. And for those on the Escape Collective member feed (whic…

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Wheel size history is repeating 59:58

5M ago59:58

59:58

Hello geeks! It’s time to talk about the big wheels that are seemingly beginning to gain speed. As reported by Josh Weinberg, it sure seems many are looking at 32 in wheels, but it’s still early days as to whether we’ll see history repeat itself. Within you’ll also find a new segment where Dave puts the call out to brands to produce a product that …

1
Electric inflators and a narrower UDH from Factor 45:43

5M ago45:43

45:43

The travel bike is a highly desirable item for many cyclists with dreams of frequent travel, but does it still hold a place with many modern airline policies? It’s one of the many topics you’ll hear the geeks discuss in this week’s episode. In addition to that, you’ll hear Dave Rome, along with Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) and Escape’s newest t…

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Wrapping Roubaix and Sea Otter tech 1:15:32

6M ago1:15:32

1:15:32

Welcome back to Geek Warning. It’s been a big few weeks for the cycling world, with the Classics and the Sea Otter Classic sharing a weekend. Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome kick off the show chatting Roubaix tech, including some hacked derailleurs and questionable measurements. Then they chat about Colnago’s latest race bike. Dave then jumps on wi…

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A lot of new tech and pricing fears 57:23

6M ago57:23

57:23

Welcome back to Geek Warning! The podcast that puts all the most interesting cycling tech and advice into one place. Before you tune in to the latest episode, it’s worth noting that the geeks often record a few days before an episode drops. In any normal week that’s no problem, but it’s been far from a normal week. In this episode Ronan McLaughlin,…

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What’s the widest tyre we’ll see at Roubaix? 52:05

6M ago52:05

52:05

Paris-Roubaix is just around the corner and the geeks have been pondering just how wide we’ll see the tyres of the pros go. Some studies have shown that 40s are fastest, but as you’ll hear from Ronan, the testing he’s currently in the thick of is showing otherwise. You’ll also hear Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) …

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Tyre pressure apps and unexpected counterfeits 50:57

6M ago50:57

50:57

Our podcast episodes are a little like our own children, of course, we love them all. However, maybe, just maybe, some are loved a little more than others. This episode is a good one. Tune in as the regular crew of Ronan, Dave, and Zach chat about the growing world of tyre pressure calculators and whether electronic shifting has made frame designer…

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Special ep: Deep dive with SRAM on mechanical Transmission and new brakes 1:19:49

6M ago1:19:49

1:19:49

Oh yes, we’re in the thick of product launch season, and we're keeping focused on the most interesting stuff. SRAM has just overhauled its more budget-conscious mountain bike drivetrains, and they share much in common with the premium Transmission AXS. Except, they have a cable. Plus, at least on the mountain bike side, SRAM has gone all-in on mine…

1
Unique features that make endurance bikes less desirable 47:58

7M ago47:58

47:58

Why do so many road bikes with endurance geometry have unique selling added features that wouldn’t fly in more performance-oriented bikes? That’s the big question that Ronan, Dave, and Zach discuss in this week’s episode of Geek Warning. Plus, you’ll hear a useful PSA for those who use newer road pedals. Dave then rings up new Escape recruit Josh W…

1
Matching fit between bikes and cordless air tools 1:00:50

7M ago1:00:50

1:00:50

What do matching bike fits and cordless air tools have in common? Truthfully, very little, but you’ll hear them both discussed in this week’s episode of Geek Warning. Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards as they discuss these topics on their minds, plus share the latest in tech. Listeners on our free feed will get a whole hour, meanw…

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The first ’In for Review’ special episode 1:05:12

7M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

It was an idea teased in a previous episode of the Geek Warning podcast, and we’ve finally done it! Welcome to a pilot episode of In for Review – a special and approximately-monthly edition of Geek Warning that chats about some of the bikes and products we’re actively testing, the things on our minds related to those products, and the tangents that…

1
Gravel things go road and fixing easy rattles 58:40

7M ago58:40

58:40

It’s a geek-packed episode as senior tech editors Dave Rome and Ronan Mc Laughlin, plus Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) discuss the week in tech. Ronan ponders the real highs and lows of Lidl-Trek experimenting with SRAM XPLR 1x13 drivetrains in road races. There’s a skeptical point of view to integrated pressure sensors in tubeless wheels. And th…

