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 SRAM Motive brakes spotted on brujulabike.com while scrolling, Steve answers Kristin's questions about the reverence for, and history of, Campagnolo.

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

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 NEYC, the Dover Demons, in the first in a two-part series we break down what to look for in a mountain bike for a “speedy” teen or child.

We discuss the minimum you should plan on spending (retail) as well as what your kid needs (vs what their teammates might tell them) including dual-suspension vs hardtail; aluminum vs carbon frames; tubeless vs tubes; dropper posts, and the value of high quality components. With used bikes being a great option to get a high quality bike, we also discuss what to look for, and what to avoid.

During the second part we will be discussing the other gear kids need (or don't) as well as answering other questions.

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

Inspired by an opinion piece in Mountain Bike Action, we're talking about proper mountain bike etiquette. We discuss who has priority on shared use trails, how to pass another mountain biker whether traveling in the same or opposite directions, and rules that are specific for group rides. Following the "rules" not only ensures safety of all trail users, creates a more welcoming environment for new riders, and preserves trail access.

We also introduce a new, as yet to be named segment where Steve shares some wisdom from the bike shop. This week, Steve uses Cannondale's entry level mountain bike, the Trail 1, to share an issue when product managers decide to save money by choosing alternative chains, rather than the one that is decided for the drive train.

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

Everyone's road (or trail) to cycling has a different start, as well as twists and turns. On this episode, Kristin and Steve are looking back and digging deep into the photo archives to share how they each started cycling, the bikes that have come (and gone), and how their cycling has evolved since they started cycling together.

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

If you want to mountain bike outside during the winter (and still have a day job) there is a very good chance you will be riding at at night, in the cold.

Inspired by a recent ride with "Friday Night Ride (FNR)" friends, Kristin and Steve share how riding at night gives a new perspective on your favorite trails, while also making new trails a bit more challenging. We also discuss the gear and clothing to wear to ensure you stay warm and enjoy your time on the trails.

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

The snow is falling, and our thoughts turn towards dusting off our fat bikes! Kristin and Steve roll back to the early days of the Shop when the introduction of fat bikes and our then-partnership marked an important turning point. During our conversation we talk about our bikes – a Surly Wednesday and Surly Ice Cream Truck – as well as share information about bikes, components, tubeless tires and riding fat.

We also share listener comments and questions related to indoor riding, as well as the first in a segment we are calling "Doom or Boon - Spotted while scrolling."

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

Shorter days and colder temperatures have forced us inside and onto our trainers. And while we aren't entirely happy about it (we always prefer riding outside), there are plenty of good reasons to get on the trainer. We share some of the tactics (and gear) we use to make the most of "riding miles, going no where."

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.

At the start of the New Year while some are making resolutions, Kristin and Steve are planning their ride schedule!

For this, the first episode of Cycling Together, Kristin and Steve share some of their past ride experiences, what factors they consider when deciding on rides, and what rides are on their list for 2025.

Send us a text

Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future episodes. You can visit CyclingTogether.Bike for show notes or to learn more about Kristin and Steve.