Mountain Cog
A mountain bike podcast that blends humor with insightful conversations. Hosts Josh Anderson and Dane Higgins interview a wide range of passionate guests, covering topics that entertain and educate listeners. The show is available on major platforms like Apple and Spotify.
Episodes
137 - Too Grippy, Too Slow, Too Sketchy? New MTB Gear Tested at Angel Fire
Send us Fan MailNew gear, tested hard at Angel Fire Bike Park: SRAM Maven brakes, Shimano Saint pedals, Continental Kryptotal tires, RockShox Lyrik Ultimate Charger 3.2 and Wolf Tooth Locked In bar ends. Some impressed, some frustrated, and one pair of brakes almost ran Dane into another rider. Here's what worked, what didn't, and what you can tune to fix it.Dane brings the bike shop sid
136 - Crash, Heal, Repeat: Mountain Biking After an Injury
Send us Fan MailHow do mountain bikers actually wipe out? Josh went digging and found a study that looked at 534 mountain bike crash videos. Just over half were over-the-bars crashes, about half happened on moderate descents, 64% came from poor jump landings, and three quarters were at speeds of 18.6 mph or faster. Josh, who admits he rides cautiously and never jumps, takes that as a green light t
135 - Can You Buy Speed On A Mountain Bike? The $10K Bike Debate
Send us Fan MailCan you buy speed? It's the question every mountain biker asks themselves while staring at a $10k build in the shop window, and it's the one Josh and Dane finally sit down to debate. They break the argument into pieces — weight, suspension, drivetrain efficiency, tires, frame stiffness, brakes — and figure out which of those upgrades are real and which ones are just good
134 - Bike Shop Secrets: 9 Problems, 9 Fixes: From Fork Feel To Hot Waxed Chains
Send us Fan MailDane and Josh dig into nine grease-under-the-fingernails topics this week, kicking things off with a question that's been bugging Josh for weeks: why can two identical forks feel completely different? Turns out it's a mix of manufacturing tolerances, bushing wear, and oil that's gone stale — and the guys walk through how altitude changes your air spring feel too (plu
133 - Made in the USA: Which MTB Brands Actually Manufacture Domestically?
Send us Fan MailJosh and Dane spend this episode digging through the mountain bike industry to find out which brands are actually building their stuff in the USA — and the answer isn't always what you'd expect. From titanium frame builders like Moots, Lightspeed, Sage, Chumba, Sklar, and Bingham to newer players like Stinner and Neuhaus, they break down who's hand-welding frames sta
132 - Whistler on a Budget: Flights, Shuttles, Lift Tickets, Food, and more...
Send us Fan Mail"Mythical" is the word Josh uses for Whistler before Dane even opens his mouth — and by the end of this episode, you'll understand why every mountain biker treats this place like a pilgrimage. Dane, fresh off his latest Whistler trip, breaks down exactly what it takes to get there and what it costs once you do. Direct flights, the shuttle from Vancouver, lift ticket
131 - Will Motor Gear Boxes (MGUs) Change eMTBs Forever?
Send us Fan MailThere's a ton of talk right now about motor gear units (MGUs) coming out of Eurobike, but we haven't found content with enough depth to satisfy our questions. So in this episode, Dane and Josh go deep on MGUs, comparing five major players — Gobao, Avinox, Pinion, Owuru, and IntraDrive — and explaining how the different types of MGUs (stepped gearbox, CVT, and eCVT) actual
130 - 15 Bike Maintenance Skills All Riders Should Know
Send us Fan MailFifteen skills. One episode. Zero excuses for getting stuck with a long walk out when your bike breaks down. Dane and Josh take on the basic mountain bike maintenance every rider should know... the stuff that turns "I have no idea what's wrong" into a "quick fix in your own garage".From dialing in tire pressure to spotting the bent derailleur hanger that ca
129 - Shop Talk: Budget Forks, Riser Bars, SRAMs $2k DH Group, & more.
Send us Fan MailTwo old friends, one hot morning ride, and a whole lot of opinions. On this Shop Talk episode, Dane and Josh get into SRAM's eyebrow-raising $2,000 XX DH Transmission and whether a downhill bike even needs that kind of drivetrain. Dane brings the downhiller's perspective — years on the XO DH group, ditching chain guides, and why those Whistler kids running chainless might
128 - Are Chinese Brands Disrupting the Mountain Bike Industry?
