Short Travel High Pivots? Should Everyone Own A Dirt Jumper? Sea Otter Highlights & More... Ep. 135

Jonathan and Steven make sense of the MANY wheel, hub and axle standards, discuss the direct to consumer movement and demise of bike shops, how to setup a GOOD CX bike, and more! Topics covered in this episode: • Ibis and Pivot suspension kinematics • Maxxis releases fatter 27.5 and tubeless DH tires: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/maxxis-unveils-tubeless-ready-dh-tires-more-26-options-2017.html • Kurt Sorge to Fly Racing: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/kurt-sorge-joins-team-fly-racing-2017.html • OneUp Switch Chainring System: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/oneup-switch-chainring-system-review-2017.html •Ibis announces 7 year warranty: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/ibis-announces-7-year-warranty.html •Vernon Felton interview Dave Weins: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/your-trails-future-may-depend-on-this-man-2.html • Sedona MTB Festival • Troy Lee A2 Helmet: http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Open-Face-Helmets,53/Troy-Lee-Designs/A2,18180#product-reviews/2643 • Hope 10-48 Cassette: http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Cassettes,26/Hope-Technology/11-spd-Cassette,17493#product-reviews/2431 • How much suspension travel is needed for a bike to fall into the "likes to party" category? • Is standover height a good way to measure bike fit? • How to fix a derailleur that just doesn't seem to shift right • How to convert your CX bike to a 1x drivetrain • Should you run a different stack height on a CX bike? • What are the best tires to run for CX and gravel? • Are bike shops doomed? • Is direct to consumer a good thing for the bike industry? • When will you be able to buy a bike direct from the manufacturer? • What are the best mapping solutions for MTB? • Carbon vs. aluminum rims • Is 26" dead? • The pros and cons of 27.5" and 29" rims • What is the "internal width" of your rim and why does it matter? • Brass vs. aluminum vs. internal nipples • Are bladed spokes better than rounded? • What are butted spokes? • What is the best lacing pattern? • What is hub spacing? • What is Boost spacing? • Is Boost spacing just a marketing ploy? • Quick releases vs. thru axles • Stan's Crest MK3 Wheels: https://www.notubes.com/crest-mk3-wheelset • WTB Ci31 Carbon 29 Wheels: http://www.wtb.com/products/ci31-carbon-rims

9 Maalis 20171h 34min

Your guide to MTB rear suspension systems! Jonathan and Steven go over all the major rear suspension designs out there and tell you how they work, what they're good at, what they're bad at and what type of shock you should pair with them. Topics covered in this episode: – EWS Get's a TV deal: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/enduro-world-series-signs-tv-deal-and-announces-new-presenters-2017.html – Lance Armstrong, Greg Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde & Dylan Casey take third at Epic Rides 24 HOP. – Rockshox releases coil shock and updated air shocks: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-announces-super-deluxe-coil-2017.html – How to carry water if you only have a down tube mounted bottle – What to look for in a backpack – What is the best XC bike for rough trails? – Should you get a hardtail or full suspension for XC racing? – Do bike parts wear out if sitting on the showroom floor for a long time? – How to spot a good deal – Best lights with GoPro mounts – How to increase the range of a SRAM drivetrain – Guide to suspension designs! – Shock force and leverage ratios explained – Coil vs. air shocks: which is best? – Regressive, linear and progressive rates – Large volume air shocks vs. small volume – Trek rear suspension system explained – Specialized rear suspension system explained – Giant rear suspension system explained – Santa Cruz rear suspension system explained – Yeti rear suspension system explained – Cannondale rear suspension system explained – YT rear suspension system explained – Cuore custom kit: www.cuore.ch – KC Hilites Gravity LED Fog Lights: http://www.kchilites.com/gravity-led-g4-toyota-tacoma-led-fog-light-system.html

