Velo Podcast

Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois

Winter is looming, and for those of us not living in the desert, it’s time to figure out our off-season training plans. With Logan Jones-Wilkins off enjoying his birthday on a bike, host Mike Levy, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross hold down the fort.

The crew wraps up spooky listener submissions with a terrifying machete encounter in Morro Bay before diving into the new tech behind the Zwift Plus update. There is a lot of noise about the new video routes—and the unexpected bathroom emergencies caught on camera—but the real value is the new machine-learning coaching integration, and why it might actually be a viable alternative to Strava. Finally, the team lays out their 2027 goals, explaining why grinding out indoor base miles is a terrible idea, the benefits of reverse polarization, and what it takes to qualify for the legendary 1,200-kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris.

In This Episode:

Spooky listener stories: Near-misses with falling trees and a Morro Bay machete encounter.

Zwift Plus breakdown: video routes, virtual traffic, and why the new machine-learning coaching tech is the real reason to upgrade.

Escaping Strava: Can Zwift's outdoor ride tracking replace Strava's mandatory social network?

Winter Training 101: Why Josh is ditching indoor base miles for high-intensity intervals, and why Mike is hitting the heavy weights.

Paris-Brest-Paris: Lisa announces her 2027 qualifying plans, sparking a heated debate over randonneuring rules, mandatory reflective gear, and zero-sleep rides.

What are your big goals for next season, and how do you plan to train for them? And if you happen to have a terrible mid-ride bathroom emergency story... we want to hear that too. Let us know in the comments!

Listener Perks:

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

Welcome to this special episode of the Velo Podcast from our 2027 Field Test, where we asked one very important question: What does the future of gravel look like?

We started with a first impressions loop, then put them through a series of head to head challenges, and finally took them on a 100km ride with varied terrain up to Whistler, BC.

Chapters

In this special episode of the Velo Podcast presented by Pivot, Chris Cocalis, Founder of Pivot Cycles, joins Mike Levy to discuss a new project from the Arizona, based brand. 

Most people know Pivot for forward thinking mountain bikes, but now the brand is getting into road bikes with the Pravia, a bike Pivot is calling ‘a race bike built for humans.’

Intrigued? Us too. 

This is actually a return to road bikes for Pivot. The brand partnered with BH years ago on road bike product development and design from 2007 to 2012. Fast forward to today and Pivot has decided the time is right to get into this category under its own name.

“I just thought we could have a cutting edge product that was better,” said Cocalis. 

For this project, he tapped into the innovative spirit at Pivot, like when they pushed into 29-inch wheels early, or developed a fat bike. “Pivot is our brand, and wherever we decide to take it we can compete in those categories,” he said. 

Although there was some consideration for making a super lightweight, specialist bike, Cocalis really wanted to get back to having one good road bike to ride everything. So the Pivot team set forth to create the Pravia, a performance road bike with elements that more riders will find more comfortable. They have lovingly dubbed it “a race bike for humans.”

Cocalis was deeply involved in the bike development process for the Pravia. 

He walks us through the carbon layup development process. It took two years to get all the different sizes correct, and the 56 size around took at least six rounds of development to get the weight and ride quality where they wanted them. But it’s actually the smallest sizes that are the hardest to develop. Cocalis also talks to us about how Pivot’s Hollow Core Carbon Molding process for creating carbon frames differs from other brands. He calls it the most precise way to make a carbon frame. 

Levy and Cocalis also get into the nitty gritty details that set this bike apart

Cocalis talked us through his decision to include downtube storage, a move that isn’t always perceived as being for performance bikes. It was also a massive development process to get a downtube storage door that “doesn’t squeak, doesn’t creak, doesn’t leak,” and that’s before trying to hit stiffness and weight targets. It’s part of the reason they needed six rounds of layup development on the size 56 frame alone. 

Cocalis then discusses the decision to go all-in on electronic shifting. As he puts it, the Pravia is a high-end bike built for a rider that’s not interested in mechanical shifting. And making it electronic only means not sacrificing ride quality, performance, or weight to build in cable guides and stops. “It is definitely a performance minded decision,” Cocalis said. 

Then there’s the small details that make the bike more livable, like a seatpost wedge that actually works — an apparently high bar to clear in this day and age. 

