Episode 16: Just Send It? Or Return to Sender?

A new mountain bike is always a special occasion, but it's also a rare one when it comes to the WeAreOne Arrival, the "handlaid" carbon mtb from a small but dedicated and extremely gifted gang out of Kamloops, British Columbia. Join The Downhill Zone's Adam Schaeffer and me as we take a deep dive into this brilliant new light enduro/all mountain/aggressive trail bike with downhill DNA built in. Index: Setup tweaks :50 Cable routing 2:20 Frame character 3:00 Industrial design 4:50 Cerakote finish 10:50 Frame protection 13:20 Cockpit 17:30 Build tweaks 19:20 Magura brakes 20:10 Mazza tires 24:30 Arrival Logo 27:00 SDG Seatpost 28:00 WeAreOne Union wheels 31:20 Suspension 33:35 Drivetrain 35:50 Weight 36:40 Availability 40:20

Are you a fan of pro downhill mountain bike racing — the UCI World Cup circuit with legends Greg Minnaar, Aaron Gwin, Loic Bruni, Loris Vergier, Val Holl, Myriam Nicole, Nina Hoffman and others? It's hard to believe what these athletes carry off on courses most of us would find hard to walk, let along ride. Join Adam Schaeffer and me for an in-depth look at this weekend's seasonal kickoff in Lourdes, France, as well as an overview of what makes DH racing so unique in the world of professional sports. This year marks the final year of Red Bull TV coverage, as Discovery Sports has purchased the rights moving forward. Here's the link to Lourdes, enjoy! 

Another discussion with Adam Schaeffer on the Big Picture of innovation in mountain biking. Is there anywhere left to truly innovate, or are mountain bikes pretty much as dialed as Newtonian physics will permit? Thanks for joining us, and see you at the trailhead!

In its never-ending quest to broaden its market (read sell more bikes), the mtb sector is taking another look at the internal gearbox. Gone is the derailleur, as all gearing is inside a compartment next to the bottom bracket. Is this a good idea, or another "innovation" destined to return to historical artifact. One question: Are gearboxes better suited to the expanding market of e-bikes? Join The Downhill Zone's Adam Schaeffer and me for a discussion of the pros and cons.

High-pivot mountain bikes are getting lots of attention these days as the industry looks for new ways to advance the market. In this ongoing look at innovation in the mtb sector, join The Downhill Zone's Adam Schaeffer and me as we look at whether the high pivot is really a new idea, what it brings to the table, and whether the table really benefits from the extra setting. One question: Is the high pivot more suited to the expanding market of e-bikes? Hmmm....

All too often on social media or out on the trail, you hear mountain bikers telling their rider friends, "Just Send It!" Is that really a good idea? We look at various other options in the mix, including saving the send till you're sure you can handle it.

The Downhill Zone's Adam Schaeffer joins me for a discussion of how Russia's invasion of Ukraine may be affecting mountain biking. While neither country has much presence in the mountain bike industry or sport for that matter, the ripple effects of war could take a toll on our sport's ability to meet demand, innovate and progress.

Congratulations to the winners! Short travel Bike of the Year: Pivot Trail 429, https://store.pivotcycles.com/en/enduro-trail. Locally Bothell Ski & Bike, at 425-486-3747, https://bikesale.com. Honorable mention: Rocky Mountain Element, https://bikes.com/collections/element. Locally check with Ride Bicycles, 206-985-7433, https://www.ridebicycles.com or Northwest Bicycle, 425-651-5020, www.northwestbicycle.com. Long travel Bike of the Year: Transition Spire, https://www.transitionbikes.com/Bikes_Spire.cfm. Try contacting Fanatik Bikes in Bellingham, 360-756-0504, www.fanatikbike.com. Mid-travel and Overall Winner of Bike of the Year: We Are One's Arrival. Check with Adam Schaeffer at Downhill Zone in Issaquah, https://downhillzone.com, 425-295-7084.

Offered for discussion and learning, not argumentation. As the popularity of emtbs grows and trails open up to their use, will the experience of mountain biking change? Here's some thoughts on the issue.

Downhill Zone owner and master wrench Adam Schaeffer witnessed rare in the USA World Cup DH mountain bike racing at Snowshoe, WVA. Here's Adam's full debrief as only he can tell it.