Mike VS Mike: How We'd Spend Our Money - Video

Jan 24, 2018 at 18:50
by Mike Levy  


Orange juice and toothpaste. Dwight Schrute and Jim Halpert. Social justice warriors and rationality. Mike and... Mike? In case you haven't picked up on it yet, the shared theme is, of course, stuff that doesn't go together. That's not to say that you shouldn't ever try to pair two contrasting things; I mean, look at how amazing hot fudge and ice cream can be, right? So, in the name of hot fudge and ice cream, Kazimer and I sat down in front of a camera to talk about how we'd spend $200, $3,000, and even a completely fanciful $10,000, a topic that came about due to me failing the $2,000 bike challenge.

It's not that Kazimer and I don't get along, it's just that he's wrong about everything that I'm right about. Welcome to our new 'Mike VS Mike' video series, a soon to be canceled bad idea where he and I will hash out our opinions before everyone watching comes to the conclusion that I'm correct...or not, but you get my drift. But wait, there's more: you're going to tell us what (bike-related) subjects you want to see us argue about. Coil VS air? Downhill VS enduro? Slack VS steep? eMTBs VS holding onto your dignity? Just jokes on the last one. Now, all we need to figure out is which one of us is the hot fudge and which one is the ice cream.

Use the comment section below to tell us not only how you'd spend this money, but also what bike-related (I feel like I might need to point that out twice) topic you'd like to see Kazimer and I debate. We'll choose a few good ideas to use for our upcoming Mike VS Mike videos.

Author Info:
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Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles
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337 Comments
  • 281 2
 Can we get the WC DH season started, please?
  • 26 4
 SHOOT FIRED !!
  • 39 5
 I know, I can't wait.
  • 59 1
 @mikelevy: if ya had the same donut budget for the next show what other foods would you choose?
  • 38 2
 @fullbug: I think it's celery for the next video, and then spoonfuls of hot sauce for the quiz video. They'll be a different, stupid food each time. Celery is so gross.
  • 9 2
 @mikelevy: subscribed.
  • 19 2
 @fullbug: I wanted to unsubscribe when the celery came out.
  • 3 2
 @mikelevy: lol.
  • 41 5
 @mikelevy: if you want people listen to u talk, finish the food in your mouth first. My mother would slap the SH—T outta you!
  • 237 10
 @enduro29erHack: I know, she does like it a bit rough.
  • 32 1
 @mikelevy: touche’
  • 9 1
 @mikelevy: You should check out that BuySell feature on Pinkbike. Bikes are cheap as hell because most people don't really ride. That's where you're money should be headed...no LBS, no direct sales, I go to a place where I can barter!
  • 3 1
 Why? ews proponents keep telling us that EWS is better, harder, cooler.
  • 2 1
 @mikelevy: Enjoyed the vid. You remind me of American Pie's "Jim"... in a good way. Has anyone else told ya so? Haha.
  • 29 0
 Eat tide pods instead of donuts for the next vid. It's a much cleaner diet
  • 17 0
 @Soilsledding: Never heard of it but I'll check it out for sure!
  • 5 0
 @mikelevy: Celery is gross, it should be classified as a weed, and not the good kind.
  • 1 0
 i say spicy as hell chicken wings for the next review.
  • 2 0
 Right!, when I raced ABA BMX the off season was Dec 15th to Dec 31st. 2 weeks is all, DH should try the same.
  • 3 0
 I wanna hear Kazimer say Onza Aquilas are great
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: slow clap
  • 1 0
 Amen.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: love celery but can't stand cloves or red pepper corns, black pepper corns are awesome. Celery with fresh ground pepper. Or cloves.
  • 1 0
 @fullbug: "if ya had the same donut budget for the next show what other foods would you choose?" DOUGHNUTS
  • 2 0
 A Pingpong Gun fight. Timbits for ammo.
  • 173 0
 I love that Levy talks about how he pushes his bike up the hills and then burns through that entire plate of donuts.
  • 33 1
 @GambinoSX That's why he got shit stomped by Richie! ????
  • 76 0
 Reality is that he's pretty fast. 30th of 600 at bc bike race last year. I don't think he's walking up much.
  • 18 6
 *doughnuts Wink
  • 19 0
 the calorie vs $ ratio for donuts is pretty legit
  • 6 0
 I fast forwarded to the end just to see how many donuts will he eat Big Grin
  • 51 1
 @BCpov: I was running Wink
  • 8 2
 @BCpov: What place did you come in? (I loved your videos of the race btw)
  • 3 3
 @mikelevy: Good to know. If I want to train for a race I can either splash out on a new drivetrain or just stick with my 1x9sp drivetrain with 32x32 (oval) as lightest gear and just work on running uphill Smile . Don't worry, I'm no racer though. On the tight descends when there is a slower rider in front of me I stop and wait so that I can then rush down the hill at full speed. But it is not going to make me finish the race any sooner.
  • 2 0
 SOOOO MANY DONUTS!!!! but yes, I am going to get a donut now.... or 12 so i can be a hardcore bike rider like the pinkbike staff
  • 5 0
 @bikekrieg: 35 Smile
  • 1 0
 Maybe Timmy's paid him $10,000 to eat those donuts on PB Smile

