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 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