The Pinkbike Podcast: Episode 116 - New Bikes and Gear from Sea Otter

 Really enjoy the frequency and the content of the podcasts recently. Keep up the good work!

 I know you love your hypothetical questions, so here is one for you: If you could have a bike that has either:
a) Top of the line carbon frame and the best shocks (front & rear) but only entry-level components and alloy wheels
or
b) Entry-level alloy frame and shocks (rideable, not like a Huffy or some other total piece of s***!) with top of the line components and the best carbon wheels
Which would you choose and why? (Assuming geo and travel were the same.)

 Strangely the audio quality sounds better with Pinkbike on location at Sea Otter than it does when they're at home??????

 Here’s a question. How do you feel on rigid bikes? I’ve been riding a Stooge cycles MK5, I remember Matt Lakins dirtbomb being covered on pinkbike and being mentioned on a previous podcast. I think it’s quite an interesting segment of the market and there’s only a few companies doing modern geometry style rigid bikes. With the rise of ultra complicated high pivot carbon bikes, some people just like something simple and back to basics, but still new school in a way. Can you guys see this market growing/developing?

 Alicia - I get your bird love. My wife and I have 3: 2 budgies, name Pickles (classic green) and Moonshine (grey/blue) with a lovebird named Peepers (yellow with peachface).

 Great, now I want an Arrival!!!

 Birds aren't real.

 Question - how much am I obligated to kit up in accordance with the bike I'm riding? Is it a faux pas to run mallet enduro pedals on my epic evo? Will I be shunned from society if I do a 50 mile marathon race not wearing lycra?

 Serious question / comment @mikekazimer & @mikelevy.

1) Q: Levy said something in one of the 3 recent podcasts before this about an "issue" being ready for mailing soon...is this publication and if so, what's that?

2) Comm: Gotta point out that Eminent (Onset models) can change 3 different travel options quite quickly with shock strut change outs - 120/130; 130/150 and 155/160-180). The struts change out in literally 5-10 mins.

As for forks, while you could change airsprings (Fox or RS) the Manitou Mezzer expert (29) changes from 140-180 travel in about 30 mins (assuming you have shop setup) just with token change-out. I changed my 180 to 160 in 30 mins from mounted on the bike to re-mounted back on the bike. Agreed you wouldn't do this daily or even weekly, but if going to an area that's more trail vs. steep / rough style a change out like this easily worth it.

I've not heard much chatter about this bike or option, just scored a (used) frame and gotta say - this thing makes the Capra feel like a schoolbus on climbs and easily keeps the same speed on downs (and I still keep getting PRs vs. my previous times). However - gotta say the WA1 bike looks waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better!

 Re: changing your bike to suit different conditions. I think that has alot of merit going the other way (Enduro -> DH) and is something that seems to be gaining a little traction here in Aus. Swap the fork, drivetrain and post and you're off to the races!

 @mikelevy maybe you just need a Red Bull labeled camera because it sure captured many close-up views of a new Rock Shox "Brain" with wires on front and rear and a cap that looks a lot like flight attendant on their own course preview video...

 Great to hear you're testing an Orange and that Contra bike - hopefully they'll be going up against one another in a Field Test. It's a positive move to be testing more quirky bikes, adds a bit more interest to the content (as well as probably being more interesting for you than testing a load of identikit carbon bikes).

 Question for you: I am struggling to justify the $30+ additional cost per litter between off-the-shelf Maxima 15wt Fork Oil and the RockShox-recommended Maxima Extra 15w50 oil for my shock can. Online comparison appears to be nearly identical in terms of viscosity and performance features. Is the Maxima Extra nothing more than a rebranding for extra profit gouging or is there a real difference?

 First: Thank you all for the work that goes into this podcast, I really appreciate it!
Second: Alicia, thanks for the dog content.

and now a gripe that has almost nothing to do with you guys:

Dual Slalom coverage behind a paywall= ANTI-STOKE.

 @mikelevy @brianpark what happened to the Grim Doughnut V2? Do I remember correctly that it was unveiled at the last Sea Otter?

 That Unno e-bike is the most ugly piece of shit I have ever seen on two wheels - and I have seen more 1980s Suzuki Katanas and Klein MTBs than any single person should ever be exposed to.

 After learning that @alicialeggett plays the flute, I’m really hoping the PB band is a Jethro Tull tribute band.

 Since this was mentioned on the podcast... How about a field test (or other PB media type item) whose entry criteria is "bikes that can't hold a water bottle"?

 Are you guys going to issue a Pinkbike NFT soon?

 Did I ever tell you that these here overalls represent a symbol of my individuality and my belief in personal freedom

 @Mikelevy can on have a do field test please

 I meant dh but auto correct strikes again

 No XC World Cup round up??

 That contour bike looks really good!

 The people want the Reeb SST

 @brianpark should I abandon hope of a PB podcast return to Acast?