Either that or he's an undercover cop

hehe Smile
  • 127 1
 for the next video, same amount of money but, instead of new, go on pb and find something used the buy/sell. maybe leave the 10k out.
  • 30 1
 That's not a bad idea....
  • 112 1
 That's a great idea. Kinda like Top Gear/Grand Tour where they have a budget to find the best used _______ for $_,___. Usually, pieces of @#$%. But each has to say why each approach is superior. And then they all have to do assignments by a guy in a labcoat like who can make it up an impossible climb the furthest or through an mx track, followed by a drag race. Pinkbike Gear!
  • 12 0
 @Ron-C: I only have but one up vote for this.
  • 3 0
 @Ron-C: that'd be great!
  • 48 0
 Love that idea.
  • 12 2
 @Ron-C: maybe even use the bikes at different races like XC and enduro. See how long the bike can last like how Top Gear tried to destroy the Toyota Tacoma
  • 14 0
 Yeah let's give them each $1000 for a bike and then helidrop them on a remote mountain top. Challenges would include fixing flats with no tubes, truing a wheel and then brakes that need to be bled.
  • 9 0
 @Ron-C: this is the singular best idea I've ever seen expressed on Pinkbike.

It's all downhill from here
  • 11 0
 @betorac: hilux
  • 8 1
 @mikelevy: Lets talk about a 10k dream bike oh never mind I'll get a 5k bike and go on vacation. I think that is what most people thought.
  • 2 8
flag shaney223 (Jan 25, 2018 at 21:15) (Below Threshold)
 @expat: hilux and tacoma are the same no?
  • 2 0
 @shaney223: If I remember right they're not. Tacoma is bigger and made for american market and Hilux is a bit smaller and aimed at European customers.
  • 2 0
 10K would buy a whole bunch of HGH, Steroids and EPO......
  • 1 0
 You can def find steals on PB but maybe about what to look for and or ask when buying a used bike.
  • 2 0
 @Ron-C: Or just call it "10t"
  • 6 0
 That is a good idea! But actually give them the budget to buy two used bikes on PB Buy and Sell, then do a showcase or test ride. Then donate the used bikes to two lucky PB members.
  • 5 6
 Actually you can spend 10k on a bike like S-Works Enduro, and then go web shopping some German das ist des bestische karbung, spending at least 3k more to cut the weight by additional 1lbs buying stupid sht like 110g 800mm wide bars, 90g saddle, 35g thru axles, hollow Ti bolts, nylon shifter cables and what not.
  • 1 0
 winner
  • 2 0
 Or choose a pro rider's bike they'd steal. They'd get the bike. . . but they'd have to deal with the rider.
  • 2 0
 What bike would you force the other guy to ride and why?
  • 1 0
 @rrolly: that’s a cool idea, I’d go with Bernard Kerr. I don’t like his bike but I reckon I could take him!
  • 1 0
 Use a fake account and try to lowball them!!
  • 1 0
 @Tinga: Awesome....... they should ride on the tires, brakes, and shock setup that came with the used bike and then show us how to fix/tune it up!
  • 1 0
 @rrolly: In that case, @mikelevy probably shouldn't go after Richie Rude... #humbled lol
  • 2 0
 @Ron-C: We should totally have a bike version of Star in a Reasonably Priced Car/Big Star, Small Car. Pros on budget friendly bikes... or Walmart-esque bikes, if we're feeling diabolical Big Grin
  • 84 0
 Levy’s gonna need 3k of insulin pretty soon when the type 2 kicks in!
  • 2 0
 Indeed Jimbo! Didn't realise you frequented the gnarl that is the PB comments too :-)
  • 2 0
 @cunning-linguist: well now ain’t that a thing, never knew you were the cunning linguist????! Nice one mate, friston is a bog bath , was in there today ????????????????
  • 1 0
 @cunning-linguist: whoops emojis don’t work on here
  • 3 0
 @jimoxbox: lol, that'd be me! The Mrs knows about my cunning linguisms....

At least you're riding matey. I've been away with work, so done two tenths of f*ck all! Gonna go for a spin this weekend! :-)
  • 2 0
 @cunning-linguist: well you haven’t been missing much ! Have a good one dude..
  • 16 0
 @jimoxbox: Get a Room ffs lol
  • 5 0
 @pigman65: spit roast?
  • 4 8
flag WAKIdesigns (Jan 26, 2018 at 12:52) (Below Threshold)
 He’s growlin’ the badger so tha’he can bugger off and a roid on satardy, but fair enough, I hev to listen what she has to sey abeut plonning the weekend, sum shyte abeut me boyin meself a new bloody pullova. Evyr since our marrig got a bit bettar she startyd talkin’to me hell of a lot and it’s a true pain in the arse to be honest. Me brakes need bleedin’ since two weeks, but I just don’ have the taym. Have to listen for foks sake.
  • 5 2
 @WAKIdesigns: totally wrong regional dialect , poor trolling my friend Smile
  • 46 0
 Ok, I was pretty sure that Mike L and Mike K were the same dude until now! Or am I just seeing some CGI here?!
  • 18 1
 Definitely different dudes last time I checked Wink
  • 6 0
 @mikelevy: how dare someone assumes your identity
  • 3 0
 @bogey I thought the same. Learn something new every day.
  • 10 0
 nah, one's got prison ink
  • 15 0
 @SnowshoeRider4Life: It's okay. I identify as a pale, dorky mountain biker and that description also suits Kazimer so we're all good.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: Body double for the assassin's is never a bad thing.
  • 38 0
 I love Canada, "Mike VS. Mike".........."Oh yeah bud that's a good option there, super, I couldn't agree more, good choice!"
  • 13 0
 Accurate.
  • 36 4
 "2 chicks at the same time" -Lawrence
  • 7 8
 Or 1 cup.
  • 3 0
 You don't need a million dollars for that
  • 10 1
 @bforwil: how much precisely? Asking for a friend....
  • 32 1
 Levy is just hammering the donuts all video
  • 29 0
 Nice video, but you guys agree on basically everything. Add someone like Charlie Sponsel in there to mix it up.
  • 16 1
 Yeah, this first video went way too smoothly. Fistfights soon, I promise.
  • 4 0
 @mikelevy: Money on Levy by TKO
  • 53 0
 @me2menow, after all the donuts Levy’s been pounding I think we’re in different weight classes. I can still take him, though.
  • 20 1
 @mikekazimer: I'd destroy you.
  • 3 1
 @mikelevy: @mikekazimer: Glad y'all are still having fun with this whole "bike blog" thing. Smile
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: Careful, don't make him sit on you... lol Got on here to say exactly what you already did, so had to settle for propping the weight class jab.
  • 29 0
 I say, both of you enter the BC bike race and you only have $500 to buy a used bike and race!
  • 47 2
 I can't stress enough how much I'm not going to consider this idea.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: BC local Kris Holm did it on $500 vehicle and did quite well or... I forgot how much that hub cost he was running. But you can probably get his used for $500 Smile .
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: How about $500 and you race the SIngle Speed World Championships in Bend this fall? I will join the challenge if you do.
  • 4 0
 @dtimms: I like gears.
  • 20 3
 200$- nice bag of bud, some wendys, a yellow redbull and some scratchers.

