We’re going something different for the next few episodes of the Zipp Speed Podcast. While we’re all about bike tech, we know cycling is all about people. Here at Zipp we’re excited to be part of SRAM’s commitment to expand cycling and make it more accessible to a more diverse array of people. 
 
This episode of the Zipp Speed podcast kicks up a three-part series we’re calling Momentum for Cycling. It ties into a racing and cycling festival we support here in our hometown of Indianapolis called Momentum Indy. This festival includes the Honor Major Taylor ride presented by Zipp—a free ride dedicated to world champion and Indianapolis native Marshall “Major” Taylor.

To learn more about Momentum Indy, visit momentumindy.org. 

In our three-part Momentum for Cycling series, we meet two new African American cyclists, Mario Leavell and Olivia West, and a visionary of American cyclist, race and event executive director Jennifer Cole Cvar. 

In our first Momentum of Cycling episode, we meet Mario Leavell. Mario started riding bikes since 2000, and used cycling to transform his health. Along the way he became inspired by Major Taylor and became a big fan of LEGION of Los Angeles. Last fall he even traveled from his home in Evansville, Indiana, to California for LEGION’s Into the Lion’s Den race. Marion 

So now on with the show with guest host Mariah Parsons talking with Mario about the power of cycling. 
Join us for episodes 2 and 3 of this special Momenum for Cycling series from the Zipp Speed Podcast. 

Guest interviewer Mariah Parsons currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the host of two podcasts (Learn 2 Listen & Retention Chronicles). She is currently in the Orr Fellowship and works as a Marketing Specialist at Malomo.

The Zipp Speed Podcast

Momentum for Cycling Part I: Mario and Mariah

We’re back on the Zipp Speed Podcast; we’re talking more gravel riding and gravel bike technology. In this episode, Zipp Product Manager Bastien Donze and RockShox Product Manager Jed Douglas. These two experts explain the key technologies behind the Zipp 101 XPLR and the RockShox Rudy XPLR suspension fork. Jed and Bastien then explain how the 101 wheelset and Rudy fork work to smooth the ride on gravel, saving the rider precious energy and preserving speed.
 
This podcast is for you if you’re into bike tech or gravel riding. This episode accompanies a tech blog published on SRAM.com of testing on the 101 and Rudy in SRAM’s Indianapolis test lab. Please also check out Part 1 of this XPLR podcast series, where we talk with experience gravel riders Sarah Walter and Nico Deportago-Cabrera.

Zipp and RockShox XPLR Gravel Talk Part II

Zipp caught up with Saint Motel Drummer Greg Erwin recently at the band’s (fabulous!) show in Columbus, Ohio. When we arrived, the band was in soundcheck getting ready for a sold-out show that evening. A Zipp ambassador, Greg had just finished a long bike ride shortly before we recorded this podcast. If you’re a fan of music or cycling, you’ll love Greg’s passionate approach to both. He’ll also introduce you a few of Saint Motel’s stylish and imaginative songs. The band’s sound could be described as energetic and stylish. As for bikes, Greg will explain why cycling keeps his life in balance, especially while on the road on his Zipp 303s.

Saint Motel's Greg Erwin

If you’re a roadie transitioning to gravel, this episode of the Zipp Speed Podcast is for you. Road riding and racing are excellent preparation for gravel events, but there are critical differences in bike setup, tactics, mindset, and nutrition. Zipp Content Manager Dan Lee talks with his colleague Jonathan Jacob. If you’re a regular listener to the Zipp Speed Podcast, you’ll recognize JJ as a guest on some of our more popular episodes. JJ works on SRAM’s Velocio brand and is a two-time national champion. He’s been on the podcast before, discussing criterium racing and his time spent in the wind tunnel. JJ is compelling and entertaining, providing valuable insights into cycling gear, strategy, and performance. He recently competed in Unbound in Kansas, so this is a perfect time to sit down and talk with JJ about transitioning from road to gravel. So, sit back and relax as we discuss the road to gravel.

