Our MTB tech team look forward to 2023, and discuss the trends from across the MTB world that are likely to come to fruition in the coming year.<br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>BikeRadar and Cycling Plus senior technical editors Warren Rossiter and Ashley Quinlan talk to Tom Ritchey, founder of Ritchey – and all-round cycling royalty.</p><br><p>In this episode of BikeRadar’s bike frame materials series, we speak to Tom about his remarkable history in steel innovation, the enduring allure of steel as a bike frame material and how a steel frame is made.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Is it true that steel really is real?</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>The turn of the year gives us the opportunity to reflect on the past 12 months and look ahead to 2023.</p><br><p>In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, our roadies and mountain bikers, gravel riders and bikepackers, cross-country racers and downhill shredders all outline their ambitions for 2023.&nbsp;</p><br><p>From epic adventures to humble personal goals, our resolutions reflect the varied make-up of our team, but one thing ties us all – a passion for riding and enjoying life on two wheels. Here’s to more in 2023!&nbsp;</p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>BikeRadar and Cycling Plus senior technical editor Warren Rossiter and senior tech writer Simon von Bromley talk to Jon Cariveau, brand manager at Moots.</p><br><p>In this episode of BikeRadar’s road (and gravel) bike frame materials series, we discover everything worth knowing about titanium.&nbsp;We talk about how a titanium bike frame is manufactured, discuss how it differs from other metal commonly used to make bike frames, and find out what titanium can offer a rider.</p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast,&nbsp; Jack Luke and Simon von Bromley go over 2022’s top 5 news stories from the world of road cycling tech.&nbsp;</p><br><p>New aero bikes, a pair of fancy shoes, exciting drivetrain tech and the rise of the all-road bike top this year’s charts, but what would be your personal pick? Let us know at <a href="mailto:podcast@bikeradar.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">podcast@bikeradar.com</a> </p><br><p><br></p><ul><li>Trek Madone:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-trek-madone-slr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-trek-madone-slr/</a></li><li>Trek Madone review:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/trek-madone-slr-9-etap-2023-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/trek-madone-slr-9-etap-2023-review/</a></li><li><br></li><li>Giant Propel Advanced SL 0 review:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/2023-giant-propel-advanced-sl-0-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/2023-giant-propel-advanced-sl-0-review/</a></li><li><br></li><li>Shimano S-Phyre RC903 shoes: <a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-s-phyre-rc-903/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bikeradar.com/news/shimano-s-phyre-rc-903/</a></li><li><br></li><li>Shimano 105 Di2: <a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/features/shimano-105-di2-weight/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bikeradar.com/features/shimano-105-di2-weight/</a> </li><li><br></li><li>Cannondale Synapse: <a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2022-cannondale-synapse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2022-cannondale-synapse/</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Our tech team reflect on a year of new product launches, dozens of bike reviews and a whole raft of kit testing to pick out their favourite bits of tech from the past 12 months.</p><p>Tom, Rob, Luke and Al look back at everything from hidden shocks to steering stabilisers, budget bikes to sensitive suspension.</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Senior technical editors Ashley Quinlan and Warren Rossiter talk to Chris D’Aluisio, one of Specialized’s tech gurus who’s been at the forefront of aluminium (and carbon) frame development.</p><br><p>Specialized is one of the biggest bike brands in the world, and the creator of the Allez, one of the most popular alloy performance road bikes.</p><br><p>In this episode of BikeRadar’s road (and gravel) bike frame materials series, we answer some key questions around aluminium as a bike frame material. What does ‘6061’ mean? How is an alloy frame made? How has design evolved over the years? And could we see an aluminium resurgence in the future?</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, we summarise the top 5 tech news stories on BikeRadar in 2022, as voted for by your clicks.</p><br><p>From innovative drivetrain tech to a new generation of aero road bikes, the last 12 months have seen gazillions of exciting new products.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Jack Luke, Simon von Bromley and Robin Weaver discuss the top five stories from the year, and dissect why they struck a chord with you – our beloved audience.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Lal Bikes Supre Drive:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/lal-bikes-supre-drive/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/news/lal-bikes-supre-drive/</a></li><li><br></li><li><br></li><li>Trek Madone news:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-trek-madone-slr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2023-trek-madone-slr/</a></li><li>Trek Madone review:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/trek-madone-slr-9-etap-2023-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/trek-madone-slr-9-etap-2023-review/</a></li><li><br></li><li><br></li><li>Skarper conversion kit:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/skarper-ebike-conversion-kit/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/news/skarper-ebike-conversion-kit/</a></li><li><br></li><li><br></li><li>Giant Propel Advanced SL 0 review:<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/2023-giant-propel-advanced-sl-0-review/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/2023-giant-propel-advanced-sl-0-review/</a></li></ul><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>BikeRadar and Cycling Plus senior technical editors Warren Rossiter and Ashley Quinlan talk to Jake Pantone, VP of Product &amp; Brand at ENVE.</p><br><p>ENVE has a long history of carbon expertise, starting out as a carbon tube manufacturer, and is today known for its high-performance carbon wheels, and the Custom Road and Melee frames.