3,000$- nicer bag of bud, some wendys, a yellow redbull and some scratchers.

10,000$- nicest bag of bud, some wendys, a yellow redbull and some scratchers.
  • 11 1
 10k always ups the game to hookers and blow.
  • 4 1
 If @mikelevy finds out he likes the Tanihwa, he's found a use for those 10000$.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: I'll also have to eat crow on all my gearbox shit talk!
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Interesting! To be honest when I first learned about the Portus Cycles Krowd Karl ED (back when the crowdfunding just started) I actually seriously considered this bike. Especially as I'm currently still on 1x9sp, I'd just as well upgrade it all at once. Also considered Olsen and even got a quote from BTR (for a Ranger with Pinion C1.12). But I wanted my chainstay super short (which is standard with BTR) but it turned out not to be possible. And being realistic, I just don't pedal consistently. Just a couple of hard strokes, then coast and pump,some strokes again. Whereas those enthusiastic about gearboxes (so including Rohloff indeed) seemed to be mostly about long steady pedaling. So I couldn't justify the additional cost for me. But I'm still interested to see how you fared and how it compared to Paul Aston who rode the Cavalerie with Effigear.
  • 14 0
 I'd have gotten the new Spectral AL 6.0 for 2399$ (usd)
Pike, eagle (gx), proper tyres and a dropper included in the price.

The money left over I would not spend on a set of good wheels or some exciting suspension upgrades. No I'd spend half of it on donuts and the rest I would donate to the fund for presidents suffering dementia.
  • 3 7
flag dtm1 (Jan 25, 2018 at 20:06) (Below Threshold)
 Why, does Stefan Löfven have dementia?
  • 5 0
 @dtm1: Not to my knowledge, from what I can tell the Prime Minister of Sweden seems to be in good health Smile

(I'm not sure how this is related to the fund for Presidents though?)
  • 4 0
 Yep, one impressive one I'd suggest to friends looking for a first nice bike is the Neuron, starting at 1500€ you even get the dropper, with balanced geo and efficient 13kg build
  • 2 2
 @Uuno: could a bike called "neuron" also be offered to the fund for presidents suffering from dementia ?
  • 2 3
 @eldsvada: there are some genuinely Swedish things, like: buy sht loads of matching POC stuff, gather a big party and go to a bike park far far away on midsummer... or buy the cheapest Canyon and be prouder of it than an American after buying a 10k Foes.
  • 15 0
 @mikelevy How many donuts would you eat for 3K?
  • 52 0
 All of them.
  • 6 0
 @mikelevy: You could spend 1K for donuts and 2K for that trip to Mexico! Cool video!
  • 4 0
 @mikelevy: Don't you already eat all of them, though?
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtEFEdrrXc4
  • 12 1
 I was thinking 3K CAD. That sentinel after taxes at MSRP would be into the 4's easily. How about tackling the issue of bike weight on one episode? Is there too light? What is too heavy? It's a common discussion point on all new parts and bikes. However, there really doesn't seem to be a clear correlation between weight and winning races or weight and enjoying the ride. It was a prominent comment on the recent release of the Transition Sentinel and for some may be the factor that stops them from buying it...but should it? I have my opinions but I'd love to hear the Mikes on Mics debate it out.
  • 4 0
 Just purchased a Transitional Sentinal NX this month. In Oz, it came to $4700 delivered after taxes. ( Im thinking PB may be discussing in US dollars, as that is there largest target audience? )
Im happy so far with the NX groupset, that came with this bike. The NX derailers clutch an spring feel significantly heavier duty over my previous shamino set ups. (Xt/XTR.. .closer to a old saint spring tension feel)
The derailer even survived a large crash and slide down a boulder rock face last week (which ground down the face of the derailer, steel for the win!) Ps: I did changed over my saint brakes before riding, as they always get swapped onto my new steads.
  • 5 0
 Good topic.
  • 1 0
 @snl1200 : I definitely enjoy the ride when lots of weight is involved.

