Shows
Mountain 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 Cog099 - Jess The Maker's take on content creation, bikes, trails, & tacos.Send us a textIn 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 gem" of mountain biking while also discussing her experiences in renowned destinations like Whistler, Vermont, and Bentonville. Jess shares insights about her Specialized bike collection, including her Stumpjumper and newly acquired Levo 4, and her preferences f...2025-04-221h 05Mountain 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 23Mountain 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 Cog094 - Building Better Mountain Bike Communities: SDMB's Approach to Trail Advocacy and Engagement (Guest: Ruth Cañamar, Vice President, SDMB)Send us a textThe 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 community members for a day of non-competitive riding and socializing at Tucson Mountain Park, demonstrating the power of inclusive community events in mountain biking.Ruth shares her personal journey into mountain biking and her role in expanding SDMB's reach t...2025-02-111h 14Mountain 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 Cog092 - SRAM vs Shimano: Comparing Mountain Bike Components with SRAM Field Guide Jimmy NordlohSend us a textIn 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 acquisitions while maintaining quality across their product lines. Listeners will gain valuable perspective on the differences between SRAM and Shimano components, with particular focus on serviceability and compatibility.The conversation delves into technical discussions about SRAM's breakthrough products...2025-01-141h 20Mountain Cog091 – From Rigid Bikes to World Champion: Tim March on Ghost-Writing Steve Peat's AutobiographySend us a textIn 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 conversations. Listeners will discover how Peat balanced his notorious party lifestyle with becoming one of downhill mountain biking's greatest champions.The conversation explores Peat's evolution from riding rigid bikes on Sheffield's gnarly terrain to...2024-12-311h 04