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