Singletracks Mountain Bike Podcast
By Singletracks.com
Join us as we learn from top athletes, product designers, trail builders, coaches, mechanics, artists, and leaders in the mountain biking community.
Singletracks Mountain Bike PodcastMay 14, 2024
How NICA is Changing Mountain Bike Culture
Amanda Carey is the President of NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, a non-profit that develops mountain biking programs for student athletes across the United States. Prior to joining NICA, Amanda served as the executive director of Mountain Bike the Tetons and as a mountain bike coach.
- What drew you to mountain biking initially? What's kept you so engaged over the years?
- What do you think has kept mountain biking from growing more than it has over the past couple of decades?
- How is NICA impacting mountain bike participation?
- How can NICA teams attract new student athletes who don't have a family cycling background? Why choose mountain biking over another sport?
- How would you characterize the level of competition at NICA races?
- What is NICA doing to encourage trail building and maintenance?
- Is there a demand for a more gravity-oriented youth riding program?
- What advice do you have for parents of NICA athletes?
- What are the biggest opportunities for NICA over the next five years? How can Singletracks listeners help support your mission?
Learn more and find out how you can get involved at nationalmtb.org.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
So, You Don't Have Time for MTB Training. Welcome to the Club
Sara Bresnick is a former professional mountain biker, cycling coach and founder of Pedal Power Training Solutions which offers customized training plans plus advice on nutrition, race strategy, and technique.
- What are some fitness goals your clients have beyond racing? For example, does it make sense for a rider to work with a coach before a big weeklong mountain bike trip?
- Do older athletes need more time to recover between intense workouts?
- What happens if you miss a day, or two, in a training schedule? How quickly do fitness gains disappear?
- How does an "off season" work for bike athletes? Should you still be biking some, or is it possible to do other activities instead?
- Let's say I wanted to ride the Tour Divide in 2025, and my goal was to finish the ride in 45 days. Given a good level of base fitness, what's a realistic timeframe for training? In general, what would a training plan involve?
- What's the biggest challenge most people face when it comes to improving their fitness?
- As a trainer, what can you learn from a client's workout data?
- How much of your job as a trainer is emotional support versus purely technical?
- What's one easy step everyone can take to start improving their fitness today?
Learn more and connect with Sara at pedalpowercoaching.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Velosolutions and Claudio Caluori are Making Their Mark on the MTB World
Claudio Caluori is a seven-time Swiss National Champion and founder of Velosolutions, "a global network of professionals with profound knowledge in cycling, action sports, tourism and urban development." He's also a popular YouTube personality, delivering entertaining course previews and ride-alongs with top athletes.
In addition to building pump tracks around the world, Velosolutions recently helped with construction of the XC race course for the 2024 Paris Olympics and is working on an ultra accurate timing app for pump track competition.
- How did you get into downhill mountain bike racing?
- How are you able to talk while riding fast in your Red Bull course preview and Bla Bla Run videos? Does talking mess you up sometimes?
- How is designing and building a race trail different from building a trail for the public?
- What's so great about pump tracks? Why do adult riders tend to avoid them?
- Tell us about Pump Tracks for Peace.
- Some riders seem to be against asphalt tracks. What's your take?
- Is trail building and funding easier in some parts of the world than in others?
- Which Velosolutions projects are you most proud of?
- Tell us about Velosolutions Farm. What's the vision?
- What are some projects Velosolutions is working on right now?
Get more information about Velosolutions at velosolutions.com.
Photo credit: Sternemann
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Love It or Hate It, Mountain Bikes Aren't As Lightweight as they Used to Be
In this episode of the Singletracks podcast, Matt and Jeff discuss the current trends around mountain bike weights. Are bikes too heavy, or are they where they should be given how durable and capable they are today?
This discussion covers:
- Examples of specific bikes and their weights
- Why bike weights might be increasing
- The benefits to lightweight -- and heavy -- mountain bikes
- Areas where mountain bikes might be able to cut weight
This is Matt's last episode with the Singletracks podcast so to start the show we talk about some of his most memorable stories from the past 6 years. We'll miss you Matt!
Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Coil Shocks Look Cool on Mountain Bikes. But is that All?
Will Hart is Product Marketing Manager at Cane Creek, a western North Carolina based maker of suspension and bike components.
- Besides looking cool, what are some advantages of a coil shock?
- Are certain styles of riding better suited to a coil shock than others?
- What makes some FS mountain bikes coil compatible, and others not?
- How does compression damping work on a coil shock? Is there any air involved?
- Tell us about the Cane Creek Tigon. What's the idea behind combining a coil with an air spring?
- How are progressive and linear coil springs different?
- How do you set sag on a coil shock?
- What about other settings? Are coil shocks as tunable as air shocks?
- What does tightening the pre-load on a coil shock do?
- How does bottom-out work on a coil shock?
- Is it difficult for lighter riders to find an appropriate spring?
- How does the weight of a coil shock compare to an air shock?
- Will a coil feel different over time as the metal fatigues?
- Are coil shocks lower maintenance than air shocks?
- What is your advice for mountain bikers who are coil curious?
Find out about the Cane Creek Coil Curious program at canecreek.com.
Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
From Shuttle Vehicles to DH Bikes, Southern Gravity is USA-Made
Sean Leader is the founder of Windrock Bike Park and Southern Gravity, a Tennessee-based company that builds ramps and shuttle vehicles for bike parks. Not only that, Southern Gravity recently released a prototype steel DH mountain bike that's being tested by top elite and junior DH riders.
- You've worn many hats in the mountain bike world. When was the moment you realized you could make a living in the sport?
- How did Windrock Bike Park get started?
- What were some of the challenges you faced as a bike park operator?
- Why build your own DH bike?
- What are the advantages of a steel DH bike frame compared to other materials?
- Did the expiration of the DW-Link patent figure into your design plans?
- Tell us about the Southern Gravity Racing team. Who are the athletes on the team, and which races are you targeting?
- How would you describe the southern DH mountain bike scene today? How has it evolved?
- What do you say to folks who think the southeast doesn't have quality trails or challenging terrain?
See the bike and connect with Sean at SouthernGravity.com.
Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more atExploreBrevard.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Your Mountain Bike Wheel Questions Answered, from Inserts to Warranties
Joel Smith is the Brand Leader for Reserve, a Santa Cruz, CA brand that designs and markets wheels for everything from downhill to road biking. Steel Wisdom-Wilhelmsson is engineering lab technician responsible for lab-conditions wheel testing.
In this episode we ask:
- How are MTB wheels assembled? For high-end wheels, is most of it done by hand?
- How does rim construction contribute to ride feel? Is a shallower rim better than a deep rim for ride feel?
- What are the advantages of a high engagement freehub? Is there a number that most riders will find meets their needs or is more always better?
- Are wheel sizes and standards continuing to evolve? What about rim widths?
- Are today's carbon rims stronger and more durable than aluminum? How do the weights compare?
- What other advantages does carbon have over aluminum rims?
