Best Caley Fretz Podcasts (2025)

1
One more cut to rim brakes 34:48

36m ago34:48

34:48

Big wheels, a product recall, and another rant about poor bike design – oh yes, it’s time for Geek Warning. This week Dave and Ronan return to your digital radios. On the list is a sneaky disappearance of a liked SRAM product, news from UCI regarding 32in wheels, and a recall from Trek. Some time on the tools has Dave ranting about a particularly b…

1
The value of trade shows and new off-road things 55:44

10d ago55:44

55:44

In a tech-launch heavy week, Suvi, Josh, and Alex have taken over the pod to chat about what was happening at the recent, season-ending Rouleur Live show, which led them to discuss the value of these cycling exhibitions a little more. To wrap things up, the team chatted through the – admittedly very off-road focused – new product launches from Nuke…

1
Top-end frames on mid-level bikes 45:49

20d ago45:49

45:49

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 i…

1
Special ep: Design decisions behind the new Giant Anthem 1:13:21

21d ago1:13:21

1:13:21

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 t…

1
Inside Red Bull's laser-powered aero testing with Dan Bigham and the CyclingSpy 57:14

23d ago57:14

57:14

For years, cyclists have said, “you can’t see aero.” Now Dan Bigham can. In this episode, we go inside Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe’s groundbreaking use of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), a laser-based imaging technique that effectively makes airflow around a rider visible in 3D. Dan joins Ronan and the CyclingSpy to explain how the team used helium b…

1
A big factory tour and Gravel Burn tech 51:44

25d ago51:44

51:44

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, me…

1
Campagnolo goes top-tier on gravel, now where’s Shimano? 48:37

1M ago48:37

48:37

Jeez, that Dave and Ronan can sure ramble on about a new groupset. Indeed, this week’s Geek Warning has the geeks geeking over Campagnolo’s much-awaited release of 1x13 wireless. They chat about what's new, the limitations of a single chainring for general road riding, and why the future for the iconic Italian manufacturer seems brighter. While tha…

1
How applying the Performance Process philosophy helped achieve a lifetime best performance 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, Ronan applies the Performance Process philosophy to help Marcus Christie, one of the most successful Irish time trialists ever, to reimagine how to train, test, and race. Ronan and Marcus dive into the complete optimisation process behind Marcus's Nationals campaign. From bike fits and wind tunnels to injury management, heat strate…

1
WorldTour rumours and a split in aero bikes 44:22

1M ago44:22

44:22

Warning, geeks inbound. This week, Dave and Ronan catch up to discuss WorldTour rumours and a few of the bigger stories in tech. One of which is Wilier’s new aero bike, and while it wasn’t what Ronan had expected, it raises questions about whether the new crop of Hyperbikes are a consumer-friendly option. Of course, there’s a PSA and Dave shares a …

1
Saddle positioning and Campagnolo goes Ultra 45:59

2M ago45:59

45:59

Gravel World’s, Bespoked Dresden, and new products have kept Escape’s tech team busy over the past week. In this episode of Geek Warning, Dave and Ronan discuss a few of the bigger tech sightings and why they may prove to be irrelevant. There’s talk of Campagnolo’s latest products, plus Ronan further explains the role of saddle positioning tools. M…

1
Special ep: In for review, October 2025 38:15

2M ago38:15

38:15

It’s a rare occurrence that timezone align for Escape’s entire tech team to get together and casually chat about what’s keeping each of them busy. For this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Dave, Ronan, Suvi, Josh, and Alex discuss some of the test products and testing that has been on their minds as of late. Enjoy! Time stamps: 3:00 - The bikes we ro…

1
Keep calm and make history at Il Lombardia 26:49

2M ago26:49

26:49

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down the final Monument of the season, Il Lombardia.By Escape Collective

1
Emergency Ep: SRAM's win and what it means for the UCI 38:03

2M ago38:03

38:03

Emergency episode time! Caley and Ronan dive into a story that started with chainrings and cogs, and ended up in court. The BCA has ordered the UCI to suspend its new Maximum Gear Ratio Standard, siding with SRAM in a dispute that could reshape how cycling’s rules are made. What began as a “safety test” for rider speed has become a battle over who …

1
Fancy bottom brackets and adjustable crank lengths 43:53

2M ago43:53

43:53

Come get geeky with Dave, Ronan, and Zach (Boulder Grupetto), as they add context to the latest cycling tech. This week you’ll hear about adjustable crank lengths, whether fancy bottom brackets are worth the expense, and if modular mechanical rear derailleurs will succeed. Members of Escape will also hear a non-safety-critical PSA, and of course, A…

