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What killed the direct-to-consumer bike boom? This episode combines financial data, industry research, and insider knowledge to explain the DTC mountain bike industry's spectacular rise and dramatic fall. Josh presents findings indicating that many of the DTC bike brands are financially struggling or insolvent. The podcast reveals how customer acquisition costs skyrocketed 200%+ over ~10 years as Meta and Google replaced traditional retailers as profit-extracting middlemen, while increased competition, privacy changes, and expensive venture capital made the DTC model financially unviable for most DTC companies.

Listeners get unprecedented insight into the financial health and product quality of brands like Ari/Fezzari (healthy), Canyon (distressed), YT (bankrupt), Commencal (stable), Guerilla Gravity (closed), Revel (restructured), Propain (healthy), and Polygon (strong). Bike shop owner Dane Higgins explains the tangible value independent bicycle dealers provide—from expert bike fitting and assembly to warranty support, community events, and local trail expertise that DTC brands cannot replicate. The episode concludes with Josh's five predictions about the future of bike retail, including a shift to omnichannel models with clear boundaries between what's sold direct versus through dealers.

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Discover how the Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition built one of Arizona's most successful mountain bike trail networks in this episode featuring VVCC President Tracy Randall and board member Lars Romig. From Sedona's iconic red rock terrain to the emerging systems at Dead Horse and Blowout, learn how this advocacy group transformed contentious Forest Service relationships into productive partnerships that have created over 500 miles of mountain bike trails. Tracy and Lars share their journey from illegal trail building in the early 2000s to becoming a model for community-driven trail development, including their work on the highly anticipated Turkey Creek trail system.

Get actionable insights on building a thriving mountain bike community, from organizing trail work days that attract 50+ volunteers to establishing the Sedona Red Rock Trail Fund that secures funding for new construction and maintenance. Tracy and Lars reveal their strategies for working with land managers, incorporating technical trail features that keep riders engaged, and mobilizing their community to defend public lands against threats like the recent proposal to sell 3.3 million acres of federal land. Whether you're a trail advocate, mountain biker planning a Sedona trip, or community organizer, this episode offers a proven blueprint for trail advocacy success.

Check out the VVCC here:

Verde Valley Cyclists Coalition (VVCC): https://vvcc.us/

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/verdevalleycyclistscoalition/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/VerdeValleyCyclistsCoalition

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Thinking about swapping your mountain bike frame but wondering if your existing components will transfer over? This comprehensive bike shop secrets episode dives deep into frame compatibility with industry expert Dane Higgins. Learn about critical measurements including rear hub spacing (boost vs. super boost), headset configurations, fork steerer tube length, and bottom bracket standards. The hosts cover everything from dropper post insertion depth and seat collar sizing to disc brake adapter requirements and chainline adjustments for different rear-end widths.

Whether you're considering a frame-only purchase from brands like Revel or Intense, or planning a complete build transfer, this episode provides essential guidance on what components are universal and what requires careful measurement. Discover insider tips on headset cup compatibility, shock eye-to-eye measurements, crank spindle widths, and the often-overlooked differences between threaded and press-fit bottom brackets. Perfect for DIY mountain bikers and anyone looking to understand the complexities of modern bike component standards before making their next frame purchase.

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When your local bike shop orders parts, there's a complex supply chain working behind the scenes that most cyclists never consider. Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) operates as the invisible backbone of bicycle retail, distributing products from four strategically located warehouses to over 5,500 independent bike shops. QBP sales rep Bryce Buckner reveals how this system works, explaining why bike shops choose QBP over direct manufacturer relationships and how bulk purchasing power translates to better pricing and faster shipping for consumers.

The discussion explores QBP's house brands that have become cycling icons: Salsa's modular Blackthorn platform that adapts between different travel configurations, Surly's practical steel bikes favored by bike messengers and touring cyclists, and Problem Solvers' budget-friendly compatibility components. Buckner shares insider knowledge about industry challenges including the "Amazon effect" on shipping expectations, how exclusive distribution agreements work, and why certain products like Silca's electronic pumps were delayed due to tariff concerns. The episode balances technical industry insights with entertaining tales from Angel Fire, featuring dramatic tubeless tire explosions and the reality of riding with injuries sustained during thunderstorm conditions.

Links:

Salsa Cycles: https://www.salsacycles.com/

Surly Bikes: https://surlybikes.com/

Teravail Tires & Wheels: https://www.teravail.com/

Problem Solvers: https://problemsolversbike.com/

QBP Brands: https://www.qbp.com/brands

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In this thorough mountain bike gear review episode, hosts Josh and Dane share their honest, long-term testing experiences with popular MTB products including SportRX Huckson Sunglasses and Vittoria Agarro Tires & Inserts. The discussion covers detailed performance analysis of Vittoria's graphene-enhanced tire compounds, weight comparisons between different tire and insert combinations, and practical advice for desert mountain biking conditions. Josh provides an 18-month review of SportRX Huckson glasses, explaining why they've become his go-to choice for mountain bike eyewear over popular brands like Oakley and Smith.

