If you were buying a mid-level performance bike, would you prefer an exceptional frame or a little compromise to get better components? That’s something that Ronan and Dave ponder in this week’s episode of Geek Warning.

In addition to that, you’ll learn about DT Swiss’ first wheel that features spokes that aren’t its own. There’s a PSA for anyone ignoring noises from their drivetrain. And Dave nerds out on some funny-looking screwdrivers.

Of course, members of Escape Collective get access to the Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode. Here, Dave and Brad Copeland go deep on whether bottom bracket bearings can last a lifetime and take a detour on the topic of flat mount mountain brakes.

Timestamps:

1:00 - Bigham’s Laser Bubble Tunnels
6:00 - Giant’s big bet on XC and high-end frames bumping up price points
19:00 - DT Swiss has a wheel with spokes that aren’t made by them
25:00 - Trek’s Project One now offering frame-only
29:00 - A PSA for your drivetrain
36:00 - Dave’s Good Thing of the week (decade?)
45:00 - Ask a Wrench with Brad Copeland (Members Only)
46:00 - A watery floor pump
52:00 - Can a bottom bracket bearing last a lifetime?
1:02:00 - Upgrading flat mount brakes on a mountain bike

It’s rare to get a bike that’s raced professionally throughout the season, that wins a World Championship title, and only then is released.

The new Giant Anthem cross-country bike is finally official, and tech editor Dave Rome recently flew to Taiwan to see how it’s made and get some early ride time on it.

While at that launch, Dave sat down with the bike’s lead category manager, Joe Staub, to learn about some of the design decisions, how Giant designs for manufacturing, and plenty more. At the end of the episode, you’ll also hear an interview with current XCO World Champion Alan Hatherly (as well as team manager Sebastion Boyington) about some specific tech thoughts for cross-country racing.

Usually, the full versions of our special episodes are only available to members of Escape Collective. We’re making an exception for this and keeping the full episode free for all. We just ask that, if you find it interesting, please consider sharing it with someone who may also like it.

If you want more information on the bike, then head to EscapeCollective.com for a full write-up, including early ride impressions.

Welcome back, geeks!

This week’s episode is a bit of a mixed bag, with Dave and Ronan kicking things off with a chat about Giant’s flagship factory. Things then jump to South Africa, where Escape’s CEO Wade Wallace sits down with racer and occasional tech contributor Kevin Bekenstein to chat tech at the inaugural Gravel Burn stage race.

Finally, members of Escape Collective will hear the return of Brad Copeland in the Ask a Wrench segment.

Time stamps:
2:30 - Dave’s trip to Taiwan
6:30 - Touring Giant’s flagship facility
14:45 - Equipment basics for Gravel Burn
22:00 - A proven use case for gravel suspension
50:00 - Brad Copeland returns for Ask a Wrench (Members only)
54:00 - Indoor bike and trainer servicing
1:14:00 - Shimano front shifter that keeps getting hard to use.
1:27:00 - Long-term storage of mountain bike suspension