Shows
Mountain Cog106 - Bike Shop Secrets: Can I ride it? Chain Stretch. Cassette Wear. Quick Links. Dropped Helmet, and Carbon Frame & Component Damage.Send us a textRider 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 require immediate replacement versus repairable damage. Understanding the difference between cosmetic carbon scratches and structural compromise can literally be life-saving, especially when dealing with handlebars, steerer tubes, and other critical load-bearing components.Mechanical reliability directly...2025-07-291h 16Mountain Cog104 - Bike Shop Secrets: Disc Brake Squeal, Internal Routing Issues, Suspension Service (incl. Fork Stanchion Lube), & Pedal Cadence.Send us a textIn 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 techniques, the debate between OEM vs aftermarket brake pads, and why sanding contaminated pads often fails to solve squealing issues.The episode also covers essential suspension service knowledge including the difference between lower and full fork services, typical service...2025-07-011h 06Mountain Cog098 - A technical look at Norco's mountain bike design approach. (Guests: Norco R&D Engineers - Colin Ryan & Kirk McDowall)Send us a textIn 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 riding performance, particularly in technical terrain with square-edge hits and rock gardens.The discussion also highlights Norco's innovative RideAlign bike setup system, which uses rider metrics to provide personalized suspension, cockpit, and tire pressure recommendations. Kirk and...2025-04-081h 01Mountain Cog097 - Bike Shop Confessions: How MTB Suspension Experts Really Choose ComponentsSend us a textIn 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 maintenance to detailed comparisons between Fox, DVO, and RockShox fork technologies, with expert insights on how suspension choice impacts ride feel and performance on different trails.The episode explores the technical aspects of mountain biking while...2025-03-251h 23
GoJo and GolicHour 1: Tee gets Tagged, First Overall Pick Debate + Dane Brugler Recaps the 2025 CombineIn Hour 1…(5:11) The guys lead off with the Cincinnati Bengals placing the franchise tag on Wide Receiver Tee Higgins for the 2nd season in a row. Higgins scored 10 TD’s and put up nearly 1000 yards during his 2024 campaign, and remains a vital piece of the Bengals offense, but with other big names to be signed, such as WR Ja’Marr Chase, how long can the Bengals and Higgins marriage last?(7:15) Following this, Mike and Mike discuss the QB Situation with the Minnesota Vikings, who made the decision to not place...2025-03-0455 minMountain Cog095 - Bike Shop Secrets: Pro Tips on Carbon Bars, Wax Chain Lube, and Dropper Post MaintenanceSend us a textIn 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 riding conditions, with both hosts sharing their personal experiences and highlighting why proper application makes all the difference.The episode continues with valuable insights on bike modifications, including the importance of changing...2025-02-251h 27Mountain Cog093 - Fox vs SRAM RockShox: Electronic Mountain Bike Suspension Systems ComparedSend us a textThis 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-country focus contrasting with Neo's gravity-oriented design. Installation requirements, compatibility considerations, and real-world performance characteristics are thoroughly explored.Pricing and value propositions also take center stage, with systems ranging from $1,400 to $3,500 depending on configuration. The hosts provide valuable insights into how...2025-01-281h 07Mountain Cog090 – Faction Bike Studio: The Secret Engineering Firm Behind Your Favorite Mountain Bikes (Guest: Adam Robbins)Send us a textJosh 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 scenes. Adam explains their comprehensive approach to bike design, from industrial design and prototyping to manufacturing support and FEA (Finite Element Analysis), revealing how Faction maintains their clients' spotlight while perfecting designs.The discussion highlights Faction's...2024-12-171h 13Mountain Cog088 – Are Electronic Mountain Bike Components Worth The Price?Send us a textEpisode 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 down exactly what riders get for their investment. From SRAM's wireless transmission systems to Shimano's Di2 technology, the episode covers how electronic shifting provides more precise gear changes, eliminates cable degradation issues, and significantly improves shift quality under load.Desp...2024-11-191h 20Mountain Cog086 – Beer & Bikes: How Tucson Hop Shop Created a Cycling Community Hub (Jessie Jean Mance & Sarita Mendez)Send us a textEpisode 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 building rather than just selling beer. The conversation highlights how the shop's strategic location near major bike trails and their deliberate focus on cyclist-friendly amenities have created a thriving establishment where riders gather before, during, and...2024-10-221h 09Mountain Cog085 – Elevating Arizona's Mountain Biking Scene: TORCA's Mt. Lemmon Trail Building Initiative. (Nick Giovannucci & Matt Hrabko)Send us a textDiscover 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 island, where dramatic elevation changes create one of North America's most diverse riding environments.This information-packed episode explores TORCA's innovative approach to trail design and maintenance in challenging desert terrain, their collaborative work with government agencies and environmental stakeholders, and their...2024-10-081h 27Mountain Cog084 – Inside the Bike Industry's Big Brands with Former Giant and Specialized Sales Rep. (Carlos Quintero)Send us a textThe 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 from bike shop manager at Bicycle Warehouse to inside sales roles at Giant and Specialized, offering unique perspectives on how these major manufacturers approach the market differently.The hosts and Carlos explore the post-pandemic changes in the mountain...2024-09-241h 15Mountain Cog083 – Sunrise Park Resort: Arizona's Only Lift-Assisted Bike Park with Builder Colby LandinSend us a textIn 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 and how the park has evolved from expert-only terrain to family-friendly trails that accommodate riders of all skill levels.The episode explores Sunrise Park Resort's exciting expansion plans, including the upcoming addition of Apache...2024-09-101h 12Mountain Cog082 - The Impact of Female Role Models in Mountain Biking: Conversation with Dr. Jody BartzSend us a textThis 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 rate of boys. The conversation explores how her six-week adventure series combines mountain biking, hiking, trail stewardship, and supporting woman-owned businesses to create transformative experiences for participants.Dr. Bartz shares the...2024-08-271h 17
