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.
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Silca Podcasts
The Global Cycling Network (GCN) is the largest online cycling channel in the world, bringing together a global community of road cyclists to celebrate everything that’s great about the world of cycling. We bring compelling content, including expert tutorials, techniques, training, racing, cutting-edge bike tech, unparalleled behind-the-scenes event coverage, humour, entertainment, and more. Presented by ex-pro riders, GCN offers a uniquely qualified insight into the world of cycling, and mo ...
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Exploring the "why" & "how" behind the bicycles, components, gear & tech we ride everyday.
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AJA #47: Aluminum Velodromes, Forever Chemicals, Big-Wheel Aesthetics, and valve stem nerdery
57:37
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57:37This Ask Josh Anything grab-bag starts with Tucson's new aluminum velodrome, evolves (devolves?) into altitude hacks for hour records, "no-rules" speed dreams, and holiday gift picks. From buying a kid's first bike (and why chain waxing might be the cleanest parenting win) to ESG-minded shop habits, Roubaix wheel diameter fever dreams to, aero brak…
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677: 6 Things You Need To Know About Cycling In 2026 | GCN Show Ep. 677
23:29
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23:29Welcome to the final GCN Show of the year, where Si and Dan dive into the trends that will shape the cycling world in 2026! We tackle the big debate: has Tadej Pogačar officially surpassed Eddy Merckx as the greatest male cyclist in history? From the rise of "gromestiques" and 32-inch mountain bike wheels to the shifting science of Zone 3 training,…
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676: Tadej Pogačar Just Got Even Better: Everybody Should Be Scared | GCN Show 676
39:52
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39:52Welcome to a special Christmas edition of the GCN Show, where we analyze Tadej Pogačar’s "scary" early-season form after he obliterated the famous Coll de Rates KOM during a massive training ride in Spain. We also take a look at the bold new 2026 kit reveals from Ineos Grenadiers and Canyon-SRAM, plus the news of a controversial billion-dollar bike…
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How Ben Healy Became The Breakaway Master
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15:16Ben Healy has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting riders in the pro peloton, known for his relentless aggression and long-range attacks. We sat down with the EF Education-EasyPost star to discuss exactly how he masters the art of the breakaway, from his "almost perfect" stage wins to his obsession with aerodynamics. Plus, Ben re…
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675: Does Cycling HAVE To Be Dangerous? | GCN Show Ep. 675
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35:37This week on the GCN Show, we weigh up the risks of riding to ask: does cycling always have to be dangerous? We also take a first look at the new 2026 World Tour team kits, break down Tadej Pogačar's surprisingly light race schedule ahead of the Tour, and catch up on Mathieu van der Poel's return to cyclocross. Plus, we have all your usual favorite…
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674: The Mistake Most Of Us Make When Training | GCN Show 674
40:18
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40:18In this week's GCN Show, Si and Dan discuss the dreaded "Grey Zone" and why doing too much riding at this middle intensity might be making you tired without actually making you faster. We also look at a new study linking the world's happiest countries to cycling, and discuss the controversial new documentary narrated by Lance Armstrong. Plus, stay …
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Melisa Rollins: From Hand-Me-Downs to Leadville Champ
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57:54Fatty sits down with 2024 Leadville champion (and his daughter) Melisa Rollins to discuss her meteoric rise from riding borrowed bikes to the professional peloton. Joined by fitter Barry Anderson, they dig into the biomechanical challenges of world-class power, the dangers of athletic stoicism, and the chaotic reality of stage racing in Africa.…
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673: We Can’t Believe We Used To Use These Products | GCN Show 673
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42:45Welcome to GCN Show 673! This week, we're taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to discuss cycling products we happily used to ride with, but wouldn't dream of touching now. From ancient gearing to questionable accessories, join us as we explore how far cycling tech has come, alongside big news from the world of pro cycling, urban cycling, and m…
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672: Cyclists Should Be Allowed To Run Red Lights | GCN Show Ep. 672
44:52