- How much stronger does a DH wheel need to be compared to a lightweight XC wheel? Front vs. rear?
- What is the most common mode of failure when it comes to mountain bike wheels?
- What are your thoughts on tire inserts?
- How have rim profiles changed over the years?
- What role does spoke lacing and the number of spokes play in a wheel's strength and ride feel?
- Is a Super Boost wheel a better wheel?
- What's the deal with mountain bike wheel warranties? Generally speaking, do riders make many claims?
- What's your advice to mountain bikers when choosing a wheel upgrade?
Check out reservewheels.com to learn more about the brand.
This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.
Where else can you choose from over 300 miles of epic singletrack against a backdrop of soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls? Where else can you explore 100,000 acres of public lands laced with hundreds of miles of backcountry gravel roads? Your best mountain biking adventure ever begins in Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Recreational Forest. Four primo bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need a rental, service, or some cool swag. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes, and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of America’s coolest small towns. It all adds up to one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the U.S. Find out more at
ExploreBrevard.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Finding Flow with Flat Pedals - MTB Skills
Carol Baldwin is the founder of Flownetic MTB Skills and is a PMBIA Level 3 certified mountain bike skills instructor. She's also a Singletracks contributor and product tester.
In this podcast we ask Carol:
- Have you alway mountain biked with flat pedals?
- Was it difficult to switch from clipless to flat pedals? Why?
- What are the advantages of flat pedals compared to clipless?
- What are the disadvantages of flats compared to clipless pedals?
- Are bigger and/or wider pedal platforms better?
- What's the right number of pins per side?
- What is your favorite shoe, or type of shoe for mountain biking?
- What is your favorite flat pedal?
- Are aluminum pedals better than composite?
- Are there certain types of rides that are better or worse for flat pedals?
- For people who have only used flats, is it worth giving clipless a try?
- Is riding on flats more fun?
Learn more and connect with Carol at flowneticmtb.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
On Top of the World: How Gravity Logic Builds the Best Bike Parks
Tom Prochazka is a co-founder and director at Gravity Logic, a bike park design and development company based in Whistler, British Columbia. He served as the manager of the Whistler Bike Park from 2001 to 2007 and designed the iconic Top of the World Trail which opened in 2011. Since then he's worked on bike parks all over the world from the western US to Europe and South America.
In this podcast interview we ask Tom:
- How did you get involved in mountain bike trail building?
- What do you think makes Whistler such a special place?
- What drove the huge increase in Whistler visits between 2001 and 2007?
- How did Gravity Logic get its start?
- Tell us how the Top of the World Trail came together. How is it different from the other trails in the bike park?
- What's your definition for the term "bike park"?
- Are for-profit park operators able to get a decent return on investment on a bike-only, ground-up build?
- How much work is involved in keeping bike trails running during the season?
- Does a trail ever work exactly as planned on paper? Do builders and designers need to make adjustments once they see how people are riding the trail?
- Are there many tradeoffs between safety and fun when it comes to mountain bike trail design?
- It seems like most bike park visitors prefer flowy, jumpy trails to raw, technical lines. Why do you think so many mountain bikers like to complain about flow trails?
- What are some of the latest trends you're seeing in bike park design today?
- Do you have a favorite park or trail that you like to ride?
More information: Whistlergravitylogic.com
Cover photo provided by Tom Prochazka.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
How to Create and Operate a For-profit Bike Park, According to a Teenager Who's Done It
Rhett Jones is a high school mountain biker living in the Austin, Texas area. He's the founder of Station Bike Park, a new private park he developed on 150 acres of former ranchland northwest of Austin.
Singletracks first shared Jones' story in a November feature article on our website; this interview adds more detail and dives into the economic and operational aspects of running a for-profit, private mountain bike park.
- How long have you been riding mountain bikes?
- Tell us about the free bike, public bike park you built in 2022. How did that get started?
- Are there many places to mountain bike in and around Austin, TX? What is the mountain bike scene like in the area? In the state?
- How much money did you raise, and how did you raise it? Were you able to stay on budget?
- Are bike parks good businesses? Were you able to use any successful bike parks as an example?
- How do most bike parks actually make money: tickets, rentals, repairs, or sales?
- Was getting insurance a challenge?
- Is there a benefit to being close to a more established bike park like Spider Mountain Bike Park?
- What are the economics of a fixed lift system? Is the cost feasible for the average bike park?
- What's your favorite part of owning a bike park?
- What are your plans for the bike park and for yourself in the future?
Find out more at stationmountain.com.
Photo provided by Rhett Jones.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Singletracks Editors' Favorite Bikes and MTB Gear for 2023
Jeff and Matt look back at some of the best bikes and mountain bike gear tested in 2023, and talk about some of the most interesting new releases this year. Along the way we'll also hit on some of the trends we're following and highlight some of the reviews you might have missed. Listen to our conversation as a podcast, or read a tightly edited transcript and find photos at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
The Art of MTB Drivetrains, According to a Product Designer
John Calendrille has spent decades designing and patenting everything from derailleurs and shifters to dropper posts and brake levers. He's consulted for industry brands including TRP and Box, and now he’s got his own company, Vivo, that sells a customizable 12-speed shifter, the Vivo F3.
- How did you first get into designing bike components?
- What are some of the limitations of existing mechanic mountain biker shifters? What makes the Vivo F3 an improvement?
- Have you found that many riders struggle with the ergonomics of off-the-shelf mechanical shifters?
- One of the patents you hold is for a combination brake/shifter lever, a design that's pretty much standard for gravel and road bikes today. Where did this idea come from?
- Are bike cockpits becoming cluttered again with all the controls riders need for dropper posts, motors, etc.?
- With electronic drivetrains becoming more common, a lot of riders are wondering if mechanical systems will eventually go away. What's your take?
- Is there still room to improve mechanical derailleurs?
- Do you think moving away from front derailleurs has been a positive development?
- Is 12 (or 13) speeds enough? Are there technical issues that prevent us from going beyond 13 gears, or is it more of a practical consideration?
- What makes (or made) derailleur hangers necessary?
- Bikes have been around for more than 100 years and the basic form hasn't changed a lot. Aside from e-bikes, is the pace of innovation in the bike world slowing or accelerating?
- How important are patents in the bike industry?
- You're manufacturing and assembling your Vivo F3 shifters in the USA. How's that going? Do you foresee challenges with scaling domestic production?
- What's next for Vivo?
Learn more and connect with John at vivocycling.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
He's the First to Through-Bike the 3,300-mile Continental Divide Trail in Years.
Kurt Refsnider is a cycling coach and the founder of Bikepacking Roots, an organization that advocates for bikepacking and the environment. He's the only person to have won all three events in the Triple Crown of Bikepacking, and he recently became one of only a few people to have biked the entire Continental Divide Trail (CDT), a 3,300-mile route stretching from Canada to Mexico.
- Are you glad to be off the trail after three months of riding?
