The Pinkbike Podcast: BMX Backgrounds & Breaking Bikes with Taj Mihelich

Jun 8, 2023
by Henry Quinney  
photo
Art by Taj Mihelich

Why do bikes break? And would we want to ride the bikes that don't? Everything in bike design is a compromise and having bikes finally struck the right balance between durability and performance?

Taj breaks lots of bikes and parts, in ways that you may not be familiar with. We discuss what bike parts are allowed to break, and what is unforgivable. We also send out a challenge to any product managers listening and ask them if they're confident enough in their bike to send it for a true test under Taj.




Featuring a rotating cast of the editorial team and other guests, the Pinkbike podcast is a weekly update on all the latest stories from around the world of mountain biking, as well as some frank discussion about tech, racing, and everything in between.

Subscribe to the podcast via your preferred service (Apple, Spotify, RSS, Megaphone, etc.), or visit the Pinkbike Podcast tag page for the complete list of episodes.

Music Corner


It's just a bit nice. My choice.

Brian's second choice - I've ignored his first suggestion on principle.

Kaz's choice.

Taj's choice.


Posted In:
Podcasts The Pinkbike Podcast Brian Park Henry Quinney Mike Kazimer Taj Mihelich


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74 Comments
  • 23 5
 if your thinking of asking show some restrain people
  • 15 0
 Inquiring minds want to know.
  • 14 0
 Where is ......
  • 4 0
 You are correct, I think it is probably the respectful thing to do.
  • 9 0
 Looking forward to getting an update on P.I. Mtn Goat, and his new findings from scrounging through pinkbikes garbage cans,and peering through their closed windows at night. he knows they are keeping a secret....he has the monster cans as receipt.
  • 7 0
 Absence makes the heart grow fonder
  • 2 0
 He was listed in the Velo launch email on June 1st, so I’d be surprised if it’s anything other than some much needed time off.
  • 6 0
 No posts since March, did he get locked in Taipei prison? I actually don't know why it can't be mentioned.
  • 1 0
 2 months paid vacation and free health care, that's quite a utopia you guys are building up north, eh
  • 2 0
 @Caddz: he drowned in a vat of bubble tea while in Taiwan.
  • 6 5
 @acdownhill: At least bust on me with proper decorum with the @ tag, come on...bungling across yr untagged post here is demeaning. Monster can data does indicate there's no conspiracy - its just weird that yr fave PB figurehead goes away without any acknowledgment - you know, eveyrone does it like that...SOP. That being said - where is Levy?
  • 4 0
 I’mma tell my kids that Levy left to be editor-in-chief of Outside’s new gravel publication.
  • 2 0
 It says he's online right now... Lurking... Probably reading this exact comment. @mikelevy
  • 1 0
 @eight-n-burly: I have seen this a few times on the dashboard - and he's been ref'd a few times on the podcast even recently so...I have hope. @mikelevy...we love ya man. Not that but just as bike bros
  • 5 0
 At this point I don't even care about what Levy is doing, but I would really, really like to know why the PB team was acting so f*cking weird about the whole thing.

Like, no one was ever asking about any details of Levy's personal life. All we wanted to know is wheter he still is with PB or not. They could have just come out and said "Hey, Levy is still alive, but he's not with PB anymore. Sadly we can't tell you any details as of right now. Cheers." That would have been all, but they didn't. They made it a weirdly big thing instead.

Also, how is it weird when by far the most prominent of the editors and practically the public face of the company just goes missing all of a sudden and people want to know what happened to him? For many people, Levy was PB. If someone puts themself into the spotlight this much, there's naturally going to be questions if and when he just vanishes without a word.
  • 2 0
 @SimonJaeger: THANK YOU. Said it way better than me. Clearly not dead, but - seems a common courtesy to say "yeah he's taking time off..." or "he quit" or "he no longer works here" - whatever. I don't care about Levy's personal life if he quit or was fired - definitely will be bummed out he's not w/ PB (that just seems insane) but - the radio silence on PB's part, in my view, is exactly what not to do exemplified. I love hearing the guy but also - he's just a dude. My fave dude @ PB but - just trying to know what to expect vs. biting my nails 9+ weeks wondering WTF and still no Levy.
  • 3 1
 face it guys. he has probably taken an indefinite amount of time off, thus why they can't say anything. He hasnt quit or been fired, or else they would probably be happy to state that "mike levy no longer works here..."

