Think all MTB helmets offer the same level of protection? Think Again.
The Virginia Tech Helmet Lab has been providing independent safety ratings for sports helmets since 2011, and today we’ll hear from Dr. Barry Miller about how their testing works, why their rating system stands apart from standard certifications, and how the system has pushed manufacturers to improve designs over time.In this episode we discuss the following questions.Why did the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings program get started?How do your ratings differ from certification standards like CPSC?How are bike helmets tested in your lab, and who performs the testing?How well do lab results correlate with real-world crash data and field studies?With so many models out there, how do you choose which helmets to test?The 5-star rating scale was recently recalibrated, making 5 stars harder to earn—why?Have the ratings influenced helmet companies to improve designs?How unsafe is it to mount accessories (lights/cameras) on a helmet?How do bike helmets compare tech-wise to helmets for other sports like football?What are the main limitations of your testing and rating methodology?Any upcoming testing updates, categories, or research directions riders should know about?An automated transcript will be available at Singletracks.com later today.Follow Singletracks on Instagram @singletracks to keep up with the latest mountain bike news.
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Can you out-ride a bad diet? The truth about junk food and MTB performance
Alex Larson is a registered dietitian who works with endurance athletes, including cyclists, helping them fuel smart both on and off the bike. In this podcast episode we’ll be tackling some serious nutrition questions—like how much protein do you actually need?—and some not-so-serious ones—like if hot dogs make for a good pre- or post-ride meal.When should athletes choose hydration mix over plain water?How do you know if you need more electrolytes?What role does sugar play in fueling rides? Do non-pro cyclists benefit from sugar mid-ride too?Among mountain bikers there does seem to be a sense that because we're so active, we don't need to be as concerned about avoiding junk food as less active individuals. Is that fair?What are some effective and inexpensive alternatives to traditional energy/fueling products?Is it “OK” to indulge in a giant burrito and a couple beers after a ride? Any nutritional guidance around post-ride meals?Do you have a rule of thumb for how much protein athletes—especially cyclists—should actually need to consume each day?How accurate are calorie estimates from smart watches and fitness apps?Is weight loss really just “calories in vs. calories out,” or is there more to it?What role does AI currently play in nutrition planning and advice? Should athletes be cautious or curious?Learn more and connect with Alex at alexlarsonnutrition.com and on Instagram @alexlarsonnutrition. An automated transcript will be available at Singletracks.com later today.This episode is sponsored by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.If you’re looking for your next mountain bike destination that offers just about everything, put Sandpoint, Idaho at the top of your list! The Lower Basin trail system serves up world-class riding through towering timber and across massive granite rock slabs, with trails for every rider — from technical black diamond descents to fast, flowy cross-country loops.For excellent park-style riding, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort with dedicated downhill trails and e-bike access to more than two dozen trails. Or pedal from town to the Pine Street Woods trail system where the trails range from flowy to technical.When you’re ready to take a break from the trails, Lake Pend Oreille is right there for camping, boating, swimming, or even standup paddleboarding. And after a big day outdoors, head into the town of Sandpoint where you'll find a great selection of bars and restaurants to relax and refuel. Get all the details to plan your perfect getaway at visitsandpoint.com. The trails and the good times are waiting for you when you Visit Idaho!
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A Mullet isn't just another mixed-wheel bike. The secret is the geometry.
Miles from Mullet Cycles has carved out a unique niche in the bike industry by going against the grain. From his brash and unconventional approach to bikes to his knack for creating one-of-a-kind accessories, Miles has been challenging industry norms for years.He's dedicated himself to perfecting the mixed-wheel format for mountain bikes, and he’s also the creative force behind Miles Wide Industries, which offers clever, rider-focused accessories. Today we’ll talk about his path into the cycling world, why he’s sticking with mixed-wheel setups, and what’s next for his two companies.When did Mullet Cycles officially get its start? Were mixed-wheel bikes considered a novelty at the time?A lot of riders use the words “mullet” and “mixed-wheel” interchangeably, but your company actually trademarked the term Mullet as it relates to bikes. Why did you go that route? How has the rise of the term 'mullet' affected your marketing efforts?What makes Mullet Cycles’ bikes different from mixed-wheel bikes from other brands?Unlike most bike brands, you don't publish complete geometry tables for your bikes. Why not?How does your experience as a jewelry designer influence your approach to building bikes?What’s the idea behind a Mullet gravel/adventure bike, and how is that project coming alongWhy don't you offer any of your frames in carbon fiber?An automated transcript will be available at Singletracks.com later today.This episode is sponsored by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.If you’re looking for your next mountain bike destination that offers just about everything, put Sandpoint, Idaho at the top of your list! The Lower Basin trail system serves up world-class riding through towering timber and across massive granite rock slabs, with trails for every rider — from technical black diamond descents to fast, flowy cross-country loops.For excellent park-style riding, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort with dedicated downhill trails and e-bike access to more than two dozen trails. Or pedal from town to the Pine Street Woods trail system where the trails range from flowy to technical.When you’re ready to take a break from the trails, Lake Pend Oreille is right there for camping, boating, swimming, or even standup paddleboarding. And after a big day outdoors, head into the town of Sandpoint where you'll find a great selection of bars and restaurants to relax and refuel. Get all the details to plan your perfect getaway at visitsandpoint.com. The trails and the good times are waiting for you when you Visit Idaho!
