Velo Podcast
- Episodios
- 678
- Se publica
- cada semana
- Último episodio
- 13 Nov 2026
Sobre el podcast
The Velo Podcast brings you inside the world of gravel and road racing with Velo's team of reporters and commentators.
Episodios 678
The Great Zwift Traffic Debate, Paris-Brest-Paris, and 2027 Winter Training Goals
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois Winter is looming, and for those of us not living in the desert, it’s time to figure out our off-season training plans. With Logan Jones-Wilkins off enjoying …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois
Winter is looming, and for those of us not living in the desert, it’s time to figure out our off-season training plans. With Logan Jones-Wilkins off enjoying his birthday on a bike, host Mike Levy, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross hold down the fort.
The crew wraps up spooky listener submissions with a terrifying machete encounter in Morro Bay before diving into the new tech behind the Zwift Plus update. There is a lot of noise about the new video routes—and the unexpected bathroom emergencies caught on camera—but the real value is the new machine-learning coaching integration, and why it might actually be a viable alternative to Strava. Finally, the team lays out their 2027 goals, explaining why grinding out indoor base miles is a terrible idea, the benefits of reverse polarization, and what it takes to qualify for the legendary 1,200-kilometer Paris-Brest-Paris.
In This Episode:
Spooky listener stories: Near-misses with falling trees and a Morro Bay machete encounter.
Zwift Plus breakdown: video routes, virtual traffic, and why the new machine-learning coaching tech is the real reason to upgrade.
Escaping Strava: Can Zwift's outdoor ride tracking replace Strava's mandatory social network?
Winter Training 101: Why Josh is ditching indoor base miles for high-intensity intervals, and why Mike is hitting the heavy weights.
Paris-Brest-Paris: Lisa announces her 2027 qualifying plans, sparking a heated debate over randonneuring rules, mandatory reflective gear, and zero-sleep rides.
What are your big goals for next season, and how do you plan to train for them? And if you happen to have a terrible mid-ride bathroom emergency story... we want to hear that too. Let us know in the comments!
Listener Perks:
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
Arguing About the Future of Gravel Bikes
Welcome to this special episode of the Velo Podcast from our 2027 Field Test, where we asked one very important question: What does the future of gravel look like? We took six bikes that couldn’t be more …
Notas del episodio
Welcome to this special episode of the Velo Podcast from our 2027 Field Test, where we asked one very important question: What does the future of gravel look like? We took six bikes that couldn’t be more different and compared them head to head. The six bikes:
- Giant Revolt: The lightweight all-rounder—race it or go off the beaten path.
- Factor Sarana: The ultra endurance machine.
- Argon18 Anti Matter: The aero approach to gravel.
- Obed GVR: The progressive race bike.
- Pivot Les SL Drop Bar: The drop-bar mountain bike.
- Salsa Fargo 32 Ti: The 32er. How much difference do big wheels make?
We started with a first impressions loop, then put them through a series of head to head challenges, and finally took them on a 100km ride with varied terrain up to Whistler, BC. Now, Levy, Josh, and Logan have some thoughts about what they just experienced and where the future of gravel is headed. We break it all down on this special episode of the Velo Pod where we're all together under one roof! Watch the three episodes and learn more about each bike in our individual reviews over at Velo! Velo's 2027 Gravel Field Test is presented by: Endura Sport Schwalbe Tires Easton Cycling
Chapters 00:00 Intro 01:25 The Bikes 03:00 Was This Actually Gravel Riding? 08:30 The Importance of Back to Back Testing 13:48 Are 32-Inch Wheels the Future of Gravel? 21:16 What Kind of Gravel Riding Do You Like? 31:04 Biggest Surprise of the Test? 37:05 How would you change the pivot gravel bike? 40:35 Don't Let the Brand Tell You What the Bike Is 43:48 Did We Figure Out the Future of Gravel?
What Makes This a Race Bike for Humans? Pivot Gets Into Road Bikes
In this special episode of the Velo Podcast presented by Pivot, Chris Cocalis, Founder of Pivot Cycles, joins Mike Levy to discuss a new project from the Arizona, based brand. Most people know Pivot for forward …
Notas del episodio
In this special episode of the Velo Podcast presented by Pivot, Chris Cocalis, Founder of Pivot Cycles, joins Mike Levy to discuss a new project from the Arizona, based brand.
Most people know Pivot for forward thinking mountain bikes, but now the brand is getting into road bikes with the Pravia, a bike Pivot is calling ‘a race bike built for humans.’
Intrigued? Us too.
This is actually a return to road bikes for Pivot. The brand partnered with BH years ago on road bike product development and design from 2007 to 2012. Fast forward to today and Pivot has decided the time is right to get into this category under its own name.
“I just thought we could have a cutting edge product that was better,” said Cocalis.
For this project, he tapped into the innovative spirit at Pivot, like when they pushed into 29-inch wheels early, or developed a fat bike. “Pivot is our brand, and wherever we decide to take it we can compete in those categories,” he said.
Although there was some consideration for making a super lightweight, specialist bike, Cocalis really wanted to get back to having one good road bike to ride everything. So the Pivot team set forth to create the Pravia, a performance road bike with elements that more riders will find more comfortable. They have lovingly dubbed it “a race bike for humans.”
Cocalis was deeply involved in the bike development process for the Pravia.
He walks us through the carbon layup development process. It took two years to get all the different sizes correct, and the 56 size around took at least six rounds of development to get the weight and ride quality where they wanted them. But it’s actually the smallest sizes that are the hardest to develop. Cocalis also talks to us about how Pivot’s Hollow Core Carbon Molding process for creating carbon frames differs from other brands. He calls it the most precise way to make a carbon frame.
Levy and Cocalis also get into the nitty gritty details that set this bike apart
Cocalis talked us through his decision to include downtube storage, a move that isn’t always perceived as being for performance bikes. It was also a massive development process to get a downtube storage door that “doesn’t squeak, doesn’t creak, doesn’t leak,” and that’s before trying to hit stiffness and weight targets. It’s part of the reason they needed six rounds of layup development on the size 56 frame alone.
Cocalis then discusses the decision to go all-in on electronic shifting. As he puts it, the Pravia is a high-end bike built for a rider that’s not interested in mechanical shifting. And making it electronic only means not sacrificing ride quality, performance, or weight to build in cable guides and stops. “It is definitely a performance minded decision,” Cocalis said.
Then there’s the small details that make the bike more livable, like a seatpost wedge that actually works — an apparently high bar to clear in this day and age.
Settle in for a great episode of the Velo Podcast
Learn more about the Pravia : https://www.pivotcycles.com/en-us/bikes/pravia
Time stamps
- 00:00:00 - Intro
- 00:03:30 - Why Is Pivot Making a Road Bike Now?
- 00:11:09 - Competing in Both Road & Mountain
- 00:14:28 - Tangent: The Fat Bike Project
- 00:16:50 - Fat-Tire Road Bikes & Tire Clearance 00:21:16 - Into the Details: Designing the Frame
- 00:29:13 - Frame Iterations & Sizing for Smaller Riders
- 00:32:36 - Ride Feel, Vibration & Compliance Testing
- 00:38:01 - How Carbon Frames Are Actually Made
- 00:44:51 - Balancing Stiffness, Compliance & Fit
- 00:48:00 - Chris’s Road History & the LeMond Days
- 00:53:17 - Solving the Squeak-Free Door & Internal Routing
- 00:56:03 - Price, Materials & the Three Build Levels
- 01:01:18 - Who This Bike Is For
- 01:06:01 - What’s Next?
