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

Ep 137: What Were Pinarello Thinking? + How Much Does Tadej Pogačar Earn?

Jul 2, 20261h 7mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a variety of topics ranging from bike culture and industry news to the extreme side of endurance sports. The conversation kicks off with a look at the bizarre intersection of cycling and high fashion, specifically discussing the viral Pinarello bike that appeared on the Louis Vuitton runway at Paris Fashion Week. The hosts analyze why such a polarizing design captures public attention and share their thoughts on Pinarello’s unique aesthetic. The episode also highlights an incredible feat of endurance, as the hosts cover Victor Busony’s new course record at the Tour Divide, focusing on the fascinating strategy of prioritizing consistent sleep. This leads to a broader discussion about ultra-distance athletes, including the intense training habits of figures like Ross Edgley. Finally, the hosts tackle the economics of professional cycling, examining the high cost of top-tier cycling shoes compared to other sports. They discuss whether the performance gains of ultra-stiff, expensive footwear are truly worth it for the average rider. The show concludes by touching on the massive contract rumors surrounding young talent Paul Seixas and the high-stakes bidding war for the sport's next big star.

Ep 136: Ranking Popular Cycling Challenges Worst To Best + Canyon's Wild New Bikes

Jun 25, 20261h 8mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts reconvene to discuss recent cycling tech and industry news. The conversation kicks off with a lighthearted catch-up before diving into a deep dive on eBike conversion kits. While acknowledging the impressive performance of these units, the team debates the ongoing frustration regarding warranties and the reluctance of major bike brands to embrace the technology. The discussion then shifts to Canyon’s futuristic concept bikes, which incorporate AI, cameras, and radar to enhance rider safety. While the hosts appreciate the focus on innovation, they express skepticism about the complexity and high cost of such integrated tech, favoring simpler infrastructure solutions like protected bike lanes. They also explore the potential of Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology, which allows bikes to communicate with cars to prevent accidents at junctions. The episode rounds out with a humorous critique of a viral AI-generated image shared by a major retailer that featured a bike with handlebars mounted to the saddle. The hosts reflect on the humor of the error and conclude the show by celebrating the podcast reaching four hundred thousand subscribers.

Ep 135: 9 Costly Bike Mistakes Most Cyclists Make + Ultra Race Cheating ft. Bike Mechanic Nic

Jun 11, 20261h 5mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts are joined by local bike mechanic Nick to dive into the latest developments and debates within the cycling world. The conversation kicks off with a look at the unconventional post-retirement life of pro cyclist Thibaut Pinot, before shifting toward the intense drama currently unfolding in the ultra-racing scene. The group discusses a major controversy at the Trans Balkan ultra race, where the leader was disqualified for violating self-supported rules. This leads to a wider discussion regarding the difficulty of policing remote endurance events, where reports of outside assistance and rule-breaking are becoming increasingly common. The hosts explore the tension between racing for performance and participating for the sake of the experience. Finally, the discussion touches on record-setting endurance attempts, including a critique of the current rules surrounding around-the-world cycling records. The episode concludes with a brief look at the UCI's proposed regulations on bike computer screen sizes, with the hosts weighing in on whether such mandates actually improve rider safety or simply address non-existent problems in the professional peloton.

Ep 134: Most Ridiculous DQ In Cycling? + Unbound Was Disgusting

Jun 4, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a mix of lighthearted adventures and serious discussions about the current state of cycling. The conversation begins with a behind-the-scenes look at a recent project involving unique bike builds, including a beach cruiser and a refurbished delivery bike, highlighting the comedic challenges of bike maintenance and the team’s recent community ride-out event. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the controversy surrounding the disqualification of Lorena Wiebes at the Women’s Giro. The hosts analyze the severity of the penalty, which stemmed from her bike weighing twenty grams under the UCI’s legal limit. They explore the inconsistencies of weighing equipment and the broader implications for professional racing. The discussion then shifts to the recent Unbound gravel race in Kansas, where extreme weather transformed the course into a muddy slog, forcing many competitors to hike with their bikes. Despite the harsh conditions, the hosts reflect on the growth of gravel racing and the impressive quality of the event’s live coverage. Finally, they touch upon a tragic recent collision in New York involving an e-scooter, emphasizing the ongoing safety concerns within urban cycling infrastructure.

Ep 133: The UCI Lost to SRAM + Why I Wiped My Strava Stats

May 28, 20261h 4mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a mix of technical gear debates, industry news, and the wider world of cycling culture. They begin by tackling a common point of contention among cyclists: whether the new SRAM shifters are significantly longer than previous models. By performing their own hands-on testing, the hosts conclude that the shifters are indeed longer, though the impact on one's bike fit depends largely on individual hand positioning and personal sensitivity to reach adjustments. The conversation shifts to the UCI’s recent legal battle with SRAM regarding gear restrictions. The hosts discuss the court’s decision in favor of SRAM, noting that it sets a significant precedent for how the UCI may regulate equipment in the future, ideally requiring more collaboration with manufacturers. The group also shares their thoughts on upcoming cycling-themed media, specifically a new psychological thriller set in the world of professional racing. Additionally, they explore the rigorous anti-doping and anti-cheating protocols implemented in indoor esports racing. The episode concludes with a look at new research highlighting the mental health benefits of cycling and how such studies serve as vital tools for advocating for better cycling infrastructure in cities worldwide.

