The tech crew at Escape Collective have been paying close attention to the progression toward 32in wheels in gravel and mountain bike, and while the conversation has come up a few times, it felt time to dedicate some real time to the topic.

This week, Escape tech staffers Dave Rome, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Alex Hunt chat about 32ers in the news, whether the UCI’s potential involvement will slow things, and if a new wheel size is of positive net gain for the wider industry.

In addition to big wheels, the geeks also talk about some other new products. Meanwhile, members of Escape Collective get Ask a Wrench, the weekly segment where our members’ technical questions get answered.

Time stamps:

• 00:02:15 - 32ers in the news
• 00:03:00 - Thömus gets the first World Cup podium
• 00:07:00 - Canyon’s Lux Era concept
• 00:10:20 - A few big wheels at Spoken
• 00:12:30 - The UCI’s involvement
• 00:23:00 - Brands preparing for the next big thing
• 00:28:30 - Complications in 32er suspension
• 00:36:00 - It’s a high-risk time for more stock
• 00:39:30 - Cheaper bikes will be worse
• 00:42:00 - Why didn’t it start with gravel bikes?
• 00:49:00 - Wolf Tooth’s lower cost range of products
• 00:51:50 - Black Inc’s new Hyper wheels. So many carbon spokes
• 00:59:00 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (members only)
• 01:01:00 - Should you service new suspension and talking bushing clearances
• 01:14:24 - Fighting stuck tubeless tyres. How to deal with them on the trail?
• 01:26:00 - A recall-related question

This week, Dave, Ronan, and new guy Jack chat about Eddy Merckx’s new bike and why it’s surprised Ronan. The bike provides good fodder for diving into more serviceable cockpits and for understanding why only fashion may limit the uptake of progressive road geometry.

There’s good news for those who prefer cable-actuated shifting, as Shimano has updated its mountain bike offerings. Dave has other things on his mind, too, including Australia’s Spoken bike show and how downhill is teasing future puzzling for disc brakes.

Of course, there’s plenty more than that, and members of Escape Collective also get Ask a Wrench at the end of the episode (members-only feed).

Time stamps:

• 00:01:30 - The new Eddy Merckx and an exploration into progressive road geometry
• 00:22:45 - Shimano’s mechanical shifting update
• 00:29:00 - Shimano updates a real classic
• 00:31:45 - Don’t miss Overnight Success
• 00:33:50 - Downhill tech is on Dave’s mind and the pursuit of heat-regulated brakes
• 00:39:15 - Dave makes a case for why Australia’s builder scene is world-class
• 00:46:00 - Cannondale’s nostalgic Team Dream CAAD14s
• 00:47:15 - Bianchi’s new Specialissima
• 00:51:45 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (Members Only)
• 00:54:00 - A Shimano mechanical dropbar shifter that’s coming undone
• 01:03:00 - Inconsistent Torx tooling
• 01:13:45 - Noisy eccentric bottom bracket challenges
• 01:21:20 - Disc brake pads for high elevation bike packing

New bikes are now rolling in from all directions with both the road and mountain bike race seasons in full swing. In this week’s episode, Dave chats with new hire Jack Duncan about what he’s been seeing at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (aka, the Dauphine).

Later in the episode, Jack and Dave discuss new cross-country mountain bikes from Orbea and Lapierre. Then Alex Hunt joins to talk about his experience with the new Scott Spark.

Not even prompted by Dave, the geeks also cover space and weight-efficient tools for travel. And as per usual, members of Escape Collective get access to our popular Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode.

Time stamps:

• 00:01:10 - Pre-Tour tech at the Dauphine
• 00:09:00 - A tangent on big brand wheels
• 00:14:00 - Mystery new shoes
• 00:15:20 - New climbing bikes are being seen, but rarely raced
• 00:23:30 - How to pack tools for travel is on our mind
• 00:41:00 - It’s a week of new 29er XC MTB, starting with the Orbea Oiz and Lapierre XR
• 00:49:30 - Alex Hunt joins to talk about Scott’s Spark update
• 00:59:00 - RIP Charlie Cunningham
• 01:01:40 - Ask a Wrench with Colin Williams (members only)
• 01:03:00 - Small electric inflators where low pressures matter
• 01:13:00 - Discontinued pedal lubes and PFAS’
• 01:20:30 - What on saddles makes them a wear item?
• 01:27:00 - Pondering a handlebar that turns more freely
• 01:30:30 - Talking about our mechanical work