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Available Episodes

5 of 113

113 - 500 Miles of Sedona Singletrack: An Advocacy Blueprint That Actually Works (Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition - VVCC)
Send us a textDiscover 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 into productive partnerships that have created over 500 miles of mountain bike trails. Tracy and Lars share their journey from illegal trail building in the early 2000s to becoming a model for community-driven trail development, including their work on the highly anticipated Turkey Creek trail system.Get actionable insights on building a thriving mountain bike community, from organizing trail work days that attract 50+ volunteers to establishing the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund that secures funding for new construction and maintenance. Tracy and Lars reveal their strategies for working with land managers, incorporating technical trail features that keep riders engaged, and mobilizing their community to defend public lands against threats like the recent proposal to sell 3.3 million acres of federal land. Whether you're a trail advocate, mountain biker planning a Sedona trip, or community organizer, this episode offers a proven blueprint for trail advocacy success.Check out the VVCC here: Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition (VVCC): https://vvcc.us/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/verdevalleycyclistscoalition/FB: https://www.facebook.com/VerdeValleyCyclistsCoalitionListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites [email protected]
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112 - Bike Shop Secrets: Chasing Creaks - A Mechanic's Nightmare and How You Can Fix It
Send us a textAre 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 brackets, pedals, and suspension pivots. Dane shares insider knowledge on the most common culprits behind bike creaks and reveals why some noises seem impossible to locate, even for professional mechanics.The conversation also tackles the confusing world of bike grease – do you really need expensive brands like Motorex, or will basic Park Tool grease work just fine? Discover when to use slick honey versus standard bearing grease, the truth about carbon assembly paste, and why proper lubrication prevents most creaking issues. Whether you're a home mechanic or just want to better communicate with your local bike shop, this episode provides actionable bike maintenance tips that could save you hours of frustration and potentially hundreds of dollars in unnecessary repairs.Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites [email protected]
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111 - Bike Shop Secrets: Will My Parts Fit if I Swap Mountain Bike Frames?
Send us a textThinking 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 standards. The hosts cover everything from dropper post insertion depth and seat collar sizing to disc brake adapter requirements and chainline adjustments for different rear-end widths.Whether you're considering a frame-only purchase from brands like Revel or Intense, or planning a complete build transfer, this episode provides essential guidance on what components are universal and what requires careful measurement. Discover insider tips on headset cup compatibility, shock eye-to-eye measurements, crank spindle widths, and the often-overlooked differences between threaded and press-fit bottom brackets. Perfect for DIY mountain bikers and anyone looking to understand the complexities of modern bike component standards before making their next frame purchase.Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites [email protected]
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110 - Quality Bicycle Products (QBP): Why Your Bike Shop Depends on This Hidden Giant (Guest: Bryce Buckner, QBP)
Send us a textWhen 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, explaining why bike shops choose QBP over direct manufacturer relationships and how bulk purchasing power translates to better pricing and faster shipping for consumers.The discussion explores QBP's house brands that have become cycling icons: Salsa's modular Blackthorn platform that adapts between different travel configurations, Surly's practical steel bikes favored by bike messengers and touring cyclists, and Problem Solvers' budget-friendly compatibility components. Buckner shares insider knowledge about industry challenges including the "Amazon effect" on shipping expectations, how exclusive distribution agreements work, and why certain products like Silca's electronic pumps were delayed due to tariff concerns. The episode balances technical industry insights with entertaining tales from Angel Fire, featuring dramatic tubeless tire explosions and the reality of riding with injuries sustained during thunderstorm conditions.Links: Salsa Cycles: https://www.salsacycles.com/Surly Bikes: https://surlybikes.com/Teravail Tires & Wheels: https://www.teravail.com/Problem Solvers: https://problemsolversbike.com/QBP Brands: https://www.qbp.com/brandsListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites [email protected]
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109 - Bike Shop Secrets & Gear We Like: SportRX Huckson Sunglasses, Vittoria Agarro Tires, Frameworks DH Frame and more.
Send us a textIn 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 combinations, and practical advice for desert mountain biking conditions. Josh provides an 18-month review of SportRX Huckson glasses, explaining why they've become his go-to choice for mountain bike eyewear over popular brands like Oakley and Smith.Dane delivers an in-depth first ride review of the Frameworks downhill frame, comparing its performance and surprising weight characteristics against his carbon Phoenix bike at Sunrise Bike Park in Arizona. The episode also covers essential bike shop secrets including tire installation tricks using 50-gallon trash cans, troubleshooting pedal kickback issues with different hub engagement systems, and the importance of professional mountain bike coaching versus self-teaching. Listeners will gain valuable insights into product selection, setup tips, and real-world performance data from experienced riders and bike shop professionals.SportRX Huckson Sunglasses (Prescription & Non-Prescription): https://www.sportrx.com/sportrx-huckson.htmlVittoria Agarro Tires: https://vittoria.com/products/agarro-trail Framworks DH Frame: https://rideframeworks.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites [email protected]
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