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44:52This week on the GCN Show, we dive into a controversial debate: is it time to legalize cyclists running red lights and stop signs? We also take a look at a bonkers new "6-in-1" GPS head unit that uses AI and inflates your tires, plus we analyze the highest VO2 Max potentially ever recorded. Finally, we discuss why over 6,000 people have signed a pe…
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671: I'm 42, Should I Know Better? | GCN Show Ep. 671
43:35
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43:35This week on the GCN Show, Si explains the story behind his cuts and bruises after a nasty cyclocross crash! We investigate a new report that claims cycling is the most dangerous sport in America, ahead of basketball and football. Plus, Mathieu van der Poel could be taking on an Ironman, we check out the world's first aluminum velodrome.…
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670: 5 Reasons Why Gravel Suspension Is Inevitable | GCN Show
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36:14Is full-suspension the inevitable future of gravel cycling? With Trek launching a new full-suspension gravel bike, the GCN Show presenters debate the five reasons why we'll all end up on one, and the arguments against. Plus, we cover the latest in cycling news, including a major bike recall, Mathieu van der Poel's 'Best Cyclist' crown, and the end …
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AJA #46: Safety Pins, TPU Wins & Indoor Suffering
55:46
55:46
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55:46Josh tackles why we're still pinning race numbers instead of printing them on jerseys, then dives into the tech story behind Silca's translucent TPU tubes. We talk about real-world marginal gains for everyday riders, and Fatty's recommendations for indoor training setups. Last but not least, you do NOT want to miss Josh's unfiltered take on the UCI…
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669: Are Exhibition Races Good for Cycling? | GCN Show Ep. 669
33:18
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33:18This week on the GCN Show, we dive into the weird world of predetermined races—should fixed post-Tour criteriums be banished to the history books, or are they a bit of fun that should be celebrated? We discuss the origins of these races, share our own experiences, and debate the end-of-season ASO-run criteriums in Singapore and Japan. Plus, we've g…
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We rarely chase trends or product announcements on the Marginal Gains Podcast. The news of the day we mostly leave to other shows. So allow us while we make an exception to our normal behavior and take a stab at the 32 inch wheel. The wheel size is not the new thing here. It's the tire that's creating some buzz. A viable, tubeless mountain bike tir…
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667: Change Is Coming Are You Ready For It? | GCN SHOW 667
38:34
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38:34The cycling world is changing fast! This week, we dive into the big debates: should electric cargo bikes share your local cycle lanes, and are full-suspension gravel bikes the future? Plus, we catch up on all the latest pro cycling drama, including the surprise end to the Strava vs. Garmin lawsuit , the latest on team mergers and closures, and some…
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666: Pogačar Finally beaten… By GCN | GCN Show 666
38:13
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38:13The race we've all been waiting for finally happened: Tadej Pogačar took on GCN's very own "best climber" and lawyer, Andrew Feather, at the Pogi Challenge—we've got the full breakdown of how it went! Plus, we bring you all the news from the Gravel World Championships, a look at some fascinating new cycling tech and laws, and recap a huge milestone…
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665: Is This The End Of Strava? Strava Sues Garmin | GCN Show Ep. 665
42:10
42:10
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42:10Strava is suing Garmin, demanding they stop selling nearly all of their fitness and cycling products - a shocking move against their biggest long-term partner. We dive into this massive lawsuit, breaking down what Strava is claiming, what Garmin is asking for, and the real-world impact this corporate conflict could have on your riding and your favo…
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664: The UCI Have Unbanned Stuff! What’s Next? | GCN Show Ep. 664
36:56
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36:56The UCI has made some U-turns! This week, we dive into the rule reversal on handlebar width and the ban on time-trial helmets in road races - is it a positive step, or are they still not helping themselves? Plus, we celebrate Tadej Pogačar's historic season and discuss the surprising new full-suspension gravel bike from Trek. Finally, don't miss ou…
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AJA #45: Pump Accuracy & Cheap Carbon Parts
58:49
58:49
