Share

Bikes & Big Ideas
Best Bikes of the Century, Part 1
Today, we’re kicking off a new series for Bikes and Big Ideas: we’re setting out to identify the best bikes of the 21st century from over 30 brands. We’ve done a similar series over on our Gear:30 podcast for skis, but that was easy compared to doing the same for bikes.
Over the next couple of weeks, you’ll be hearing about our choices. We’re also including a survey, as we want to hear from you. Additionally, we’ll be sending the same survey to some bike industry luminaries, too.
Once we've reviewed an array of brands, we’ll discuss how our selections align with your answers.
And for our grand finale of this series, we’re going to offer our choices for the Very Best Bikes of the Century. It may seem like an impossible task, but we’re hoping we can agree on a top 10, maybe even a top 3, and if the stars align, one single bike. Or, we may never speak to each other again, but we’re willing to take that risk.
Part 1 kicks off with Simon Stewart, David Golay, Dylan Wood, and Xan Marshland.
Note: We Want to Hear From You!
Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.
RELATED LINKS:
Best Bikes of the Century Survey
Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s Guide
TOPICS & TIMES:
Yeti (1:58)
Klein (8:20)
GT (11:11)
Turner (13:57)
Titus (18:40)
Intense (22:05)
Ibis (23:41)
Rocky Mountain (28:05)
Kona (31:40)
Giant (36:14)
Santa Cruz (40:08)
Cannondale (49:48)
Specialized (54:28)
Gary Fisher (1:05:25)
Trek (1:08:36)
CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:
More episodes
View all episodes

316. Kavenz on Developing the Bonded VHP X Frame
42:03||Ep. 316The current Kavenz VHP bikes come with a sticker that says “Made from aluminum: we give a shit,” a nod to the recyclability and (purportedly) lower environmental impact of aluminum compared to carbon fiber.But Kavenz is also openly developing the next-generation VHP platform — and it’s using carbon tubes bonded to aluminum lugs. So, why change materials, especially when aluminum is such a big part of the brand’s image and ethos? Why document the whole process for the public, rather than developing a new bike in secret, as most brands do? Is the environmental impact of aluminum even really lower? We sat down with Kavenz founder Giacomo Großehagenbrock to discuss all that and much more.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Founding Kavenz & Documenting Frame Design (2:41)Why Update the VHP? (8:07)Material Options & Refining the VHP X (12:49)Filament Winding & Carbon Tubes (15:50)Environmental Impact of Carbon Fiber (18:51)Bonding a Frame (22:22)Sample Testing & Next Steps (28:32)Availability & Pricing (38:28)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast
315. Danny MacAskill on the Trick That Haunted Him, Creative Jogging, Nipple Height, & More
59:39||Ep. 315How many times have you attempted a trick or a move in a row before finally getting it? It’s probably a lot fewer than 400. Today, Danny MacAskill breaks down the trick that taught him how to persevere and overcome the impossible.Danny’s Inspired Bicycles video was a sensation. Everyone was talking about it, sharing it, and our minds were blown. What happened after that video is well known, and to say it went a wee bit viral is an understatement, since it has amassed over 40 million views, launching Danny’s prolific career that has now spanned over 16 years, and has given us so many memorable moments.Danny talks about other challenging tricks, like front flipping off Edinburgh Castle, as well as his worst injuries, exploring new terrain on his eBike, trials riding with a motor, creative jogging, and why he should be in the next James Bond film.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Being a Hero to Kids (2:18)Danny’s Bike Idols (3:47)Trials Riding on eBikes (12:04)James Bond (15:40)The “Spiky Fence” Trick (16:53)Front Flipping off Edinburgh Castle (25:38)His Long Injury List (32:03)Is Danny Slowing Down Moving into his 40s? (39:50)Why Nipple Height is Important (40:33)Keeping Soul in his Riding & What he’s Producing (43:42)His Love of Music & What He’s Listening to (50:46)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicGEAR:30Blister PodcastCRAFTED
314. Reviewer Reports: New eMTBs From Pivot, Norco, Orbea, & More
54:47||Ep. 314David Golay shares why he hasn’t jived with any of the eMTBs he’s ridden so far, and if the new light-assist bikes from Orbea and Norco he’s been spending time on might have a chance of changing his mind. Simon, on the other hand, is a big fan of eMTBs, regardless of whether they have a full-power or light-assist drive system, and has a couple of full-power beauties from Pivot and Norco to talk about. And to avoid a whole episode on bikes with motors, they throw the Atherton A.150.M in the mix, too.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.RELATED LINKS:Blister Craft CollectiveBlister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideGet Our Free Newsletter & Gear GiveawaysBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Blister+ (1:27)Atherton 150m (2:01)Pivot Shuttle LT (13:02)Orbea Rallon RS (24:47)Norco Sight VLT TQ (39:41)Norco Sight VLT CX (45:59)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicGEAR:30Blister PodcastCRAFTED
Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino & Simon Stewart (January, 2026)
