Velo Podcast

Gravel bike? Adventure bike? Bikepacking rig? With a drop handlebar but wide tires, proper suspension on both ends, and geometry that makes sense for good times on dirt, the just-released Trek CheckOUT looks like it’s ready for... well, just about anything, be it a quick singletrack rip or a race from Canada to the Mexican border. Will Tracy and Levy look into the CheckOUT’s features, including its near-endless mounting points and the new, longer travel Rudy XL fork, and Levy shares his questionable opinion from a mountain biker’s perspective.  Velo’s managing editor, Will Tracy, is also grilled by Levy to find out how he became The Boss, his time working for Peloton magazine, the differences between print and online cycling media, and how watching a race as a young kid shaped the rest of his life.

Velo Senior Tech Editor Josh Ross has been testing the second-generation Aethos and explains what’s changed and how it performs out on the road. We also talk about that kinda mostly hidden cable routing, the advances in FEA software that allow more grams to be shaved, and the new Roval Alpinist CLX III wheels that use thermoplastic spokes with titanium ends. Fancy.  Josh also compares the just-released Aethos to the previous version that we had at the Velo Field Test, and Levy forces him to decide between the Specialized and Scott Addict RC.

Will lower gearing make for safer racing? The UCI thinks so, but it could also make all of SRAM's 1X drivetrains verboten at the highest level of competition without affecting Shimano or Campagnolo. SRAM disagrees, obviously, and has begun legal action in Europe, citing reputational damage and EU competition laws. And as you'd expect, the UCI responded yet again. That and more on this week's episode of Velo Podcast. Velo Tech Editor Josh Ross and host Mike Levy dig into the details of the UCI's potential 10.46-meter rollout rule and why SRAM's 10-tooth cog doesn't comply, safer courses versus lower gearing, and the UCI's near silence when it comes to so many issues. We also discuss the UCI president's social media post congratulating Tadej Pogacar on his TT World Champs victory in Rwanda, despite Remco being the actual victor, and we look at Alvin's first impressions of Factor's new Aluto gravel bike.

Aero is... not everything? Forget about the wind tunnel, kammtail tube shapes, and 65mm deep rims because Cervelo's just-released R5 proves that light isn't just right, it's also fun. Alvin has been testing the new climbing-focused R5 and tells us what it's like to ride and why it might make more sense than an objectively faster aero bike, especially if you swap the tires. We headed off-road as Specialized debuted the 4th-generation Diverge gravel bike in Slovenia, and tech editor Josh Ross was there to find out how it performs. He explains all the updates, including room for 2.2" wide tires, its evolved geometry, and why it has an even bigger hole. We also dig into Specialized's decision to spec every model with their Future Shock suspension stem, and how it compares to a heavier and more complex suspension fork. We also discuss the latest updates to the Garmin 550 and 850 computers as well as Garmin's Rally power meter pedals, now available with rechargeable batteries. And last but not least: the Lazer VeloVox begs the question of who among us needs walkie talkies built into their helmets. Further reading Review: The Cervélo R5 Doesn’t Try to Appeal to Everyone, and It’s Better for It Review: Specialized Diverge 4 Fits a 2.2 Tire but You Have to Love Future Shock Special Bianchis, a Walkie Talkie for Group Rides, New Scope Wheels, and | This Week in Bike Tech Garmin Launches New, Brighter Edge 550 & 850 Alongside Updated Rally Power Meter Pedals

Do you dream about reviewing the newest bikes and equipment? In this episode, Levy goes behind the curtains at Velo to find out how Alvin and Josh ended up testing the latest (and sometimes) greatest gear, and what it's like to ride a different bike every other week.  We dig into Josh's origin story, which includes long-distance rollerblading epics, because of course it does, and how his love of photography led him from commercial car shoots in LA to press camps for new bikes in Europe. Alvin talks about how his time working at bike co-ops shaped his appreciation for the cycling community at large, his background in urban planning, and how he went from covering Sacramento Kings games to Italy to cover Campagnolo's Super Record. The crew also gets into Alvin's weekend crit race, Josh forcing himself to spend time on 50s, and Levy's four-day mission just to ride a single gravel road.

