Velo Podcast

Velo
  • 4.5 (532)
  • Sports
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The Velo Podcast brings you inside the world of gravel and road racing with Velo's team of reporters and commentators.

  1. 2d ago

    Our Biggest Cycling Mistakes, Shoelace Aero, & $6500 Wheels | Velo Podcast

    We tally up our most memorable on-bike disasters, look at why World Tour riders are ditching BOA dials for laces, and debate the true cost of the sport. Let us know your worst cycling mistake in the comments! About This Episode: This week, Lisa Charlebois, our host Mike Levy, and I (Josh Ross) will be riding in Death Valley when you watch this. With that in mind, we had a discussion—including Logan Jones-Wilkins who will only be on the ride in spirit—all about the mistakes we’ve made. It starts with Logan giving me a bit of a hard time. The problem is that I’m so risk-averse I don’t actually have a ton of examples. If left to my own devices, I tend to move slowly and plan things carefully to avoid disaster. Mistakes do happen though, and I have a few. Lisa has a few more, and Logan has a few more too. Pretty soon though, this just devolves into the Levy show. Mike is far from risk-averse, and the number of things he’s done with his body moving faster than his ability to contemplate the results is pretty extensive. We do have some other things to chat about this week before we get into all the Mike Levy disasters, though. Did you know that laces are more aerodynamic than BOA dials? Logan noticed a lot of riders at Worlds seemed to be into laces, so he jumped into why and has some interesting details to share. I also get a chance to share why I suggest that anyone looking for budget-focused shoes might want to think twice about BOA dials. Then we take some time to answer listener questions, including a dive into why Mike is adamant that cycling isn’t an expensive sport. That discussion happens right around when we also talk about the $6,500 Partington wheels that Pidcock was riding at Worlds. Clearly, the two things are not related. Same story with the 12-speed Dura-Ace Di2 rim brake groupset that apparently still exists for sale. Support the Channel: The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at https://www.outsideonline.com/membership/ to score these savings, and thank you for your support!

  2. Oct 2

    The Rapha Meltdown, Worlds Drama, and Selling $6,500 Wheels in 2026

    Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins Inside the Rapha corporate fallout, a boots-on-the-ground Worlds recap, and the strategy behind selling $6,500 wheels. This week, we dive into road tech, racing drama, and the cycling industry's biggest shakeups. Logan Jones-Wilkins brings us inside the race for the rainbow stripes, while Josh and Logan debate the business logic behind some of the sport's most polarizing gear. In this episode: Worlds Recap: Logan’s on-the-ground breakdown of Brandon McNulty’s win and the ridiculous positional rule that nearly upended the women’s race with Kate Courtney. The Rapha Meltdown: Is its financial restructuring a textbook marketing fail, or was the CEO’s departure actually a calculated, voluntary exit? High-Dollar Bling: Why a custom Firefly rim-brake bike makes no logical sense but still commands attention, and how $6,500 Partington wheels prove a Western brand can maintain appeal against cheaper Eastern competition. Listener Q&A: We address the Canyon mounting system corrections, Logan answers for his Haro bike, and Josh shares advice on balancing mileage goals with raising kids. Listener Perks: The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support! Chapter Markers 00:00:00 - Intro: Lisa's Heat Training for the Desert 00:02:17 - Logan at the Montreal World Champs 00:06:21 - A Road-Only Episode Challenge 00:08:53 - Listener Q&A: Grail Mounts, Motivation, Water Bladders & the Old Haro 00:19:58 - Firefly Bicycles: Titanium Rim-Brake Art 00:30:23 - Fran Miller Steps Down & the Rapha Story 00:37:34 - Manufactured Scarcity & Cycling Fashion 00:43:25 - World Champs: The Men's Race & McNulty's Win 00:48:41 - Should Pogačar Be Unbeatable? 00:53:48 - The Women's Race: Vollering vs Kopecky 00:56:35 - Demi's UCI Fine & the Puppy-Paw Rule 00:59:33 - Kate Courtney & the Crash 01:01:56 - Trade Teams vs National Teams 01:05:42 - Tom Pidcock's Partington Wheels 01:14:45 - Wrap-Up & Listener Questions

