In episode 151 of Shiftless, the hosts return to Dusty Roads Lounge/bike shop/bar and discuss a weekend riding Nicko’s Salsa Spearfish 120/120 demo bike, with Deore Di2 and Fox suspension, finding it surprisingly comfortable and capable despite past skepticism about full-suspension bikes; they compare it to other “marathon XC/downcountry” options and note practical features like stable geometry and three bottle mounts. They briefly cover early Tour de France stages, including a new team time trial timing format, time-trial helmet aesthetics, Pogačar’s move into yellow after stage results and bonuses, and expectations for a climber-heavy route. Conversation shifts to FAM’s upcoming Sagamore Spirits whiskey dinner, a Coros Dura bike computer first-impressions review (solar, long battery life, app-driven limitations, limited customization, navigation performance), COROS arm heart-rate monitors versus chest straps, and extensive e-bike news about DJI/Avinox motors, high-watt gearbox systems, proprietary integration, and the evolving market. They close with local demo-day observations and a call to ride.00:00 Back at Dusty Roads00:50 Spearfish Demo Impressions03:38 Knees Pedals and Setup07:17 Tour de France Talk10:30 Sponsor Dinner Plug11:05 Tour Highlights and Trends13:39 Catching Up and Riding Plans15:20 Coros Dura First Look18:25 Navigation Screens and Limits25:28 Heart Rate Monitor Debate27:39 Ebike Arms Race News31:40 Motor Standards and Firmware37:20 Power Wars and Ebike Racing39:46 Tuning Assist Modes40:58 Battery Drain Tradeoffs41:53 Motocross Speed Skills44:28 Fear and Helmet Mindset46:39 Aventon Motor Lineup48:23 Spearfish Versus Rivals53:57 Di2 Shifting Impressions56:55 Spearfish Builds and Suspension01:00:33 Growtac Blip Levers01:01:49 Salsa and 32 Inch Wheels01:10:09 North Shore Demo Day Recap01:15:34 Wrap Up Ride More

Welcome to Episode 150 of ShiftLess! We made it to a major milestone, and we wouldn't have it any other way than doing what we do best: bicycles and conspiracy theories.

This week, Kevin brings actual facts and market research to the table after spending a 100-degree weekend observing riders at the North Shore Trailhead during the Mountain Bike Free For All / Hell on Wheels event. We dive deep into the data to find out what the current mountain bike landscape really looks like—and the disparity between the endurance crowd and the general population might surprise you. From the exact split of flats versus clipless pedals to the surprising surge of e-bike riders looking like they’re ready for a motocross rally, we break down what we saw on the dirt.

Plus, we talk about the booming Hispanic mountain bike community in DFW, recap the shattered course records at the 2026 Tour Divide, and dig into the UCI's bizarre rulings on 32-inch wheels. Brad also introduces the newest member of his family (a rescue pup named Lawrence) and shares his final thoughts on the series finale of The Bear.

In This Episode, We Cover:

North Shore Market Research: Surprising stats on flats vs. clipless, drop bars, and helmetless riders on a 100-degree Texas day.

Brand Sightings: Why Cannondale is everywhere and Trek is nowhere to be found.

The E-Bike Evolution: Why are e-bike riders wearing full-face helmets and body armor for a casual trail ride?

Endurance Mountain Biking: The massive growth of the Hispanic MTB community in North Texas keeping the old-school XC spirit alive.

The 32-Inch Wheel Conspiracy: Canyon’s new prototype, negative drop stems, and the UCI's hypocritical stances.

2026 Tour Divide Records: Massive shoutouts to the new Men's, Women's, and Single Speed overall record holders.

Pop Culture & Pups: A deep dive into The Bear Season 5 (Spoilers!) and the story behind Brad’s new dumped puppy, Lawrence.

Support the Show & Local Food!

Don't miss out on Brad's upcoming Sagamore Spirits dinner on July 11th. Incredible menu, fantastic whiskey, and great times. Grab your seat at eatatfam.com.

"If you dedicate a calendar year to riding a rigid or hardtail mountain bike, your momentum conservation and line picking will go through the roof. You can't buy that experience for $10,000." Hit subscribe, leave us a review, and as always: Go ride your bike. 