Settle in for a great episode of the Velo Podcast

Learn more about the Pravia : https://www.pivotcycles.com/en-us/bikes/pravia

Time stamps

Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins

This is a spooky week to talk about bikes. Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, host Mike Levy, and Josh Ross are all committed to the Halloween bit, but they don't let it distract from the tech.

The crew starts off by diving into listener questions, chatting about why weight has fallen out of the top spot in specs over the last few years, and exploring the reasons why you might decide to care about weight more than aero—even if it makes you slower overall. Plus, Logan shares insight into why the pros don’t care as much about aero as it seems like they should.

The big question still looming is about the crew's failed desert adventure. Lisa can’t stop thinking about it, and the debate continues over going back for unfinished business versus just letting it die, alongside some epic failed-ride stories from listeners.

From there, it’s time to talk about bike computers. The chat starts with whether anyone actually needs an $800 head unit, but quickly devolves into the ultimate wardrobe debate: jorts versus spandex, including Josh's hot take that the casual jorts crowd is actually the least welcoming group in cycling.

The real meat of the tech discussion is the polarizing new Coros Dura 2. We answer your questions, break down why the Coros ecosystem is a major selling point, and mourn the loss of the first generation's scroll wheel. After that, it’s the Levy and Logan show as the gravel boys take on the new Öhlins GXF30 Suspension Fork, debating whether a well-designed gravel fork ever actually needs a lockout.

Finally, we get to the big topic of the week: Halloween. The crew shares their spookiest, unexplained bike stories from the darkest night rides.

Listener Perks:

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

Episode Chapters:

00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:38 - Listener Q&A: Weight vs Aero

00:12:02 - Do You Have to Redo a Failed Adventure?

00:20:12 - Comments: Does Anyone Need an $800 Computer?

00:29:50 - Coros Dura 2 Review: What’s New

00:39:37 - The Ecosystem Problem

00:45:37 - Dislikes & the Price Question

00:50:10 - Öhlins GXF30 Gravel Suspension Fork

00:58:41 - Spooky Bike Stories

01:19:05 - Wrap-Up & Listener Prompt

Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois

We headed into the desert for a massive route, and the desert won. This week, Mike Levy, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross (Logan Jones-Wilkins is still away) recount the war stories from our brutal trip through Death Valley. We’re talking 109-degree heat, heat exhaustion, and gale-force hurricane winds—which makes for a very interesting day when you are riding an aero bike with 65mm wheels.

We break down exactly how the ride fell apart, including why Lisa dropped us on the first major climb and what caused her husband to end up puking on the side of the road.

Before we get into the survival stories, we tackle your listener questions. I explain why I never give exact numbers when quoting aero savings, we offer up some new bike recommendations, and we listen to a gnarly crash recounting. Plus, we debate the new Garmin Edge 1060 and whether voice control on a bike computer actually makes sense.

This week's poll: A big goal goes unfinished. Do you plan a revenge ride, or move on to the next adventure? Let us know in the comments.

Listener Perks:

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

We tally up our most memorable on-bike disasters, look at why World Tour riders are ditching BOA dials for laces, and debate the true cost of the sport. Let us know your worst cycling mistake in the comments!

About This Episode:

This week, Lisa Charlebois, our host Mike Levy, and I (Josh Ross) will be riding in Death Valley when you watch this. With that in mind, we had a discussion—including Logan Jones-Wilkins who will only be on the ride in spirit—all about the mistakes we’ve made.

It starts with Logan giving me a bit of a hard time. The problem is that I’m so risk-averse I don’t actually have a ton of examples. If left to my own devices, I tend to move slowly and plan things carefully to avoid disaster. Mistakes do happen though, and I have a few. Lisa has a few more, and Logan has a few more too. Pretty soon though, this just devolves into the Levy show. Mike is far from risk-averse, and the number of things he’s done with his body moving faster than his ability to contemplate the results is pretty extensive.

We do have some other things to chat about this week before we get into all the Mike Levy disasters, though. Did you know that laces are more aerodynamic than BOA dials? Logan noticed a lot of riders at Worlds seemed to be into laces, so he jumped into why and has some interesting details to share. I also get a chance to share why I suggest that anyone looking for budget-focused shoes might want to think twice about BOA dials.