@mikelevy : yep especially going downhill, can a bike be too light?
(Otherwise is nearly always bonus to have it light)
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: Interesting indeed. If you're going into this, could you also discuss how weight is distributed? I don't think there is any discussion that the unsprung weight should be relatively low compared to the sprung weight. But I'm not so sure about rotating mass (other than of course that the rotating mass is almost exclusively part of the unsprung weight too). I once built a light front wheel (aluminium nipples, DT revolution spokes, lightweight rim etc) and didn't quite prefer it over running my regular wheel (typically with DT Alpine III spokes etc) and also a 700g (Kenda DH) tube at the time. I think I actually like the gyroscopic effect and use it to my advantage. But that's my view, don't mean to fill it in for you. But just as probably loads of people will disagree with what I just said, it may make for a nice discussion between you two too.

And you forgot it this time, but apparently you two need to discuss what to take for a snack next time. It seemed like you appreciated the donuts more than the other Mike did.
  • 15 1
 Levy could spend it on knuckle tatts for his remaining fingers
  • 7 0
 Nah, def neck or forehead
  • 32 0
 I love listening to people with loads of tattoos talk about not having money laying around.
  • 15 1
 @mikelevy dumbing down trails might be an interesting / relevant topic...
  • 22 1
 Oh god, I'm going to lose my shit. That topic will be talked about for sure.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Thank you!
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: If you do this topic you need to to it on site with a qualified builder and have the before and after trail perspective. Many times people complain about "dumbing down" when it's legitimate work that fixes an on going problem.

Note this doesn't apply to someone just going and cutting out a root or removing a rock because they can't clean the section of trail. But really how often does this happen in the Sea to Sky corridor?
  • 3 0
 @shirk-007: Where I live in the Fraser Valley, it happens ALL THE TIME. And it kills me a tiny bit each time.
  • 2 3
 @mikelevy: It doesn't happen very often here on the Shore. Just one of a million reasons why North Vancouver is better. Wink hahahaha
  • 12 0
 To me the the YT Jeffsey AL Comp seems like the logical choice at $2799, or are we talking smaller Canadian dollars.
  • 7 6
 Absurd they didn't mention the YT bikes. You can get a complete bike with pike and dropper for 2k and it has legit geometry.
  • 4 16
flag GeorgeHayduke (Jan 25, 2018 at 13:54) (Below Threshold)
 @surfwax: Legit geometry? I think my knees would be in front of the handlebar with that reach.
  • 14 1
 @surfwax: We do talk about YT Wink
  • 5 1
 Yeah, what was puzzling to me is they didn't mention the YT for the cheap bike, but then @mikelevy said he would buy a YT when he had the big budget to spend.
  • 5 0
 @GeorgeHayduke: Hmm, I ride a Jeffsy. It's fine to me. Have you actually ridden one?
  • 2 0
 @huntstyle: I have. Base 2017 AL 29er I had my buddy buy for a good budget bike. It kicks ass and rides great. I normally ride a Turner with DVO and if told I was “stuck” with the base Jeffsey would ride it without complaint. For the price, it is unreal.
  • 12 0
 @GeorgeHayduke: Back in 2006 was your ass in front of your fork?
  • 1 0
 I actually did have about £2k to spend on a bike (which is about $3k Canadian). I bought a YT Jeffsy AL and it's been a great.
  • 11 0
 I thought there would be more arguing. Y'all should get whiskey drunk for the next one.
  • 8 0
 I love that Levy almost killed off that entire plate of donuts and Kazimer didn't touch one. What's the over/under on how many donuts Levy ate? I am guessing 10.

Also topic for next time... Best wheel options at different price points.
  • 11 0
 Levy needs to keep eating doughnuts in every episode
  • 6 1
 This is actually what got him to beat Richie Rude at the gym I think.
  • 6 1
 I would prefer to.
  • 2 1
 @mikelevy: can you eat a doughnut within 20 walking steps?
  • 2 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Probably ten steps. Chewing is for noobs.
  • 5 0
 @mikekazimer @mikelevy Possibly someone has already brought this up in the comments and I missed it or in the $2000 budget article, but how about the constant price creep in the sport.

As a teenager I bought a 1994 I purchased a KHS Montana Comp for 990.00 CAD, the Comp was their 3rd tier bike, top being the Team, then Pro, then the Comp.

According to the inflation calculator that is 1500 cad in today's dollars.

www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/related/inflation-calculator

3000 usd being about 3600 cad at today's exchange then adjust for inflation and it's 2375 cad in 1994. Now I might need to go dig deeper into this but from memory I think 2375 cad in 1994 would have been full Merlin Ti frame blinged out in all the purple anno you can handle.

Let's see what you can find that you'd ride and race today as a high school kid that scrapped together everything he could for $1500 cad. In 1994 it was XC racing, but today a kid is likely to want to race enduro...so $1500 cad and buy a decent enduro rig.
  • 6 0
 What tires would you get if you could only afford one set for the next month and you wanted to pedal big days and ride bike park.
  • 10 1
 Sorry do they still make other tires than DHF?
  • 12 1
 @acali: obviously. DHR 2
  • 3 0
 @acali: They make magic mary’s, bro.
  • 2 0
 @konarider112: Sure. Let me know when you're putting in your big tire order from Germany!
  • 1 0
 Something on tyres could definitely be interesting, plenty of opportunity for arguments there!
  • 9 0
 Donut Apocalypse
  • 8 1
 Talking about climbing hills:

"I'm usually walking".. ***Eats another doughnut**** My kind of guy!
  • 4 0
 My 2 cents -

