Episode Summary

Today on the podcast, our good friend and mountain bike lover Josh Saunders joins us for a classic episode. We discuss some interesting new products as well as some exciting news for Trevor before jumping into a tantalizing set of listener questions ranging from how to prep for your first enduro race to some serious tire talk and everything in between. Tune in!

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If you are one strange human that would like to read a transcript of the podcast above, continue reading below!

This episode features the "pride of Dallas," Josh Saunders, a 6'6" mountain biker who brings a unique perspective on gear for tall riders. The crew dives into new SRAM/RockShox releases, tire philosophy, and the realities of racing.

📝 Cleaned Transcript Summary

Intro & "Zwow" Jared, Liam, and Trevor welcome Josh Saunders. They briefly joke about using AI to fake a podcast before introducing "Zach’s Words of Wisdom" (the Zwow): “Do not call every small problem a disappointment. Keep perspective.”

Josh’s Origin Story Josh started in 2017 on a $400 Trek Marlin (cable brakes and all). Being 6'6" and 230 lbs, he quickly realized that entry-level bikes with 32mm stanchion forks were far too flexy. He eventually met the crew on a guided trip in Crested Butte and has since traveled to Italy and Tasmania with them.

Bikes & Rides

  • The "Sad" Ride: Josh and Jared rode recently, but Josh struggled with a persistent tubeless leak that turned a 1-hour ride into a 2-hour "pump-fest."

  • The Atherton 150: Josh is currently riding an Atherton 150 (Size 22). It’s a lugged carbon/titanium construction with a massive 535mm reach.

  • SRAM Battery PSA: Trevor reminds everyone to check their AXS shifter batteries after both his and Jared's bikes had shifting failures during recent rides/races.

  • Racing News: Liam finished 4th in a local gravel race (on his hardtail), while Trevor is prepping to be the mechanic for the Crestline Downhill World Cup team, working with riders like Alden Pate.

The "Butter Wagon" & New Gear The guys nerd out over the new SRAM/RockShox releases:

  • Maven B1 Brakes: A move to consistent 18mm pistons to fix the "pumping up" issues of the A1 version.

  • SRAM XX DH Transmission: A T-Type drivetrain specifically for downhill bikes, featuring a near-silent, ultra-strong clutch and the new XD Slim freehub standard for better spoke triangulation.

  • RockShox Boxer Updates: Featuring "Butter Cups" and "Butter Wagons" (dimples in the stanchions to improve oil flow to the seals).

🔑 Key Points & Discussion Topics

  • The One-Tire Challenge: If forced to run one tire for life, the crew debated.

    • Trevor: Maxxis DHR2 (Exo+).

    • Josh: Vittoria Mazza (Enduro casing).

    • Liam: Maxxis Dissector (the new version).

  • Wheel Weight Impact: Discussion on the new Berdu Hawk 30 Gold wheels. At 1,022g for the set, they weigh less than a single Maxxis Assegai tire. The "string" (polyethylene) spokes provide incredible vibration damping but have a 280-lb weight limit.

  • Travel Tips: Josh gives a glowing review of the Worldwide Cyclery Italy trip, emphasizing the "croissants, coffee, and 70,000 ft of descending" lifestyle.

🦒 The Tall Rider's Guide (Expert Input from Josh)

The core technical segment addresses a 6'6" listener (Jake) struggling with bike sizing.

The Geometry Problem

For riders over 6'4", standard "XL" frames often fail because:

  1. Slack Seat Tube Angles: When a tall rider raises their saddle to a ~88cm height, a slack seat tube pushes their weight directly over the rear axle, making the front end light and the cockpit feel "cramped" while seated.

  2. The "Spider" Effect: Tall riders often look disproportionate on bikes, leading to a "hinged" or unstable feeling in technical terrain.

Recommended Bikes for "Ape Men"

  • Atherton 150: Offers 22 standard sizes; Josh’s Size 22 features a 535mm reach.

  • Yeti SB120/SB160: Known for having true XXL sizes with straight seat tubes that don't slacken as much at full extension.

  • Transition Smuggler/Spire: Transition pushes reach limits (up to 530mm+).

  • Specialized: Their S6 sizing is a consistent go-to for the 6'5"+ crowd.

🏁 TL;DR

Episode 172 is a deep dive into gravity gear. The team covers the new SRAM Maven B1 brakes and the XX DH Transmission (with its new "XD Slim" hub spacing). Guest Josh Saunders provides essential advice for tall riders, suggesting that reach is only half the story—seat tube angle is the true secret to comfort for anyone over 6'5". Finally, they debate the ultimate "one tire for life," with the Maxxis DHR2 coming out as the most versatile survivor.