It’s time for another bonus episode from the geeks. Hosted by Dave Rome, this episode is a dive into the world of torque wrench usage. Oh yes, it’s time to get nerdy.

Anyone who uses a torque wrench should find value in this episode that covers the do’s and don’ts in using a torque wrench. To help with this topic, Dave is joined by Alex Boone, an aerospace engineer who works at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Formerly a quality control engineer, and before that, a bike shop rat, Alex knows the ins and outs of using a torque wrench and how best to apply that in bicycle terms.

For more on this topic, head on over to EscapeCollective.com for Dave’s latest edition of Threaded that summarises and shows many of the concepts discussed within.

The full version of this episode is only available to members of Escape Collective. Those on the free feed will hear approximately half the episode. If independent journalism matters to you, you want access to all that we offer (and without ads), or you just want a website that’s not trash to look at, then please consider joining at escapecollective.com/geekwarning .

Have you experienced certain models of Shimano 12-speed chains rusting more easily than expected? It’s one of many topics in this week’s Geek Warning, the cycling tech podcast from Escape Collective.

This week, Suvi, Alex, and Dave also discuss limitations and concerns regarding the fast-arriving 32in wheels. There’s talk of new bikes. And what we carry for fixing tubeless punctures.

Those on our member-only feeds also get access to Ask a Wrench, where this week Colorado-based pro mechanic Colin Williams joins Dave for the first time.

Happy geeking!

Time stamps:

• 1:40 - Trek’s new XC bike has been spotted
• 6:40 - Big (32”) wheels continue to gain momentum, but maybe we should pump the brakes?
• 18:00 - Basso’s new gravel bike
• 22:30 - Do 12-speed Shimano chains have a rust issue?
• 31:00 - Tubeless tyre plugging
• 42:30 - What we’ve finished working on
• 45:00 - Ask a Wrench (Member-only, with pro mechanic Colin Williams)
• 46:00 - When cutting carbon goes wrong
• 51:00 - Are there short-cuts to setting up SRAM Transmission?
• 58:40 - Tips for gravel racing in sand
• 1:04:00 - Specialized FutureShock headset tips

This week’s episode is packed tighter than a top tube bag before an all-day outing. Join Suvi, Dave, and Ronan as they chat through the latest industry and product news to hit the cycling world.

Within, you’ll hear where Suvi’s head is at in picking a rear radar, and what Dave suggests for a portable air blower. The geeks also discuss bike-washing tips for those without a garden, plus thoughts on modern drivetrain wear.

Members of Escape Collective also get access to the Ask a Wrench segment at the end of the episode, where member-submitted tech questions are answered. Plus, our member-only podcast feeds are ad-free.

Time stamps:

2:00 - Is Eurobike as we know it now over?
9:00 - Good news from Campagnolo
12:00 - Trek’s gusty headwinds
13:45 - Garmin’s new rear radar and Suvi’s existing picks
23:30 - Surly’s Midnight Special gets some fiber
24:50 - Rose’s Shave race and endurance bikes
36:00 - Bike wash tips for apartment dwellers
48:30 - Portable air blowers
51:30 - The old rules of drivetrain wear no longer apply
54:00 - Ask a Wrench with Zach Edwards (Members Only)
54:30 - Dropper posts and internal cable routing woes
1:05:00 - A funny PSA
1:6:30 - Full Mount derailleurs and stripped bolts
1:13:00 - Brake pad compounds for ultra wet off-road riding