On our 20th episode of Cycling Together, Kristin and Steve, with help from members of the STBG Cycling Team, share some of the "underrated but essential" bike handling skills.

Inspired by two recent bicycle events, we discuss skills to benefit road and gravel riders, whether riding alone, with a friend or in a big group. On our list... taking your hands off your handlebars; walking your bike; starting (and stopping) with intention; drafting and pace lines; turns and pedal position as well as riding on dirt and other “light” mountain bike skills.

During our conversation we go on a bit of a tangent about ride etiquette (can we buy an “on your left.”) as well as discuss the new UCI rules for handlebar widths and why women riders are not happy with the new ruling.

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Find Cycling Together with Kristin and Steve on YouTube for Closed Captioned video version.

You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

Kristin and Steve hold a mirror up to Steve's own bicycle purchasing decisions as they discuss something they've observed in the Shop – riders who have really (really) nice bicycles and gear, who may not spend quite as much on their partner's bike.

What may seem like "rational thinking" can often lead to a spouse or partner failing to embrace cycling, or giving up quickly, due to discomfort, discouragement and failed expectiations. Using personal experience, they discuss how a "better" bike or components can lead to a better experience and, hopefully, a happier rider.

They also discuss Steve's first impressions of Kristin's new BC40 (speaking of better bikes); Shimano's new wireless XTR Di2 drivetrain and while answering a viewer a question about chain lube on new chains, also discuss chain wax.

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Find Cycling Together with Kristin and Steve on YouTube for Closed Captioned video version.

You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

E-mountain bikes are on the rise, and according to some industry insiders, e-bikes will soon represent more than half the bikes on the trail one day. But should we, as Outside Magazine asks, “just submit to our eMTB future?”

After breaking down the different classes of e-bikes, Kristin and Steve unpack their biases before digging deep into the growth; drawbacks including raising the bar to entry and costs of maintenance, dangers related to bad batteries as well as the potential issues and the etiquette. We also recognize we have a lot to learn, and that our attitudes and opinions may change as we give e-mountain bikes a try.

Seen while scrolling: Articles in Road.cc and Bike Radar inspire a conversation about cross-chaining and whether it is really an issue.

Reader question: Steve shares how to care for a slightly rusty chain and when to know if your chain has “too much” rust.

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Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes.

Find Cycling Together with Kristin and Steve on YouTube for Closed Captioned video version.

You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.