Mtb Podcast

Special guest Dustin Cardoza joins us for a deep dive on trailside hacks, fixes, and overall MacGuyver tactics. This is a fun one! Topics covered in this episode: • Fox Rhythm Fork: https://dirtmountainbike.com/bike-reviews/forks-suspension/fox-releases-new-rhythm-budget-trail-fork.html • Red Bull Rampage: Is it still a good thing? • How do 120mm forks affect XC geometry? • How warranties work • Should you race Breck Epic in your first year of racing? • How elevation actually affects performance • What you need to carry with you on a ride • Extra items to deal with a trailside emergency • Trailside hacks you need to know • How to fix a mechanical on the trail • How to fix a broken derailleur cable • How to fix a flat with a shoelace • How to fix a broken shifter with tape • How to fix a leaking hydration pack • How to use superglue to stitch a head wound (not medical advice!!!) • How to make an emergency chain guide • Light & Motion Lights • Wiral Lite Cable Cam: https://www.kickstarter.com

Jonathan and Steven cover some big retirement news, a new 7,000' descent in Downieville, a deep dive on drivetrains and hacks and cover your questions! Topics covered in this episode: • Todd Wells has retired :( • Sho-Air pulls out of the US Cup • Downieville's new 7,000' descent: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/downieville-downhill-now-boasts-7000-vertical-feet-of-descending.html • John Tomac: American Mountain Bike Legend - Video: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/john-tomac-american-mountain-bike-legend-video.html • Can Fox remotes be used on Rockshox suspension, and vice versa? • Is MTB mechanics a viable career? • Should clydesdales avoid carbon? • What tire width should most people have? • What is a good budget kids MTB? • Affordable road bikes for training • The one reason a Reverb is better than other dropper posts • Is it bad to train with clipless pedals and ride in flats? • What power meters are best for MTB? • How to know when your head tube height is correct • The ultimate guide to driv

Steven and Jonathan spend nearly the entire episode answering your questions, but first, a few words on Interbike, World Championships, concussions in XC racing & more! Topics covered in this episode: • Concussions in XC racing • World Champs quick & dirty recap • Why do stock bikes come with bad components? • Why you should (usually) have your saddle parallel to the ground • Knolly 4x4 vs. Banshee KS-Link vs. Canfield Balance • 27.5" trainer tires • Do lighter cranks reduce rotational weight? • Is there such a thing as a "perfect bike fit"? • What's the deal with fat bikes?? • Are removable chin bar helmets the future for MTB? • Are KTM mountain bikes legit? • Good riding in the Bay Area • How to improve traction in California dirt • Reusing quicklinks • What is a tire's "drift zone", and is it bad? • Should you buy a bike specifically for the trainer? • Is a QR to thru-axle upgrade really worth it? • What causes a shock to "knock"? • Is Interbike dead? • New GoPro6 review • Bear Growl Century gravel ride

Jonathan is back from Point 2 Point and the hosts hither highlights of Eurobike and answer your questions. Topics covered in this episode: - Cane Creek Slam Stem: https://www.pinkbike.com/u/vernonfelton/blog/slam-that-stem-cane-creek-debuts-the-slamset-eurobike-2017.html - What types of grease should you use on your bike and where? - Should you lube the stanchions of your suspension? - The Sturdy Dirty Enduro Series - What spares and tools should you carry with you on a ride? - The ideal home bike shop setup - Is it bad to go between clips and flats? - The Marji Gesick XC race in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan - How to above neck and shoulder pain when riding - Is commuting a waste of time? - Lee Likes Bikes skills clinics - How to use the Maxxis Ardent appropriately

The Park City Point 2 Point may be the toughest one-day MTB race in the USA. It's 75 miles of pristine singletrack, viciously laced with 15,000' of climbing. It's a true test of a mountain biker's abilities, and one of the most gorgeous routes you could ride. 2x P2P champion and one of the best XC racers in America, Cannondale 3Rox's Keegan Swenson, joins us to give us all the insider information on how to prepare for and execute a successful endurance MTB race.

