Squeaky Brakes, Wheel Size Debates and Hardline Takes [RNL S2, Ep 12]

Mountain bike hot takes, squeaky brakes, and wheel size debates — we cover it all in this week’s Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! Whether you're flowing or overthinking on the trail, your brakes (and your shifting!) might be telling the whole story. Dan and Sage talk about the sounds of riding: skids, shifts, and... dropper posts? Yep, even your dropper post strategy says something about your mindset. 

Join the debate as the guys dive into wheel size wars (27.5 vs. 29 vs. the mythical 32”), the beauty of under biking, and why DJ bikes might be the ultimate challenge. Plus: chasing e-bikes, full-suspension BMX, and why Red Bull Hardline is the best thing on two wheels. Packed with laughs, insights, and hot takes — this episode is a ride. Subscribe, listen, and let us know if you’re Team Over-brake or Team Flow!

MTB Gratitude of the Week:

Sage: Suunto Sonics – Because silence is terrifying.  After 4+ years of loyal service, Sage’s bone conduction headphones finally gave up the ghost. RIP. But thanks to a shiny new pair, the soundtrack to his road and trail rides is officially back. Whether it’s lo-fi beats or guilty-pleasure pop, Sage is once again pedaling to the rhythm. Thanks Suunto!   *Purchase Here: https://amzn.to/41m8BT6 (Affiliate Link)

Dan: Banshee Paradox V3 aka "The Aggressive Hardtail!" - With his full squish in the shop, Dan’s been rocking the hardtail life on the Banshee Paradox — and he’s totally here for it!  The Banshee jumps like a dream, climbs like it’s angry, and reminds Dan what challenge (and thigh burn) really feel like. Thank you Banshee! 

MTB Tip of the Week:

Shoe Goo: The MVP of MTB Footwear - Got pricey MTB shoes falling apart? Don’t toss ’em — Goo ’em. Shoe Goo is the duct tape of the MTB world (but way less sketchy), and it’ll squeeze a few extra months out of those beat-up kicks. Trails destroy shoes... Shoe Goo fights back. *Purchase Shoe Goo Here: https://amzn.to/3J1nt35 (Affiliate Link)

Featured Riders

Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb Jeff Coen - https://www.instagram.com/jeff.coen/ AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor David - https://www.instagram.com/drosales3321 Shelly - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell Maria - https://www.instagram.com/fitnessmariagee/ Louise Ferguson - https://www.instagram.com/fergyferg__ Matt Jones - https://www.instagram.com/mattjonesmtb Elliott Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/eliotjackson Rob Warner - https://www.instagram.com/robwarner970  

Additional Links

We The People "Swamp Master" - https://www.wethepeoplebmx.de/bikes/swamp-master Banshee Paradox V3 - https://www.instagram.com/bansheebikes Sleeper "Red Bull Hardline 2025 | Sleeper Shreddit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRMQ36m50UE Matt Jones "Distaster In My Hardline Finals Run" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KNQENXTJGA&t=1080s Redbull MTB - https://www.instagram.com/redbullbike RedBull Hardline View: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t64hgvvge9M&ab_channel=RedBullBike

The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/MjRTJe5xvMU

The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage.  Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking!  Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life!  Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe.  Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or [e-mail].

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