Sometimes things happen in people's lives, and they don't owe it to the readership of their employer to expose their reasoning or timeline if they need it. and nor does their employer. what exactly is it that your expecting to hear that you haven't gotten already?

Maybe read between the lines a bit, and see it as no news is "good news" and hopefully Mike is dealing with whatever it is he needs to
  • 2 0
 @acdownhill: Even if he's just taken time off, just f*ckin say that then - without revealing any details. I don't want to know WHY he has taken time off or what's going on in his personal life. From the very beginning, no one ever asked for any private details. That was never a thing.

Just to reiterate. I don't care whats going on with Levy himself. All I want to know is why the PB team acted so weird about this.
  • 1 0
 @acdownhill @SimonJaeger - agree w/ what you're saying but I'm still stumped at why that would've been a problem - ie: "whats up guys - Levy's taking time off and Henry & others are taking over..." Zero big deals. What's be left is a void. No news is kinda good news in that light but agreen w/ SimonJ...don't see the big deal in saying anything at all, the good, the bad, the terrible. Levy's just been too major a figure to say zilch. To me this is not normal behavior on PB's part. Any normal biz would say whats up, with style & privacy - done. Prob wouldn't have thought of it once since then except to say #FreeMikeLevy
  • 2 0
 isn't that the thing though? they have acted completely normal for a corporation dealing with a person taking stress, bereavement or medical leave. I've had many projects/jobs where people have left for an unknown amount of time and all the information we have gotten is "they will be back sometime".

Multiple moderators have illuded to that he is taking a leave, and without going into any more detail I really don't know what else one could expect them to say.... Its just all of us taking it personal that we aren't being told more, when we don't need to be.
  • 1 0
 @acdownhill: He’s hunting aliens, taking some well deserved time off. It’s all good in the pinkbike hood.
  • 14 0
 Taj was one of my BMX hero’s growing up. His section in Home Of the Brave Vol 1. Is inspiring!! Amazing rider, overall cool dude!
  • 11 0
 I’ve ridden some tanks before, and for short rides, it’s not so bad. But riding a tank every day can just get exhausting. I suppose people can say that just makes you a stronger rider, but there’s gotta be a balance. No, we are not Roadies, and our bikes need to be stout enough to endure, but climbing is an integral part of the sport, too. It’s nice to have something a little lighter for that.
  • 2 0
 i thought the same. I had Marin quake as my main bike for about a year...geez it was punishment at times.
  • 4 2
 @preach: I rented an aluminum base model Kona Process 153 in Moab. It had to weigh over 35 pounds. First ride — “Oh, this isn’t so bad! Kind of surprised at how well this rides for how heavy it is!” By the third day — “Oh my! I’m not riding this thing up that! I’m done!”
  • 2 0
 @TheR: My bike is 35+ and I don't consider it to be a tank at all. I can't imagine riding less bike.

My XC bike is about 21 pounds ready to race (FS with dropper), and it doesn't leave the house unless I'm racing it.
  • 1 0
 @JSTootell: I don’t know how much that 153 weighed, exactly. It was heavy. The 2nd heaviest bike I’ve ridden in 25 years, behind my 2000 Profile DR-1 downhill bike, which was almost 50 pounds.

Anyway, I built a carbon version of the 153 that weighs in at a little over 32 pounds. It’s a rock solid bike. I can’t imagine needing anything heavier-duty.
  • 1 0
 @preach: I had one of them. That thing was sooo stiff. I did crack it tho.
  • 2 0
 Norco range was a dream going down but unsustainable as a daily climber. Then I got a 60lb 190mm ebike. All problems solved. All the laps. Weight doesn’t matter. I may be the Antichrist now but I can tell you it is definitely way more fun being the Antichrist.