I think the arguing over $'s topic is overplayed. Let's discuss great places to go on a camping/biking road trip and best times of year to do them. Also enduro races and adventure rides that everyday riders/non-pros should sign up for and would enjoy.
  • 2 0
 Solid ideas. We'll do them.
  • 4 1
 I'd like to hear thoughts on replacing or complimenting your current bike with a new purchase. My Fuel is 4 years old now, needs some work to keep up and a bit outdated at this point. I still like it for easy rides and racing, but have the money for something that's a bit more capable. I can get what I want with a new Fuel, but I would probably never get on the old one again. I could also go with something further in the "AM" category like a Remedy which would be awesome for about half of my rides but for easy/flat stuff and racing, I'd keep my current Fuel.
  • 7 0
 Rachel training without Dan and Gee, would she be faster ???
  • 1 0
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn1ws0ebJz4&feature=share
  • 7 0
 Lol with 10,000 I will buy a house in Cuba.
  • 11 0
 Right? I sure as hell wouldn't buy a $10,000 mountain bike. I've been to Cuba - beautiful country you have.
  • 1 0
 In Topes de Collantes for sure, awesome singletrails there!
  • 5 0
 @mikelevy do a flat tire fixoff see who can do it faster. You are pretty good at crushing doughnuts so you automatically can fix a flat in under a minute right?
  • 3 0
 I would crush @mikekazimer at that as well.
  • 3 0
 That’d be a good contest, and one that I would win.
  • 3 0
 @mikekazimer: Mike I heard Mike said you had a glass jaw... Just sayin
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: I was a mechanic for over a decade. My flat tire fixing skills are now forever on point.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy, yeah, so was I. It’ll be a good battle.
  • 5 0
 Did the Mike eating all the doughnuts go into a sugar coma right after this?
  • 13 0
 No, my body is in tune with the donuts.
  • 7 1
 30mm vs 28.99, god help us if you start to disagree on that one
  • 2 0
 Mikex2 - here's an idea for an argument.
Stuck in the carbon mould? Once that mould is machined, Trek/YT/Canyon/Giant/Scott need to produce x,000 frames to make breakeven. Big changes are risky when volumes have to be high.
Yet current steel full suspension frames prove that big changes from this cautious spec. can be great for a wider range of riders who can have what they might need, not what the accounts department dictates. Once you have a nice steel frame, maybe customised for you, how often does it need to change? - you can save your money or repay your customer cost.
Aluminium sits in the volume/price midpoint - is that a good option?
  • 4 2
 clips vs flats
uphill vs downhill
water vs sports drinks
beer vs whiskey
bacon or eggs
bibs vs padded shorts vs none
perfect tire pressure?
racing or casual rides
ride to train or train to ride
techy cornering or fast straightlining
flow or gnar
full face or half shell
gloves or bare hands
best car/truck for mtbers
vanlife or real house
off-season or ride all year
perfect ride time/distance
stance on fanny packs
ride loose or ride to survive
should I really stay off the trails in the rain?

Just a few topics to get started with
  • 1 0
 Flats. Both, but more down. Both, but more water. Neither. Both. None??? that must mean no padding, please... Depends on terrain/tires/rims/tube vs tubeless. Casual. Ride to train. Both. Both. Full-face. Gloves. The biggest that you can get. House. All year, but depends on local trails. Different for everyone... who am I kidding, THE MAX POSSIBLE! Never used one, so N/A. Depends on skill level. Once again, depends on trails. If they have good drainage and are built well, bike away! Any other questions? Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @mtbikeaddict: HA! Welp, that just about covers it, doesn't it? No further questions, your honor.
  • 3 0
 you guys were at Back Country Brewing and didn't get any pizza????? Shame on you both, and you call yourselves mountain bikers?!
  • 3 0
 We were in there during closed hours. Don’t panic, I went back some 3 hours later!
  • 4 0
 Great video guys! My question has to do with how many doughnuts Levy can eat...
  • 21 0
 @pgilbs ...there is no limit to the number of donuts or cans of Monster Energy Drink that @mikelevy can consume. I've seen it firsthand and it's not pretty.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy have you ever seen this show/youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=06piJBFmFoY

my first though went to this. might be pretty fun content for the PB people to try out. god knows how many people search through PB, CL, and eBay for random bike nerd stuff...
  • 2 0
 Those guys do great stuff.
  • 2 0
 /afterdrive was my first thought as well.

