154: Fargo 32 Updates, Tour Finale Drama, and the Problem with Racing E-Bikes

In episode 154 of Shiftless, the hosts joke about not talking bikes enough, then discuss Salsa’s email confirming the Fargo 32 steel frameset arriving next month and a titanium option in the fall, plus related wheels, tires, and accessories, while expressing growing skepticism about 32-inch wheels beyond fit benefits for taller riders. They reference Ben Delaney’s 700c vs 32 real-world test video and debate whether marginal gains matter for most riders versus industry-driven “next big thing” marketing. The conversation shifts to the Tour de France: Pogačar won overall, scrutiny lingered after middle-of-the-night testing with no official follow-up, and Pogačar broke Pantani’s climb record amid discussion of pacing, technology, fueling, recovery, and doping suspicions, alongside doubts about motor doping. They also critique e-bike racing after a rider was reportedly disqualified at USA Cycling’s Marathon MTB Nationals over an unapproved Specialized Levo/firmware issue. Personal updates include AC trouble, upcoming pop-up dinners, bike maintenance plans, and Austin Whittington reportedly completing the full Judgment Day route.00:00 Cold Open and Welcome00:27 Salsa Fargo 32 Update01:48 32 Inch Wheels Debate05:12 Fit Versus Hype07:34 Industry Sales Reality09:06 Tour Recap Setup10:25 Midnight Testing Rumors12:36 Record Climb Breakdown20:36 Fueling Tech and Doping Gray25:04 Innocent Until Proven27:18 Peloton Trust Hangover28:39 Tour Course Favors Pogacar29:53 Motor Doping Line in Sand32:26 E-Bike Nationals Disqualification34:30 Can You Even Race E-Bikes36:12 Spec Series Dream Setup38:02 Karting Detour and Heat40:14 Ghost in the Machine Debate47:41 Tour Finale on Montmartre51:36 Dinner Plug and Bike Fixes53:21 Judgment Day Mileage Mystery56:33 Wrap Up and Next Ride Plans