Episode 150: North Shore Trailhead Survey, E-Bike Gear Culture, and Endurance MTB’s Next Chapter00:00 Episode 150 Kickoff01:03 Trailhead Survey Plan02:23 Endurance Event Setup05:01 Lost Rider Story07:05 Beginner Trail Confusion10:45 Endurance Survey Results17:04 Language Shift Insight20:05 General Crowd Tick Sheet23:53 Gear Stats Helmets E Bikes37:27 Bike Brands Surprise42:13 E Bike Culture Clash46:09 Skills Over Equipment48:54 Gatekeeping vs Bashing50:35 E-Bikes and Trail Skills52:06 Motocross to MTB Pipeline53:15 Big Brands at Events55:29 Canyon 32-Inch Prototype01:00:18 Research Banter and Caleb01:01:02 New Puppy Lawrence01:05:36 Dumped Dogs and Empathy01:07:01 The Bear Final Season01:18:15 Tour de France Preview01:21:21 Tour Divide Records01:24:57 Wildfires and Saharan Dust01:26:24 Cycling News and World Cup01:29:38 32-Inch Wheels and UCI01:31:15 Endurance MTB Plans01:35:31 Wrap Up and Dinner Plug

Brad and Kevin are hot on the mics for Episode 149 of ShiftLess! This week, the guys dive deep into the current state of the cycling industry, looking hard at how the market is begging for a shakeup. They break down the aggressive new pricing from XDS/X Labs and their GT8 gravel bike, and Kevin questions the math of $10,000 acoustic bicycles when a fully capable adventure motorcycle sits at the same price point.

The conversation also covers the sharp end of the Tour Divide, the ongoing debate over "weight weenie" culture versus the rise of 32-inch wheels for big-power riders, and the reality of navigating Texas roads on two wheels. Plus, Kevin shares his own struggles with knee pain and the mental hurdles of getting back on the bike after a hiatus, while Brad serves up details on upcoming F.A.M. culinary pop-ups and a rye whiskey pairing with Sagamore Spirits.

Throw in some updates on Spinistry routes, the upcoming Gainesville bike swap and hostel concept, and a little local trail talk, and it’s a packed hour.

Keywords:Gravel cycling, bikepacking, Tour Divide 2026, X Labs GT8, XDS bikes, 32-inch wheels, adventure motorcycles, acoustic vs e-bikes, Idaho Stop law, Texas cycling infrastructure, Spinistry, ShiftLess podcast, endurance mountain biking, FKT.

Shifless Ep. 149: Tour Divide Tracking, 32-Inch Wheels, and X Labs Disrupting Bike PricesIn episode 149 of “Shifless,” the hosts chat about Father’s Day, summer paranoia when life is going well, and wildlife in the yard before shifting to bikes. They discuss Tour Divide leader Victor Bossoni’s pace versus the 13d 2h 16m record and how reroutes and shifting courses complicate FKT comparisons, contrasting that with changing routes at events like Unbound. They revisit 32-inch wheel debates, suggesting bigger, more powerful riders may benefit and speculating Specialized could drive adoption (even imagining a future 32-inch Roubaix) while emphasizing the need for affordable, durable bikes. They highlight XDS/X Labs’ aggressively priced GRX Di2 carbon gravel bike with a power meter and the market disruption affecting dealers. The conversation also covers upcoming Eurobike, proposed May cycling-hostel HQ in Gainesville, a September bike swap/clinics weekend possibly paired with Midnight Massacre, bar/food collaboration ideas, and a North Shore endurance ride. They note knee issues, road paving impacting gravel, cycling-car hostility, and travel plans.00:00 Windy Welcome Back00:10 Episode 149 Check In00:41 Paranoia and Burnout Talk01:39 Father's Day Recap03:07 Yard Wildlife Break03:34 Tour Divide Leaderboard06:32 FKT Records and Reroutes09:55 32 Inch Wheels Debate13:02 Specialized Market Predictions17:30 XDS X Labs Price Disruption18:16 Motorcycles Versus Bike Prices28:14 Eurobike and Event Planning29:04 Bike Hostel in Gainesville30:56 Bike Swap and Midnight Massacre36:44 Cocktails and Kitchen Collab38:06 Commissary Kitchen Talk38:43 Pop-Up Dinner Praise39:19 Sagamore Spirits Pairing40:23 Travel Plans Nebraska43:50 Cycling Laws and Safety45:44 Road Rage Bike Hate47:47 Oil Politics and Bikes52:09 Trail Construction Update54:18 Knee Pain and Recovery57:46 Checking In on Rich01:01:22 Gravel Roads Changing01:03:36 Sanger Bridge Reopens01:07:06 Road Trip Music Chat01:08:27 Upcoming Events Northshore01:11:11 Endurance MTB Loop Plans01:13:44 Wrapping Up and Roll Out

