The spectrum of XC race bikes

This week, Dave and Jack from the Escape Collective tech team talk modern cross-country bikes and where the nuance between race and downcountry sits. Plus, Dave shares why he believes remote lockouts are a race-day product.

Meanwhile, the geeks discuss why rounded bolts are most often user error and how to avoid them (also check out Dave’s Threaded #15 article on the topic).

Like every week, members of Escape Collective (on the exclusive member-only feeds) get access to the full episode, including Ask a Wrench. This week Colin Williams is back on the mic to answer questions from our members, including tips for washing bikes with waxed chains and removing stubborn hub end caps.

Time stamps:

00:02:00 - Santa Cruz updates the Blur

00:12:00 - The difference between XC race and downcountry

00:16:30 - It’s in the lockouts

00:20:00 - Differences in spec

00:28:30 - A reminder why MTB tech matters to all listeners

00:30:00 - A little Clarifications Corner for last week’s PSA

00:36:30 - Rounded bolts are a you problem

00:43:45 - DT Swiss updates its budget 1800 wheel range