Old School Roadie Transitions To Gravel

Learn all about the new 1ZERO HITOP SW and S wheelsets. The 1ZERO HITOP models are Zipp’s first XC wheelsets in almost three decades. The 1ZERO HITOP builds on Zipp’s success in MTB with the 3ZERO MOTO Enduro wheelset. Zipp offers two versions of the 1ZERO HITOP wheel: the premium SW and the dependable S.

The philosophy behind the 1ZERO HITOP is simple:  No longer is it good enough for an XC wheelset to be stiff above all else. Instead, a wheelset should feel alive. The 1ZERO HiTOP SW carbon rim’s design complies with the terrain thanks to Zipp’s proprietary HiTOP Technology for carbon layup. The result is a lightweight XC wheel that carries speed through all sections of the trail, rocks, roots, and ruts with dependable durability.

In this episode, Zipp Design Engineer Aaron Packard and Zipp Test Engineer Brian Leathers explain the design, tech, and testing behind the 1ZERO.

Zipp 1ZERO HITOP: Riding is Believing

Zipp engineer Dave Morse first put TyreWiz on his bikes out of curiosity and a bit of novelty. Then as the miles accumulated, he realized its utility before and during rides. Dave pumped up his tires until TyreWiz’s LED turned green. He made minor tire-pressure adjustments to optimize speed, rolling resistance, and handling. He monitored potential punctures on gravel. For the launch of the new TyreWiz 2.0, we talked with Dave about this handly small device.

All about TyreWiz 2.0: Real Time Tire Pressure Monitoring

Skye Moench (rhythms with launch) finished a solid seventh at the 2023 Ironman World Championships in Kona. In this episode of the podcast, Zipp catches up with the Utah-based triathlete about her training and background in the sport. They also discuss the rise of tubeless setups in triathlon and the importance of wheel choice. So sit back and relax; it’s time for the Zipp Speed Podcast.

Pro triathlete Skye Moench from Kona

Magnus (Maggy) Backstedt swung by Zipp's hometown of Indianapolis, so we grabbed our recorder to catch up with the big Swede. As we talked with him in his camper, his daughter, Zoe, rode training laps on the cyclocross course outside. The two are part of the powerhouse CANYON//SRAM Racing team, dad as director sporfit and daughter rider.

Maggy—at 6-foot-4, 205 pounds—was a huge presence in the pro peloton in the early 2000s. In this fun interview, he recalls his momentous victory at the 2004 Paris-Roubaix and his early experimentation with wider tires and carbon wheels at Roubaix. Like Zipp, he was ahead of his time. Maggy, in 2008, was part of Zipp's determined drive to develop a carbon wheel tough enough to win on the cobblestones of Roubaix. He gives all the details. At the end of the podcast, Maggy reveals his jaw-dropping power numbers.

Magnus "Maggy" Backstedt, 2004 Roubaix champ & CANYON//SRAM director

In this episode of the Zipp Speed Podcast, Zipp’s Dan Lee and Nico Deportago-Cabrera break down their five favorite Zipp accessories. So if you’re looking for quick ways to freshen your ride or your look, or you need holiday gift ideas, this show is for you. So sit back and get ready, it’s time for the Zipp Speed podcast!

Our favorite Zipp accessories & merch

Pro cyclocross racer Raylyn Nuss of the Steve Tilford Foundation Racing team is our first guest on the Zipp Speed Podcast in 2024. The former college basketball player loves the chaos of cyclocross. She recently finished third at the USA Cycling Cyclocross Nationals. Raylyn is a fun and passionate advocate for CX and STF Racing.

Raylyn Nuyss of STF Racing CX

From small town upstate New York, Curtis White has always thought big. He pushed himself in CX and in the classroom with an intense focus on honing his weaknesses. That approach provides balance on and off the bike. Curtis races on the Zipp 303 Firecrest Tubular and trains on the 303 S tubeless wheelsets.

Curtis White of Steve Tilford Foundation Racing

ZippCast talks about the athletes you like, the bikes you want, the wheels you need. ZippCast is brought to you by Zipp Speed Weaponry, engineers of performance cycling products that are lighter, faster, stronger, and more aerodynamic than anything else available.

Momentum for Cycling Part I: Mario and Mariah

The Zippcast

Related tracks