Welcome to Episode 148 of ShiftLess! Coming at you straight from the mobile van studio, Kevin and Chef Brad dive deep into the gear trends dominating this year's Tour Divide. From the undeniable takeover of rear racks (shoutout Tailfin) over traditional saddlebags to the absolute dominance of Vittoria Mezcals, we are breaking down what the ultra-endurance crowd is actually running.

We also get into the weeds on Scott's flat-bar Scale RC—is a 20lb rigid mountain bike really a "gravel" bike?—the disruptive arrival of X-Labs and XDS in the carbon market, and why we are still waiting for that 32-inch wheel revolution to finally hit the dirt.

Then, things get real as we tackle the elephant in the peloton: performance-enhancing drugs. Are massive "carbs per hour" claims and extreme ketone use just a convenient mask for a new era of undetectable PEDs? We compare modern cycling's explosive power numbers to the Lance Armstrong and Mark McGwire eras of sports.

Plus, an exciting USA Trail update as the Florida segment is officially done and dusted, some pop-culture nostalgia, and Chef Brad walks us through his insane 9-course summer pop-up dinner menu.

• Tour Divide Gear Check: The massive shift from saddlebags to rear racks, Garmin vs. Coros Dura, and the missing 32-inch test bikes.

• Industry Shakeups: Scott's Scale Gravel RC blurring the MTB lines and how XDS might completely disrupt carbon bike pricing.

• The PED Conspiracy: A candid discussion on TRT, ketones, and whether the pro peloton is quietly slipping back into its old ways.

• USA Trail Update: Florida scouting is completely verified and finished.

• Off The Bars: Hawk attacks in the yard, 25 years of The Fast and the Furious, and Chef Brad's 95-degree friendly 9-course culinary masterclass.

Tags/Keywords:Tour Divide 2024, Bikepacking Gear, Tailfin Rack, Gravel Cycling, Scott Scale Gravel RC, XDS Bikes, PEDs in Cycling, Pro Peloton Doping, USA Trail Route, Basepacking, ShiftLess Podcast

In This Episode:

Shiftless Ep. 148: Tour Divide Preview, Gear Trends, 32-inch Wheels, and Doping TalkIn Shiftless episode 148, the hosts preview the Tour Divide and discuss last year’s fastest time by Robin (11 days, 19 hours, 14 minutes) being ineligible due to reroutes, then review Bikepacking.com’s rig data: no 32-inch bikes in the field, rear racks now dominate (about 77%) led by Tailfin, flat bars slightly outnumber drop bars, Salsa remains the biggest brand (mostly Cutthroats) though with reduced share, Mezcal tires are most common, and electronic drivetrains and Coros Dura computers are more prevalent. They debate Scott’s marketing around 32-inch prototypes and a rigid flat-bar “Scott Scale Gravel RC” listed as a gravel bike, and reflect on generational gaps and monoculture. 00:00 Tour Divide Preview Kickoff00:28 Record Pace Reality Check01:20 Gear Teasers And Hot Takes03:39 Reroutes And Last Year Recap04:52 Surprise Visitor Interruption06:47 Back To Divide Gear Trends09:04 Racks Droppers And Old School12:43 Brands Tires And Bike Computers19:16 No 32s And Scott Marketing23:08 Scott Scale Gravel Confusion24:33 Generational Gap And Monoculture31:08 Cycling’s Missing Youth32:21 Marketing to New Riders33:53 Scott Bike Lineup Hunt34:58 Steroids and Spectacle37:49 Is That Really Gravel40:59 Doping Returns Debate51:52 Fast and Furious Detour54:15 Better Call Saul Talk58:50 Backyard Hawks and Snakes01:00:35 USA Trail and Industry News01:04:46 Will Prices Backtrack01:05:21 China Subsidy Advantage01:06:05 Carbon Rims and Rebrands01:08:07 China vs Taiwan Fact Check01:09:39 XDS Scale and Market Reality01:11:14 E-Bike Market Direction01:13:58 Tour de France and Side Tangents01:16:47 Wildlife Yard Interlude01:19:15 Pop-Up Dinner Menu Breakdown01:23:15 Rides Weather and Moto Luggage01:26:02 Tour Hype and Doping Debate01:34:45 Where Supplements Become Doping01:38:25 Lance Era Doubt and Wrap-Up

Welcome to Episode 147 of the ShiftLess Podcast! This week, we’re serving up a heavy dose of mental gymnastics, cycling industry conspiracy theories, and... dry-cured meats?