They should tell us what bike they would do a legit resto-mod on and whySmile
  • 5 0
 Did Kazima have even one of those doughnuts?
  • 25 0
 No, they're mine and I don't share. Kazimer can suck it.
  • 5 0
 I just realized you are two different people.
  • 5 0
 It’s true. We’re even from different countries.
  • 1 0
 why can't I stop laughing at this???
  • 3 0
 Was good. Why does it seem like no one that does bike journalism has a pot to pee in? Lack of money gets mentioned a crap load.
  • 3 0
 It’s prob a labor of love. Both these clowns are paid to ride the best and newest bikes one after the other. They go all over for these rides and expos. I wouldn’t say their lives suck.
  • 2 0
 @speed10: oh yeah, but it's a common theme. Watching the Bike Bible tests, same thing. Guess it's a trade off...
  • 1 0
 Why I left the bike/ ski industry to become a firefighter. I can say I more than doubled my pay as a probationary firefighter. Yup, public service job seen as lower end of the pay scale and it was double. Not to mention pathways of promotion and steady pay raises that rarely exist in bike or ski industries. These industries are tough. My hat’s off to those that make it work.
  • 2 0
 Get what you like and pay what ot costs. You’re not guna think about the cash when you’re old. Make more vids, I’m down. Spending 10 grand on a bike...you could do much worse.
  • 3 0
 What is the ideal brake set up and feel? Do you prefer more modulation or stoping power? Is the shimano xtr lever and saint caliper hackk the answer to perfect braking?
  • 4 0
 Next video explain why kazimer is gluten free and/or why levy just housed all the doughnuts
  • 4 0
 I love gluten, but Levy loves it the most.
  • 1 0
 I specifically order extra gluten.
  • 1 0
 I'd like to see both mikes in the bike shed trying to do a brake bleed or suspension service in one go. The online videos make out like this stuff is so easy but honestly, who didn't make a complete mess or mess it up the first time they tried... I still haven't gotten the brake bleed thing right after many tries.
  • 2 1
 When we are talking money, what do you guys @mikelevy @mikekazimer think about actual trend of pricing, when electric powered bikes costs less than the same bike in standard version on mostly the same specs? This is something I can´t understand. How is it possible the customer of an e-bike gets more for less? What sense it makes? For example Specialized Kenovo vs Enduro coil
  • 1 0
 Show idea: What your ideal single bike is. Thinking a bike good for everything between XC racing and downhill (not using it to XC race or DH). All mountain/all around bikes used to be short travel full squish and are now anything up to 150 travel is marketed as a do-it-all bike.
  • 2 0
 Great concept! Please choose topics where you are at polar opposites. Thrash each other with banter and big brain comments. I recommend used vs. new or LBS vs. on-line. Looking forward to the next debate.
  • 1 0
 No one will see this but I forgot to mention something and am manic about this kind of thing. Some used parts are better than others. A used aluminium crank or stem is fine. A rockshox fork can be rebuilt very cheaply and if you want you can put in an aftermarket damper. If you really want to keep a build under $2000 it makes sense to get anything with bearings in it new. It makes sense to buy a new cassette, chain, chain ring, dropper post, and maybe a saddle depending on your butt tastes, but there are a lot of good parts that are worth getting used.

No you can't build a very good bike new for under $2000, but you can get a mid range build with used and new parts for $2000.
  • 1 0
 Good stuff guys!! But the question of 10,000 on a bike build should have been answered by both ... We all probably wouldn't don't it but it was a here's 10 grand all you can do is buy a bike....

I would buy a YT Jefsy or Capra for $3000 (the commencal meta was just as good as a choice) (transition for $3k? What's on that bike?) and buy a decked out SC Nomad for $10,000
  • 2 0
 Yeah, in hindsight it should have been a "You have to spend $10k on a bike'' kind of thing. I'd probably get an Element frame and go to town to build an XC weapon but also have a wider aluminum second wheelset and set of 2.35'' tires. Bah, we'll get 'er next time.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: I like would like to see an episode talking about tire pressure with different styles of tires, it blows my mind when the pros talk tire pressure, I think I would ruin my tires if I was to run those low pressures .. and or pinch flat protection like Cush core vs FTD or Huck Norris, what type of rider would need it or not need it....
  • 1 0
 "The concept is that we disagree!", "29 is good!, yeah", "Wide tires are good, yeah", "if I had 10K i would travel, yeah". You never disagreed on anything. You are basically identical with identical opinions. Maybe just merge into one? Get one bike. Become one... @mikekazimer @mikelevy
  • 5 1
 Love how Levy spent the whole video pretty much just pounding donuts.
  • 3 0
 $10k?! Done! Picking up a 2018 Polaris Pro-RMK 800 for winter activities tomorrow, trading in the old Cat. Big Grin
  • 3 0
 For $3,000, there's a host of decent bikes out there, but you gotta go aluminum.
  • 2 0
 What about bikes through the ages? Go back to the days of skinny tyres and handlesbars, bad geo, and bikes that didn’t do everything? What would you get?
  • 2 0
 Wait, were you thinking of the Smuggler at 120mm/140mm and not the Sentinel??? They seem like they're pretty different bikes due to geo and travel.
  • 1 0
 id like to see one of these on suspension upgrades. what different forks you would buy for different disciplines, would you TF/avalanche tune a Yari or buy a new aftermarket fork?
  • 3 3
 Would the author care to elaborate on this opening example of things that don't go together?
"Social justice warriors and rationality."

Seems like an unhelpful cheapshot - so wondering what understandings and motivations are behind the words.
  • 5 2
 Its a joke, move on.
  • 1 0
 What hubs to get. Debating this issue for my next wheelset. Silent, loud and proud, somewhere in between. Instant engagement, who needs ceramic bearings, what is weight.....
  • 4 0
 The only correct answer: get the loudest hub so that your friends know you're just coasting behind them while they're working hard.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Ha. When riding with new people I let them go ahead and my last I9's made many of them crash cuz they were pushing themselves too much.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy @mikekazimer Go more in-depth with the complete bike for under $3K for next episode.