Send us Fan MailIf you've been paying attention to the mountain bike market lately, you've probably noticed some unfamiliar brand names popping up — and some surprisingly low price tags attached to them. Episode 128 is Josh and Dane's deep dive into the growing wave of Chinese brands entering the US market not as behind-the-scenes manufacturers, but as direct competitors to the bran
127 - Bike Shop Secrets: Upgrading Your Mountain Bike Fork - Which One, When, and How
Send us Fan MailUpgrading your mountain bike fork is one of the highest-impact changes you can make to your ride — but it's also one of the easiest ways to waste money if you don't know what you're doing. In this episode, Dane draws on years of suspension work in the shop to walk through when a fork swap actually makes sense, what to watch out for when buying used, and why the curre
126 - Shop Talk: SRAM's Quiet Overhaul, Brembo Brakes, & Why Reach Is Misleading
Send us Fan MailShop Talk is back on the Mountain Cog Podcast, and Episode 126 is loaded. Josh and Dane open with the Avinox M2 motor conversation that's dividing the e-bike world right now — too much power, not enough regulation, or just the next evolution of trail riding? Then they get into something that didn't get nearly the attention it deserved: SRAM overhauling their entire non-T-
125 - How Much Do Bike Companies Make? More shocking economics.
Send us Fan MailEver wonder how much money bike companies actually make? In this episode, Josh breaks down the real financials behind the mountain bike industry — and the numbers might surprise you. Using publicly available data from Giant, Merida, and Shimano, plus a detailed cost breakdown of a $5,000 acoustic mountain bike and a $15,000 e-MTB, we dig into what bike brands actually pocket after
124 - Shop Talk: Another Bike Brand Fails, Motor Wars & Value Drivetrain Debate
Send us Fan MailEpisode 124 marks the debut of Shop Talk — Mountain Cog's new recurring episode format built around four segments that cut through the marketing noise and get to what actually matters on the trail and in the industry. The guys kick things off with what everyone's talking about: Nolly Bikes has entered receivership, and Josh breaks down what that actually means, how it com
123 - Hayes vs. Shimano Brakes: Which One is Better for You?
Send us Fan MailBrakes are one of those things most riders don't think about until something goes wrong — and then it's all they can think about. This episode of Mountain Cog changes that. Josh and Dane dig into the Hayes versus Shimano debate with the kind of depth and honesty that's hard to find when every other review online is either sponsored content or a five-minute YouTube vi
122 - Mountain Biker's Guide to Sunglasses: Fit, Lenses, and Top Brands (Rob Tavakoli, SportRX)
Send us Fan MailSunglasses might be the most under-thought of piece of gear in mountain biking. Most riders either skip them entirely or default to whatever they already own, without knowing that the wrong tint, frame, or fit can actually make riding harder and riskier. Rob Tavakoli, CEO of SportRX and a guy who's been obsessed with eyewear since he was nine years old, joined the Mountain Cog
121 - Stability, Breathability, & Heat Release - Orange Mud’s Unique Take on Hydration Packs & Business (Josh Sprague, Orange Mud & Seven Clay)
Send us Fan MailWhen Josh Sprague couldn't find a hydration pack that stayed put, ran cool, and didn't feel like dead weight on his back, he built one himself. Fourteen years later, Orange Mud offers unique solutions to the endurance and mountain bike markets. Sprague joins Josh & Dane this week to explain what makes Orange Mud's Endurance Pack different from everything else on
120 - How Much Do Bike Shops Actually Make? The Shocking Economics of Your LBS.
Send us Fan MailEver wonder why bike shops seem to come and go? The answer's in the math, and it's not pretty. Josh dives deep into industry data from the National Bicycle Dealer Association, trade publications, and financial modeling sites to paint a realistic picture of bike shop profitability. Spoiler alert: the average bike shop owner in America takes home less than $50k a year and w
119 - How to Set Up Mountain Bike Suspension: Complete & Simple to Understand Guide from a Suspension Expert
Send us Fan MailDoes your mountain bike fork feel harsh over bumps? Is your suspension bottoming out on drops or packing down in rock gardens? In this comprehensive suspension setup guide, professional bike shop owner and suspension expert Dane Higgins and co-host Josh walks you through the exact process to dial in your MTB suspension settings. Starting with proper sag measurement (the foundation
118 - How to Start Mountain Biking: Bikes, Gear, Trails & Essential Tips
Send us Fan MailNew to mountain biking in 2026? This beginner-focused episode delivers expert guidance on every aspect of starting your mountain bike journey. Learn the key differences between entry-level hardtail bikes (under $1,000) and full suspension options (around $2,000), plus how to determine the right frame size based on your height. Discover why bike shop quality brands like Trek, Giant,
117 - Bike Shop Secrets: Norco Optic & Outbound reviews plus info on tires, shocks, seat posts, and bells.