Bradford gives us an update from the "cure room," but the real meat of the episode is Kevin’s massive hot take on the sudden explosion of the 32-inch gravel bike hype. After the absolute dominance of the Specialized Crux at Unbound Gravel (taking 4 of the top 6 spots), are competitors like Scott and Trek pushing 32-inch prototypes as vaporware just to freeze Specialized's sales momentum? We break down the timeline, compare the 32" hype machine to the slow burn of the original 29er mountain bikes, and discuss whether the industry is actually innovating or just scrambling for survival.

Plus, we talk Keegan Swenson's Unbound tactics, the upcoming Tour Divide, and why flat-bar drops might be the next frankenbike trend at Leadville.

Disclaimer: We aren't industry insiders. This is just our opinion, our observations, and a lot of unapologetic bike nerdery.

• Join the Pack: Check out upcoming grassroots gravel & ultra-endurance events at Spinistry.net

• Listen on the Go: Find ShiftLess on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your audio.

#GravelCycling #32InchBike #SpecializedCrux #UnboundGravel #ShiftLessPodcast #CyclingIndustry #BikeTech #GravelRacing #MountainBiking #TourDivide #ScottBikes #KeeganSwenson #Bikepacking #CyclingPodcast #Spinistry

Shiftless Ep. 147: Salami in the Cure Room, Unbound Debrief, and the 32-Inch Gravel ConspiracyIn Episode 147 of Shiftless, the hosts open by disclaiming they’re sharing opinions, then detour into Bradford’s “cure room” and his salami projects (beef, Calabrian pork tenderloin, and ventricina-style), explaining drying to ~40% loss and vacuum-sealing to equalize moisture. They pivot to bicycles with an Unbound debrief and a debate over 32-inch wheel hype, noting only one appeared in the pro race while Robin won XL on a Scott 32-inch prototype. They argue the new Specialized Crux dominated results and discuss team dynamics, marketing, and concerns about Specialized dealer pricing. Kevin proposes a conspiracy that 32-inch hype was amplified to slow Crux momentum among early adopters, while Bradford contends big brands are quietly developing 32s and hype moves faster now. They also preview a delayed Tour Divide episode, discuss parts availability for 32s in ultra events, note tracking tools, and touch on Leadville’s drop-bar ban.00:00 Rolling in HD00:23 Opinions Disclaimer01:22 Cure Room Salami02:26 Salami Tasting Notes04:52 Back to Bicycles05:57 Unbound 32 Inch Recap07:02 Team Orders Talk09:23 Specialized Dealer Drama10:50 Crux Dominates Unbound11:40 Tour Divide Plans12:46 Marketing and Tire Clearance16:24 32 Inch Hype Timing22:23 Vaporware Argument23:21 Boutique vs Big Brands26:50 Fads and Fueling Trends28:52 Who Drives the Hype30:11 Sea Otter Reality Check30:55 Will Big Brands Debut 32s34:30 Hype Cycle vs Reality38:25 Development Cycles Explained39:03 MTB Platform Confusion39:41 Scott 32 Prototype Strategy44:19 Hype Cycle vs Reality48:36 Tour Divide Practicalities53:25 Salsa Size Debate55:23 Bikepacking Bags and Fit57:03 AC Troubles and Costs01:02:00 Industry Survival and 32 Adoption01:09:01 Leadville Bars and Specialized01:12:48 Unbound Results and Rider Stories01:19:42 Tour Divide Lists and Tracking01:21:52 Wrap Up and Sign Off

We took the mobile studio down to Lewisville, Texas, to sit down with local legends Carlos and Lisa Uranga at the brand-new Full Gas Cycling Fit Studio. Before we dive into the black magic of bike fitting, Brad and Kevin debrief the absolute mudfest at Unbound 2024. We break down Keegan Swenson's F1-style pit stops, the utter dominance of the Specialized Crux, and the momentum building behind Scott’s winning 32-inch prototype in the XL field.