  3. Sep 25

    Shimano’s New Pedals Break Compatibility, Canyon’s Handlebar Surprise & Finding Ride Motivation

    Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins This week, we have a full house with Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, Mike Levy, and Josh Ross. We kick things off with a massive week in gear news before diving deep into the psychology of ride motivation. In this episode: Shimano's Pedal Controversy: Shimano just dropped new pedals, shoes, and cleats that break backward compatibility. Are we excited, or stocking up on new-old-stock? Canyon Grail Critiques: The latest Grail seems like a great bike in many ways, but Josh brings some sharp criticism regarding a “fun” surprise with the handlebars. MVDP's Latest Feat: Logan breaks down Mathieu van der Poel's recent achievement and how it might impact the World Championship race. (Plus, an inevitable tangent on aero gains). The Motivation Equation: How do you get out the door when you just don’t feel like it? After years of riding through major life changes and terrible weather, the crew shares what actually gets them out of bed. Support the Show: The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support! Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro & Episode Overview 00:02:10 - Josh's Early Impressions of the Envy Melee V2 00:04:18 - Shimano's New SPD-SL Pedals & Cleats 00:14:39 - The Third-Gen Canyon Grail 00:23:40 - Van der Poel's 174km Solo Breakaway 00:30:40 - Pogačar & World Championships Preview 00:36:26 - Poll Results: 1.6 Watts vs 1 Kilogram 00:38:05 - Josh's Melee vs Factor 1 Aero Testing 00:43:58 - Listener Comments on Aero vs Weight 00:51:19 - Electronic Shifting on Long Rides 00:53:24 - Where Does Cycling Motivation Come From?

  4. Sep 18

    Big Dumb Rides, Aero Gravel Tires, and the Enve Melee V2

    Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins We answer your questions, debate the real-world value of aero bottle cages, and discuss why it makes sense to ride 500km for tacos. We’ve had some major topics on the show the last few weeks, so this week we are taking a step back a little and answering some questions. We read every comment, and Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, and I will often jump in to respond. Mike Levy also reads them, but he actually brings the comments to the show so we can answer them out loud, so to speak. Before we get to that, though, Levy starts with a question: Have you ever done a ride just for the sake of going somewhere dumb and unimportant? I’ve (Josh Ross) had this idea for years to ride from Los Angeles to the Mexican border for tacos, then back. It’s a 500km ride, and there’s no real point other than to ride a bike. Lael Wilcox once rode all the roads in Alaska for a similar reason. The whole crew is on this week, so we get to talk about our silly reasons for big rides. Let us know in the comments if you’ve ever done anything like that. Or, if you are like Logan and just ride for training, let us know that too. We also have some news to talk about. Mostly, it comes down to Logan and me (Josh Ross) trying to convince Lisa and Mike that aero matters. For Logan, it’s all about aero gravel tires. He went very deep into the weeds in his article, and there's a good reason for that. Then it’s my turn to talk about the Enve Melee V2 and why it features aero bar tape and aero bottle cages. I also have a question that I am hoping you can help me answer. To participate you'll have to jump to the [Velo website], but the question is: Would you choose a bike that is 1.6 watts more aero or a bike that is 1kg lighter? Give me the Factor One. I will gladly take a 1kg weight penalty to gain 1.6 watts of aero efficiency. Give me the Enve Melee. Saving 1kg is far more important to how I ride than 1.6 watts of aero efficiency. I am choosing the Enve Melee purely based on aesthetics. Regardless of the aero advantage, I would not pick the Factor One because of how it looks. I am choosing the Factor One. I want the 1.6 watts of free speed, and I actually prefer the aggressive aero styling over a traditional frame. The Velo Podcast wouldn’t happen without subscribers. We’re offering listeners of the show a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to score these savings, and thank you for your support! 00:00:00 - Intro & Vel Membership Code 00:02:08 - Bond Almond Ultra-Endurance Story 00:06:03 - Big Adventure Rides Discussion 00:13:19 - Arrow Gravel Tires from WTB 00:28:02 - Envy Melee V2 & Aerodynamic Handlebars 00:31:38 - Desert Ride Plans (Vegas to Death Valley) 00:41:34 - Q&A Segment Begins 00:42:46 - Front Derailleur Q&A & Comments 00:47:02 - Shimano vs Sram Brakes Debate 00:54:44 - Environmental Impact of Bike Materials 00:58:35 - Gravel Bike vs Mountain Bike Comparison 01:04:16 - Arrow vs Lightweight Bike Poll 01:13:38 - 32-Inch Wheel Comments & Discussion 01:21:16 - Suspension Fork Question 01:22:32 - Closing Remarks & Listener Poll WTB's New Stromm Collaboration Aero Tires Are Exactly What Gravel Tires Should Be The Story of a Cyclist, 32 NFL Stadiums, and One Very Important Football ENVE's New Melee V2 Proves Hyperbikes Don’t Need to Look Insane

