SILCA

Hear why that “psst” when you pull the chuck is just hose air (not lost PSI), how to set smarter pressures for tandems and “big-butt” weight splits using a bathroom scale, and what tread actually grips on loose-over-hard. Josh also demystifies analog vs. digital gauge accuracy (and drift) and tackles the carbon-on-the-cheap question—when a bargain is fine, and when it’s a dentist bill waiting to happen.

Marginal Gainers are familiar with Best Bike Split -- the website where using your rider data you can forecast a finish time on a specific course. It has been a great tool used for years for amateurs and pros alike. Josh has frequently referenced BBS on the show. Fatty and Hottie have discussed it on their Leadville Podcast. But we wanted to know what is under the hood. For that, we turn to its founder, Ryan Cooper.

Before Best Bike Split, Ryan was a lot like us: a competitor with the hopes of going faster. Unlike most of us, he's really good at math. His ability to come up with equations and suss out variables gave him the tools to invent Best Bike Split. But the inspiration was more of an experiment -- a story will leave for him. In the interview, Ryan shares what he can about how BBS comes up with its forecasted times. He also talks about some new features he has in the works, like factoring in tarmac conditions to better hone in on times. 

Ryan also wants listeners to get a taste of BBS, and he is extending a discount to listeners of the pod. Use the code MARGAINS25 for a discount, and as Ryan says: Race smarter. Ride faster. Win more.

Josh tackles the fallout from his viral “hookless is a scam” comment, clarifies the real risks and physics behind hookless rims, and dives deep into tire pressures, gauges at altitude, and disc wheel aerodynamics.

Australian cycling champ and Lifetime Grand Prix contender Brendan Johnston shares the races that shaped him, the setbacks that tested him, and an upcoming project that may become his ultimate proving ground.

Alexey Vermeulen’s BWR California Recap: Lessons, Legs & Legacy

April was packed with travel, goals, and hard-fought efforts—but for Alexey Vermeulen, BWR California remained the centerpiece. After flying high at Levi’s Gran Fondo, the legs didn’t quite have the same fire in San Diego. Despite less-than-ideal prep and a solo chase for 3rd, Alexey found grit, rhythm, and perspective on the brutal out-and-back course.

“You HAVE to save something for the return trip.”

From tire choice to travel chaos, dive into Alexey’s full BWR CA report to see how he managed 3rd place on the ENVE FRAY and what makes this course so special to him—even when the win is out of reach.