The Bike Industry Is Shifting and IRONMAN Texas Just Proved the Gap Is Real
S2026:E08
Eric’s back after rebuilding Slowtwitch’s classifieds and directories, a family vacation, and a full week on the ground at Sea Otter Classic. The crew breaks down what’s happening in the bike industry — Stages is back under Giant’s ownership, Mavic is rebuilding from zero after losing every dealer record in bankruptcy, and direct-from-factory brands showed up with bikes at price points that’ll shake things up. Then Kevin reports from IRONMAN Texas: Blummenfelt dominates but pukes his guts out doing it, Van Riel pushes him to the edge, Brock O’well comes out of nowhere with a 7:29 (Ben called it), and the Kat Matthews flat tire sparks a heated debate about carrying tubes vs. relying on tech support. On the women’s side — Solvay Løvseth cements herself as the real deal, Taylor Nib nails her sub-three marathon goal, and the crew pushes back on the idea that women and men further back should quit early based on pro series points. Plus: T100 Singapore preview with Hayden Wilde vs. Matt Hauser, WTCS Yokohama without Yee or Hauser, and why 20 meters of drafting distance still isn’t solving anything.
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