Squeaky Brakes, Wheel Size Debates and Hardline Takes [RNL S2, Ep 12]
Description
Mountain bike hot takes, squeaky brakes, and wheel size debates — we cover it all in this week’s Ride & Laugh MTB Podcast! Whether you're flowing or overthinking on the trail, your brakes (and your shifting!) might be telling the whole story. Dan and Sage talk about the sounds of riding: skids, shifts, and... dropper posts? Yep, even your dropper post strategy says something about your mindset.
Join the debate as the guys dive into wheel size wars (27.5 vs. 29 vs. the mythical 32”), the beauty of under biking, and why DJ bikes might be the ultimate challenge. Plus: chasing e-bikes, full-suspension BMX, and why Red Bull Hardline is the best thing on two wheels. Packed with laughs, insights, and hot takes — this episode is a ride. Subscribe, listen, and let us know if you’re Team Over-brake or Team Flow!
MTB Gratitude of the Week:
Sage: Suunto Sonics – Because silence is terrifying. After 4+ years of loyal service, Sage’s bone conduction headphones finally gave up the ghost. RIP. But thanks to a shiny new pair, the soundtrack to his road and trail rides is officially back. Whether it’s lo-fi beats or guilty-pleasure pop, Sage is once again pedaling to the rhythm. Thanks Suunto! *Purchase Here: https://amzn.to/41m8BT6 (Affiliate Link)
Dan: Banshee Paradox V3 aka "The Aggressive Hardtail!" - With his full squish in the shop, Dan’s been rocking the hardtail life on the Banshee Paradox — and he’s totally here for it! The Banshee jumps like a dream, climbs like it’s angry, and reminds Dan what challenge (and thigh burn) really feel like. Thank you Banshee!
MTB Tip of the Week:
Shoe Goo: The MVP of MTB Footwear - Got pricey MTB shoes falling apart? Don’t toss ’em — Goo ’em. Shoe Goo is the duct tape of the MTB world (but way less sketchy), and it’ll squeeze a few extra months out of those beat-up kicks. Trails destroy shoes... Shoe Goo fights back. *Purchase Shoe Goo Here: https://amzn.to/3J1nt35 (Affiliate Link)
Featured Riders
Jeff Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeffjacksonmtb
Jeff Coen - https://www.instagram.com/jeff.coen/
AJ - https://www.instagram.com/aj_mtbrealtor
David - https://www.instagram.com/drosales3321
Shelly - https://www.instagram.com/o.hey.shell
Maria - https://www.instagram.com/fitnessmariagee/
Louise Ferguson - https://www.instagram.com/fergyferg__
Matt Jones - https://www.instagram.com/mattjonesmtb
Elliott Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/eliotjackson
Rob Warner - https://www.instagram.com/robwarner970
Additional Links
We The People "Swamp Master" - https://www.wethepeoplebmx.de/bikes/swamp-master
Banshee Paradox V3 - https://www.instagram.com/bansheebikes
Sleeper "Red Bull Hardline 2025 | Sleeper Shreddit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRMQ36m50UE
Matt Jones "Distaster In My Hardline Finals Run" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_KNQENXTJGA&t=1080s
Redbull MTB - https://www.instagram.com/redbullbike
RedBull Hardline View: www.youtube.com/watch?v=t64hgvvge9M&ab_channel=RedBullBike
The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/MjRTJe5xvMU
The Ride and Laugh MTB podcast is hosted by Dan @the_ride_abides and Sage @TrailSage. Join us as we discuss all things mountain biking! Riding technique, MTB gear, bikes, nutrition, fitness, mindset and more! Feel the gratitude. Flow on the trails, Flow in life! Please enjoy the content then like and subscribe. Join the Ride & Laugh community in the comments and/or rideandlaugh1@gmail.com.
#MTB #MountainBike #MTBPodcast #MTBtips
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through the above links. Commissions earned through the Amazon Affiliate links help support this channel's content creation. Thank you!

![Squeaky Brakes, Wheel Size Debates and Hardline Takes [RNL S2, Ep 12] Squeaky Brakes, Wheel Size Debates and Hardline Takes [RNL S2, Ep 12]](https://s3.castbox.fm/e5/32/c6/851fd0dec33dd78dc2d7bc8c51d1dcd29a_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Time for a MTB Reset? Crashes, Grace, E-Bikes on Tech and Riding Like It’s Your Job! [RNL S2, Ep 25] Time for a MTB Reset? Crashes, Grace, E-Bikes on Tech and Riding Like It’s Your Job! [RNL S2, Ep 25]](https://s3.castbox.fm/01/d3/08/12b474f82bc2557955b837c2e12eb1661b_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Traction, Timing & Trust - MTB Body Position Tips That Change Everything [RNL S2, Ep 24] Traction, Timing & Trust - MTB Body Position Tips That Change Everything [RNL S2, Ep 24]](https://s3.castbox.fm/5b/cb/50/cf2098548bec954f42abdc169aa0ff773c_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Stop Absorbing the Trail! This MTB Tip Unlocks Confidence on Jumps, Slabs and More! [RNL S2, Ep 23] Stop Absorbing the Trail! This MTB Tip Unlocks Confidence on Jumps, Slabs and More! [RNL S2, Ep 23]](https://s3.castbox.fm/35/ad/8a/1ce68d0fa315da595445e29407ee220047_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![No