- How is the Continental Divide Route different than the 2700-mile Great Divide Route that runs from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico?
- How is the CDT currently managed and administered? Are there groups working to connect the dots?
- What does it mean to be a responsible bikepacker?
- How did you approach sections of the route that go through Wilderness areas where bikes aren't allowed?
- Are there communities along the route that benefit from the CDT running through town? Is there much overlap with towns along the Great Divide Route?
- Which sections would you want to revisit to ride without all the gear on your bike?
- How will the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act help trails like the CDT? What is the latest status of the legislation?
- Were you surprised that it took three months to complete the trail? Why isn't the CDT more popular with mountain bikers?
- What does a trail assessment look like? What are you hoping to do with the info you collected on your CDT ride?
- How was your bike setup different for this ride compared to what you might use on the Great Divide route? Was going full suspension the right call for such a long ride?
- What's your next adventure?
Connect with Kurt and learn more at ultramtb.net and bikepackingroots.org.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
How Bike Bearings Work, and Why You Should Pay Attention to Them
Matt Harvey is the co-founder of Enduro Bearings, a company dedicated to producing premium, high quality bearings for the bicycle industry. He's been working in bike shops starting as a teenager and later for industry brands like Gary Fisher and Bianchi.
- What was your 'aha' moment for forming Enduro Bearings?
- What makes bicycle bearings different from bearings used for other purposes?
- What are the challenges involved in designing high performance bicycle bearings?
- Which parts of a mountain bike will benefit the most from high quality bearings?
- How do you know when your bearings are worn out, or need maintenance?
- Are bearings generally serviceable, or are home mechanics better off replacing them?
- What kind of grease should you use for bearings?
- What's the advantage of ceramic bearing balls?
- Where are most bearings products produced?
- Why do you think Pressfit bottom brackets have such a bad reputation?
- Aside from bottom brackets, it seems like the bearings in pedals tend to give riders problems over time. Why is that?
- What's next for Enduro Bearings? Is there still potential for innovation and improvement in bicycle bearings?
Learn more at cycling.endurobearings.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
DW-Link Patent Protection Just Ended. Here’s What Might Happen Next
The patent for the acclaimed DW-Link suspension design recently expired, and we wanted to know: What does its expiration mean for the mountain bike industry?
Matt and Jeff interviewed several industry experts, including those involved in licensing the DW-Link patent, to make sense of it all. Originally published online as an article, this audio version includes snippets from select conversations that were featured as quotes in the written version.
Words by Jeff Barber and Matt Miller. Photo by Matt Miller.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
How Weekend Warriors can Build MTB Strength and Fitness Like a Pro
Ben Plenge is a professional mountain bike coach and founder of The Strength Factory. He's trained pro riders and also hundreds of amateurs over the years both in person and online.
- Why did you choose to focus on strength and fitness training for mountain bikers specifically?
- According to your website your most popular workout program is Bodyweight Strength. Is there a limit to the effectiveness of these simple exercises?
- What are some ways to improve riding fitness that don't take time away from "just for fun" rides?
- What's different about how pro athletes train versus amateurs? Are some riders born faster than others?
- What's different about MTB strength training in your 40s versus your 20s?
- Why do riders tend to experience more pain as we age?
- Does becoming a better climber make you a faster descender? (enduro, personal experience)
- Is there a certain body type that works best for certain types of riding?
- What's the #1 misconception mountain bikers have about strength and fitness training?
Connect with Ben and learn more at thestrengthfactory.uk.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Dylan Johnson Believes his Drop Bar Hardtail is the Perfect Leadville Race Bike
Dylan Johnson tells us why he believes his drop bar hardtail is the perfect bike for the Leadville 100 in this audio story. Written and narrated by Matt Miller. This story first appeared on Singletracks.com on August 29, 2023.
Photo credit: Dylan Johnson
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Flat Pedals and a Hardtail: Does Equipment Matter When Learning MTB Skills?
Angi Weston is the founder of Radical Roots MTB, a group that provides "fun, safe, mountain bike skills progression" through various lessons, programs, events, and group rides. In addition to working with riders, Angi also trains MTB skills coaches and is based in Bellingham, WA.
- What led you to launch Radical Roots in 2018?
- What can riders learn from riding flats that they can't learn riding clipless pedals?
- Do you think it's better to learn skills on a hardtail than a FS bike?
- Are the junior riders you work with looking to develop different skills from the adults that attend your other camps?
- How much does having a good mountain bike contribute to rider confidence, and perhaps even skill? How do you know if you need to upgrade your skills vs. your bike?
- What are the skills your students are most interested in learning? Is there a fundamental skill or skills everyone should learn first?
- What are the skills you're working on personally? Are there things you wish you could do better?
- What makes someone a successful MTB skills coach?
Visit radicalrootsmtb.com to connect with Angi and find out about upcoming clinics.
Photo: Katie Sox.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Using Nutrition to Improve Recovery and Fuel Your MTB Rides
Nichole Dandrea-Russert is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and the author of The Vegan Athlete's Nutrition Handbook. Her website Purely Planted offers tips for adding more plants to our diets, and she's based right here in Atlanta.
- How did you get interested in nutrition? Have you always been an athlete?
- For the vegan athletes you work with, is improving performance a primary reason for adopting a plant-based diet, or are other considerations that tend to come first?
- How does a plant-based diet help athletes with recovery and reducing inflammation?
- How does eating less saturated fats and cholesterol improve athletic performance? Is it helpful for endurance sports like cycling?
- How do you know if you are not getting enough fat?
- What are some good plant-based sources of protein?
- What are some other advantages of a plant-based diet for cyclists?
- Do you have any tips for keeping to a healthy diet while traveling?
- How big of a factor is diet in athletic performance?
- Can mountain bikers get some of the advantages of a plant-based diet without giving up meat and dairy completely?
The Vegan Athlete's Nutrition Handbook is out today and you can purchase it online or keep up with the latest at purelyplanted.com.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
It's the End of the Drivetrain as We Know It (And We Feel...)
In this episode, Matt and Jeff talk about the latest mountain bike drivetrain developments from electronic shifting to Eagle Transmission.
- What are the advantages of electronic shifting? What are the disadvantages?
- How does the new SRAM Eagle Transmission wireless electronic drivetrain compare to AXS?
- What's the deal with dropouts? Is UDH going to be the standard?
- How have consumers and readers responded to the Eagle Transmission news?
- How do you think Shimano will respond?
We'll also recap some of the latest mountain bike trail and gear news at the top of the show. Let us know what you think!
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Evergreen Delivers the Washington MTB Trail Love ❤️
Yvonne Kraus is the executive director of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, a mountain bike organization dedicated to creating, maintaining, and protecting sustainable mountain biking opportunities in Washington. Evergreen, if you don't know, is one of the largest, if not the largest, statewide mountain bike association in the US with 8 regional chapters and thousands of members.
- How did Evergreen get its start?
- How does Evergreen divide responsibilities between its chapters and the top-level organization?