  5. Sep 11

    Are 32-Inch Wheels Actually Faster? (with Jan Heine & John Karrasch)

    Featuring: Mike Levy, John Karrasch, and Jan Heine Does a 32-inch wheel actually save watts, or is the testing methodology broken? We put Chung Method advocate John Karrasch and vocal critic Jan Heine in the same room to hash out the reality of rolling resistance. This week, the usual crew steps aside to host a direct debate between two of the most outspoken voices in tire tech. John Karrasch (aka flexfitbyjohn) has generated massive datasets using the Chung Method, recently claiming that adopting 32-inch wheels can improve rolling resistance by up to 10%. On the other side, Rene Herse CEO Jan Heine—a pioneer of supple gravel tires—argues that wheel size ultimately doesn't matter for speed, pointing to historical roll-down tests and potential flaws in the Chung Method's precision. After a long series of online blog posts and rebuttals, we brought them together to debate the physics, the testing protocols, and the future of gravel geometry face-to-face. Support The Velo Podcast This show wouldn’t happen without our subscribers. We’re offering listeners a special 25% discount on an Outside+ membership. Enter the code velopod at checkout to claim your savings. Episode Timestamps 00:00:00 - Episode Intro & Guest Backgrounds 00:07:51 - Setting Up the 32-Inch Test Bikes 00:12:12 - Understanding the Chung Method for Tire Testing 00:16:18 - The Results: Do 32-Inch Wheels Roll Faster? 00:25:01 - Analyzing the Physics and Approach Angles 00:29:32 - Jan Heine's Counterargument: Wheel Size Doesn't Matter 00:36:58 - The Debate: Is the Chung Method Too Precise? 00:42:36 - Defending the Data and Real-World Variables 01:03:15 - Tire Design Priorities: Casing, Compound, and Pressure 01:17:11 - Tire Inserts and 36-Inch Wheel Possibilities 01:18:57 - 2030 Gravel Bike Predictions & Outro

  6. Sep 4

    The 1x vs. 2x Road Bike Debate and 13-Speed Shimano

    Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins This week is easily one of our favorite recent episodes. All four Velo podcast hosts—Lisa Charlebois, Logan Jones-Wilkins, Mike Levy, and myself—are together in the virtual studio, and things get incredibly spicy. Expect a lot of passion and plenty of heated back-and-forth as we debate drivetrain futures, prototype spy shots, and the true definition of bikepacking. We kick things off with listener questions. What starts as straightforward bike-buying advice quickly devolves into an argument over whether bikepacking is strictly a gravel activity and if camping is actually required. Josh also gets a chance to double down on why there is more to a bike than its spec sheet, specifically making the case for the Cannondale CAAD14. Next, the conversation shifts to the newly spotted 13-speed Shimano Dura-Ace prototype. Because the system still relies on wires, the analysis quickly spirals into a broader SRAM vs. Campagnolo vs. Shimano showdown. The crew splits on what matters more: Shimano’s shifting precision or the glaring gaps in the rest of the brand's ecosystem. Finally, the main event. Following a week of dueling op-eds, Logan and Josh bring the drivetrain battle to the microphone. Is 1x the inevitable future of road bikes, or will the slow-to-change road market ensure 2x remains superior? Listen to the arguments, read the articles on the site, and vote in the Velo poll to settle the score. 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:52 - Listener questions: Bikepacking definitions and the Cannondale CAAD14 00:25:45 - Shimano 2x13 prototype and the great drivetrain brand war 00:53:41 - 1x vs. 2x on the road Read More on Velo Front Derailleurs Are Living on Borrowed Time: Why 1x on the Road Is the Inevitable Future Opinion: You Can Take My Front Derailleur When I am Dead The Velo Drivetrain Poll: Is 1x or 2x the Future of Road?