Thought Can Be Trusted! MTB Flow, Confidence and The Power of Letting Go [RNL S2, Ep 22] No Thought Can Be Trusted! MTB Flow, Confidence and The Power of Letting Go [RNL S2, Ep 22]](https://s3.castbox.fm/1a/df/a6/9eca94e1ed2869be977781dbb700f53f56_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![More Grip, Less Slip! MTB Traction Masterclass – Braking, Body Position and Flow [RNL S2, Ep 21] More Grip, Less Slip! MTB Traction Masterclass – Braking, Body Position and Flow [RNL S2, Ep 21]](https://s3.castbox.fm/d7/cd/12/de714c18e50c62f6a1905a86d3b8137880_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Your Future Self SHREDS! How to Manifest MTB Confidence for Epic Flow on all Trails! [RNL S2, Ep 20] Your Future Self SHREDS! How to Manifest MTB Confidence for Epic Flow on all Trails! [RNL S2, Ep 20]](https://s3.castbox.fm/63/d8/73/3e3b23c8bd099397f905f7b89f5cd3b4ba_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![MTB Speed Secrets: Eliminate Overthinking for More Speed, Confidence and Fun! [RNL S2, Ep 19] MTB Speed Secrets: Eliminate Overthinking for More Speed, Confidence and Fun! [RNL S2, Ep 19]](https://s3.castbox.fm/6b/fa/1d/3265313b1b838bc9e2c8983d662f11f485_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Ride Aggressively Centered! MTB Braking Secrets and Positive Self-Talk for More Flow [RNL S2, Ep 18] Ride Aggressively Centered! MTB Braking Secrets and Positive Self-Talk for More Flow [RNL S2, Ep 18]](https://s3.castbox.fm/78/7f/f9/131e41e3f77e3d51f2d2a292d80665deb4_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Embrace the Case! MTB Jumping Tips, Flat Pedals, and Riding Aggressive! [RNL S2, Ep 17] Embrace the Case! MTB Jumping Tips, Flat Pedals, and Riding Aggressive! [RNL S2, Ep 17]](https://s3.castbox.fm/24/79/90/f78cb004f5219efdd26f789841fd63d563_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Don’t Pay the Dirt-Tax! – Party Lap Secrets, Trains and MTB Confidence Hacks [RNL S2, Ep 16] Don’t Pay the Dirt-Tax! – Party Lap Secrets, Trains and MTB Confidence Hacks [RNL S2, Ep 16]](https://s3.castbox.fm/3a/67/af/1920d9cd7350d5a3c757afd9d61db43a03_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Big Jumps and Angry Taints: MTB Mind Games Every Rider Struggles With [RNL S2, Ep 15] Big Jumps and Angry Taints: MTB Mind Games Every Rider Struggles With [RNL S2, Ep 15]](https://s3.castbox.fm/8a/a7/2c/dd9a24428e8c570856247668b2eb549749_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![MTB Training Hacks, Wheel Size Wars & Chamois Cream Confessions! [RNL S2, Ep 14] MTB Training Hacks, Wheel Size Wars & Chamois Cream Confessions! [RNL S2, Ep 14]](https://s3.castbox.fm/0e/d7/65/fc7a134c8262e964b117d3c40de8931c8d_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Hardtail Speed Secrets, GPS Frustrations, Wild Animals & MTB Shake Weight!? [RNL S2, Ep 13] Hardtail Speed Secrets, GPS Frustrations, Wild Animals & MTB Shake Weight!? [RNL S2, Ep 13]](https://s3.castbox.fm/38/f1/28/1f6a2a75451fb5a587d65e2730c8b7798d_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![MTB Coach Training NEARLY broke Sage! Flat Pedals, Slow Speed Skills & Sweaty Hugs! [RNL S2, Ep 11] MTB Coach Training NEARLY broke Sage! Flat Pedals, Slow Speed Skills & Sweaty Hugs! [RNL S2, Ep 11]](https://s3.castbox.fm/d4/54/2a/e18a64762b91f825ee1b269a65c6acebba_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Fat Adapted, Fully Rested, and Cracking Eggs – MTB Recovery Tips That Work! [RNL S2, Ep 10] Fat Adapted, Fully Rested, and Cracking Eggs – MTB Recovery Tips That Work! [RNL S2, Ep 10]](https://s3.castbox.fm/c6/d7/a7/03e01e1c78f589fdaf0cf7f54eeac355f0_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![We Crash So You Don’t Have To! MTB Flow Tips, E-Bike Debates and Crapping Diamonds [RNL S2, Ep 9] We Crash So You Don’t Have To! MTB Flow Tips, E-Bike Debates and Crapping Diamonds [RNL S2, Ep 9]](https://s3.castbox.fm/85/20/bb/1fb05dbb3f4c8280a471687629f3c05605_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![The Progression Paradox: Relax to Ride Better - The MTB Mindset Shift You Need [RNL S2, Ep 8] The Progression Paradox: Relax to Ride Better - The MTB Mindset Shift You Need [RNL S2, Ep 8]](https://s3.castbox.fm/98/96/db/2687f652303bec7dab3f30e4422d0ccceb_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Ride Backwards to Move Forward! MTB Mindset Advice, Gratitude, and Levo 4 eMTB Review [RNL S2, Ep 7] Ride Backwards to Move Forward! MTB Mindset Advice, Gratitude, and Levo 4 eMTB Review [RNL S2, Ep 7]](https://s3.castbox.fm/10/a7/04/ac521e32c4062d364700321e11db84b85a_scaled_v1_400.jpg)
![Who Invited This Guy? MTB Jump Tips, Flip-Chips, Pedal Strikes & Group Ride Chaos [RNL S2, Ep 6] Who Invited This Guy? MTB Jump Tips, Flip-Chips, Pedal Strikes & Group Ride Chaos [RNL S2, Ep 6]](https://s3.castbox.fm/cc/05/41/a95f46d3a2d60b07339614d768099c0fb4_scaled_v1_400.jpg)