Then, we get down to the nuts and bolts of how a proper bike fit can give you free watts, fix that nagging lower back pain, and keep you smiling on those ultra-endurance pushes. Carlos and Lisa break down why buying a bike before getting fit is a massive gamble—especially in the era of expensive, integrated cockpits. Whether you are building up a brand-new MOG, tweaking a trusty Fargo, or stubbornly mashing a single-speed, this episode is packed with fit philosophy that will change how you look at your rig.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Unbound 2024 Fallout: Mud, marginal gains, and why a good team dynamic is just as important as tire clearance.

• The 32-Inch Wheel Revolution: Will it become the new standard for ultra-endurance and bikepacking?

• The Pre-Purchase Fit: Why you should get mapped on a fit bike before dropping $10k on a rig with an integrated cockpit.

• Short Crank Science: The mechanical advantage of dropping down to 160mm or 165mm cranks to open up your hip angle and improve aerodynamics.

• Solving the "Hot Foot": Why standard wide shoes (we’re looking at you, Shimano) might be failing you, and how surface area, socks, and custom insoles make or break a 100-mile ride.

• Direct-to-Consumer Risks: The pros and cons of buying Chinese carbon frames like X-Lab or Quick Pro without a proper geometry consultation.

Links & Resources:

• Full Gas Cycling Fit Studio: fullgasfitstudio.com

• Find Carlos & Lisa Urrenga's studio off 121 in Lewisville, TX for your next pre-purchase mapping or fit follow-up.

  
  

  0:00 New Location Intro00:22 Meet Full Gas Fit Studio01:31 Unbound Tech Talk 32s05:27 Fit Implications of 32s08:54 Unbound Weather Recap11:11 Wheel Swap Drama14:12 Crux Bike vs Talent16:14 Fit Basics Stack Reach21:57 Buy Fit Before Bike27:28 Integrated Cockpit Headaches34:18 Hot Feet Troubleshooting39:49 Fitting Riders on Flats40:58 Flats Versus Clips41:47 Leg Length Shims42:40 Short Crank Setup44:27 Q Factor Explained45:10 Pedal Options Today47:04 Fit Across Bike Types50:02 Goals Drive Fit51:35 Common Pain Triggers52:50 How Often Refit55:53 Injuries And Compensation57:41 Tools And Assessments59:47 Free Watts For All01:01:14 Modern MTB Geometry01:02:44 Droppers And Setback01:05:24 Hip Angle Blood Flow01:08:08 Watching Pros Critically01:09:52 Three Contact Points01:11:55 Ultra Endurance Fits01:14:16 Pre Fit Before Buying01:17:34 Partnering With Shops01:20:14 Fit Included On 10K Bikes01:20:38 Custom Spec Bikes01:21:05 Booking a Fit01:21:57 Four Hour Fit Day01:23:30 When MOG Won’t Fit01:24:38 Testing Cockpits Fast01:26:00 Fit Bike vs Your Bike01:27:19 Pricing and Transfers01:28:24 Why Fits Matter01:30:48 Follow Ups and Fees01:33:54 Crank Length Debate01:37:07 Short Cranks Stories01:44:45 Trends and Geometry01:46:08 DTC Brands and LBS01:50:03 Wrong Bike Problem01:51:32 Wrap Up and Contact
  

Will Unbound Gravel be the proving ground for 32-inch wheels? In episode 145 of the ShiftLess podcast, we dive into the latest industry rumors, including the highly anticipated debut of 32-inch gravel bikes by top-tier pros. We also break down major cycling news, from the unfortunate closure of Niner Bikes to the triumphant return of Paragon Machine Works and SRAM's groundbreaking legal victory over the UCI.

Beyond the bikes, we preview the Traka gravel race's push to become Europe's premier event, discuss optimal sous vide steak techniques, and outline a detailed business plan for bringing authentic New Orleans-style po'boys to Texas.

• Unbound Gravel Preview & Rumors: Speculating on course conditions, wildcard contenders, and the potential debut of 32-inch wheels from major brands like Scott and Specialized.

• Industry Shakeups: Discussing the end of Niner Bikes, the legacy of 29ers, and the rescue of Paragon Machine Works by Firsthand Framebuilding.

• SRAM vs. The UCI: Breaking down SRAM's successful appeal against the UCI's restrictive gearing rules.