- How have the challenges facing mountain bikers in Washington changed since the group was first formed?
- What are some of the most popular trail systems in the state?
- What does e-bike trail access look like in the state of Washington currently?
- Do you have any new MTB trails in the planning stage, or currently under construction?
- Is there much of a push for mountain bike tourism in Washington?
- What are the primary funding sources for Evergreen?
- What’s the biggest constraint that Evergreen faces in carrying out and growing the mission?
- What’s next for Evergreen?
Connect with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance and find was to support the group at evergreenmtb.org.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How to be a Bike Frame Builder, with Nate Zukas
Nate Zukas is a bike frame builder living in Augusta, GA. He's been building bikes since 2011 and works in steel, titanium, and aluminum.
- How'd you get started as a frame builder?
- Is it unusual for a frame builder to work in both steel and aluminum?
- What's different about working with the two materials?
- As a frame builder, how much are you able to affect a bike's ride feel and performance? How do you do it?
- What do you look for in a project or a client?
- How much of a frame build is your vision versus the client's? In terms of what you bring to the build, how much of it is artistry versus practicality and experience?
- What trends are you seeing in terms of the types of frames buyers want?
- Which projects are you most proud of?
- Have you ever had a project that was a disaster, or one that surprised you in another way?
- Is Augusta a good place to be a frame builder? What's the riding community like there?
- What's your vision for the future of Zukas Cycles? Is expansion a goal for you?
Website: zukascycles.com. Instagram: @natezukas.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Lachlan Morton Talks Unbound Finish, Kokopelli's FKT, and Biking Without Brakes
Lachlan Morton is a professional cyclist and mountain biker from Australia, currently riding for UCI WorldTeam EF Education–EasyPost. He's notched podium finishes at the Leadville 100, rode the Fastest Known Time for Kokopelli's Trail in 2020, and set the Everesting cycling world record in 2020. He also completed the Alt Tour in 2021, cycling the entire Tour de France route unsupported, beating the peloton by five days.
In this interview we ask:
- Congrats on your podium finish at Unbound earlier this month. Were you thinking there might be such a close finish from the beginning of the race?
- How did you get into cycling competition initially? Has your motivation for racing changed?
- What did you learn while riding and filming Thereabouts in 2014?
- We've heard that you're hoping to make a run at the record for circumnavigating the world by bike. Is an attempt still on your radar?
- Have you mapped out a potential route? How long do you think it would take?
- Is it risky to publicize an FKT attempt before you make it?
- It seems like a lot of your adventures are tied to fundraising for various non-profits. Which causes are near and dear to your heart?
- Are you someone who learns by reading books and listening to others, or are you more of an experiential learner? How is EF a good sponsorship fit for you?
- In Thereabouts you mention riding a frankenbike as a kid that didn't have brakes. What did that teach you about riding? About life?
- Is there a pressure on professional athletes to have a strong social media presence today? How does that compare to 5-10 years ago?
- How can the sport support pro athletes better, and how can athletes better support the sport?
- In the video of your Kokopelli FKT run you look super calm and collected. Is that an accurate reflection of how you were feeling? Do you think you could have done it faster?
- What do you want your legacy to be?
Keep up with Lachlan @lachlanmorton and EF Education-EasyPost @efprocycling
Photo credit: EF Education-EasyPost.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Your MTB Braking Questions Answered, Using Data from Brake Ace
We're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, so be sure to listen in case you missed it! Check back next week for more another fresh episode.
Dr. Matt Miller is the inventor and founder of Brake Ace, a sensor that collects data about your braking and an app that makes braking recommendations to help you ride smarter. He’s also a former elite-level mountain bike racer and has coached riders at all levels of the sport.
In this episode we ask:
- How did you make your way up to the elite level of mountain bike competition?
- Why did you decide to look at braking performance as a part of your PhD program?
- What does the Brake Ace sensor look like, and how does it work?
- How difficult is the hardware side in terms of development?
- What’s different about your approach to studying braking performance? How did you figure out which metrics to focus on?
- Let’s talk about some common braking questions.Does the front brake generally offer more stopping power than the rear?
- Is locking up a wheel and skidding bad in terms of speed and/or performance, or is it desirable in certain situations?
- Should mountain bikers brake before a turn? How soon? Should we brake at all once we’re in the turn?
- What are some common braking skills riders need to work, or bad habits they need to break?How do the pros compare to weekend warriors in terms of braking skills?
- Do some of us brake too often? Could working on things like cornering and overall confidence allow us to simply brake less?
- Mountain bikers seem to be split between preferring brakes that modulate power, and those that have a quick bite. Is one better than the other in terms of performance?
- If bigger rotors offer better stopping power, why not max them out? Is it just because of weight, or is there another consideration?
- Tell us a bit about the MTB scene in Rotorua. How has it grown and changed over the past few years?
Learn more at brakeace.com and sign up for their email list to be notified about availability. Cover photo by Tyler Perrin.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How Carbon Fiber Rims Work, and What Makes FusionFiber Different
Travis Tomczak is the Global Marketing Director at Forge + Bond. The company manufactures bike wheels and accessories using a lightweight material known as FusionFiber.
- How does carbon fiber rim manufacturing generally work?
- What are some of the challenges associated with carbon fiber manufacturing?
- Are there limitations in terms of how the material can be used, or how it performs?
- How is FusionFiber different from carbon fiber in terms of the materials used and the manufacturing process?
- How are sheets of FusionFiber manufactured?
- How is a sheet of FusionFiber shaped into a product at Forge+Bond, for example a rim?
- Are there any performance advantages of FusionFiber over traditional carbon fiber?
- Is it more expensive to manufacture rims from FusionFiber than carbon fiber?
- Is FusionFiber infinitely recyclable, or does the material degrade each time it's recycled? Can the scraps or recycled rims, for example, be used to create new rims?
- Where can consumers recycle their FusionFiber rims?
- With so many different polymer choices and layups available, could a particular blend of FusionFiber make sense for handlebars or even bike frames?
- What is Forge+Bond's connection to CSS Composites, the company that produces FusionFiber rims for brands like Evil and Revel?
- With such a new material and technology, what sort of product testing has Forge+Bond done? How do you handle product warranty claims?
- What's next for Forge+Bond?
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How RockShox Tests and Develops Suspension, and Why Service Intervals Matter
Chris Mandell is the North American Public Relations Manager for SRAM where he's worked for the past 8 years. He currently lives and rides in Bellingham, Washington.
- Is mountain biking suspension harder to design than say suspension for cars or motorcycles? What's different?
- How much of RockShox testing is real world vs. lab based?
- Is shock heat management important for the average rider?
- What is the advantage of larger diameter fork stanchions?
- What's the idea behind the electronic suspension controls in SRAM Flight Attendant?
- Why aren't there more inverted fork designs?
- What are some common misunderstandings about mountain bike suspension?
- Are suspension designers as focused on reducing weight as they have been in the past? By loosening weight requirements, what improvements can be made?
