The Pinkbike Podcast: Episode 76 - MTB Originals and Copycats

Aug 19, 2021
by Mike Levy  
Pinkbike Podcast
Art by Taj Mihelich


There aren't a lot of truly new and innovative mountain bike products out there, with most (hopefully) being improvements on already existing ideas. Episode #76 is all about mountain bike copycats; products, ideas, events, and other things that have been reproduced, duplicated, imitated, and just plain copied from the original. That word - copycat - definitely has a negative connotation to it, implying that maybe it came about via shady circumstances. But I also don’t think it’s entirely that simple in many instances, which we discuss on the podcast. After all, there's nothing new under the sun.

There are all sorts of complicated laws and rules about these things, of course, with long-winded explanations when copyrights, trademarks, and patents are involved with intellectual property, but the last thing we want to do on this podcast is to put you guys to sleep, so we’re not gonna go down those boring roads. Instead, we've come up with a bunch of examples of products that have been imitated over the years.





THE PINKBIKE PODCAST // EPISODE 76 - MTB ORIGINALS AND COPYCATS
August 19th, 2021

Nothing's better than a Minion, not even a Minion that's been made better...


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.




Previous Pinkbike Podcasts
Episode 1 - Why Are Bikes So Expensive?
Episode 2 - Where the Hell is the Grim Donut?
Episode 3 - Pond Beaver Tech
Episode 4 - Why is Every Bike a Trail Bike?
Episode 5 - Can You Trust Bike Reviews?
Episode 6 - Over Biked Or Under Biked?
Episode 7 - Wild Project Bikes
Episode 8 - Do We Need an Even Larger Wheel Size?
Episode 9 - Why Are We Doing a Cross-Country Field Test?
Episode 10 - Getting Nerdy About Bike Setup
Episode 11 - Are We Going Racing This Year?
Episode 12 - What's the Future of Bike Shops?
Episode 13 - Are Bikes Too Regular Now?
Episode 14 - What Bikes Would Pinkbike Editors Buy?
Episode 15 - What's Holding Mountain Biking Back?
Episode 16 - Who's Your Mountain Biking Hero?
Episode 17 - XC Field Test Insider
Episode 18 - Electronics on your Mountain Bike: Good or Bad?
Episode 19 - The Hardtail Episode
Episode 20 - MTB Conspiracy Theories
Episode 21 - Stuff We Were Wrong About
Episode 22 - Does Your Riding Style Match Your Personality?
Episode 23 - Grim Donut 2 is Live!
Episode 24 - Why Even Buy a DH Bike?
Episode 25 - Fall Field Test Preview
Episode 26 - The Three Most Important Mountain Bikes
Episode 27 - The World Champs Special
Episode 28 - All About Women's Bikes
Episode 29 - Freeride or Die
Episode 30 - Would You Rather?
Episode 31 - Wet Weather Riding Tips & Tricks
Episode 32 - What Needs to Change in the Bike Industry?
Episode 33 - Behind the Scenes at Pinkbike Academy
Episode 34 - Grilling Levy About Field Test Trail Bikes (and His Bonspiel)
Episode 35 - Story Time - Stranger Than Fiction
Episode 36 - Grilling Kazimer about Field Test Enduro Bikes
Episode 37 - The 2020 Privateer Season with Ben Cathro
Episode 38 - Editors Defend Their 2020 Best-Of Picks
Episode 39 - Predicting the Future of Mountain Biking
Episode 40 - The Pinkbike Awards!
Episode 41 - Racing Rumours and Team Changes
Episode 42 - Mountain Biking's Guilty Pleasures
Episode 43 - Dangerholm's Wildest Custom Mountain Bikes
Episode 44 - Mountain Bike Suspension Decoded
Episode 45 - What Makes a Good Riding Buddy
Episode 46 - The RockShox Zeb vs Fox 38 Deep Dive
Episode 47 - High Pivot Bikes: The Good, The Bad, and The Why?
Episode 48 - Rides That Went Horribly Wrong... & Why That Made Them So Good
Episode 49 - What's the Best DH Bike?
Episode 50 - Are Bikes Actually Getting Less Expensive? (Value Bike Field Test Preview)
Episode 51 - Should MTB Media Post Spy Shots?
Episode 52 - Our Most Embarrassing MTB Moments
Episode 53 - Should Climbers Still Have the Right of Way?
Episode 54 - Best and Worst MTB Product Marketing
Episode 55 - Big Dumb Rides & Staying Motivated
Episode 56 - What Were the Most Important Inventions in Mountain Biking?
Episode 57 - What Were the Best (and Worst) Trends in Mountain Biking?
Episode 58 - Debunking Mountain Biking's Biggest Myths
Episode 59 - Value Bike Field Trip Surprises & Spoilers
Episode 60 - What Kind of Mountain Biker Do You Want to Be?
Episode 61 - Athlete Pay, Lycra, Equality and More from the State of the Sport Survey
Episode 62 - Editor Preferences and Why They Matter
Episode 63 - Our Best (And Worst) Bike Buying Advice
Episode 64 - Who's On Your MTB Mount Rushmore?
Episode 65 - The Hardtail Episode
Episode 66 - The Best and Worst of Repairing Bikes
Episode 67 - The Story of Mountain Biking's Most Interesting Man: Richard Cunningham
Episode 68 - Who Are Mountain Biking's Unsung Heroes?
Episode 69 - The Good, Bad, and Strange Bikes We've Owned - Part 1
Episode 70 - The Good, Bad, and Strange Bikes We've Owned - Part 2
Episode 71 - The Story of Mountain Biking's Most Interesting Man: Richard Cunningham - A Pinkbike Podcast Special, Part 2
Episode 72 - Hey Outers!
Episode 73 - The Details That Matter... and Some That Shouldn't
Episode 74 - The Best Trails We've Ridden and What Makes Them So Special
Episode 75 - Things MTB Brands Waste Money On

Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

133 Comments
  • 39 0
 All mullet bikes are copying the penny farthing
  • 3 9
flag warmerdamj FL (Aug 19, 2021 at 8:49) (Below Threshold)
 No, they are just copying 26/24" combos that people ran in the early 2000's. Remember that, when we had the "benefits of both wheel sizes". That really lasted a long time didn't it...
  • 14 0
 @warmerdamj: pretty sure the penny farthing came before the both 26" and 24". Definitely the original mullet!
  • 1 0
 Can I give am comment gold for this?
  • 23 3
 I am just here because I have a podcast topic suggestion:

WAKIdesigns: The Angry Troll Dwelling in the PB Comments

Who is he?
What factors molded him into the commenter he became?
Where has he gone?
Is he really gone, or has his spirit lived on through the pb comments, revealing himself through other snarky cynical commenters.
Top WAKI comments of all time. (or most downvotes)
Is WAKI the villain we all secretly love? Or love to hate?

Find out in the next Pinkbike Podcast!
  • 2 0
 There was a WAKI resurgence not that long ago...but then WAKI disappeared again into the mist again. Not sure if it was actually him, since he had a rebranded username, but the comments smelled WAKI-like. It would definitely be an interesting podcast to have him as a guest.
  • 6 0
 @steveczech: Theories are surfacing already on the mysterious nature of WAKI.
Was he in fact… Extra Terrestrial…?
@mikelevy
  • 16 0
 @Ausatz: Aaaah, if you're trying to sell me on interviewing Waki for the podcast, that's exactly how to do it.
  • 11 0
 Waki was just a Pinkbike staffer with a pseudonym kicking up dust to spice up the comments section. Probably RC.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Has he ever been seen in real life? You would think if an alien were to try to infiltrate and learn about our society, they may choose an inconspicuous mtb forum.

Alternatively, Whistler Intergalactic Edition is even better than ours and WAKI has come in search of new trails?
  • 2 0
 If you say his name 4 times will he appear???
  • 4 0
 @TwoNGlenn: It was Radek Wink
  • 7 1
 I commented on a BMXers instagram, some olympic post, Connor Fields who was injured. I think I made a comment about 'get well' and 'glad he's discussing his head injury' and Waki replied to my comment! I was so excited, I have no idea wtf he meant in the comment, it was confusing, but, I felt special that day. lol
  • 2 9
flag DoubleCrownAddict (Aug 19, 2021 at 22:58) (Below Threshold)
 My recent blog on Waki, where I document his best art and most controversial and offensive comments:
www.pinkbike.com/u/DoubleCrownAddict/blog/waki-came-back-and-it-was-wack.html
  • 5 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: why the f*ck would you let a random on the internet get to you that much that you’d write an essay on him?

