MTB Podcast

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

Jonathan and Steven make sense of the MANY wheel, hub and axle standards, discuss the direct to consumer movement and demise of bike shops, how to setup a GOOD CX bike, and more! Topics covered in this episode: • Ibis and Pivot suspension kinematics • Maxxis releases fatter 27.5 and tubeless DH tires: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/maxxis-unveils-tubeless-ready-dh-tires-more-26-options-2017.html • Kurt Sorge to Fly Racing: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/kurt-sorge-joins-team-fly-racing-2017.html • OneUp Switch Chainring System: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/oneup-switch-chainring-system-review-2017.html •Ibis announces 7 year warranty: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/ibis-announces-7-year-warranty.html •Vernon Felton interview Dave Weins: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/your-trails-future-may-depend-on-this-man-2.html • Sedona MTB Festival • Troy Lee A2 Helmet: http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Open-Face-Helmets,53/Troy-Lee-Designs/A2,18180#product-reviews/2643 • Hope 10-48 Cassette: http://www.vitalmtb.com/product/guide/Cassettes,26/Hope-Technology/11-spd-Cassette,17493#product-reviews/2431 • How much suspension travel is needed for a bike to fall into the "likes to party" category? • Is standover height a good way to measure bike fit? • How to fix a derailleur that just doesn't seem to shift right • How to convert your CX bike to a 1x drivetrain • Should you run a different stack height on a CX bike? • What are the best tires to run for CX and gravel? • Are bike shops doomed? • Is direct to consumer a good thing for the bike industry? • When will you be able to buy a bike direct from the manufacturer? • What are the best mapping solutions for MTB? • Carbon vs. aluminum rims • Is 26" dead? • The pros and cons of 27.5" and 29" rims • What is the "internal width" of your rim and why does it matter? • Brass vs. aluminum vs. internal nipples • Are bladed spokes better than rounded? • What are butted spokes? • What is the best lacing pattern? • What is hub spacing? • What is Boost spacing? • Is Boost spacing just a marketing ploy? • Quick releases vs. thru axles • Stan's Crest MK3 Wheels: https://www.notubes.com/crest-mk3-wheelset • WTB Ci31 Carbon 29 Wheels: http://www.wtb.com/products/ci31-carbon-rims

Your guide to MTB rear suspension systems! Jonathan and Steven go over all the major rear suspension designs out there and tell you how they work, what they're good at, what they're bad at and what type of shock you should pair with them. Topics covered in this episode: – EWS Get's a TV deal: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/enduro-world-series-signs-tv-deal-and-announces-new-presenters-2017.html – Lance Armstrong, Greg Hincapie, Christian Vande Velde & Dylan Casey take third at Epic Rides 24 HOP. – Rockshox releases coil shock and updated air shocks: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-announces-super-deluxe-coil-2017.html – How to carry water if you only have a down tube mounted bottle – What to look for in a backpack – What is the best XC bike for rough trails? – Should you get a hardtail or full suspension for XC racing? – Do bike parts wear out if sitting on the showroom floor for a long time? – How to spot a good deal – Best lights with GoPro mounts – How to increase the range of a SRAM drivetrain – Guide to suspension designs! – Shock force and leverage ratios explained – Coil vs. air shocks: which is best? – Regressive, linear and progressive rates – Large volume air shocks vs. small volume – Trek rear suspension system explained – Specialized rear suspension system explained – Giant rear suspension system explained – Santa Cruz rear suspension system explained – Yeti rear suspension system explained – Cannondale rear suspension system explained – YT rear suspension system explained – Cuore custom kit: www.cuore.ch – KC Hilites Gravity LED Fog Lights: http://www.kchilites.com/gravity-led-g4-toyota-tacoma-led-fog-light-system.html

Are e-bikes really ruining mountain biking, and why are roadies freaking out about disc brakes? Also, Shimano vs. SRAM, aluminum vs. carbon, spin bikes vs. trainers and what chainlube we think is best. Topics covered in this episode: • Spin bikes vs. indoor trainers: which is better? • WhiteCrow pressure adjust hub system: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/whitecrow-hub-adjust-your-tire-pressure-on-the-go-bicycle-technology#/ • Are aluminum frames stronger than carbon frames? • Putting a 120mm fork on a Specialized Epic – good idea or bad idea? • Is it worth it to buy a budget bike and upgrade the components? • Which chain lube is best for what conditions? • How to make sure your bike's color scheme doesn't look cheap • What is the best trainer for mountain bikers? • Does the bad chain-line make 1x drivetrains worse? • VeloNews: "What can disc rotors actually cut?" http://www.velonews.com/2017/02/video/video-can-disc-rotors-actually-cut_431182 • TransCR: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/transcr-the-prologue-2017.html • Deore m6000 Groupset: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/shimano-announces-affordable-deore-m6000-group-and-11-x-46-cassette.html • Valparaiso Cerro Abajo: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/red-bull-valparaiso-video-2017.html • Yeti Fox Factory Team announces new riders and sponsors: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/yeti-fox-factory-team-adds-new-riders-and-sponsors-for-2017.html • Are E-Bikes good or bad for our sport and trails? • Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge • Shimano XTR Di2