Send us Fan MailMountain bike enthusiasts get real-world product testing results in this Bike Shop Secrets episode featuring comprehensive reviews of the Norco Optic and Outbound bike lights. Dane provides an 8-month review of his Norco Optic, a unique 125mm travel bike with high pivot suspension design featuring a rearward axle path and idler pulley system. He explains how this unconventional set
116 - Bike Shop Secrets: Grip Reviews (SQ Labs & Rev Grips) + Fox Podium Fork and More
Send us Fan MailLooking to upgrade your mountain bike's contact points without breaking the bank? This episode of the Mountain Cog Podcast explores two of the best grip solutions for combating arm pump and hand numbness: SQ Labs 70x 2.0 Pro Grips and Rev Grips. SQ Labs brings German precision engineering with ergonomic design focused on reducing peak loads and delaying forearm fatigue through
115 - Bare Innovation's Ryan Burney on Bikes, Business, and Rim Protection
Send us Fan MailStarting a product company in the cycling industry isn't for the faint of heart—just ask Ryan Burney. After years of designing bikes at Cannondale and GT, Ryan quit his job with no safety net to launch Rim Saver and eventually Bare Innovation, his engineering consulting firm. In this episode, Ryan gets real about the economics of running a small cycling business, why he realiz
114 - Why Direct-to-Consumer Bike Companies Are Failing (And What's Next)
Send us Fan MailWhat killed the direct-to-consumer bike boom? This episode combines financial data, industry research, and insider knowledge to explain the DTC mountain bike industry's spectacular rise and dramatic fall. Josh presents findings indicating that many of the DTC bike brands are financially struggling or insolvent. The podcast reveals how customer acquisition costs skyrocketed 200
113 - 500 Miles of Sedona Singletrack: An Advocacy Blueprint That Actually Works (Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition - VVCC)
Send us Fan MailDiscover how the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition built one of Arizona's most successful mountain bike trail networks in this episode featuring VVCC President Tracy Randall and board member Lars Romig. From Sedona's iconic red rock terrain to the emerging systems at Dead Horse and Blowout, learn how this advocacy group transformed contentious Forest Service relationships i
112 - Bike Shop Secrets: Chasing Creaks - A Mechanic's Nightmare and How You Can Fix It
Send us Fan MailAre you struggling with a mysterious bike creak that's driving you insane? In this episode of Mountain Cog Podcast, hosts Josh and Dane dive deep into the most frustrating problem in bike maintenance: diagnosing and fixing bike creaks. Learn the systematic approach mechanics use to troubleshoot creaking sounds, from checking your headset and wheel axles to inspecting bottom br
111 - Bike Shop Secrets: Will My Parts Fit if I Swap Mountain Bike Frames?
Send us Fan MailThinking about swapping your mountain bike frame but wondering if your existing components will transfer over? This comprehensive bike shop secrets episode dives deep into frame compatibility with industry expert Dane Higgins. Learn about critical measurements including rear hub spacing (boost vs. super boost), headset configurations, fork steerer tube length, and bottom bracket st
110 - Quality Bicycle Products (QBP): Why Your Bike Shop Depends on This Hidden Giant (Guest: Bryce Buckner, QBP)
Send us Fan MailWhen your local bike shop orders parts, there's a complex supply chain working behind the scenes that most cyclists never consider. Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) operates as the invisible backbone of bicycle retail, distributing products from four strategically located warehouses to over 5,500 independent bike shops. QBP sales rep Bryce Buckner reveals how this system works,
109 - Bike Shop Secrets & Gear We Like: SportRX Huckson Sunglasses, Vittoria Agarro Tires, Frameworks DH Frame and more.
Send us Fan MailIn this thorough mountain bike gear review episode, hosts Josh and Dane share their honest, long-term testing experiences with popular MTB products including SportRX Huckson Sunglasses and Vittoria Agarro Tires & Inserts. The discussion covers detailed performance analysis of Vittoria's graphene-enhanced tire compounds, weight comparisons between different tire and insert
108 - Zuma Bike Ranch & Phil’s World Trails: A Unique MTB Experience in Southwest Colorado.