1
Do nasal strips aid performance? Maybe. 26:57

2M ago26:57

26:57

Nasal strips are back in vogue appearing on the noses of more and more WorldTour riders and Instagram ads alike. But do they actually help you perform better, or are they just another marketing-driven marginal gain? In this episode, Ronan Mc Laughlin is joined by coach and tech writer Andy Turner to dig into the science behind the performance claim…

1
Back to basics with chain lubes 48:01

2M ago48:01

48:01

Long-time listeners of Geek Warning are in for a treat as Zach Edwards (Boulder Groupetto) returns for a full episode. Along with Dave Rome and Alex Hunt, there is a whole lot of ultimate bike geek to this week’s episode. Within, you’ll hear about some unintentionally leaked information related to what’s likely the next generation of Shimano road p…

1
Why annual training strategies are still key but now much more flexible 25:08

2M ago25:08

25:08

It’s the time of year in the northern hemisphere when many riders look back on the season just gone and start planning for the one ahead. In this episode, Ronan Mc Laughlin speaks with Tim Cusick, world-class coach, founder of BaseCamp, a global, community-driven training platform and WKO5 product leader, about how to review your past year of train…

1
Workshop wishes and crooked hoods 52:19

2M ago52:19

52:19

This week on Geek Warning, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss why SRAM’s battle with the UCI may also prove positive for Shimano. Ronan asks Dave what his workshop wish is, which leads to an unexpected tangent about bike washing. There’s, of course, a PSA, which ends up being a conversation about how to align dropbar shifters. And the geeks su…

1
Geek Warning Bonus: Trek on testing gravel suspension and bike design 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

Today, Trek launched a bike that’s sure to spark debate in comments sections. It’s called the CheckOut. It features a new 60 mm travel front suspension fork, courtesy of the RockShox Rudy XL, and 55 mm rear travel to match. It fits gravel-width cranks and has official clearance for up to 56 mm tyres (about a 29x2.25in). However, it’s the design and…

1
There’s no optimal crank length, but there is too long 35:21

2M ago35:21

35:21

Crank length is one of the most debated elements of modern bike fit. So-called "shorter cranks" offer a host of claimed benefits including: comfort, aerodynamics, and injury prevention. But how much shorter is short and how low should we go?In this episode, Ronan sits down with Matt Appleman, frame builder, engineer, and founder of Appleman Bicycle…

1
There is no best bike 52:20

3M ago52:20

52:20

When Escape Collective first launched, Ronan Mc Laughlin announced plans for an aero leaderboard. The goal was to test race bikes in real-world conditions using the latest testing tools to determine which bikes are the fastest. That obviously didn’t come to fruition, and this week, Dave and Ronan discuss why. The conversation leads to the two discu…

1
Could UAE have done anything differently at the Vuelta? 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down the final mountain stage and discuss the bigger storylines of the third week of the Vuelta a España.By Escape Collective

1
The barriers to entry-level road race bikes 42:54

3M ago42:54

42:54

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 fou…

1
Why the most common answer to aero questions is 'it depends' 30:09

3M ago30:09

30:09

Arguably no topic generates more questions, or more frustrating answers, than aerodynamics. Ask which helmet, skinsuit, or wheel is fastest and the reply from those in the know is almost always the same: “It depends.” In this episode, Ronan Mc Laughlin is joined by data scientist Tom Epton to dig into why "it depends" is the only accurate answer, w…

1
We have a race on our hands at the Vuelta 33:06

3M ago33:06

33:06

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down stage 13 of the Vuelta a España and the rest of the second week so far.By Escape Collective

1
Riding a 32in and Ronan is now a mountain biker 1:13:35

3M ago1:13:35

1:13:35

An Irish road cyclist walks into the R&D department of an international bike brand and rides a prototype mountain bike. That’s the joke. In this episode, Dave and Ronan discuss 32-inch-wheeled mountain bikes and whether Ronan is now a mountain biker. There’s a detailed chat about the torque required when working with UDH hangers or SRAM Full Mount …

1
Creatine for Cyclists? Separating the hype from the science 36:01

3M ago36:01

36:01

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in sport, with decades of evidence showing clear benefits for strength and power athletes. But what about endurance sport, and cycling in particular? Creatine is back in the spotlight, hyped as everything from a sprint enhancer to a brain-boosting miracle. In this episode, Ronan Mc Laughlin sits do…

