We’re wrapping up our Best Bikes of the Century series, so today, Blister reviewers Zack Henderson, Xan Marshland, David Golay, and Simon Stewart reveal their top three selections. We also share picks and insights from a number of bike industry luminaries and legends, along with some listener opinions, before trying to narrow it down to a final podium.

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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.

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Best Bikes of the Century Survey

Blister Craft Collective

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Industry Picks (1:23)

Our Picks (26:56)

Listener Comments (58:25)

The Final Countdown (1:03:20)

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Will 32’’ wheels have staying power, or will they be another flash in the pan like plus-sized tires? Either way, they’re coming, and we sat down with Manitou Product Manager, Phil Ott, and Reynolds Director of Wheel Development, Todd Tanner, to discuss what it takes to design parts for 32’’ bikes; how to avoid a mess of competing standards as 32’’ bikes come online; where we are (and aren’t) likely to see 32’’ wheels in a few years; and a whole lot more.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Introductions (1:19)

When did Hayes start taking 32’’ wheels seriously? (3:02)

What made it clear that 32’’ wheels were happening? (5:57)

The importance of the UCI sanctioning 32’’ wheels (8:43)

Early prototyping (11:13)

Refinements & limitations of the wheel size (16:29)

Fork offset & other details (32:07)

Phil and Todd’s wish lists (33:55)

What’s the ceiling for 32’’ wheels? (38:43)

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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)

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