Episode Title: The Coros Dura 2, Spooky Bike Stories, and Cycling's Jorts Problem
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins This is a spooky week to talk about bikes. Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, host Mike Levy, and Josh Ross are all committed to the …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
This is a spooky week to talk about bikes. Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, host Mike Levy, and Josh Ross are all committed to the Halloween bit, but they don't let it distract from the tech.
The crew starts off by diving into listener questions, chatting about why weight has fallen out of the top spot in specs over the last few years, and exploring the reasons why you might decide to care about weight more than aero—even if it makes you slower overall. Plus, Logan shares insight into why the pros don’t care as much about aero as it seems like they should.
The big question still looming is about the crew's failed desert adventure. Lisa can’t stop thinking about it, and the debate continues over going back for unfinished business versus just letting it die, alongside some epic failed-ride stories from listeners.
From there, it’s time to talk about bike computers. The chat starts with whether anyone actually needs an $800 head unit, but quickly devolves into the ultimate wardrobe debate: jorts versus spandex, including Josh's hot take that the casual jorts crowd is actually the least welcoming group in cycling.
The real meat of the tech discussion is the polarizing new Coros Dura 2. We answer your questions, break down why the Coros ecosystem is a major selling point, and mourn the loss of the first generation's scroll wheel. After that, it’s the Levy and Logan show as the gravel boys take on the new Öhlins GXF30 Suspension Fork, debating whether a well-designed gravel fork ever actually needs a lockout.
Finally, we get to the big topic of the week: Halloween. The crew shares their spookiest, unexplained bike stories from the darkest night rides.
Listener Perks:
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
Episode Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:38 - Listener Q&A: Weight vs Aero
00:12:02 - Do You Have to Redo a Failed Adventure?
00:20:12 - Comments: Does Anyone Need an $800 Computer?
00:29:50 - Coros Dura 2 Review: What’s New
00:39:37 - The Ecosystem Problem
00:45:37 - Dislikes & the Price Question
00:50:10 - Öhlins GXF30 Gravel Suspension Fork
00:58:41 - Spooky Bike Stories
01:19:05 - Wrap-Up & Listener Prompt
Title Surviving 109° & Hurricane Winds in Death Valley
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois We headed into the desert for a massive route, and the desert won. This week, Mike Levy, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross (Logan Jones-Wilkins is still away) …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois
We headed into the desert for a massive route, and the desert won. This week, Mike Levy, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross (Logan Jones-Wilkins is still away) recount the war stories from our brutal trip through Death Valley. We’re talking 109-degree heat, heat exhaustion, and gale-force hurricane winds—which makes for a very interesting day when you are riding an aero bike with 65mm wheels.
We break down exactly how the ride fell apart, including why Lisa dropped us on the first major climb and what caused her husband to end up puking on the side of the road.
Before we get into the survival stories, we tackle your listener questions. I explain why I never give exact numbers when quoting aero savings, we offer up some new bike recommendations, and we listen to a gnarly crash recounting. Plus, we debate the new Garmin Edge 1060 and whether voice control on a bike computer actually makes sense.
This week's poll: A big goal goes unfinished. Do you plan a revenge ride, or move on to the next adventure? Let us know in the comments.
Listener Perks:
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
Our Biggest Cycling Mistakes, Shoelace Aero, & $6500 Wheels | Velo Podcast
We tally up our most memorable on-bike disasters, look at why World Tour riders are ditching BOA dials for laces, and debate the true cost of the sport. Let us know your worst cycling mistake in the comments! …
Notas del episodio
We tally up our most memorable on-bike disasters, look at why World Tour riders are ditching BOA dials for laces, and debate the true cost of the sport. Let us know your worst cycling mistake in the comments!
About This Episode:
This week, Lisa Charlebois, our host Mike Levy, and I (Josh Ross) will be riding in Death Valley when you watch this. With that in mind, we had a discussion—including Logan Jones-Wilkins who will only be on the ride in spirit—all about the mistakes we’ve made.
It starts with Logan giving me a bit of a hard time. The problem is that I’m so risk-averse I don’t actually have a ton of examples. If left to my own devices, I tend to move slowly and plan things carefully to avoid disaster. Mistakes do happen though, and I have a few. Lisa has a few more, and Logan has a few more too. Pretty soon though, this just devolves into the Levy show. Mike is far from risk-averse, and the number of things he’s done with his body moving faster than his ability to contemplate the results is pretty extensive.
We do have some other things to chat about this week before we get into all the Mike Levy disasters, though. Did you know that laces are more aerodynamic than BOA dials? Logan noticed a lot of riders at Worlds seemed to be into laces, so he jumped into why and has some interesting details to share. I also get a chance to share why I suggest that anyone looking for budget-focused shoes might want to think twice about BOA dials.
Then we take some time to answer listener questions, including a dive into why Mike is adamant that cycling isn’t an expensive sport. That discussion happens right around when we also talk about the $6,500 Partington wheels that Pidcock was riding at Worlds. Clearly, the two things are not related. Same story with the 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 rim brake groupset that apparently still exists for sale.
Support the Channel:
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at https://www.outsideonline.com/membership/ to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
The Rapha Meltdown, Worlds Drama, and Selling $6,500 Wheels in 2026
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins Inside the Rapha corporate fallout, a boots-on-the-ground Worlds recap, and the strategy behind selling $6,500 wheels. This week, we …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
Inside the Rapha corporate fallout, a boots-on-the-ground Worlds recap, and the strategy behind selling $6,500 wheels.
This week, we dive into road tech, racing drama, and the cycling industry's biggest shakeups. Logan Jones-Wilkins brings us inside the race for the rainbow stripes, while Josh and Logan debate the business logic behind some of the sport's most polarizing gear.
In this episode:
Worlds Recap: Logan’s on-the-ground breakdown of Brandon McNulty’s win and the ridiculous positional rule that nearly upended the women’s race with Kate Courtney.
The Rapha Meltdown: Is its financial restructuring a textbook marketing fail, or was the CEO’s departure actually a calculated, voluntary exit?
High-Dollar Bling: Why a custom Firefly rim-brake bike makes no logical sense but still commands attention, and how $6,500 Partington wheels prove a Western brand can maintain appeal against cheaper Eastern competition.
Listener Q&A: We address the Canyon mounting system corrections, Logan answers for his Haro bike, and Josh shares advice on balancing mileage goals with raising kids.
Listener Perks:
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
Chapter Markers
00:00:00 - Intro: Lisa's Heat Training for the Desert
00:02:17 - Logan at the Montreal World Champs
00:06:21 - A Road-Only Episode Challenge
00:08:53 - Listener Q&A: Grail Mounts, Motivation, Water Bladders & the Old Haro
00:19:58 - Firefly Bicycles: Titanium Rim-Brake Art
00:30:23 - Fran Miller Steps Down & the Rapha Story
00:37:34 - Manufactured Scarcity & Cycling Fashion
00:43:25 - World Champs: The Men's Race & McNulty's Win
00:48:41 - Should Pogačar Be Unbeatable?
00:53:48 - The Women's Race: Vollering vs Kopecky
00:56:35 - Demi's UCI Fine & the Puppy-Paw Rule
00:59:33 - Kate Courtney & the Crash
01:01:56 - Trade Teams vs National Teams
01:05:42 - Tom Pidcock's Partington Wheels
01:14:45 - Wrap-Up & Listener Questions
Shimano’s New Pedals Break Compatibility, Canyon’s Handlebar Surprise & Finding Ride Motivation
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins This week, we have a full house with Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, Mike Levy, and Josh Ross. We kick things off with a massive …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
This week, we have a full house with Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, Mike Levy, and Josh Ross. We kick things off with a massive week in gear news before diving deep into the psychology of ride motivation.
