MTB Podcast

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 BMC Speedfox: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/bmc-speedfox-01-first-ride.html • Tips for USA National Championships • Why doesn't MTB racing have good coverage / exposure? • Shoes, pads and pack picks of the hosts • Is it bad to wear different brand kit than your bike? • How to avoid nerves when racing • Wide tires, plus bikes, short travel – how to choose • Picking a bike that will be easy on your back • How to use SRAM Eagle on a direct-drive trainer • Why does your lower back tighten up when riding? • Is there anything Jonathan and Steve disagree on? • How to use Shimano cranks in a BB30 frame • Why a modern XC bike could be the perfect bike for most people • Should you lube your cables? • High Altitude Lines: A Yeti Tribe Story: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/high-altitude-lines-a-yeti-tribe-story.html • WTB PadLoc Grips: https://www.wtb.com/pages/wtb-introduces-padloc-grips

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 stronger • How to strength train for cycling • Are you sure you're bonking and not just tired or not warmed up? • What your body does while warming up • Why the beginning of your workouts is always hard • MTB road trip from Colorado to California • Squish Dynamics: http://squishdynamics.com • WTB Riddler: https://www.wtb.com/products/riddler

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 superior • Which shock should you run on a Yeti SB5? • How to mount Shimano shifters and brakes with one perch • How to squeeze in training with a busy schedule • Tech One Designs custom decals: www.techonedesigns.com • KC Hilites LED Light Bar: http://www.kchilites.com/#pro6-bar

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.pinkbike.com/news/wyntv-lourdes-dh-world-cup-track-walk-2017.html • Santa Cruz V-10 29er https://www.pinkbike.com/news/greg-minnaars-santa-cruz-v10-29-bike-check.html • SRAM Code Brakes https://www.pinkbike.com/news/srams-new-code-brakes-first-ride-2017.html • The TDS Enduro preview • The pros and cons of a longer fork on a trail bike • How to stop your front end from lifting on climbs • Should you buy a road bike, or a cross bike? • How to setup a new bike • What lever position should you have? • Why does your saddle feel uncomfortable? • How to build a dirt jumper • Your comprehensive guide to the best week possible at Sea Otter • Jonathan’s guide to using the Mavic Pro • The Wolf Tooth Dropper Remote

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 bikes? – What bike maintenance you should do every ride – What bike maintenance you should do every month – What bike maintenance you should do every season – Suspension maintenance – Tire maintenance – Drivetrain maintenance – How to wash you bike like a pro – DJI Mavic Pro Drone: http://www.dji.com/mavic – Wolftooth ReMote: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/remote

Jonathan and Steven were lucky enough to get their hands on a 2018 Cannondale Jekyll for a quick test ride. We give our full thoughts and compared the bike to the show favorite Yeti SB5.5, preview EWS Round 2, answer your questions, cover the news and announce a competition to win a Yakima Frontloader roof rack. Topics covered in this episode: - 2018 Cannondale Jekyll and Trigger: http://reviews.mtbr.com/2017-%E2%80%8Bcannondale-trigger-and-jekyll-launched - Santa Cruz Nomad Spy Photos: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/is-this-the-new-santa-cruz-nomad-2017.html - Specialized Custom Stumpjumper Web Page: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-announces-custom-stumpjumper-program.html - Rockshox New 1x Reverb Remote: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-finally-updates-the-reverb-remote-first-look-2017.html - How to practice for and take ledges and drops. - Are fat bikes really lame? - What similarities exist between dirt bike riding and mountain biking? - What to do if your bike feels like it's the wrong size - What you should maintain on your bike after riding it in the mud - Are oval rings a hoax? - What is high and low speed compression and how to dial them in - Cannondale Jekyll review - EWS Tasmania preview - K-Edge Bar Mounts: http://k-edge.com/product-category/computer-mounts/

