Advertise on podcast: Bespoke Endurance: Cycling Podcast

What's the best bike saddle—and are expensive 3D-printed saddles actually worth the money? Choosing a cycling saddle can be incredibly confusing. Width, shape, padding, cutouts, short noses, traditional foam, 3D-printed lattices—and prices ranging from under $100 to more than $400. So instead of simply reviewing a handful of saddles, we brought in someone who works with them every day. Professional bike fitter Eric Peters joins us again to explain what cyclists should actually look for when choosing a saddle, why some riders struggle with saddle discomfort, and whether today's premium 3D-printed saddles actually provide meaningful benefits over traditional designs. We also put him on the spot to rank some of the best cycling saddles available today. We cover: • What actually makes a bike saddle comfortable • How to choose the correct saddle width and shape • Short-nose vs. traditional saddles • Saddle cutouts and pressure relief • Why more padding isn't necessarily better • How bike fit affects saddle comfort • How 3D-printed bike saddles actually work • Pros and cons of 3D-printed saddles • Whether a $300–$400 saddle is worth it • Common saddle-buying mistakes • The best saddles for different types of cyclists • Our bike-fit follow-up and what our fitter has learned • Plus a ridiculous round of Bike Fitter Would You Rather If you've been dealing with saddle discomfort, numbness, pressure—or you're considering spending hundreds of dollars on a new saddle—this episode should help you understand what actually matters before you buy. Chapters: 00:04:03 - Components of a Saddle 00:16:45 - Carbon vs. Metal Rails 00:32:42 - Saddle Sores 00:41:15 - Women's Saddles 00:48:54 - Ranking the Best Saddles 00:58:07 - Bike Fit Follow-Up Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

You might spend thousands on carbon wheels without understanding the component that determines their reliability, engagement and long-term serviceability: the hub. Cyclists obsess over rim depth, aerodynamics, weight and freehub sound—but what’s actually happening inside a bicycle hub? And could a premium carbon wheel from brands like Zipp, Roval, ENVE, Reserve or Hunt still be built around a hub you’ll eventually regret? In this episode, Josh and Greg are joined by Andreas France, resident mechanic from Reser Bicycle to explain one of the most misunderstood parts of a wheels and will help you before your next carbon wheel purchase. We break down: • How front and rear bicycle hubs work • Pawl versus ratchet-drive systems • Points of engagement—and whether road cyclists can actually feel the difference • Cartridge bearings, cup-and-cone bearings and ceramic bearings • What creates that loud freehub sound • Reliability and long-term maintenance We also discuss the parts of the wheels themselves like internal and external rim depth, knock off brands and so much more.  Chapters: 02:52 - Types of Hubs 11:21 - How Hubs Work 19:05 - Servicing Hubs 29:35 - At-Home Care 48:41 - Hooked vs. Hookless Rims 01:04:02 - UCI World Championships #BikeHubs #CarbonWheels #CyclingTech Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

