Mountain Cog

Send us a textOutbound Lighting is a premier bicycle light manufacturer in Chicago, IL.  In this episode, the boys sat down to chat with Tom Place (Co-Owner, Engineer, Testing, & Customer Service) from Outbound Lighting to go deep on all things related to mountain bike lights.And as the title of this podcast would suggest, we learned that there’s a lot more to a great mountain bike light than just the number of lumens.  Those things include; beam pattern, light requirement, runtime, battery management, thermodynamics and heat, mounting systems, durability, charge time, size, weight, price, and the user interface. After this episode Josh was so intrigued that he went ahead and ordered two Outbound Lighting Trail Evos (their flagship light) for his wife and him to test out (at full price).  Will advise on their experience in a future episode, but we are optimistic that they will love them.    Outbound Lighting Web: https://www.outboundlighting.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outboundlighting/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OutboundLighting/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textTo celebrate Dane’s 25th episode co-hosting the MCP, the boys sit down to debate the benefits, issues, and costs of electronic mountain bike components.  In addition to electronic components (shifting, droppers, suspension, brakes?, etc.) the boys also cover other bike-tech topics like the right way to torque bolts, when grease is really needed, and more.  And.  Of course.  There are a few “minor” disagreements about Shimano vs. SRAM. Some links to accompany this episode... Shimano MTB Components (Acoustic)https://mtb.shimano.com/us/products/mtb/ SRAM MTB Components (Electronic & Acoustic)https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountainPinkBike Video: Broken On Live TV: The Untold Story of Pivot’s New Phoenix DH Bikehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNinULVRHcUTorque’ng got your down?  Here’s an article about bikes + torque + tools.https://bike.bikegremlin.com/18208/tightening-torque-and-torque-wrenches-explained-101/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode Josh & Dane sit down with Chris Johnson who is the CEO & President of the Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR).  TGR has built and maintained some amazing gravity focused trails in Arizona including in the Pinal Mountains Trail System and Sunrise Bike Park.TGR is a large group of dedicated outdoor enthusiasts that share a passion to better the user experience. It is a large core of highly experienced trail volunteers who have worked on many projects throughout Arizona. Many of them have been working together for over a decade now and it shows in their work! Sustainability is #1. They share a vision for the great recreational possibilities that await all user groups, especially mountain bikers within the Pinal Mountains by providing the resources needed to restore, maintain and help re-develop the Pinal Mountain Trail System.Tonto Gravity Riders (TGR)Web: https://www.tontogravityriders.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tontogravityriders/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TontoGravityRiders/TrailsPinal Mountain Trail System: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pinal-mountain-trail-system/NRA Jumps: https://www.trailforks.com/poi/1410/Sunrise Bike Park: https://www.sunrise.ski/summer/downhill-mountain-biking/Mt Graham Trail System: https://www.trailforks.com/region/pinaleno-mountains-mt-graham/ Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode we dive into the value of bike-adjacent businesses deliberately planning for and taking actions to make it convenient for cyclists to visit their establishments. Tucson’s Hop Shop does exactly that… in fact, they are of 1 of only 11 businesses in Arizona to get a “Bicycle Friendly Business” award by the League of American Bicyclists. In this episode, the guys sit down with Jessie & Sarita from the Hop Shop.  The Hop Shop is a bottle shop & beer garden in North Tucson that has a deep connection to both the mountain & pavement bike communities.  