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Welcome back to ShiftLess, the home of unpaved bicycle culture. In Episode 71, Kevin, Brad, and DJ Caleb dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of gravel cycling, bikepacking, and the "dangerous" allure of the E-MTB.

Brad recaps his recent trip to Mena, Arkansas, where the Ward Lake project is poised to become the next major destination for ultra endurance unpaved cycling. We’re talking 100 miles of planned trail, high-elevation technical climbs, and the controversial addition of lift systems in a region that rivals Bentonville for vertical gain.

We also take a hatchet to Bikepacking.com’s recent "13 Favorite Drop Bar Mountain Bikes" list. From the Salsa Cutthroat’s surprising ranking to the emergence of esoteric steel rigs, we discuss what actually makes a bike capable for The USA Trail and long-distance expeditions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Mena Explosion: A firsthand look at the new Ward Lake trails and why this corner of Arkansas is the new frontier for adventure cycling.

• E-Bike Confessions: Brad admits his "love" for the high-powered Cannondale e-MTB. We break down battery range in turbo mode, technical climbing stats, and whether an E-bike still counts as a "workout" (spoiler: a 177 max heart rate says yes).

• The "Worst List Ever": Our unfiltered critique of the top drop bar mountain bikes. Is carbon truly a "drawback" for bikepacking, or is the industry just chasing steel-is-real nostalgia?

• Basepacking & Scouting: How vehicle-supported "Basepacking" is helping verify sections of The USA Trail, and the gear needed to move from camp to backcountry.

• The "Yard Sale" Report: Kevin and Brad trade stories of recent crashes at North Shore, discussing the importance of titanium frames, wide bars, and the slow-motion physics of a bar-over-gate wreck.

• Tech & Gadgets: A look at the new State Bicycle Co. Titanium All-Road, the ultra-tiny SON Dynamo hub with USB-C support, and an experimental $9 Amazon fix for biting flies involving artificial dragonflies.

Whether you are prepping for your next gravel race or looking for the perfect "Amish bike" for a self-supported tour, join us for a candid look at the gear and grease that keeps the wheels turning.

Gravel cycling, bikepacking, gravel racing, ultra endurance unpaved cycling, The USA Trail, Basepacking, Mena Arkansas trails, Salsa Cutthroat, drop bar mountain bike, E-MTB performance, State Bicycle Co Titanium, ShiftLess Podcast.

“Everyone has a plan until they hit a tree gate at North Shore.” — Go ride your bike.

Key Highlights & StatsFeatureDetailsMena Trail Goal100 miles of singletrack & 5 lift systemsE-MTB Range~43 miles in "Turbo Mode" (Texas Motor Speedway testing)Bikepacking Bike RankingsSalsa Cutthroat (#11), Tumbleweed Stargazer (#1)The USA Trail4,000+ mile transcontinental unpaved route verificationKeywords for Optimization

Bikepacking dot com list:

https://bikepacking.com/bikes/13-best-drop-bar-mtb/

Kevin's battery test video:

https://youtu.be/BC9HceWFEEg

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Fair warning, this one kicks off with plenty of explicit language. Not recommended for bluetooth speakers at church...

Can you actually "jailbreak" an E-Bike, and what does it cost when the motor finally blows?

In this episode, recorded at Velo Republic in Denton, TX, Kevin and Brad get a masterclass in modern cycling logistics. We move past the "E-bike vs. Analog" debate and dive into the cold, hard numbers of motor replacement, warranty "fingerprints," and the upcoming infrastructure changes affecting the North Texas cycling scene.

In this episode, we deconstruct:

• The "Wrench" Session: Gabe from Velo Republic joins us to break down E-bike motor costs ($600–$900), battery lifespans, and why "jailbreaking" your Class 1 motor leaves a digital trail that kills your warranty.

• Tour Divide 2026: Caleb and Brad discuss their "permission slips" and the tactical reality of taking a month off to tackle the 2,700-mile trek from Canada to Mexico.

