MTB Podcast

Steven and Jonathan cover the latest racing news from EWS Madeira, XC Marathon National Championships, Jonathan's disastrous race at the Tech Dev Pro XCT in Utah, and take all of your questions. Topics covered in this episode: • Which suspension design is the least difficult to maintain? • What causes cramps and how to avoid them? • The benefits of coil shocks for aggressive riders • Understanding low speed and high speed compression and rebound • How to set up your Rockshox suspension • Is standover height actually important? • What type of chamois is the best for MTB? • Specialized Camber vs. Yeti ASR • Should you hand wash your kits? • The e*Thirteen TRS Dropper Post • What to do if your shock becomes locked • Tasco MTB gloves: https://www.tasco-mtb.com • SRAM Level Ultimate Brakes

Steven and Jonathan put TrainerRoad's new studio setup to the test with a TDS wrap up, Epic Rides Whiskey Off-Road review, and UCI DH Lordes recap. Topics covered in this episode: • MTBpodcast shirts and sweatshirts! • TDS Enduro: https://timeyourrace.com/tds/2017/bseries.htm • Epic Rides Whiskey Off-Road: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/2017-whiskey-off-road-photo-epic.html • UCI DH Rd. 1: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/final-results-lourdes-dh-world-cup-2017.html • Is cross-chaining bad? • What it means to be a "powerful" rider • Are big, strong legs faster? • Tips to cure carpal tunnel for cyclists • What to know when deciding to get a new bike or update your current bike • How to make a Trek Remedy more XC-oriented • Does fitness transfer from one sport to another? • How to make your internal cables not rattle • Should you upgrade a 3 year old fork? • How to upgrade a Fox 32 fork • How to build fitness over a season • How long can you maintain peak fitness? • Why the Fox Float X2 shock is superior • Which shock should you run on a Yeti SB5? • How to mount Shimano shifters and brakes with one perch • How to squeeze in training with a busy schedule • Tech One Designs custom decals: www.techonedesigns.com • KC Hilites LED Light Bar: http://www.kchilites.com/#pro6-bar

Your guide to Sea Otter 2017! Jonathan and Steven spent the week at Sea Otter doing a ton of work, racing bikes, and talking with all the vendors and athletes. Hear what products caught their eye , what trends they saw and get a complete guide on how to plan the best Sea Otter week possible. Topics covered in this episode: • MTBpodcast T-Shirts! • When you should service your bottom bracket bearings • When you should service your headset • Rotor Raptor MTB Crankset http://www.vitalmtb.com/photos/features/INTERBIKE-2017-Mountain-Bike-Components,10498/Rotor-Raptor-Cranks,110214/iceman2058,94 • Raceface Next R Group http://www.vitalmtb.com/features/First-Look-Race-Face-Next-R-Line,1729 • K-Edge MTB Catcher https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2017/04/sea-otter-2017-tech-tidbits-barfly-k-edge-quarq-qollector-lezyne-flar.html • The trend of short travel trail bikes • 6D Helmets in-depth explanation • Marin Wolf Ridge https://www.pinkbike.com/news/marin-wolf-ridge-first-ride.html • Lourdes DH Race https://www.pinkbike.com/news/wyntv-lourdes-dh-world-cup-track-walk-2017.html • Santa Cruz V-10 29er https://www.pinkbike.com/news/greg-minnaars-santa-cruz-v10-29-bike-check.html • SRAM Code Brakes https://www.pinkbike.com/news/srams-new-code-brakes-first-ride-2017.html • The TDS Enduro preview • The pros and cons of a longer fork on a trail bike • How to stop your front end from lifting on climbs • Should you buy a road bike, or a cross bike? • How to setup a new bike • What lever position should you have? • Why does your saddle feel uncomfortable? • How to build a dirt jumper • Your comprehensive guide to the best week possible at Sea Otter • Jonathan’s guide to using the Mavic Pro • The Wolf Tooth Dropper Remote

Get pro tips on how to maintain your bike every ride, every month and every season. Jonathan and Steven break down how to do it quickly and how to fit it into your already busy schedule. Topics covered in this episode: – Steven's SB5.5 build – Low-speed vs. high-speed compression and rebound – e*Thirteen TRS Dropper Post – EWS Rd. 2 Tasmania Results: http://www.enduroworldseries.com/2017-results/ – New Rockshox forks: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/rockshox-new-pike-first-look-2017.htm – Polygon Square One EX9: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/polygon-square-one-ex9-and-its-r3act-suspension-where-it-came-from-and-how-it-works-2017.html – Restrap Magnetic Bottle: https://www.bikerumor.com/2017/04/13/ditch-bottle-cage-magnetic-restrap-mag-bottle/ – Pon Holdings to acquire Accell: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/pon-holdings-accell-group.htm – Should you upgrade your baseline Suntour fork? – How to adjust your equipment and training for wrist pain – Is there really a difference between men's and women's bikes? – What bike maintenance you should do every ride – What bike maintenance you should do every month – What bike maintenance you should do every season – Suspension maintenance – Tire maintenance – Drivetrain maintenance – How to wash you bike like a pro – DJI Mavic Pro Drone: http://www.dji.com/mavic – Wolftooth ReMote: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/remote

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