Hey Taj I’m 6’4” 245lbs and break everything. Get Pole Voima if you can pallet worshiping e-satan or a WR1 Arrival if you’re not quite there yet. Nobl TR41 wheels. Hydra hubs w/ Pinner Machine Works steel axle.
  • 8 1
 @mikekazimer @brianpark is 100% correct re: Let it Go from Frozen--It's a banger of an anthem. I have a 5-year-old daughter and I went from ugh, do I have to listen to this to belting it out in the car with her in 2 listens.

I even have an NPR story to prove it: www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2023/03/28/music-womens-history-month.

Also good: "Surface Pressure" from Encanto. open.spotify.com/album/5IQviZiPOcXLBAd9eGo2sA

Sing & Sing 2--not terrible music.

Don't hate.
  • 4 0
 @isilverman, sorry, it’s still not for me. I tried to listen to it again and couldn’t get to the end of the song. Maybe you need to have a kid to appreciate it?
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: This is almost certainly the case.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: No. I have kids and it still sucks.
  • 2 0
 Lost in the woods from Frozen 2 is a banger as well.
  • 1 0
 @Schraffs: I'm not judging at all but that one doesn't work for me. It's probably related to being so deeply disappointed by post-pinkerton Weezer in my youth.

I think the low expectations, and watching my 5-year-old daughter get super into it, that makes "Let It Go" work for me Smile .
  • 1 0
 Surface pressure makes me tear up a bit every time I hear it
  • 6 0
 I don't miss the days of custom drilling Suzue hubs and Peregrine rims to 96 hole units. I don't miss my BMX bike that was close to 40lbs (Sabbath). Or taking a worn out tire, stripping it of its bead, and running it inside of a new tire to prevent pinch flats on vert or street. My wrists certainly don't miss the rigidity and strength at any cost mentality that was midschool BMX.
  • 2 0
 I don't miss the 48H Primo freecoaster hub wheels with 12ga spokes laced to a Primo Hula Hoop rim. I weighed my SBC Shaman one time and it was 43 lbs. I have no idea how I hopped onto a rail with that thing. Midschool BMX bikes were crazy. I welcomed the the mid-00s brining in much lighter bikes.
  • 12 3
 FREE MIKE LEVY!
  • 1 2
 Levy is free! We Kaz and Brian Park to cage him.
  • 4 0
 Dude Taj, I'm nowhere near as hard a rider, but at 285 lbs I can second the Raww Madonna recommendation. I'm riding a Jibb and it's been a fantastic step up. For the rear, the Fox Float X has been a nice upgrade from my last bike. It has a much higher max PSI so you'll definitely get enough room to stiffen up the rear to your liking. It was the first time I was able to get sag without having to max out the pressure.
  • 1 0
 I was thinking the same thing while I was listening. If you're more comfortable on steel, I've heard good things about the chromag lowdown.
  • 1 0
 I’m 250lbs and love my Madonna. That 65 rocker link makes a world of difference. Running the ohlins coil in the rear and a Fox 38 with a Vorsprung Smashpot coil conversion. The coil fork makes a world of difference for me in terms of getting support without losing all small bump compliance. 100% reccomend this setup for heavy folks
  • 7 0
 I too, have a BMX background.
  • 3 0
 I think 12 speed eagle drivetrains should get more shit for breaking and bending all the time. They are so close to the ground, yet so fragile, it is inacceptable. Especially the issues with the irreplaceable clutch that gets weak. And I would love to see more durable parts. I don't need the most precise shifting performance out of the box if I ride with a slightly bend derailleur most of the time. Honestly pinkbike should do a field test with a fleet of bikes that has been trashed a season in whistler bike park, just to see which components still work the best if they are not brand new anymore
  • 2 0
 Awesome idea! You could make a whole series like unto the Budget vs Baller series, but better. I would totally watch that.
  • 2 0
 As a 6ft3 270lb fit male who rides harder than the average Joe.....i havent tried maguras but i need saints on xc bikes even xD I'd love beefier bikes, but also have had good luck with a s.s nomad 5 c with a zeb and luftkap in bike parks, but I'd love to see stiffer springs for coils! Big boys like coils too!
  • 9 4
 Ooooo, new pod! Excited to learn more about Henry than the guest again. Stoked!
  • 6 0
 I've done a 180º on Henry -- when he first started appearing on the podcast it seemed like *all* he did was voice contrarian options just the sake of it. He's still contrarian, but he's added some depth behind those opinions and I like hearing him now.
  • 5 0
 @robbyking: listen to last week's podcast with Romain Dompnier. It had very little to do with Romain. I'll give him this though, Henry's opinions are welcome and he's awesome in round tables, but his interview skills leave a lot to be desired.
  • 10 0
 I get your point here, but also, I like Henry. Strong opinions make for interesting conversation. Say what you want, but he’s no boring, mealy-mouthed host with nothing to say.
  • 5 0
 To be fair an hour-long interview with that guy would have been awful.
  • 2 0
 Lots of new riders in the sport about to be shocked when their 5000.00 dream bike blows up on a jump line this summer and the warranty is denied due to fine print... I feel for the warranty departments this summer... it will be a trail of tears.
  • 4 0
 Great listen on this one. Henry did a good job of avoidi going into whisper mode for the most part. Great audio. Thank you.
  • 2 0
 More Totally Awesome Jumper on the podcast please. I had a blue (Taiwanese) Hoffman Taj. The thing weighed a ton and I still managed to rake out the fork from one too many front wheel cases.
  • 5 0
 Good show. Liked having Taj around.
  • 4 0
 One of the best episodes. Looking forward to hearing taj more often on the podcast!
  • 1 0
 Taj mentions he is concerned about (the strenght of) carbon bikes, but no mention that carbon bikes regularly the handle the rigors of pro DH racing? Even this week, photos from Lenzerheide showed most of the teams are using Carbon. But not strong enough for a semi-retired 39yo BMXer?
  • 1 0
 While pro DH bikes get sent on some gnarly stuff, pro DH riders are still lighter and (much) smoother than your average Joe. They also go much faster which reduces, or at least provides different forces on parts and frames. Their bikes also get fully stripped, inspected, rebuilt, and sometimes replaced every week so not really the same rigors.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney @brianpark I've got a question regarding frame durability.