It’s located off Tucson’s infamous 150+ mile paved “loop” trail system.The Hop Shop is a popular “post ride” location where mountain bikers, commuters & roadies can enjoy a fresh pint and amazing pizza from the Hop Shop's neighbor Ciao Down (which is a “culinary studio” next door that delivers the pizza to your table inside or outside the Hop Shop). Oh, and you can bring your bike inside, in fact, it’s encouraged. Episode links... Web: https://www.tucsonhopshop.com/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tucsonhopshop/profilecard/?igsh=eWJwMGZ5NmQxZThzFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/NT5ZtV6rwunyrCEs/?mibextid=LQQJ4dThe Loop: https://tucsonloop.org/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode Josh & Dane sit down with the President (Nick Giovannucci) and Vice President (Matt Hrabko) of the Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists (TORCA).  They are doing some amazing work relative to building & maintaining big mountain trails on Mt. Lemmon in Southern Arizona.The mission of Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists (TORCA) is "To preserve the tradition, condition, and etiquette of the trail; and to present novel trail opportunities in a sustainable and responsible manner."They represent all facets of the mountain biking community and enjoy riding all of the trails that Tucson has to offer. TORCA invites you to get involved so that mountain biking's voice becomes louder and our trails get faster!TORCA...Web: https://www.torca.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torcamtb/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonTORCA/Santa Catalina Trails Plan: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coronado/home/?cid=FSEPRD974570Home Grown MTB: https://homegrownmtb.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Josh & Dane chat with Charles Kwintero (or as he says it, Carlos Quintero). Carlos has worked in the bike industry for 15+ years including roles at Giant, Specialized, and managing Bicycle Warehouse in SD.  Today, Carlos is the Southwest Marketing Manager for Enso Sales Group (which covers Intense, POC, Mavic, & Derosa) and is a specialist at Guru Bikes.The conversation includes some humorous stories from Carlos’ time at Giant and Specialized and sheds some light on the role sales reps play in the mountain bike supply base.Enso Sales Group...Intense: https://intensecycles.com/Mavic: https://www.mavic.com/en-usPOC: https://poc.com/en-usDerosa: https://derosa.it/Carlos also digs… https://alchemybikes.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode you’ll learn about two things…#1. Sunrise Park Resort (which is outside of Greer, AZ.)#2. Colby Landin (seasoned trail & track builder)We kept hearing that Sunrise Park Resort was making great progress in improving their bike park.  Then we ran across Colby’s Instagram Page and saw what he was doing up there.  We reached out to Colby and last weekend drove up and spent a couple days riding the park and recording this episode with Colby. First and foremost, shoutout to the White Mountain Apache Tribe, who owns and operates the Sunrise Park Resort.  We love to recreate on your mountains in the winter and summer and we appreciate you sharing them with us and working to make the trails even better.Secondly, we couldn’t talk about Sunrise without shouting out the Tonto Gravity Riders.  They’ve been advocating for and working on trails throughout the state (including Sunrise and with a focus on the Pinal Mountains) since 2010. Sunrise Park Resort Summer Activities-       Bike Park:  31 trails (8 x green, 4 x blue, 10 x black, 8 x double black).  2 lifts.-       Alpine Coaster (3000’ of track, up to 25mph)-       High Flier Zipline (tandem lines, 2100’ of elevation, up to 50 mph)-       Tubing Hill (magic carpet ride up, 300’ hill)-       Airbag Jump (18’ & 32’)-       Rock Climbing Wall (42’)-       3d Archery Course (15 target course)-       Disc Golf (lift accessed).eMTBs are allowed at Sunrise Park Resort.Note: Other than letting us record this episode at the resort, we have received no compensation or perks from Sunrise.  We bought our tickets full price. Links to accompany this episode…Colby LandinInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/colbys_bike_tracks/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@skillsandbuilds3987Sunrise Bike ParkWeb: https://www.sunrise.ski/summer/downhill-mountain-biking/Trail Map: https://www.sunrise.ski/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Trail-Map-Sunrise-Park-Resort-Summer-2024-VistaMap-large.jpgTonto Gravity Ridershttps://www.tontogravityriders.org/ Ollies Cacti (Colby’s Home Grown Nursery of desert plants)https://www.instagram.com/ollies_cacti/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textDr. Jody Bartz is Founder and Executive Director of Gro Girl Gro a non-profit with a mission to INCREASE the number of girls and young women who BELIEVE they are capable and strong athletes and outdoor leaders through safe and supported outdoor experiences.  