Weapons of Meme DestructionEp. 207: The FBI Goes Rogue on Attempted Trump AssassinationU.S. Representative Clay Higgins recently called out the FBI for anomalous "investigative" tactics dealing with the assessment of the attempted Trump assassination last month. Apparently, the FBI authorized the release of the shooter's body back to the family for cremation within 10 days of the events, released the crime scene within three days, and cleaned up biologics at the scene, all without alerting Congress knowing full well Congress would want its own independent investigation into the events of July 13th. This makes it impossible for any independent investigation to be conducted in order to confirm or call into question...2024-08-2048 minMountain Cog081 – Behind the curtain: DVO Suspension (Ronnie Dillon, DVO Suspension)Send us a textIn 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 compliance.This episode features the following topics about Ronnie and DVO…history and Marzocchi roots Taiwan operationsprioritizing customer relations and engagementhistorical product features like Off The Top (OTT) new products...2024-08-131h 33Mountain Cog080 – How Social Media Transformed Mountain Biking Communities: Dave Slagle's Our MTB Rides StorySend us a textIn 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 from Fantasy Island to Mount Lemmon, and how the mountain biking landscape has changed over the decades.The conversation explores Dave's founding of Our MTB Rides, which has...2024-07-301h 11Mountain Cog079 - Derailleurs are Dead! Short Cranks, Belt Drives, and the Evolution of Mountain Bike ComponentsSend us a textIn 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 Josh's prediction that belt-driven gearbox e-bikes will be mainstream within two years, while both agree that SRAM's new Transmission derailleur system represents a significant advancement.The hosts also discuss the growing trend of shorter cranks...2024-07-161h 11Mountain Cog078 - Trail Talk: Portal, Big Bear and new trails in Flagstaff & Prescott. (Guest: Justin Dietrich)Send us a textIn 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.blm.gov/visit/magnificent-seven-mag-7-trail-system https://www.trailforks.com/region/mag-7-17329Snow Valley & Snow Summit Bike Parks (Big Bear, CA)h...2024-07-021h 36Mountain Cog077 – Listener stories: crazy wildlife encounters on mountain bike trails.Send us a textThe 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, & Owls3. Big Cats4. Insects5. Snakes & Other Reptiles6. Big Animals 7. Small Animals8. Mythical CreaturesOh, and of course we had to include a dad joke for each category.We lau...2024-06-181h 17Mountain Cog076 – Why drive when you can ride to the trail? (Randolph Ford, Author of “The Loop – America’s #1 Recreational Trail”)Send us a textWe 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 one of the best indoor skateparks in the world that was specifically designed with freestyle BMX at its core (Premises Park). We have multiple outdoor BMX r...2024-06-041h 01Mountain Cog075 – Consumer direct brands… great bikes cheap, but are you giving up more than you save? (Steve Morganstern, Bicycle Ranch)Send us a textJosh 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, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, upgrade, warranty, socials, group rides, trail advocacy, the ability to physically touch and see before you buy, advise on where to ride, a place to...2024-05-211h 10Mountain Cog074 – The first bump is always free! A conversation with Pivot’s president. (Bryan Mason, President, Pivot Cycles)Send us a textJosh & 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 episode is centered around all things “Pivot”… including design, rapid prototyping, product testing, manufacturing in Asia, quality control, warranties, marketing, the race team, eMTB legislation, funding trail main...2024-05-071h 13Mountain Cog073 – SRAM vs Shimano, shoutouts, and stupid bike stuff.Send us a textThis 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 Josh” (who rides Shimano drivetrains) and “Team Dane” (who rides SRAM drivetrains). Links and stuff… 1up: https://1up-usa.comPNW: https://www.pnwcomponents...2024-04-231h 21Mountain Cog072 - Bonus Episode: The new and significantly redesigned Rocky Mountain Altitude (Sam Elmes, Rocky Mountain)Send us a textIn 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 Mountain's Website: www.bikes.comListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookE...2024-04-1045 minMountain Cog071 - If you can see better, you can ride better. (Rob Tavakoli, CEO, SportRX)Send us a textIn 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 and optics, the episode covers a bit about Rob, his riding, and his company. Special NoteJosh has been testing out SportRX's Huckson prescription sunglasses on mtb & grav...2024-04-021h 15Mountain Cog070 – Bonus Episode: Rocky Mountain’s new Instinct (140mm trail bike) & other cool stuff… (Sam Elmes, Rocky Mountain Bikes)Send us a textDane 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 Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEm...2024-03-2640 min