MTB Podcast Our Favorite MTB Things of 2025 Plus Classic Listener Questions & More... Ep. 167
Dec 8, 2025
The hosts share their favorite mountain bike gear for the year, showcasing everything from Schwalbe tires to Shimano XTR Di2. They discuss recent rides and bike setups, with insights on tire pressures and long-distance riding. A humorous debate unfolds over a Taco Bell dinner challenge, blending fun with mountain biking tips. Listener questions lead to practical advice on bike servicing and affordable upgrades. Tune in for great gear recommendations and entertaining banter!
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Tune Tire Pressure Not Just Tires
- Try different tire pressures to find the 'Goldilocks' zone rather than assuming manufacturer defaults.
- Jared found Schwalbe radial trail tires worked best around 26–28 psi front and rear for his local trails.
Wheelset Swap Changes A Bike Dramatically
- Trevor describes swapping wheelsets and tire casings to completely change the Druid's behavior.
- He found the Druid handled big rocky descents until it reached the limits of a 130 mm bike on very steep terrain.
Downsize Chainring For Better Gear Spread
- Consider a smaller chainring (e.g., 30T) with a wide cassette to make more gears usable.
- Jared reports a 30T with a 9–45 cassette felt versatile on the ASR and SP140.