Steven and Jonathan take a deep dive on interval training, how every rider should be using it, and tips on how to get more out of your interval workouts. All of this plus stem caps, special episode teasers & more! Topics covered in this episode: • CES Enduro Rd. 6 – Northstar • Park City Point 2 Point • New stem caps have arrived! • Hope HB 160: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/hope-hb211-first-look-2017.html • Shimano XT8000 4-piston Calipers: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/shimano-announces-4-piston-xt-brake-caliper.html • Crank Brothers Pedals: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/crankbrothers-expand-stamp-flat-pedal-lineup.html • New Maxxis DH Tire: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/maxxis-shows-off-new-downhill-tires-news.html • 2018 Transition Bikes: http://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/Complete-2018-Transition-Patrol-Scout-Smuggler-Sentinel-Specs-Released,1745?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=spotlight&mobile=false • Which bike computer should you get? • How to use TrainerRoa

It's Crankworx week! Tons of new products and racing news, and some controversial topics discussed. Topics covered in this episode: • Fox's New 4-Way Adjustable Fork Damper https://www.pinkbike.com/news/fox-4-way-adjustable-fork-damper-crankworx-whistler-2017.html •Specialized Update Enduro for 2018 - First Look https://www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-update-enduro-for-2018-first-look.html • ENVE's New Carbon Rim and Protective Insert - Crankworx Whistler 2017 https://www.pinkbike.com/news/enve-new-carbon-rim-and-protection-insert-crankworx-whistler-2017.html • New Intense 29er Carbon DH Bike Spotted - Crankworx Whistler 2017 https://www.pinkbike.com/news/new-intense-29er-carbon-dh-bike-spotted-crankworx-whistler-2017.html • Bell Launches 3 New Helmets for 2018 - First Look https://www.pinkbike.com/news/bell-launches-3-new-helmets-for-2018-first-look.html • Unno's Showstopping Carbon DH Bike: First Ride - Crankworx Whistler 2017 https://www.pinkbike.com/news/unnos-showstopping-carbon-dh-bike-first-ri

Jonathan is back from Canada (again)with some battle stories and embarrassing admissions, and Steven goes deep into how to make your SRAM brakes work better. Topics covered in this episode: • New Devinci Spartan • How to defend a trail from nerfing • Is it bad to clamp a work stand on a dropper post? • How much recovery is needed? • How to make your suspension smoother over roots • Ideal bike for Singletrack 6 or technical XC • What's the big deal with wide bars? • How to stop a thru axle from unthreading • What is Topical EDGE lotion? www.topicaledge.com • What should your first gear upgrade be? • How to corner in loose over hard conditions • Is training on an MTB on the trainer better than using a road bike? • Jonathan's Singletrack 6 experience • Are women's and men's shoes any different? • How to make your SRAM brakes feel better • Jonathan eats major crow :)

Steven and Jonathan dig deep into how to prepare for your next big race or big day on the bike. Gear, psychology, logistics, nutrition and training – it's all covered. Topics covered in this episode: • Why we’re excited for SRAM GX Eagle • Suspension tuning for clydesdales • Should you shift gears under power? • How to afford a new bike • How to get better at bunny hopping • Is starting on a hardtail really a good idea? • How does an incorrect chainline affect your drivetrain? • Are you goofy footed on the bike, and does it matter? • Why you can’t estimate power accurately on the trail • Can you use TrainerRoad outside? • A good XC bike for the East Coast • Can you pick a bad bike these days? •• How to prepare for a race or dig bay on the bike •• • YouTube Mountain Bikers • Cannondale SuperX, Subaru Crosstrek, and Küat Sherpa

Kurt "The Angry Singlespeeder" Gensheimer joins Steven and Jonathan for discussions on fat tires, new Santa Cruz bikes, and the debate between modernized trails and primitive ones. Being a purveyor of historic trail, Kurt gives us insight on why we should get off the flow trails from now and then and head back in time. Topics covered in this episode: – Jonathan's Whistler trip – Santa Cruz Hightower LT – How to repair a scratch on your frame – Picking the right bike for the trails you ride – Cheap wheels with wide internal width – When you should go for aluminum wheels instead of carbon – Full suspension, or stick with a hard tail with larger volume tires? – How to conquer arm pump – What are floating brake rotors, and why don't you see more of them? – Modern vs. Primitive trail – How to find primitive trail and how to appreciate it – What you can do to maintain primitive trail, and why you should be doing it