Send us Fan MailExperience the diverse mountain biking terrain of Southwest Colorado with Jake Quigley, owner and operator of Zuma Bike Ranch in Cortez, Colorado. Strategically located at the northern part of Phil's World's expansive 62-mile trail network, this 40-acre mountain bike facility provides riders with direct trail access from their campsite. The unique location offers incredib
107 - 25 Years of Stan's (NoTubes): President Mike Bush on Innovation & Sustainability
Send us Fan MailDiscover the engineering and chemistry behind tubeless technology and more with Stan's (NoTubes) President Mike Bush, whose industrial manufacturing background shaped ~25 years of cycling innovation. Bush explains the technical details of bead seat geometry, the science of sealant particulate systems, and how CT scans of mounted tires revealed the "bead float" phenom
106 - Bike Shop Secrets: Can I ride it? Chain Stretch. Cassette Wear. Quick Links. Dropped Helmet, and Carbon Frame & Component Damage.
Send us Fan MailRider safety takes precedence in this essential bike shop secrets episode, where bike industry veteran Dane Higgins addresses the critical question every mountain biker faces after a crash or component failure: "Can I ride it?" Learn the definitive protocols for assessing carbon frame damage, from the professional coin tap test to identifying dangerous stress points that
105 - Cables Are Back! SRAM's Mechanical Transmission: Eagle 90 & Eagle 70 (& other new stuff) - Jimmy Nordloh, SRAM Field Guide
Send us Fan MailTired managing batteries, firmware updates, and paying for expensive electronic drivetrains? This episode with SRAM's Jimmy Nordloh goes deep into the new Eagle 90 and Eagle 70 mechanical transmission systems that deliver transmission's shifting performance without electronic complexity. The new mechanical transmission uses the same cassettes and flattop chains as the wi
104 - Bike Shop Secrets: Disc Brake Squeal, Internal Routing Issues, Suspension Service (incl. Fork Stanchion Lube), & Pedal Cadence.
Send us Fan MailIn this comprehensive bike maintenance episode, suspension expert Dane "Suspension Guru" Higgins tackles the most common disc brake problems plaguing mountain bikers. Learn why your hydraulic disc brakes keep squealing despite new rotors and pads, how brake pad contamination occurs, and the proper bedding process for noise-free performance. Dane explains caliper alignment
103 - Deep Dive: New XTR M9200 Di2 Wireless Groupset with Nick Murdick (Shimano’s MTB Product Manager).
Send us Fan MailIn this comprehensive deep dive, Shimano's Mountain Bike Product Manager Nick Murdick reveals a copious amount of details about their new XTR M9200 Di2 wireless groupset. Learn how Shimano engineered their first fully wireless mountain bike drivetrain with on-board derailleur batteries, customizable shifter paddles, and rock-impact protection designed from "the rock'
102 - Inside Park Tool: The World's Largest Bicycle Tool Company with Truman Purdy
Send us Fan MailGo inside Park Tool, the world's largest bicycle tool company, with Technical Expert Truman Purdy in this deep-dive interview. Learn the fascinating origin story of how Art Engstrom and Howard Hawkins transformed from a small Schwinn repair shop in Minnesota to creating the iconic blue tools that define professional bike maintenance today. Discover why Park Tool switched from
101 - The Calirado Kid Speaks: Mountain Biking & Creating Relatable Content
Send us Fan MailThis engaging episode features the Calirado Kid, whose authentic and humorous mountain biking videos have built him a substantial following with videos regularly reaching hundreds of thousands viewers. While he shares interesting glimpses into creating his popular videos, the conversation primarily delivers valuable insights from his extensive riding experiences across Arizona&apos
100 - Beyond Marketing: Vittoria’s Approach to Mountain Bike Tire Design & Manufacturing (Guest: Ken Avery, SVP Product Development)
Send us Fan MailIn this in-depth episode of the MTNCOG Podcast, we dive into the science behind mountain bike tire design with Ken Avery, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Vittoria. Ken breaks down the complex process of tire manufacturing, from the initial casing construction using nylon or cotton materials to the vulcanization process where the tread is applied. He explains how Vit
099 - Jess The Maker's take on content creation, bikes, trails, & tacos.