• The "ShiftLess" Infrastructure Audit: Analyzing Denton’s 20/100 bike network score and the "gas line vs. pylon" standoff holding up the Hickory Creek bridge.

• Hub Motors vs. Mid-Drive: Real-world feedback on the Salsa Confluence and why a "boost" feels different than a "mini-bike."

• Endurance Fueling & Recovery: Why the "emotional hangover" of a DNF requires a Taco Casa chelada and a 10-year bottle of Laphroaig.

Whether you are weighing the pros and cons of your first E-Gravel bike or planning a transcontinental adventure for 2026, this episode offers the logical, no-nonsense perspective every "sincere bike geek" needs.

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In this episode, we cover:

• Unbound XL Review: Justin breaks down his 41st place finish (Top 25%) and how he navigated 350 miles with zero navigation errors. We discuss his "liquid-only" nutrition strategy using Maltodextrin and Fructose, and why he chose to ride the entire race looking only at distance—no heart rate, no power, no average speed.

• The Leadville 100 Preview: With less than a month to go, Justin shares his strategy for the Sub-9 Hour Big Buckle. We talk about heat acclimation (the Texas advantage), high-altitude prep in Keystone, and why he’s leaning toward the Trek Super Caliber for the thin air of Colorado.

• The Unconventional Setup: * Flat Pedals on Gravel: Why Justin is a "Faster on Flats" zealot and how he avoids the dreaded shin-strike.

  • The 3D-Printed Saddle: Transitioning from the "Grandpa seat" to the Specialized Mirror technology.

  • Gear: Running Pathfinder S-Works 42mm tires and the Fox Stepcaster 50mm gravel fork.

• Industry Disruptors: * The DJI E-Bike Motor: Breaking news from Eurobike on DJI’s 1000-watt entry into the market.

  • Pinion MGU: The motor and gearbox unit that could finally make the derailleur obsolete.

  • AI Suspension: A look at the SRAM Flight Attendant and its 10,000-adjustments-per-second capability.

• The "ShiftLess" Culture: From Nicholas Cage's performance in Raising Arizona and Pig to the tactical brilliance of Chinese ice skaters and the quest for the ultimate sandwich.

Whether you're a data-obsessed racer or a grassroots explorer, this conversation is a reminder that the best way to ride is often the way that makes the most sense to you.

Leadville 100 MTB, Unbound XL, Justin Cary, Trek Checkpoint, Trek Super Caliber, Flat Pedals Gravel, Maltodextrin Nutrition, DJI E-bike Motor, Pinion MGU, SRAM Flight Attendant, Leadville Big Buckle, Spinistry, Texas Gravel Cycling.

For Justin to hit his sub-9-hour goal at Leadville, he’ll need to maintain a relentless pace across over 11,000 feet of climbing at an average elevation of 10,000+ feet. Here is a look at the historical split targets required to bring home the gold.

Justin’s plan to acclimate by "pushing as hard as possible" for three days in Keystone is... bold. Do you think his unconventional approach will hold up against the "thin air" of the high Rockies, or is this where the "bro science" finally meets its match?

KeywordsThe "Big Buckle" Benchmarks

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Welcome back to ShiftLess, where we dive into the grit and glory of unpaved bicycle culture. In Episode 68, Kevin and Brad are back in the Texas heat to discuss the mental and physical demands of ultra endurance unpaved cycling.

From the secrets of heat acclimation for summer gravel racing to the tactical gear choices that keep you in the saddle for 100+ miles, we’re covering the essentials for every adventure cyclist. Kevin provides updates on the final physical verification of The USA Trail, a 4,000-mile transcontinental masterpiece, and explores the growing movement of Basepacking—using your vehicle as a mobile hub for deeper bikepacking excursions.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Heat Acclimation & Training: Brad’s "High Noon" Zone 2 regimen and why monitoring your heart rate is the key to surviving the summer gravel cycling season.

• The USA Trail & Basepacking: A look at the future of long-distance scouting and how vehicle-supported adventure is changing the bikepacking game.