Ep 132: Pro Cyclist Beaten Unconscious + Giro Riders Told To Stop This

May 21, 202657 minSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, hosts Jimmy and Francis dive into the nuances of the cycling industry and the latest happenings in the professional racing circuit. The conversation kicks off with a critique of current bike manufacturing trends, specifically focusing on the excessive number of product configurations that often lead to inventory shortages and decision fatigue for consumers. The hosts argue that brands should prioritize standardizing more appropriate, easier gear ratios for the average cyclist, as current setups often feel unnecessarily difficult for non-racing riders. Shifting to recent news, the hosts discuss the disturbing incident involving a Tudor Pro Cycling sprinter who was beaten unconscious by a group of individuals while out training. They also touch on problematic fan behavior observed at the Giro d'Italia, where spectators were caught interfering with riders. The conversation turns lighter as they discuss the ongoing rules regarding professional cyclists urinating during races and recount historical anecdotes of the sport’s more "romantic" and chaotic eras. The episode concludes with a casual check-in on the hosts' fantasy cycling league standings, rounding out a mix of industry analysis and current event updates.

Ep 131: The Canyon Frame Error Nobody Noticed + E-racing Dopers Beware…

May 14, 20261h 0mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a variety of compelling topics, beginning with a frank discussion about a manufacturing error discovered on a new Canyon Endurace model. The team explains how they identified incorrect geometry data printed directly onto the frame, highlighting the importance of thorough technical analysis during product reviews. They emphasize how such errors, while rare, can lead to bikes becoming collector's items in the future. The conversation then shifts to the evolving world of e-racing, specifically addressing new, strict anti-doping measures introduced for indoor platforms. The hosts debate the logistics and effectiveness of implementing traditional doping controls for virtual competitors. Additionally, they discuss the recurring controversy surrounding pro cyclist Jan Willem van Schip, questioning the fairness of UCI regulations regarding aerodynamic bike setups and riding positions. Finally, the episode touches on several human-interest stories from the cycling community, including two riders who completed a charity trek while towing litter-collecting bins and an inspiring journey of a cyclist riding around the world on a unique, custom-built wooden bike. The hosts round out the show with a lighthearted look at a viral road-rage incident involving a celebrity cyclist in London.

Ep 130: Shimano Conspiracy Theories + The Worst Groupset We Ever Reviewed

May 7, 202659 minSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts engage in a lively discussion ranging from recent travel experiences to technical deep dives into cycling gear. The conversation kicks off with lighthearted stories about their travels, including a memorable encounter with an internet-famous personality and a high-intensity incident involving a car chase in Mexico. Shifting to the technical side of the sport, the team reviews a recent groupset, describing it as exceptionally challenging for home mechanics to set up, despite its versatile functionality for specific use cases. The hosts also touch upon the latest release from Campagnolo, speculating on its potential as a high-performance competitor. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to industry trends, specifically the growing speculation surrounding Shimano’s possible expansion into top-tier gravel components, fueled by observations of professional riders testing new equipment. Finally, the group explores the intersection of cycling and gaming, discussing the recent acquisition of the indoor training app Rouvy by Zwift and the curious collaboration between the Giro d’Italia and Fortnite, sparking a humorous debate about the potential for future spin-off podcasts focused on gaming and cinema.

Ep 129: MAAP Fires Shots at Assos + An Epic Bike Event Fail ft. Mechanic Nic

Apr 23, 20261h 9mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, host Jimmy and producer Emily are joined by mechanic Nick Vieri, who recounts his recent experience tackling the Cape Epic, widely considered the world's most challenging mountain bike race. Despite admitting to a severe lack of preparation and minimal training, Nick shares his journey through the grueling eight-day event in South Africa, which included intense heat, a mid-race hospitalization for dehydration, and a crash that resulted in a separated shoulder. The conversation pivots to the recent Sea Otter Classic, where Nick spent time exploring the latest industry trends. He shares his skeptical perspective on the growing push for 32-inch wheels, arguing that the technical benefits are dubious and that industry manufacturers often prioritize marketing over practical ride quality. Conversely, Nick expresses significant excitement for a new disc brake hose decoupler from Xenor. He highlights how this small but innovative tool simplifies bike maintenance and travel by allowing riders to disconnect hydraulic lines without the need for tools or brake bleeding, a feature he believes could resolve many frustrations associated with modern internal cable routing.

Ep 128: The UCI is COMING for YouTubers + Are Quiet Roads More Dangerous?

Apr 16, 20261h 2mSummary

In this episode of The Wild Ones Cycling Podcast, the hosts dive into a wide range of industry news and competitive cycling topics. The conversation begins with a lighthearted but critical look at product sprawl in the cycling world, specifically questioning why brands like Shimano and Cube maintain such complex, overlapping, and often confusing product hierarchies. The hosts move on to dissect the recent drama at Paris-Roubaix, highlighting the technical frustration of prototype pedals causing issues during mid-race bike swaps. They also discuss the broader challenges facing women’s professional cycling, emphasizing the need for better TV coverage and arguing that the sport's growth is often stunted by the way organizers handle broadcast rights. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the growing tension between the UCI and prominent cycling content creators. The hosts discuss the formal complaint filed by Benji from Lantern Rouge following an intimidating letter from the governing body. They explore the importance of independent media and the necessity of holding governing bodies accountable. The episode concludes with a humorous take on emerging safety technology, specifically the development of integrated airbag skin suits for professional racing.