The barriers to entry-level road race bikes

Geek Warning

This week, Ronan and Dave ponder how they would equip an entry-level road bike, and while chatting, realise that maybe the industry has backed itself into a costly corner.

Of course, there’s a PSA and a bunch of tech news to discuss. Meanwhile, members of Escape Collective get access to Ask a Wrench, where this week Dave and Zach Edwards answer four member-submitted technical questions.

Enjoy!

Time stamps:

3:15 - How would we spec an entry-level road race bike
22:30 - A PSA to grease your axles
27:20 - Cervelo’s new R5
30:40 - Castelli’s PFAS-free poor weather jacket
37:00 - SRAM’s 1987 Limited Edition Silver group
38:00 - What’s coming up, plus Escape gets a much-wanted feature
42:00 - Ask a Wrench (member’s only)
44:00 - Suspension service intervals and not riding
50:00 - Breaking chainring bolts
56:00 - Using a shorter fork on a modern XC bike
1:01:30 - Why are aero wheels not a thing in fast MTB races?