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58:49Hear why that "psst" when you pull the chuck is just hose air (not lost PSI), how to set smarter pressures for tandems and "big-butt" weight splits using a bathroom scale, and what tread actually grips on loose-over-hard. Josh also demystifies analog vs. digital gauge accuracy (and drift) and tackles the carbon-on-the-cheap question—when a bargain …
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663: What Separates The Good From The Great? | GCN Show Ep. 663
31:32
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31:32Is being a champion just about power numbers and genetics, or is there more to it? We dive into what truly separates the best in the peloton from the rest, with insights from our time as professional cyclists. We also discuss the latest cycling news, from the insane valuation of Strava to the UCI's legal challenges, and share some of the best cycli…
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Marginal Gainers are familiar with Best Bike Split -- the website where using rider data you can forecast a finish time on a specific course. It has been a great tool for years for amateurs and pros alike. Josh has frequently referenced BBS on the show. Fatty and Hottie have discussed it on their Leadville Podcast. But we wanted to know what is und…
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662: Why Are We Obsessed With Weight When It Doesn't Actually Matter? | GCN Show Ep. 662
40:35
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40:35In this episode of the GCN Show, we discuss the biggest topics in cycling this week. We dive into London's cycling chaos, the weight debate in professional cycling, and why Mathieu van der Poel's mountain bike dream didn't go as planned. Stick around to find out how you can win a pair of Elite Drive 2 carbon wheels! Ride with Dan 👉 https://www.zwif…
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661: Proof That Riding More And Riding Slower Gets You Faster | GCN Show Ep. 661
40:31
40:31
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40:31Geraint Thomas and Ellen van Dijk bow out of professional cycling, but their long careers are a testament to the benefits of consistent training. This week, we dive into new evidence that suggests long, easy rides are the key to success and check out the latest tech from Wahoo, plus we round up all the cycling news and a new world record attempt! W…
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660: Is Van Der Poel About To Crash And Burn? | GCN Show Ep. 660
42:37
42:37
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42:37Has Mathieu Van Der Poel bitten off more than he can chew? We dive into his quest to become a mountain bike world champion and whether he can succeed after a string of recent crashes. Plus, we've got the latest cycling news, a brand new giveaway, and your best hacks and bodges! Enter the Insta360 giveaway here 👉 https://gcn.eu/GCNInsta360Comp…
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AJA #44: Hookless Controversy, Tire Myths, and Aero Hacks
59:23
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59:23Josh tackles the fallout from his viral "hookless is a scam" comment, clarifies the real risks and physics behind hookless rims, and dives deep into tire pressures, gauges at altitude, and disc wheel aerodynamics.
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659: 7 Things We Wish We’d Known About Cycling Sooner | GCN SHOW Ep. 659
34:41
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34:41Join Si and Conor as they reflect on their cycling careers and share what they wish they'd known from the very beginning. From training tips and maintenance tricks to the unwritten rules of the road, the GCN team is talking about the lessons learned over a lifetime on two wheels. You might be surprised by what they've discovered! 🧡 If the Zwift Rac…
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658: Does Cycling Have A Problem With Elitism And Snobbery? | GCN Show Ep. 658
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30:06Welcome to the GCN Show! This week, we issue another apology after viewers criticized our perceived snobbery in the last episode. We ask if cycling has a wider problem with being unfriendly and elitist, and if so, what can we do about it. We also have an update on the world of cycling, including a naked bike thief and cycle lanes that were ripped o…
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657: Are Pros Ruining Gravel For The Rest Of Us? | The GCN Show Ep. 657
35:52
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35:52Is gravel racing becoming too extreme? In this episode of the GCN Show, Si and Dan are debating whether the sport needs rules to protect it from itself, as some racers are pushing the boundaries with controversial bike setups. We also cover a MAJOR cycling transfer, new health benefits of cycling, and reveal the winner of our caption competition. P…
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Brendan Johnston: Racing, Resilience, and Results
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1:19:00Australian cycling champ and Grand Prix contender Brendan Johnston shares the races that shaped him, the setbacks that tested him, and an upcoming project that may become his ultimate proving ground.