What are the unwritten rules of a cycling group ride? And what do you need to know before joining a fast group ride for the first time? In this episode, we sit down with Joe Carver, leader of one of Midwest's fastest group rides to break down cycling group ride etiquette, common mistakes, and the things experienced cyclists know that newer riders often have to learn the hard way. We talk about how to ride safely in a group, where to position yourself in the pack, when to pull, how to communicate, why strong cyclists still get dropped, and what separates being fit from actually being good at riding in a group. We also get into the unwritten rules of bike racing and where race tactics cross the line from smart and aggressive to dangerous or just bad etiquette. Whether you’re preparing for your first cycling group ride, trying to move up to a faster group, getting into bike racing, or simply want to become a better cyclist, this episode will help you understand what’s actually happening inside the pack. IN THIS EPISODE: • Cycling group ride etiquette and unwritten rules • How to ride safely in a fast group • Why cyclists get dropped • How to position yourself in a group ride • When you should — and shouldn't — take a pull • Group ride communication • Paceline etiquette • Common mistakes newer cyclists make • Wheel sucking, attacking and group ride politics • Group ride vs. race etiquette • How to become a better and more confident group rider Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 2:48 - What Is TNW? 6:22 - Levels of TNW 18:17 - Unwritten rules you should know  23:42 - Wheel Sucking 28:17 - Using group rides to learn to race 1:03:34 - NorCal cat 5 road rage 1:10:17 - Learn to race before a team  #Cycling #RoadCycling #CyclingTips #GroupRide Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Buying a used road bike can save you thousands of dollars—or cost you thousands if you don't know what to look for. Before you buy a used Specialized, Trek, Cervélo, Canyon, Cannondale, Giant, Pinarello, Scott, BMC, Factor, or any high-end road bike, watch this episode first. This week we're joined by Michael and Andreas from Reser Bicycle, two professional bicycle mechanics who have repaired and serviced thousands of bikes. They share the biggest mistakes cyclists make when buying used bikes, the hidden problems most sellers won't mention, and the red flags that can turn a great deal into an expensive headache. We also break down the biggest stories from the 2026 Tour de France, discuss the all-new Cervélo Soloist, explain why your engine and bike fit matter more than the bike itself, and show you how to diagnose headset problems and inspect carbon frames before you buy. Whether you're shopping on Facebook Marketplace, BuyCycle, Pinkbike Buy/Sell, Craigslist, eBay, or at your local bike shop, this episode will help you buy with confidence and avoid costly mistakes. In this episode: ✅ 2026 Tour de France recap and biggest talking points  ✅ First look at the new Cervélo Soloist  ✅ What to know before buying a used road bike online  ✅ Why the rider matters more than the bike  ✅ Proprietary bike parts that can become expensive headaches  ✅ How to diagnose headset issues before purchasing  ✅ What to look for when inspecting a carbon bike for damage Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:02:13 Tour de France Highlights 00:29:47 New Cervélo Soloist 00:45:19 Buying a Used Bike Online 00:46:40 Engine & Fit First, Bike Second 00:51:02 Proprietary Parts 00:55:23 Headset Diagnosis 01:00:01 Carbon Diagnosis Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Everyone has an opinion about the best way to train for cycling. Some swear by a coach. Others say TrainerRoad is all you'll ever need. And now more and more cyclists are asking the same question... Can ChatGPT actually build a training plan that's just as good? Instead of guessing, we spent an entire race season finding out. We trained with ChatGPT for nearly a year. We spent a full year working with a cycling coach in 2025. We also completed 5+ months using TrainerRoad. Then we sat down and compared everything—not opinions, but the actual training plans, workout structure, and race results. We break down: Training philosophyWeekly TSSTime spent in every training zoneVO₂ Max, Threshold, Sweet Spot and Endurance workInterval designRecovery weeksAdaptability to busy schedulesRace specificityThe biggest strengths and weaknesses of each approachMost importantly, we answer the question every cyclist wants to know: Which one actually made us faster on race day? Whether you're considering TrainerRoad, wondering if ChatGPT can replace a cycling coach, or trying to figure out the best cycling training plan for your goals, this episode should help you make a more informed decision. We also catch up on our latest training, share our thoughts on the newly released Specialized Tarmac SL9, discuss the new Specialized Crux 5, and talk about what's next for the rest of our racing season. Chapters 01:21 - New Specialized Tarmac SL9 impressions 09:49 - The new Specialized Crux 5  19:05 - Recent training updates 29:26 - TrainerRoad vs ChatGPT vs a coach 32:55 - Training philosophy comparison 38:27 - Time spent in each training zone 46:06 - Weekly TSS comparison 50:16 - Interval design comparison 58:19 - Pros and cons of each approach #TrainerRoad #CyclingTraining #ChatGPT #RoadCycling #CyclingPodcast Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Are continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) worth it for endurance athletes? Or are they just another expensive trend? After hearing that professional athletes have used continuous glucose monitors to optimize their fueling (and that they're no longer allowed during races), we wanted to find out for ourselves. So we each wore a CGM for a month during training and everyday life to answer one question: Can tracking your glucose actually help you become a faster cyclist? Over the course of our experiment, we tracked blood glucose before rides, during high-intensity workouts, after long Zone 2 rides, and around meals to see whether we were underfueling, overfueling, or simply misunderstanding how our bodies use energy. In this episode, we cover: ✅ What glucose actually is (and why every cyclist should understand it) ✅ How continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) work ✅ What our glucose looked like during training and racing ✅ Can a CGM help prevent bonking? ✅ The biggest surprises from wearing one for multiple weeks ✅ The downsides of CGMs for everyday cyclists ✅ Are continuous glucose monitors worth it if you're not diabetic? We also catch up on recent racing, including Josh's health scare after a race, Greg's latest KORRs, the ongoing power meter saga, plus we recap an incredible Giro d'Italia and make our predictions for this year's Tour de France. 