Send us Fan MailIn this engaging episode of the MTNCOG Podcast, the hosts welcome Jess the Maker, a prominent mountain biking content creator who blends humor, authenticity, and technical riding expertise. The episode was recorded shortly after Jess was in town working on a project with 'Visit Tucson'. The conversation explores how she's helping showcase Tucson as a "hidden ge
098 - A technical look at Norco's mountain bike design approach. (Guests: Norco R&D Engineers - Colin Ryan & Kirk McDowall)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of The MCP, hosts Josh and Dane dive deep into the science of mountain bike suspension with Norco development engineers Colin Ryan and Kirk McDowall. The conversation explores Norco's different suspension platforms with detailed explanations of axle path, anti-squat, and anti-rise properties. The engineers reveal how these technical elements directly impact rid
097 - Bike Shop Confessions: How MTB Suspension Experts Really Choose Components
Send us Fan MailIn this unfiltered episode of The Mountain Cog Podcast (recorded during the snowy Sedona Mountain Bike Festival) hosts Josh and Dane are joined by special guests Mike "Babyfoot" Jones and Derrick Kampfer for a raw, technical dive into mountain bike suspension. The conversation takes unexpected turns from the hilarious origins of "nipple management" in bike maint
096 - The Art and Science of Mountain Bike Design: Faction Bike Studio's Design Lead (Guest: Julian Richardson)
Send us Fan MailThe Mountain Cog Podcast welcomes Julian Richardson, Lead Industrial Designer at Faction Bike Studio, for an in-depth exploration of bicycle design. Julian explains how Faction operates as design consultants for bike manufacturers, handling everything from initial sketches to final production support. The discussion clarifies the often misunderstood difference between industrial de
095 - Bike Shop Secrets: Pro Tips on Carbon Bars, Wax Chain Lube, and Dropper Post Maintenance
Send us Fan MailIn this information-packed episode of Mountain Cog, hosts Josh and Dane dive into essential mountain bike maintenance tips that every rider should know. They share their expertise on cutting carbon handlebars safely using abrasive blades, explaining how to prevent fraying and properly finish the cut edges. The conversation then shifts to the benefits of Squirt chain wax for desert
094 - Building Better Mountain Bike Communities: SDMB's Approach to Trail Advocacy and Engagement (Guest: Ruth Cañamar, Vice President, SDMB)
Send us Fan MailThe latest episode of The Mountain Cog Podcast features an in-depth discussion with Ruth Cañamar from the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB) about transforming Tucson's mountain biking landscape through community-driven initiatives. The conversation highlights the successful recent Poker Ride event, which brought together various cycling groups, bike shops, and communit
093 - Fox vs SRAM RockShox: Electronic Mountain Bike Suspension Systems Compared
Send us Fan MailThis episode delivers an expert comparison of leading electronic suspension systems, featuring Mountain Cog host and suspension specialist Dane Higgins' detailed analysis of SRAM Rockshox Flight Attendant, Fox Live Valve, and Fox Live Valve Neo. The discussion examines how each system approaches terrain detection and suspension adjustment, with Flight Attendant's cross-co
092 - SRAM vs Shimano: Comparing Mountain Bike Components with SRAM Field Guide Jimmy Nordloh
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Jimmy Nordloh, SRAM Field Guide for the Southwest region, to explore the evolution and innovation behind one of mountain biking's leading component manufacturers. Jimmy shares insights into SRAM's brand portfolio including RockShox, Zipp, Truvativ, Quark, Time Pedals, and Hammerhead, explaining how SRAM has grown through strategic acquisi
091 – From Rigid Bikes to World Champion: Tim March on Ghost-Writing Steve Peat's Autobiography
Send us Fan MailIn this captivating episode, we sit down with Tim March, the ghost writer behind Steve Peat's autobiography "Forged by Speed: The Making of a Mountain Bike World Champion." March reveals the three-year journey of bringing mountain biking legend Steve Peat's story to life, drawing from over 20 years of detailed personal diaries and 100+ hours of recorded conversa
090 – Faction Bike Studio: The Secret Engineering Firm Behind Your Favorite Mountain Bikes (Guest: Adam Robbins)
Send us Fan MailJosh and Dane from The Mountain Cog podcast dive deep with Adam Robbins from Faction Bike Studio, uncovering how this secretive Quebec-based engineering firm shapes the mountain bike industry. Since 2010, Faction has operated as the only bike-specific design and engineering studio globally, helping brands of all sizes create innovative products while staying deliberately behind the
089 – Beyond Lumens: How Outbound Lighting Designs Bike Lights for Real Trail Performance (Guest: Tom Place)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we sit down with Tom "Danger" Place, co-owner of Outbound Lighting, a Chicago-based manufacturer revolutionizing bike lights through innovative engineering. Tom shares the company's origin story, how he partnered with founder Matt, and explains their unique approach to bike light design that prioritizes beam pattern over raw lumens. Listeners will le
088 – Are Electronic Mountain Bike Components Worth The Price?
