Today, Mike and Simon discuss the invasion of Minneapolis, the killing of fellow cyclist Alex Pretti by ICE, and how the cycling community united in solidarity worldwide.

They also talk about some bike industry news, like Revel Bikes relocating, and more fires to put out for Rad Power Bikes. Downhill racing kicked off with Red Bull Hardline in Tasmania, so they put in their picks, plus Mike recaps the Cyclocross World Championships, and more.

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.

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Mike’s The Grimy Handshake Substack

TOPICS & TIMES:

Mike’s Latest Substack Story (7:13)

Simon’s Return To Bike Racing (12:29)

Alex Pretti (22:28)

Revel is Relocating (30:28)

Rad Power Bikes on Fire (Again) & Their New Ownership (32:47)

Red Bull Hardline Tasmania Preview (37:08)

Cyclocross World Championships Recap (43:38)

First Impressions of the New Pivot Shuttle LT (52:57)

Are Lightweight Trail Bikes Making a Comeback? (59:50)

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Frameworks has just added Aaron Gwin — the most successful American DH racer of the modern era — to an already-stacked lineup of Asa Vermette and Anna Newkirk, launched updated versions of their Enduro and DH bikes, and more. So we brought Neko Mulally back on the show to tell us about all of it, including the behind-the-scenes contract challenges with a rider of Aaron’s stature; the new bikes and what has (and hasn’t) changed; team dynamics and offseason prep; and a whole lot more.

RELATED LINKS:

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Signing Aaron Gwin (1:53)

The 2026 Frameworks Roster (12:43)

Bike Setup for the Team (17:25)

The 2026 DH Bike (24:41)

2026 Frameworks Enduro (31:18)

Preseason Prep (32:09)

Team Goals for 2026 (34:42)

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We’re wrapping up our Best Bikes of the Century series, so today, Blister reviewers Zack Henderson, Xan Marshland, David Golay, and Simon Stewart reveal their top three selections. We also share picks and insights from a number of bike industry luminaries and legends, along with some listener opinions, before trying to narrow it down to a final podium.

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:

Best Bikes of the Century Survey

Blister Craft Collective

Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide

BLISTER+ Get Yourself Covered

TOPICS & TIMES:

Industry Picks (1:23)

Our Picks (26:56)

Listener Comments (58:25)

The Final Countdown (1:03:20)

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