1
There may be a Lidl problem with your team's Vuelta strategy 38:15

3M ago38:15

38:15

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down stage 9 of the Vuelta a España and take a broader look at all the action from the first week of the race.By Escape Collective

1
'There are no new ideas left in cycling' 55:58

3M ago55:58

55:58

The Portland-based Made show has wrapped up for another year, and our website has been buzzing with coverage from the handmade bike event. This week’s Geek Warning is a bit different from the usual format, with the conversation focused mainly on what was seen at Made. Here, Dave Rome chats with Escape’s US tech editor Josh Weinberg along with famed…

1
A dentist check-up on high carb fuelling and your teeth 34:31

3M ago34:31

34:31

We all know carbohydrates are essential for endurance performance, we also know the same gels, chews and drinks fuelling our rides could be destroying our teeth? But what should we do, can we protect our teeth and still do high-carb? In this episode, Ronan is joined by Jason Henry, a specialist in oral surgery and decorated masters cyclist, to expl…

1
The spares we carry 37:46

3M ago37:46

37:46

It’s a shorter episode this week as Escape’s Suvi Loponen and Dave Rome catch up to discuss the spares they carry and how to ensure they work when you need them most. On the news front, they discuss the latest developments regarding the ongoing Shimano crank recall and an unexpected (and hopefully short-lived) issue affecting older Wahoo Bolt and R…

1
Could an easier warm up add 35 watts to a rider’s TT power? Yes! 22:01

4M ago22:01

22:01

How much thought do you give your warm up? Where did your warm up protocol come from? For most riders it’s a borrowed routine, something a coach prescribed, or they read online from a pro team, or just something they’ve always done. But what if your warm up is actually costing you performance instead of priming you for it? How hard should it be? An…

1
Progress creates opportunity in the backfill 42:26

4M ago42:26

42:26

It’s time to geek out. This week, Ronan Mc Laughlin and Dave Rome discuss how as bikes progress, market opportunity is often created in what those bikes previously provided. Through this conversation, Ronan and Dave come to an agreement on a specific style of bike that’s obviously missing today. You’ll hear a PSA relevant to any modern bike, along …

1
What is it gut training and how can we do it? 37:07

4M ago37:07

37:07

Gut training has become one of the buzzwords in endurance sport, but is it hype or a real performance advantage? In this episode of Performance Process, Ronan Mc Laughlin is joined by accredited sports dietitian and endurance nutrition researcher Dr Alan McCubbin to break down what gut training really is, why it matters for cyclists, and how to app…

1
The UCI approval sticker is overrated 44:12

4M ago44:12

44:12

A mix of rumours circling and the recently reviewed FiftyOne Sika road bike have Ronan and Dave pondering whether the UCI frame sticker is relevant to many of us. Spoiler, it’s not. The episode was recorded a few days before we know for sure, but the social media profiles of athletes strongly point toward some interesting drop-bar-converted mountai…

1
A CyclingSpy post-Tour deep dive on sprinting aero and optimisation marketing 31:21

4M ago31:21

31:21

Performance Process is back after a Tour de France-shaped gap. In this episode, CyclingSpy returns to unpack the most intriguing performance trends from the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes. From new helmet wars and front versus rear zippers, to sprinter aero testing and the mountain time trial that became a masterclass in simulation modell…

1
Brakes, brakes, and brakes on big wheels 43:38

4M ago43:38

43:38

What in the upside-down world is this? Ronan Mc Laughlin has been investigating rumours around the UCI getting involved with the new 32 in wheelsize, and in this episode of Geek Warning, you’ll hear the crew discuss what it may spell. Additionally, you’ll hear the geeks (Ronan, Dave, and Alex) talk about some products that have left them a little u…

1
The battle for yellow is over 35:00

4M ago35:00

35:00

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down the last mountain stage of the 2025 Tour de France and take a broader view of the GC battle in the final week.By Escape Collective

1
Finished with unfinished products in the market 48:10

4M ago48:10

48:10

Recorded just after watching Tadej and Jonas summit Ventoux on aero bikes, this episode sees Ronan McLaughlin, Dave Rome, and Suvi Loponen discuss whether the latest and lightest road bikes are now designed for consumers, while aero bikes are for the pros. Also within this week’s Geek Warning, you’ll hear Dave discuss why he thinks too many product…