</p><br><p>In this episode of BikeRadar’s road (and gravel) bike frame materials series, we discuss the history and development of carbon, what makes carbon such a popular material for frame manufacture, the differences between carbon types, plus cover any pitfalls a carbon frame buyer should look out for.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>With the new year looming large on the horizon, BikeRadar’s crop of dedicated roadies are looking ahead to see&nbsp;which&nbsp;bikes will&nbsp;be&nbsp;making headlines and setting trends.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this episode, senior technical writer Simon von Bromley catches up with&nbsp;Ashley Quinlan and Warren Rossiter, senior technical editors on BikeRadar and Cycling Plus, to discuss four road bikes&nbsp;they think will be among&nbsp;the most influential in 2023.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>To read the full feature and discover more about the four bikes discussed here, pick up issue 401 of Cycling Plus, which is on&nbsp;sale&nbsp;from 22 December 2022.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>With the cold weather starting to bite here in the Northern Hemisphere, many are turning their attention back towards finding a way to get through the winter in relative comfort.</p><br><p>While some will still dust off their winter road bike and cold weather cycling kit, many will break out their smart trainer or smart indoor bike instead.</p><br><p>With that in mind, BikeRadar’s senior technical editor, Ashley Quinlan, and senior technical writer, Simon von Bromley, discuss the latest smart trainer releases, what’s happening in the world of indoor cycling software and why you should consider virtual racing this winter.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Rounding off our Getting Into Mountain Biking mini-series, we pass the mic around the team, as well as asking special guest Tracy Moseley’s opinion, casting our minds back to when we first started riding dirt.</p><br><p>From tackling mental challenges that the sport brings to proper nutrition and some hard truths, we hope our 10 things we wish we knew when we started mountain biking helps you learn from our mistakes!</p><br><p>Do any of these ring true with you? Let us know at podcast@bikeradar.com.</p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast,&nbsp;we have a quick look back at four key bikes that have launched in the past week.</p><p>There's the new Giant Reign, which has seen an overhaul to bring it right up to date, as well as Ridley's new Grifn&nbsp;–&nbsp;a bike that blurs the line between road and gravel.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition, we talk about the new Scott Lumen eMTB. The top-spec model comes in at an eye-watering £14,699, but don't worry, there&nbsp;are&nbsp;cheaper versions too.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p><span class="ql-cursor"></span>With bike and gear already sorted, in the third part of our Getting Into Mountain Biking mini-series we’re chatting with MTB legend Tracy Moseley about the really fun bit – all about the experience of riding a mountain bike.</p><br><p>We cover where to head with your mountain bike, who to go riding with, what kind of mountain biking events there are and why you might want to consider getting some coaching.</p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Senior technical editor Warren Rossiter talks to Ridley product manager Bert Kenens on the eave of the launch of their new N+1 killing all road bike the Grifn (sic). A bike that aims to be as at home on gravel as it is on the road</p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>We’re well into smart trainer season now, which means Simon von Bromley, BikeRadar’s senior technical writer, has been doing his annual tests of the latest models. As ever, Simon has come out the other side of this testing with some more strongly held opinions – this time, it’s that ERG mode (an optional setting used by smart trainers to automatically adjust the resistance to match your cadence, to hold you at a prescribed power output during a workout) is overrated.</p><br><p>But why does he think that, and does anyone else agree? In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, Simon sits down with Ashley Quinlan, BikeRadar’s senior technical editor, to explain how ERG mode can potentially affect your pedalling style, why this matters, and what you might consider doing instead.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>SRAM took the fight to Shimano in 2021 when it launched Rival eTap AXS – a 12-speed, wireless electronic groupset at a relatively affordable price point.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>After years of telling us that 105 Di2 wouldn’t happen, Shimano&nbsp;was forced to react and create a rival for Rival eTap AXS. And now it has – Shimano 105 Di2 R7120 launched earlier this year.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Having had plenty of time to put both groupsets through their paces, BikeRadar’s&nbsp;senior technical editor,&nbsp;Warren Rossiter, sits down with&nbsp;senior technical writer,&nbsp;Simon von Bromley, to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each system, and see if they can crown one the king of budget electronic road groupsets.</p><br><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>New bikes are still making their way onto the market, and our MTB test team is hard at work getting the miles in on a host of new rides, across a broad range of prices!</p><br><p>In this News Review episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Alex Evans tells us about a new Marin Rift Zone, Luke Marshall has been riding a box-fresh Orbea Wild FS, and Tom Marvin has been pedalling the new Yeti SB120 around the South West's hills - they've also launched a new SB140 and SB160.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Last week we looked at buying your first mountain bike, but it turns out that’s just part of the equation: you’re gonna need a few more things before you can take to the trails.&nbsp;</p><br><p>We’re joined by our Tech Editor in Chief Robin Weaver and Senior Tech Ed Tom Marvin to sort through what really are trail essentials and what extra things are nice to have.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Listen in for our thoughts on the best safety gear, what to wear, what tools and spares to carry, and what extra bits to kit out your bike with.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Head over to <a href="https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/81cTCmENmTp7ZpkSGpnFC?domain=bikeradar.