Send us Fan MailEpisode 88 celebrates Dane's 25th episode and features an in-depth discussion between shop owner Dane and rider Josh about the pros and cons of electronic bike components versus traditional mechanical systems. The hosts examine the substantial price difference between electronic and mechanical groupsets – with electronic options typically costing twice as much – while breaking
087 – Gravity Trail Building in Arizona: How the Tonto Gravity Riders are Transforming Mountain Biking at Sunrise Bike Park and Pinal Mountains. (Chris Johnson)
Send us Fan MailChris Johnson of Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR) joins us to discuss how this grassroots organization evolved from building unauthorized jump lines to becoming a trusted Forest Service partner maintaining and developing trail systems across Arizona. The episode traces TGR's origins around 2010 and their work legitimizing the legendary NRA Pit jump spot before focusing on creating g
086 – Beer & Bikes: How Tucson Hop Shop Created a Cycling Community Hub (Jessie Jean Mance & Sarita Mendez)
Send us Fan MailEpisode 086 takes listeners inside Tucson Hop Shop, a craft beer destination that's become synonymous with cycling culture in Southern Arizona. Owner Jessie Jean Mance and Sarita Mendez join hosts Josh and Dane to discuss how their business evolved into a cyclist sanctuary, complete with bike racks, a welcoming outdoor courtyard, and a business philosophy centered on community
085 – Elevating Arizona's Mountain Biking Scene: TORCA's Mt. Lemmon Trail Building Initiative. (Nick Giovannucci & Matt Hrabko)
Send us Fan MailDiscover the remarkable story behind Mt. Lemmon's mountain biking trail network as Josh and Dane interview TORCA's leadership team. President Nick Giovannucci and Vice President Matt Hrabko provide an insider's look at the specialized techniques and challenges involved in building sustainable mountain bike trails across Southern Arizona's iconic desert sky islan
084 – Inside the Bike Industry's Big Brands with Former Giant and Specialized Sales Rep. (Carlos Quintero)
Send us Fan MailThe Mountain Cog podcast features an in-depth conversation with bike industry veteran Carlos Quintero in episode 084. Currently working as Southwest Market Manager for Enso Sales Group, Carlos reveals the economic fundamentals of bike shops, explaining why accessories provide significantly higher profit margins compared to actual bike sales. The discussion tracks his career journey
083 – Sunrise Park Resort: Arizona's Only Lift-Assisted Bike Park with Builder Colby Landin
Send us Fan MailIn this action-packed episode, we talk with Colby Landin, trail and track builder at Sunrise Park Resort, Arizona's only lift-assisted bike park. Colby shares his journey from building BMX tracks in his neighborhood at age 8 to designing professional-grade mountain bike features at Sunrise. Learn about the unique challenges of building jump lines on Native American tribal land
082 - The Impact of Female Role Models in Mountain Biking: Conversation with Dr. Jody Bartz
Send us Fan MailThis episode features Dr. Jody Bartz, founder of GROW Girl GROW, discussing how mountain biking serves as a powerful tool for female empowerment and confidence building among adolescent girls. With her PhD in special education and extensive coaching certifications, Dr. Bartz brings a unique perspective to addressing a critical issue: by age 14, girls drop out of sports at twice the
081 – Behind the curtain: DVO Suspension (Ronnie Dillon, DVO Suspension)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Josh & Dane chat with DVO Suspension’s Master Tuner Ronnie Dillon. Ronnie has been working on the design, test, manufacture, and tuning of mountain bike suspension products for over 25 years.DVO is a high-end suspension brand offering innovative trail, enduro, and downhill mountain bike shocks and forks. Their products are known for plushness and small bump co
080 – How Social Media Transformed Mountain Biking Communities: Dave Slagle's Our MTB Rides Story
Send us Fan MailIn episode #080 of Mountain Cog Podcast, hosts Josh and Dane welcome Dave Slagle, the founder of Our MTB Rides and a pillar of Tucson's mountain biking community. Dave shares his journey from riding a Schwinn High Sierra as his first real mountain bike to becoming a Specialized brand ambassador. As a Tucson native, he offers unique insights into the evolution of local trails f
079 - Derailleurs are Dead! Short Cranks, Belt Drives, and the Evolution of Mountain Bike Components
Send us Fan MailIn this lively episode of the mountain biking podcast, hosts Josh and Dane dive into the evolving world of mountain bike technology, debating whether certain innovations are lasting trends or passing fads. The conversation explores controversial topics like belt drives, gearbox systems, and the hosts make bold predictions about the future of derailleur technology. Dane challenges J
078 - Trail Talk: Portal, Big Bear and new trails in Flagstaff & Prescott. (Guest: Justin Dietrich)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Josh & Dane are joined by Justin Dietrich (General Badass, Downhill Wizard, & O.G. Hydrofoil Pro) to chat about a few of the “destination worthy” trails they’ve ridden recently while on travel in Utah, California, and Northern Arizona. While many trails are discussed throughout the episode this Trail Talk icenters around… Portal - Mag 7 (Moab, UT)https://www
077 – Listener stories: crazy wildlife encounters on mountain bike trails.
