The Pinkbike Podcast: Episode 38 - Editors Defend Their 2020 Best-Of Picks

 #BarneyGotRobbed

 Although I really like the podcast, I haven't had the chance to keep up with every episode. So far, have there been any extended discussions regarding technical climbing?

This may be wrong, but from what I can tell, technical climbing was at one point something everyone valued as a skill, because many of the cool descents were only accessible via a hard climb. It seems now that most emerging MTB destinations have exclusively fire road climbs or very easy machined uphill singletrack, and existing destinations are allowing their older tougher climbs to become deprecated in favor of these easier climbs.

Is riding up weird root balls and rocks on track toward becoming an obsolete, or at least a very niche, skill? Or are there enough areas where the tech climbs can't be rerouted (like Pisgah Nat Forest) to keep it mainstream and useful? What role does the evolution of XC racing and the popularization of Enduro play in the (perceived) widespread departure from technical climbing?

I know this was briefly touched on in an episode early this summer, but it was only for a minute. I'd appreciate hearing a full discussion dedicated to this. Also if anyone knows of discussion of this topic outside of the podcast (all I've found is this pinkbike.com/news/poll-has-climbing-become-unfashionable.html), I'd be really grateful for a link!

 I'm just waiting for my Grim Donut shirt after I mounted a Hans Dampf tire inside out @mikelevy

Happy new year all !

 i'm fully onboard with the skinwall hate.

 Hans Dampf has the same tread as the 2018 update, but now there’s a new super trail casing. The lightest version for 29x2.35 is 1075g stated.

For a lighter trail tire that’s under 1000g I’ve been really liking the e-13 trs trail ‘race’ which is around 970g
It pairs well with a trail bike for long days and some aggressive riding. It’s a true 2.4

I also still like the dhr2 2.4 exo front and rear... actual weight 1015g

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I’m in NW Arkansas where there’s a lot of ‘loose over hard’ in addition to straight up gravel that’s tough on tires.

I run through 3+ full sets of tires per year between my 2 bikes.

 (Two part) Question for a future podcast: would you rather ride a full suspension bike from five years ago, or a brand new hardtail? Does current geometry make up for lack of full squish?

I was browsing the Buy/Sell section and noticed the price points for the above mentioned bikes tend to coincide so this is possibly a consideration for people shopping bikes.

 It sounds like Kaz has had PTSD since is 15 year old self wore his undies under his shammy. Post Traumatic Shammy Disorder is a terrible thing, and clearly Levy does not understand!

 Book rec: Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake. One of those books that changes how you see the natural world.

 We need more saddle sore content in 2021.

 Does the mention of the Esker mean we might see a full review on it soon? I would love to hear impressions, especially since it is on the East Coast.

 The Power Broker is an outstanding book and Robert Caro is a wonderful writer. @MikeKazimer check out his 4-part biography of LBJ. That should keep you occupied for a while!

 +1 for the Silky Big Boy!

 Mike vs Mike, Only two Mike enter, and only one Mike leaves. Only Mike can win this epic best of shoot out.

 @mikelevy 2020 Pink Bike Awards: MTB Products that SHOULD be! Riding glasses that you can clean with dirt.

 I saw a Structure in the wild. On the back of a car in Calgary. It was unmistakable.

 Book Recommendation: Fooled By Randomness by Nassim Taleb

 The Edward Norton movie he made based on that book is awesome.

 I wish this was a consistent download on my iPhone.

 More Christina, less Sarah