- What's your method for setting up a new fork?
- Which suspension innovations are you most stoked about?
A full, edited transcript is available at singletracks.com.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How the Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts Get Things Done
Ernie Rodriguez is the president of MORE, the Mid Atlantic Off-Road Enthusiasts. MORE has been around since 1992 and the group maintains and advocates for trails in Maryland, Virginia, and the Washington, DC area.
- Why and how did MORE get its start? Did it start as more of a social club, or were there advocacy concerns in the early 1990s?
- How is MORE organized?
- How did you become the president of MORE?
- How is MORE funded?
- What is the relationship between MORE and IMBA?
- What are some of the more popular trails your group supports?
- Which trail projects are you the most proud to have helped support?
- Is there any opposition to mountain bike trail access in the region?
- What does the current discussion around e-bike trail access look like for MORE?
- What’s the biggest constraint MORE faces in carrying out and growing the mission?
- What’s next for MORE in 2023 and beyond?
Connect with MORE at more-mtb.org.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Bikepacking 20,000 Miles from Alaska to Tierra del Fugo... Barefoot
We're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, so be sure to listen in case you missed it! Check back next week for more another fresh episode.
In 2006 Goat and two friends set out to ride mountain bikes from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost tip of South America, and after three and a half years of travel, the trio completed the mother of all bikepacking trips. Riding the Spine is just one of many adventures Goat has experienced over the years, including living in a tree house and building and working on countless bikes.
In this episode we ask:
- How did you upbringing influence your adventure-based lifestyle?
- How did you get into cycling, and particularly long-distance riding?
- What was it like living in a treehouse for 4 years during college?
- How did the idea of Riding the Spine come about? Who was in the group?
- What was your bike setup at the start, and how did it evolve during the ride?
- Why did you and the crew get arrested in Arizona?
- Which sections were your favorites to ride?
- Have you been on any bike adventures since the trip? Do you have any planned for the future?
Get more stories from Riding the Spine at ridingthespine.com and keep up Goat's latest adventures at wandergoat.com. Cover photo by Melinda Thompson.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
MTB Pioneer Wende Cragg on the Early Days of Trail Riding
We're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, so be sure to listen in case you missed it! Check back soon for more fresh episodes.
Wende Cragg has been a part of mountain biking since the beginning of the sport in California in the 1970s, racing and photographing the early Repack races down Mt. Tam. She was inducted into the mountain bike hall of fame in 1989 and curates the Rolling Dinosaur Archive which chronicles the birth of mountain biking.
- Tell us a bit about your introduction to mountain biking. Was it love at first ride?
- Which aspects of riding a bicycle off road were most appealing to you? How would you describe the feeling of those first rides?
- What was your motivation for taking photographs in the early days of mountain biking?
- What was it like connecting with riders in Crested Butte who were sorta discovering mountain biking in parallel with you and your friends in the Bay Area?How was their idea of mountain biking different from the one being developed in California?
- Were you surprised to see mountain bikers banned from riding on Mt. Tam in the early 80s? How did you react?
- Did you get frustrated with the early bikes? Do you think today’s mountain bikes make the sport more appealing or accessible? How do electric mountain bikes fit in?
- What do you hope people get out of seeing and experiencing the Rolling Dinosaur Archive?
- With so many styles of riding within mountain biking today, which interpretation do you think gets closest to that original ethos?
Photo: Rolling Dinosaur Archive
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Search the Singletracks podcast archive for interviews with more mountain bike pioneers including Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, Charlie Kelly, and Tom Ritchey.
Seth of Backyard Trail Builds Creates Jaw Dropping Ramps, Skinnies, and Bridges
We're re-sharing one of our favorite episodes from 2022, so be sure to listen in case you missed it! Check back soon for more fresh episodes.
Seth Gebel is a mountain biker and trail builder living in Missouri. His popular YouTube channel, Backyard Trail Builds, shows how he builds beautiful trail features like ramps, skinnies, and bridges using natural materials.
We ask Seth:
- Tell us how you got into mountain biking, and trail building.
- You’ve been building at Howler Bike Park this year. What were you working on there? How much of your time do you spend building on your own land versus paid projects for others?
- Where did you learn your carpentry skills?
- Is there a science to building features that are fun to ride, or is it guess-and-check?
- Have you had to progress your bike skills to keep up with your builds?
- You use a lot of natural wood as opposed to cut lumber, which seems to be pretty time consuming. Why make the effort?
- Is longevity a concern when building features out of wood? Are there things you can do to ensure features remain safe and durable for many seasons?
- Do you enjoy riding skinnies? What makes a good mountain bike skinny?
- Were you looking to start a YouTube channel initially?
- Your most popular YT video (so far) is about building a set of indoor rollers out of logs. What was the reaction to that video?Are you still using the rollers?
- Which builds are you most proud of?
- What’s next for your builds and your channel?
Check out the Backyard Trail Builds YouTube channel, and visit the Backyard Trail Builds website for more.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How to Dial in MTB Suspension from Sag to Rebound for Every Trail
Sam Anderson is the Brand Manager for Cane Creek Cycling Components based in Fletcher, NC just outside Pisgah National Forest. Cane Creek designs and markets their own line of shocks and suspension forks and assembles many items by hand at their factory in Western North Carolina.
- What is suspension compression?
- What is rebound?
- What do you see people typically getting wrong when it comes to suspension setup?
- What is meant by a linear or progressive suspension curve as it relates to full suspension mountain bikes?
- What are the differences between a coil and air shock?
- Is it possible to perfectly tune suspension to ignore pedal inputs while remaining responsive to the trail?
- What is stiction, and how important is minimizing it?
- How do you know when your fork/shock needs a rebuild or service?
- What are some of the latest innovations in suspension design? Will tomorrow's shocks and forks look like the ones we have today?
Check out suspension products from canecreek.com.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Downcountry Mountain Biking, Explained
The Downcountry category has been around for a few years now, and by this point most mountain bike brands have a bike in their lineup that fits the description. Not only that, there are downcountry tires and shoes available now. But what does downcountry even mean?
In this episode, Matt and Jeff take a stab at defining downcountry, taking into account geometry, suspension travel, weight, and components. Other questions addressed include:
- How do downcountry bikes differ from cross-country and trail bikes?
- What were some of the earliest downcountry bikes?
- Which popular mountain bikes today can be considered downcountry?
- Are certain trail types or race disciplines well suited to downcountry bikes?
- What are your impressions of the downcountry bikes you have tested over the past few years?
- Where does the downcountry category go from here into the future?
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Inside Eddie O'Dea's Historic 5,900-mile Eastern Divide Bikepacking Trip
Eddie O'Dea is an ultra endurance athlete and member of the board at the Georgia Cycling Association. Last summer he became the first person to complete the 5,900-mile Eastern Divide bikepacking route over the course of 78 days and 10 hours.
- Why did you decide to attempt ride the full Eastern Divide Route?
- Tell us about the start of the ride. It seems like you ran into some snags even before you go rolling.