Jonathan and Steven cover why you should have wide bars, but not too wide, why you should have a short stem, but not too short, and how to find the perfect size of each. Add on to that headsets and fork offsets and the front end of your bike is covered! Topics covered in this episode: • TDS Enduro 2017 update • Crankworx results: http://www.crankworx.com/2017-results/ • How to make sure you are eating enough during a race • How much food should you eat before a race? • How often should you service your hub? • Are simple hard tails a good purchase? • Are most people buying the wrong bike? • How to keep your fork seals in good condition. • What is the difference between a short, mid and long cage derailleur? • Do e*thirteen cassettes shift well with Shimano and SRAM? • How to know what handlebar size you need • What length and angle stem should you use? • How many spacers should you use on your steerer tube? • What headset should you get? • What is fork offset? • Quarq ShockwizReview Pt. 2 • Steven's Cannondale bike that he probably shouldn't be talking about yet ... in fact, ignore this, we have no clue what we are talking about... for at least a few more days until the embargo lifts. ;)

EWS Round 1 took place in Rotorua, New Zealand, and we've got first-hand insight into what went down in each stage from Yeti Cycles enduro pro Jubal Davis. All that plus the news, your questions and more! Topics covered in this episode: • True Grit Epic Recap: http://www.mtbracenews.com/news/true-grit-marathon-santa-clara-utah • NUE 2017 Series Announced: http://www.mtbracenews.com/news/nue2017schedule • PanAmerican Continental Championships: http://www.copaci.org/en/content/xxi-panamerican-championship-mountain-bike-xco-dhii • Absa Cape Epic: http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/cape-epic-2017/stage-7/results/ • Aaron Gwin wins KMC Winter Series Rd. 6: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-kmc-winter-series-round-6-gwin-with-the-win.html • Yeti Cycles: Whitefish – Proven Here: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/whitefish-proven-here-video-2017.html • Brett Rheeder: Shadow of The Sun video: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/shadow-of-the-sun-video-2017.html • Santa Cruz Chameleon: http://reviews.mtbr.com/santa-cruz-chameleon-27-529er-first-look • Maxxis Forekaster 2.6: https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-gear/maxxis-forekaster-2-6-tire-review/ • As a small rider, is a long travel 29er a bad idea? • How to fit a larger frame to a smaller rider • How to use VirtualPower with TrainerRoad • How to get a improve your subpar shock • How to improve the feel of a Rockshox Pike • What you need to do once you get a new bike • EWS Round 1 Review • Quarq Shockwiz: https://www.quarq.com/shockwiz/ • TRS Race Cassette:

Who wants to shred new bikes!? We all do! :) That said, knowing a few key things beforehand will make sure you get the most out of it. Dacre Dunn of Yeti Cycles tells us what it's like to host a demo and what we can do to be better testers and Jonathan's Engi-nerd brother Dustin tells us what he learned when demoing bikes at the Moab Spring Thaw. Listen up and get smart! Topics covered in this episode: • TDS Enduro update! • Whiskey Offroad registration is almost full! http://epicrides.com/events/whiskey-off-road/ • YT Nabs the Director of Good Times: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/yt-nabs-the-director-of-good-times-2017.html • Dream Ride II: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxmzX1Ev1w4 • UCI World Champs: Cairns, AUS, September 5-10, 2017 • Cactus Cup Recap: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-cactus-cup-the-season-opener-returns.html • Specialized launches global Women's Ambassador Program: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/specialized-launches-global-womens-ambassador-program-2017.html • MTB Oceania Continental Champs XC Review • Nino Schurter off DT Swiss and on Rockshox • Kali Interceptor Helmet: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/kali-launches-the-interceptor-2017.html • What is a good trail bike for a clydesdale? • What 29er wheels are tough but affordable for enduro? • What is the difference between the sb6 and the Specialized Enduro? • Which is better: SRAM Gx or Shimano XT? • How to get the most from a bike demo or test ride • Prismatics Powder Coating: https://www.prismaticpowders.com • Sony a6000: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-Alpha-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera/dp/B00I8BICCG/ref=sr_1_4?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1489984593&sr=1-4&keywords=sony+a6000 • Sony RX100m III: https://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100M-Cyber-shot-Digital-Camera/dp/B00K7O2DJU/ref=sr_1_3?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1489984633&sr=1-3&keywords=sony+rx100+iii