Additionally, Jody offers connection-based mountain bike skills, endurance, and strength coaching to women and men through the Sonoran Endurance Sports Academy.   Jody got her PhD in Special Education, Family Studies, & Human Development from the University of Arizona.  She is an ambassador for Liv Cycling.  She is a L1 BICP Certified Bike Instructor and an L3 USA Cycling Certified Coach.  She’s a single speeder and endurance athlete.  She is a mountain bike guide with Tanque Verde Ranch resort.  She founded and coached for 4 years a NICA mountain bike team in Flagstaff, AZ.  Her catch phrase: take the space.  Her pet peeve: ‘trail Chads’ that say ‘atta girl’.We last chatted with Jody in Episode 29 when Gro Girl Gro was just starting out.  She has amazing energy and an unwavering drive for empowering women and young girls, helping them increase their confidence, and bringing them into the sport of mountain biking.  We always learn much from Jody… and this episode is no exception.  Gro Girl GroWeb: https://www.grogirlgro.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/grogirlgro/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grogirlgroSonoran Endurance Sports Academyhttps://www.sonoranendurance.com/ Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode Josh & Dane chat with DVO Suspension’s Master Tuner Ronnie Dillon.  Ronnie has been working on the design, test, manufacture, and tuning of mountain bike suspension products for over 25 years.DVO is a high-end suspension brand offering innovative trail, enduro, and downhill mountain bike shocks and forks.  Their products are known for plushness and small bump compliance.This episode features the following topics about Ronnie and DVO…history and Marzocchi roots Taiwan operationsprioritizing customer relations and engagementhistorical product features like Off The Top (OTT) new products like Jade X Prime & Topaz Primeovercoming past challenges like sticky bushings and setup complexitypartnering with WP for the new GasGas eBike suspensiondriving innovation by hiring engineering talent outside of the bike industrysome hints at things to come (new products in development)Links DVO Suspensionhttps://dvosuspension.com/ DVO Taiwanese Factory Tour – Mo and Hannahhttps://youtu.be/AJWA9C_X0-I?si=crMUD3Jfvp0ueVgZGasGas eBikes (featuring a custom DVO suspension design)https://www.gasgas.com/bicycles/en-us/bikes.htmlListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textThis week Dane & Josh sit down for an early morning, pre-ride, and mellow chat with Dave Slagle.  Dave runs “Our MTB Rides” (a social ride group with 1700 members).  He’s also a prior president and current board member of the Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclists (SDMB) and a brand ambassador for Specialized Bikes.  He loves to build and maintain trails. And with all that... he's super down to earth and humble.  Links from the episode...Our MTB Rides, Tucson AZ https://www.facebook.com/groups/ourmtbrides/Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclist (SDMB)https://www.sdmb.orgCyclelogical Coffee, Pinetop AZhttps://www.facebook.com/cyclelogicalcoffee/Tucson Hop Shophttps://www.tucsonhopshop.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textJosh & Dane sit down for a lively debate about the future of mountain bike technology.  Bold predictions are made.  Sides are taken.  Wagers are placed.  History lessons are given.  Riding styles are criticized.  