Ep. 221 - Bigger Wheels = Faster Bikes?! John Karrasch Joins the Debate
Summary
Bonk Bros discusses the cyclocross season's return, highlighting the Schwamigan Grand Prix where Matt Wilson won and Dylan raced on flat bars. Guest tire expert John Koresch joins to analyze 32-inch wheel adoption across disciplines, noting that while 32s are now standard in UCI cross, their performance impact remains inconclusive. The hosts also review recent World Cup results and debate the validity of rolling resistance testing methodologies, addressing criticisms from the cycling community.
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor reads
Cyclocross on gravel bikes and tire clearance
Guest arrival and tire giveaway discussion
Join.cc sponsorship and structured training
Brian Mater's age and performance
32-inch wheels in UCI cyclocross rules
Sea Otter Europe gravel race recap
Team news and rider updates
Vander Pol's cyclocross status
Schwamigan race experience and power data
Race chaos and Matt Wilson's dominance
Solo breakaways and TV coverage
World Cup standings and Matt Wilson's win
Women's standings and Sophia's lead
Tire choices and handling at Schwamigan
Colton Spike's 32-inch drop bar bike
Aerodynamics and drop bars vs flat bars
RockShox fork prototype and Silka tires
Stem geometry and bar width preferences
Analyzing 32-inch wheel performance data
Dylan's 32-inch experience and Jan Hearst
Debunking Trey's testing methodology claims
Aerodynamics and bottom bracket height on 32s
Bike aesthetics and SRAM stem patent
Tire sizes in downhill and XC cycling
Listen ad-free on Castria