  7. Aug 28

    The Vuelta’s Influencer Misstep and Why Silca Ditched Aero

    Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, Lisa Charlebois, and Logan Jones-Wilkins The Vuelta a España is in full swing, and this week the whole crew is in the house to break down the racing, new tech, and the latest industry chaos. Host Mike Levy is joined by Logan Jones-Wilkins, Lisa Charlebois, and Josh Ross to cover: Vuelta a España Wackiness: The race has a reputation for the unexpected, and Logan and Lisa walk us through the organizers' questionable decision to hire a specific influencer. It seems nobody vetted the content before handing over the credentials, and the resulting shock was entirely predictable. New Silca Tires: Logan gives the rundown on Silca's latest rubber and the inevitable claims of being the absolute best. Josh jumps in with intel directly from Josh Poertner, who he caught up with at the MADE show, to explain why the master of marginal gains chose to make a road tire that explicitly isn't aero-optimized. The Best of the MADE Show: Josh spent the week shooting rolling art and picked his five favorites. We dive into his absolute top choice. No spoilers, but it features exposed cables, is built for ultra-endurance distances, and comes from fellow Oregon resident Rob English, who builds highly functional steel frames just down the road. Van Rysel Gravel Reviews: Lisa drops two reviews covering the newly launched Van Rysel gravel line. We look at the adventure model that somehow maxes out with only a 50mm tire, and the crew gets into the weeds on why the "racy" version should probably be categorized as an all-road bike rather than a dedicated gravel racer. Timestamps:  00:00 - Intro  02:47 - Pogacito  14:32 - Silca tires  33:45 - MADE bike show  44:22 - Van Rysel EDR-G and RCR-G review

  8. Aug 22

    Confessing Our Toxic Cycling Traits and Defending the Cannondale CAAD14

    Featuring: Mike Levy, Josh Ross, and Lisa Charlebois We air out our worst group ride habits, explain why the CAAD14's aluminum vibe beats cheap carbon, and tackle reader questions. In this episode: Toxic Cycling Traits: What's the thing you do on the bike that the group ride probably hates? Levy admits to half-wheeling, I talk too much, and Lisa... well, you'll have to let us know if her trait is actually a big deal. The Cannondale CAAD14: I’ve had this bike all summer and absolutely love it. We discuss how a mistake by Cannondale made the bike better, why it's an incredible value, and why other reviewers are entirely missing the point. It doesn’t matter that there are cheaper, faster carbon bikes out there; the CAAD14 has an undeniable vibe. Reader Q&A: With Logan Jones-Wilkins off at Leadville playing at high altitude, Lisa, Levy, and I take over the mic to answer your questions. Would Logan have suggested a Trek endurance bike instead of the gravel bike I recommended? We also touch on the massive new 32-inch Mosaic that launched this week. We want to hear from you: What is your toxic cycling trait? Also, have you ridden a CAAD bike and know exactly what I'm talking about, or am I off my rocker and people should just buy cheap carbon instead? Let us know! Articles covered in this episode: Review: Cannondale Made a Mistake and the CAAD14 Is Better for It The New Trek Domane is Too Good to Call an Endurance Bike The New Mosaic 32 Gravel Bike Fixes 32-Inch Gravel Bikes' Biggest Problem

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out of 5
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About

The Velo Podcast brings you inside the world of gravel and road racing with Velo's team of reporters and commentators.

Information

  • Creator
    Velo
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    676
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    Velo Podcast

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