More than a bit weird…
  • 4 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: You are such a f*ckwit.
Stop poisoning the planet with your weird "everything is a political battle ground" warped USA world view. Keep that shit to your little patch please.
  • 1 0
 @tomhoward379: agreed very weird if not creepy. I wonder if he ever spoke to Waki 1 on 1....
  • 6 0
 drop-in revival would be amazing. would love to see a revival of some urban freeride mixed with some bike park gaps, slab lines, large descents.
  • 7 0
 Who's on your Drop-In revival bus tour? Matt Macduff for sure, and Brage as well. Fabio Wimber?
  • 1 0
 Like the original, a couple of rampage finalists who don't mind spending a month or so on the bus and some up and comers. I feel like with Fabio's Euroness, he's only doing it if the bus is a Rotel bus. Don't know who else would sign up for that.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: I’d love to know whatever happened to Tyler Klassen, loved his style. The episodes with Cam McCaul were tons of fun too.
  • 3 0
 @okiecalvin: A few years old, but still a good watch:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrKbQg8DpaI
  • 1 0
 @charmingbob: wow thanks so much for the link, quite the journey he’s been on; hope he’s happy and healthy.
  • 3 0
 Just to offer a different perspective- More backswept bars like the 16 degree sqlab have drawbacks. I'm 5'10" on a medium sb150 and while that bar felt great while seated climbing I literally couldn't hold on to it while descending. When I'm up and over the front of the bike while descending my elbows stick up and out causing my wrists to rotate in. I can feel my pinkys lifting up and off of the bar and I'm just left with a few fingers to hold on with. This position feels far better with a 8-10 degree backsweep despite a bit more wrist discomfort on the climb.
  • 3 0
 I like my 12s. Was on 16s but weren't quite aggressive enough - nice and comfy on linger rides tho.
  • 2 0
 @fartymarty: their 12° bars are absolutely money for me. 12° is the standard backsweep on moto bars, and I often wonder why there aren’t more mtb options in the 10-12° range.

Speaking of which, is anyone aware of a carbon 35 clamp 12° bar?
  • 1 0
 @MegaStoke: You don't ride over the front on a moto like you do on a mountain bike.
  • 1 0
 I run Jones loop bars for Bikepacking and have clunked my rigid BP bike down a few local trails with the 45 deg. Jones bars on them. While they are awesome bars for bikepacking as they offer a number of different hand positions, the 45 degree position is comfortable for long rides, stable for that application, and they have lots of space to hang bags and tech off of- I'm not a huge fan of them on anything more technical or where I'm maintaining a strong position pushing forward against the bars like on steeps or quick technical moves. The Jones of course are an extreme example of sweep. Sweet bars though for the right task... I just don't think technical mountain biking is that task... or at least not for me. Trying to keep your elbows up as you rotate your hands from a flat to that 45 degree sweep you can feel them drop and less strength over the top of them... just try it now imagining you are rolling your hands over from a typical mtb position to a 45 degree while keeping your muscles tensed and feel the shift in how the muscles work. Way harder to stay over the front tire in an aggressive scenario.
  • 1 0
 @snl1200: Oh yeah, 45° is definitely way too much sweep for anything remotely technical. The most I'll even consider running on a mtb is 16° and that's for my bikepacking hardtail.
  • 1 0
 That sort of matches my impressions of riding my gravel bike (Salsa Fargo w/ Jones bar). Especially the comment about feeling the outboard part of my hands lose some effectiveness, and @snl1200 comment about feeling it sort of roll-over the top. Might still experiment with that SQs on my mountain bike though...
  • 3 0
 Regarding swat/carrying tools on your bike. Sarah mentions that “even the new Scalpel comes with that” . Remember that Cannondale had a tool in the steerer tube of their Lefty fork somewhere around 2008? It was easy for Cannondale, because they had 1.5 headtube, so lots of space, and no topcap because of the dual crown Lefty.
So, it really was Specialized copying Cannonale, not the other way around.
  • 1 0
 Oh shit, I forgot about that Cannondale tool despite me selling them 15+ years ago! That was a clever little thing.
  • 3 0
 Idea for Podcast:
I have been riding a Ripmo for the past two years and just got the new Exie. I’d love to see an episode on the Joy of less. Less travel, less weight, for more fun. Ive noticed I’m actually faster and more connected to the trail. I can spin up faster in tight trails, it’s a revelation.
  • 3 0
 Now you’re talking my language.
  • 2 0
 Loved Kazimer's reaction to people who look at the pictures without reading the articles. What do you think about doing a podcast on the process of writing?