• The Global Gravel Scene: Analyzing the Gravel Earth Series and whether the Traka will rival Unbound as the premier international gravel event.

• Culinary Ventures: Debating the ideal sous vide times for dry-aged Wagyu and brainstorming the logistics of opening a dedicated, nostalgic po'boy shop.

Unbound Gravel 2024, 32 inch wheels gravel bike, Niner Bikes closing, Paragon Machine Works, SRAM UCI gearing rule, Traka gravel race, ShiftLess Podcast, gravel cycling news, custom frame building, sous vide steak, cycling industry updates.

Unbound Gravel Rumors, 32-Inch Wheels, and Bike Industry UpdatesTwo hosts record at Casa Verde on Memorial Day and preview Unbound Gravel, focusing on a rumor that a top-tier pro—possibly Cam Jones on a Scott—will race a 32-inch wheel bike, debating sponsor-driven exposure vs performance, estimating how many 32s might appear, and noting muddy conditions could change equipment choices. They discuss elite start list curiosities, wild-card threats, course changes, weather forecasts, and Lauren potentially being the oldest Lifetime Grand Prix athlete with podium chances. Industry news includes Niner ceasing production to focus on Huffy, Paragon Machine Works being revived via acquisition of stock, machinery, and IP by a Portland custom builder, and SRAM winning an appeal against the UCI’s proposed 54x11 gearing limit. They touch on DT Swiss dynamo hub internals, Tour Divide timing, Traka’s push to become a premier European gravel series, and end with personal updates plus extended talk about sous vide, dry aging, and a potential po’boy shop concept.00:00 Wisdom and Casa Verde01:32 Unbound Rumor Mill02:42 Scott 32-Inch Bombshell07:03 Start List Mysteries09:29 Course and Weather Watch13:54 Over Under on 32s19:09 Wheel Size Talk19:52 Niner Shuts Down24:09 EBB vs Sliding Dropouts26:23 Paragon Returns30:59 Tire Trends Then Now36:20 Dynamo Hub Deep Dive38:42 Tour Divide Preview40:49 Family Updates and Natchez Eats44:27 Pidcock and Pro Chatter46:10 Traka Versus Unbound47:58 Series Drama And Cheating49:43 Routes Dates And Pit Stops51:40 Indoor Camping Hub Idea54:29 Texas Gravel Arrow Wins55:28 SRAM Beats UCI Rule57:43 32 Inch Wheel Speculation01:02:34 Bike Shop Visit And Becky01:04:12 Memorial Day Food Plans01:05:33 Sous Vide And Swordfish01:09:53 Po Boy Shop Blueprint01:16:32 Location POS And Delivery01:26:37 Food Peddler And Minden01:29:05 Wrap Up Ride Your Bike

Kevin and Chef Brad are back in the studio, and this time they’re joined by the king of the Zone 1 Revolution himself, Austin Whittington, fresh off a grueling, wind-blasted win at the Spinistry Red River Riot.

In this episode, the crew dives deep into the current state of grassroots gravel racing versus the increasingly commercialized “Instagramification” of the industry. They discuss how event formats are shifting, why cloverleaf routes might be the ultimate test of mental toughness, and how to bridge the gap for hyper-fit indoor riders who need to build real-world bike handling skills.

The guys also unpack the latest bicycle industry shakeups, from the cooling of the post-COVID used bike market to the unfortunate bankruptcy news surrounding Lynskey. On the gear front, expect a heavy dose of tech talk: the frustrating state of satellite trackers and Garmin’s subscription models, the death of micro-USB, power meter accuracy, and why you might want to rethink running lightweight pedals if you actually want to cross the finish line.

Episode Highlights & Keywords:

• Race Recap: Surviving 40mph Texas gusts and tire size debates (45s vs. 2.1s) at the Red River Riot.

• Industry News: The Lynskey Chapter 11 filing, the new Moots Scrambler, and the shifting dynamics of the secondary bike market.

• Event Design: Why grassroots events are adapting, and the logistical brilliance behind the cloverleaf race route.

• Tech & Gear: Navigating the confusing world of Garmin electronics, inReach satellite trackers, Assioma vs. Garmin power pedals, and the eternal Crank Brothers vs. Shimano SPD reliability debate.

• Culture: The changing rules at major events like Leadville and Rule of Three, and building up beginners in the gravel community.

Grab your coffee (burnt or otherwise) and tune in!

