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In this thorough mountain bike gear review episode, hosts Josh and Dane share their honest, long-term testing experiences with popular MTB products including SportRX Huckson Sunglasses and Vittoria Agarro Tires & Inserts. The discussion covers detailed performance analysis of Vittoria's graphene-enhanced tire compounds, weight comparisons between different tire and insert combinations, and practical advice for desert mountain biking conditions. Josh provides an 18-month review of SportRX Huckson glasses, explaining why they've become his go-to choice for mountain bike eyewear over popular brands like Oakley and Smith.

Dane delivers an in-depth first ride review of the Frameworks downhill frame, comparing its performance and surprising weight characteristics against his carbon Phoenix bike at Sunrise Bike Park in Arizona. The episode also covers essential bike shop secrets including tire installation tricks using 50-gallon trash cans, troubleshooting pedal kickback issues with different hub engagement systems, and the importance of professional mountain bike coaching versus self-teaching. Listeners will gain valuable insights into product selection, setup tips, and real-world performance data from experienced riders and bike shop professionals.

SportRX Huckson Sunglasses (Prescription & Non-Prescription): https://www.sportrx.com/sportrx-huckson.html

Vittoria Agarro Tires: https://vittoria.com/products/agarro-trail 

Framworks DH Frame: https://rideframeworks.com/

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Experience the diverse mountain biking terrain of Southwest Colorado with Jake Quigley, owner and operator of Zuma Bike Ranch in Cortez, Colorado. Strategically located at the northern part of Phil's World's expansive 62-mile trail network, this 40-acre mountain bike facility provides riders with direct trail access from their campsite. The unique location offers incredible variety, from high desert pinyon and juniper riding to technical canyon descents, with Durango and Telluride's alpine adventures just an hour away.

Jake shares his journey from outdoor industry professional to ranch owner, creating a comprehensive mountain bike experience that combines his expertise as BICP certified mountain bike instructor with world-class trail access. With over six years of professional coaching experience including being Ninja Mountain Bike Performance ‘instructor trainer’, Jake offers everything from private one-on-one skill sessions to group clinics. The ranch features custom-built training facilities including pump tracks, progressive jump lines, and technical drop zones, allowing riders to develop skills in a controlled environment before applying them to the extensive trail networks. 

The ranch serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring multiple trail systems including Phil's World, Boggy Draw's 70-mile network, and connections to the Colorado Trail. With local breweries, cideries, restored apple orchards, and authentic Southwest Colorado culture, Zuma Bike Ranch offers mountain bikers a complete adventure experience that combines world-class trails with professional instruction and regional charm.

https://www.zumabikeranch.com/

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Discover the engineering and chemistry behind tubeless technology and more with Stan's (NoTubes) President Mike Bush, whose industrial manufacturing background shaped ~25 years of cycling innovation. Bush explains the technical details of bead seat geometry, the science of sealant particulate systems, and how CT scans of mounted tires revealed the "bead float" phenomenon that caused early tubeless failures. Learn about the development of ExoCor valves designed to address sealant compatibility issues with traditional Presta valves, the chemical reaction that makes Dart puncture plugs work instantly with Stan's sealant, and the biodegradable formulation using natural latex that sets Stan's apart from petroleum-based competitors.

The technical discussion extends to the WPL product line, featuring USDA-certified bio-based lubricants derived from food science research, suspension oils meeting marine industry standards, and innovative dry chain lubes using ethanol solvents and specialized esters for clean operation. Bush shares insights into third-party testing protocols, manufacturing tolerances critical for tubeless success, and the engineering challenges of creating products that work reliably across diverse riding conditions. Whether you're a suspension technician, bike mechanic, or technically-minded cyclist, this episode delivers the deep technical knowledge behind the products that revolutionized mountain biking.

