For over 25 years, Kristin and Steve of Steve the Bike Guy, an independent bicycle shop in Massachusetts, have been cycling together – keeping things rolling over roads and trails as they also navigated marriage, kids, and careers. Now, they are inviting you to join the ride as they share experiences, insights, and advice for anyone who does, or wants to, ride a bike. Find us on YouTube for a closed-caption version of each episode. Cycling Together with Kristin & Steve is a production of Ste ...
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As both riders and bike shop owners, Kristin and Steve get a lot of questions about bike computers as well as bicycle tracking phone apps. We share our experiences using examples from the Garmin ecosystem, to discuss the features and drawbacks of each as well how to decide what will work for you and your priorities. We also revisit the question – a…
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Each year, Kristin and Steve organize the "Hallowed Groad" a self-supported, mixed-terrain scavenger hunt adventure ride designed to introduce riders to the trails in our area as well a local "sites" that may be missed by most. They discuss what goes into planning a route, as well as how they market the event. The change in season also has them sha…
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For the fourth year, Steve and Kristin joined riders and volunteers at PMC Unpaved, the Pan-Mass Challenge's annual gravel fundraiser which benefits Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Lenox, Massachusetts. In addition to reflecting on another amazing experience, we share our experiences, advice, tips and insights as well as thoughts for next year. Dur…
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What Your Bicycle Frame is Made From
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1:15:55Hold on tight – We are letting Steve dive deep into the bicycle geekery with this episode! Inspired by not one, but two, titanium frames which had to be returned to their manufacturers for repair, we're talking about about what bike frames are made of (steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon, oh my), including the pros and cons as well as care and repair…
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Inspired by our recent cyclocross activities – lending a hand at two introductory clinics, as well as supporting racers at Midnight Ride of Cyclocross – Kristin & Steve are sharing information about this most peculiar, but welcoming, type of bicycle racing. We discuss cyclocross race features and skills, as well as equipment options including bike …
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For our 25th episode we welcome our college age daughter, Sophie, to the show! A listener comment about cyclocross has reminiscing about our racing days, and learning how to embrace the very embarrassing situations that can happen during a race. Having just participated in the 20th anniversary Deerfield Dirt-Road Randonnee to benefit Franklin Land …
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24. A Cacophony of Clicks.... or How Jeff Started Riding & Racing
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59:48We enjoyed speaking with Jeff so much - we had him on twice! Jeff shares how he started riding with an epic race on a rented bike, and how the "cacophony of clicks" keeps him coming back to racing, events and group rides. We also discuss why cyclocross is the ultimate niche sport, but with the most welcoming community of riders, and a ew generation…
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23. The Rift Iceland, Pan-Mass Challenge Support and Post-Event FOMO
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1:01:17If FOMO is the "Fear of Missing Out" then what is the term for when you know you missed out because you can't do all things all the time? With help from our friend Jeff we talk about their "guys trip" to take on The Rift in Iceland, and Steve shares his five tips for those who want to ride The Rift. Kristin and Steve also talk about some of the mos…
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Days after recording, Steve was on a flight to Iceland to take on “The Rift” with friends and customers. Inspired by the trip, Kristin & Steve talk about how to travel with your bicycle, specifically on a plane. We share when to consider renting bikes vs bringing your own, and options for packing your bike (bags vs boxes). We also discuss Steve’s r…
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21. How Alex & Jason Started Cycling
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1:20:09Kristin and Steve welcome their best friend, and original members of the STBG Cycling team, Alex and Jason to share how they each started cycling. From Jason's teenage years, to Alex's introduction through triathlon, through their time racing cyclocross to today, we discuss their cycling evolution, couples rules and why we riders like to do "hard t…
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20. Underrated But Essential Bike Handling Skills
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1:01:44On our 20th episode of Cycling Together, Kristin and Steve, with help from members of the STBG Cycling Team, share some of the "underrated but essential" bike handling skills. Inspired by two recent bicycle events, we discuss skills to benefit road and gravel riders, whether riding alone, with a friend or in a big group. On our list... taking your …
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19. Why Your Wife Needs The Better Bike
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1:10:00Kristin and Steve hold a mirror up to Steve's own bicycle purchasing decisions as they discuss something they've observed in the Shop – riders who have really (really) nice bicycles and gear, who may not spend quite as much on their partner's bike. What may seem like "rational thinking" can often lead to a spouse or partner failing to embrace cycli…
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18. Are E-Mountain Bikes (EMTB) Inevitable?