This episode highlights clearly that the Guru is lifelong industry SME, and Magellan watches some mountain bike youtube videos.Integrated eMTB Gearbox & Motor(a glimpse into the future, according to Josh)https://youtu.be/-MBaP4PZpKY?si=97_P0EDcB5RBNxpCListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode Josh & Dane are joined by Justin Dietrich (General Badass, Downhill Wizard, & O.G. Hydrofoil Pro) to chat about a few of the “destination worthy” trails they’ve ridden recently while on travel in Utah, California, and Northern Arizona. While many trails are discussed throughout the episode this Trail Talk icenters around… Portal - Mag 7 (Moab, UT)https://www.blm.gov/visit/magnificent-seven-mag-7-trail-system https://www.trailforks.com/region/mag-7-17329Snow Valley & Snow Summit Bike Parks (Big Bear, CA)https://www.bigbearmountainresort.com/mountain-biking New: Bean Peaks (Prescott, AZ)https://beanpeaks.prescottmtb.com/https://www.trailforks.com/region/bean-peaks-64694New: Full Sail & Classic: AZT San Francisco Peaks (Flagstaff, AZ)https://www.trailforks.com/trails/full-sail-760575/https://www.trailforks.com/trails/azt-san-francisco-peaks-16346/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textThe MCP team put out a request on our socials and multiple forums requesting stories about crazy wildlife encounters on the trail.  We got a great response (thanks to all that contributed)!  So, we grouped the inputs into 8 categories and recorded this episode where Josh & Dane discuss the “best” (unscientifically chosen) responses.The categories… 1.     Bears2.     Birds, Bats, & Owls3.     Big Cats4.     Insects5.     Snakes & Other Reptiles6.     Big Animals 7.     Small Animals8.     Mythical CreaturesOh, and of course we had to include a dad joke for each category.We laughed a lot during this recording.  Hope you laugh (at least a little) when listening. Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textWe live in “America’s Bike Town” (Tucson, Arizona).  Our weather allows us to ride 365 days a year and the cycling options here are unmatched.   We have 100’s of miles of single-track that range from cross country to big mountain.  The road cycling attracts pros and amateurs from all over the world to ride our vast network of paved roads and the epic climb up Mt. Lemon.  We have one of the best indoor skateparks in the world that was specifically designed with freestyle BMX at its core (Premises Park).  We have multiple outdoor BMX racetracks and a huge new public pump track (Naranja Park).  We have amazing bike events including El Tour de Tucson, 24 Hrs in the Old Pueblo, Cyclovia, the weekly “Shootout” and many more.  If you are a cyclist, you should seriously consider visiting or even moving to Tucson.All that said, one of the coolest cycling related things we have here is The Loop.  The Loop is a 137-mile paved trail around the city with spurs out to a few of Tucson’s suburbs. This episode features Randy Ford, Author of “The Loop – America’s #1 Recreational Trail” (available on Amazon and in many cycling retailers throughout Tucson for $20).  In the episode we talk a lot about the Loop, what it has to offer, and how Randy’s book helps cyclists navigate and use The Loop to get to many of Tucson’s cool destinations.  And since we are a mountain bike focused podcast, we go into detail on how you can use the loop, instead of your car, to get to some of our best mountain bike trails.Amazon Link  to Randy's book: “The Loop – America’s #1 Recreational Trail” https://a.co/d/9DsN25EPima County’s Website on “The Loop”https://www.pima.gov/162/The-Chuck-Huckelberry-LoopBig thanks to Jesus at “Ride Tucson” (which by the way, is right off The Loop) for hosting this podcast recording and feeding us some outstanding home cooked food!  Check out Ride Tucson here… https://ridetucsonaz.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textJosh and Dane sit down with Steve Morganstern (Bicycle Ranch) to discuss why mountain bikers might be giving up more than they save when buying from a consumer direct brand.This episode essentially covers the consumer value proposition of buying from your local bike shop versus buying a bike online.The local shop value proposition includes... selection, sizing, assembly, setup, fit, troubleshooting, maintenance, repair, upgrade, warranty, socials, group rides, trail advocacy, the ability to physically touch and see before you buy, advise on where to ride, a place to meet other riders… and much more.It’s worth a listen.  And it’s definitely worth taking a minute to consider what you might be giving up before you click “buy now” on a consumer direct brand’s website.LinksSteve’s shop… Bicycle Ranch Tucson: https://www.bicycleranchtucson.com/Dane’s shop… Guru Bikes: https://guru-bikes.com/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textJosh & Dane took a field trip up to Tempe, Arizona to spend a day with Pivot Cycles’ President (Bryan Mason) and Factory Field Rep (Bill Larson).  