- Which sections were your favorites? Did you get to hang out in any interesting towns along the way?
- Are there any changes you would make to the Eastern Divide Route?
- As a member of the Georgia Cycling Association board, what do the high school athletes think about your achievement?
- How did your bike and equipment hold up?
- Was there any point where you wanted to give up? How did you keep going?
- How long before you think someone else completes the route in one go? Will there ever be enough demand for a Grand Depart?
- How did it feel to finish the ride? Would you do it again?
- How does the Eastern Divide compare to the Great Divide?
- What was the final mileage that you covered?
- Does completing a big ride change you as a person?
Connect with Eddie at cycletechniques.com and @eddieodea.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How the Vermont MTB Association Got Nearly 10K Dues Paying Members
Nick Bennette is the Executive Director of the Vermont Mountain Bike Association, a position he's held for a little over two years. The group recently put together a 5-year Strategic Plan to "ensure the sustainability of mountain biking in Vermont and thoughtfully promote exceptional riding experiences for all through advocacy, education, and community-driven stewardship."
- How did your experience as a consultant help you craft the VMBA 5-year Strategic Plan?
- Vermont was an early adopter of a state advocacy model apart from IMBA. How has the VMBA Chapter model evolved since it was first launched?
- How does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion fit with trail advocacy? Aside from being the right thing to do, how does it benefit the MTB community?
- Is e-bike access a hot topic in Vermont? Do you think it's been framed properly in the past?
- How did VMBA get to 10,000 dues paying members?
- Is advocating for trails easier today than it has been in the past?
- Are there additional considerations involved when public trails are located on private property?
- Is relying on volunteers to help build and maintain trails viable in a state like Vermont where so many trail users live out of state?
- What's so great about mountain biking on the east coast of the US? Why is there a perception that the trails are better out west?
Learn more about the Vermont Mountain Bike Association at vmba.org and view their strategic plan here. Photo credit: Mark Clement.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
Are Pro MTB Race Bikes THAT Different from Stock? We Asked a Team Manager
Ryan Gaul is the Trek Factory Racing DH team manager and technical director. He’s been at Trek for about 10 years and is based in Madison, WI.
- How close to stock do DH and enduro riders run their bikes?
- Which aspects of a bike are modified to suit track conditions, and what stays the same for every race?
- Do World Cup racers take many risks when it comes to equipment, or are they pretty conservative?
- Is it common to run test parts, or prototypes in races?
- Is it difficult to convince athletes to try new components on their bikes?
- What type of race information is useful for product designers at the brand? How do you collect and communicate that information?
- How many spare parts/bikes do you bring to a World Cup race for each athlete?
- Are most athletes pretty involved in working on their own bikes?
- What’s the most stressful part of a World Cup weekend for you?
Keep up with the Trek Factory Racing team at racing.trekbikes.com.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
How a World Cup MTB Race Team Operates, with Trek Factory Racing
Matt Shriver is the General Manager and technical director for the Trek Factory Racing cross country team and is based in Durango Colorado. He’s a former pro rider himself and previously served as the technical director for the Trek WorldTour road team for seven years.
- How did you make the transition from professional racing to managing race teams?
- What are the responsibilities of a pro team liaison?
- Does Trek Factory Racing provide coaching resources to athletes, or do athletes tend to bring their own training team?
- Some pro teams are organized as collectives, while others like Trek Factory Racing seem to lean on more of a team model. Are there different philosophies among the different racing groups in MTB?
- Is mountain biking a team sport? Is there a lot of strategy in MTB racing?
- How does recovery work between races? Is there much downtime for the staff and athletes in between events?
- How are team athletes selected?
- What is the most stressful part of being a team liaison?
- How intrusive are anti-doping protocols for athletes and staff?
- How does a brand like Trek measure the success of their race team?
- Do you think the current international MTB competition model is sustainable?
- For core mountain bikers who love riding but don’t necessarily follow pro racing, why should they start paying attention to races? What can we learn from watching World Cup competitions?
In an upcoming episode we'll also talk with Ryan from the Trek Factory Racing DH team.
Keep up with the Trek Factory Racing team at racing.trekbikes.com. Photo credit: Trek Factory Racing.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
MTB Confidence, Motivation, and Mental Skills Training with Dr. Kristin E. Keim
Dr. Kristin E. Keim is a sports psychologist and a member of the US Olympic Committee Sport Psychology and Mental Training Registry. She has helped countless individual athletes and teams achieve their goals using a holistic, strength-based approach to sports psychology. (Click here or see the link below for Dr. Keim's complete bio).
In this interview, we ask Dr. Keim:
- What are some of the areas where athletes like mountain bikers face mental challenges?
- Is it common for athletes to incorporate mental skills training into their preparations?
- Do you have any tips for helping folks get through a tough workout, or even just a really tough part of a ride?
- Is positive visualization an important part of developing a winning mindset?
- What are some things that make it tough to stay motivated?
- Are there any shortcuts to developing confidence? How do we get it back after a crash?
- Is happiness connected to athletic performance?
- Do you get nervous before a race or competition? How do you calm your nerves?
Connect with Dr. Keim and find out about the services she offers through Keim Performance Consulting at keimperformanceconsulting.com. Photo credit: by Jared Harber.
The Singletracks podcast is brought to you by TPC -- The Pro’s Closet. Spring is the perfect time to upgrade, and TPC has an industry-leading selection of new and Certified Pre-Owned bikes, plus frames, wheels and accessories. Each Certified, Pre-Owned bike is inspected, tested and serviced, and every bike includes thirty day returns. Visit tpc.bike/singletracks and enter code Singletracks40 to save forty dollars on every order over two hundred.
He Designs Florida Bikepacking Routes that Include a Dose of Swamps, Sand, and Alligators
Karlos Bernart is the Founder, Off Road Architect, & Event Mastermind at Singletrack Samurai. His group organizes and plans a number of rides and bike routes in Florida including the Huracan 300, CFITT, and the Florida Divide.
- How did you get into mountain biking and route planning?
- Is your goal to include as much singletrack as possible when you design bikepacking routes like the Huracan 300? How has the route evolved over the years, and why?
- Is it difficult coordinating access with land managers along the route for a long, 100+ mile rides?
- How do you know when you’ve added the right number of challenges to a route? Do you try to balance difficulty with enjoyability?
- What is the right size for an race like the Huracan?
- How much time do you spend scouting new routes, and verifying that existing ones still work?
- Of all the Florida off-road routes you’ve assembled, which one is your favorite? Which one do you recommend for folks who want the full Florida off-road experience?
- Which bikepacking gear developments do you think have made bikepacking more accessible and enjoyable over the past 5-10 years?
- How do you motivate someone who is having a bad ride?
- Do you have any mental tricks or strategies for getting yourself through the toughest parts of a big ride?