👇 We'd love to hear from you: Have you ever bonked during a ride? Would you ever try CGM to better understand your fueling? 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with another cyclist trying to level up. #Cycling #CGM #ContinuousGlucoseMonitor #CyclingNutrition #Fueling #Bonking #EnduranceSports #RoadCycling #BikeTraining #AmateurCycling #TourDeFrance #GirodItalia Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Are you losing speed because of simple maintenance mistakes? In this episode, we sit down with Sean Lundrigan, Service Manager at Trek Fort Wright, bike mechanic and racer to discuss the biggest bike maintenance mistakes cyclists make without even realizing it. Many riders spend thousands of dollars chasing upgrades, deeper wheels, lighter bikes, and electronic shifting when the reality is they may be losing free speed because of poor bike maintenance, drivetrain inefficiency, or overlooked mechanical issues. Sean shares the most common problems he sees every day in the bike shop, the preventable mistakes that can ruin races, and the simple things cyclists can do to make their bikes faster, quieter, and more reliable. 🛠 We dive into: •The #1 bike maintenance mistake cyclists make • How much speed a poorly maintained drivetrain can cost you • Chain lubrication mistakes • Tire pressure mistakes • Brake rub and drivetrain efficiency • Common race-day mechanical failures • The ideal 24-hour pre-race bike check • Marginal gains and free speed • What bike mechanics wish every cyclist knew This episode is packed with practical advice that can help you ride faster and avoid costly mistakes. 👉Follow Sean and Trek Fort Wright: https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/retail/fort_wright/ or email him: [email protected]  ⏱ Chapters:  00:00 - Intro 24:08 - Biggest Bike Maintenance Mistakes 25:17 - Chain Care & Lubrication 31:45 - Weekly Bike Inspection Checklist 42:37 - Bearing Maintenance Explained 44:19 - How to True a Wheel 46:44 - Essential Bike Maintenance Tools 48:10 - Disc Brake Maintenance Tips Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Cycling tech has changed dramatically over the last 10 years. From wider tires and disc brakes to electronic shifting, 1x drivetrains, massive cassettes, integrated cockpits, and SRAM’s UDH system — modern road bikes are evolving faster than ever. In this episode, we sit down with Michael Haas and Andreas Frances of Reser Bicycle to discuss the biggest cycling tech trends happening right now from a mechanic’s perspective. We break down what innovations are actually improving cycling, what trends may be overhyped, and where road bikes could be headed in the next 5–10 years. We also dive into: Wider tires, rolling resistance & internal rim widthSRAM UDH & the rise of 1x gearingModern gearing trends & easier gear ratiosElectronic shifting vs mechanicalIntegration vs serviceabilityProprietary bike parts & modern bike maintenanceWhat mechanics really think about current bike trendsPredictions for the future of cycling techFollow Reser Bicycle Outfitters: reserbicycle.com Chapters:  03:18 — Rapid-fire mechanic questions 18:58 — Where bikes have come from over the last 20 years 31:51 — Rise of UDH 36:41— 1x Drivetrains and gear ratios 50:35 — Wider tires and clearance  54:40— Integrated vs non-integrated  1:09:16 — Where bikes are headed in the next 5 years  #cycling #cyclingtech #roadcycling #biketech #cyclingpodcast Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Most cyclists think getting faster means riding more. But what if the real limiter isn’t your training — it's your strength, nutrition, and durability?  In this episode, we sit down with a sports nutrition expert, Dr. Cindy Cassell to break down why power doesn’t equal strength, how metabolism and fueling impact performance, and why cyclists over 35 need to rethink how they train. If you’ve been training harder but not getting faster, struggling with recovery, or feeling like your power doesn’t match your effort — this episode will show you what’s really going on. What You’ll Learn: • Why strength training is critical for cyclists • How nutrition impacts cycling performance and recovery • The truth about low energy availability in cyclists • How to improve cycling durability and fatigue resistance • Why VO2 max declines with age and how to slow it down • How to build power that lasts deep into races and long rides Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Is TRT in Masters cycling an unfair advantage? Or is testosterone replacement therapy simply legitimate medical treatment? In this episode, we’re diving into one of the most controversial topics in Masters racing: testosterone, doping rules, and whether aging athletes are competing on a level playing field. After a recent failed drug test in the Masters ranks sparked conversation, we step back and ask the bigger questions: • Does natural testosterone decline with age? • What does testosterone actually do for endurance performance? • Why is testosterone banned in competition? • What is testosterone replacement?  • Is Masters cycling clean? We break down how testosterone impacts muscle mass, red blood cell production, recovery, and long-term training capacity. If you’re racing Masters, thinking about racing, or just curious about the TRT debate in endurance sports, this episode is for you. ⏱️ Chapters 1:31 – Training plans 9:00 – Strade Bianchi recap  13:15 – Is Tadej good or bad for Strade Bianchi? 18:53 – VelonCC publishes Tadej's power zones 19:49 – USA road cycling on the decline Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Is road racing in the U.S. dying? We break down USA Cycling membership trends, disappearing road races, and the explosion of gravel racing to uncover what’s really happening in American cycling. In this episode, we look at the decline of traditional road racing and criteriums in the U.S., but the rise of gravel. If you're a recreational cyclist or a longtime racer wondering what’s happening to the sport, this episode is for you. For years, riders have said: • Road races are disappearing • Fields are getting smaller • The average racer is getting older But at the same time: • Gravel events are selling out • Crit racing is still strong at it's core  • Zwift racing has exploded • More adults are riding bikes than ever So is road racing actually dying… or just evolving? Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