In this episode:
Shimano's Pedal Controversy: Shimano just dropped new pedals, shoes, and cleats that break backward compatibility. Are we excited, or stocking up on new-old-stock?
Canyon Grail Critiques: The latest Grail seems like a great bike in many ways, but Josh brings some sharp criticism regarding a “fun” surprise with the handlebars.
MVDP's Latest Feat: Logan breaks down Mathieu van der Poel's recent achievement and how it might impact the World Championship race. (Plus, an inevitable tangent on aero gains).
The Motivation Equation: How do you get out the door when you just don’t feel like it? After years of riding through major life changes and terrible weather, the crew shares what actually gets them out of bed.
Support the Show:
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro & Episode Overview
00:02:10 - Josh's Early Impressions of the Envy Melee V2
00:04:18 - Shimano's New SPD-SL Pedals & Cleats
00:14:39 - The Third-Gen Canyon Grail
00:23:40 - Van der Poel's 174km Solo Breakaway
00:30:40 - Pogačar & World Championships Preview
00:36:26 - Poll Results: 1.6 Watts vs 1 Kilogram
00:38:05 - Josh's Melee vs Factor 1 Aero Testing
00:43:58 - Listener Comments on Aero vs Weight
00:51:19 - Electronic Shifting on Long Rides
00:53:24 - Where Does Cycling Motivation Come From?
Big Dumb Rides, Aero Gravel Tires, and the Enve Melee V2
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins We answer your questions, debate the real-world value of aero bottle cages, and discuss why it makes sense to ride 500km for tacos …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
We answer your questions, debate the real-world value of aero bottle cages, and discuss why it makes sense to ride 500km for tacos.
We’ve had some major topics on the show the last few weeks, so this week we are taking a step back a little and answering some questions. We read every comment, and Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, and I will often jump in to respond. Mike Levy also reads them, but he actually brings the comments to the show so we can answer them out loud, so to speak.
Before we get to that, though, Levy starts with a question: Have you ever done a ride just for the sake of going somewhere dumb and unimportant? I’ve (Josh Ross) had this idea for years to ride from Los Angeles to the Mexican border for tacos, then back. It’s a 500km ride, and there’s no real point other than to ride a bike. Lael Wilcox once rode all the roads in Alaska for a similar reason. The whole crew is on this week, so we get to talk about our silly reasons for big rides. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever done anything like that. Or, if you are like Logan and just ride for training, let us know that too.
We also have some news to talk about. Mostly, it comes down to Logan and me (Josh Ross) trying to convince Lisa and Mike that aero matters. For Logan, it’s all about aero gravel tires. He went very deep into the weeds in his article, and there's a good reason for that. Then it’s my turn to talk about the Enve Melee V2 and why it features aero bar tape and aero bottle cages. I also have a question that I am hoping you can help me answer.
To participate you'll have to jump to the [Velo website], but the question is: Would you choose a bike that is 1.6 watts more aero or a bike that is 1kg lighter?
Give me the Factor One. I will gladly take a 1kg weight penalty to gain 1.6 watts of aero efficiency.
Give me the Enve Melee. Saving 1kg is far more important to how I ride than 1.6 watts of aero efficiency.
I am choosing the Enve Melee purely based on aesthetics. Regardless of the aero advantage, I would not pick the Factor One because of how it looks.
I am choosing the Factor One. I want the 1.6 watts of free speed, and I actually prefer the aggressive aero styling over a traditional frame.
The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support!
00:00:00 - Intro & Vel Membership Code
00:02:08 - Bond Almond Ultra-Endurance Story
00:06:03 - Big Adventure Rides Discussion
00:13:19 - Arrow Gravel Tires from WTB
00:28:02 - Envy Melee V2 & Aerodynamic Handlebars
00:31:38 - Desert Ride Plans (Vegas to Death Valley)
00:41:34 - Q&A Segment Begins
00:42:46 - Front Derailleur Q&A & Comments
00:47:02 - Shimano vs Sram Brakes Debate
00:54:44 - Environmental Impact of Bike Materials
00:58:35 - Gravel Bike vs Mountain Bike Comparison
01:04:16 - Arrow vs Lightweight Bike Poll
01:13:38 - 32-Inch Wheel Comments & Discussion
01:21:16 - Suspension Fork Question
01:22:32 - Closing Remarks & Listener Poll
WTB's New Stromm Collaboration Aero Tires Are Exactly What Gravel Tires Should Be
The Story of a Cyclist, 32 NFL Stadiums, and One Very Important Football
ENVE's New Melee V2 Proves Hyperbikes Don’t Need to Look Insane
Are 32-Inch Wheels Actually Faster? (with Jan Heine & John Karrasch)
Featuring: Mike Levy, John Karrasch, and Jan Heine Does a 32-inch wheel actually save watts, or is the testing methodology broken? We put Chung Method advocate John Karrasch and vocal critic Jan Heine in the …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, John Karrasch, and Jan Heine
Does a 32-inch wheel actually save watts, or is the testing methodology broken? We put Chung Method advocate John Karrasch and vocal critic Jan Heine in the same room to hash out the reality of rolling resistance.
This week, the usual crew steps aside to host a direct debate between two of the most outspoken voices in tire tech. John Karrasch (aka flexfitbyjohn) has generated massive datasets using the Chung Method, recently claiming that adopting 32-inch wheels can improve rolling resistance by up to 10%. On the other side, Rene Herse CEO Jan Heine—a pioneer of supple gravel tires—argues that wheel size ultimately doesn't matter for speed, pointing to historical roll-down tests and potential flaws in the Chung Method's precision.
After a long series of online blog posts and rebuttals, we brought them together to debate the physics, the testing protocols, and the future of gravel geometry face-to-face.
Support The Velo Podcast
This show wouldn’t happen without our subscribers. We’re offering listeners a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to claim your savings.
Episode Timestamps
00:00:00 - Episode Intro & Guest Backgrounds
00:07:51 - Setting Up the 32-Inch Test Bikes
00:12:12 - Understanding the Chung Method for Tire Testing
00:16:18 - The Results: Do 32-Inch Wheels Roll Faster?
00:25:01 - Analyzing the Physics and Approach Angles
00:29:32 - Jan Heine's Counterargument: Wheel Size Doesn't Matter
00:36:58 - The Debate: Is the Chung Method Too Precise?
00:42:36 - Defending the Data and Real-World Variables
01:03:15 - Tire Design Priorities: Casing, Compound, and Pressure
01:17:11 - Tire Inserts and 36-Inch Wheel Possibilities
01:18:57 - 2030 Gravel Bike Predictions & Outro
The 1x vs. 2x Road Bike Debate and 13-Speed Shimano
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins This week is easily one of our favorite recent episodes. All four Velo podcast hosts—Lisa Charlebois, Logan Jones-Wilkins, Mike Levy …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
This week is easily one of our favorite recent episodes. All four Velo podcast hosts—Lisa Charlebois, Logan Jones-Wilkins, Mike Levy, and myself—are together in the virtual studio, and things get incredibly spicy. Expect a lot of passion and plenty of heated back-and-forth as we debate drivetrain futures, prototype spy shots, and the true definition of bikepacking.
We kick things off with listener questions. What starts as straightforward bike-buying advice quickly devolves into an argument over whether bikepacking is strictly a gravel activity and if camping is actually required. Josh also gets a chance to double down on why there is more to a bike than its spec sheet, specifically making the case for the Cannondale CAAD14.
Next, the conversation shifts to the newly spotted 13-speed Shimano Dura-Ace prototype. Because the system still relies on wires, the analysis quickly spirals into a broader SRAM vs. Campagnolo vs. Shimano showdown. The crew splits on what matters more: Shimano’s shifting precision or the glaring gaps in the rest of the brand's ecosystem.