Find out more about biking in Florida at singletracksamurai.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Lennard Zinn on the Physics of Mountain Biking, Bike Fitting, and Fitness
Lennard Zinn is a bike designer and frame builder with a shop in Louisville, Colorado. He was a member of the U.S. Olympic cycling team and worked with Tom Ritchey on some of the earliest mountain bikes. He’s also the author of Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance, one of the world’s best selling guides to mountain bike repair.
In this episode we ask:
- How did you get into designing and building bikes?
- Zinn and the Art of MTB Maintenance was first published in 1996, and it’s now in its 6th edition. What’s changed over the years?
- Are today’s bikes easier to work on than bikes were 10, or 20 years ago? Why?
- What are the challenges involved in fitting taller riders?
- What have you learned about crank lengths over the years?
- Do tall cyclists have any particular advantages when it comes to power or bike handling?
- What are the considerations in terms of frame design for bigger and heavier riders? Is any of this applicable to more aggressive mountain bike designs, and vice versa?
- What are the main factors that influence a bike tire’s rolling resistance?
- What led you to write about heart conditions in athletes in your latest book, heart conditions in athletes? What did you learn through researching the book? Did your own heart condition influence your decision to build your first e-bike?
- Is there room for further bike fit improvements in the future? Which tech trends are you excited about?
Find out more at zinncycles.com or order Haywire Heart from Amazon.
The Ins and Out of MTB Trail Building, with Mike Repyak at IMBA Trail Solutions
Mike Repyak is the Director of Planning and Design at Trail Solutions, the trail development arm of the International Mountain Biking Association. He’s been involved in recreation planning and trail network design for many years and is currently based in Madison, Wisconsin.
In this episode we ask:
- How is Trail Solutions related to IMBA, and what does it do?
- What are some ways designers can influence trail riders' experience?
- Would you say we generally have the right mix of green, blue, and black trails in most places in the US?
- How does the cost to build a new trail today compare to 10 years ago?
- Are there enough experienced, quality MTB trail builders in the US?
- How do maintenance considerations play into trail planning?
- Is chipseal something that is helpful in building low-maintenance trails?
- What are some current mountain bike trail projects you’re stoked about?
- From your perspective, is there a connection between the growth of MTB participation with the growth in trail building? Does a growing sport make it easier to get projects approved and funded?
Find out more about Trail Solutions at imba.com, and for information about current, open positions at IMBA, visit ride.imba.com/explore-imba/meet-imba/careers.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Sizing Up or Down Plus Handlebar Widths and Crankarm Lengths: MTB Fit with Jason at Retul
Jason Williams is the Senior Sports Scientist in the Human Performance division at Specialized and a bike fitter at Retul, a Specialized brand that’s focused on delivering technically advanced bike fitting and product matching technology. Retul works with top level athletes and uses collected data to help inform product design, notably the Specialized Body Geometry line.
In this episode we ask:
- Is bike fitting today different than it was 10 or 20 years ago? Have bike fits always been so data-driven?
- Has bike fit data traditionally been fed back into bike design?
- How are current trends in mountain bike frame geometry like steeper seat tube angles and longer reach affecting bike fit?
- Is there tension between a good bike fit, and the idea of a “normal-looking” bike setup?
- How do ride dynamics play into bike fitting? Are you able to optimize a rider’s weight distribution on the mountain bike?
- Is there an easy way to tell if you are running the proper bar width for your body?
- What are the considerations for sizing up or down?
- Are there riders who could benefit from shorter or longer crank lengths?
- Are ergonomics a part of bike fitting, for example brake lever and shifter setup? Do customizable electronic controls help?
- What are some of the interesting things Retul has learned fitting professional and amateur riders alike?
Check out retul.com get more info or book a fit.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Matt and Jeff Weigh in on the Least Useful MTB Innovations
In this episode Matt and Jeff discuss the results from a recent survey that asked, "What is the least useful mountain bike innovation?".
For those who missed our survey, the top five answers among nearly 10,000 votes were:
- Electronic suspension control (22%)
- Electronic shifting (17%)
- Flip chips (14%)
- Internal cable routing (12%)
- Hip packs (7%)
Commenters pointed a few choices we didn't include in the survey, so we talked about those as well.
- Steering stabilizers and limiters
- Tire inserts
- 20mm thru axles
How to Get the Most out of Your Bike Tires for 2023, with Aaron from Maxxis
Aaron Chamberlain is the Bicycle Sales and Marketing Manager at Maxxis, one of the largest bicycle tire manufacturers in the world known for producing high quality products.
In this episode we ask:
- Where are we at with bike tire widths? Clearly fat and plus tire adoption have peaked so are things looking pretty stable these days in terms of widths?
- What are the considerations when choosing the right tire width, especially when there are so many choices? Will a tenth of an inch in width make a noticeable difference to anyone?
- Do you think bike brands do a good job speccing tires on bikes? Do price and weight get prioritized over performance in some cases?
- Which MTB tire features are a good fit for gravel?
- Is it more difficult to design a gravel tire that’s both lightweight and fast and also durable?
- Do any of the innovations in gravel tires have the potential to filter to MTB?
- With access to pretty much any and every MTB tire you could want, how often do you change your tires: Seasonally? Every ride? Never?
- One of the key specs when looking at tire casings is a number called TPI, threads per inch. What does that number tell us?
- How does TPI work when there are multiple plies or casing layers involved?
- What’s the best way to dispose of worn out bike tires?
- What are some of the trends you’re seeing with pro gravity riders? Are there changes in the key things they’re looking for?
See more at maxxis.com and on Instagram @maxxisbike.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
The Modern State of Bike Repair According to Calvin Jones
Calvin Jones is the Director of Education at Park Tool company, a position he’s held for more than 15 years. He’s the author of the Big Blue Book Bicycle Repair and his repair videos on YouTube have been viewed by millions.
We ask Calvin:
- How did you learn how to work on bikes?
- What type of riding do you like to do?
- Do mountain bikes require more or less repair and maintenance than other types of bikes?
- Are today’s bikes easier to work on than the bikes 10 or 20 years ago?
- Do bike manufacturers do a good job considering maintenance and repair when they design new products?
- Are Torx bolts taking over hex bolts?
- Which repairs are your least favorite?
- Will future bike mechanics need electrical skills, or is diagnosing and repairing electronic components something manufacturers will want to control?
- What’s the effect of YouTube videos like yours that help folks make repairs themselves at home?
Check out the Park Tool YouTube channel and parktool.com.
Programming note: For 2023 the Singletracks podcast will be published on Tuesdays each week instead of Monday.
✏️ A written transcript of this conversation will be available at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Our Favorite Mountain Bikes of 2022, And All the Rest Too
After a year of testing and covering the latest mountain bike releases, Matt and Jeff discuss their favorites and talk about trends for 2022 and beyond.
- Our favorite mountain bikes tested
- Bikes released and updated in 2022
- 2022 mountain bike trends
- Predictions for 2023 mountain bikes
A full transcript is available for free at Singletracks.com.