01:15:06|Today, Mike and Simon discuss the invasion of Minneapolis, the killing of fellow cyclist Alex Pretti by ICE, and how the cycling community united in solidarity worldwide. They also talk about some bike industry news, like Revel Bikes relocating, and more fires to put out for Rad Power Bikes. Downhill racing kicked off with Red Bull Hardline in Tasmania, so they put in their picks, plus Mike recaps the Cyclocross World Championships, and more. Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideGet Our Free Newsletter & Gear GiveawaysBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredMike’s The Grimy Handshake SubstackTOPICS & TIMES:Mike’s Latest Substack Story (7:13)Simon’s Return To Bike Racing (12:29)Alex Pretti (22:28)Revel is Relocating (30:28)Rad Power Bikes on Fire (Again) & Their New Ownership (32:47)Red Bull Hardline Tasmania Preview (37:08)Cyclocross World Championships Recap (43:38)First Impressions of the New Pivot Shuttle LT (52:57)Are Lightweight Trail Bikes Making a Comeback? (59:50)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast
312. Neko Mulally on the 2026 Frameworks Roster, Bikes, & More
41:14||Ep. 312Frameworks has just added Aaron Gwin — the most successful American DH racer of the modern era — to an already-stacked lineup of Asa Vermette and Anna Newkirk, launched updated versions of their Enduro and DH bikes, and more. So we brought Neko Mulally back on the show to tell us about all of it, including the behind-the-scenes contract challenges with a rider of Aaron’s stature; the new bikes and what has (and hasn’t) changed; team dynamics and offseason prep; and a whole lot more.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Signing Aaron Gwin (1:53)The 2026 Frameworks Roster (12:43)Bike Setup for the Team (17:25)The 2026 DH Bike (24:41)2026 Frameworks Enduro (31:18)Preseason Prep (32:09)Team Goals for 2026 (34:42)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast
311. Best Bikes of the Century, Part 3
01:10:56||Ep. 311We’re wrapping up our Best Bikes of the Century series, so today, Blister reviewers Zack Henderson, Xan Marshland, David Golay, and Simon Stewart reveal their top three selections. We also share picks and insights from a number of bike industry luminaries and legends, along with some listener opinions, before trying to narrow it down to a final podium.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.RELATED LINKS:Best Bikes of the Century SurveyBlister Craft CollectiveBlister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Industry Picks (1:23)Our Picks (26:56)Listener Comments (58:25)The Final Countdown (1:03:20)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast
310. Manitou & Reynolds on 32’’ Wheels
47:17||Ep. 310Will 32’’ wheels have staying power, or will they be another flash in the pan like plus-sized tires? Either way, they’re coming, and we sat down with Manitou Product Manager, Phil Ott, and Reynolds Director of Wheel Development, Todd Tanner, to discuss what it takes to design parts for 32’’ bikes; how to avoid a mess of competing standards as 32’’ bikes come online; where we are (and aren’t) likely to see 32’’ wheels in a few years; and a whole lot more.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Introductions (1:19)When did Hayes start taking 32’’ wheels seriously? (3:02)What made it clear that 32’’ wheels were happening? (5:57)The importance of the UCI sanctioning 32’’ wheels (8:43)Early prototyping (11:13)Refinements & limitations of the wheel size (16:29)Fork offset & other details (32:07)Phil and Todd’s wish lists (33:55)What’s the ceiling for 32’’ wheels? (38:43)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicGEAR:30Blister PodcastCRAFTED
309. Reviewer Reports: Chain Dampers, Gearboxes, High-Pivots & More
59:17||Ep. 309We’ve got a lot of interesting drivetrain-related testing going on right now, from our just-published roundup of chain damping devices to multiple gearbox bikes, the Supre Drive-equipped Lal Katana, and more. David and Zack sat down to discuss what they’re learning, debate the pros and cons of these novel options, and give a rundown on some more conventional bikes they’ve been spending time on, too.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredTOPICS & TIMES:Kavenz VHP G2 (2:11)Evil Offering (16:59)Lal Katana (30:29)Transition Regulator SX (38:45)Chain Damper Roundup (47:56)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast
308. Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino & Simon Stewart (December, 2025)
01:10:04||Ep. 308Today, Mike joins us from Loretto, Mexico, and on his way down there, he stopped in Los Algodones to get his rotten teeth fixed in what's become known as Molar City. Mike recounts his experience with Mexico’s booming low-cost dental industry and how, at one point, he thought he might be in a Quentin Tarantino film. On the bike news front, we talk about more struggling companies, including Rad Power Bikes and Campagnolo, as well as a few recalls, before getting into World Cup DH athlete team changes, Mike’s take on 32” wheels, and more.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideGet Our Free Newsletter & Gear GiveawaysBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredMike’s The Grimy Handshake SubstackTOPICS & TIMES:Mike’s Back in Mexico (1:22)Getting his Teeth Sorted in “Molar City” (2:33)RIP Joe Montgomery (14:14)Rad Power Bikes Files Bankruptcy (15:52)New Ducati eMTBs, Gravel & Road Bikes (21:24)Giant Moving to Boulder, Colorado (25:18)Chinese Counterfeit Bike Bust (28:59)Campagnolo Cuts Workforce by 40% (34:14)Bike Recalls (37:42)Mike’s 32” Wheels Predictions (38:59)New Products (46:02)World Cup DH Athlete News (1:00:59)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast