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 discussing how they approach reviews and the anxieties that surround them. The geeks also have a PSA, Dave attempts to explain pedal kickback in mountain bikes to Ronan, and there's chat of SRAM's speed update for Transmission. Members of Escape Collective (via the member podcast feed) get the full episode, which contains Ask a Wrench. This week Dave answers a handful of member-submitted questions, which this week relate to bottom brackets, servicing hydraulic disc brakes, and cassette wear. Time stamps: 2:00 - Why bike reviews can’t have conclusive answers 26:00 - PSA related to replacing disc brake pads 31:00 - DT Swiss’ new DF system and pedal kickback explained 39:30 - A quiet release from SRAM that speeds up Transmission shift speed 50:00 - Ask a Wrench (member-only feed) 50:00 - Specialized’s OSBB explained 56:30 - Cassette wear and how to measure for it 1:04:00 - SRAM Road Hydro lever service 1:11:00 - Buying a bike with a BB86 bottom bracket
