Cycling Together with Kristin & Steve

For our 25th episode we welcome our college age daughter, Sophie, to the show! A listener comment about cyclocross has reminiscing about our racing days, and learning how to embrace the very embarrassing situations that can happen during a race. 

Having just participated in the 20th anniversary Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnee to benefit Franklin Land Trust, we discuss "letting" her ride solo, and her transition fro...

We enjoyed speaking with Jeff so much - we had him on twice! 

Jeff shares how he started riding with an epic race on a rented bike, and how the "cacophony of clicks" keeps him coming back to racing, events and group rides.

We also discuss why cyclocross is the ultimate niche sport, but with the most welcoming community of riders, and a ew generation of riders on gravel bikes, the time might be now for growth.

Kristin and Ste...

If FOMO is the "Fear of Missing Out" then what is the term for when you know you missed out because you can't do all things all the time? With help from our friend Jeff we talk about their "guys trip" to take on The Rift in Iceland, and Steve shares his five tips for those who want to ride The Rift.

Kristin and Steve also talk about some of the most common repairs made for Pan-Mass Challenge riders from our ...

Days after recording, Steve was on a flight to Iceland to take on “The Rift” with friends and customers. Inspired by the trip, Kristin & Steve talk about how to travel with your bicycle, specifically on a plane. We share when to consider renting bikes vs bringing your own, and options for packing your bike (bags vs boxes). 

We also discuss Steve’s recent Lyme diagnosis, which threatened his trip to Iceland; answer ques...

Kristin and Steve welcome their best friend, and original members of the STBG Cycling team, Alex and Jason to share how they each started cycling. From Jason's teenage years, to Alex's introduction through triathlon, through their time racing cyclocross to today, we discuss their cycling evolution, couples rules and why we riders like to do "hard things."

Separately Kristin and Steve discuss what percentage time ...

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 i...

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 a...

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 rel...

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 thi...

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...

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 a...

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...

A technical glitch got us on the last episode! 

While visiting the San Lee Gravity Bike Park in Sanford, North Carolina, we recorded a spontaneous segment about the fun that is gravity parks. We discuss some gravity park basics, and why no jumping is required - just control your speed.

We also do a deep dive on mountain bike suspension inspired by a couple of questions Kristin spotted while scrolling one of her favorite mtb...

We're home after our two week van trip - but there is no rest for the weary! Before we put up our feet and unpack the van,  we discuss our trip, including how we travel with our dog, meal prep when the fridge is broken, working through bad wifi and other frequently asked questions.

We also share details details about our self-built Sprinter van – a 2021 160 High Roof – including why she is lighter than your average Sprinter bui...

Kristin and Steve report in the first week of a two-week road trip designed to get them out of the New England cold.

Planning an extended trip that includes riding, sightseeing, resources for working and accommodations for the van, and dog, is no easy feat. Kristin and Steve share where they have traveled, what's gone right (and wrong) as well as some of the resources that Steve used to plan for our first extended van trip.

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When mountain biking should you ride on clipless (clip-in) or flat pedals? While there are many “experts” with very strong opinions (which they are not afraid to share), Kristin and Steve discuss the truth which is – there are advantages and disadvantages to each.

They start with a look back at the evolution of the “clip-less” pedal, and the rise in popularity of flats, as well as discuss why it’s okay to hold back on offering unsol...

Beyond the bike, kids and teenagers racing mountain bikes need additional gear to round out their "kit." Kristin and Steve discuss the options for mountain bike jerseys, shorts, pedals, shoes, hydration, helmets and more. We also circle back to bikes briefly to talk about dual suspension options as well as best bikes for little racers in grades K to 4. 

Before wrapping up with tech talk inspired by the first images of new ...

Whether you have a child thinking about joining NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association); NEYC (New England Youth Cycling) or racing solo, it starts with getting them the "right" bike. But the choices can be overwhelming, particularly for parents that may not be familiar with mountain bikes and mountain bike equipment.

Inspired by a recent Open House and Information Session we hosted at the Shop for our local NE...