Cover photo Hannah Morvay.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Bike Lights: (Almost) Everything You Need to Know
Tom Place is the co-owner and head of Product Development for Outbound Lighting (outboundlighting.com). He’s a former Cree LED manager and holds multiple LED chip design patents.
In this episode, we ask Tom to fill us in on how bike lights work, and how we can get the most out of our setup for night riding.
- What is the ideal beam shape for trail riding? Are certain beam patterns better than others depending on where you ride (eg. wide open desert vs. thick forest)?
- How does light placement affect the beam shape?
- What’s the theory behind helmet vs. bar mounted lights? If you only have one light, is it better to be on the bars or the helmet?
- Can brightness make up for an inefficient or poor beam shape?
- Why shouldn’t buyers focus on lumen numbers? Which features can buyers look at to compare bike lights?
- How do you determine the optimal battery size for a bike light?
- Why do LED lights produce so much waste heat? Is there better tech on the horizon?
- What could cause a poorly designed or manufactured light to pose a safety risk?
- Do you have any tips for night riding?
✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
"I Was Shocked" Hannah Otto Smashed the Whole Enchilada FKT by Nearly an Hour
Hannah Otto is a World Cup mountain bike racer, FKT record holder, and Leadville 100 winner who has been racing since the age of 9 years old. Last month she set the fastest known time for riding the Whole Enchilada from bottom to top, and top to bottom in a time of 5:50:38.
You can watch a short film about her FKT attempt here (https://youtu.be/oErEWLGdPlI) and follow Hannah on Instagram @hannah_finchamp
In this episode we ask:
- How did you first get into mountain bike racing?
- How do FKT attempts compare to races like the Leadville 100 or even a World Cup XC race? Is one more stressful than the other?
- Tell us about your Whole Enchilada FKT attempt. Why that route?
- Was this your first time riding this exact route? Had you ridden the Whole Enchilada descent before?
- According to Strava all the fastest times on the Whole Enchilada were posted by men. How did it feel to best all of them by nearly an hour?
- Which was more challenging: the climb or the descent?
- Was the weather a factor when you made your attempt?
- Did you do any training specific to this trail, and this FKT attempt?
- I assume all of your gear held up well. Any surprises out there?
- What have you learned by working with bike coaches over the years?
- Do you use caffeine before or during races? Why or why not?
- What does your rest and recovery routine look like?
- Which races or FKTs are you targeting for 2023?
This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.
Professional mountain biker Adam Craig says it’s one of the top three places in the universe he’s ever ridden. Where is this magical mountain biking nirvana? It’s none other than Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont Recreational Forest. The area boasts over 300 miles of peerless singletrack, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads, creating a near endless array of routes, terrains, and challenges to explore. Four vibrant bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need gear, service, or a top notch rental. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of the best small towns in America in 2021. It all adds up to a premier mountain biking destination you’ll want to experience for yourself. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.
✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
The Dirt Therapy Project Gets Military Veterans on the Trail
Jonathan Hagerman and his wife Alexandra co-founded The Dirt Therapy Project, a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to helping military veterans heal through riding. Jonathan served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2009-2013 and deployed to Afghanistan as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
With Veterans Day just around the corner, Matt and Jeff, also both veterans, speak with Jonathan about his experience serving and learn how The Dirt Therapy Project is connecting veterans with mountain biking.
Learn more about The Dirt Therapy Project and find out how you can get involved at tdtp.org.
✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
Learning to Build MTB Trails, with Tony Boone
Tony Boone has been building mountain bike trails for more than 30 years, and literally helped write the book on the subject, contributing to IMBA’s Guides to Building Sweet Singletrack and Providing Great Riding. He established the first bike patrol in Colorado in 1989 and has been an active member of the Professional Trail Builders Association since 1995.
In this episode we ask:
- What was it like working as a Boulder open space employee?
- How do the early trails compare to the ones you’re involved in creating today?
- How do you learn and establish best practices for trail building?
- What are some of the most common mistakes new trail builders make?
- How did you get involved working with IMBA, and building trails overseas?
- What was it like seeing the development of mountain biking in places like China?
- What are some of the trail projects you’re most proud of?
- What led you to create a community college trail building course? How do trail builders benefit from a more formal education?
- What is life like as a full time trail builder?
- How do concepts like sustainability and stewardship fit into recreational trail building?
- What does the Jim Angel quote, “People don’t need trails, the land does,” mean to you?
Connect with Tony and learn more at tonyboonetrails.com.
This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.
Professional mountain biker Adam Craig says it’s one of the top three places in the universe he’s ever ridden. Where is this magical mountain biking nirvana? It’s none other than Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont Recreational Forest. The area boasts over 300 miles of peerless singletrack, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads, creating a near endless array of routes, terrains, and challenges to explore. Four vibrant bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need gear, service, or a top notch rental. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of the best small towns in America in 2021. It all adds up to a premier mountain biking destination you’ll want to experience for yourself. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.
✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks
They Don't Just Look Cool; Steel Enduro Bikes Can Rip Too
Joe McEwan is a career aerospace engineer and carbon composites expert who founded Starling Cycles in 2014. The brand’s bikes are developed, engineered and handmade for the demands of UK trails, and the bikes have been well received among both the media and athletes.
In this episode we ask:
- What first piqued your interest in building steel bikes? Have you tried building bikes with other materials?
- Is it true that that steel absorbs road and trail vibration better than other materials, and if so, can the average rider feel a difference? Do fat tires and suspension have more of an affect on ride feel than frame material?
- How do you go about making a steel tube stiffer in one direction than the other?
- Are there any design considerations that are unique to steel full-suspension frames?
- Why are most steel frames single-pivot?
- Why do some bikes like the Murmur Trail need a brace between the top tube and seat tube?
- Some Starling products are made in the UK, while others are welded in Taiwan. How do you decide which bikes to build in house, and which ones to outsource?
- Are there advantages to a gearbox over an external drivetrain that go beyond broken derailleurs?
- What are your thoughts on the rising popularity of mixed-wheel bikes?
- What’s next for Starling Cycles? Are there any steel ebikes in the future?
Check out the full suspension steel mountain bikes at starlingcycles.com.
This episode of the Singletracks podcast is sponsored by Explore Brevard.
Professional mountain biker Adam Craig says it’s one of the top three places in the universe he’s ever ridden. Where is this magical mountain biking nirvana? It’s none other than Brevard, North Carolina, home to Pisgah National Forest and DuPont Recreational Forest. The area boasts over 300 miles of peerless singletrack, not to mention hundreds of miles of gravel roads, creating a near endless array of routes, terrains, and challenges to explore. Four vibrant bike shops will get you sorted, whether you need gear, service, or a top notch rental. Top it off with an array of craft breweries, cafes and gathering spots that have earned Brevard the title as one of the best small towns in America in 2021. It all adds up to a premier mountain biking destination you’ll want to experience for yourself. Find out more at ExploreBrevard.com.
✏️ A written transcript of this conversation is available at singletracks.com.
--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks