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Artwork for Marginal Gains Cycling Podcast, Presented by Silca

Marginal Gains Cycling Podcast, Presented by Silca

SILCA
Aerodynamics
Cycling
Shimano
Wind Tunnel Testing
Silca
Gravel Racing
Chain Waxing
Cycling Performance
Bike Fitting
Wind Tunnels
Cycling Technology
AIRO
Lifetime Grand Prix
Rolling Resistance
Hookless Tires
Tandems
Marginal Gains
Cycling Industry
Cycling Maintenance
Lance Armstrong

The Marginal Gains Podcast, presented by Silca is the show that makes a big deal about the little things, and how those little things...can be a big deal. Josh Poertner of Silca, along with Hottie and Fatty, talk about all aspects of cycling — design, manufacturing, marketing, riding, racing, management and more, all from a thoughtful perspective. It's a podcast for the thinking cyclist.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes143Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
WildernessSports

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Artwork for Marginal Gains Cycling Podcast, Presented by Silca

Latest Episodes

If Bike sales were purely based on a beauty contest, Baum Cycles would be at the top of the charts. Baums are stunning, Titanium machines. Most of them are custom built by an out-of-the-box thinker in Geelong, Victoria, Australia: Darren Baum.

But... more

While listening to Paige Onweller answer our questions, we found ourselves wishing we could be more like her. Wishing we had her organizational skills, her critical thinking, her ability to adapt quickly. Paige has the tools to be the kind of Margina... more

Josh sinks his teeth into questions on turning road spray on a frame into aerodynamic information, Argon gas in tires and deep, carbon wheels for XC mountain bike racing.

We also talk about Fatty's successful Everest challenge – the Marginal Gains... more

A favorite topic on the Marginal Gains Podcast is rolling resistance, also known as CRR. It is one of the cornerstones of this show. While we have interviewed aerodynamic experts who have devoted hundreds of hours to CdA, we have found very few who h... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Paige Onweller
Professional gravel racer and former physician assistant
Independent racer / Lifetime Grand Prix competitor
Episode: Paige Onweller - Details Matter
John Karrasch
Pro bike fitter at Cahaba Cycles in Birmingham; tire tester and data collector for CRR/rolling resistance
Cahaba Cycles, Birmingham
Episode: Rolling Resistance Testing with John Karrasch
Jacob Hinton
Representative from Odyssey
Odyssey
Episode: Inflatable Inserts and Radial Tires
Jason Ganey
Delium testing/engineering representative
Delium
Episode: Inflatable Inserts and Radial Tires
Michael Hodin
Guest introducing himself on air
Global Public Health Institute (as inferred from intro)
Episode: AJA #50 Inserts-Optimal gears-Narrow Bars
Aaron Stinner
Founder of Stinner Bikes
Stinner Bikes
Episode: Sea Otter Pt. 2 - Big Wheels Keep on Rollin'
Joe Meiser
Senior Product Manager
Salsa Cycles
Episode: Sea Otter Pt. 2 - Big Wheels Keep on Rollin'
Daniel Yang
Designer/Engineer
Neuhaus Bicycles / Yang Manufacturing
Episode: Sea Otter Pt. 2 - Big Wheels Keep on Rollin'
Jeff Schneider
Head of Product Development, Cadex Wheels
Cadex / Giant group
Episode: Sea Otter Pt. 1 - Hooked on Road Wheels

Hosts

Michael Houghton
Co-host with deep involvement in Marginal Gains and cycling hardware development
Fatty
Co-host known for endurance-oriented perspectives and Banter; contributes experiential and testing insights

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 521 ratings
  • Very Informative

    All details of bikes with the why behind them. This podcast is addictive and motivating

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Blues caster
    United States4 months ago
  • Love to geek out on marginal gains!

    Podcast Addict
    5
    VanillaGorilla
    2 years ago
  • Entertaining & will help you go faster!

    Fantastic podcast - really great discussion of how to go faster on a bike technically and super fun to listen to.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jpgct
    United States2 years ago
  • Terrific

    The latest podcast with John Cobb was excellent storytelling! John’s deep experience, humility and ability to paint a picture through words was a great listen to anyone interested in bikes, engineering or problem solving. Good job to Josh for knowing when to talk and knowing when to listen!

    Five stars!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    MTS1776
    United States2 years ago
  • Great Pod!!

    Great Pod!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JimV 1
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Series is highly praised for practical nerdiness and problem-solving focus.
Longer-form content can feel dense for casual listeners but highly rewarding for enthusiasts.
Listeners often note strong production quality and candid conversations.
Clear host interview skills and insightful guests are recurring strengths.
Depth of technical detail appeals to gear nerds and engineers.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Paige Onweller - Details Matter
Q: How do you approach tire testing for Unbound and other big gravel events?
Paige described a two-pronged testing approach: preparing for failures (quickly fixing flats on the go) and evaluating tire selection by weighing tires, measuring widths on different rims, and charting rolling resistance versus pressure to optimize durability and performance in long gravel events.
Paige Onweller - Details Matter
Q: Take me through your wind tunnel day and the big takeaways there for both of you.
The wind tunnel day revealed how small, practical details—like hair management, clothing placement, and equipment positioning—can produce meaningful aerodynamic gains; Paige and Josh discussed the process of testing and iterating, and Paige shared how these experiments translate into real race tactics and marginal gains.
AJA #51 Road Spray Aerodynamics and Argon Gas in Tires
Q: How viable is road-spray visualization for real-world aero gains on consumer bikes?
Road-spray visualization can reveal where flow attaches or separates, but translating those observations into actionable adjustments on consumer bikes is complex; it's more of a diagnostic tool to guide further CAD tweaks or targeted testing rather than a direct, immediate upgrade.
AJA #51 Road Spray Aerodynamics and Argon Gas in Tires
Q: What are the practical implications of using Argon in racing tires beyond inflation stability?
Argon reduces heat buildup and improves rolling efficiency due to its dry nature and molecular characteristics, which helps maintain lower temperatures during tire compression and expansion, potentially translating to faster times in critical stages like time trials and climbs.
Inflatable Inserts and Radial Tires
Q: So what's the deepest wheel you can accommodate right now?
Currently supports rims up to about 50-55 mm depth for the insert, with precise compatibility depending on the base rim channel and Preston nut placement; plans to offer more valve lengths as the product line expands.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A technically minded cycling show that focuses on the little details that unlock big gains, from drivetrain and tire tech to aero, wheel design, and on-bike performance strategies. Episodes blend engineering, testing, and hands-on experience with spirited banter, often featuring brand founders, engineers, journalists, and athletes discussing real-world trade-offs, new gear, and how to push marginal improvements in endurance, racing, and cycling culture. It's notable for deep-dive conversations around gear design and manufacturing, a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom, and a clear emphasis on data-informed decision making. Potential listeners who love the intersection of science, product development, and cycling performance will li... more

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Matchbox - A Cycling Podcast
2. Bonk Bros
3. Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad
4. Geek Warning
5. With Pace

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this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 143 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Paige Onweller
2. John Karrasch
3. Jacob Hinton
4. Jason Ganey
5. Michael Hodin
6. Aaron Stinner
7. Joe Meiser
8. Daniel Yang

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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