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Special ep: Gear that survives the 1,300 km Atlas Mountain Race 20:26

7M ago20:26

20:26

In this special episode, we chat with Ultra-Distance specialist Kevin Benky Benkenstein on his bike and gear selections for a recent race across the Moroccan Atlas Mountain Range. That big ride is the Atlas Mountain Race (AMR), a beast of a ride that covers some 1,300 km with 23,000 m of elevation. It covers every surface imaginable, and both rider…

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The challenges in making quantitative testing useful 41:54

7M ago41:54

41:54

Why don’t you see much wind tunnel-based testing on Escape Collective? It’s something the geeks are forever discussing internally, and in this week’s episode, they discuss some of the difficulties in getting such testing to provide truly useful results. You’ll also hear Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) cover the lat…

1
Tyre sealants, gearboxes, and wide kicks 29:11

8M ago29:11

29:11

The derailleur looks set to continue ruling the roost, but the increased attention to gearboxes is one to watch. In this week’s shorter-than-usual episode, the geeks chat about Fox Factory’s recently approved patent in the space. You’ll also hear some early speculation about Fizik’s entry into helmets, some new EU-based helmets standard inbound, an…

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Special ep: Clearing up PFAs 24:47

8M ago24:47

24:47

PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals” – are in everything from waterproof jackets to chain lubes and electronics. They’re praised for their stain, friction, and water resistant properties but notorious for their environmental and health risks. These chemicals never break down, accumulating in water, soil, and even our bodies. As regulations rest…

1
Forever chemicals and another product leak 47:38

8M ago47:38

47:38

It’s a new week and that means a new episode of the Geek Warning podcast. This week you’ll hear Suvi Loponen and Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) join Dave Rome in covering the big tech topics of the week. You’ll get a beginner’s guide to PFAS (forever chemicals) and why you should care. Thoughts are shared on the new Cannondale SuperX gravel race …

1
Big tubular is Cross 48:16

8M ago48:16

48:16

This week on The Geek Warning podcast, join Ronan McLaughlin, Zach Edwards, and Dave Rome as they discuss the latest happenings in the world of cycling tech. The geeks cover what is believed to be the first win for tubeless in a cyclocross World Championship. There’s a UCI rider survey circling that strongly points to a few technical changes being …

1
Explaining Shimano’s new entry-level dropbar range 1:04:30

8M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

Oh hi, welcome back to Geek Warning! There are some things to tell this week. We’ve had a number of changes to the pod over the past few months (sorry!), and we’ve got a few more to share. Ask a Wrench, which sits at the end of our episodes, is now members-only. That means you’ll need to be on our member podcast feed to hear that extra part of the …

1
Special ep: TDU pit walk with aero expert John Pitman 45:56

8M ago45:56

45:56

At the 2024 edition of the Tour Down Under, Ronan Mc Laughlin was joined by aerodynamicist JP Ballard as they walked through the pits to talk about the aero hits and misses within the latest bikes of the WorldTour. For 2025 we’re back with something of a similar theme. This time Dave Rome is joined by the Head of Aerodynamics at South Australian Sp…

1
Winners and Losers of the 2025 WorldTour bikes 1:23:17

8M ago1:23:17

1:23:17

Hey Geeks! With the 2025 WorldTour kicking off in Australia, this episode dives straight into the bikes (and bits of tech) that caught our eyes, whether for the right or wrong reasons. The cast of Dave, Suvi, Ronan, and Alex discuss the recently leaked SRAM Force update and the ethical dilemma in covering such an unreleased product. And of course, …

1
When AI simply isn’t AI and new bikes galore 1:23:32

9M ago1:23:32

1:23:32

In this week’s Geek Warning, the tech team — Dave Rome, Alex Hunt, Ronan McLaughlin, and Suvi Loponen — explore AI’s role in cycling tech, from training and design to marketing, while questioning even is truly “AI” and what’s just advanced machine learning – or marketing. Whether we’re all sick of hearing about it or think it has a place in some ap…