MTB Podcast – Episode 25 – Tire Tech – Special Guests: Keegan Swenson & Sofia Gomez Villafane

Summary: 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