Do each of you enjoy crafting words on a page? Did you enjoy it as a kid? Do you think of juicy sentences while riding...? or do they come to you by force in front of the keyboard?

I really enjoy the amount of personality that comes through in Pinkbike articles, especially Kazimer, Levy and Alicia's articles. (Sorry to pick favorites, they feel the most creative to me)
  • 2 0
 I love that idea. I'll add it to the list!
  • 2 0
 Thanks for resurfacing that sensation memory of the original powerbar, what a treat :/ I remember having to let a bite rest in my mouth to give saliva a chance to start breaking it down before I could manage to chew it

I also remembered seeing the original camelbacks being promoted at some race where as a silly event in the pits you could have your non-drive side crank clocked around to point in the same direction as the drive side making you pedal in a sort of 'humping' motion in a short sprint
  • 6 1
 Is it just me or does anyone else get the feeling that Levy is the kinda guy who wears a chamois for laps at Whistler?
  • 23 0
 I do, but only because I don't want to sit on a nut. That never feels good. I think all you no-chamois people are crazy.
  • 4 0
 @mikelevy: bike park is the only time I don't wear one. Now I'll probably destroy my nuts next time out.
  • 2 0
 Couple other OG's:
-1994 Troy Lee makes the first detachable full face, aka, convertable, the "TL COMP"

-1995 Troy Lee makes the Daytona, first carbon fiber full face DH helmet-everyone wore it, even those sponsored by Bell, Giro, Protec, Headway, etc...

-Nineties, Troy Lee changed the entire industry again, but having graphics on helmets and colors on helmets, before that you just got a white cueball

-Nineties-Jeff Steber makes adjustable geo Intense bikes, all kinds of adjustments, original to me, but maybe others

-Nineties-Jeff Steber buys a chunk of stealth rubber, chops it up and uses heat gun to coat Kovarik's vans with stealth sticky rubber-an entire genre of MTB shoes was born
  • 1 0
 That first one is a perfect example.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: I will take that recognition and consider this a successful posting at Pinkbike lol
  • 2 0
 question for the next podcast I remember a few shows ago Mike and Brian both said they lower their seat posts 1 inch to assault uphill tech climbs. I had never heard of this before and tried it. It works great! I'm now wondering if the crew has any other dropper post settings they use besides all the way up and slammed down. Thanks!! I love this podcast more than any other please keep it going.
  • 2 0
 MIPS. Nearly everyone adopted it, now there are a bunch of copycat slip-plane designs out there.

Whoever came out with the first helmet with big rectangle vents. I wanna say maybe POC? Finally our helmets didn’t look like vented skate helmets or road helmets with more coverage and a visor.
  • 1 0
 Ooooh, good example!
  • 2 0
 One product that may have been imitated is the Leatt Brace - see some other companies such as AlpineStars, EVS, and Atlas selling some similar products; or did mtb just copy this from moto? .....
  • 2 0
 Aren't we like four weeks overdue for a Podcast with the new owners? I went back to check, and Levy did indeed promise this in the comments section of the "Hey Outers!" episode.
  • 1 0
 Yup, it'll likely get posted this week. Busy times Smile
  • 1 0
 Loved Kazimer's reaction to people who look at the pictures without reading the articles. What do you think about doing a podcast on the process of writing?

Do each of you enjoy crafting words on a page? Did you enjoy it as a kid? Do you think of juicy sentences while riding...? or do they come to you by force in front of the keyboard?

I really enjoy the amount of personality that comes through in Pinkbike articles, especially Kazimer, Levy and Alicia's articles. (Sorry to pick favorites, they feel the most creative to me)
  • 1 0
 I've recently given up the chamois. Arkansas Summer makes it like sitting on a wet sponge all day. I realized I didn't need it when I showed up to ride after work one day and realized I'd forgotten my chamois, the ride turned out to be much better than expected. If I was going to spend a lot of time sitting in the seat like on a long xc ride or gravel grinding, I'd probably still wear one but for most of today's style of riding, I'm barely sitting anyway. Well, except for post-ride beers.
  • 1 0
 Well, this podcast seams like it recycles thoughts and ideas from other bike-related podcasts. Not a bad thing, as the PB cast of characters generally improve on, add context, or otherwise take the same ideas out to left field (or at least Tim Hortons) in an entertaining way.
  • 1 0
 As the owner of a new Stumpjumper Evo, I can say the SWAT box is an amazing feature. I’d love to see more brands copy it. On longer rides I can take a Camelbak or lumbar pack. However for short (sub-2hours) rides and those relatively close I don’t wear anything. It feels great. On other bikes I absolutely would buy a frame bag.

