The BikeRadar Podcast

Alex is joined by Jack and Tom to discuss the tech behind eight recently launched eMTBs, all fitted with the brand new Bosch Performance Line CX motor.   The bikes include Santa Cruz’s new Vala, Trek’s updated Rail+ Gen 5, Mondraker’s affordable and versatile Chaser, Focus’ hydroformed Jam2, Cube’s impressively priced Stereo Hybrid One44, Crestline’s boutique S180 and LS160, Norco’s high-pivot Sight VLT CX and Orbea’s all-new Wild. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The UCI Gravel World Championships are into their third year, and were held in Flanders, Belgium this time out. Liam and Simon discuss how the tech choices of the main contenders show the race is slowly progressing towards becoming an event befitting the name.   We also hear from Connor Swift, Marianne Vos and Valtteri Bottas about the specific tech choices they made in the pursuit of speed on gravel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Mountain biking in Wales faces an uncertain future, thanks to cost savings at NRW – National Resources Wales.  With NRW’s budgets flatlining in the face of inflationary pressures, the government agency has statutory responsibilities to maintain, forcing cuts to leisure facilities. This includes the maintenance of Wales’ extensive network of official trails. Without maintenance, the organisation may need to close trails for safety reasons putting trail centres, and unofficial (or wild) trails also at risk. In this episode we talk to Robin Grant, founder and president of The UK MTB Trail Alliance about the state of the UK trail network, and the problems being faced in Wales. To find out more, and to help ensure the future of the trails, head to the UK MTB Trail Alliance [https://www.ukmtb.org/] website.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

We’re back with another Tech Q&A, this time tackling a pair of road and a pair of mountain bike questions. We look at how to gear up for a winter of road cycling to ensure we stay warm and dry, as well as discussing which endurance bikes are going to provide plenty of comfort on long rides. When it comes to the flat-bar side of things, there’s a question over compliant bars that aren’t as comfy as they were once cut down, and an interesting one about the new GENIE shock fitted to the latest Specialized Stumpjumper – and its compatibility on other bikes. As ever, if you have your own questions for our tech team, send them to podcast@bikeradar.com [podcast@bikeradar.com].   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

In today’s episode, Luke and Rob delve into the depths of their imaginations and ponder what they’d change in the sport of mountain biking if money were no object. The guys cover everything from grassroots racing and school curriculums all the way through to preventing bike theft, upping innovation funding and increasing inner-city ride locations, all in a bid to make mountain biking even better. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]