This week’s Velo Podcast takes a tech-heavy turn while Mike Levy is away, while Josh and I (Alvin Holbrook) dive deep into the latest gear, updates, and trends shaping cycling. We kick things off with Wahoo’s firmware updates. Credit to Wahoo, here, as they pushed a series of updates to its first-generation bike computers, experiencing mass file corruptions and problems, a long eight years after the first Elemnt computer was released. Next up are the new Shimano S-Phyre RX910 gravel shoes, the brand’s first gravel-specific model under its flagship line. At $480, they promise elite-level performance with a supple upper, serious stiffness, and clever pontoons that offer road shoe-like stability. Still, their pedal sensitivity and premium pricing sparked a lively debate on whether “gravel-specific” is worth the investment. We also tested Zwift’s new over-ear headphones, boasting 50-hour battery life, sweat resistance, and active noise cancellation. At $249, they’re aimed squarely at serious indoor riders, but are they really better than in-ear buds? From there, Josh shares highlights from the MADE Handmade Bike Show in Portland. Standouts included the fillet-brazed artistry of Ira Ryan, the aero-focused, 3D printed titanium No.22 Reactor, and a bold paint scheme from Black Magic. The show reinforced that road and gravel continue to dominate, but also showcased fresh experiments, like Moots’ monster-cross machine. Finally, we wrap with a bit of talk before Alvin's last criterium of the season. What bike, wheel, and tire combo should he roll with this weekend? With options like the Canyon Aeroad, Factor Monza, and Specialized Tarmac SL8, plus the latest Roval Rapide CLX III wheels, there's a lot to discuss. Further reading Shimano Makes Its Biggest Change to SPD Cleats in Decades and MAAP Collaborates with a Record Label | This Week in Bike Tech Review: The Shimano S-Phyre RX910 Gravel Shoes Makes SPD Feel Like Road Pedals Black Magic Paint Creates a Wild Pink and Blue Enve Melee No. 22 Reactor v2 3D Printed Aero Race Bike Shown at MADE MADE Show: It Doesn’t Get More Portland Than a Fillet Brazed Ira Ryan Bike Moots Adventure Bike With Suspension Teased at MADE Bike Show Updated Roval Rapide Wheels Add Carbon Spokes, New Sprint Model, And… Are Shallower Than Before? 00:00 Intro 01:18 Early Wahoo devices are still being updated 03:26 Experiences riding with Shimano's new S-Phyre Gravel shoes 17:20 Zwift has new (branded) headphones 28:20 MADE Bike Show: Josh's favorite bikes 55:15 Waffling about pre-crit gear choices

On this week’s Velo Podcast, we’re asking the hard questions: Why would anyone pay $50 to effectively suffer through a 20 km FTP test? And who rides 610 km in three days on a race road bike… on purpose? Alvin Holbrook did the former, signing up for a local time trial with less than 48 hours to prepare. Instead of tapering, he went full aero-nerd — swapping wheels, testing tires, fiddling with bars, and even breaking out the Chung Method to measure aero drag to find the fastest setup. Did it actually make him faster, or was it just a way to distract himself from the inevitable pain of the start ramp? Meanwhile, Josh Ross redefined commitment to aero. Not only did he ride the Swift Summit 200 (that’s 328 km in a single day) but he also rode 150 km to the start and 150 km home. Over three days, that’s over 610km on a Colnago Y1RS, topped off with a time trial helmet worn for nearly 24 hours. Why? We’re not sure either, but he’s here to explain. We also talk about the Fara Gr4 gravel bike, a race bike with a weird handlebar/stem setup and 57 mm tire clearance that has really piqued Alvin's interest. Free speed on the bike, CdA calculations, endless miles, and maybe a touch of madness: this week’s episode has it all. Further reading Review: The Colnago Y1Rs Rides Better Than It Has Any Right to I Had 48 Hours to Prep for My First Time Trial. Here’s What Happened. This Week in Bike Tech: No. 6 Lets You Quickly Swap Between Rigid and Suspension Forks, Ornot Goes Billboard, Fara Launches Big Clearance GR4 0:00 Intro 4:00 Fara Gr4 talk 9:49 Testing to find the fastest gear for a time trial 34:05 Josh does the Swift Summit 200 1:09:09 What's coming next