Don't you guys find it weird that there's pretty much no mainstream bike company out there leaning into the whole durability thing a bit more?

In almost all other segments of the sports- and outdoor equipment market, there's always at least one brand that makes their products "extra rugged" and leans heavily into durability for their marketing. Such a brand doesn't really exist in the mainstream bike industry and I don't really understand why.

I think there's many riders who would find the idea of a super durable full suspension frame very attractive. And it would be so easy to do. Make a horst-link frame with super thick alloy tubes, show me some heavy-duty durability testing and sprinkle in an EFBE Cat. 5 certificate and personally I'd be sold.

Why do you think so far none of the mainstream brands have made a full-suspension frame for riders like Taj who just break everything? Because durability isn't a very sexy marketing buzzword? Or purely for liability reasons because stuff would eventually start to break anyways? Or is it too much of a niche?
  • 1 0
 Totally agree on the comment on durability vs weight. If I could have the choice of say two identical carbon full-suspension frame one of them was 500g heavier but more durable and the other was adequately strong but 500g ligher - in this case I'd totally choose the heavier and more durable frame.
  • 2 0
 I'm with Henry. Precision-Made Chainsaw, Nicolai G1. Have the mutators set up for a steeper head angle from the factory and he'll be set.
  • 5 0
 Finally
  • 3 0
 What is on skiste peeing Henry?
  • 1 0
 Pretty awesome to hear that the Manitou Mezzer is the current heavyweight fork of choice for Taj. I really love the all of the Manitou forks that I have ridden.
  • 3 0
 Brian and the new guy sound similar.
  • 9 0
 Dario is another of Brian Parks voice characters
  • 1 0
 As a Nicolai G1 owner I need to say that some beauty surely comes from within.
  • 2 0
 We need all bikes to look like a Session, then?
  • 2 0
 More Taj. more Taj please!
  • 2 0
 Hey Taj, you should let me build you a frame
  • 1 0
 Sounds like Henry needs to ride d1 to feel engaged
  • 9 0
 He'd probably complain about the turns being too turny or something on that trail. We'll see - it doesn't open for a few more weeks.
  • 1 1
 A BMXer who is too extreme for mountain bikes. Never heard that before.







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