Finally, the main event. Following a week of dueling op-eds, Logan and Josh bring the drivetrain battle to the microphone. Is 1x the inevitable future of road bikes, or will the slow-to-change road market ensure 2x remains superior? Listen to the arguments, read the articles on the site, and vote in the Velo poll to settle the score.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:52 - Listener questions: Bikepacking definitions and the Cannondale CAAD14
00:25:45 - Shimano 2x13 prototype and the great drivetrain brand war
00:53:41 - 1x vs. 2x on the road
Read More on Velo
Front Derailleurs Are Living on Borrowed Time: Why 1x on the Road Is the Inevitable Future
Opinion: You Can Take My Front Derailleur When I am Dead
The Velo Drivetrain Poll: Is 1x or 2x the Future of Road?
The Vuelta’s Influencer Misstep and Why Silca Ditched Aero
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins The Vuelta a España is in full swing, and this week the whole crew is in the house to break down the racing, new tech, and the latest …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
The Vuelta a España is in full swing, and this week the whole crew is in the house to break down the racing, new tech, and the latest industry chaos. Host Mike Levy is joined by Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross to cover:
Vuelta a España Wackiness: The race has a reputation for the unexpected, and Logan and Lisa walk us through the organizers' questionable decision to hire a specific influencer. It seems nobody vetted the content before handing over the credentials, and the resulting shock was entirely predictable.
New Silca Tires: Logan gives the rundown on Silca's latest rubber and the inevitable claims of being the absolute best. Josh jumps in with intel directly from Josh Poertner, who he caught up with at the MADE show, to explain why the master of marginal gains chose to make a road tire that explicitly isn't aero-optimized.
The Best of the MADE Show: Josh spent the week shooting rolling art and picked his five favorites. We dive into his absolute top choice. No spoilers, but it features exposed cables, is built for ultra-endurance distances, and comes from fellow Oregon resident Rob English, who builds highly functional steel frames just down the road.
Van Rysel Gravel Reviews: Lisa drops two reviews covering the newly launched Van Rysel gravel line. We look at the adventure model that somehow maxes out with only a 50mm tire, and the crew gets into the weeds on why the "racy" version should probably be categorized as an all-road bike rather than a dedicated gravel racer.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:47 - Pogacito
14:32 - Silca tires
33:45 - MADE bike show
44:22 - Van Rysel EDR-G and RCR-G review
Confessing Our Toxic Cycling Traits and Defending the Cannondale CAAD14
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois We air out our worst group ride habits, explain why the CAAD14's aluminum vibe beats cheap carbon, and tackle reader questions. In this episode: Toxic …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois
We air out our worst group ride habits, explain why the CAAD14's aluminum vibe beats cheap carbon, and tackle reader questions.
In this episode:
Toxic Cycling Traits: What's the thing you do on the bike that the group ride probably hates? Levy admits to half-wheeling, I talk too much, and Lisa... well, you'll have to let us know if her trait is actually a big deal.
The Cannondale CAAD14: I’ve had this bike all summer and absolutely love it. We discuss how a mistake by Cannondale made the bike better, why it's an incredible value, and why other reviewers are entirely missing the point. It doesn’t matter that there are cheaper, faster carbon bikes out there; the CAAD14 has an undeniable vibe.
Reader Q&A: With Logan Jones-Wilkins off at Leadville playing at high altitude, Lisa, Levy, and I take over the mic to answer your questions. Would Logan have suggested a Trek endurance bike instead of the gravel bike I recommended? We also touch on the massive new 32-inch Mosaic that launched this week.
We want to hear from you:
What is your toxic cycling trait? Also, have you ridden a CAAD bike and know exactly what I'm talking about, or am I off my rocker and people should just buy cheap carbon instead? Let us know!
Articles covered in this episode:
Review: Cannondale Made a Mistake and the CAAD14 Is Better for It
The New Trek Domane is Too Good to Call an Endurance Bike
The New Mosaic 32 Gravel Bike Fixes 32-Inch Gravel Bikes' Biggest Problem
220 Miles on an Aero Race Bike, Seven Straight Centuries, and the 14-Pound Trek Domane 5
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins The Velo tech team breaks down a week of massive summer rides, including fueling disasters on a 1x Factor One and why Trek’s endurance …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
The Velo tech team breaks down a week of massive summer rides, including fueling disasters on a 1x Factor One and why Trek’s endurance labeling might be entirely wrong.
It is the height of summer, and right now, we are doing some massive rides. We are all here this week—including Lisa Charlebois, Logan Jones-Wilkins, Mike Levy, and Josh Ross. This week we talk about how Logan just did a century on a new bike, but before we get to that, it was Josh's turn to discuss a “big dumb ride.”
The 220-Mile Aero Experiment: Last weekend, Josh took the Factor One to the beach and back from Portland. It’s a 220-mile ride with 14,000 feet of elevation, and the base build of the One wasn’t extreme enough. To set things right in the aero world, he swapped the wheels for a staggered Zipp 858 NSW / 454 NSW setup and paired that with a SRAM 1x XPLR groupset. We start by talking about how that 13-hour ride went, including the fueling mistakes that led to violently retching on the side of the road.
Seven Centuries in Seven Days: Last week, Lisa declared she’d be doing a century a day for seven days. She crushed it and recorded the numbers. She rode for 52 hours, but how many pounds of sugar did she consume during that time? We discuss the fueling, and Levy reveals why the number of people she rode with is actually the most surprising part of the whole thing.
Testing the Trek Domane 5: We bring home the discussion with Logan and the century that was just a small part of the 650 miles he spent on the Trek Domane 5. Trek calls it an endurance bike, but is that what it actually is? It weighs only 14 lbs and will take up to a 40mm tire. Is there a better name for it? Logan walks us through his thoughts on the bike, including why he loves it so much.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
00:35 - 220 mile ride on a 1x aero race bike
18:52 - A century a week results and figures
28:27 - Trek Madone review
Articles covered in this episode:
The Aero Math Behind "Bra Maxxing" and the Reality of 32-Inch Wheels
Featuring: Mike Levy and Lisa Charlebois How much time does "bra maxing" actually save in a pro peloton? This week, we dive into the Tour de France Femmes tech controversy that could alter podiums, look at the …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy and Lisa Charlebois
How much time does "bra maxing" actually save in a pro peloton? This week, we dive into the Tour de France Femmes tech controversy that could alter podiums, look at the brutal reality of 32-inch gravel bikes, and check in on a 700-mile Century Week.
With Josh and Logan out this week, Lisa Charlebois and Mike Levy hold down the studio to discuss the big, dumb rides they are both doing and the biggest aero news of the week.
First up: Mike’s ongoing saga with 32-inch wheels. He tackled a 160km Fraser Valley “gravel” epic in continuous rain on his Salsa Fargo 32. He breaks down why the massive wheels continue to impress him, where a rigid fork falls short, and how a stranger's campfire saved his ride.
Then, a welfare check on Lisa. She is in the middle of a self-imposed "Century Week"—riding 100 miles a day for seven days straight. She gets into the reality of surviving a 700-mile week while trying to maintain basic human functions off the bike, plus the unexpected rig she chose for this crazy challenge.
Finally, the pair tackle the "bra maxxing" (or bra doping) controversy. They run the math on exactly how much time a rider stands to gain with a chest fairing and debate whether the UCI should step in or consider it fair game.