Send us Fan MailThe MCP team put out a request on our socials and multiple forums requesting stories about crazy wildlife encounters on the trail. We got a great response (thanks to all that contributed)! So, we grouped the inputs into 8 categories and recorded this episode where Josh & Dane discuss the “best” (unscientifically chosen) responses.The categories… 1. Bears2. Birds, Bats
076 – Why drive when you can ride to the trail? (Randolph Ford, Author of “The Loop – America’s #1 Recreational Trail”)
Send us Fan MailWe live in “America’s Bike Town” (Tucson, Arizona). Our weather allows us to ride 365 days a year and the cycling options here are unmatched. We have 100’s of miles of single-track that range from cross country to big mountain. The road cycling attracts pros and amateurs from all over the world to ride our vast network of paved roads and the epic climb up Mt. Lemon. We have on
075 – Consumer direct brands… great bikes cheap, but are you giving up more than you save? (Steve Morganstern, Bicycle Ranch)
Send us Fan MailJosh and Dane sit down with Steve Morganstern (Bicycle Ranch) to discuss why mountain bikers might be giving up more than they save when buying from a consumer direct brand.This episode essentially covers the consumer value proposition of buying from your local bike shop versus buying a bike online.The local shop value proposition includes... selection, sizing, assembly, setup, fit
074 – The first bump is always free! A conversation with Pivot’s president. (Bryan Mason, President, Pivot Cycles)
Send us Fan MailJosh & Dane took a field trip up to Tempe, Arizona to spend a day with Pivot Cycles’ President (Bryan Mason) and Factory Field Rep (Bill Larson). The day included a fun ride on Pivot eMTBs at the amazing Hawes Trail System, grabbing lunch at Someburros, touring the Pivot factory, meeting many of the Pivot team in various departments, and recording this episode with Bryan. The
073 – SRAM vs Shimano, shoutouts, and stupid bike stuff.
Send us Fan MailThis episode features the MCP hosts Josh and Dane and is pretty MTB-techy. It starts out with a couple shoutouts from Josh to bike industry brands 1up and PNW for excellent customer service. It transitions to cover some of our listeners perspectives on “stupid stuff in the bike industry”. And finally, it concludes with an epic and aggressive argument (in good fun) between “Team
072 - Bonus Episode: The new and significantly redesigned Rocky Mountain Altitude (Sam Elmes, Rocky Mountain)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dane sits down again with Sam Elmes from Rocky Mountain to discuss Rocky's significantly redesigned enduro bike... the Altitude. Feedback from Rocky's professional enduro race team were essential in shaping the Altitude's redesign. This episode features less rabbit holes and more bike specs. Enjoy.Learn more about the new Altitude at Rocky Mountai
071 - If you can see better, you can ride better. (Rob Tavakoli, CEO, SportRX)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Josh & Dane chat with "Sunglass Rob" the CEO of San Diego's based SportRX. SportRX is an online company focused on prescription eyewear for multiple sports with biking being one of their biggest markets). Sunglass Rob is an avid mountain biker and an absolute savant as it relates to eyewear. In addition to learning a ton about active eyewear an
070 – Bonus Episode: Rocky Mountain’s new Instinct (140mm trail bike) & other cool stuff… (Sam Elmes, Rocky Mountain Bikes)
Send us Fan MailDane had a chance to sit down with Sam Elmes from Rocky Mountain Bikes during the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival to chat about the new Instinct, Rocky’s line-up and a bit about the mountain bike festival.Rocky Mountain Instincthttps://bikes.com/collections/instinctSedona Mountain Bike Festivalhttps://sedonamtbfestival.comListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Site
069 – Nipple management… and other annoying mountain bike stuff. (Part 1)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Josh and Dane discuss and debate (argue even) about annoying mountain bike stuff. Some of the topics we debate on include… Presta valves + chunky sealant. Dunlop valves. British brake lever setup (rear brake on left / front brake right).MOAB closing its lift (yes, they had one).Spoke holes inside rims (requires rim tape = tubeless system failure point).Nipple man
068 – Old Pueblo MTB doesn’t just talk about riding… they ride, and they ride a lot. (The Travis Williams, Old Pueblo MTB)
Send us Fan MailOld Pueblo MTB is a mountain bike group based in Tucson, AZ. that hosts multiple group rides every week. The group communicates primarily through their Facebook page which has 4,000+ members. The episode features ‘The Travis Williams’ (aka Captain Enthusiasm) who is one of the key administrators of Old Pueblo MTB. In addition to learning all about Old Pueblo MTB… the boys and Tr
