Ep 117: Cinelli Gets Called Out + Fan Caused Vingegaard's Crash?

Ep 127: The Best Value Bike Brand No One’s Talking About? + Bikes We’d Actually Buy in 2026

Apr 9, 20261h 3mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a candid discussion about the current state of the cycling market, focusing on bike value, brand strategies, and their picks for the best machines to purchase in the coming years. The conversation begins with a look at XDS and its sub-brand, X Lab, which the hosts identify as a massive manufacturer currently disrupting the market with high-spec carbon gravel bikes at aggressive price points. They compare this to the confusing and overlapping product tiers often seen from major legacy brands. The hosts also tackle the challenge of identifying value in today's inflated market, noting that the definition of an entry-level price point has shifted significantly over the last decade. They provide specific recommendations across different budgets, highlighting brands like Van Rissel, Canyon, and Scott for offering the best bang for the buck. Beyond equipment, the episode covers recent racing highlights, including standout performances at the Tour of Flanders, and recounts the grueling feat of setting off-road Everest records. The episode concludes with a spirited debate on the aesthetics and practicalities of bike builds.

Ep1 26: Seriously, What’s Canyon Doing? + Unhinged Bike Theft Attempt

Apr 2, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones, the hosts dive into a variety of topics ranging from industry trends to personal cycling mishaps. They kick off with a discussion about a mysterious new Canyon bike, which they suspect might be an endurance-focused race machine that defies traditional category labels. The conversation shifts to the unusual design trend of squishy carbon top tubes, leading the hosts to debate the importance of user experience versus weight savings in modern frame construction. The team also touches on the troubling rise of bike theft, including a recent incident involving a professional team, and reflects on the necessity of de-escalating confrontations to prioritize personal safety. Moving to lighter topics, they celebrate recent successes in the professional peloton, discuss Zwift’s pivot toward encouraging outdoor activity through gamification, and review an unconventional design project where old bike frames are upcycled into designer armchairs. The episode concludes with a segment on the struggles of independent local bike shops, where the hosts analyze how small businesses can survive by focusing on specialized service rather than trying to compete with the scale of online retail.

Ep 125: ‘Homicide Attempt’ on Ex Pro + Gravel Bike Tech Can Get In The Sea

Mar 26, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a variety of topics ranging from lighthearted bike adventures to serious industry critiques and safety concerns. The conversation kicks off with a personal account of a long-distance ride from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, highlighting the unique social interactions encountered along the way. The discussion then shifts to industry trends, specifically questioning the necessity of single-sided pedals in gravel cycling. The hosts express frustration over the cycle of unnecessary innovation, fearing that specialized racing tech is trickling down to the detriment of the average rider. This leads into a broader critique of the current state of the bike industry, with the hosts arguing that brands are neglecting the entry-level market in favor of high-end, expensive equipment, potentially alienating the next generation of cyclists. Finally, the podcast addresses serious safety issues within the sport. The hosts recount a recent near-miss road rage incident they experienced before discussing a legal case involving a former professional cyclist. The episode also touches on the inherent risks of professional racing, reflecting on recent crashes at Milan-San Remo and the ongoing debate surrounding rider safety on technical courses.

Ep 124: Shimano Are Being Fined + Another New Factor?!

Mar 19, 202658 minSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, hosts Jimmy and Francis dive into a mix of industry news, technical innovations, and lighthearted banter. The discussion kicks off with an unusual piece of tech: the Fasten "switch wheel" system, which aims to make front and rear wheels interchangeable. While the hosts debate the practicality of such a system for amateur cyclists versus professional pit crews, they acknowledge the clever engineering behind keeping rotors and cassettes fixed to the frame. The conversation shifts to the professional racing circuit, covering a reported altercation between riders and a team suspension following doping regulation breaches. The hosts also address significant news regarding Shimano, noting the company’s recent settlement over faulty cranksets. They reflect on the importance of consumer safety and the reality that many users remain unaware of product recalls. Finally, the episode examines two contrasting bikes: a limited-edition Bugatti-branded Factor road bike and the 80s-inspired Kuwahara Grasshopper mountain bike. The hosts weigh the exclusivity and extreme price point of the former against the nostalgic, aesthetic appeal of the latter, ultimately questioning the value of luxury cycling gear.

Ep 123: Why, Giant?, The $7500 CAAD14 + Our Coolest Guest Yet! Ultra-Cycling Record Holder Sarah Ruggins

Mar 12, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, hosts Jimmy and Francis Cade discuss the recent buzz surrounding the new Cannondale CAAD14. The conversation balances enthusiasm for the bike’s performance and design with a candid debate over its premium price tag and polarizing aesthetic choices, such as the visible welds. The hosts also take a moment to address a recent misinformation mishap involving an AI-generated image of Ed Sheeran, which serves as a cautionary tale about the rising prevalence of deceptive digital content. The highlight of the episode is an inspiring interview with ultra-cycling record holder Dr. Sarah Ruggins. Sarah shares her incredible journey from being a promising young runner to overcoming a life-altering autoimmune disease that stripped her of her mobility. She details her transition into cycling, which began as a recovery tool and quickly evolved into a world-class pursuit. Sarah reflects on her record-breaking LeJoggle ride, the grueling physical and mental demands of ultra-endurance racing, and the vital role her support crew played in her success. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, meticulous preparation, and the pursuit of impossible goals.

Ep 122: Weird Move, Shimano + Specialized and Trek Want Refunds

Mar 5, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a variety of pressing industry news and personal cycling anecdotes. The discussion kicks off with a look at Shimano’s unexpected release of the new Tiagra R4000 group set, a move that left the hosts questioning the brand’s previous strategy to phase out their mid-tier road options. They explore the implications for bike manufacturers and the value this provides for riders. The conversation then shifts to the legal challenges facing major players like Specialized, Trek, and Shimano, who are among the companies taking action against recent US tariff policies. The hosts also touch upon the financial difficulties faced by Giant due to import bans, while noting an interesting celebrity sighting of Ed Sheeran riding a Giant bike. Beyond the industry news, the hosts address the growing safety concerns in the professional peloton, specifically highlighting incidents where crashes went unreported due to communication gaps. They weigh in on the effectiveness of GPS tracking and the importance of proactive course design. Finally, they share a clever, DIY bikepacking hack for transporting bike boxes, proving that simple solutions can be a game-changer for traveling cyclists.

Ep 121: UAE Rider ‘Met Banned Doping Coach’ + Underrated Gear We Still Use in 2026

Ep 120: SRAM Backs Down + STOP With These Ridiculous Wheels

Ep 119: A Shimano Conspiracy… + Finally, The Bike We’ve Waited For

Ep 118: A Rare Pogačar Fail, Trek's in Trouble + World Champs Meth Scandal