Chapter Markers:
00:00 - Intro
02:13 - Mike Levy does a huge ride on a 32-inch bike
11:22 - Lisa and the daily century week
28:37 - Bra doping at the TDFF
Marketing vs. Engineering and the 32-Inch Bike Debate
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins Episode Description: We rank the fastest aero road bikes, discuss Lisa’s plan to ride 700 miles in a week, and unpack how the giant …
Notas del episodio
Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins
Episode Description:
We rank the fastest aero road bikes, discuss Lisa’s plan to ride 700 miles in a week, and unpack how the giant Salsa Fargo actually handles in the woods of BC.
We missed last week because we were all deep in the woods in British Columbia testing, among other things, a 32-inch bike. We actually recorded a podcast while together but you will have to wait for that one. For now, the team is back in our home studios to discuss some of what we found in the forest.
We get rolling with news that Charlebois is riding seven centuries next week. That’s right, she had a surplus of fitness after a planned event fell through, so… why not? Think you could do seven centuries in seven days? We talk to her about how she plans to motivate for it and we all go around the room to share our much lower highest-mileage weeks.
Next we answer listener questions but it’s primarily about the big three aero bikes. I’ve ridden the Factor One, the Cervelo S5, and the Colnago Y1RS, plus we throw the Specialized Tarmac SL9 into the mix. One of you out there wanted to know what I would choose to ride and why given those choices. The team graciously gave me a chance to sit in my happy place and discuss those aero bikes.
Not for too long though. Pretty soon we rolled into questioning marketing vs. engineering in terms of bike design. We all have pretty strong feelings about who drives the conversation and why. Which is, of course, a perfect segue into discussing the 32-inch Salsa Fargo that we rode in Squamish.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 – Intro & Introductions
00:00:50 - Lisa and 7 centuries
00:13:30 - Riding in British Columbia
00:29:55 - Listener questions and aero bikes
00:41:20 - More listener questions and marketing vs. engineering
01:00:00 - Riding the Salsa Fargo 32
Velo Podcast: The Tour Circus, 200 Miles on an Aero Bike, and the Bike Luggage Debate
Is the Tour de France actually a circus, and how do riders survive the extreme heat? Plus, why you shouldn't put luggage on a race bike. This week, the whole gang is in the virtual studio to talk about …
Notas del episodio
Is the Tour de France actually a circus, and how do riders survive the extreme heat? Plus, why you shouldn't put luggage on a race bike.
This week, the whole gang is in the virtual studio to talk about everything happening in the cycling world right now. Logan Jones-Wilkins kicks things off with his firsthand account of the Tour de France and shares a radical take on why moving race start times to beat the heat is harder than it sounds.
Then, Mike Levy pulls a listener question that sparks a debate on why we push gear testing past the 1,000-mile mark. That leads perfectly into a recap of the 200-mile Seattle to Portland (STP) event, where Lisa Charlebois pedaled a traditional round-tube metal bike while I coasted past on a fully-kitted aero Factor One.
Finally, we break down my review of the Pinarello Dogma X and explain why its "endurance" label masks a bike that still fundamentally wants to race.
In This Episode We Cover:
The Tour de France: The reality of the circus and how the peloton handles scorching temperatures.
Extreme Heat Strategies: Why starting races earlier isn't an easy fix, plus tips for surviving hot weather rides.
Gear Testing: Why a saddle that feels great at 100 miles might fail at 1,000.
The STP Ride: Aero bikes vs. round-tube metal frames over 200 miles.
The Luggage Debate: Why race bikes and frame storage (or saddlebags) don't mix.
Pinarello Dogma X: A deep dive into the quirks of Italian bike reviews and racing heritage.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Guest Introductions
01:35 – Survival Tips for Riding in Extreme Heat
06:47 – Heat Training & Hydration Strategies
12:15 – How the Tour de France Peloton Handles the Heat
16:26 – Should the Cycling Calendar Change Due to Climate?
24:00 – Listener Question: Finding the Perfect Long-Distance Saddle
30:05 – Recapping the Seattle to Portland (STP) 200-Mile Ride
40:05 – On-Bike Nutrition: The Magic of Tums for Cramps
45:40 – Pinarello Dogma X Review: Race Performance vs. Endurance
55:00 – The Great Debate: Frame Storage vs. Bike Luggage
Every bike isn't the Factor One and why Mike Levy broke on the Tour Divide
And we’re back, everyone. Mike Levy returns from the wilderness, and Lisa Charlebois and I join him to unpack exactly where he’s been. But before we get to the heartbreak of ultra-endurance racing, the Tour de …
Notas del episodio
And we’re back, everyone. Mike Levy returns from the wilderness, and Lisa Charlebois and I join him to unpack exactly where he’s been. But before we get to the heartbreak of ultra-endurance racing, the Tour de France is in full swing, and we’ve got a wild first week to discuss.
Tour de France Carnage & UCI Rulings
We kick things off with the absolute chaos of the opening team time trial. Two crashes in the exact same spot on a manhole cover beg the question: is this the UCI's fault for not securing the course, or the teams' fault for not scouting a public road? Plus, we break down the Wile E. Coyote-style crash from the XDS-Astana rider, and the UCI's controversial decision to ban ice socks in the middle of a historic heatwave.
Defending the Tarmac SL9
We also dive back into the Specialized Tarmac SL9 discourse. I respond to a listener who compared the SL9’s iterative updates to the Porsche 911. I’m defending the bike against the "boring" allegations—everyone says they want a refined, incredible-riding bike, so why complain when a brand delivers exactly that? Not every bike needs to be the Factor One.
Mike Levy's Tour Divide Reality Check
The real heart of the show is Levy detailing his abbreviated Tour Divide attempt. He walks us through the sleep deprivation, the cement mud, the brutal realities of pushing a 55-pound bike for hours, and the catastrophic rock strike that ultimately ended his ride. It’s a raw look at what happens when the physical matches the mental breaking point, the absolute relief of finally stopping, and why he’s already thinking about trying it again next year.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:04 Tour de France discussion
00:12:04 Listener questions including about the Tarmac SL9
00:32:53 Mike Levy attempts the Tour Divide
The Tarmac SL9 "Win Fin," a Shrinking Eurobike, and Tour de France Hype
In this week's episode, we question whether the Specialized Tarmac SL9 is a true upgrade or just an iPhone-style micro-update, look at the shrinking footprint of Eurobike, and talk Tour de France storylines …
Notas del episodio
In this week's episode, we question whether the Specialized Tarmac SL9 is a true upgrade or just an iPhone-style micro-update, look at the shrinking footprint of Eurobike, and talk Tour de France storylines.
Show Notes:
This week is a big one for me. Logan is out doing the Tour de France thing, and Mike is nursing his wounds somewhere. That leaves just myself and Lisa Charlebois running the studio, which means after all this time, this is officially my first time hosting the podcast.
Of course we have to talk about the Tour, so that is where we start. Charlebois is the one who knows the most about the ins and outs of the riders, so I ask her to explain some of what we should be looking for. She’s all-in on the Paul Seixas hype train, wondering if the 19-year-old rookie can snag a stage win for Decathlon. Meanwhile, I ask about Tadej Pogačar and she tells me about potential inner drama over at UAE compared to the clear roles at Visma. Since the Tour is going to get plenty of coverage soon, we kept this light.
Before we get into the real meat of the episode though, I have to talk about San Francisco and traffic. Charlebois spends her time riding there and, like everyone else in San Francisco, she seems happy to deal with cars. I take a minute to say I dislike Mt. Tam and we veer into some unexpected tips for riding in traffic.
Next, we get into Eurobike. I just got back from Frankfurt, and the main takeaway is that the show is shrinking down to just a couple of halls. However, there were still talking points. Canyon showed up with a 3D-printed concept bike loaded with integrated cameras and a radar system that looks suspiciously like their next aero bike. I also break down a panel on women in cycling, discussing how the industry continues to overlook a demographic with massive spending power.
