Velo Podcast

Velo Podcast


Why Mike Levy Switched Gravel Bikes After 20,000 km and the Meta AI Glasses in Review

November 14, 2025

Sure, we've reviewed the fastest World Tour aero road bikes and the newest gravel machines, but what about an off-road capable folding bike? Variety is the spice of life, and Velo tech editor Alvin Holbrook has been getting spicy on Brompton's G Line, a bike that should be more capable than any of the legendary UK brand's previous offerings, thanks to larger wheels and much better tires and brakes.

Alvin rode the G Line on his usual gravel test loop and reports back on how it performed and what type of rider it makes the most sense for.

Would you wear AI on your face? Josh Ross has been in the shape of Oakley's new – and very expensive – Vanguard glasses that come with a video camera, mic and headphones, and a connection to artificial intelligence that's ready to answer *almost* any question you might have.

Josh answers our questions, without any AI help, about what the Vanguards are like to live with, why they might have the best mic and headphones for cycling, and explains how they can actually cost less than buying separate glasses, headphones, and a camera.

Levy has that new bike fizz after buying an Allied Able and shares some of his early ride impressions, as well as how it compares to his much-loved Santa Cruz Stigmata that he's lived on for the previous two years. Is it love at first ride, or might there be some regrets?

Further reading

0:00 Intro
2:02 Alvin and Josh: Are the Meta x Oakley glasses good for cycling?
30:00 Brompton G-Line
41:20 Are the new Vittoria gravel tires greenwashing?
46:35 Levy’s new bike day!
1:08:20 We want your input on a new Zwift ride!