If hookless rims weigh less while being more aero and stronger than the antiquated and surely inferior hooked rim design, why are some of us so hesitant about using them? Today's show features Velo editors Josh Ross and Alvin Holbrook debating which rim design makes the most sense, while Levy questions whether changing from the proven hooked system is even worth the hassle. The guys also dig into loose-fitting tires, ever-changing compatibility lists, and whether pressure limits matter or not. 00:00 intro 02:30 Josh got a nail through his rim 13:00 Hook vs hookless on the road 22:10 dimensional consistency and tire pressure choice? 30:10 Why is there fuzziness in compatibility? 35:00 Claimed benefits of hookless 47:00 Issues with secondary and tertiary owners 1:01:20 conclusion Further reading ‘When Riders Express Concerns, It Worries Me:’ Hansen Welcomes Urgent UCI Review of Hookless Rims and Tires No Really, the Point of a Hookless Wheel Is Safety Riders’ Association President Calls For Further Action Relating to Hookless Tires and Rims UCI Announces Initial Findings in Its Urgent Review into Hookless Rims and Tires

Three years to win the Tour de France Femmes? Not so much. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot had said that it would take that long for her to transition from World Cup MTB competition to the very different challenges of multi-day road racing, but stage 8 showed that she's far ahead of schedule. Andrew Hood and Shane Stokes discuss her historic performance on the Col de la Madeleine that saw the Jumbo-Visma rider tempo away from Vollering and the other GC contenders in dominant yet measured fashion, and Levy wonders just how much danger she was in after being distanced the following day. They also get into why the TdFF doesn't finish in Paris, adding more stages, and why it might be better to hold the Femmes race before the Tour de France. Further reading: ‘It Isn’t What We Expect From Her’: Vollering Cites Lack of Power During Tour de France Femmes Defeat Ferrand-Prévot Talks Up 2027 Retirement After Femmes Success: ‘It Could be Beautiful, Extraordinary’ Tour de France Femmes Prize Money: Ferrand-Prévot Won Big, but It’s a Fraction of What Pogačar Got How Mountain Biking Made Pauline Ferrand-Prévot Unbeatable at the Tour de France Femmes See the latest from the Tour de France Femmes from Velo

How does 370 km (230 miles) a day, every day, for eleven days sound to you? That's what it took for Robin Gemperle not just to win this year's Tour Divide but to arrive at the Antelope Wells finish line, otherwise known as the Mexican border, quicker than any other rider in the history of the race. The latest episode of the Velo Podcast sees Mike Levy question Robin about his self-imposed sleep rules, tricks to deal with saddle sores, and the very first thing he does when he gets to a hotel. Robin also explains how he briefly considered using a full-suspension bike, his relatively simple Divide race plan, and why his laid-back approach on the bike could be his superpower. Whether you're into ultra-distance racing, enjoy the odd bike packing weekend, or just love an all-day ride, this is a conversation that you'll likely learn a thing or three from that you might be able to apply to your adventures, Tour Divide or otherwise.  Don't forget to see the latest from Velo!

Who had money on Wout van Aert dropping Pogacar on a climb during this year's Tour? With fans lined ten-deep and hanging out of apartment windows, the stepped and cobbled pitches of the Montmartre ascent looked more like a soaking wet spring Classic than the final stage of the La Grande Boucle. It's also where the Visma–Lease a Bike rider did the near-impossible by opening a gap on the yellow jersey (and everyone else) with only a death-defying descent and the Champs-Élysées between him and what has to be one of the sweetest wins of his career. The final episode of this year's Tour de France podcast coverage sees Mike Levy and Peter Cossins talk about whether too many HC climbs hurt the racing, that epic final stage, and why there were so many crashes the previous day. They also recount their favourite moments from a Tour that was never short of excitement. Further reading Emotional Van Aert Paris Win Turns Tour Fortunes Around for Visma ‘Highest and Lowest Levels I’ve Had’: Vingegaard Bittersweet on Tour de France After Demolishing the Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar Just Wants to Chill: ‘Maybe I Can Burn Out’ Tour de France Stage 21: Inspired Van Aert Wins in Paris, Pogačar Takes Fourth GC Victory Tour de France Prize Money: How Much Did Pogačar Win?

