We’ve got a lot of interesting drivetrain-related testing going on right now, from our just-published roundup of chain damping devices to multiple gearbox bikes, the Supre Drive-equipped Lal Katana, and more. David and Zack sat down to discuss what they’re learning, debate the pros and cons of these novel options, and give a rundown on some more conventional bikes they’ve been spending time on, too.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Kavenz VHP G2 (2:11)

Evil Offering (16:59)

Lal Katana (30:29)

Transition Regulator SX (38:45)

Chain Damper Roundup (47:56)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

GEAR:30

Blister Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Mike joins us from Loretto, Mexico, and on his way down there, he stopped in Los Algodones to get his rotten teeth fixed in what's become known as Molar City. Mike recounts his experience with Mexico’s booming low-cost dental industry and how, at one point, he thought he might be in a Quentin Tarantino film.

On the bike news front, we talk about more struggling companies, including Rad Power Bikes and Campagnolo, as well as a few recalls, before getting into World Cup DH athlete team changes, Mike’s take on 32” wheels, and more.

Note: We Want to Hear From You!

Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

Get Our Free Newsletter & Gear Giveaways

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

Mike’s The Grimy Handshake Substack

TOPICS & TIMES:

Mike’s Back in Mexico (1:22)

Getting his Teeth Sorted in “Molar City” (2:33)

RIP Joe Montgomery (14:14)

Rad Power Bikes Files Bankruptcy (15:52)

New Ducati eMTBs, Gravel & Road Bikes (21:24)

Giant Moving to Boulder, Colorado (25:18)

Chinese Counterfeit Bike Bust (28:59)

Campagnolo Cuts Workforce by 40% (34:14)

Bike Recalls (37:42)

Mike’s 32” Wheels Predictions (38:59)

New Products (46:02)

World Cup DH Athlete News (1:00:59)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

GEAR:30

Blister Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hayden Zablotny showed up at Red Bull Rampage and became the first rookie to win since Brandon Semenuk did it back in 2008. Hayden’s path to the top step of the podium is a fascinating story chronicling a young, talented rider struggling to get noticed. Today, he joins us to talk about that journey, how he became known as “the poacher,” finally getting the coveted Rampage invite, his winning run, and how he kept his head in the game during one of the heaviest injury-laden Rampages ever.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Getting started on Two Wheels and his BMX Legend Dad (4:14)

Racing BMX and Building Skills (6:43)

Moving to BC and Discovering Mountain Biking (8:14)

Finding His Niche in Freestyle (10:09)

Poaching Proving Grounds and Getting Noticed (24:11)

Getting the Rampage Invite (35:49)

Building His Line (41:48)

Staying Focused Amidst all the Injuries (43:30)

Breaking Down His Winning Run (46:34)

Hayden’s Biike Setup (51:45)

What’s next? (58:46)

CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:

Blister Cinematic

CRAFTED

GEAR:30

Blister Podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.