ShiftLess

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The hosts record at Casa Verde after recent technical issues and discuss upcoming Fam Food Adventure Memories dinners. Bike topics include Schwalbe entering the 32-inch tire market across mountain, gravel, and reportedly road, plus a rumor of a major brand debuting a 32-inch bike at Sea Otter. They discuss a theory that brands are trying to convert post-COVID gravel buyers who aren’t “N+1” riders by offering more stable, confidence-inspiring mountain bikes to expand participation. They talk about the Salsa full-suspension gravel e-bike (Class 3, ~40 lb, 2.2" tires, ~50-mile range) with a high price, and debate who the market is for. They also review the Salsa Stormchaser (frameset vs complete pricing, sliding dropouts, ability to fit 2.2" tires) and discuss bottom bracket standards (criticizing press-fit). The episode covers New Jersey’s new law treating any e-bike as a motorcycle (lights, mirror, DOT helmet, plate/registration, insurance) and predicts more sweeping enforcement elsewhere due to high-speed e-bike accidents. The conversation branches into parallels with the gun industry’s COVID boom, long-range shooting training to 800 yards, safety and education, and how event organizers manage participant risk. They close with planning notes for Trinity Trio (moved to Sunday the 15th, ~100 miles full route) and conclude with the host heading to Whitesboro to document the kitchen and refrigeration setup.00:00 Mic Check Mayhem: Are We Actually Recording?00:38 Welcome to Shiftless at Casa Verde (Weather, Vibes, Pool Talk)01:21 What’s on the Agenda: 32-inch Wheels, E-Bikes & New Laws02:43 FAM Food Adventure Memories Sponsor + Dinner Schedule Updates04:50 January Dinners Canceled: Snow Forecasts, Ice, and Event Chaos07:11 Gravel Road Conditions After the Storm: Potholes, Chunk & Predictions10:21 February 28 FAM Dinner Promo + Menu Tease12:38 Sbarro in New York: The ‘Good Slice’ Misunderstanding Storytime16:58 Back to Bikes: Schwalbe Enters 32-Inch Tires + Road/UCI Speculation18:37 The Big Theory: Turning Gravel Newbies into N+1 Riders via MTB22:13 Training Slump & Sick Weeks: Getting Back on the Bike23:16 Salsa Stormchaser Deep Dive: Dropouts, 2.2" Clearance & Build Options28:39 New Salsa Wander: Full-Suspension Gravel E-Bike Arrives29:13 Teal Talk & First Impressions of Salsa’s New Gravel E‑Bike30:02 Specs Breakdown: Range, Weight, Tires, Class 3 Speed—and the $13K Question33:46 Salsa Lineup Rumors: Warbird, Spearfish, Name Changes & What’s “Coming Soon”35:47 All‑Road vs Gravel: Surly Midnight Special, Industry Identity Crisis & COVID Hangover36:47 SHOT Show Parallels: Forecasting, N+1 Culture, and the ‘Year of the Suppressor’40:15 Range Life: Long‑Range Qualification, Training Layers, and Why Suppressors Rule47:00 Insurance, Scuba Tragedy & Event Risk—From Cave Diving Rules to Gravel Shenanigans54:05 Running Safer Gravel Events: New Rider Handholding, Self‑Responsibility & 101 Clinics01:00:12 Beginner Progression: Gear Overwhelm, Skill Layering, and Building a Real Training Program01:03:09 Back to Riding: Garmin Recovery Shock & Texas Chainring Massacre Weather Check01:05:05 Windy, deceptively cold night ride (wet bulb & layering mistakes)01:06:45 Whitesboro food service plan + kitchen/fridge scouting01:07:54 Locking in March dates & moving Trinity Trio to Sunday01:09:06 Trinity Trio route breakdown: Gateway–Sansom–River Legacy mileage01:09:48 What bike (or e-bike) works? Drop-bar MTB, battery range, and trail rules01:12:32 North Shore e-bike permits & class confusion (Class 1 vs Class 3)01:15:16 New Jersey’s sweeping e-bike law—and why more places may follow01:23:49 Kids, risk, and consequences: storms, accidents, and learning the hard way01:32:51 Urban legends & the information age (Screaming Bridge)01:33:58 Industry news roundup: Eurobike drama, layoffs, Sea Otter, and trade shows01:39:49 Wrap-up: off to Whitesboro and closing thoughts

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In this episode, the hosts delve into various topics including the potential rise of 32-inch wheel bikes and their advantages in different terrain and bike categories such as mountain biking and gravel riding. They discuss upcoming events and speculate on which brands and components will adopt the new wheel size. The conversation also touches upon bike gear tech, such as Wolf Tooth's adjustable Q factor pedals, Shimano's market presence, and thoughts on racing formats including drop bar mountain bike races. Discussions are enriched with insights from industry insiders and past experiences, offering a comprehensive look at the emerging trends and future directions in the biking world.00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk00:27 Episode Number Confusion00:59 Guest Introduction: Caleb Wills01:19 Hanging Out at Dusty Roads01:55 Axe Troubles and Solutions02:54 Fat Biking in Winter04:30 Winter Riding Gear Discussion05:42 Flat Pedals vs Clipless Pedals21:39 Retail Trends in Pedals31:06 Shimano's Market Strategy32:17 The Future of Bike Components36:31 The Rise of 32-Inch Wheels37:57 Industry Disruptions and Innovations47:17 Market Predictions and Speculations49:56 Sea Otter and the 32-Inch Wheel Debate53:52 Top Bike Brands and Market Shares01:00:07 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts01:03:00 Road Trip Enthusiasm01:03:07 Market Analysis and Retailer Stops01:03:22 Ingrid Components Discussion01:04:46 Crank Length and Efficiency Debate01:07:11 Dylan Johnson's Insights01:09:19 North Carolina Road Trip Plans01:10:08 Drop Bar Mountain Bike Race01:24:17 32-Inch Wheels Speculation01:30:03 Wrapping Up and Shop Dogs

