The frame building community lost an integral parts supplier with the closing of Paragon Machine Works, so today, Mike and Simon talk about what happened and what's next for frame builders. The first race of the Monster Pro Downhill series had some surprises, leading them to throw out some predictions for what is shaping up to be one hell of a World Cup DH season. We also discuss the dangers of kids riding Surrons and why parents might want to pay attention, plus a solid rant on crazy high hotel pet fees, and more.

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TOPICS & TIMES:

Hero Dirt (3:28)

Crazy High Hotel Pet Fees (5:17)

32” Wheel Momentum (16:38)

Paragon Machine Works Closes (26:47)

Knolly Bikes Restructuring (32:16)

The Danger of Kids on Surrons (33:52)

More recalls (41:14)

Racing updates (42:38)

Will this be Luca Shaw’s Year? (47:11)

Mike Waxing His… (51:12)

What we’re reading & watching (1:03:20)

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Hans Rey joins Simon to discuss the letter he wrote to the bike industry about crazy-high eBike power numbers and the total disregard for the existing Class 1 eBike power limits we’re seeing currently. Hans is worried, and rightfully so, that the eBike power war is out of control, and what it means for rider safety and future trail access needs to be considered.

Note: We Want to Hear From You!

Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

The eBike Power War (4:28)

Class 1 vs Class 3 (8:45)

Defining What an eBike is (14:14)

Who Makes the Rules? (15:31)

How Much Power is too Much? (18:48)

Are Chinese Brands to Blame? (24:48)

Should the Industry Self-Regulate? (27:12)

Preserving Trail Access (29:46)

Are Bike Brands Being Irresponsible? (34:41)

Moving the Goal Post (37:34)

Impossible Climbs Made Possible (43:04)

What’s Next for Hans (52:12)

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Are 32’’ wheels going to take over the MTB world, or become a flash in the pan like plus-sized tires did a decade ago? How did the bike industry take sudden interest in a unicycle wheel size — and are 32’’ wheeled-bikes even truly new? And, maybe most importantly, how do the big wheels actually ride? We’re joined by Daniel Yang of Neuhaus Metalworks to discuss the burgeoning wheel size, the challenges of designing a bike for bigger wheels, and get a history lesson on the evolution of MTB wheel sizes.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

The history of MTB wheel sizes

The first 29er tire

Tubeless MTB tires

First production 29er

The first 32’’ bike

Neuhaus 32’’ prototypes

Testing 32’’ wheels

Predictions for the future of 32’’ wheels

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