Steven returns from BC and Jonathan gets ready for Whistler! But first, they cover the latest releases & answer your questions. Topics covered in this episode: • People are suing bike parks: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/injured-rider-unsuccessful-in-lawsuit-against-whistler-bike-park.html • Pinkbike shows what goes into starting a bike company: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pinkbike-went-to-taiwan-and-started-a-bike-company.html • New Giant Anthem 29er: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/giant-introduces-new-anthem-29-xc-race-bike.html • One Up EDC Tool: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/oneup-components-edc-everyday-carry-available-now.html • 2018 Intense Carbine: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/intense-carbine-2018-first-look.html • 2018 Marin Bikes: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/marin-2018-bikes.html • 2018 Orbea Rallon: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/new-orbea-rallon-2018-first-look-and-first-ride.html • Angelfire Pro XCT: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pro-xct-and-pro-grt-return-to-angel-fire.html • 2018 BM

Special Guests Sofía Gomez Villafañe (Assos / Pivot) and Keegan Swenson (Cannondale 3Rox) joined Steven and Jonathan for a quick look into the life of a pro XC racer and a deep dive into tire tech. Topics covered in this episode: • How much does a pro XC racer train? • How do pros determine how much they should train? • The work/life balance of a pro MTB racer • How to read a tire's tread pattern • What tread profiles are best for XC? • What tread profiles are best for trail and enduro? • What to know about tire rubber compounds • What durometer rubber should you have? • Durability vs. traction • What effect does a tire's casing have on it's handling? • What is TPI? • How to know if a tire is fast rolling or not • How sidewall construction affects strength, weight and rolling resistance • How does tire width affect a tire's performance? • How to match your tire to your rim

With Steven back from vacation and Jonathan getting ready for Carson City Off-Road, we jumped into the biggest product releases, race results from the XC and DH world and answered your questions. Topics covered in this episode: • Leogang World Cup: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/final-results-leogang-dh-world-cup-2017.html • Missoula Pro XCT: https://competitivetiming.com/missoula-xc-results/ • SRAM GX Eagle: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/gx-eagle-srams-new-wallet-friendly-12-speed-drivetrain.html •Ohlins Forks: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/hlins-debuts-new-trailenduro-forks.html • X-Fusion Manic Dropper: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/x-fusions-199-manic-dropper-post-review-2017.html • Fox Float DPX2: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/fox-float-dpx2-shock-first-look-2017.html • Carson City Off-Road Prep • How to choose between updating your shock or simply servicing it? • What can you power while spinning on a trainer? • How to get stronger as a cyclist • Why pushing a big gear doesn't make you strong

Jonathan and Steven look into the new Santa Cruz Nomad, saddle choices, why your jockey wheels get greasy and more! Topics covered in this episode: • US Open of DH Results • The new Santa Cruz Nomad • What to know before you upgrade to wider tires and wheels • First things to upgrade on a baseline bike • Should you go to a skills clinic, or trust online coaching? • Why does gunk build up on your jockey wheels? • What chain lube is best in different conditions • How to protect your carbon frame from damage when riding • Norco Torrent FS+ 7.2 vs. the Norco Sight 7.3 • Can you get insurance for your bike? • How to pick a saddle • Can saddles really wear out? • Why are downhillers losing their minds over 29" wheels? • e*Thirteen TRS Dropper user review • Yeti Tundra 105 cooler: http://yeti.com/tundra-105-cooler • BMC Team Machine SLR01: http://www.bmc-switzerland.com/us-en/bikes/road/altitude-teammachine-slr01_disc-team/

Jonathan pre-rode the 2017 Edition of the Carson City Off-Road by Epic Rides. Get the detailed break down in this episode, and see the course preview here: https://youtu.be/c3yy0mSO7mg Topics covered in this episode: – EWS Ireland - Albstadt UCI XCO – Iron Horse Bicycle Classic – Ibis HD4: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/ibis-hd4-review.html – BME Santa Fe Season Opener – Trans-Sylvania Epic – Backcountry Research Straps – Best MTB light that uses a GoPro mount – Training advice for High School MTB racers – How to get your derailleur pulleys clean – Best CX tires for gravel riding – What to know when painting your frame – Carson City Off-Road Preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3yy0mSO7mg&t=2s – www.instagram.com/thehardopen – Cuore Cycling Kit: www.cuore.ch