Link: https://stans.com/

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Rider safety takes precedence in this essential bike shop secrets episode, where bike industry veteran Dane Higgins addresses the critical question every mountain biker faces after a crash or component failure: "Can I ride it?" Learn the definitive protocols for assessing carbon frame damage, from the professional coin tap test to identifying dangerous stress points that require immediate replacement versus repairable damage. Understanding the difference between cosmetic carbon scratches and structural compromise can literally be life-saving, especially when dealing with handlebars, steerer tubes, and other critical load-bearing components.

Mechanical reliability directly impacts rider safety, making proper chain and cassette maintenance more than just a performance issue. This episode reveals how worn chains on new cassettes create dangerous skipping conditions during hard efforts, potentially causing crashes during climbs or sprints. Additional safety topics include quick link failure modes and reusability guidelines, proper helmet replacement after seemingly minor drops (4-foot falls can compromise protection), and the heat-related degradation affecting both safety equipment and carbon components in desert riding conditions. Emergency trail repair techniques using duct tape and zip ties provide backup solutions when mechanical failures occur far from help.

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Tired managing batteries, firmware updates, and paying for expensive electronic drivetrains? This episode with SRAM's Jimmy Nordloh goes deep into the new Eagle 90 and Eagle 70 mechanical transmission systems that deliver transmission's shifting performance without electronic complexity.  The new mechanical transmission uses the same cassettes and flattop chains as the wireless transmission systems but use a traditional cable. At ~$670 and ~$490 respectively, these systems are for riders who want transmission performance without the heavy price tags, apps, or batteries.

SRAM has also standardized on mineral oil across their entire brake range (including the new Motiv brakes), eliminating DOT's moisture absorption problems while providing better lubrication and system longevity. Additionally, a completely redesigned Reverb AXS B1 dropper post increases reliability and reduces cost by switching to a simple air-over-air system that's easier to service and more reliable long-term. With 250mm travel options and improved tire clearance, this dropper solves fitment problems on small frames and includes a "Ride Active" feature which SRAM says… “provides beneficial suspension characteristics during technical riding without compromising pedaling efficiency or proper bike fit”.  Do you agree?

Links: 

Eagle 90 Transmission Drivetrain: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/series/eagle-90-transmission

Eagle 70 Transmission Drivetrain: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/series/eagle-70-transmission

Reverb B1 Dropper: https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/models/sp-rvb-axs-b1

Motiv Brakes: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain/collections/brakes/brake-collections/heavy-duty-brakes?filters=&sort=Relevancy&page=1

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In this comprehensive bike maintenance episode, suspension expert Dane "Suspension Guru" Higgins tackles the most common disc brake problems plaguing mountain bikers. Learn why your hydraulic disc brakes keep squealing despite new rotors and pads, how brake pad contamination occurs, and the proper bedding process for noise-free performance. Dane explains caliper alignment techniques, the debate between OEM vs aftermarket brake pads, and why sanding contaminated pads often fails to solve squealing issues.

The episode also covers essential suspension service knowledge including the difference between lower and full fork services, typical service intervals (50-100 hours), and why proper damper maintenance prevents costly blowouts. Plus, discover e-bike motor care secrets like optimal cadence settings to prevent overheating, dropper post storage tips to avoid expensive repairs, and professional cable routing solutions for internal systems. Whether you're dealing with squeaky brakes or planning suspension maintenance, this episode delivers actionable bike shop wisdom.

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In this comprehensive deep dive, Shimano's Mountain Bike Product Manager Nick Murdick reveals a copious amount of details about their new XTR M9200 Di2 wireless groupset. Learn how Shimano engineered their first fully wireless mountain bike drivetrain with on-board derailleur batteries, customizable shifter paddles, and rock-impact protection designed from "the rock's perspective." Murdick explains the technical innovations behind the wedge-shaped derailleur design, dual-click shifting mechanism, and why Shimano chose derailleur hangers over direct-mount systems for maximum trail durability.

Discover the complete XTR M9200 component lineup including new brake technology with updated hydraulic fluid, 160mm crank arm options, and both long-cage (10-51) and short-cage (9-45) cassette configurations. Nick shares insider development stories, addresses SRAM transmission comparisons, and explains backward compatibility with existing Shimano components. This episode covers everything from battery life expectations to trim mode functionality, making it essential listening for mountain bikers considering wireless drivetrain upgrades or mechanics working with the latest Shimano technology.