The end is near, and the overall win is, barring a Pogi disaster, essentially wrapped up. That doesn't mean that the closing stages of this year's Tour de France have been boring, however, with Milan trucking towards Paris in green and Visma doing their best over the last two mountain stages to force a comeback for the ages. This episode sees Levy and Peter Cossins dig that idiotic fan trying to poach the stage 17 finish on his bike before a security guard knocked him into next week, and why Lenny Martinez (deservedly) lost the polka dot jersey after not one but three of the stickiest bottles. They also get into Ben O'Connor's emotional win on top of Courchevel, and Thymen Arensman's big-brain moves that allowed him to barely beat Vingegaard and Pogacar to the line for his second solo masterpiece of the Tour. Also, do you know how the French cows managed to shorten stage 19? Outrageously Sticky Bottles Bury the Polka Dot Dreams of Martinez at the Tour de France ‘All About Managing Your Efforts’: Ben O’Connor’s Resounding Queen Stage Win at Tour Tour de France Stage 19 Shortened Due to Contagious Disease Outbreak Amongst Local Cattle ‘I Ran Out of Energy’: Lipowitz and Red Bull’s Tactical Gamble Fails at Tour de France The Cruel Realities of Racing the Tour de France, the Hardest Endurance Event on the Planet UPDATE: More Sources Point to Evenepoel-Red Bull Move: Will the Blockbuster Deal Finally Happen? See the latest from the Velo Podcast up now, or the latest from the Tour de France. Further reading

The new Colnago Y1RS and Cervelo S5 have already won stages in this year’s Tour de France, but what are the latest (and some of the most expensive) aero road bikes like to ride and work on when you’re not a GC contender? Velo’s Josh Ross has been putting huge miles on both hyperbikes, and today’s podcast sees Levy and Alvin Holbrook question him about how they compare on the road, why the S5 feels so different from the Y1RS, and which bike makes the most sense for who and where. The crew also gets into the Colnago’s surprising build quality and the S5’s gorgeous paint, and Levy tries to understand how having to remove the bottom bracket to access the Di2 battery is acceptable. See the latest from the Velo Podcast, including the Tour de France, up now. Further reading: Colnago V5Rs Review: This One Is for Tadej, Not You Colnago Y1Rs vs Cervélo S5: Battle for Aero Supremacy Swiss Side Says UCI Rim Depth Ban Is ‘Counterproductive.’ Here’s Why. Cyclists’ Association President Adam Hansen Urges Patience With UCI Handlebar Width Rule Every Marginal Gain Made to Tadej Pogačar’s Stripped-Down Colnago Y1RS For Stage 13 of The Tour

Mike Levy and Pete Cossins return to unpack a wild stretch of Tour de France action from stages 14 to 16, plus all the bizarre, brilliant, and brutal stories behind the racing. Jonas Vingegaard has said many times that he's not at the Tour to race for second, and that's exactly what it looked like as he attacked Pogacar again and again on the slope of Mount Ventoux. Peter Cossins and Mike Levy are back to discuss stages 14, 15, and 16, where we saw the new version of Vingegaard, Mattias Skjelmose's nightmare front-flip over a road sign, and Quinn Simmons taking issue with possible motorbike interference. Julian Alaphilippe is also in the headlines for a wild day that started with a dislocated shoulder and ended with what he thought was a sprint victory over Wout van Aert... But that's not how it worked out, even if everyone would love a Loulou win. The duo also discusses a gutsy solo ride by Thymen Arensman and Tim Wellens’ surprise win as Belgian national champion. Michael Woods offered an honest look at the brutal reality of Tour rest days, and the guys break down weird moments: puke, poop, KOM crashes, and rogue socks. Heading into the final week, UAE looks dominant with five stage wins, and the yellow jersey looks more secure than ever. But can Jonas pull off a miracle in the Alps? See more from the Tour de France from Velo Listen to the latest from the Velo Podcast See more from Velo

In this episode of Velo’s Tour de France Podcast, Mike Levy and Pete Cossins dig into stages 11–13 of the 2025 Tour and what really goes on during a so-called “rest day.” Pete explains how riders still spend hours on the bike, tending to injuries, staying sharp, and preparing their bodies for what’s next. Stage 11 was shaped by an audacious breakaway from kilometer zero, with Jonas Abrahamsen (Uno-X) ultimately outsprinting Mauro Schmid to take his and his team’s first Tour stage win—just four weeks after breaking his collarbone. The stage also featured a nasty crash for Pogačar and a wild spectator incident. Stage 12 delivered fireworks on the legendary Hautacam climb. Pogačar attacked solo after Adam Yates and teammates set things up perfectly, putting over two minutes into Vingegaard. It was a statement win—his 20th Tour de France stage victory—leaving many wondering if the GC race is effectively over. Stage 13’s short, brutal mountain time trial saw Pogačar extend his lead yet again, winning his 21st career stage and sixth consecutive mountain finish. The hosts preview Stage 14’s massive climbing day and ponder whether Pogi’s dominance will crack—or if Vingegaard has any path back into yellow. Read and watch the latest from the Tour de France from Velo here See everything else from Velo up now here

