Guides
XC Bike Setup & Maintenance Guides
How I prep, maintain, and dial in my bike, tires, and suspension for XC and endurance racing. These are the same processes I use leading into events like Leadville, Breck Epic, and Moab Rocks.
Hydration Product Comparison
5/7/2026
Compare cycling electrolyte mixes, tablets, and hydration powders by sodium, carbs, caffeine, and cost per 1000mg sodium to dial in sweat replacement.
Nutrition Product Comparison
5/7/2026
Find the best-value cycling fuel for race day with sortable stats for gels, chews, bars, and carb drink mixes.
What I Carry in My Downtube Storage
7/31/2025
Race-day tools, trailside fixes, and backup gear I hope I never need — all packed in the downtube or saddle kit.
How to Flip the Flip Chip on a Specialized Epic 8
5/31/2025
Step-by-step instructions to change the geometry on your Epic 8 by flipping the rear suspension chip — including torque specs, grease tips, and photos.
How to Replace Pivot Bearings on a Specialized Epic 8
2/21/2026
A practical pivot bearing replacement guide for the Specialized Epic 8 / Epic 8 EVO: exact bearing sizes, shopping list, Loctite 603 method, SBK-1 tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
XC Bike Pre-Race Inspection Guide
5/27/2026
A practical pre-race XC mountain bike inspection guide for A races and stage events: what to check on bearings, suspension, tires, drivetrain, brakes, and wear items before Breck Epic, Moab Rocks, and other big XC races.
How to Wax a Chain with SILCA – Strip Chip, Chain Stripper & Wax Pot Guide
5/17/2025
My workflow for waxing chains with SILCA’s waxing system. Including the Strip Chip, Chain Stripper, and Wax Pot.
Everyday Riding with Specialized E-Bikes (2025)
8/24/2025
What I ride off the racecourse — plus the Specialized e-bikes I’d recommend for commuting, errands, and casual tours.
Stage Racing Recovery Guide: How to Survive Back-to-Back Days During Epic Weeks
9/17/2025
What I learned recovering between the Leadville 100 and six more days at the Breck Epic — fueling, sleep, recovery tools, and the mental tricks that got me to the finish.
Cold Starts, Warm Finishes: Tire Pressure for Endurance MTB Racing
1/28/2026
Why tire pressure math alone fails in freezing starts, how cold casing stiffness affects traction, and what I learned racing the El Paso Puzzler from 32°F to nearly 60°F.