When AI simply isn’t AI and new bikes galore

In this week’s Geek Warning, the tech team — Dave Rome, Alex Hunt, Ronan McLaughlin, and Suvi Loponen — explore AI’s role in cycling tech, from training and design to marketing, while questioning even is truly “AI” and what’s just advanced machine learning – or marketing. Whether we’re all sick of hearing about it or think it has a place in some applications, you’ll find out.

As the off-season is over (and keeps Dave busy at TDU), it seems we’re starting to see more and more new tech drops. This week, the geeks talk through new pedals from OneUp, short cranks from RaceFace, as well as new bikes from Giant and Liv, Stinner, Basso, and Chapter2. There’s also chat about some more industry headwinds that have affected REI and Raleigh.

And as usual, Brad Copeland joins the pod to answer a few wrenching questions from Escape members with Dave.

Maybe it’s the Christmas break effect still and we’ve got a lot of chat in us, but like last week, this episode is longer than usual, but we hope you enjoy it nevertheless.

Escape Collective’s podcasts are made possible by our members. Head on over to escapecollective.com/member to support this show and everything else on our podcast network.

Time stamps:

2:40 – On Our Minds: What is AI anyway – and is it being unleashed in the cycling tech?
23:50 – Not a Pick One but info on a new Collective Favourites series
24:55 – Cycling industry news from REI and Raleigh
28:15 – OneUp clip pedal
31:15 – New 160mm cranks from RaceFace
32:15 – Wolf Tooth tyre pressure app update
34:12 – The Cool Bottle
36:45 – New Giant Trinity and Liv Avow TT/triathlon bikes
42:15 – New Basso SV
45:46 – Chapter2 Rira bike
47:25 – Stinner Refugio Select adventure bike
49:30 – Ask a Wrench with Dave & Brad
01:19:00 – Outro