Drop-Bar MTBs: Dylan Johnson on the science and sociology of speed

In 2023, Dylan Johnson was the one pro on a drop-bar mountain bike at the Leadville Trail 100. This year, seemingly half the pros had this set-up. So what happened in between? Silca supports both Dylan Johnson and The Ride. You can save money at https://silca.cc/ using: Dylan's code 'dylan' (go fast, get marginal gains) or my code 'theridewithbenjune2025' (keep things tidy, improve your marriage) -- Want to see what I'm testing and where? Follow me on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/ben-delaney or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_delaney -- The Ride is supported in 2025 by: Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com/US/en/ HOVERAir self-flying cameras: https://amzn.to/3ZCzb9V Perc coffee: https://tinyurl.com/fjr7nurr (save 15% with code 'ride15') Saris racks: https://saris.com/collections/racks# (save 15% with code 'ben15') Silca maintenance: https://silca.cc/ (save 10% with code 'theridewithbenjune2025') BikeTiresDirect: https://tinyurl.com/yc7vxujh (save 10% with code 'THERIDE') The Cyclist Lawyer: https://www.thecyclist-lawyer.com/ Shimano shoes & glasses: http://tinyurl.com/ye274tep Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://bit.ly/3S9Dq8r -- 0:00 intro 2:18 pro reactions 6:15 follow the leader 10:00 where does it make sense? 15:13 but downhill? 19:15 Silca deal 20:17 wind tunnel vs real world 23:56 confession time 25:46 weirdness & drivers 26:26 industry conspiracy! 31:20 one bike to rule them all? 32:49 what is the future?