Finally, we tackle the Specialized Tarmac SL9. Logan reviewed it on the site, but Charlebois and I dig into the reality of a bike that claims to be four watts faster but weighs and looks nearly identical to the last generation. We talk about the new "win fin" and whether consumers should be hyped about incremental micro-updates or if there is simply an expectation that the new model has to exist, much like the newest iPhone.
Listen to the full episode for all the details, and let us know if you think the SL9 is worth the squeeze.
755-Mile Ultra-Endurance Ride Through Freezing Rain and the Arctic Circle
This week we are doing something a bit different. Often this podcast is a space for a deep dive into an article that you can read about on the Velo website. This week we are instead going to learn more about …
Notas del episodio
This week we are doing something a bit different. Often this podcast is a space for a deep dive into an article that you can read about on the Velo website. This week we are instead going to learn more about contributor Lisa Charlebois.
Mike Levy and I sat down to chat with Charlebois about a ride she once did. This wasn’t an ordinary ride, though. Charlebois does a lot of big rides, but this one was even bigger. It is called the Midnight Sun Randonneur, and it is a 1,215-kilometer (755-mile) loop that starts six hours north of Stockholm in Umeå, Sweden, pushes north into the Arctic Circle to the Norwegian Sea, and then loops back.
Because the event takes place during the Scandinavian midsummer, there is no real sunset, just a constant daylight that messes with your sense of time. The mass start kicks off at 11:00 PM, and riders navigate to checkpoints roughly every 100 kilometers where they refuel on local items like deep-fried dumplings and moose meat sandwiches. Beyond that framework, it is an unsupported ride with a 90-hour time limit. You carry your own gear and sleep when you can.
To put her pacing into perspective, Lisa's first day on the bike covered 470 kilometers (292 miles) with over 15,500 feet of climbing. That initial push took 19 hours of moving time through rolling hills and endless Swedish forests before the landscape drastically shifted. Just in case you thought things weren’t hard enough, the third day is where the weather broke. Lisa and the remaining riders faced roughly 200 kilometers of driving, freezing rain.
Of course, like any ultra-endurance event, crossing the finish line was met with no fanfare. Does that sound like your idea of a good time? Maybe not, but that’s the kind of thing Charlebois brings to the table when she shares her perspective about a bike. Listen to the full discussion to hear all the twists and turns and find out if Charlebois would ever consider doing it again.
For more information about the event visit the Midnight Sun Randonneur website.
The Case Against Endurance Bikes and 20 Hours on a Climbing Frame
This week on the Velo Podcast, the crew discusses a 13-pound Everesting rig, women's specific bike shoes vs unisex options, and why your next road bike might actually be a gravel setup. I’m back, but Mike Levy …
Notas del episodio
This week on the Velo Podcast, the crew discusses a 13-pound Everesting rig, women's specific bike shoes vs unisex options, and why your next road bike might actually be a gravel setup.
I’m back, but Mike Levy is still playing in the woods on a bike. We’ll talk to him about that soon, but for now, Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, and I get into women's cycling shoes, 13-pound climbing bikes, and the death of the endurance road bike.
Episode Breakdown:
Women's Shoe Buyer's Guide: We look at the women’s shoe buyer's guide that Charlebois recently published. We bypass debating the actual shoe choices and focus on why it’s critical to carve out dedicated space for that guide. Charlebois shares her thoughts on the current market mix of women-specific and unisex shoes and whether a unisex approach takes away from the quality of the selection.
Everesting Roam on a 13lb Bike: The discussion transitions to the shoes Charlebois chose and the 13-pound bike she used for her recent Everesting Roam adventure—a format with no sleep allowed and no hill repeats, ending only when you hit 29,000 feet of elevation. As someone who prioritizes comfort and normally rides a metal frame, what was the experience actually like on a stiff, ultra-light carbon bike?
The Endurance Bike is Dead: Wouldn’t she have been more comfortable on an endurance bike? It’s possible, but maybe no one should be riding a dedicated endurance bike in 2026. Jones-Wilkins reports on a rider who won a stage of Tulsa Tough on a gravel bike. He argues that while some insist the gravel bike is an industry marketing scam, that label really only applies to pure road bikes. We debate if the endurance bike genre should be put to pasture.
The "GRXTR" Mashup: Why 12 Speeds Might Be All You Need
wash lines, and why the UCI is suddenly policing your jersey pockets and screen size. This week on the Velo Podcast, it's lonely! I was away doing an interview, and Mike Levy is out in the wilderness doing a …
Notas del episodio
wash lines, and why the UCI is suddenly policing your jersey pockets and screen size.
This week on the Velo Podcast, it's lonely! I was away doing an interview, and Mike Levy is out in the wilderness doing a big ride. That left just Logan Jones-Wilkins and Lisa Charlebois to cover the week's topics.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 - Unbound Aftermath & Press Camp Prep: The pair starts off discussing Charlebois getting ready for her first press camp. She has questions about how to handle it, but she also asks Jones-Wilkins if he has recovered from Unbound and what happens after the finish line when the cameras stop. He details the reality of the endless queues for the Muc-Off bike wash, the decompression in the pro tent, and the sheer volume of mud that riders had to scrape off just to feel human again.
05:27 - Shimano GRX Long-Term Review: Gravel continues to be the focal point of the episode. If you’ve been following the drivetrain wars, you know SRAM has seemingly cornered the gravel market. Jones-Wilkins decides to zig when others zag, breaking down his custom mashup—pairing an XTR rear mech with GRX levers—and explaining why Shimano is actually winning the gravel race when it comes to raw shifting speed, cassette range, and the long-term cost of consumable parts. It is a deep dive into why 12 speeds might just beat 13, and why a brand doesn't always need to reinvent the wheel to stay on top.
40:34 - The UCI's New Tech Regulations: The gravel wars are free from the UCI, but once again, the team had to talk about another head-shaking UCI decision. The UCI recently rolled out new tech regulations, including a cap on computer screen sizes, conveniently set exactly 1mm larger than the massive Wahoo Ace. They also introduced a ban on carrying nutrition in front jersey pockets. Logan and Lisa debate whether this is a genuine safety measure to reduce cognitive load or just another instance of the UCI over-regulating tech while ignoring course safety.
51:30 - Ultra-Racing Updates: Finally, the duo wraps up with a nod to the ultra-endurance world, dot-watching Lael Wilcox as she sets off on her Around the World Record attempt, and tracking Dr. Sarah Ruggins on her massive push across the European divide.
Team Tactics, Peeing on Chains, and 32-Inch Wheels: The Unbound 2026 Debrief
Logan Jones-Wilkins is back from the mud in Kansas to break down a wild 26-mph crash, the dominant Specialized Crux 5 debut, and why gravel racing might never be the same. As we mentioned last week, Logan was …
Notas del episodio
Logan Jones-Wilkins is back from the mud in Kansas to break down a wild 26-mph crash, the dominant Specialized Crux 5 debut, and why gravel racing might never be the same.
As we mentioned last week, Logan was in Emporia, Kansas covering Unbound 2026. Now he’s back in the studio and Mike Levy and I get to talk about what he saw. Part of that is the new Specialized Crux, but before we get there, we start with a discussion of how Logan did in his own Unbound 100 race. It wasn't exactly a quiet day out. Logan details a wild situation that unfolded right in front of him, going from 26 mph to on the ground in an instant. Despite the crash, he still managed a 5-hour and 50-minute finish on the new Crux 5, and he finally shares the real details on what the bike is like to ride.
