How Pros Set Up Gravel and MTB for 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix - Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 480

Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad

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Challenges of Drop Bars on Mountain Bikes and Chain Preparation Alternatives

The chapter delves into the difficulties of setting up drop bars on mountain bikes, as well as the discontinuation of the ice friction chain preparation service, leading athletes to explore alternative methods such as UFO coating and all condition wax lube. Various approaches to chain waxing, including products from Rex bicycle, Wend, and Molten Speed Wax, are discussed in detail for optimal bike maintenance and performance.

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// TOPICS COVERED

(0:00) Welcome!

(0:12) Alex’s upcoming races

(05:19) Equipment discussion

(05:45) How Flight Attendant has changed bike setup

(08:45) Suspension sag, pressure, and settings

(11:36) Are tire inserts needed if you run high pressure?

(13:06) Why some modern wheels are using stiffer spokes

(14:45) Why mountain bikers are no longer using dual piston brakes

(16:50) What tires Alex is running on his MTB

(17:50) Tire specs explained!

(19:25) Should we not use different sized rotors?

(20:00) Why thicker rotors can perform better

(21:22) Alex’s thoughts on the new SRAM Red

(23:30) MTB brake setup tips

(26:18) How integrated handlebars fit differently than you think

(31:07) Are hardtails and softails irrelevant now?

(32:48) How Alex sets up the Epic WC suspension

(35:05) Are suspension gravel bikes the future?

(37:20) Alex’s gravel tire setup choice on the Crux

(39:40) Why drop bars on hardtails is so complicated

(40:36) Waxing chains – how the pros do it

(44:40) Why SRAM Transmission is making chain lubrication more complicated

(49:23) Alex’s cycling kit changes

(51:10) What Alex does for carbohydrate mix

(55:57) How Alex has changed his recovery strategy

// RESOURCES MENTIONED

- Alex’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/alexwildmtb

- Truckee Tahoe Gravel: https://www.truckeegravel.com/

- Vittoria Air-Liner Insert: https://vittoria.com/products/air-liner-mtb

- Roval Control SL Team: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roval-control-sl-team/p/1000195901?searchText=30125-2304&color=1000195920-1000195901

- 4 piston brakes: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/db-lvl-ult4-c1

- Renegade Tire: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-works-renegade-2bliss-ready-t5t7/p/205215?color=330411-205215

- Fast Trak Tire: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/fast-trak-control-2bliss-ready-t7/p/205391?color=330690-205391&searchText=00122-4005

- Ground Control Tire: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/ground-control-control-2bliss-ready-t5/p/203432?color=335441-203432&searchText=00122-5021

- SRAM HS2 Rotors: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/models/rt-hs-2-a1

- Tracer: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/s-works-tracer-2bliss-ready/p/205547?color=334783-205547&searchText=00022-4331

- Pathfinder: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/pathfinder-pro-2bliss-ready/p/157870?color=237517-157870

- Roval Control Cockpit: https://www.specialized.com/us/en/roval-control-cockpit/p/218332?color=352982-218332

- Silca Chain Waxing System: https://silca.cc/products/chain-waxing-system

- Rex Black Diamond Hot Wax: https://rex.fi/en/shop/bike/hot-waxes/black-diamond-hot-wax

- DNA Cycling Kit: https://www.dnacycling.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjw1emzBhB8EiwAHwZZxe3nTfTl-rx3qS2kb1Qg9_mjLLNkZum_FR_Ae_Og1fKzc6Yn3qjf-hoCMwwQAvD_BwE

- Carbs Fuel: https://carbsfuel.com/

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