Gravel Cycling Tech, The USA Trail Scouting, and the Future of Basepacking | ShiftLess Ep. 87

We are back! After a short hiatus, Kevin and Brad return to the studio to dive deep into the evolving landscape of unpaved bicycle culture. Episode 87 is a jam-packed debrief on everything from transcontinental scouting to the controversial "marginal gains" era of gravel racing.Kevin recaps his recent time in "Spinistryville," Georgia, and the ongoing physical verification of The USA Trail—a massive 4,000-mile transcontinental unpaved route. We discuss the tactical advantages of Basepacking (using a vehicle as a mobile hub for bikepacking) and how it’s changing the game for long-distance route development.From the pro peloton’s "mechanical doping" rumors to a technical breakdown of Dylan Johnson’s newest aero-optimized gravel build, we cover the gear that matters. Plus, we take a hard look at the recent mud drama at Valley of Tears and why the "Spirit of Gravel" might need a dose of old-school toughness.In this episode, we discuss:Scouting The USA Trail: Kevin’s update on the Georgia-to-Texas segments and the vast network of the Oconee National Forest.Basepacking Logistics: Why vehicle-supported adventure cycling is the perfect entry point for ultra endurance unpaved cycling.The Tech Evolution: A breakdown of Dylan Johnson’s narrow bars, 165mm short cranks, and internal routing.Bikepacking Gear: Brad’s deep dive into the Durston X-Dome tent versus the asymmetrical Dutchware Chameleon hammock setup.State Bicycle Co. Shakeup: Is a $2,500 titanium all-road bike the ultimate "Everyman" gravel rig?Race Recaps & Drama: Pogačar vs. Pidcock, the BWR "Dirt Crit" movement, and the ethics of shortening muddy courses for elite fields.ShiftLess Ventures: Kevin’s "shower thought" about opening a new-age bike shop focused on direct-to-consumer models and high-quality used builds.Whether you're prepping for a local gravel race or dreaming of a cross-country bikepacking expedition, join us for an authentic look at the gear, the grease, and the glory of life off-pavement.Gravel cycling, gravel racing, bikepacking, ultra endurance unpaved cycling, The USA Trail, Basepacking, State Bicycle Co Titanium, cycling tech, Dylan Johnson bike build, ShiftLess Podcast, adventure cycling.“Everyone has a plan until they get high-centered in a Rivian in the Bridgeport mud.” — Go ride your bike.Key Highlights & Technical GearFeatureDetailsNew Tech165mm Cranks, Narrow (32cm) Bars, Internal RoutingRoute FocusThe USA Trail (Transcontinental Unpaved Verification)PhilosophyBasepacking (Mobile base-camp adventure cycling)Material DebateLugged Steel vs. Titanium vs. CarbonExport to SheetsKeywords for OptimizationHere's the video link Brad suggested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXDAgKx8680Rach out and touch us: [email protected]