Episode Summary

Today on the podcast, Jared, Jeff & Tydeman chat about some recent rides and Jeff's new bike build before debating a few topics in a new segment we're calling "how it aged" to see if certain trends in the MTB world aged like milk, or if they aged like wine. Then we get into a couple of listener questions where one listener is wondering if his bike is dated enough to justify a new rig, plus how to select the perfect tire for your bike and more. Tune in! 

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Episode 179 features a technical deep dive into modern "analog" bike builds, a look at the fluctuating tire market, and the premiere of a new segment, How It Aged, where the crew critiques past industry trends.

📝 Cleaned Transcript Summary

Intro & Wisdom Jared, Tydeman, and Jeff kick off the show. Jeff is back in the mix, though he admits to being "rusty" with the intro segments. Jared shares Zach’s Words of Wisdom (Zwow): "Improvement is being better than your past self. Keep the focus internal." Daniel’s Fun Fact mentions that woodpeckers survive 1,200g impacts thanks to a "seatbelt" bone (the hyoid) that protects their brains.

Jeff’s "Stealth" Revel Rascal Build Jeff debuts his brand-new Revel Rascal V2 build, which is a masterclass in understated high-end parts:

  • The Frame: Matte carbon with bronze logos.

  • The "Retro" Drivetrain: Jeff chose SRAM XX1 11-speed. He argues it is the "best drivetrain ever made"—lighter than 12-speed, shorter cage, better shifter feel, and zero batteries to charge.

  • The Wheels: Industry 9 system wheels with bronze hubs/spokes laced to Trail One Shed carbon rims.

  • Suspension: RockShox Lyric (150mm) and Super Deluxe with "stealth" blacked-out graphics.

  • Tires: "Unobtanium" black-wall Maxxis tires (OEM spec taken off an Avinox bike).

Tire Talk: Schwalbe's Dominance Jeff reveals shocking sales data from the last 90 days. Maxxis, the long-standing king, is losing ground in the "Top 10" list to Schwalbe:

  1. Schwalbe Rick XC Pro: Current #1 seller.

  2. Maxxis Dissector 2: #2 (notably a very versatile "all-rounder").

  3. Schwalbe Wicked Will: #3. The guys note that WTB and Continental are also gaining traction, ending the decade-long Maxxis monopoly.

🔑 Key Points & New Segments

New Segment: How It Aged

The crew reviews past trends to see if they are "Fine Wine" or "Spoiled Milk":

  • Lightweight (SL) E-Bikes: Still Cooking. Early SL bikes felt underpowered, but new entries like the Amflow are blurring the lines.

  • Headset Cable Routing: Spoiled Milk. Unanimously hated. They call it a "serviceability nightmare" and a cop-out for frame engineers.

  • Low, Slack, Long Geo: Fine Wine. They argue geometry hit its "optimum peak" around 2018–2019. Modern bikes haven't changed much because we've reached the functional limit of how slack a trail bike can be.

Technical Deep Dive: Handlebars

Jared recounts his "blind" testing of carbon vs. alloy bars.

  • The Verdict: Carbon is noticeably better at damping high-frequency vibrations.

  • The Reality Check: While bar compliance matters, Tire Pressure accounts for ~98% of front-end handling feel. If your PSI is off by 5, no amount of "vertical compliance" in a handlebar will save your ride.

🛠️ Listener Questions & Advice

1. Under-biked for Windrock?

Question: I have a 120mm hardtail with a DHF/DHR2 combo. Can I ride Windrock?

  • The Verdict: Yes, but it will be a "survival day."

  • Signs you are under-biked: If you have to crank your helmet so tight your skull vibrates, or if you are "tripoding" through corners, you've found the bike's limit.

  • Pro Tip: Don't buy a new bike to solve a skills gap. Try two sets of tires—one fast for home, one meaty for trips.

2. The 2018 "Stubborn Friend"

Question: My friend is on a 2018 Devinci Troy. Is he "stubborn" for not upgrading?

  • The Verdict: Technically, no. Geometry hasn't changed drastically since 2018. However, parts wear out.

  • The Solution: Spend $500 on a full suspension overhaul and fresh tires. It will feel like a new bike for 1/10th the price.

    Episode 179 centers on Jeff's "Stealth" Rascal build and the argument that 11-speed mechanical is still king for reliability. The team introduces the How It Aged segment, officially trashing headset cable routing. Data shows Schwalbe is currently beating Maxxis in shop sales, and the crew advises riders to focus on tire pressure and suspension service before dropping $8,000 on a new frame that likely has the same geometry as their 2019 model.