I’m still trying to dial it in though. The tool on the water bottle cage is tiny (great) but lacks any chain tools. I need to figure out if I should carry a small chain break tool or even flat quick link pliers. Both??? My bike doesn’t have the head tube tool. I keep a small Cannondale tube at the bottom and the bag towards the top. I need to pack a small rag or towel in there to quiet the rattling.
Regardless it is a great feature to have when you don’t want to carry stuff.
  • 2 0
 I've tried the no chamois thing, FOREVER, keep trying. For hour rides or less, absolutely, but these dudes saying it's better-must have some unique no nerves down 'there'.
I think its a PNW/Bham thing, no liners.
  • 3 0
 Agreed, I just don't see how it's comfortable for even a few-hour ride, let alone a big one. Not ever for me.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: I was in park city with my missus a couple weeks ago, I did a long ride in the morning, solo then later in the afternoon leigh and I went for a 'quick pedal'...and I just wore boxers. It turned into a 2.5hr ride, and was miserable on me privates.
  • 7 0
 @yakimonti, it's all about picking a good saddle and wearing good underwear - leave the baggy cotton boxers at home. I'm running the Ergon SM Enduro saddle and Saxx or similar boxer briefs and I can ride for however long I want without issues.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: Ergon saddle as well, and only BN3TH icefil for riding, like I said, its great for one hour or less, anything over, No.
  • 1 0
 Hmmm yeah I tried no chamois for a while, it seemed to work….. until I gave myself a partial testicular torsion. Never again!!!!
  • 1 0
 I wore chamois for a while but ironically it was a season of 'XC' guiding in Whistler that stopped me. It was gross riding in the heat with a socially acceptable adult diaper. Within a month I ditched them, and 15 years later I've still not missed them. Like Mike K says above, just wear supportive underwear, not some dumb (literally....) floppy boxers from 1985.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer:

Taint of steel. I think that’s what’s required for the no chamois ride
  • 1 0
 Tom bradshaw everested on a mountain bike without a chamois.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Didn't we get rid of those big gel seats to to reduce surface area and friction to our sensitive jiblets over time? I think the same is true with the chamois personally. Finding a low friction seat that works with your sit bones and allowing for a wear-in period while you adjust to a diaper-less ride has been the ticket for me. Way happier now not having a bulky, soggy, bacteria farm compressed to the undercarriage. I actually just did a gravel/dirt ride from here in Rossland to the Horseshoe Bay Ferry (850kmish?) in a little under a week sans cham-wow and was worried at first trying such a long ride without the security of the sham but worked out just fine... a little cream in the morning and good to go with better ventilation and less friction. I'm with @mikekazimer on this one.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy @mikekazimer Can we see a video of you two riding a tandem mountain bike with power meters on some XC trails?
  • 1 0
 No chamois for me, even on 6+ hour rides. I do live in Bellingham though… maybe that’s a thing!
  • 1 0
 I have a "Wake" branded ripoff of a Funnduro stem that I bought for £4.07 posted. I wanted to test out the length of stem and then I was going to change it out. Apart from some finishing detail I didn't have any problems with it, so I have been using it for 3 years.
  • 1 0
 IIRC Chris King marketed their o-ring alternative to the split ring aheadset style as being superior. But it seems the true story is they couldn’t get or didn’t want to license the patent because the minute it expired they came out with a split ring headset AND an upgrade kit for their own design.

Still, probably not quite as bad as printing out the geometry sheet from another manufacturer
  • 1 0
 I feel like all these no-chamois commenters are enduro bros or downhillers who are always shuttling or riding lifts and consider an hour or more of pedaling a "long" ride.

Is there actually anyone with an endurance background who doesn't wear chamois? I can't imagine it. Long-time XC/endurance rider here and I can't imagine doing a 4+ hour ride sans chamois, but these days my focus is more on gravity/trail/enduro style riding and anything over 2-hours is rare. I can see leaving the chamois at home for an hour ride. Any longer than that and my taint hurts just thinking about it.