The day included a fun ride on Pivot eMTBs at the amazing Hawes Trail System, grabbing lunch at Someburros, touring the Pivot factory, meeting many of the Pivot team in various departments, and recording this episode with Bryan.  The episode is centered around all things “Pivot”… including design, rapid prototyping, product testing, manufacturing in Asia, quality control, warranties, marketing, the race team, eMTB legislation, funding trail maintenance, paying employees to bike commute, always ensuring their facility has great trails in the backyard, their history, and of course the bikes.Tough questions were asked.  Each was answered.  We knew that Pivot made great bikes.  After spending a day with Bryan, touring their facility, and meeting many of their passionate and capable employees… we are starting to see how Pivot is able to consistently put out great products.  As they say, you can tell a lot about a company based on the quality of its leadership. Pivot Cycles:https://www.pivotcycles.com/en/bikes/Hawes Trail System:https://www.trailforks.com/region/hawes/Listen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textThis episode features the MCP hosts Josh and Dane and is pretty MTB-techy.  It starts out with a couple shoutouts from Josh to bike industry brands 1up and PNW for excellent customer service.  It transitions to cover some of our listeners perspectives on “stupid stuff in the bike industry”.  And finally, it concludes with an epic and aggressive argument (in good fun) between “Team Josh” (who rides Shimano drivetrains) and “Team Dane” (who rides SRAM drivetrains). Links and stuff… 1up: https://1up-usa.comPNW: https://www.pnwcomponents.com/Team Josh: https://mtb.shimano.com/us/products/mtb/Team Dane: https://www.sram.com/en/sram/mountainListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode, Dane sits down again with Sam Elmes from Rocky Mountain to discuss Rocky's significantly redesigned enduro bike... the Altitude.  Feedback from Rocky's professional enduro race team were essential in shaping the Altitude's redesign.  This episode features less rabbit holes and more bike specs.  Enjoy.Learn more about the new Altitude at Rocky Mountain's Website: www.bikes.comListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textIn this episode Josh & Dane chat with "Sunglass Rob" the CEO of San Diego's based SportRX.  SportRX is an online company focused on prescription eyewear for multiple sports with biking being one of their biggest markets).  Sunglass Rob is an avid mountain biker and an absolute savant as it relates to eyewear.  In addition to learning a ton about active eyewear and optics, the episode covers a bit about Rob, his riding, and his company.  Special NoteJosh has been testing out SportRX's Huckson prescription sunglasses on mtb & gravel rides and can honestly say they are the best sunglasses he's ever worn on the trail.  SportRX did provide the shades to Josh free of charge but the MCP is not getting any compensation for this podcast or recommendation from SportRX.  In fact, Josh likes them so much that he just ordered a pair of non-prescription Huckson's (paid full-price) to wear when riding in contacts.The Huckson: www.sportrx.com/sportrx-huckson.htmlMore About SportRxSportRx is a San Diego-based company that was built by active opticians who ride their bikes, run their races, push their jogging strollers, and bomb down slopes. Since 1996, we've been on a mission to help people see better while doing the things they love. For over two decades, we have specialized in custom prescription sunglasses (and prescription snow goggles!) for athletes in virtually every sport and have mastered the art of prescription wrap around lenses. We strive to create the best prescription sports sunglasses, prescription glasses, and Rx goggles that are tailored uniquely to your sport and vision needs – no matter how extreme your prescription (or your sport!).SportRX Links: Web: www.sportrx.comYouTube: www.youtube.com/@sportrxeyewearListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com

Send us a textDane had a chance to sit down with Sam Elmes from Rocky Mountain Bikes during the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival to chat about the new Instinct, Rocky’s line-up and a bit about the mountain bike festival.Rocky Mountain Instincthttps://bikes.com/collections/instinctSedona Mountain Bike Festivalhttps://sedonamtbfestival.comListen to Mountain Cog Apple PodcastsSpotifyOther Podcast Sites SocialsInstagramFacebookEmailmountaincog@gmail.com