Mountain Cog

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In this episode of The MCP, hosts Josh and Dane dive deep into the science of mountain bike suspension with Norco development engineers Colin Ryan and Kirk McDowall. The conversation explores Norco's different suspension platforms with detailed explanations of axle path, anti-squat, and anti-rise properties. The engineers reveal how these technical elements directly impact riding performance, particularly in technical terrain with square-edge hits and rock gardens.

The discussion also highlights Norco's innovative RideAlign bike setup system, which uses rider metrics to provide personalized suspension, cockpit, and tire pressure recommendations. Kirk and Colin share insights from their development process, including how they balance data acquisition with rider perception, World Cup racing feedback, and mule testing. 

The episode concludes with teasers about upcoming Norco releases, including continued development of their downhill race bike (note that Kirk is a 2 time Downhill Canadian National Champion and accomplished Downhill World Cup racer) and hints about a new shorter travel  bike that will complement their expanding acoustic and pedal assist mountain bike lineup.

Norco Bikes: https://www.norco.com/

Norco's Ride Align Bike Setup Tool: https://www.ridealigned.com/

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In this unfiltered episode of The Mountain Cog Podcast (recorded during the snowy Sedona Mountain Bike Festival) hosts Josh and Dane are joined by special guests Mike "Babyfoot" Jones and Derrick Kampfer for a raw, technical dive into mountain bike suspension. The conversation takes unexpected turns from the hilarious origins of "nipple management" in bike maintenance to detailed comparisons between Fox, DVO, and RockShox fork technologies, with expert insights on how suspension choice impacts ride feel and performance on different trails.

The episode explores the technical aspects of mountain biking while highlighting the welcoming nature of the mountain bike community. Listeners will gain valuable insights about suspension tuning, the debate between flat pedals versus clipless systems, and custom frame protection options like Ground Keeper designs. The hosts and guests share personal riding experiences, technical advice, and lighthearted trail stories that showcase why mountain biking attracts riders of all ages and skill levels despite the significant investment required to participate.

Sedona MTB Festival - https://sedonamtbfestival.com/

Pedaling Innovations - https://pedalinginnovations.com/

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The Mountain Cog Podcast welcomes Julian Richardson, Lead Industrial Designer at Faction Bike Studio, for an in-depth exploration of bicycle design. Julian explains how Faction operates as design consultants for bike manufacturers, handling everything from initial sketches to final production support. The discussion clarifies the often misunderstood difference between industrial design (focused on user experience and aesthetics) and  engineering (focused on developing and validating the functional, structural, and kinematic elements), while detailing their collaborative process that transforms concepts into rideable products.

The episode covers crucial industry topics including the challenges of managing intellectual property between competing clients, the influence of geography on design decisions, and how designers balance innovation with practicality. Julian shares insights on material selection, frame construction techniques, and the growing integration between traditional and e-bike designs. Listeners will appreciate the candid discussion about design trends, from the problematic internal cable routing that frustrate mechanics to the industry's gradual shift toward more user-adjustable bikes that can be customized to rider preferences without requiring multiple specialized bicycles.

Faction Bike Studio - https://factionbikestudio.com/

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In this information-packed episode of Mountain Cog, hosts Josh and Dane dive into essential mountain bike maintenance tips that every rider should know. They share their expertise on cutting carbon handlebars safely using abrasive blades, explaining how to prevent fraying and properly finish the cut edges. The conversation then shifts to the benefits of Squirt chain wax for desert riding conditions, with both hosts sharing their personal experiences and highlighting why proper application makes all the difference.

The episode continues with valuable insights on bike modifications, including the importance of changing only one component at a time to properly evaluate performance differences. They discuss tire selection for desert terrain, comparing Maxxis Forecaster tires to specialized options like the Teravail Ehline. The hosts wrap up with crucial dropper post maintenance advice, explaining why you should keep your dropper post extended when not riding and avoid pulling upward on a compressed post. This episode delivers practical maintenance tips for mountain bikers looking to extend component life and improve riding performance.

Park Tools Carbon Hacksaw Blade - https://www.parktool.com/en-us/product/carbon-saw-blade-csb-1

Squirt Lube - https://www.squirtcyclingproducts.com/

Teravail Ehline Tires - https://www.teravail.com/product/teravail-ehline-tire-394761-1.htm

Maxxis Forekaster Tires - https://www.maxxis.com/us/tire/forekaster/ 

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The latest episode of The Mountain Cog Podcast features an in-depth discussion with Ruth Cañamar from the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB) about transforming Tucson's mountain biking landscape through community-driven initiatives. The conversation highlights the successful recent Poker Ride event, which brought together various cycling groups, bike shops, and community members for a day of non-competitive riding and socializing at Tucson Mountain Park, demonstrating the power of inclusive community events in mountain biking.

Ruth shares her personal journey into mountain biking and her role in expanding SDMB's reach through various programs, including women's skills clinics, trail maintenance workshops, and partnerships with local organizations. The episode delves into important discussions about making mountain biking more accessible and the vital role of volunteer-driven advocacy groups in maintaining and developing trail systems. Listeners gain valuable insights into the behind-the-scenes work of mountain bike advocacy and the importance of community engagement in trail development.

Raffle - Cannondale Habit 3 MTB ($5/ea or $20 for 5)

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/sonoran-desert-mountain-bicyclist-raffle

Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB)

Web: https://www.sdmb.org/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDMB.org

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This episode delivers an expert comparison of leading electronic suspension systems, featuring Mountain Cog host and suspension specialist Dane Higgins' detailed analysis of SRAM Rockshox Flight Attendant, Fox Live Valve, and Fox Live Valve Neo. The discussion examines how each system approaches terrain detection and suspension adjustment, with Flight Attendant's cross-country focus contrasting with Neo's gravity-oriented design. Installation requirements, compatibility considerations, and real-world performance characteristics are thoroughly explored.