Jonathan and Steven review the first round of the UCI XCO World Cup in Nove Mesto, The Epic Rides Grand Junction Off-Road and answer more of your questions. Topics covered in this episode: • Shirts, Sweatshirts, Stickers and more at MTBpodcast.com • Float X2 clarification • Grand Junction Off-Road review • XCO Nove Mesto Review • Carson City Off-Road course change • Lost & Found course change • Non-quick release thru axles? • How to train for enduro racing • Do you really need pedals with a platform? • Are long / inverted stems relevant? • Can you "cram" for training? • Best sub $3,000 trail bikes • How to plan the color palette of your bike • WTB tires for Enduro, gravel, XC and CX

Steven and Jonathan cover the latest racing news from EWS Madeira, XC Marathon National Championships, Jonathan's disastrous race at the Tech Dev Pro XCT in Utah, and take all of your questions. Topics covered in this episode: • Which suspension design is the least difficult to maintain? • What causes cramps and how to avoid them? • The benefits of coil shocks for aggressive riders • Understanding low speed and high speed compression and rebound • How to set up your Rockshox suspension • Is standover height actually important? • What type of chamois is the best for MTB? • Specialized Camber vs. Yeti ASR • Should you hand wash your kits? • The e*Thirteen TRS Dropper Post • What to do if your shock becomes locked • Tasco MTB gloves: https://www.tasco-mtb.com • SRAM Level Ultimate Brakes

Steven and Jonathan put TrainerRoad's new studio setup to the test with a TDS wrap up, Epic Rides Whiskey Off-Road review, and UCI DH Lordes recap. Topics covered in this episode: • MTBpodcast shirts and sweatshirts! • TDS Enduro: https://timeyourrace.com/tds/2017/bseries.htm • Epic Rides Whiskey Off-Road: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-whiskey-off-road-photo-epic.html • UCI DH Rd. 1: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/final-results-lourdes-dh-world-cup-2017.html • Is cross-chaining bad? • What it means to be a "powerful" rider • Are big, strong legs faster? • Tips to cure carpal tunnel for cyclists • What to know when deciding to get a new bike or update your current bike • How to make a Trek Remedy more XC-oriented • Does fitness transfer from one sport to another? • How to make your internal cables not rattle • Should you upgrade a 3 year old fork? • How to upgrade a Fox 32 fork • How to build fitness over a season • How long can you maintain peak fitness? • Why the Fox Float X2 shock is s

Your guide to Sea Otter 2017! Jonathan and Steven spent the week at Sea Otter doing a ton of work, racing bikes, and talking with all the vendors and athletes. Hear what products caught their eye , what trends they saw and get a complete guide on how to plan the best Sea Otter week possible. Topics covered in this episode: • MTBpodcast T-Shirts! • When you should service your bottom bracket bearings • When you should service your headset • Rotor Raptor MTB Crankset http://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/INTERBIKE-2017-Mountain-Bike-Components,10498/Rotor-Raptor-Cranks,110214/iceman2058,94 • Raceface Next R Group http://www.vitalmtb.com/features/First-Look-Race-Face-Next-R-Line,1729 • K-Edge MTB Catcher https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/04/sea-otter-2017-tech-tidbits-barfly-k-edge-quarq-qollector-lezyne-flar.html • The trend of short travel trail bikes • 6D Helmets in-depth explanation • Marin Wolf Ridge https://www.pinkbike.com/news/marin-wolf-ridge-first-ride.html • Lourdes DH Race https://www.pin

Get pro tips on how to maintain your bike every ride, every month and every season. Jonathan and Steven break down how to do it quickly and how to fit it into your already busy schedule. Topics covered in this episode: – Steven's SB5.5 build – Low-speed vs. high-speed compression and rebound – e*Thirteen TRS Dropper Post – EWS Rd. 2 Tasmania Results: http://www.enduroworldseries.com/2017-results/ – New Rockshox forks: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-new-pike-first-look-2017.htm – Polygon Square One EX9: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/polygon-square-one-ex9-and-its-r3act-suspension-where-it-came-from-and-how-it-works-2017.html – Restrap Magnetic Bottle: https://www.bikerumor.com/2017/04/13/ditch-bottle-cage-magnetic-restrap-mag-bottle/ – Pon Holdings to acquire Accell: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pon-holdings-accell-group.htm – Should you upgrade your baseline Suntour fork? – How to adjust your equipment and training for wrist pain – Is there really a difference between men's and women's bi