From there, we get into the rest of the racing in Kansas, and that means the mud. This year, the Flint Hills delivered thick, sticky mud that forced massive sections of walking and led multiple pros to pee on their drivetrains just to keep moving.
We also tackle the arrival of true team tactics. Specialized exerted absolute control over the front of the pack in the Men's 200, prompting the question: is this the natural evolution of the sport, or does it completely change the fabric of gravel racing? The Women's 200 was a slow build with constant anticipation, blowing up early and culminating with riders Sophia Gomez Villafañe and Geerike Schreurs texting mid-race to orchestrate attacks for the final sprint.
Finally, we look at the giant prototype Scott 32-inch wheeled bikes that made their debut. What does that mean for the technology, and will you see it roll out on production models soon?
Timestamps
00:00 – Intro & Logan's Unbound 100
10:03 – The Specialized Crux Deep Dive
21:55 – The Mud & Drivetrain Drama
27:00 – The Men’s 200 & Team Tactics
42:05 – The Women's 200
46:38 – The 32-Inch Wheel Debate
Resources Check out the Unbound Gravel hub for all the articles covered this week: https://velo.outsideonline.com/tag/unbound-gravel
The Great Gravel Debate, 32-Inch Wheels, and Ride Audio Confessions
We dive into the controversial Scott prototype at Unbound, argue over what makes the perfect gravel bike, and reveal the top picks from our new Road Bike Buyer's Guide. Last week Josh missed the pod, but this …
Notas del episodio
We dive into the controversial Scott prototype at Unbound, argue over what makes the perfect gravel bike, and reveal the top picks from our new Road Bike Buyer's Guide.
Last week Josh missed the pod, but this week it's Logan Jones-Wilkins’ turn. He is currently on the ground in Emporia, Kansas for Unbound 2026, but his Starlink connection failed. That leaves host Mike Levy, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross to hold down the fort.
Without Logan to set the record straight, the crew dives into the newly released Specialized Crux. Things quickly get heated as Charlebois and Ross defend nimble gravel bikes with 40mm tires, while Levy argues we all need slacker front ends and suspension.
Plus, Levy shares his newfound love for the Garmin 1040 Solar, which leads to a shocking confession from Lisa about how she listens to music on ultra-rides. We also analyze the massive 32-inch wheels Cam Jones and Robin Gemperle are racing on their Scott prototypes at Unbound, and finally, Josh breaks down his testing methodology and top picks for the 2026 Road Bike Buyer's Guide.
In This Episode:
00:00:00 Intro
00:01:13 a mini review of the Garmin 1040 Solar
00:09:53 Music and headphones on the ride
00:14:20 Unbound and Cam Jones riding a 32-inch bike
00:22:34 Reader questions
00:29:14 Road bike buyers guide
00:45:26 Specialized Crux initial discussion
When is Course Cutting Cheating? + Giro Water Bottle Fines and Strava Feuds
Mike Levy, Lisa Charleboise, and Logan Jones-Wilkins hold down the fort talking about pee, ultra-racing, and Strava feuds. First, Levy tries to pry embargoed information out of Jones-Wilkins before Charleboise …
Notas del episodio
Mike Levy, Lisa Charleboise, and Logan Jones-Wilkins hold down the fort talking about pee, ultra-racing, and Strava feuds. First, Levy tries to pry embargoed information out of Jones-Wilkins before Charleboise recaps another massive weekend ride. From there, it's on to the main topics:
Urine Intel from the Giro d'Italia
The trio tackles the recent UCI warnings at the Giro d'Italia. Racers have been put on notice for urinating into their water bottles and tossing them to the roadside. Levy attempts to defend the logistical efficiency of the "bottle pee," while Logan and Lisa outline the absolute horror for roadside fans hoping to snag a souvenir bidon.
Strava Feuds and Indoor Aerobars
Addressing reader questions, the team discusses the mental health aspects of chasing Strava KOMs in highly saturated areas. Logan shares his philosophy on defending niche segments against World Tour riders, and Levy confesses to running a high aerobar setup on his indoor Zwift bike strictly for comfort during three-hour sessions.
The Traka 560 Controversy & Ultra-Racing Ethics
The crew dives deep into the messy world of ultra-distance racing. Logan breaks down why Victor Bosoni's victory at the Traka 560km Adventure event sparked intense debate after he cut approximately 400 meters off the official GPS track. This leads to a fiery debate: Lisa firmly believes missing that much of the course is grounds for immediate disqualification, while Levy and Logan argue for a bit more nuance in self-supported "adventure" events.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Intro
00:08:52 - Peeing in water bottles
00:14:14 - Reader Questions
00:23:37 - The Traka 560 Controversy & Ultra-Racing Ethics
Radical TT Designs, the UCI's Tech Controversy, and Chris Froome
From wild TT bikes spotted at China Cycle to the real reason behind the Jan-Willem van Schip DQ, we break down the week's biggest tech news. Plus, I talk about sitting down with Chris Froome in China to talk …
Notas del episodio
From wild TT bikes spotted at China Cycle to the real reason behind the Jan-Willem van Schip DQ, we break down the week's biggest tech news. Plus, I talk about sitting down with Chris Froome in China to talk bikes
Episode Notes:
Once again I hit the podcast mic completely jet-lagged and out of my mind to talk about the trip I’d just returned from. This time I was back in Asia, specifically China, at China Cycle to see all the craziest tech from brands that people are absolutely eating up right now.
No doubt about it, Chinese bikes are having a moment right now, but what did I actually see in China? Turns out one thing I saw was Chris Froome so, obviously, we talked about how I had the chance to sit down with one of the most famous roadies of recent memory and talk about gravel racing. I also chatted with Froome about his involvement in Factor Bikes and which Factor model he actually prefers.
Outside of Chris Froome, we also talk about aerodynamics a lot in this podcast. It’s what happens when Logan Jones-Wilkins is away, probably riding a gravel bike in another country. This time, though, we took it about as extreme as it gets. At China Cycle, I spotted a couple of wild TT bikes that take completely different approaches to cutting through the wind.
Before we get into that discussion, though, first we talk about disqualifications in a UCI race. Why did Jan-Willem van Schip get disqualified after the fact for a setup that was approved ahead of the race? If you don’t know the answer, don’t worry; lots of people don’t seem to understand and I take a shot at explaining it a bit more.
All that discussion doesn’t get rolling right away, though. First we talk a little bit about where the riding is best between Europe and Asia and we give some notes for a brand manager who wants to see the product they launch put to the test in better situations. Lisa Charlebois thinks she’s missing out on spending four days traveling for two days in Europe, so Mike Levy and I give her a healthy warning.
We also spend some time answering listener questions and we talk about segments on local roads. Levy claims he’s not fast enough and Charlebois pretends not to care. I don’t believe them, though—what do you think? And how do you treat local segments?
Factor's New Ultra-Distance Race Bike & Lisa's 600km Adventure
This week's episode is all about riding long. Factor's new Sarana ultra-distance race bike made its first appearance at last weekend's Traka gravel race in Girona, Spain, and Velo tech editor Logan …
Notas del episodio
This week's episode is all about riding long.
Factor's new Sarana ultra-distance race bike made its first appearance at last weekend's Traka gravel race in Girona, Spain, and Velo tech editor Logan Jones-Wilkins answers Levy's questions about how it aims to combine speedy handling and all-day comfort. Its geometry leans more towards speed and agility than outright stability, but it also has room for 2.2" tires and a carbon frame designed for vertical compliance and integrated frame bags, making the Sarana a novel endurance racing option, but did Factor go far enough?