Pricing and value propositions also take center stage, with systems ranging from $1,400 to $3,500 depending on configuration. The hosts provide valuable insights into how these systems benefit different riding styles and skill levels, from competitive racing to casual trail riding. Key technological features are explained, including wireless versus wired configurations, battery life expectations, and integration capabilities with other bike components. The episode concludes with practical recommendations for various rider profiles, helping listeners make informed decisions about electronic suspension upgrades

SRAM Rockshox Flight Attendant https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/collections/flight-attendant

Fox Live Valve Neo
https://ridefox.com/pages/neo-technology

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In this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Nordloh, SRAM Field Guide for the Southwest region, to explore the evolution and innovation behind one of mountain biking's leading component manufacturers. Jimmy shares insights into SRAM's brand portfolio including RockShox, Zipp, Truvativ, Quark, Time Pedals, and Hammerhead, explaining how SRAM has grown through strategic acquisitions while maintaining quality across their product lines. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on the differences between SRAM and Shimano components, with particular focus on serviceability and compatibility.

The conversation delves into technical discussions about SRAM's breakthrough products, including the Reverb AXS wireless dropper post, the revolutionary Charger 3.1 damper with Buttercups technology, and the evolution of SRAM's braking systems from Avid Elixir to the current models. Jimmy offers professional advice on brake bedding techniques, component selection for desert and various riding conditions, and how SRAM's wireless ecosystem creates unprecedented integration opportunities for cyclists. Whether you're a mechanic, bike shop owner, or passionate rider, this episode provides insider knowledge on mountain bike technology past, present, and future.

SRAM MTB Products
SRAM MTB: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountain
Rockshox: https://www.sram.com/en/rockshox
Truvativ: https://www.sram.com/en/truvativ
Zipp: https://www.sram.com/en/zipp
Quarq: https://www.sram.com/en/quarq
Time: https://www.sram.com/en/time-sport
Hammerhead: https://www.hammerhead.io/
Velocio: https://velocio.cc/?__woopraid=gtJLkWVFnj0g

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In this captivating episode, we sit down with Tim March, the ghost writer behind Steve Peat's autobiography "Forged by Speed: The Making of a Mountain Bike World Champion." March reveals the three-year journey of bringing mountain biking legend Steve Peat's story to life, drawing from over 20 years of detailed personal diaries and 100+ hours of recorded conversations. Listeners will discover how Peat balanced his notorious party lifestyle with becoming one of downhill mountain biking's greatest champions.

The conversation explores Peat's evolution from riding rigid bikes on Sheffield's gnarly terrain to his pivotal meeting with Rob Roskopp at Santa Cruz Syndicate, his fierce rivalries with Nicolas Vouilloz and Greg Minnaar, and the personal struggles that shaped his career. March provides fascinating insights into Peat's unique character—a world-class athlete who refused to compromise his social life for success, yet still achieved 17 World Cup wins, two World Cup overalls, and a World Championship title while maintaining his status as mountain biking's ultimate "hammerhead."

Forged By Speed – The Making of a Mountain Bike World Champion 

• Apple: https://books.apple.com/us/book/forged-by-speed/id6717572064
• Amazon (U.S.): https://www.amazon.com/Forged-Speed-making-mountain-champion/dp/1839810963
• Amazon (U.K.): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forged-Speed-making-mountain-champion/dp/1839810963
• Web: https://www.adventurebooks.com/products/forged-by-speed

Peaty’s (Steve Peat’s mountain bike product company)

• https://peatys.com/

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Josh and Dane from The Mountain Cog podcast dive deep with Adam Robbins from Faction Bike Studio, uncovering how this secretive Quebec-based engineering firm shapes the mountain bike industry. Since 2010, Faction has operated as the only bike-specific design and engineering studio globally, helping brands of all sizes create innovative products while staying deliberately behind the scenes. Adam explains their comprehensive approach to bike design, from industrial design and prototyping to manufacturing support and FEA (Finite Element Analysis), revealing how Faction maintains their clients' spotlight while perfecting designs.

The discussion highlights Faction's public collaborations, including their work with Frameworks Racing on bonded aluminum frames and Danger Home's titanium 3D-printed derailleur project. Adam shares insights from their handlebar compliance testing, where they discovered significant differences between materials and designs that impact ride feel. The episode also touches on Faction's manufacturing relationships worldwide, their innovative 24-hour prototyping process, and how they're updating industry standards through real-world testing with elite downhill racers. For mountain bike enthusiasts curious about how their favorite bikes come to life, this episode offers unprecedented access to the hidden side of bicycle engineering.

Faction Bike Studio links... 
Web: https://factionbikestudio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/factionbikestudio/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/factionbike/

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In this episode, we sit down with Tom "Danger" Place, co-owner of Outbound Lighting, a Chicago-based manufacturer revolutionizing bike lights through innovative engineering. Tom shares the company's origin story, how he partnered with founder Matt, and explains their unique approach to bike light design that prioritizes beam pattern over raw lumens. Listeners will learn why Outbound places wider, more powerful lights on handlebars and spot beams on helmets—the opposite of traditional setups.

The conversation explores Outbound's design philosophy, manufacturing process, and how their small team of six produces tens of thousands of lights annually. Tom details their direct-to-consumer strategy balanced with bike shop distribution, their no-discount policy to maintain product value, and upcoming product developments. Bike enthusiasts will appreciate the technical discussion about beam patterns, ergonomics, and why proper shadows from handlebar-mounted lights create better depth perception for night riding on challenging terrain.

Outbound Lighting
Web: https://www.outboundlighting.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outboundlighting/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutboundLighting/

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