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In this episode, the team discusses a variety of topics including their experiences stepping on dogs, a series of bike races, and the importance of drop bar mountain bikes in gravel racing. They delve into their past and upcoming events such as the Texas Chain Ring Massacre and the Dusty Roads event, and highlight the challenges in organizing these events amidst changing weather and logistical barriers. The discourse also touches upon the potential of 32-inch wheels in the biking world and their impact on performance, as well as planning future bike races and events. Special guest Austin Whittington shares his unique insights into bike racing, training, and the ongoing 'bike industry conspiratorial illness.'00:00 Getting Started: Technical Difficulties and Introductions00:28 Episode Confusion and Service Appreciation01:29 Welcoming Austin Whittington03:13 Drop Bar Controversy in Leadville14:30 Weather Challenges and Event Planning17:15 Venue Change for Texas Chain Ring Massacre20:42 Gravel Roads and Event Logistics31:28 Grassroots Racing and Participation Trends43:01 The Competitive Edge in Gravel Racing43:56 Reflecting on Past Races and Events45:08 Aspirations and Future Race Concepts48:49 Defining the Drop Bar Mountain Bike52:21 Time Trial Format and Logistics01:02:03 Challenges of Multi-Surface Racing01:14:35 Balancing Challenge and Accessibility in Race Design01:19:23 Discussing the Big Topic: Austin's Opinion01:19:51 Advantages and Shortcomings of 32-Inch Wheels01:20:09 Comparing 29er and 32-Inch Wheels01:21:00 Market Trends and Bike Companies01:21:41 Gravel Riding and Traction01:22:12 Technological Advancements in Bike Design01:25:13 Preferred Mountain Bike Platforms01:27:17 Suspension and Travel Preferences01:33:28 Race Strategies and Experiences01:37:24 Upcoming Races and Events01:46:33 Weather Concerns and Preparation01:51:40 Concluding Remarks and Future Plans

Reach out and touch us: [email protected] episode 130 of Shiftless, the podcast delves into the world of cycling, focusing on the latest happenings around drop bar mountain bikes. The hosts discuss the increasing popularity of drop bar mountain bikes, yet their recent ban from key races like Leadville. They speculate industry motivations behind these bans, such as product influence from major manufacturers like Specialized and Trek. The discussion extends to potential new trends like 32-inch wheels and the complexities surrounding their integration into competitive cycling. Additionally, the hosts brainstorm the logistics of organizing a drop bar mountain bike race and share personal anecdotes about the evolving state of cycling and local burger joints. Enduring topics also include the intricacies of kitchen prep work and the impacts of sudden weather changes on event planning.00:00 Introduction and Podcast Setup00:18 Cycling News and Updates01:08 Drop Bar Mountain Bikes Discussion02:25 UCI Regulations and Industry Trends09:00 Surly Bike Models and Market Changes37:19 Event Planning and Weather Contingencies47:52 The Soft Pack Cigarette Debate48:20 Secondhand Smoke and Nicotine Addiction49:21 Baby Change Station Horror50:02 Best Burger Joints for Cyclists51:41 Fast Food Quality and Consistency53:36 The Arby's Roast Beef Mystery55:09 Defining Fast Food58:09 Weather Challenges for Texas Chainring Massacre01:10:35 Motorcycle Adventures and Safety Concerns01:19:33 The Appeal of Bicycles and Freedom01:24:59 Virtual Cycling and Training Programs01:27:00 Concluding Thoughts and Plans

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In this episode, the hosts face technical difficulties as they discuss various topics. They dive into the excitement and skepticism surrounding 32-inch bikes in the cycling industry, referencing previous wheel size trends and the potential market impact.

The conversation includes an analysis of the evolving bike industry, new product releases like the Kona Unit T, and brand confusion issues involving the name 'Shiftless'. They also brainstorm possible food arrangements for an upcoming Spinistry event and explore the nuances of trademark laws, sharing insights from personal experiences and AI assistance.

Amidst light-hearted banter and personal anecdotes, the episode culminates with a reminder to reclaim fitness by riding your bike.00:00 Technical Glitch and Apologies00:29 Re-Introduction and Episode Start00:55 Rolex Throwback and Recording Mishap01:37 Discussion on 32-Inch Tires02:38 Market Predictions and Industry Trends04:29 Gravel vs. Mountain Bike Debate06:27 Future of 32-Inch Tires13:39 Bike Industry Innovations and Challenges33:45 AI and Industry Scams35:51 Content Creators and Personalities38:06 Hat Prototype and Sourdough Tips41:30 Discussing Sourdough and Butter42:34 February Events and Dinners44:57 Planning the Butterfield Buster Event01:04:50 Trademark Issues and AI Assistance01:12:48 Trademarking Shiftless and Final Thoughts