3 Maalis 20171h 24min

Are e-bikes really ruining mountain biking, and why are roadies freaking out about disc brakes? Also, Shimano vs. SRAM, aluminum vs. carbon, spin bikes vs. trainers and what chainlube we think is best. Topics covered in this episode: • Spin bikes vs. indoor trainers: which is better? • WhiteCrow pressure adjust hub system: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/whitecrow-hub-adjust-your-tire-pressure-on-the-go-bicycle-technology#/ • Are aluminum frames stronger than carbon frames? • Putting a 120mm fork on a Specialized Epic – good idea or bad idea? • Is it worth it to buy a budget bike and upgrade the components? • Which chain lube is best for what conditions? • How to make sure your bike's color scheme doesn't look cheap • What is the best trainer for mountain bikers? • Does the bad chain-line make 1x drivetrains worse? • VeloNews: "What can disc rotors actually cut?" http://www.velonews.com/2017/02/video/video-can-disc-rotors-actually-cut_431182 • TransCR: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/transcr-the-prologue-2017.html • Deore m6000 Groupset: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/shimano-announces-affordable-deore-m6000-group-and-11-x-46-cassette.html • Valparaiso Cerro Abajo: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/red-bull-valparaiso-video-2017.html • Yeti Fox Factory Team announces new riders and sponsors: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/yeti-fox-factory-team-adds-new-riders-and-sponsors-for-2017.html • Are E-Bikes good or bad for our sport and trails? • Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge • Shimano XTR Di2

23 Helmi 20171h 14min

The Roadie's guide to MTB! Brian Kennedy of popular YouTube channel BKXC is in studio to chat about the best trails in the world that he's ridden, and give his thoughts on everything else. Topics covered in this episode: • How to tune your suspension for clydesdales • Are skills clinics worth it? • Lee Likes Bikes and Ryan Leech skills clinics • TrainerRoad training plans for mountain bikers • How to figure out your own nutrition plan • Is a 1x drivetrain worth the hassle of upgrading? • What type of shorts should you use when riding? • What is TPI on my tires and what does it mean? • How to deal with a bike that is slow handling • Andes Pacifico Recap: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/andes-pacifico-enduro-2017-the-final-day-video.html • YT Jeffry 27: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/yt-jeffsy-27-first-ride.html • Quarq Shockwiz: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/quarq-shockwiz-first-impressions-2017.html • Brian Kennedy's favorite and most disappointing trails in the world. • The BKXC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3DFdy_qc-cqgKCyQTHLGzA • The roadie's guide to mountain biking • What are the different types of MTB racing • How can roadies get started with MTB • MTB gear explained • Why do roadies fear mountain biking so much? • Using a CX bike as a road bike • Fabric Scoop Shallow Ultimate Saddle: http://fabric.cc/saddles/scoop-flat/ • Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shoe-dog-a-memoir-by-the-creator-of-nike-unabridged/id1097936676

17 Helmi 20171h 29min

The mountain bikers guide to road cycling! Steven and Jonathan break down all the peculiarities, and mend fences between the two sides of riding. Also, new segment intros! Let us know what you think. Topics covered in this episode: • Oakland super cross review • Foil paper for edibles (Reynolds Pan Liner) • When is the proper time to cat up? • How to do a proper warmup for mountain bike racing • Why most bike companies don't make small frames with 29" wheels • The best women's mountain bike for all around trail riding • Should you upgrade your old bike or buy a new one? • How to know if you should get a longer travel fork for trail riding • EWS Challenger Events: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/the-countdown-to-the-2017-enduro-world-series-is-on.html • Andes Pacifico: http://www.vitalmtb.com/news/news/Andes-Pacifico-2017-Day-One,1023 • Dave Weins new Executive Director of IMBA • Cane Creek AER Headsets: http://reviews.mtbr.com/cane-creek-introduces-new-headsets-for-2017 • Rossignol buys Felt: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/felt-bicycles-acquired-by-rossignol-group-2017.html • Should road cyclists pay insurance and registration? • What laws should cyclists follow? • Why do cyclists ride in the middle of the road? • Why do cyclists wear those weird hats? • Should you put your helmet straps on the inside or outside of your helmet? • Roadie apparel explained (including Rapha) • Road racing tactics explained • Road bikes explained • Weird roadie culture explained • Rapha Merino Wool Arm Warmers: http://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/merino-arm-warmers/product/WAW01 • Race Face Next SL G4 Crankset: https://www.raceface.com/products/details/next-sl-g4