And speaking of all-day (and all-night) adventures, Lisa recounts her recent 600km / 373 mile ride at the Mendocino 600 that saw her on the move for over 20 hours while bagging 5,128 meters (16,824-feet) of climbing. Logan and Levy ask her about the pre-ride planning that goes into an effort like this, how she fueled herself while on the bike, and why she rode a steel frame equipped with some ultra-light carbon wheels and components. They also get into using a power meter to limit yourself, how being a trash panda is a superpower during ultra-distance events, and the deeper meaning of being on your bike for such a long time.
Also, more reader questions answered about 32" wheels and bikes not being too expensive.Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro 00:03:07 - Reader questions 00:12:59 - Factor Sarana gravel bike 00:28:22 - Lisa's 600Km ride at the Mendocino Coast 600K
Dueling Over 32-Inch Wheels and Testing Two Polar-Opposite Gravel Bikes
This week's episode was just like any other. There was definitely nothing controversial… Logan Jones-Wilkins and I dive into two vastly different gravel bikes we’ve been testing, starting with my review of the …
Notas del episodio
This week's episode was just like any other. There was definitely nothing controversial… Logan Jones-Wilkins and I dive into two vastly different gravel bikes we’ve been testing, starting with my review of the XDS X-Lab GT8.
On paper, the GT8 is a standard, run-of-the-mill gravel bike. It lacks a unique "special sauce" and won't revolutionize the category, but it is a highly capable all-rounder that will handle just about any unpaved road. Then you see the price. The GT8 comes with a full carbon build and a power meter for about half the cost of its mainstream competitors. XDS is a massive Chinese manufacturing powerhouse that is now entering the US through a traditional dealer network. We discuss whether you should buy the GT8, and what its aggressive pricing means for Western brands.
Then we pivot to the Obed GVR, which Jones-Wilkins has been putting through its paces. Despite sharing the gravel category, the Obed is the polar opposite of the XDS. It is not an all-rounder. Instead, it is a highly specialized, direct-to-consumer machine built around big tire clearance and a DT Swiss suspension fork that was previously a Canyon exclusive. We break down the tech and figure out exactly who this bike is built for.
Oh and we’ve got more 32-inch wheel discussion. Of course there’s no way we can get away from that. If you read my recent piece, you know I think the standard makes zero sense for most riders, and I absolutely hate the idea of a new wheel size standard. Logan is taking a more measured approach, analyzing why the industry is pushing this standard regardless of public opinion. Of course, Mike Levy set this up as a pair of dueling articles, so we hash out the details on the air and try to predict where this is all headed. Tune in and let us know your take.
The 32-Inch Wheel Debate, $6,500 Wheels, and the Wildest Tech at Sea Otter
We break down the polarizing "big wheel" trend, compare ultra-premium Partington wheels to Hunt's high-value alternatives, and dive into the coolest gear from the Sea Otter Classic. This week, the podcast is …
Notas del episodio
We break down the polarizing "big wheel" trend, compare ultra-premium Partington wheels to Hunt's high-value alternatives, and dive into the coolest gear from the Sea Otter Classic.
This week, the podcast is all about Sea Otter and we’ve got a full house. Lisa Charlebois, Logan Jones-Wilkins, and I all spent time in California at the event, and we’ve got stories to tell. We kick things off by sharing what the vibe was like on the ground, especially for Jones-Wilkins, who was attending the show for the very first time.
After that, we get into the big news: big wheels. Some of us are skeptical and some favor the potential efficiency, but either way, 32-inch wheels are the topic we had to cover. There is a lot to take in, but we focus on the Salsa Fargo, a 32-inch lugged carbon bike from Faction, and a Ventum mountain bike coming this summer.
From there, we talk gravel bikes. This is Sea Otter, so gravel is the focus, and Logan dives deep on a few cool bikes, including the Look G85 and an aero-focused SEKA featuring integrated Fidlock bottles.
Despite the dirt-heavy show, I try to keep it road-first whenever possible, and there were some notable road launches. Partington showed off a crazy expensive wheelset that is incredibly light for a 50mm depth and uses a continuous carbon spoke system. The real surprise, however, was Hunt. Hunt launched a wheelset that is thousands of dollars cheaper than the Partington offering, slightly deeper, and nearly as light.
It wasn’t only wheels, either. I saw a Tavelo aero bike with 40mm of tire clearance and a 650g frame weight that will likely cost half the price of its competition. The No. 22 3D-printed titanium bike definitely won't cost half of anything, but it was spectacular to see getting closer to production. It might even cost more than the lugged-carbon Colnago C72 that launched just before the show.
Finally, we wrap it up with our favorite things from Sea Otter. Charlebois easily had the best answer, but jump into the comments on Velo and let us know what you thought was the coolest tech we reported on.
00:00 Intro: The Sea Otter Classic Experience
05:10 The 32-Inch Wheel Debate
19:30 Look G85 Gravel Bike
23:42 Wheel Tech: Partington vs. Hunt
27:56 Tavelo 650g Aero Road Frame
32:00 Sika Aero Gravel Bike
35:00 No. 22 3D-Printed Titanium Bike
37:20 Colnago C72 & Expensive Paint
40:14 The $25,000 Factor Bugatti Concept Bike
42:30 Our favorite things
Free Speed for 3,000 Miles: Joe Nation's Extreme Bikepacking Aero Hack
This week the Velo team is at Sea Otter covering the latest tech and Mike Levy is holding down the fort. In this episode, Levy sits down with New Zealander Joe Nation, a rider who possesses one of the most …
Notas del episodio
This week the Velo team is at Sea Otter covering the latest tech and Mike Levy is holding down the fort. In this episode, Levy sits down with New Zealander Joe Nation, a rider who possesses one of the most uniquely varied racing resumes in the sport.
Nation spent years following the mountain bike World Cup circuit as a privateer and racing in the Enduro World Series. Today, he’s trading three-minute downhill runs for events that span thousands of kilometers. He placed third overall at the 2023 Tour Divide and won the grueling 1,939-kilometer Silk Road Mountain Race across Kyrgyzstan in 2024.
Levy and Nation dig deep into the mindset required to survive these massive efforts, but they also look at the technology, the preferences, and the background that help Nation find success.
In this episode, we cover:
The Ultimate Dirtbag Origins: How Nation funded his European downhill racing by participating in clinical drug trials (earning the nickname "the white rat") and lived in a tent in the Morzine woods for two and a half months.
The 100mm BB Drop Aero Hack: For the Tour Divide, Nation’s friend built him a highly specialized bike through his company, Sufur Cycles. It features a massive 100mm bottom bracket drop designed purely for aerodynamics so he can get his head out of the wind.
Why Flat Bars Win: Nation pushes back on the trend of adding drop bars to everything, explaining how flat bars provide better leverage on steep climbs and save his hands from nerve damage.
The "Everyone is Dying" Superpower: Nation credits the realization that "when you are hurting, so is everyone else" as a major contributor to his ability to push through dark moments.
Psychological Warfare at 3,800 Meters: How hiding your exhaustion can break your competitors, which is exactly what Nation did when he attacked the leader at the top of a massive pass during the Silk Road Mountain Race.
Hunting for UFOs: It wouldn’t be a Levy interview without discussing the unexplainable things you might see while exhausted and isolated in the wilderness.
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Downhill Racing Background
06:37 - The Dirtbag Days and Drug Trials
12:22 - The Tour Divide & Ultra-Racing Mindset
29:44 - The "Everyone is Dying" Superpower
41:29 - Psychological Warfare on the Silk Road
46:08 - The Custom Sufur Cycles Bike & Flat Bars
48:44 - The 100mm BB Drop Aero Hack
59:41 - Hunting for UFOs on the Trail
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