The Roadie's guide to MTB! Brian Kennedy of popular YouTube channel BKXC is in studio to chat about the best trails in the world that he's ridden, and give his thoughts on everything else. Topics covered in this episode: • How to tune your suspension for clydesdales • Are skills clinics worth it? • Lee Likes Bikes and Ryan Leech skills clinics • TrainerRoad training plans for mountain bikers • How to figure out your own nutrition plan • Is a 1x drivetrain worth the hassle of upgrading? • What type of shorts should you use when riding? • What is TPI on my tires and what does it mean? • How to deal with a bike that is slow handling • Andes Pacifico Recap: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/andes-pacifico-enduro-2017-the-final-day-video.html • YT Jeffry 27: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/yt-jeffsy-27-first-ride.html • Quarq Shockwiz: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/quarq-shockwiz-first-impressions-2017.html • Brian Kennedy's favorite and most disappointing trails in the world. • The BKXC YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3DFdy_qc-cqgKCyQTHLGzA • The roadie's guide to mountain biking • What are the different types of MTB racing • How can roadies get started with MTB • MTB gear explained • Why do roadies fear mountain biking so much? • Using a CX bike as a road bike • Fabric Scoop Shallow Ultimate Saddle: http://fabric.cc/saddles/scoop-flat/ • Shoe Dog by Phil Knight: https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/shoe-dog-a-memoir-by-the-creator-of-nike-unabridged/id1097936676

The mountain bikers guide to road cycling! Steven and Jonathan break down all the peculiarities, and mend fences between the two sides of riding. Also, new segment intros! Let us know what you think. Topics covered in this episode: • Oakland super cross review • Foil paper for edibles (Reynolds Pan Liner) • When is the proper time to cat up? • How to do a proper warmup for mountain bike racing • Why most bike companies don't make small frames with 29" wheels • The best women's mountain bike for all around trail riding • Should you upgrade your old bike or buy a new one? • How to know if you should get a longer travel fork for trail riding • EWS Challenger Events: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/the-countdown-to-the-2017-enduro-world-series-is-on.html • Andes Pacifico: http://www.vitalmtb.com/news/news/Andes-Pacifico-2017-Day-One,1023 • Dave Weins new Executive Director of IMBA • Cane Creek AER Headsets: http://reviews.mtbr.com/cane-creek-introduces-new-headsets-for-2017 • Rossignol buys Felt: http://www.pinkbike.com/news/felt-bicycles-acquired-by-rossignol-group-2017.html • Should road cyclists pay insurance and registration? • What laws should cyclists follow? • Why do cyclists ride in the middle of the road? • Why do cyclists wear those weird hats? • Should you put your helmet straps on the inside or outside of your helmet? • Roadie apparel explained (including Rapha) • Road racing tactics explained • Road bikes explained • Weird roadie culture explained • Rapha Merino Wool Arm Warmers: http://www.rapha.cc/us/en_US/shop/merino-arm-warmers/product/WAW01 • Race Face Next SL G4 Crankset: https://www.raceface.com/products/details/next-sl-g4

A comprehensive guide to building your own bike. Jonathan and Steven take your questions on training for XC & Enduro, on the bike nutrition, best bikes for Leadville, dropper posts and hard tails, more bike reviews from the Bike Mag Bible of Bike Tests and give you a full-on bike nerd's walkthrough of everything you need to know before building a bike. Topics covered in this episode: • Is interval training good for beginners? • What exactly is an interval and why most people misunderstand it • Are hardtails still best for XC racing? • What is the best bike for Leadville? • How to train for Enduro • Can you use TrainerRoad for Enduro and downhill training? • How to give the DW Link more mid-stroke support? • Which bikes should have dropper posts • Trek Slash 29 - http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/trek-slash-29/#P5kqkJoLQ4WqlJFQ.97 • Pivot Firebird - http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/review-pivot-firebird/#YqTDzD6V1aLxPpA4.97 • Evil Wreckoning - http://www.bikemag.com/2017-bible-of-bike-tests/review-evil-wreckoning/ • Canyon is coming to the US - http://www.bikemag.com/news/canyon-prepares-launch-american-sales/#TdLFhObWSlvH1j08.97 • BC Bike Race announces BC Bike Ride - http://www.bikemag.com/news/bcbr-launches-bc-bike-ride-north/#uYBmqSlC6c6lASRY.97 • Your ultimate guide to building your own bike from scratch • Jaybird Freedom headphones - http://www.jaybirdsport.com/freedom-bluetooth-headphones/ • Yeti 36oz Rambler - http://yeti.com/rambler-bottle-36-oz