Tags:Gravel cycling, bikepacking, Spinistry, Red River Riot, gravel racing, cycling tech, Garmin Edge, bike tracking, Lynskey titanium, power meters, bike handling, grassroots cycling, cycling industry news, Chef Brad Green.

The Unconventional Justin Cary Returns for an Unbound XL Deep Dive!

In this episode of ShiftLess, Kevin and Brad sit down with our favorite ultra-endurance rule-breaker, Justin Cary. With Unbound XL right around the corner, we are milking this preview for all it's worth. Justin is gunning to shave three hours off his time from last year, and to do it, he's taking some massive swings with his gravel bike setup that fly in the face of conventional cycling wisdom.

We dive deep into the logistics, gear choices, and mental tactics required to survive and thrive at the pointy end of ultra-endurance gravel racing and bikepacking events. Whether you are gearing up for a 300-mile race, fine-tuning your bikepacking rig, or just love nerding out over tire rolling resistance, this episode is packed with real-world takeaways.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• Unbound XL Preview: Goal setting, race tactics, pacing, and drafting in a 350-mile race.

• The Unconventional Setup: Why Justin is ditching aerobars in favor of a high stack height, and how he's running "Fast on Flats" pedals for ultra-distance events.

• Gravel Tire Tech: Testing the puncture resistance and rolling speed of the Michelin Power Adventure 48s on a 2025 Specialized Crux.

• Ultra-Endurance Nutrition: Fueling massive efforts with no solid food using Simple Cycling Nutrition, plus extreme hydration and caffeine strategies for riding through the night.

• Bikepacking Gear & Battery Management: Navigating the logistics of cache batteries, Exposure lights, SRAM RED shifting, and action cameras over multiple days.

• Industry Talk: The Rule of Three course changes, the ongoing debate around suspension forks on gravel bikes, and why 32-inch wheels might be the "Blackberry" of the cycling industry.

• Bonus: Kevin's sous vide beef tenderloin revelation.

Keywords:Gravel riding, gravel racing, Unbound XL, bikepacking, ultra-endurance cycling, specialized crux, gravel bike setup, bikepacking gear, fast on flats pedals, Michelin power adventure, cycling nutrition, Rule of Three gravel, Tour Divide, 32-inch mountain bike wheels, ShiftLess podcast.

Justin's pedals (use coupon code SHIFTLESS for 10% off): https://www.simplecyclingnutrition.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Justin's bike overview on his channel: https://youtu.be/aDOl5X0O5s0?si=Cq0Q8pu4c-ZNhFCg

In this solo edition of ShiftLess, host Kevin Lee dives deep into the heart of gravel cycling culture and the reality of ultra-endurance progression. Recording live from "The Distance"—Spinistry’s inaugural Gravel Max Adventure—Kevin explores the diverse paths riders take when transitioning from beginner gravel clinics to daunting 300-mile straight-through efforts.

We break down the "incremental change" philosophy, explaining why your cycling mindset and mental toughness are far more critical than high-end "bling" or titanium components. Whether you are interested in bikepacking, gravel racing, or preparing for epic routes like the RAT 1000 and the upcoming USA Trail, this episode provides a masterclass in building your skills one step at a time.

• The Beginner Spectrum: Why one-on-one coaching is the most effective way to start your unpaved adventure journey.

• Incremental Progression: How to scale your distance from 35 miles to 300+ miles without "cratering" your performance.

• Gear vs. Grit: A look at why functional equipment and proper nutrition/hydration schedules outweigh marginal gains from expensive bike parts.

• Mental Toughness: The fine line between "riding through pain" and "riding through injury" in ultra-cycling.

• Club Spinistry Evolution: Introducing a new "Titanium" membership tier focused on personalized mentorship and year-round event access.

Primary Keywords: Gravel Cycling, Ultra-Endurance, Bikepacking, Gravel Racing, Cycling Education, Adventure Cycling, USA Trail, RAT 1000, Spinistry.

Secondary Keywords: Gravel bike setup, mental toughness for cyclists, gravel clinic for beginners, long-distance cycling nutrition, endurance bike training.

Are you looking to take your riding to the next level? Join the conversation by emailing [email protected] and let us know what challenges you're facing in your own progression. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review and share it with your local gravel community!

Key Topics Covered:Optimized Metadata & KeywordsEngagement Call to Action