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656: Why My New Bike Is Dangerously Fast | The GCN Show Ep. 656
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35:31This week on The GCN Show, we're asking a serious question: are modern bikes TOO good? After a ride on his new superbike, Dan argues that the incredible speeds of today's bikes could be dangerous in the wrong hands. We debate whether you need to "pay your dues" before riding the best tech. Plus, we've got all the latest news, including the incredib…
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Lauren Stephens has been easy to spot in both Road and Gravel events; just look for the stars and stripes. She has won three US titles: two gravel and one road. Oh, but there's so much more to her career. How about more than 30 UCI road race victories? She has twice won the Joe Martin Stage Race, the Tour of the Gila and Unbound 100. Lauren has als…
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655: Tour de France Ratings Are Down. Should We Be Worried? | GCN Show Ep. 655
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32:09Welcome back to the GCN Show! This week, we're diving into the big story: new data shows that TV viewing figures for the Tour de France are in decline. We analyse the numbers, discuss the "Pogačar effect," and ask the crucial question: should we be worried about the future of the sport? PLUS! We've got a mind-blowing new double Everesting World Rec…
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654: The One Record Tadej Pogačar Hasn't Broken | GCN Show Ep. 654
36:39
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36:39Welcome to the GCN Show! This week, we're asking a big question: Is there still one record that Tadej Pogačar can't break? We dive deep into his incredible climbing performance on Hautacam at the Tour de France and compare it to the legendary, controversial record set by Bjarne Riis back in 1996. We also discuss the difficult topic of doping in cyc…
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653: Is The Tour de France Still The Ultimate Test Of Endurance? | GCN Show Ep. 653
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35:41This week, we're asking a controversial question: is the Tour de France still the ultimate test of human endurance? We dive into the history of the race, comparing the epic 14-hour stages of the past with the high-speed, high-intensity racing of today. We also have the latest news from the Giro d'Italia Women, including a controversial fine for rac…
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AJA #43: CRR/CDA and Hookless plus The Magnus Effect
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1:00:05We take a look at what has become a dilemma for some Marginal Gains seekers and that is optimizing aero, rolling resistance on a tubeless, hookless rim. Josh has an admittedly unpopular take on the subject. We also get into the aerodymanic idea known as the Magnus Effect. The principle says that a spinning object will develop unequal pressure on ei…
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652: The Insane Speeds Of The Tour de France Are Mind Blowing | The GCN Show Ep. 652
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35:34Welcome to the GCN Show! This week, we're doing a deep dive into the truly mind-boggling speeds and power data from the chaotic opening stages of the Tour de France. Find out what it really takes to stay in the front echelon in the crosswinds, with average speeds hitting over 60 km/h on the flat! We also have the latest news from the Women's Giro d…
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The Next Decade Long Cycling Debate Is Here | GCN Show Ep. 651
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33:47🎥 Find the show and watch it on YouTube: GCN Show 651 Last week, at the world’s biggest cycling trade show (Eurobike!) we caught a glimpse at the future of bikes & cycling tech. Today, we're talking you through the trends we're seeing in cycling right now, some of which are scary! Plus, a bumper tech round up, the Moto GP rider taking on a pro bike…
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We know, the title sounds like we're doing an episode about drug paraphernalia, but trust us, it's the (very good) answer to one of many great questions posed to Josh in this latest listener-driven Q&A episode. We get into using the right lube under the right conditions (including super dry moondust mountain biking), aero combos with the Conti Aero…
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Get A Free Bike Fit With This GCN Show | GCN Show Ep. 650
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31:54🎥 Find the show and watch it on YouTube: GCN Show 650 We've got an exclusive offer this week! Courtesy of MyVeloFit, it's a free bike fit all done from the comfort of your own home! Plus, we talk all about entry-level and premium bikes, a new groupset from Shimano, a drop-dead gorgeous new Orbea, and MUCH more! Get your bike fit thanks to MyVeloFit…
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