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1:01:08
He knows what it takes to maintain a massive MTB trail system
Behind the scenes, it takes a lot of planning and hard work to keep a massive trail network like Coldwater Mountain in great shape. That responsibility falls to Marcus Tillman, who works with the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association and the city of Anniston as Recreation Trails Director for Coldwater Mountain. Today we’ll hear from Marcus about what it takes to maintain such a large system, what’s involved, and what’s in store for riders in the coming months.In this episode we ask:What does a recreation trails director aka "trail boss" do on a day-to-day basis?How much maintenance is involved in keeping up a trail system the size of Coldwater Mountain?Are you able to rely on volunteers to accomplish a significant amount of the work?Can you give us a little history of Coldwater Mountain and how the trail system came to be?What’s one thing you wish riders knew that would make your job easier?For an experienced rider visiting Coldwater for the first time, what route do you recommend?How are you preparing the trails for the big Lifetime race happening in October?How do you ensure trails are safe and that emergency services have access to the trails?Coldwater is open to e-bikes. Have you had any issues with speeding, user conflicts, or trail impact?An automated transcript will be available at Singletracks.com later today.This episode is sponsored by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.If you’re looking for your next mountain bike destination that offers just about everything, put Sandpoint, Idaho at the top of your list! The Lower Basin trail system serves up world-class riding through towering timber and across massive granite rock slabs, with trails for every rider — from technical black diamond descents to fast, flowy cross-country loops.For excellent park-style riding, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort with dedicated downhill trails and e-bike access to more than two dozen trails. Or pedal from town to the Pine Street Woods trail system where the trails range from flowy to technical.When you’re ready to take a break from the trails, Lake Pend Oreille is right there for camping, boating, swimming, or even standup paddleboarding. And after a big day outdoors, head into the town of Sandpoint where you'll find a great selection of bars and restaurants to relax and refuel. Get all the details to plan your perfect getaway at visitsandpoint.com. The trails and the good times are waiting for you when you Visit Idaho!
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1:19:45
Tips for living the van life, with two common mistakes to avoid
This week we're joined by Greg Heil, Managing Editor at Singletracks. Over the years, Greg has shared stories from trails all over North America—and for two of those years, he was doing it all while living full-time on the road in a van.We’re going to talk about what that experience was like: the incredible places he rode, the highs and lows of vanlife, and what ultimately led him to settle down again. Whether you’ve been dreaming of hitting the road yourself or you’re just curious about what it takes to live that lifestyle, there’s a lot to learn here.What inspired you to hit the road and live out of a van full-time in the first place?Tell us about your van setup—what kind of vehicle were you working with, and how did you configure it for full-time living, working, and mountain biking?Were there any must-have upgrades or clever hacks that made life easier?How did you manage your work as a writer and editor while constantly on the move?Were there any unexpected gems—places that surprised you or exceeded your expectations? What about well-known spots you ended up leaving early?What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?Are there any common mistakes people make when they're just starting out?After a couple of years on the road, you decided to settle in one place again. What led to that decision?What’s one thing you packed in the van that you never ended up using?What’s one item you couldn’t live without on the road?This episode is sponsored by Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.If you’re looking for your next mountain bike destination that offers just about everything, put Sandpoint, Idaho at the top of your list! The Lower Basin trail system serves up world-class riding through towering timber and across massive granite rock slabs, with trails for every rider — from technical black diamond descents to fast, flowy cross-country loops.For excellent park-style riding, head up to Schweitzer Mountain Resort with dedicated downhill trails and e-bike access to more than two dozen trails. Or pedal from town to the Pine Street Woods trail system where the trails range from flowy to technical.When you’re ready to take a break from the trails, Lake Pend Oreille is right there for camping, boating, swimming, or even standup paddleboarding. And after a big day outdoors, head into the town of Sandpoint where you'll find a great selection of bars and restaurants to relax and refuel. Get all the details to plan your perfect getaway at visitsandpoint.com. The trails and the good times are waiting for you when you Visit Idaho!
Podcast host Jeff Barber, Editor-in-Chief at Singletracks.com, aims to inform and inspire with topics and interviews from the mountain bike world. Since 2015, we have been sharing weekly stories from under the helmets of the most inspiring and influential mountain bikers.
Join us as we learn from top athletes, product designers, trail builders, coaches, mechanics, artists, and leaders in the mountain biking community.
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