• The Leather Saddle Debate: Why Brooks and Sella Anatomica remain the gold standard for high-mileage comfort, and why synthetic "Cambium" alternatives don't always make the cut.

• Route Planning Mastery: Using Ride with GPS, heat maps, and Google Earth to find hidden gems in unfamiliar territory.

• Tech & Gear: First looks at the Redshift Kitchen Sink bars, the utility of flat pedals for endurance, and the "secret cocktail" for hydration.

• Unpaved Culture: Catching up on the Tour de France, the "Phil Liggett/Bob Roll" commentary era, and a deep dive into Season 3 of The Bear.

Whether you’re prepping for your next gravel race or planning a cross-country bikepacking expedition, join us for a raw look at the gear, the routes, and the culture that defines the unpaved life.

Gravel cycling, gravel racing, bikepacking, ultra endurance unpaved cycling, The USA Trail, Basepacking, heat acclimation, adventure cycling, leather bicycle saddles, Ride with GPS, ShiftLess Podcast.

Keywords for Optimization

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Shawn jumps in after about 30 minutes

In Episode 67 of ShiftLess, Kevin Lee and DJ Caleb go remote to "Spinistryville," Georgia, and are joined by the architect of the DFW Summer Series and Rudolph’s Revenge, Shawn McAfee. With Brad "in a better place" (vacationing in Mexico), the crew dives deep into the state of unpaved bicycle culture, from the local short-track scene to transcontinental ultra endurance unpaved cycling.

We kick things off with a debrief on Unbound Gravel, exploring why the 2024 course felt "tamped down" and how the industry-wide shift to 45mm+ tires is redefining gravel racing speed. Kevin provides an update on his scouting for The USA Trail, verifying thousands of miles of unpaved roads in the Oconee National Forest using Basepacking—the art of using a vehicle as a mobile hub for deep backcountry exploration.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The DFW Racing Scene: Shawn McAfee reflects on 11 years of the DFW Summer Series and how to cultivate the next generation of riders through NICA and family-friendly short-track formats.

• Ultra Endurance Updates: A look at the blistering pace of the 2024 Tour Divide, where leaders like Justinas Leveika and Ulrich Bartholomoes are chasing record times, and Meaghan Hackinen is smashing the women's course record.

• The Zwift Revolution: A technical breakdown of the new Zwift Ride smart bike, the "n+1" philosophy of indoor training, and Shawn's hilarious "virtual apology press conference" after a team time trial dispute.

• Gear & Tech: A preview of the new Salsa Cutthroat colorways, the rise of Tailfin rack systems over traditional seat packs, and the "Artificial Dragonfly" hack for bug-free camping.

• Basepacking in Georgia: Kevin’s first look at "Spinistryville" and the 55,000 acres of dirt roads waiting for the next big bikepacking event.

Whether you're a "Swift Boy" logging 15 hours a week on the trainer or a wilderness purist scouting The USA Trail, join us for a candid conversation about the gear, the grit, and the community that defines modern cycling.

Gravel cycling, bikepacking, gravel racing, ultra endurance unpaved cycling, The USA Trail, Basepacking, Tour Divide 2024, Zwift Ride, Salsa Cutthroat, mountain bike racing, Shawn McAfee, ShiftLess Podcast.

“Everything thinks they’re tough until they get punched in the face by a Georgia hill.” — Go ride your bike.

Key Statistics: DFW Summer Series & EnduranceCategoryDetailsYears Running11 Years (Est. 2013)Race Format30 - 60 minute "Short Track" Crit-style MTBUltra MilestoneTour Divide Leaders passing 1,000 miles in ~4 days (2024)Zwift TrainingRecommended "n+1" smart trainer for 5+ additional saddle hours/weekExport to SheetsKeywords for Optimization

www.dfwseries.com

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Had to bail out early on this one for a sick dog. He's all better now so don't be concerned.

