This week, Escape’s newest tech writer, Alex Hunt becomes the latest voice on the show. Joined by Suvi, Dave, and Brad, the geeks discuss the biggest news in the week of tech, a tech development that could have a game-changing application, and answer several technical questions.

There is Scott’s newly renewed focus on weight and what appears to be crazily light tyres coming from Schwalbe. Dave thinks Magura’s recently announced Easy Link hose system could be a glimpse at the future of easing the pain that is integrated cabling.

The geeks then discuss a few smaller bits of tech and then get to an important maintenance-related matter that impacts all bikes. Finally, the Ask a Wrench segment answers things related to headsets, bottom bracket/crank installation, and tandems. A special thanks to frame builder Brad Bingham (plus Butch Boucher and Steve Potts!) for helping to answer that tandem question.

Time stamps
1:00 - An introduction to Escape’s newest tech hire, Alex Hunt
4:30 - Scott’s Addict RC proves weight still sells
12:00 - The unknowns of Schwalbe’s new Aerothan tyres
25:00 - On our minds, the future of quick disconnect hydraulic hoses
33:00 - PSA: Draining those bikes
40:50 - Enve’s SES Aero Pro one-piece road bar
43:00 - Outlier's Unusual Axle-Free Pedal Designs
47:00 - The Smart Lever, aims to ease tyre installation
52:00 - Ask a Wrench: Steering range limiting headsets
58:30 - Ask a Wrench: Tandem-related things, answered by the experts
1:06:00 - Ask a Wrench: How freely should a new bottom bracket spin?

It’s a big week in the cycling tech world with Strava dropping a bomb on many connected apps. To learn more about what this upcoming change could mean for you, Ray Maker, aka DCRainMaker, joins the pod.

Following that chat, you’ll hear from Suvi, Ronan, Dave, and Brad on various topics, ranging from Rouleur Live, a bunch of new bikes, and answering a couple of member questions. Plus, Dave shares something on his mind that then follows a different path.

As usual, we encourage you to visit escapecollective.com to see and learn more about the products and themes discussed.

Enjoy!

Time stamps:
1:00 - DCRainMaker joins to explain Strava’s unexpected API changes
21:30 - Rouleur Live highlights
25:30 - Reap Type 300 gravel bike and rapid prototyping
32:40 - On our mind: products shouldn’t be annoying to use and an unexpected tangent into disc brake caliper piston service and Dave’s tool testing
43:30 - Bunch of new bikes, starting with the Mondraker Arid Carbon gravel bike
46:30 - Argonaut’s Supernaut
48:00 - Colnago has a new steel bike, the Steelnovo
52:25 - Pinarello’s entry-level F1 road bike
56:00 - DT Swiss partners on a dynamo hub and complete wheels
59:50 - Ask a Wrench: Brake feel and air in Shimano brakes
1:09:00 - Ask a Expert: Why compliance matters beyond the tyres

Join Ronan, Dave, Suvi, and Brad as they discuss all things related to modern tyres. You’ll hear why Ronan now prefers hard-to-fit tyres, tips to make the installation easier, and our favourite online (free) pressure calculators.

Of course, there are a few bits of news to cover, including an interesting new freehub patent from Lauf. And as usual, Brad and Dave answer a few mechanical questions submitted by Escape members.

As a reminder, we’re now covering tech news in our Daily News (published on site each day), and that means we’ve also made some changes to the podcast (for the better, we hope). Let us know in the comments how you like (or not) the format changes we’ve been making.

Time stamps:

1:15 - Corrections Corner related to pulling a chain from wax
2:50 - On Ronan’s mind is that tyre fitment woes may not be a wholly bad thing
18:00 - Making tyre installation easier
21:30 - Ronan finally reveals the tight-fitting tyre
24:30 - Pick One: Tyre pressure calculators
39:45 - MRP creates a Cage Guard from SRAM Transmission derailleurs
41:55 - Thule purchases Quadlock
43:00 - Stinner’s introduces a well-priced USA-made stock geometry steel bike
44:50 - Lauf’s teases patent for a springy freehub
47:00 - Ask a Wrench: chain noises on SRAM Eagle AXS
55:20 - Ask a Wrench: installing new brakes and hoses
1:00:05 - Ask a Wrench: removing a stuck headset bearing