I might do a park day, or a shuttle ride w/o it, but how much time are you actually spending sitting while pedaling in that style of riding?
  • 1 0
 See my comment above. I don't fit the profile you describe. I can understand the trepidation but think it is doable. I've been sans cham for a few years now and far prefer it and that includes some really big days in the saddle... like 100 plus k days.
  • 1 0
 A good pair of sport briefs, comfy saddle is hella better IMO than sweating away in a hot diaper on long rides.
  • 1 0
 Can you guys do some copycatting of Blister's podcast by having show notes?

Also - Per last week's podcast, when are you guys going to review bikes back to back with models from previous years from different manufacturers. Good example - Current Norco Sight and V1 Sentinel have very similar numbers in the medium size, but I've only seen comparisons to the V2 sentinel.
  • 1 0
 Old timer here - The first camelbak product was just a bladder and no backpack - I believe that was 1995. I purchased one, then purchased a backpack from a different company designed for mountain biking and for specifically holding the camelbak bladder. Held the camelbak and a tube, pump and tool, that was about it. The bag company only made the bag an didn't make a bladder and camelbak didn't make a backpack and only made the bladder...old times staying hydrated on my state of the art manitou 4.
  • 1 0
 i totally dig a chamois but could the manufacturers please design the men's version with a little more room up front? i can't be the only one who is getting crunched and squished in awkward and uncomfortable ways
  • 2 0
 I have been very happy with the North Shore Bike Chamois from BN3TH... lots of extra room for your package and high quality all around: www.bn3th.com/products/north-shore-bike-chamois-black
  • 1 0
 @thinkbike: good to hear. I’ve had these on my ‘things to look into’ list for a while. I guess maybe it’s time to retire some older shorts and try some of these out
  • 2 0
 With the Powerbar flavors. There was only Vanilla, Chocolate, and Berry. The apple crisp one was definitely later, and was the first one that was sorta edible.
  • 1 0
 Here's one. Specialized copying whoever they bought the horst link patent off.
Another: Trek's suspension guru for copying specialized proprietary everything approach to suspension components.
  • 1 0
 Special mention to Cannondale for releasing 50 billion different bottom bracket standards, each one different and non compatible with the previous one. How's that for not copying something eh?
  • 2 0
 I'm now on team non chamois, i made the switch after i heard Kaz said he didn't use one earlier this year. I had never thought of such a thing before that
  • 1 0
 A big yes please to the return of drop in! Watching that after school on FuelTV here in Aus is what got me into bikes. Currently doing a rewatch
  • 1 0
 Here is a podcast idea. Why not talk about controversial mtb debates such as flats vs clips, carbon vs alloy, coil vs air, etc.
  • 1 0
 Also 50/50 myself on chamois. Most used ones I have are ones with storage. Will admit this trend might have been related to previous Capra ownership
  • 4 0
 All art is derivative.
  • 3 0
 PinkBike the OG and MikeBike the copycat?
  • 1 1
 Powerbars... it was a badge of honor to be able to open one with one hand while riding. Banana was where it's at! Just stay away from Chocolate. Definitely enjoyed this cast a bit more than the waste of money one. LOL!
  • 1 0
 Agreed! That was definitely a skill. We all probably at least cracked a tooth on one of those baby’s The best use I ever made of 2 boxes of Powerbars was back in 1996. I put “It’s a Boy” stickers on them and handed them out to friends and coworkers at the shop after the birth of our first child. Figured it was a little healthier than cigars, but maybe I should factored in the potential dental costs.
  • 1 0
 When you talked about the Horst link everywhere, I thought you might also mention the Split pivot vs ABP. Or is it not a topic anymore?
  • 1 0
 Any chance we can get some writing or words on big mtb races…? All sorts of cycling tips results for tours I’ve never heard of…
  • 1 0
 Now @mikelevy wants to know about my underwear? Pretty forward there. At least buy me lunch first.
  • 1 0
 Can someone explain Sara, that Schwalbe Doc Blue and Stan's sealant is the same stuff?
  • 1 0
 late on listening. No Chamois here, I began riding in PNW & now relocated to the midwest where everyone does
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer was it a Canadian tire (master craft) dremel knock off at 50% off? If so, be careful of flying stone bits!!!
  • 1 0
 Some of the platform pedals were looted from 1980's Shimano DX BMX pedals. Only a hunch, not scientific fact.
  • 1 0
 I bet it's not 50/50. I bet 20 percent where's one.

I just don't prefer leather taint.
  • 1 0
 Wears?