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1:03:18E-mountain bikes are on the rise, and according to some industry insiders, e-bikes will soon represent more than half the bikes on the trail one day. But should we, as Outside Magazine asks, “just submit to our eMTB future?” After breaking down the different classes of e-bikes, Kristin and Steve unpack their biases before digging deep into the grow…
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The best way to extend the life of your bike and it's components, which in turn will save you money, is to keep it clean! We share how we clean our personal bikes, our "must have" equipment, why it's important to always dry your chain, and how to know if you have "toxic" sweat. Send us a text Leave a comment, question or topic suggestion for future…
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16. New Mountain Bikes, Dropper Posts and Mechanic Answers
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1:07:50Kristin is getting a new mountain bike - a custom built BC40 from Allied Cycle Works. In addition to discussing why Allied is a good fit for the Shop, we discuss types of mountain bikes (cross-country, down country, all trail) as well as some of the component choices they are making while building the new bike. Speaking of components, we discuss wh…
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Before Jackie bought a new mountain bike in 2021, the last time she had ridden a bicycle was when she was a teenager. But as Hale Education's Director of Camp and Community Programs worked with the organization's growing mountain bike community, she soon found herself taking up a new hobby. A few years and three bikes later, Jackie has grown as a r…
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14. Managing the Chaos and Costs of New Tariffs
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1:00:01There is still a lot we don't know about the new tariffs, but experts all appear to agree – the costs of new bikes, as well as parts, accessories and everything else are likely to increase. Steve and Kristin sit down to discuss how tariffs may be already affecting purchasing decisions for manufacturers, supplies and retailers, as well as what you c…
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13. (Almost) Everything You Need to Know About Bike Tune-Ups
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1:05:28Spring is here, and our thoughts turn towards getting bikes ready to ride. But does your bike "need" a tune up? Steve and Kristin talk about what is (generally) included in a service package, what can you do to care for your bike to extend it's life, and how to ensure you get what you pay for when bringing your bike to the bike shop. Steve also sha…
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12. Gravity Parks and Questions About Mountain Bike Suspension
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48:51A technical glitch got us on the last episode! While visiting the San Lee Gravity Bike Park in Sanford, North Carolina, we recorded a spontaneous segment about the fun that is gravity parks. We discuss some gravity park basics, and why no jumping is required - just control your speed. We also do a deep dive on mountain bike suspension inspired by a…
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We're home after our two week van trip - but there is no rest for the weary! Before we put up our feet and unpack the van, we discuss our trip, including how we travel with our dog, meal prep when the fridge is broken, working through bad wifi and other frequently asked questions. We also share details details about our self-built Sprinter van – a …
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10. Planning a Van Trip for Riding & More
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41:54Kristin and Steve report in the first week of a two-week road trip designed to get them out of the New England cold. Planning an extended trip that includes riding, sightseeing, resources for working and accommodations for the van, and dog, is no easy feat. Kristin and Steve share where they have traveled, what's gone right (and wrong) as well as s…
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9. Should you MTB on clipless or flat pedals?
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55:51When mountain biking should you ride on clipless (clip-in) or flat pedals? While there are many “experts” with very strong opinions (which they are not afraid to share), Kristin and Steve discuss the truth which is – there are advantages and disadvantages to each. They start with a look back at the evolution of the “clip-less” pedal, and the rise i…
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8. How to Buy MTB Gear for Speedy Kids & Teens (Part 2)
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56:34Beyond the bike, kids and teenagers racing mountain bikes need additional gear to round out their "kit." Kristin and Steve discuss the options for mountain bike jerseys, shorts, pedals, shoes, hydration, helmets and more. We also circle back to bikes briefly to talk about dual suspension options as well as best bikes for little racers in grades K t…
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7. How to Buy a Mountain Bike for Speedy Kids & Teens (Part 1)
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49:21Whether you have a child thinking about joining NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association); NEYC (New England Youth Cycling) or racing solo, it starts with getting them the "right" bike. But the choices can be overwhelming, particularly for parents that may not be familiar with mountain bikes and mountain bike equipment. Inspired by a rece…
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6. Don't be a jerk - About mountain bike etiquette
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57:17Inspired by an opinion piece in Mountain Bike Action, we're talking about proper mountain bike etiquette. We discuss who has priority on shared use trails, how to pass another mountain biker whether traveling in the same or opposite directions, and rules that are specific for group rides. Following the "rules" not only ensures safety of all trail u…
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Everyone's road (or trail) to cycling has a different start, as well as twists and turns. On this episode, Kristin and Steve are looking back and digging deep into the photo archives to share how they each started cycling, the bikes that have come (and gone), and how their cycling has evolved since they started cycling together. Send us a text Leav…
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4. Mountain Biking When It's Cold AND Dark
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50:36If you want to mountain bike outside during the winter (and still have a day job) there is a very good chance you will be riding at at night, in the cold. Inspired by a recent ride with "Friday Night Ride (FNR)" friends, Kristin and Steve share how riding at night gives a new perspective on your favorite trails, while also making new trails a bit m…
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The snow is falling, and our thoughts turn towards dusting off our fat bikes! Kristin and Steve roll back to the early days of the Shop when the introduction of fat bikes and our then-partnership marked an important turning point. During our conversation we talk about our bikes – a Surly Wednesday and Surly Ice Cream Truck – as well as share inform…
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2. Indoor Training – Riding Miles, Going Nowhere
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40:33Shorter days and colder temperatures have forced us inside and onto our trainers. And while we aren't entirely happy about it (we always prefer riding outside), there are plenty of good reasons to get on the trainer. We share some of the tactics (and gear) we use to make the most of "riding miles, going no where." Send us a text Leave a comment, qu…
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At the start of the New Year while some are making resolutions, Kristin and Steve are planning their ride schedule! For this, the first episode of Cycling Together, Kristin and Steve share some of their past ride experiences, what factors they consider when deciding on rides, and what rides are on their list for 2025. Send us a text Leave a comment…
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