In this episode of the Velo Podcast, Mike Levy and Peter Cossins recap Tour de France stages 8, 9, and 10, which delivered a mix of heartbreaking breakaways, sprints that come just short, and all kinds of tactics in the mountains. Stage 8 saw Italian powerhouse Jonathan Milan power to his first Tour stage win, finally breaking through after numerous intermediate sprint efforts. Pete and Mike marvel at his raw, upright sprinting style compared to the finesse of rivals like Tim Merlier. Stage 9 brought drama as Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Rickaert launched a 173 km breakaway—nearly pulling off a stunning win before being caught just 600 meters from the finish. It was a heartfelt effort, especially from Van der Poel, who wanted to reward Rickaert’s years of teamwork. Stage 10 introduced real climbing, with eight categorized climbs and massive shakeups. Ben Healy animated the stage and sacrificed a potential win to claim the yellow jersey, while Simon Yates claimed the day’s honors. UAE’s weakness without João Almeida became clear, and Visma Lease a Bike showed tactical depth with multiple threats across the board. With the Pyrenees and Alps looming, team tactics are more crucial than ever—and the Tour is wide open. For the latest on the Tour de France from Velo

Pete Cossins is back with Mike Levy to explain all the action from stages 4-7 of the Tour de France, including the GC contenders fighting each other for early stage victories yet again, Ben Healy's epic solo win, and they dig into what could be a Tour-defining time trial loss for Jonas. We're all hoping that it's far from over, however, with some monster mountain stages in the coming weeks that suit Vingegaard, and especially considering that Pogi, for all his dominance, isn't infallible over the high mountain passes.

Cervelo debuts new aero and climbing bikes at the Tour de France that couldn't be more different, yet also match in one very important way, and we've also spotted the Visma–Lease a Bike squad rolling on prototype Reserve wheels laced with carbon fiber spokes. Tadej and the rest of the UAE team won't feel left out, though, as they're using the just-released ENVE SES 4.5 Pro wheels. But what about that kinda-hook bead rim? Alvin Holbrook and Mike Levy delve into the details as they discuss tire retention and UCI-mandated width regulations that likely played a role in the new rim design. They also agree to disagree on Mathieu van der Poel's newest sponsor signing with a private jet company that has many fans up in arms, and Levy talks about his first bikepack race adventure at the BC Epic 1000 that included all the heat, not enough calories, and plenty of time spent laying on the ground. Further reading: Review: The New Cervélo S5 Is Lighter, Faster, and Buys in on 1x Spotted: We Have the Details on Visma-Lease a Bike’s New Giro Aero Helmet Video: Top Bikes and New Paint Jobs at the Tour de France Spotted: Not One, but Two New Cervélos at the Tour de France $8K vs $18K: The Tour de France’s Least and Most Expensive Bikes Compared What Every Tour de France Team Brings to the Race: Breaking Down a $1 Million Equipment Haul Enve SES 4.5 Pro Delivers a Double Take at 1295 Grams With a Hooked Bead Van der Poel Hits Back after Fans Blast Private Jet Partnership: ‘Not about Luxury, about Performance’

Tricky roads and strong winds have made it a hectic start to Le Grande Boucle, and the conditions have already seen two big names abandon the race due to injury, while two GC contenders have lost over half a minute to the favorites. Legendary Tour de France reporter Pete Cossins unpacks the sprints, the breaks, the crashes, and especially the wins that make up the first three stages, and he also answers all of Mike Levy's questions about Tour etiquette and racer politics.

The 2025 Tour de France is right around the corner, the largest race in cycling all year. Mike Levy, Andrew Hood, and Jim Cotton get together on the Velo Podcast to break down the key stages of the 112th Tour de France – including one with over 18,000 feet (5500 m) of climbing. They dig into the history of the stages relevant to this year, the key contenders and teams to know, and a whole lot more. In addition to this Tour de France preview, stay tuned for a daily Tour de France stage recap podcast to come on the Velo Podcast feed, as well as our coverage of the latest and greatest around the Tour.