If you’re serious about getting faster without just buying new gear, this is for you. In this episode, we sit down with Eric Peters, founder of ERG Cycling, to break down what a professional bike fitting actually does — and how details like cleat position, saddle height, crank length, and hip angles can either unlock free speed…or quietly steal watts from you.  If you’ve ever wondered:  - Is a bike fit worth it?  - Are shorter cranks really better?  - How important is cleat placement?  - What is CdA and does it matter?  - Can you fix your position at home? This episode answers all of it. Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

What should cyclists do immediately after a crash with a car? In this episode of Recreational Rider to Racer, we sit down with Chris Carville, an experienced bike lawyer, to break down exactly what cyclists should (and should NOT) say or do after a crash — and how one small mistake can cost you thousands of dollars. If you ride on the road, this episode is essential. We cover cycling vs cars, cyclist rights on the road, bike insurance, race waivers, medical bills, hit-and-runs, and the #1 mistake cyclists make after getting hit by a car. 🚴‍♂️ In this episode, you’ll learn: What to do immediately after a bike crashHow cyclist vs car accidents are handled legallyWho usually wins when it’s a cyclist’s word vs a driver’sWhat insurance cyclists should actually carry (UMI explained)Whether bike insurance is worth it — and when it appliesHow race waivers really workWhat to do after a hit-and-runHow to know when you need a cycling accident lawyerThe rights cyclists already have on the road (but drivers don’t know)This conversation is must-watch for road cyclists, racers, commuters, and anyone riding in traffic. 🎙️ About the Guest Chris Carville has over 20 years of legal experience representing injured clients in Ohio and Kentucky. He has tried cases in both State and Federal courts and argued appeals in the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. His approach is simple: put clients first and protect their rights — especially vulnerable road users like cyclists. Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

Last year was our first season of racing, and like a lot of new racers… we made some mistakes. One of the biggest? Not understanding the importance of peaking at the right time. In this episode we break down one of the most common (and season-killing) mistakes amateur cyclists make: peaking too early. We dive into why riders feel fast early in the year, why that’s often false form, and how too much intensity too soon can quietly ruin your entire season. If you’re racing crits, road races, or just trying to level up while using AI as your coach—this one’s for you.   Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/

I’ve seen plenty of reviews on the Zwift Ride, but no one really talks about the one thing I didn’t expect — free speed. Being able to stretch out, lower my position, and actually practice an aero posture indoors has changed how I show up outside. If you ride outdoors and are considering this setup, I dive into the Wahoo KICKR Core 2 and why this Zwift Ride might be one of the best tools out there for race-focused training. Follow us:  YOUTUBE: @bespoke-endurance INSTAGRAM: @bespoke_enduranceTIK TOK: @bespokeendurance STRAVA: https://www.strava.com/athletes/12445307 & https://www.strava.com/athletes/9809044 SPOTIFY: Bespoke Endurance | Podcast on SpotifyAPPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1790091191IHEARTRADIO: https://iheart.com/podcast/259385937/