In Episode 66 of the ShiftLess podcast, the crew dives into the latest shifts in the unpaved bicycle culture, covering everything from high-stakes gravel racing qualifiers to the heartbreaking reality of bike theft. Whether you are prepping for an ultra endurance event or planning your next bikepacking escape, this episode is packed with technical insights and grassroots stories.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The RAD Dirt Fest & Unbound Qualifiers: We break down the news that The RAD is now an official Unbound Gravel qualifier. We discuss the "Willy Wonka golden ticket" system, including the 100 qualifier coins (50 for top finishers and 50 via random drawing) and how this impacts the lottery-driven world of elite gravel racing.

• Stolen Bikes & Security Tech: Following a heartbreaking story of a college student’s stolen bike, we discuss the efficacy of Apple AirTags and the "Find My" mesh network. Is an AirTag a true deterrent, or does the anti-stalking notification tip off the thief?

• The USA Trail & Basepacking: Kevin shares updates on The USA Trail, the massive transcontinental project, and how Basepacking is changing the way riders approach self-supported adventure by utilizing vehicles as mobile base camps.

• Hitch Rack Deep Dive: A look at the new OneUp Equip’D rack—including a critique of its pin design and weight limits for heavy e-bikes—alongside the massive Kuat Transfer recall (affecting models manufactured between 2020 and 2024).

• DIY Bike Fit for Knee Pain: Brad shares a "marginal gain" victory, explaining how a minor cleat adjustment (moving the cleat outward to force the toe inward) instantly resolved months of chronic knee pain.

• Energy & Sustainability: A conversation on the future of off-grid power, comparing the efficiency of lithium phosphate batteries to traditional solar setups and the current state of Tesla battery warranties.

Bicycle Theft Statistics: To put the discussion in perspective, bike theft is a significant hurdle for the community. National statistics suggest that approximately 1.5 to 2 million bicycles are stolen annually in the United States. Unfortunately, recovery rates remain low, with only about 5% of stolen bikes ever being returned to their original owners—making serial number registration and GPS tracking (like AirTags) more critical than ever.

Join us as we navigate the humidity, the gear recalls, and the grit of the gravel world.

Keywords: Gravel Cycling, Gravel Racing, Bikepacking, The USA Trail, Basepacking, Unbound Gravel, The RAD Dirt Fest, OneUp Components, Kuat Racks, Bike Theft Prevention, AirTags for Bikes, Ultra Endurance Cycling.

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What happens when your training is perfect, but your body stops accepting fuel at mile 130?

In this episode, Caleb provides a raw, play-by-play recap of his Unbound XL 350 attempt. From navigating the "Junmidity" of Emporia to the strategic decision to DNF at mile 170, we explore the hard lessons of self-supported ultra-racing and the "maturity of the DNF."

In this episode, we break down:

• The Nutrition "Black Hole": Why Caleb’s stomach locked up despite perfect prep, and the "Graham cracker and orange juice" recovery in the ER.

• Tire Tech for Kansas: Real-world performance of the Continental Race King 2.2s on the chunky, flint-filled double track.

• Redshift Control Grips: Why ergonomic contact points are a "no-brainer" for reducing hand numbness over 15+ hours.

• The Logistics of Chaos: Dealing with last-minute route changes, "scattershot" info from organizers, and the Emporia State dorm life.

• Pro Race Insights: Discussing Lachlan Morton’s historic win and Dylan Johnson’s 10th-place finish through the lens of aerodynamics and "Buddha belly" luck.

Whether you are prepping for your first XL or currently dealing with an "emotional hangover" from a race that didn't go to plan, this episode offers a relatable look at the grit required for the world’s most famous gravel event.

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Connect with the Community:

• Spinistry Events: www.spinistry.net

• The USA Trail: www.TheUSATrail.com

• Follow the Journey: Join us as we scout the transcontinental USA Trail and define the future of BasePacking.

Keywords: Unbound XL 350 Recap, Endurance Cycling Nutrition, Stomach Shutdown Cycling, Continental Race King 2.2 Gravel, Redshift Control Grips Review, Self-Supported Ultra Racing, Emporia Kansas Gravel, Spirit of Gravel, Spinistry, BasePacking 2026.

