It Just Got WEIRD... Bike Shop Life in 2026! 🚨🎙️ Full Podcast 25 📱

The Cycling Industry's Most Engaging Live Podcast: Episode 25 🎙️ "Shop Talk Tuesday." (Community Livestream) On this episode of Shop Talk Tuesday, we have to address the elephant in the room: things just got weird. It’s early 2026, and the bicycle industry is throwing us curveballs we never saw coming. We aren't just talking about the 100% tariffs on imports or the sudden "32-inch wheel" debate that’s splitting the mountain bike community down the middle—we’re talking about the bizarre new reality of running a shop. Between major brands like Rad Power facing massive restructuring and the rise of "smart" AI-powered sunglasses that everyone is suddenly wearing, the vibe in the service bay has shifted. We're seeing customers choose $90 TPU tubes over tubeless setups and pro racers showing up with three inches of spacers under their stems. Whether it's "Grease-Gate" or the new proprietary battery wars, 2026 is proving to be the year where everything we knew about bike shop life is being rewritten in real-time. Buckle up, because this industry update is a wild one. Last Week's Episode: https://youtube.com/live/ybdjPFNmnuM 🚴‍♀️ Looking to upgrade your ride? The quickest way to enhance performance has always been with new wheels and an upgraded chain for crisper shifting. Plus, don't forget an excellent protected polish! 🛠 Trusted Partners Visit Here, ⬇⬇⬇ Start HERE ⬇⬇⬇ (Affiliate) ✅ https://iknowaguybicycles.com/partners/ Featured Products and Services: ✅ Bicycle Wheels Warehouse Custom Wheels for Rim Brakes: bicyclewheelwarehouse.com The Guys' Discount: 25% off purchases of $99 or more, site-wide. 🚨 Code: IKAG25 ✅ Vital Bike Chains - Custom Pre-Waxed Chains: 🚨 10% Coupon Code: GUY10 https://vitalbikechains.com/ @vitalbikechains ✅ Check some of Mendham's Bicycle Deals: https://mendhambikes.com/ 🚨 15% Coupon Code: KNOWNBIKEGUY ✅ If you shop on Amazon. ⬇⬇⬇ Start HERE ⬇⬇⬇ (Affiliate) (Amazon Store) https://www.amazon.com/shop/iknowaguybicycles ✅ Movies and Books to check out, all Cycling Related: (AmazonStore) #MyMediaList https://www.amazon.com/shop/iknowaguybicycles/media/amzn1.ideas.media.3M0VDEN7X6RWZ?ref_=aipsfmedialist https://www.amazon.com/shop/iknowaguybicycles/media/amzn1.ideas.media.2AOX0VNWUZSI2?ref_=aipsfmedialist 📬 Attention Companies: If you are interested in working with me, don't hesitate to get in touch with me here at justin@iknowaguybicycles.com #bike #bicycle #sports #shoptalktuesday #bikemechanic #bikeindustry #cycling #livestream #tariffs 🎙️ New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! 😍 https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5845673356951552 0:17 Bicycle industry trends and forecast 2026 8:27 New bike production lead times and manufacturing process 12:17 Top-down innovation in cycling technology 14:22 Best entry level electric bikes 2026 19:26 Benefits of bicycle infrastructure and protected bike paths 24:14 Physical activity vs antidepressants for mental health 31:55 How to start a used bike trade-in program for shops 43:20 Brompton folding bike features and wheel sizes 48:25 32 inch wheel mountain bike benefits for tall riders 1:09:59 Shimano Cues component groupset review and compatibility