I am battling this debate with myself currently, would love to see your guys input on a variety of bikes.
  • 2 0
 For sure. In hindsight, there's much more depth and less fluff needed. They'll get better.
  • 2 0
 Fuel EX 7 is not a bad bike for 25 hundy. . . Especially is the Fuel EX Project One is your cost-no-object choice.
  • 4 1
 2:30 in, so far all they've done is agree with each other. I'm out.
  • 3 0
 Mike vs Mike on where to take best MTB holiday...
  • 2 0
 you should do a show where you help pinkbike readers around your area buy a used bike from the pinkbike buy/sell
  • 4 1
 Just causally downing those donuts like it's nothing.
  • 8 1
 It's just breakfast.
  • 2 0
 and it’s pink bikes catering budget for 6 months. Got to get it when you can.
  • 2 0
 Holy donuts. Where do we get those you just mowed down when I go to canada?
  • 1 0
 Probably Tim Horton's. Which basically means anywhere. There are easily more than twice as many Tim Horton's in Canada as there are McDonald's.
  • 1 0
 @ThatDan: There are nine Tim Hortons in my mid-sized town. I wish there were more.
  • 2 0
 If i had $3k, I'd continue to ride my pre- owned bikes and throw the money against credit card debt...
  • 1 0
 if you could both only ride down one trail for the rest of your life what would it be and what bike would you use to ride it?
  • 1 0
 You guys need a third guy. (Gal?)

Also, you should change the (ridiculous) music when you change topic. It’ll make a big difference.

Good job!
  • 1 2
 Hi Mike, can you sponsor me, so i can NOT go to work and i'll ride everyday and popin' tags #Mike2xismysponsor. I'm from Bulgaria and i have money only for living here and ride shitty second hand parts..
Just pushing my luck.. Big Grin
  • 1 0
 If you see this - a suggestion is to discuss best place to ride (besides Whistler and your home trails). Good fun guys. Cheers.
  • 1 0
 I see you Smile Thanks for the idea!
  • 2 0
 Levy talks about 650b the same way people talked about 26'' in 2012. Uh oh...
  • 2 0
 Ultimate one bike quiver... if you want a budget, say 4000... maybe 3500...
  • 2 0
 Single pivot VS multi pivot rear suspension. Does it matter, and which is better?
  • 1 0
 Excellent.
  • 1 0
 late to the party, but the question to answer is, if someone is going to give you a bike that's not a mountain bike what do you get? Road bike, Cross bike, or BMX, and why!
  • 1 0
 Great concept. MY favourite part was that they were in a brewery and Kazimer doesn't drink! Why wasn't Levy guzzling Widow-makers and getting drunkenly belligerent ?
  • 1 0
 I really liked it. Good start. I'd go with beer instead of doughnuts next time so you can rib each other a little more in the Mike vs. Mike spirit.
  • 2 0
 I'm such an idiot for getting a stupid office job when I could'a just talked shit on youtube and ridden bikes for a living.
  • 1 0
 Agreed.
  • 4 2
 He and I agree on; not him and I. That just hurts!
  • 3 1
 They could use some of their pretend money for pretend grammar lessons...
  • 1 0
 Way to go guys. I love the inside info on "cheap" gear! Looking forward to the next video.
  • 3 2
 I feel rich looking at my bank account after this video. How do people bike decent bikes if 3k is a lot of spare money?
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: 3 Gs should just about cover one of those twin-stanchion LSD lefties, waddya think ?
  • 2 1
 you mikes are lucky, try shooping on pinkbike with my budget 1500$ try shopping with that price.
  • 3 0
 COMMENCAL!
  • 2 0
 Put ole Vern in there and it'll be Mike Felton Mike........
  • 2 0
 rofl I want to see that seatangle on the Fuel EX with the 150 fork
  • 5 1
 I agree with you. @mikekazimer is crazy.
  • 2 1
 Press fit vs. Threaded BB. Does it matter anymore? Does it factor into your bike purchase decision?
  • 7 0
 Threaded, no contest. Of course it matters.
  • 2 0
 Where to take a plus bike vacation?
  • 11 1
 Obviously somewhere with only IMBA-approved trails, right?
  • 1 0
 Imba epic trails are plus bike approved @mikelevy:
  • 1 0
 Best bang for your buck new and used wheelset for all mountain, DH, trail riding.
  • 1 0
 Please discuss about bike trips, I think it’s a great way to take beyond the Mtb passion
  • 3 2
 I'd pay $10k to not see Levy eat an entire plate of donuts for the next Mike vs Mike.
  • 8 0
 We accept PayPal, no bitcoin.
  • 2 0
 I fix this for you for 9000$
  • 5 7
 So subscribed ! I love this format. I'm gonna ride these guys' ass like a government mule over all the inconsequential topics they even hope to cover. Whining over the fact that they've never had $3K to "scape" together for a bike........ Give me a break. If both of you aren't making $45C CAD a year or more, you need to call me for free career counseling. You guys get more shit for free than the average unmarried dentist can buy, and you accept it the full weight of knowing that you will end up extolling virtues about something 90% of the riders that would leave you sucking wind at the trail head would never give two f*cks about. I'll leave you with a quote by Mahatma Gandhi on self perception - “It is good to see ourselves as others see us. Try as we may, we are never able to know ourselves fully as we are, especially the evil side of us. This we can do only if we are not angry with our critics but will take in good heart whatever they might have to say"
  • 11 1
 Aggressive.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: Ironic given the source of the quote.
  • 2 0
 @bjh0003: Right? Gandhi...
  • 1 0
 It's not a "real" conversation between two "real" people, it's a youtube skit and thus artistically creative (made up stuff to make it work).
  • 2 0
 if you need a like European focus, Hans vs Hans or something, let me know
  • 1 0
 share the donuts the the other Mike.... sweeet baby Jesus... hahahahhahahahaha fun talk guys!!
  • 1 1
 I will get tons of negatives...but...how about talking on why eBikes (yeap, that monsters from hell) are so much more accepted in Europe than in USA
  • 1 0
 ^^timmy hos wins every. single. time.

