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Available Episodes

5 of 112

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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108 - Zuma Bike Ranch & Phil’s World Trails: A Unique MTB Experience in Southwest Colorado.
Send us a textExperience 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 incredible variety, from high desert pinyon and juniper riding to technical canyon descents, with Durango and Telluride's alpine adventures just an hour away.Jake shares his journey from outdoor industry professional to ranch owner, creating a comprehensive mountain bike experience that combines his expertise as BICP certified mountain bike instructor with world-class trail access. With over six years of professional coaching experience including being Ninja Mountain Bike Performance ‘instructor trainer’, Jake offers everything from private one-on-one skill sessions to group clinics. The ranch features custom-built training facilities including pump tracks, progressive jump lines, and technical drop zones, allowing riders to develop skills in a controlled environment before applying them to the extensive trail networks. The ranch serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring multiple trail systems including Phil's World, Boggy Draw's 70-mile network, and connections to the Colorado Trail. With local breweries, cideries, restored apple orchards, and authentic Southwest Colorado culture, Zuma Bike Ranch offers mountain bikers a complete adventure experience that combines world-class trails with professional instruction and regional charm.https://www.zumabikeranch.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites [email protected]
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