9 Helmi 20171h 21min

A comprehensive guide to building your own bike. Jonathan and Steven take your questions on training for XC & Enduro, on the bike nutrition, best bikes for Leadville, dropper posts and hard tails, more bike reviews from the Bike Mag Bible of Bike Tests and give you a full-on bike nerd's walkthrough of everything you need to know before building a bike. Topics covered in this episode: • Is interval training good for beginners? • What exactly is an interval and why most people misunderstand it • Are hardtails still best for XC racing? • What is the best bike for Leadville? • How to train for Enduro • Can you use TrainerRoad for Enduro and downhill training? • How to give the DW Link more mid-stroke support? • Which bikes should have dropper posts • Trek Slash 29 - http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/trek-slash-29/#P5kqkJoLQ4WqlJFQ.97 • Pivot Firebird - http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/review-pivot-firebird/#YqTDzD6V1aLxPpA4.97 • Evil Wreckoning - http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/review-evil-wreckoning/ • Canyon is coming to the US - http://www.bikemag.com/news/canyon-prepares-launch-american-sales/#TdLFhObWSlvH1j08.97 • BC Bike Race announces BC Bike Ride - http://www.bikemag.com/news/bcbr-launches-bc-bike-ride-north/#uYBmqSlC6c6lASRY.97 • Your ultimate guide to building your own bike from scratch • Jaybird Freedom headphones - http://www.jaybirdsport.com/freedom-bluetooth-headphones/ • Yeti 36oz Rambler - http://yeti.com/rambler-bottle-36-oz

2 Helmi 20171h 20min

Jonathan and Steven cover XC training questions, what tubeless sealant is best and how to use it, if bike fits are important on an MTB and how to get them, the latest industry news, and how to sell your bike! Topics covered in this episode: • How much sealant should you use for a 29" wheel? • Which sealant is best? • How often should you change your sealant? • Should you clean the sealant off of the inside of your tires? • Is it normal to not be able to put out as much power on the trainer? • How to maintain fitness for a whole season • How to find new trails in your area or when traveling • What is the best budget XC bike? • What is the best budget trail bike? • What to know when upgrading your shock • The Dirty Sanchez Enduro (TDS Enduro) explained • Lea Davison off Specialized and on Luna Pro Team • Shimano's camera auto records attacks: http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/shimanos-new-action-cameras-can-auto-record-every-time-you-attack-49019/ • Bike Magazine's Bible of Bike Tests: Cannondale Scalpel SI: http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/review-cannondale-scalpel-si/#3UbgDXO5SQMB2kfA.97 • Tips on how to make sure your bike sells quick • Cyclocross World Champs: https://www.youtube.com/user/ucichannel

24 Tammi 20171h 8min

The always outspoken Kurt Gensheimer (AKA "The Angry Singlespeeder") joins us to answer your questions, opine on the news and give us the local's perspective on Downieville. Topics covered in this episode: • How to use a mountain bike for indoor training • Are rollers outdated? • How to stay motivated throughout the season • How to plan a season of racing • How to make mountain biking less expensive • Are carbon wheels really that good? • How to build up a cheap, durable yet light wheelset • Is the Rockshox RS-1 worth the cost? • What's a better investment: carbon wheels or carbon frame? • Is it possible to be a good climber while living in a flat area? • How to train to be a better climber • Enduro training and racing tips • Lance Armstrong and some of the U.S. Postal Team are racing the 24 Hours of Old Pueblo • GT Marketing Manager Andrew Cho paralyzed: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/wishing-andrew-cho-a-speedy-recovery-2017.html • Old Rampage Site for sale for oil and gas: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/old-rampage-site-for-sale-for-oil-and-gas.html • Scott Sports & Velosolutions Join Forces in 2017: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/scott-sports-and-velosolutions-join-forces-in-2017.html • 2017 EWS Entries Open Next Week: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-enduro-world-series-entries-open-next-week.html • Andrew Neethling retires: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/andrew-neethling-announces-his-retirement-from-racing-2017.html • Anne-Caroline Chausson signs with Commencal: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/anne-caroline-chausson-returns-home-press-release.html • 2017 Trek Factory Racing Roster: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/trek-factory-racing-announces-mtb-roster-for-2017.html • Neko Mulally on YT: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/neko-mulally-joins-the-yt-mob-2017.html • SRAM replaces ODLO as co-sponsor of Scott XC team: http://reviews.mtbr.com/sram-new-co-title-sponsor-of-double-olympic-champ-scott-xc-team • Nate Hills Followcam Friday Best of 2016: http://reviews.mtbr.com/nate-hills-best-of-followcamfriday-2016 • Downieville, The Lost Sierra and Yuba Expeditions: http://www.yubaexpeditions.com • Backcountry ski setups: http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com • Steven's trainer music picks • Mavic Crossmax XL Pro Shoes: https://shop.mavic.com/en-us/crossmax-xl-pro-shoe-d6196.html

17 Tammi 20171h 27min