How do you transition from the pavement to the dirt without breaking a hip or bonking at mile 30?

In this solo deep-dive, Kevin from Spinistry draws on 20+ years of gravel experience and event promotion to provide a masterclass in unpaved adventure. This isn't just about what bike to buy; it’s about the "BBQ Philosophy" of iteration—changing one piece of your setup or training at a time until you’ve dialed in the perfect endurance machine.

In this episode, we break down the Top 10 Gravel Basics:

• The MTB Shortcut: Why riding an easy mountain bike trail for one hour will improve your gravel handling more than a month of road riding.

• The Zone 2 Foundation: How to build an "all-day" endurance base by adding 3–6 hours of low-intensity heart rate training to your weekly routine.

• Gravel Group Dynamics: Why you should treat gravel events like a time trial rather than a road pack, and how to "ride your own ride."

• The "3-Hour" Rule: Why you must carry everything you need for 180 minutes of isolation, regardless of aid stations.

• Navigation Mastery: Learning the quirks of your Garmin or Wahoo and why "following the rider in front of you" is a recipe for getting lost.

• The DNF Protocol: The promoter’s perspective on safety, checking in, and why you should never make your emergency contact panic.

• The BBQ Iteration Method: Why you should start with the gear you have and adjust your setup "one ingredient at a time" based on real-world feedback.

Whether you are an experienced roadie looking for "saddle time" or a brand-new cyclist dreaming of your first Spinistry event, this episode provides the strategic blueprint for the modern adventure rider.

Connect with the Community:

• Spinistry Events: www.spinistry.net

• The USA Trail: www.theusatrail.com

• Food. Adventures. Memories. Visit us at www.eatatfam.com

• Follow the Journey: Join us as we scout the transcontinental USA Trail and define the future of BasePacking.

Keywords: Gravel bike skills for beginners, How to ride gravel roads, Endurance cycling training, Zone 2 heart rate for cyclists, Gravel bike fit, Bike mechanical skills for beginners, Texas gravel racing, Spinistry, BasePacking 2026.

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The cycling industry is shifting, and this week on ShiftLess, we’re breaking down one of the biggest "back to the future" moves in years: Kona Bikes is back under original ownership and ditching the direct-to-consumer model. We dive into why this return to bike shop roots matters for the culture and the community.

But the gear talk doesn't stop there. With Unbound XL looming, Caleb is in the hot seat detailing his 350-mile setup. From the rolling resistance of Continental Race King tires to the ergonomics of the new Redshift riser bars, we discuss what it actually takes to stay "dialed in" for a self-supported ultra-endurance effort.

In this episode, we cover:

• The Big Industry Shakeup: Kona’s return to its founders and what it means for the future of local bike shops.

• The Tech War: Garmin 1040 Solar vs. the new Hammerhead Karoo 3. We discuss battery life, processor speed, and why solar might be the ultimate game-changer for gravel.

• Unbound XL Prep: Caleb’s first ride report on the "Black Chili" Race Kings, his Skratch Labs nutrition strategy, and the "gas station gourmet" list of foods that actually power a 350-mile ride.

• Gear Roasts & Reviews: Why the Rodeo Labs "buckle bibs" are still living rent-free in our heads and the reality of shimming aero bars on modern riser setups.

• Spinistry Palooza 2024: First details on the November event in Terlingua, including the 100-mile single-day option and the mandatory Christmas Mountain descent.

Whether you're prepping for your first gravel race or looking for an honest take on the latest tech, join us for a deep dive into unpaved bicycle culture.

Gravel Cycling, Unbound XL, Kona Bikes, Garmin 1040 Solar, Hammerhead Karoo 3, Spinistry, Redshift Sports, Continental Race King, Bicycle Podcast, Ultra Endurance Cycling, Skratch Labs, Bikepacking Nutrition.

Keywords

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