I haven't seen a chamois made from literal chamois for a while...
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy I feel like this article is timely, in response to the heat we had about macride.
  • 1 0
 Someone copying my opinions , just to make Podcasts for a living, you are welcome !
  • 1 0
 I vote for the return of droppin! Caveat: soundtrack must be 00's punk (at least 50% mellincollin)
  • 12 11
 Chamois are.....a sham. Completely unnecessary.
  • 22 1
 No way I'd do any sort of long ride without a chamois, but maybe I'm just getting soft.
  • 18 0
 @mikelevy, that’s because you use a cheese grater for a saddle.
  • 8 1
 @mikekazimer: Those are seat vents, Kaz.
  • 6 0
 #teamnochamois stopped wearing one this spring and haven't looked back.
  • 7 2
 Why anyone would willingly wear a sweat diaper?
  • 2 0
 I’ve never even tried one. Don’t think I ever will. Can still do solid high country rides and hang in there haha
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: The preferred term is ass-hatchet
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: "speed holes"
(youtu.be/whnms4CLJys - jump to 0:45, for folks who don't remember the episode)
  • 5 0
 I wear 'em. Came off the back of the bike once hit the rear tire, and as I crashed got stuck between the tire and the seat and my dude got pulled into the area between the tire and the brace of the frame above tire. End of the dude got shredded on the zipper of my pants, boxxers didn't really help. So I wear a chamois now. After a couple procedures, dude still works.
  • 9 0
 @toooldtodieyoung: The Simpsons practically raised me - I remember that episode like it was yesterday. I can also recite the entire Canyonero segment haha
  • 9 0
 @otterdirt: That's horrifying.
  • 1 1
 Lycra yes, chamois no. Not worn a nappy in years and not planning on it.
  • 1 0
 I got chafed once. It was...unpleasant.

I'll start thinking about wearing a chamois if i'm looking at over an hour on a bike. Any bike.

Much like sunburning the bottoms of my feet, chafing my undercarriage will absolutely not happen again. Ever. Chamois pads haven't failed me yet. Enhance the slide with chamois cream, make it menthol even? CMon it's heavenly
  • 1 0
 send it...no chammy
  • 1 0
 Never worn a chamois in my life.
  • 4 0
 Hi Outcasts! On the subject of copi..., ahem, coincidences and #teamchamois. DirtBaggies introduced the first MTB specific pocketed chamois-liners with pro-tour quality padding in 2012. Somebody in Morgan Hill bought a size run of them during our first week of business, then a little over a year later SWAT bibs were introduced, the rest if the industry then followed suit, and bib-liners are now a standard item. It's quite a flattering coincidence.

The down tube box came a year or two after that.
  • 2 0
 @otterdirt: same thing happened to me ‍♂️Chamois for life
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: He runs the Tioga BMX saddle? sick. lol
  • 1 0
 @DirtBagTim: damn dude that sucks! Have you ever had confirmation from the inSide?
  • 3 0
 @owl-X: It could have been a family or society of diversely sized individuals who just happened to live in Morgan Hill. They're the only non-dealer group to have made such a purchase.
  • 2 0
 @owl-X: Undiscouraged, I'm doing it all again next month, with something WAY cooler as @DigitBikes.

Watch this space... (the internet space, not this particular comment thread).
  • 1 0
 Can @mikekazimer recommend some non-cotton undies? I heard the recommendation on a podcast a few mos ago, but should have written it down!
  • 1 0
 @robokfc, you bet. Saxx Kinetic HD are the ones I recommended.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: will have an extra pair of chamois in the grim doughnut 2.0 SCAT box
  • 1 0
 Hi @owl-X: I see you noticed my way cooler project!
The family or society of diversely sized individuals who just happen to live in Morgan Hill haven’t jumped in to buy a size run of this one yet lol

pinkbike.com/news/first-look-the-digit-datum-has-shock-strut-suspension.html
  • 1 0
 We love SWAT but when it leaks (after washing) your bike=SWAMP door.
  • 1 0
 Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.
  • 12 0
 The full quote finishes with "... that mediocrity can pay to greatness.”
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: I'd never seen the second part of this quote. (many shortened quotes out there whose full text reveals greater meaning).
Thank you.
  • 1 0
 At 8:44 you can hear the moment Levy fell in love with Henry
  • 1 0
 been riding for 30 years, i use a chamy...
  • 2 1
 chamois4lyfe







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