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BikeRadar.com</a> for loads of handy buyer’s guides on this topic, from the best pedals to toolkits, helmets to baggy shorts, and click here for our 20 essentials for epic MTB rides: <a href="https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/QLWvCnz60UX1zXrfJa5VZ?domain=bikeradar.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bikeradar.com/features/20-essentials-for-epic-mountain-bike-rides/</a>.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, deputy editor Jack Luke sits down with former pro-cyclist-turned-presenter, Adam Blythe.</p><br><p>Blythe is famously unafraid to air his opinions on tech, notably singling out Aqua Blue Sport’s decision to race on 3T’s 1x-specific Strada bikes as a key reason for his former team’s downfall in 2018.&nbsp;Following the recent release of the new 3T Strada ICR – which is available in a 2x configuration – We asked Adam whether he thought 1x will ever offer a competitive advantage.</p><br><p>Blythe also comes from a generation where riders were able to customize bikes to suit their riding, and by extension, personalities. In the podcast, Blythe bemoans the homogeneity of the modern peloton and highlights who he thinks are today’s most stylish riders on and off the bike. Finally, we hear his personal view on the UCI tech rules today.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><br><p>Blythe shares his thought on whether he thinks 1x will ever offer a competitive advantage, the homogeneous aesthetic of tech in the pro peloton today (and why he thinks that’s a bad thing), who he thinks is the most stylish rider on and off the bike, and his thoughts on UCI tech rules.&nbsp;</p><br><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Read more about the 3T Strada ICR:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bikeradar.com/news/3t-strada-icr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bikeradar.com/news/3t-strada-icr/</a></p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Watch BikeRadar’s Gravel Diaries:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&amp;list=PLhX4qGpWXV9vU_zmhOJyAABezN_22dy0B" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&amp;list=PLhX4qGpWXV9vU_zmhOJyAABezN_22dy0B</a>&nbsp;</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>With the northern hemisphere plunged into darkness, BikeRadar’s George Scott, Ashley Quinlan and Jack Luke discuss one of winter’s must-have cycling accessories – lights. George, Ash and Jack discuss the key things to look out for when buying lights for a road bike, to help keep you riding through winter.</p><br><p>You can also listen to our MTB lights podcast&nbsp;https://play.acast.com/s/bikeradarpodcast/our-guide-to-mountain-bike-night-riding</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Best bike lights for road cycling&nbsp;https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-bike-lights-for-road-cycling/</p><p>Best MTB lights&nbsp;https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-mountain-bike-lights/</p><p>Flashing vs steady lights – what’s better?&nbsp;https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/flashing-bike-lights/</p><p>StVZO lights explained&nbsp;https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/stvzo-bike-lights/</p><p>UK bike light laws explained&nbsp;https://www.bikeradar.com/features/bike-light-laws-in-the-uk-what-you-need-to-know/</p><br><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In the first of our four-part series all about getting into mountain biking, we’re joined by Tom Marvin and Alex Evans to chat everything you need to know about buying your first mountain bike. From which mountain bike discipline suits you best to how much travel you need, what to look for in geometry and components we’d recommend.</p><br><p>Besides this podcast, we’ve got heaps of buyer’s guides to check out on BikeRadar.com to help you choose your first mountain bike. Check them out here: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/best-mountain-bike/.</p><p><br></p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>For this bitesized episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, editor-in-chief, George Scott, speaks to Nathan Haas, who enjoyed a ten-year career as a WorldTour professional on the road, before switching to gravel full-time in 2022.&nbsp;</p><br><p>Nathan discusses the unique physiological, technical and tactical demands of gravel, as well as his tech setup, favourite races and targets for 2023.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>Shimano 105 saw an eagerly-awaited update in 2022. In came Di2 electronic shifting and 12-speeds (in a disc brake-only flavour to boot), while mechanical shifting 105 got left behind.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this podcast, BikeRadar’s road tech maestros Simon von Bromley, Ashley Quinlan and Warren Rossiter delve into our latest four-way bike group test, which featured the previous-generation 105 R7020 groupset.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They discuss the continued merits of mechanical 105, why Shimano should consider updating 105 R7000/R7020 to bring it into 12-speed line with its new electronic sibling, and if mechanical 105 R7020 is still the bang-for-buck performance benchmark groupset you shouldn’t ignore.</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

<p>In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, digital writer Jack Evans explores what’s powering the popularity of electric bikes.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jack asks Specialized Globe and Brompton why they’re investing in electric bike technology, while Emily Sinclair from cycling charity Sustrans and Selaine Saxby MP explain their support for ebikes.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Meanwhile, Saul Leiken from Specialized Globe makes the case for electric cargo bikes as an alternative to cars in towns and cities. Brompton’s head of design, Will Carley Smith, says going electric was an easy decision for the brand, but incorporating an electric motor into a compact folding bike proved trickier.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Sustrans Cymru liveable cities and towns officer Emily Sinclair tells Jack about a Welsh government-funded scheme that loans electric bikes to people for free.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Conservative MP for North Devon Selaine Saxby is a keen ebike user. She says the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, which she co-chairs, advocates more financial support for people to buy electric bikes.&nbsp;</p><br /><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>