067 – Beer & mountain bikes go together better than peanut butter and jelly. (Brian Vance, Catalina Brewing Company)
Send us Fan MailRecorded onsite at the brewery, the boys chat with Brian (owner of Catalina Brewing Company) about beer, the brewery, and content spanning a ton of mountain bike topics (including: bikes, epic adventures, bike art, and more) . Some interesting nuggets include how a 125cc moto smashed the rear window of Josh’s truck, an epic mountain bike ride in Tucson that requires riders to send
066 – Live from 24 Hrs in the Old Pueblo (2024)
Send us Fan MailWhat is the 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo? Think “Burning Man” + “Mountain Bike Race”. Dane & Josh recorded this episode LIVE this morning, just before the race start in the Old Pueblo MTB booth. In this episode we laugh, rap about the event, interact with participants and spectators, and as always go down random mountain bike related rabbit holes.Epic Rides – 24 Hours in the Old
065 - "Hips Don't Lie" is not just a song by Shakira. Mountain bike fits with Tyler. (Tyler Vandruff, GURU Bikes)
Send us Fan MailIf you listen to this podcast at all... you probably know that we are presently obsessed with bike fits. It all started when Wolfman (aka Andrew Wolf, a prior exercise physiologist) berated Josh for never having a bike fit in Episode #57. That catalyzed an awesome bike fit experience with Frank Kaiser (Ben's Bikes) who we interviewed in Episode #62. Frank told us that while
064 – Dane Higgins first (as co-host) episode.
Send us Fan MailJoin us in wishing a warm welcome to Dane Higgins (Guru Bikes & Guru Suspension) who is joining Josh as the new co-host of the Mountain Cog Podcast. In this episode, we welcome and learn more about Dane (his shop & suspension business, his bikes and riding style). In addition, the episode spends a good chunk of time on the state of the bike industry; past, present, and fu
063 – Mike Festerling’s last podcast.
Send us Fan MailBittersweet. It’s an interesting word. It’s used to refer to something that has both happy and sad aspects. It’s the perfect word to describe this episode. The sad part is that this is Mike’s last episode as a co-host of the MCP. He’s retiring. The happy part is that we have awesome plans for the future. Those plans include a new co-host (a seasoned mountain bike industry ex
062 – Bike fits & bidets. Both will change your life. This episode is about bike fits. (Frank Kaiser)
Send us Fan MailIn Episode 57, Wolfman convinced us to get a bike fit. So, we tracked down a local (and amazing) professional bike fitter, got a bike fit from him, and convinced him to come on the podcast.In this episode we chat with Frank Kaiser (aka our favorite German). Frank is a professional bike fitter, a certified IRONMAN Coach, a business owner, a prior New Mexico Sheriff/Detective, and i
061 – Bikes, roads, and other modes. A conversation with “Roundabout Sam”. (Sam Credio, Director of Transportation & Mobility, City of Tucson)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode Josh, Mike, & Roundabout Sam have an interesting conversation on the vast challenges and success stories related to managing transportation & mobility in Tucson, Arizona. While centered around Tucson… these topics directly translate to any major city. The subjects covered include: increasing bicycle, pedestrian, and motorized safety on our roads, bike lane
060 - Be Nice. Say Hi. Mountain bike advocacy w/ SDMBA - San Diego Mountain Biking Association (Susie Murphy)
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we engage in a compelling conversation with Susie Murphy, the Executive Director of the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA.com), a non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing sustainable trail access for mountain biking in San Diego County. Established in 1994, SDMBA boasts a volunteer-driven force and stands as one of the largest region
059 - Part 2 of 2 - Dusty's inspiring mental health journey. (Dusty Horton)
Send us Fan MailWarning: this episode includes conversation about suicide. This episode may not be appropriate for anyone sensitive to the topic of suicide. If you are having suicidal thoughts, please know, SUICIDE IS NOT THE ANSWER, help is available. A super easy way to get help in the United States is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Just TEXT or CALL 988. Please get help. This world nee
058 - Part 1 of 2 - Get to know an O.G. BMX Pro. (Dusty Horton)
Send us Fan MailThis is the 1st of our 2 part series with O.G. BMX pro Dusty Horton. The episode starts off with Dusty telling about his BMX roots in Milwaukee, his time riding for DK, his discovery of 22" BMX bikes and his current gig riding for Ditto BMX. The episode is full of laughs and fun stories including riding brakeless, how Turf Skatepark turned into a strip club, and highlights D
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