Video: https://youtu.be/Ilx6ilqq6TQ

Web: https://bike.shimano.com/stories/article/shimano-xtr-m9200-di2-mountain-bike-components.html

Update! Nick Murdick got back to us after the recording with the answer to a question he wasn’t sure of at the time. 

Here’s the answer… 

It is indeed possible to convert a derailleur between short cage and long cage at the shop.  If you connect to e-tube project through the PC you will see an option to change between GS and SGS. The derailleur uses a different shift pattern for each cassette.  In some gears you may notice that it breaks the shift into two steps in order to use the shift ramps on the cassette more effectively. It's more noticeable when double shifting.

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Go inside Park Tool, the world's largest bicycle tool company, with Technical Expert Truman Purdy in this deep-dive interview. Learn the fascinating origin story of how Art Engstrom and Howard Hawkins transformed from a small Schwinn repair shop in Minnesota to creating the iconic blue tools that define professional bike maintenance today. Discover why Park Tool switched from red Schwinn-branded tools to their trademark blue color, how they protect their brand identity, and the surprising business decisions that built their global dominance in bicycle tool manufacturing.

Truman reveals exciting details about Park Tool's newest innovation: the PRS-30 manual lift bike stand that combines the convenience of electric lifting with the reliability of manual operation. With 500+ tools in their catalog and 75% manufactured in-house at their Minnesota facility, Park Tool continues to evolve bike maintenance technology for both professional bike shops and home mechanics. Get insider insights into tool development processes, pricing strategies, Amazon marketplace challenges, and why more than ~50% of Park Tool sales now go directly to home mechanics rather than bike shops.

Website: https://www.parktool.com/en-us/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/parktoolcompany

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This engaging episode features the Calirado Kid, whose authentic and humorous mountain biking videos have built him a substantial following with videos regularly reaching hundreds of thousands viewers. While he shares interesting glimpses into creating his popular videos, the conversation primarily delivers valuable insights from his extensive riding experiences across Arizona's technical terrain, Colorado's epic mountains, and Northern California's diverse trails. Mountain biking enthusiasts will appreciate his detailed analysis of what makes southwest trails distinctive with their challenging rocky features, technical climbs, and rewarding descents like Bug Springs which he describes as "just the shuttle downhill chunk – an exciting ride for sure."

The episode offers practical mountain biking wisdom about gear choices, with the Calirado Kid making a compelling case that dropper posts might actually be more essential than suspension for versatile trail riding. Riders will benefit from specific trail recommendations including the legendary "Graham Cracker" with its impressive 6,300 feet of continuous descent and insights about night riding with quality lighting systems from Outbound Lights. The discussion concludes with valuable perspectives on mountain biking's mental health benefits, with the Calirado Kid explaining how riding helps process negative thoughts and discover creative solutions – providing listeners with both technical trail knowledge and inspiration to use mountain biking as a tool for improving overall wellbeing.

Calirado Kid's links... 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caliradokid

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caliradokid/

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In this in-depth episode of the MTNCOG Podcast, we dive into the science behind mountain bike tire design with Ken Avery, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Vittoria. Ken breaks down the complex process of tire manufacturing, from the initial casing construction using nylon or cotton materials to the vulcanization process where the tread is applied. He explains how Vittoria's innovative use of graphene technology creates tires that both roll faster and grip better than competitors, challenging common misconceptions about tire compounds and performance.

The conversation explores Vittoria's progressive sipe technology for improved cornering grip, their very unique approach to TPI (threads per inch) in their award-winning XC race tires, and their comprehensive lineup of Airliner tire inserts. Ken shares insights on how different casings perform in various terrain types, from sharp volcanic rock to loose conditions, and offers his perspective on current industry trends. This episode provides mountain bikers of all disciplines with valuable knowledge about selecting the optimal tire setup for their specific riding style, terrain, and bike type.

Web: https://vittoria.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vittoriatires/

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