1
Cooked in the Pyrenees 30:23

5M ago30:23

30:23

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down the second week of the 2025 Tour de France, where three back-to-back days in the Pyrenees cooked everyone.By Escape Collective

1
Big wheels, TT saddles, and Five Stars 53:37

5M ago53:37

53:37

We’re in thick of race season and there’s plenty to discuss on the tech front. The mountain bike world is rubbing their eyes at the sight of a 32-inch-wheeled full suspension. Meanwhile, on the road, it’s the Time Trial that continues to tease future tech trends. Join Ronan Mc Laughlin, Dave Rome, and Alex Hunt as they discuss these new sightings. …

1
The kitchen sink and the first 'week' of the Tour de France 35:13

5M ago35:13

35:13

Dane Cash and Cosmo Catalano break down the first 10 stages of the Tour de France, which culminated in a mountain stage where Visma-Lease a Bike tried pretty much everything to pressure Tadej Pogačar.By Escape Collective

1
Tour Tech 47:01

5M ago47:01

47:01

It’s Tour time and tech editor Ronan McLaughlin has been on the ground capturing all the latest little tricks and tidbits. In this week’s Geek Warning, Dave Rome, and Ronan get together to talk through some of the bigger tech stories and finds coming from the biggest race. Within you’ll hear about new bikes from Merida and Cervelo, some behind-the-…

1
Hookless to hooked and pondering spoke colours 1:23:37

5M ago1:23:37

1:23:37

The drowsiness of Eurobike has barely faded just as the Tour is about to kick off. This week, Escape’s tech team members Suvi Loponen, Ronan Mc Laughlin, and Dave Rome are on Geek Warning to discuss the biggest tech of the week and some things on their minds. A recap of Eurobike is provided by Suvi, along with pondering what the future holds for th…

1
Special ep: Bikepacking aero nerd 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

In this special Performance Process x Geek Warning crossover, Dave Rome grills Ronan Mc Laughlin about every technical detail from his 3,000 km unsupported lap of Ireland. From aero bag hacks and drivetrain quirks to cleat regrets and a failed light, this is a deep dive into the tech setup behind a truly personal and punishing ultra-endurance ride.…

1
Special ep: Bikepacking aero nerd 27:15

5M ago27:15

27:15

In this special Performance Process x Geek Warning crossover, Dave Rome grills Ronan Mc Laughlin about every technical detail from his 3,000 km unsupported lap of Ireland. From aero bag hacks and drivetrain quirks to cleat regrets and a failed light, this is a deep dive into the tech setup behind a truly personal and punishing ultra-endurance ride.…

1
The ‘why’ behind my circumnavigation of Ireland helped me find the ‘how’ to pull it off 51:54

5M ago51:54

51:54

In this special episode of Performance Process, Ronan shares the story behind his 3,000+ km solo circumnavigation of Ireland – a ride powered not by chasing records, but by purpose. This was a deeply personal challenge to raise awareness for food allergies and support life-changing research, all while adhering to the same strict allergen-free diet …

1
Shimano Di2, Classified, and Eurobike week 59:01

5M ago59:01

59:01

We’re not sure we’ve ever experienced a busier month in the world of cycling tech. All the major drivetrain manufacturers have released new things. We’ve had two custom bike shows and now it’s the world’s largest cycling tradeshow - Eurobike. And the tech conversations in the racing world have been a flurry of activity, too. In this episode, you’ll…

1
The week of wireless trickle 53:39

6M ago53:39

53:39

Wow, what a week for those who love cycling tech! If four new dropbar groupsets from SRAM weren’t enough, then Shimano certainly fills that glass with its sudden release of XT and Deore Di2. Join Escape’s Dave Rome, Suvi Loponen and Alex Hunt as they discuss what’s new and some things to be aware of. Meanwhile, the UCI released some upcoming rule c…

1
Special ep: A chat with SRAM about new Rival and Force and trickling down tech 16:01

6M ago16:01

16:01

In this bonus episode of Geek Warning, Suvi Loponen sits down with SRAM’s Dan Stefiuk and Paul Kantor to chat about the all-new Rival and Force AXS groupsets. From tech trickled down from Red, to the design philosophies that shaped these mid-tier offerings, we chat about how SRAM approaches performance, pricing, and compatibility. For the full tech…

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Caley Fretz Podcasts

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