That was pretty entertaining fellas!
  • 2 0
 Levy you’d be a good cop
  • 1 0
 Great topics! Maybe every year do this or create a list of MSRP complete bikes? Boutique brands and all
  • 1 0
 Carbon wheels v good alu wheels. Acceleration, cornering traction, comfort. Blow. Our. Minds.
  • 2 0
 Ebikes....love / hate - GO!
  • 6 0
 It's pretty simple: I don't hate them at all, but they're not mountain bikes. I think most PB'ers are over hearing about this one, so unless I'm wrong, we're probably won't be touching on e-bikes.
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: Probably best. I ride both and can't see what the fuss was/is about. However I might add that if you continue to wallop that many donuts in a sitting, an ebike on full turbo mode may be your only option to ride ????????????????????????
  • 1 0
 @bootlegpegasus: You might be right! I should cut it down to only five per day.
  • 1 0
 @mikelevy: the doctor recommends this very much haha
  • 1 0
 I think you guys should have a segment where you debate whether various bikes look like a Session or not.
  • 2 0
 why are you eating like crazy the doughnuts?
  • 1 0
 I rather him not eat the doughnuts. The talking through doughy mouthfuls. The tonguing of the sugary paste in his teeth. It staccatos his sentences to boot. Just eye-up the doughnuts and plow into them in the last 10sec of the edit. Had an instructor eat a burrito for the last third of a class and I lost a bit of respect.
  • 1 0
 @marssizedobject: Good feedback. I'll do less tonguing and more swallowing next time Smile
  • 2 0
 The geek shall inherit the earth ! party on boys
  • 1 0
 Road trip episode. Where to go on a weekend/week/month vacation for the best riding.
  • 1 0
 If you could get a free ride on any professional MTB team for one season (any discipline), which would it be and why?
  • 4 3
 Spend less on donuts, Levy and your bike budget might reach $3k.
  • 2 1
 Good stuff, keep it coming!
  • 2 1
 No kidding, what did he eat, like half a dozen or so?
  • 8 0
 I had one, there was one left over.

I figure about 9 donuts. It’s off season.
  • 1 0
 $10 to spend on food for a epic 2 day ride - what would u buy?
  • 7 0
 Little Debbie’s oatmeal cream pies.
  • 4 1
 @mikekazimer: My fave. And Pop-Tarts because they're flat and fit in my bib pockets perfectly.
  • 2 0
 No donuts?
  • 2 1
 I just bought my son a YT Capra for $1950
  • 2 1
 For your next bike related Video, mass produced beer VS craft beer
  • 1 0
 Wheel set under a grand? Cost no object wheelset?
  • 1 0
 watch 6:00 - 6:01 for a summary
  • 1 0
 I thought you guys didn't agree about anything??
  • 1 1
 "Social justice warriors and rationality." Love it!

Great series guys, very engaging - thanks!
  • 1 0
 For next show... In a 10min, how many donuts can you eat!
  • 1 0
 I just ended up getting doughnuts from the supermarket.. Well doneSmile
  • 1 0
 I'm craving donuts now... thanks guys!
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer you didn't even eat ONE donut!
  • 1 0
 Well done guys! I'm off to go buy some donuts....
  • 1 0
 Which dendo do you two prefer?
  • 1 0
 Levy didnt finish the Donuts!!!!!
  • 1 0
 I cant believe how many donuts you can eat in one sitting. Amazing!
  • 1 0
 We all have a talent.
  • 1 0
 Do you have a favorite kind of Doughnut?
  • 1 0
 I think we can all agree that you shouldn't talk with food in your mouth
  • 2 2
 Haha... you guys said "aboat".
  • 3 3
 OMG! what about starbucks vs. tim hortons?? let me guess your takes..
  • 2 2
 7 donuts downed. Can you eat more talking about bikes or riding them?
  • 3 4
 Unwatchabru. almost as bad as those bike reviews on youtube where 3 middle aged men pretend to drink beer throughout.
  • 2 0
 Donuts > beer
  • 1 1
 @mikelevy: Aww... how cute. Razz
  • 1 0
 Hammering those donuts!
  • 1 2
 @mikelevy the commencal had a rs fork and 11 spd not eagle and a 36...
  • 1 2
 www.commencal-store.co.uk/meta-am-v42-essential-650b-shiny-red-2018-c2x22591074
  • 1 0
 @siongwynn: the picture they showed did not have that spec at all
  • 1 2
 that dude can pack a donut or two!
  • 1 2
 Canadian turned to 11! Those have to be Timmy Horton's donuts.
  • 3 2
 Tim Horton's donuts are pre-cooked reheated garbage, just as bad as Krispy Kreme. Find a local bakery and get REAL fresh donuts in the morning. Your tastebuds will thank me.
  • 3 1
 @Dethphist: I am so glad I am not the only person who feels that way. Everyone told me Tim Hortons was the best and I had to try it in Whistler. Absolutely horrible. Worse yet was the Mocha, I couldn’t even drink it.
  • 1 0
 @Dethphist: I should ban hammer you for that statement Smile
  • 2 0
 @mikelevy: You should try a real good donut first. Wink
  • 1 2
 man, we cook so late, in 2 years everyone here gonna be 29er ftw for sure.
  • 1 1
 Dig it, thanks dudes.
  • 1 2
 Did I count 6 donuts you ate?
  • 1 2
 smashing those donuts...!!
  • 1 2
 On what carbon parts for your bike would you spend your money? @mikelevy
  • 1 2
 Way to go on the donuts!!!
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