Welcome mountain bikers! Thanks for tuning in to Vital MTB’s The Inside Line podcast. Today we're joined by MTB Marketing Manager for Maxxis Tires, Aaron Chamberlain. Maxxis has been behind The Inside Line since day one, almost four years now, and it's all thanks to Aaron. We're honored to have such a top-shelf brand getting behind something we believe in here at Vital.

Aaron discusses his love for bikes and finding his way into the bike industry after being an art school dropout. We discuss all things Maxxis, including choosing which tire models and constructions make the cut and having to deal with the name Assegai for Greg Minnaar's tire. How are mountain bike tires made? Why do some tires cost $90? We hit on those topics and there is even some censored team rumor gossip. Enjoy the show!

The Inside Line is proudly sponsored by Jenson USA, your online shopping source for bikes, riding gear, apparel, and components. Holiday deals are in full swing and if you use coupon code InsideLine (all one word) at checkout, you can receive 10% off qualifying items.

Maxxis Tires will keep you and your bike connected to the trail with their wide variety of tread patterns, rubber compounds, and tire constructions. I’m still enjoying an Assegai front tire with Minion Semi-Slick out back on my daily driver 5010. The Assegai decides the line with the Minion SS keeping things playful as it slides along for the ride. Maxxis.com has all your MTB tire needs.

How rad is this? Our friends at Santa Cruz announced that their PayDirt initiative has named 16 organizations as the first funding recipients in the company's three-year, $1 million pledge aimed at trail building and mountain bike development across the globe. Hit up santacruzbicycles.com/paydirt to see the grant recipients, to apply for a grant or learn more about this awesome trail-funding initiative.