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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Optimizing Bike Setups for Gravel and Mountain Biking Races

The chapter delves into the meticulous process of setting up bikes for various races, focusing on adjustments like suspension pressure, tire setups, and equipment choices. The speakers share insights on adapting their setups for different terrains and race types, emphasizing the importance of achieving the right balance for optimal performance. They also discuss advancements in technology, such as using RockShox flight attendant feature for customizing suspension settings, and the benefits of specific components like carbon spokes and four-piston brakes in enhancing control 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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