Every other Geek Warning episode typically ends with the geeks answering 3-4 technical questions submitted by members. This week, we’re opening up our usual Member-Only ‘Ask a Wrench’ section to everyone.

For this episode, Dave Rome is joined by US tech writer Jack Duncan and mechanic Zach Edwards of the Boulder Groupetto. The episode starts with some tech news from the week, and then gets into answering member-submitted questions.

If you like this format, please know we offer a shorter version of it every week – you just need to be on the member-only feed to see it.

Time stamps:

• 00:02:00 - Cannondale USA headquarters to close
• 00:07:00 - Reserve goes 32in
• 00:11:00 - Ohlins enters gravel
• 00:15:45 - Ask a Wrench, an extended version
• 00:16:00 - Why are there so many wheel brands?
• 00:23:00 - Is the Corsa Pro Speed causing crashes?
• 00:32:00 - Buying a budget e-bike in Australia
• 00:36:00 - What else to consider other than the Oneup EDC pump?
• 00:40:30 - Better gravel wheels for a heavier rider
• 00:47:00 - How should I store my dropper post?
• 00:49:00 - Capping open hydraulic brake hoses
• 00:55:00 - What to use for sticky SRAM D1/D2 brake lever pistons
• 01:02:00 - How to fix a torque wrench with a slipping ratchet?
• 01:07:00 - Should mechanics charge more for emergency and weekend repairs?

This week on Geek Warning, Dave chats with Ronan about his extremely comprehensive road tyre test, published a week ago. The conversation covers how the test was run and why the data is so reliable.

Then, Ronan and Dave chat about Silca’s acquisition and re-release of the analogue-watch-lookalike Omata cycling computer.

Midway, Escape's US-based tech writer Jack Duncan jumps on to discuss Colnago’s new Colnago gravel bike and a somewhat peculiar wheel release from Cadex.

Lastly, members of Escape Collective (on our exclusive member-only feeds) get access to Ask a Wrench, where we answer technical questions submitted by our members.

Time stamps:

• 2:30 - Ronan’s big and tiring project
• 25:30 - Silca acquires Omata
• 36:00 - Switching locations to Jack
• 39:00 - Colnago’s new G5-X gravel bike
• 45:00 - Cadex’s XC wheelset is a little weird
• 55:45 - Ask a Wrench with Zach Edwards (Member-Only)

A report published by CyclingIndustries.com highlights an extreme shortage of skilled mechanics and the issues that presents. Dave and Ronan discuss some of the challenges behind this and what it may take to better retain skilled mechanics.

Later in the episode, Dave shares why he thinks rim brakes will return in popularity, at least a little. Ronan argues why Dave’s crystal ball is faulty.

You’ll also hear a tech tip that’s perhaps more just an excuse to treat yourself. To wrap things up, and as per usual, members of Escape Collective get our Ask a Wrench section, where Dave and Zach Edwards answer technical questions from listeners.

Happy geeking!

Time stamps:

• 02:30 - Skills shortage facing the cycling industry
• 22:15 - Yet another wheelsize that’s to cause ever more havoc
• 29:00 - Will rim brakes make a comeback on the road?
• 40:00 - Your bike is only as good as its worst part (language warning for this segment)
• 47:45 - Ask a Wrench (Members only)
• 48:00 - Yet another mystery disc brake noise
• 53:30 - Chasing a stubborn creaking pedal noise
• 59:00 - Glazed brakes and how to solve it
• 1:05:00 - A rattly RockShox XPLR dropper post
• 1:11:00 - Does the suspension linkage design matter?