Tech Q&A: The death of 27.5in wheels, the best e-bike motor, and more

In this week’s episode of the BikeRadar Podcast, Jack Luke is joined by Ashley Quinlan to discuss this week’s biggest tech stories in cycling. The pair discuss the launch of the Factor One – the world’s fastest UCI-legal road bike, according to the brand.  They also cover a huge bust of $1.1m counterfeit Specialized bikes on AliExpress, and Lance Armstrong’s return to the screen. Jack also expresses his admiration for this winter’s weirdest cycling accessory, and confesses his shredding sins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s BikeRadar news show, Jack Luke is joined by Ashley Quinlan to discuss difficult times at Campagnolo, with news emerging that the Italian brand is planning to cut up to 120 jobs from its Vicenza HQ after posting losses of €24 million. Though unions disagree, the company says it has “no alternative” if it is to return to a sustainable footing. Jack and Ashley examine what the proposed restructuring means for the brand, how we got here, and what Campagnolo’s latest clarification tells us about its future direction.  The pair also delve into Campagnolo’s confirmation that it is developing new “intermediate” products, with Jack outlining what he believes the company needs to deliver to stay relevant in 2026 without alienating old-school fans of the brand. Finally, the duo discuss last week’s top-performing story on BikeRadar.com – the nine reasons why your next bike should be titanium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s episode of the BikeRadar news podcast, Jack Luke is joined by Simon von Bromley to discuss this week’s biggest tech stories in cycling. Kicking things off is the news that while hi-vis clothing may not be the secret to staying safe while riding, biomotion could be. Next up, the two discuss Schmolke’s new TLO 50 wheelset, which is claimed to be the lightest aero disc brake wheelset in the world, and Garmin’s latest software updates for its Edge bike computers. For our ‘rant of the week’, Jack and Simon bemoan the UK government’s rumoured intention to cap the value of Cycle to Work purchases, due to concerns some are taking advantage of the scheme to buy “luxury leisure” bikes. Finally, we finish with our top story from last week – which was a feature on the Core sensor, a body temperature sensor used by the likes of Tadej Pogačar and other pro cyclists. Visit store.insta360.com and use code RADAR for up to 22% off the X5. The first 30 purchases using the code also get a free replacement lens kit. Offer runs from 20 November 2025 to 2 January 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s news show, Jake Luke is joined by Simon von Bromley for an indoor cycling special. Kicking things off, the duo discuss recent comments made by MyWhoosh’s director of esports and game operations, who said he believes the days of real-world bike racing could be numbered. They then move onto the strangest indoor cycling tech of all time, including bike treadmills to €14,000 indoor bikes made from glass and wood. Next up, George Scott is joined by Stephan Neusser, a sports scientist and coach who works for Rouvy, to discuss the fundamentals of indoor training and how to ensure you’re not burning out this winter. Lastly, Simon teases the results of his most recent smart trainer group test and tells Jack why £500 or $600 is the most any of needs to spend on a new trainer nowadays. Thank you to Rouvy for sponsoring this episode of the BikeRadar podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We’re back for part three of our indoor training series, supported by Rouvy, and this time BikeRadar’s George Scott quizzes Simon von Bromley on the five training metrics that he really cares about.   Listen to episode one – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bikeradar-podcast/id1461106709?i=1000731505583   Listen to episode two – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bikeradar-podcast/id1461106709?i=1000732960392   Training zones explained – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bikeradar-podcast/id1461106709?i=1000633537578   Fit older male cyclists face these hidden heart risks – https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/health/fit-older-male-cyclists-face-these-hidden-heart-risks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this week’s news show, Jack Luke is reunited with Simon von Bromley to unpick this week’s biggest tech stories in cycling. First up is Merida’s new Mission gravel bike, which comes with just 40mm of tyre clearance. Is that enough for a modern gravel race bike? We’re not so sure.  The pair then discuss a set of wild prototype gravel rims designed by Dangerholm, and Q36.5’s new ultra-low stack height pedal system made in partnership with SRM. Following that, the pair cover last week’s top story on BikeRadar – the news that men may be facing a testosterone crisis, why this could be affecting their health, and what men can do about it. They then finish with our rant of the week, which sees Simon addressing some of the comments on one of our recent videos. Does bike tech matter to pros? Simon says yes, even if he agrees cycling isn’t Formula 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ashley Quinlan drops in with host Jack Luke to talk over the biggest stories in cycling.    They discuss the return of Vitus, Nukeproof and dhb following the folding of the Wiggle/CRC group, and then move onto the hottest bike launch of the week – a new track bike from Italian brand Colnago. Then, they cover some flashy new light up pedals from Look which are claimed to boost rider visibility by over five times!   Finally, it’s time for Rant of the Week, with Jack feeling all warm and fuzzy following his visit to the UK National Hill Climb Championships in Matlock the previous weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this month’s BikeRadar Tech Q&A, we tackle your tech questions as sent to [email protected] this episode, we cover the quiet death of the 27.5in eMTB, aero endurance bikes that don’t weigh a ton, the best ebike motor system, whether it’s worth upgrading to Di2 is worth it, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Jack Luke is joined by Simon von Bromley to unpack the biggest stories in cycling. They start with the surprising news that Strava has dropped its lawsuit against Garmin – just 21 days after it was made public. The pair then discuss Tom Pidcock’s big equipment switch for 2026, Rapha’s reset, plus the impressive times posted by Geraint Thomas and Tom Dumoulin… in running events? Finally, it’s time for Rant of the Week, with Jack taking aim at the hostility cyclists face when trying to travel by train in the UK. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Indoor training can fast-track your fitness – but the intensity associated with riding indoors can also lead to burnout. In this episode of the podcast, George Scott and Simon von Bromley share five tips to help you find balance in your training plan.   Read more on indoor training burnout: https://www.bikeradar.com/advice/fitness-and-training/indoor-training-burnout Read Simon’s review of the Wahoo Kickr Core 2: https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/training/indoor-trainers/wahooo-kickr-core-2-review Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices