ShiftLess

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

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In this episode of Shiftless, Brad and Kevin discuss the latest Tuba Trail scouting trip in Arizona, sharing insights about the stunning landscapes, logistical challenges, and upcoming segments of thw multi-state bikepacking route.

They also talk about potential meetups in various states, plans for future tours, and the exciting self-sponsorship of the podcast by FAM and Spinistry.

Key topics include bicycle setups, regional highlights, upcoming events, and the culinary delights to expect from Chef Brad along the journey.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:37 New Year Hopes and Health Struggles01:43 Bicycle Talk and Shop Setup03:09 Exploring New Bike Components10:17 Arizona Scouting Adventure Begins15:21 Challenges and Discoveries in Arizona20:23 Route Adjustments and Resupply Issues28:29 Scouting the Mogollon Rim42:06 Final Thoughts and Next Steps45:23 Navigating Arizona's Trails46:09 Challenges and Reroutes47:50 Finalizing the Arizona Route51:45 Bike Information and Rumors54:30 Planning Future Meetups01:08:59 San Diego and California Routes01:21:50 Podcast Sponsorship and Content01:28:34 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

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In episode 127 of Shiftless, we celebrate New Year's Eve in Argyle at the newly opened Dusty Roads Bicycle Shop. We sit down with Nico Smith, the shop's founder, to discuss his extensive 21-year career in the bicycle industry, ranging from working in California shops to becoming a Shimano race mechanic.
Nico shares his vision of creating a community-focused bicycle lounge where enthusiasts can hang out, learn, and get high-quality service.
The conversation spans topics like e-bikes, the local cycling community, and the importance of proper bike maintenance.
00:00 Introduction and New Year's Greetings00:14 Excitement About the New Location01:07 Introducing Dusty Roads Bicycle Shop01:58 Meet Nico Smith: The Bicycle Expert03:04 Nico's Journey in the Bicycle Industry05:19 Moving to Texas and Embracing the Local Cycling Scene08:06 Challenges and Opportunities in the Bicycle Industry09:43 Community and Culture at Dusty Roads Bicycle Shop13:18 The Importance of Local Support and Community Engagement16:40 The Vision for Dusty Roads: A Community Hub33:33 Demo Bikes and Customer Experience37:07 Challenges of Offering a Wide Range of Bikes37:28 Embracing E-Bikes and Manual Bikes38:00 Building a Community-Focused Bike Shop40:11 Navigating the Bicycle Industry's Ups and Downs43:07 The Rise of E-Bikes in the Cycling Market46:02 Texas: A Hub for Cycling Enthusiasts51:27 The Importance of Bike Maintenance and Service53:50 Opening a New Bike Shop: The Journey55:02 Stocking the Best Brands and Products01:03:09 The Future of Cycling: Digital and AI Integration01:12:58 Excitement for the New Shop and Community

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TUBA Trail Discussion Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1768323947209749

Exploring the Tour Divide with Rick Ashton: A Veteran's JourneyIn episode 126 of Shiftless, host Kevin is solo in Florida and joined by an esteemed guest, Rick Ashton, a veteran of the Tour Divide. Rick shares his extensive experiences of completing the challenging bike race multiple times since 2009, discussing the evolution of the event, the physical and mental demands, his training regimen, and the equipment he has used over the years. The conversation delves into memorable encounters with wildlife, race logistics, advances in biking technology, and the camaraderie within the biking community. The episode also touches on Rick’s interest in the new Trans-U.S. Bike and Adventure (TUBA) route, highlighting his enthusiasm for off-pavement adventures and potential future rides.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:45 Meet Rick Ashton: Tour Divide Veteran01:39 Rick's Tour Divide Experiences04:33 Challenges and Adventures on the Tour Divide09:15 Technological Evolution in Bike Touring17:29 Rick's Background and Other Adventures20:09 Future Plans and the Tuba Route24:50 Hubs and Hops and Local Bike Culture28:59 Starting a Business in Thomasville29:49 Training for the Tour Divide30:30 Camping Gear and Preferences31:09 Racing in Costa Rica32:03 Challenges of Organizing Events32:52 Personal Luxuries on the Tour Divide34:45 Surviving on Gas Station Food36:03 Transition from Triathlons to Tour Divide36:14 Memorable Tour Divide Routes41:46 Riding in Cold Weather43:45 Training Routine and E-Bikes46:06 Planning for the Tuba Ride46:38 Spiritual Connection with Nature52:26 Packing for Long-Distance Rides54:01 Light Setup for Night Rides57:14 Logistics and Mentoring New Riders01:00:03 Final Thoughts and Contact Information