ShiftLess: Gravel, Bikepacking and Unpaved Bicycle Adventures

This episode of ShiftLess dives deep into the hardware of unpaved bicycle culture , from the massive 6.2-inch tires of the new Surly Moonlander to the high-tech self-inflating hubs seen at the UCI Gravel World Championships . We also tackle the ongoing debate over the "Spirit of Gravel" and provide updates on The USA Trail scouting and the Basepacking movement. In this session, Kevin and...

In this episode of ShiftLess , Kevin and Chef Brad celebrate a massive weekend for the Texas contingent at Gravel Worlds in Nebraska. From elite podiums to grueling 300-mile finishes, we break down why the Lone Star State is currently a powerhouse in unpaved bicycle culture . We also tackle the "contrived-versy" currently surrounding gravel racing : the ongoing debate over drafting rules...

In this episode of ShiftLess , we sit down with unconventional endurance athlete Justin Cary for a comprehensive debrief of his 2024 Leadville 100 performance. Justin managed to shave over 45 minutes off his previous time, finishing in 11 hours and 13 minutes . We break down exactly how he did it, from stacking 170 training hours over the summer to mastering the "Texas-to-Colorado" heat...

In this episode of ShiftLess , the crew braves the 100°+ Texas heat to talk about why you should probably be wearing wool in the summer. We are joined by Kyle Rancourt , founder of Pinebury , to discuss the science of "New Yarn" technology and the future of made-in-the-USA cycling apparel. Whether you are prepping for The USA Trail , refining your Basepacking rig, or just trying to survi...

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Welcome back to ShiftLess , the home of unpaved bicycle culture . In Episode 71, Kevin, Brad, and DJ Caleb dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of gravel cycling , bikepacking , and the "dangerous" allure of the E-MTB. Brad recaps his recent trip to Mena, Arkansas , where the Ward Lake project is poised to become the next major destination for ultra endurance unpaved cycling . We’re...

Fair warning, this one kicks off with plenty of explicit language. Not recommended for bluetooth speakers at church... Can you actually "jailbreak" an E-Bike, and what does it cost when the motor finally blows? In this episode, recorded at Velo Republic in Denton, TX, Kevin and Brad get a masterclass in modern cycling logistics. We move past the "E-bike vs. Analog" debate and d...

In this episode, we cover: Unbound XL Review: Justin breaks down his 41st place finish (Top 25%) and how he navigated 350 miles with zero navigation errors. We discuss his "liquid-only" nutrition strategy using Maltodextrin and Fructose , and why he chose to ride the entire race looking only at distance—no heart rate, no power, no average speed. The Leadville 100 Preview: With less than...

Welcome back to ShiftLess , where we dive into the grit and glory of unpaved bicycle culture . In Episode 68, Kevin and Brad are back in the Texas heat to discuss the mental and physical demands of ultra endurance unpaved cycling . From the secrets of heat acclimation for summer gravel racing to the tactical gear choices that keep you in the saddle for 100+ miles, we’re covering the essentials for...

Shawn jumps in after about 30 minutes In Episode 67 of ShiftLess , Kevin Lee and DJ Caleb go remote to "Spinistryville," Georgia, and are joined by the architect of the DFW Summer Series and Rudolph’s Revenge , Shawn McAfee . With Brad "in a better place" (vacationing in Mexico), the crew dives deep into the state of unpaved bicycle culture , from the local short-track scene to...

Had to bail out early on this one for a sick dog. He's all better now so don't be concerned. In Episode 66 of the ShiftLess podcast, the crew dives into the latest shifts in the unpaved bicycle culture , covering everything from high-stakes gravel racing qualifiers to the heartbreaking reality of bike theft. Whether you are prepping for an ultra endurance event or planning your next bikepa...

What happens when your training is perfect, but your body stops accepting fuel at mile 130? In this episode, Caleb provides a raw, play-by-play recap of his Unbound XL 350 attempt. From navigating the "Junmidity" of Emporia to the strategic decision to DNF at mile 170, we explore the hard lessons of self-supported ultra-racing and the "maturity of the DNF." In this episode, we...

How do you transition from the pavement to the dirt without breaking a hip or bonking at mile 30? In this solo deep-dive, Kevin from Spinistry draws on 20+ years of gravel experience and event promotion to provide a masterclass in unpaved adventure. This isn't just about what bike to buy; it’s about the "BBQ Philosophy" of iteration—changing one piece of your setup or training at a t...

The cycling industry is shifting, and this week on ShiftLess , we’re breaking down one of the biggest "back to the future" moves in years: Kona Bikes is back under original ownership and ditching the direct-to-consumer model. We dive into why this return to bike shop roots matters for the culture and the community. But the gear talk doesn't stop there. With Unbound XL looming, Caleb...

Can you actually "science" your way to a faster Unbound or Leadville finish? In this episode, Caleb, Kevin and Brad sit down with pro racer and YouTube personality Dylan Johnson to deconstruct the mechanics of elite performance. Moving past the usual racing stories, we dive deep into the technical "why" behind Dylan's most controversial setups and training blocks. In this e...

In this episode, we cover: The Industry "Nuclear" Rumor: Is Specialized actually on the chopping block? We discuss the wild whispers of a Walmart/Walton Investment Group bailout and what happens when the biggest players in the game go quiet. The Envy Acquisition: Some rare good news— Envy gets picked up by a passionate investor who actually rides the bikes. We talk about why being "...

Are you ready for 350 miles of unpaved grit? In this episode of ShiftLess Cycling Adventures , we dive deep into the ultimate Unbound XL bike setup as Caleb prepares his rig for the premier ultra-endurance gravel event. From drivetrain conversions to the "black art" of tire selection, we’re breaking down the gear that survives the flint hills. In this episode, we cover: The Unbound XL Rig: Caleb w...

Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.com

Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.com Want to apply for the Privateer Invitational? Click Here: http://www.raceprivateer.com

Brad's talk making you hungry? Visit the FAM site: https://eatatfam.com/ Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.com

Longer episode than usual with two distinct parts. First hour is fairly normal banter. Details around Kevin's case start around 68 minutes in. Yes, this episode was recorded and uploaded prior to eclipse day. Any eclipse related content will be off base. Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.com

Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.com

In this installment of ShiftLess , we recap a three-day odyssey from the garage to the LBJ Grasslands . What was supposed to be a standard exploratory ride turned into a "Disney Day" mix of torrential downpours, hawk-on-jackrabbit action, and hunkering down in an Alvord laundromat to dry socks and play cards. We also put some high-end gear to the ultimate "fail test." From anot...

In this episode of ShiftLess , we’re diving deep into the hardware and the heavy-duty history of the gravel scene. We kick things off with the "Big Reveal": Kevin’s new Salsa Tributary —a Class 3, drop-bar, front-suspension E-Gravel beast. We break down the specs, the Bosch motor performance, and why it might just be the ultimate tool for the Spinistry Palooza backcountry. We also settle...

Reach out and touch us: shiftlesslive@gmail.com