Then we take some time to answer listener questions, including a dive into why Mike is adamant that cycling isn’t an expensive sport. That discussion happens right around when we also talk about the $6,500 Partington wheels that Pidcock was riding at Worlds. Clearly, the two things are not related. Same story with the 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 rim brake groupset that apparently still exists for sale.

Support the Channel:

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at https://www.outsideonline.com/membership/ to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins

Inside the Rapha corporate fallout, a boots-on-the-ground Worlds recap, and the strategy behind selling $6,500 wheels.

This week, we dive into road tech, racing drama, and the cycling industry's biggest shakeups. Logan Jones-Wilkins brings us inside the race for the rainbow stripes, while Josh and Logan debate the business logic behind some of the sport's most polarizing gear.

In this episode:

Worlds Recap: Logan’s on-the-ground breakdown of Brandon McNulty’s win and the ridiculous positional rule that nearly upended the women’s race with Kate Courtney.

The Rapha Meltdown: Is its financial restructuring a textbook marketing fail, or was the CEO’s departure actually a calculated, voluntary exit?

High-Dollar Bling: Why a custom Firefly rim-brake bike makes no logical sense but still commands attention, and how $6,500 Partington wheels prove a Western brand can maintain appeal against cheaper Eastern competition.

Listener Q&A: We address the Canyon mounting system corrections, Logan answers for his Haro bike, and Josh shares advice on balancing mileage goals with raising kids.

Listener Perks:

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

Chapter Markers

00:00:00 - Intro: Lisa's Heat Training for the Desert

00:02:17 - Logan at the Montreal World Champs

00:06:21 - A Road-Only Episode Challenge

00:08:53 - Listener Q&A: Grail Mounts, Motivation, Water Bladders & the Old Haro

00:19:58 - Firefly Bicycles: Titanium Rim-Brake Art

00:30:23 - Fran Miller Steps Down & the Rapha Story

00:37:34 - Manufactured Scarcity & Cycling Fashion

00:43:25 - World Champs: The Men's Race & McNulty's Win

00:48:41 - Should Pogačar Be Unbeatable?

00:53:48 - The Women's Race: Vollering vs Kopecky

00:56:35 - Demi's UCI Fine & the Puppy-Paw Rule

00:59:33 - Kate Courtney & the Crash

01:01:56 - Trade Teams vs National Teams

01:05:42 - Tom Pidcock's Partington Wheels

01:14:45 - Wrap-Up & Listener Questions

Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins

This week, we have a full house with Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, Mike Levy, and Josh Ross. We kick things off with a massive week in gear news before diving deep into the psychology of ride motivation.

In this episode:

Shimano's Pedal Controversy: Shimano just dropped new pedals, shoes, and cleats that break backward compatibility. Are we excited, or stocking up on new-old-stock?

Canyon Grail Critiques: The latest Grail seems like a great bike in many ways, but Josh brings some sharp criticism regarding a “fun” surprise with the handlebars.

MVDP's Latest Feat: Logan breaks down Mathieu van der Poel's recent achievement and how it might impact the World Championship race. (Plus, an inevitable tangent on aero gains).

The Motivation Equation: How do you get out the door when you just don’t feel like it? After years of riding through major life changes and terrible weather, the crew shares what actually gets them out of bed.

Support the Show:

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Intro & Episode Overview

00:02:10 - Josh's Early Impressions of the Envy Melee V2

00:04:18 - Shimano's New SPD-SL Pedals & Cleats

00:14:39 - The Third-Gen Canyon Grail

00:23:40 - Van der Poel's 174km Solo Breakaway

00:30:40 - Pogačar & World Championships Preview

00:36:26 - Poll Results: 1.6 Watts vs 1 Kilogram

00:38:05 - Josh's Melee vs Factor 1 Aero Testing

00:43:58 - Listener Comments on Aero vs Weight

00:51:19 - Electronic Shifting on Long Rides

00:53:24 - Where Does Cycling Motivation Come From?

Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins

We answer your questions, debate the real-world value of aero bottle cages, and discuss why it makes sense to ride 500km for tacos.