Dane delivers an in-depth first ride review of the Frameworks downhill frame, comparing its performance and surprising weight characteristics against his carbon Phoenix bike at Sunrise Bike Park in Arizona. The episode also covers essential bike shop secrets including tire installation tricks using 50-gallon trash cans, troubleshooting pedal kickback issues with different hub engagement systems, and the importance of professional mountain bike coaching versus self-teaching. Listeners will gain valuable insights into product selection, setup tips, and real-world performance data from experienced riders and bike shop professionals.

SportRX Huckson Sunglasses (Prescription & Non-Prescription): https://www.sportrx.com/sportrx-huckson.html

Vittoria Agarro Tires: https://vittoria.com/products/agarro-trail

Framworks DH Frame: https://rideframeworks.com/

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Experience the diverse mountain biking terrain of Southwest Colorado with Jake Quigley, owner and operator of Zuma Bike Ranch in Cortez, Colorado. Strategically located at the northern part of Phil's World's expansive 62-mile trail network, this 40-acre mountain bike facility provides riders with direct trail access from their campsite. The unique location offers incredible variety, from high desert pinyon and juniper riding to technical canyon descents, with Durango and Telluride's alpine adventures just an hour away.

Jake shares his journey from outdoor industry professional to ranch owner, creating a comprehensive mountain bike experience that combines his expertise as BICP certified mountain bike instructor with world-class trail access. With over six years of professional coaching experience including being Ninja Mountain Bike Performance ‘instructor trainer’, Jake offers everything from private one-on-one skill sessions to group clinics. The ranch features custom-built training facilities including pump tracks, progressive jump lines, and technical drop zones, allowing riders to develop skills in a controlled environment before applying them to the extensive trail networks.

The ranch serves as an ideal basecamp for exploring multiple trail systems including Phil's World, Boggy Draw's 70-mile network, and connections to the Colorado Trail. With local breweries, cideries, restored apple orchards, and authentic Southwest Colorado culture, Zuma Bike Ranch offers mountain bikers a complete adventure experience that combines world-class trails with professional instruction and regional charm.

https://www.zumabikeranch.com/

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Discover the engineering and chemistry behind tubeless technology and more with Stan's (NoTubes) President Mike Bush, whose industrial manufacturing background shaped ~25 years of cycling innovation. Bush explains the technical details of bead seat geometry, the science of sealant particulate systems, and how CT scans of mounted tires revealed the "bead float" phenomenon that caused early tubeless failures. Learn about the development of ExoCor valves designed to address sealant compatibility issues with traditional Presta valves, the chemical reaction that makes Dart puncture plugs work instantly with Stan's sealant, and the biodegradable formulation using natural latex that sets Stan's apart from petroleum-based competitors.

The technical discussion extends to the WPL product line, featuring USDA-certified bio-based lubricants derived from food science research, suspension oils meeting marine industry standards, and innovative dry chain lubes using ethanol solvents and specialized esters for clean operation. Bush shares insights into third-party testing protocols, manufacturing tolerances critical for tubeless success, and the engineering challenges of creating products that work reliably across diverse riding conditions. Whether you're a suspension technician, bike mechanic, or technically-minded cyclist, this episode delivers the deep technical knowledge behind the products that revolutionized mountain biking.

Link: https://stans.com/

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Rider safety takes precedence in this essential bike shop secrets episode, where bike industry veteran Dane Higgins addresses the critical question every mountain biker faces after a crash or component failure: "Can I ride it?" Learn the definitive protocols for assessing carbon frame damage, from the professional coin tap test to identifying dangerous stress points that require immediate replacement versus repairable damage. Understanding the difference between cosmetic carbon scratches and structural compromise can literally be life-saving, especially when dealing with handlebars, steerer tubes, and other critical load-bearing components.

Mechanical reliability directly impacts rider safety, making proper chain and cassette maintenance more than just a performance issue. This episode reveals how worn chains on new cassettes create dangerous skipping conditions during hard efforts, potentially causing crashes during climbs or sprints. Additional safety topics include quick link failure modes and reusability guidelines, proper helmet replacement after seemingly minor drops (4-foot falls can compromise protection), and the heat-related degradation affecting both safety equipment and carbon components in desert riding conditions. Emergency trail repair techniques using duct tape and zip ties provide backup solutions when mechanical failures occur far from help.

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