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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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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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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The best way to extend the life of your bike and it's components, which in turn will save you money, is to keep it clean! We share how we clean our personal bikes, our "must have" equipment, why it's important to always dry your chain, and how to know if you have "toxic" sweat.

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Kristin is getting a new mountain bike - a custom built BC40 from Allied Cycle Works. In addition to discussing why Allied is a good fit for the Shop, we discuss types of mountain bikes (cross-country, down country, all trail) as well as some of the component choices they are making while building the new bike.

Speaking of components, we discuss why dropper posts have become "required" equipment (and why we don't think that's a great idea) as well as answer questions from listeners and the internet on topics including mountain bike suspension, hooked and hookless rims, and bike gearing.

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Before Jackie bought a new mountain bike in 2021, the last time she had ridden a bicycle was when she was a teenager.

But as Hale Education's Director of Camp and Community Programs worked with the organization's growing mountain bike community, she soon found herself taking up a new hobby. A few years and three bikes later, Jackie has grown as a rider, leader and ride organizer, using her platform and personal experience to create and cultivate experiences designed to welcome more girls and women to the sport.

On this episode, Jackie joins Kristin to share her development and discoveries as she started riding and what her goals are for the future. They also discuss her passion project, Everwild, a day of clinics and rides for women which is held at Hale on International Women's Mountain Bike Day.

Steve and Kristin wrap up the episode discussing where people can find good quality information and reviews about bikes and equipment, and what it means when we say shift "up" or "down."

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There is still a lot we don't know about the new tariffs, but experts all appear to agree – the costs of new bikes, as well as parts, accessories and everything else are likely to increase.

Steve and Kristin sit down to discuss how tariffs may be already affecting purchasing decisions for manufacturers, supplies and retailers, as well as what you can do to save in the short term whether you have a bike, or need/want a bike.

We also discuss the beautiful red SID Ultimate Flight Attendant RockShox fork spotted during this past weekend's UCI World Cup in Araxá, and the "ken-energy" of certain naming conventions.

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

Spring is here, and our thoughts turn towards getting bikes ready to ride. But does your bike "need" a tune up? Steve and Kristin talk about what is (generally) included in a service package, what can you do to care for your bike to extend it's life, and how to ensure you get what you pay for when bringing your bike to the bike shop.

Steve also shares why he's excited for the announcements from SRAM including the new Eagle Mechanical Transmission and, but not so impressed by the 32" tires coming out 2025 Taipei Cycle Show,

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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.