We’ve had some major topics on the show the last few weeks, so this week we are taking a step back a little and answering some questions. We read every comment, and Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, and I will often jump in to respond. Mike Levy also reads them, but he actually brings the comments to the show so we can answer them out loud, so to speak.

Before we get to that, though, Levy starts with a question: Have you ever done a ride just for the sake of going somewhere dumb and unimportant? I’ve (Josh Ross) had this idea for years to ride from Los Angeles to the Mexican border for tacos, then back. It’s a 500km ride, and there’s no real point other than to ride a bike. Lael Wilcox once rode all the roads in Alaska for a similar reason. The whole crew is on this week, so we get to talk about our silly reasons for big rides. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever done anything like that. Or, if you are like Logan and just ride for training, let us know that too.

We also have some news to talk about. Mostly, it comes down to Logan and me (Josh Ross) trying to convince Lisa and Mike that aero matters. For Logan, it’s all about aero gravel tires. He went very deep into the weeds in his article, and there's a good reason for that. Then it’s my turn to talk about the Enve Melee V2 and why it features aero bar tape and aero bottle cages. I also have a question that I am hoping you can help me answer.

To participate you'll have to jump to the [Velo website], but the question is: Would you choose a bike that is 1.6 watts more aero or a bike that is 1kg lighter?

The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

00:00:00 - Intro & Vel Membership Code

00:02:08 - Bond Almond Ultra-Endurance Story

00:06:03 - Big Adventure Rides Discussion

00:13:19 - Arrow Gravel Tires from WTB

00:28:02 - Envy Melee V2 & Aerodynamic Handlebars

00:31:38 - Desert Ride Plans (Vegas to Death Valley)

00:41:34 - Q&A Segment Begins

00:42:46 - Front Derailleur Q&A & Comments

00:47:02 - Shimano vs Sram Brakes Debate

00:54:44 - Environmental Impact of Bike Materials

00:58:35 - Gravel Bike vs Mountain Bike Comparison

01:04:16 - Arrow vs Lightweight Bike Poll

01:13:38 - 32-Inch Wheel Comments & Discussion

01:21:16 - Suspension Fork Question

01:22:32 - Closing Remarks & Listener Poll

WTB's New Stromm Collaboration Aero Tires Are Exactly What Gravel Tires Should Be

The Story of a Cyclist, 32 NFL Stadiums, and One Very Important Football

ENVE's New Melee V2 Proves Hyperbikes Don’t Need to Look Insane

Featuring: Mike Levy, John Karrasch, and Jan Heine

Does a 32-inch wheel actually save watts, or is the testing methodology broken? We put Chung Method advocate John Karrasch and vocal critic Jan Heine in the same room to hash out the reality of rolling resistance.

This week, the usual crew steps aside to host a direct debate between two of the most outspoken voices in tire tech. John Karrasch (aka flexfitbyjohn) has generated massive datasets using the Chung Method, recently claiming that adopting 32-inch wheels can improve rolling resistance by up to 10%. On the other side, Rene Herse CEO Jan Heine—a pioneer of supple gravel tires—argues that wheel size ultimately doesn't matter for speed, pointing to historical roll-down tests and potential flaws in the Chung Method's precision.

After a long series of online blog posts and rebuttals, we brought them together to debate the physics, the testing protocols, and the future of gravel geometry face-to-face.

Support The Velo Podcast

This show wouldn’t happen without our subscribers. We’re offering listeners a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to claim your savings.

Episode Timestamps

00:00:00 - Episode Intro & Guest Backgrounds

00:07:51 - Setting Up the 32-Inch Test Bikes

00:12:12 - Understanding the Chung Method for Tire Testing

00:16:18 - The Results: Do 32-Inch Wheels Roll Faster?

00:25:01 - Analyzing the Physics and Approach Angles

00:29:32 - Jan Heine's Counterargument: Wheel Size Doesn't Matter

00:36:58 - The Debate: Is the Chung Method Too Precise?

00:42:36 - Defending the Data and Real-World Variables

01:03:15 - Tire Design Priorities: Casing, Compound, and Pressure

01:17:11 - Tire Inserts and 36-Inch Wheel Possibilities

01:18:57 - 2030 Gravel Bike Predictions & Outro