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
• 00:46:00 - Silca updates its saddle bags
• 00:47:45 - Giant and Liv’s new premium shoes
• 00:51:15 - Ask a Wrench (members only)
• 00:53:00 - How to wash a bike with a waxed chain
• 00:57:45 - How to remove stubborn hub end caps
• 01:06:20 - How to become a bicycle mechanic