Mountain Bike Strength and Mobility Training with Bike James [Podcast #212]

In this episode, we ask James Wilson of bikejames.com for mountain bike training tips, and talk about why flat pedals are better than clipless for many riders.

By Jeff Barber
August 12, 2019 Last Updated: June 30, 2021

7 comments

Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article.

Cover photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash

On this Episode

James Wilson has been helping mountain bikers all around the world get strong and fit since 2005 through his online training programs and podcast. He’s also designed his own flat mountain biking pedal called the Catalyst to help riders improve both power and comfort on the bike.

In this episode, we ask James for mountain bike training tips, and talk about why flat pedals are better than clipless for many riders.

Connect with James at bikejames.com.

Support this Podcast

Review the Singletracks podcast on Apple Podcasts for the chance to win a free hat. Or drop your feedback in the comments below!
Make a donation to help sustain future episodes.
Become a Singletracks Pro Supporter.

Never Miss an Episode

Listen on Spotify
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Listen on Google Podcasts
Listen on Stitcher
Listen on Overcast
Get the RSS Feed
View all Podcast Episodes

MTB Tips

Pro Skills: Braydon Bringhurst Offers His Best Tips for Technical Climbing

MTB Tips

How to Make More Time for Mountain Biking

MTB Tips

MTB Legend Tinker Juarez Shares Tips for Getting - And Staying - Fast on the Mountain Bike [Podcast]

MTB Tips

Should Mountain Bikers Care About Fitness Metrics Like VO2 Max?

7 Comments

Please log in or create a free account to join the discussion.

marvinmartian 2009
Aug 23, 2019

A few years ago I ran across a podcast this guy did, well before Ben gave him a shot on MBR... the first one I listened to was his usual anti-clipless diatribe which I thought was bs but basically just considered it a bad opinion so I tried another one and in the next one he said that if you race mountain bikes you should always ride a mountain bike, even on the road, never a road bike. Now that is just ridiculously bad advice and I realized at that point that either this guys bro-ish ego has clouded his opinion or he is just being contradictory to be different enough to gain a following. Either way I never gave him the time of day again, but he keeps showing up on podcasts and stuff. At least MBR only let him last one or two episodes on their network... they have enough bad shows already (like the Path Podcast, or Pathetic Podcast as I refer to it)

0 reply

Matt Miller Colorado // 2012
Oct 22, 2018

Definitely a lot of interesting takes here. Love the thoughts on applying fitness in the gym to MTB. I wouldn't feel quit as impact resistant without a little gym time throughout the week. I've gotta keep the clipless though for the sake of my feet staying in place on rowdy terrain, though, even if the power and efficiency benefits aren't there. But, there are a lot of skills that can be built through riding flats.

ericshell Pennsylvania // 2017
Nov 5, 2018

Well said. Take what he has to say and use what works for you. I think the Clipless v Flats is more of an individual choice. Like boxer or briefs.

ride_today Alabama // 2014
Nov 7, 2018

Excellent podcast with a trainer that rides MTB. James knows his stuff. I can vouch that his programs have made a very positive impact on my riding and fitness. His recommendation to ride once a week with your seat slammed down has totally changed the way the way I approach trail riding. Start out with just 20-30 minutes of standing pedaling and work your way up. That tip alone pays big dividends.

dtimms 2010
Oct 31, 2018

Exercise and pedal advice from a Bro!! So many strong opinions, pretty obnoxious really. I guess every world cup xc racer has it wrong on the pedals.

ericshell Pennsylvania // 2017
Nov 3, 2018

James is definitely passionate about his beliefs. I ride flats and I own a pair of his pedals. I like the feel of these pedals. Obviously Flats vs Clipless is an argument that will not be settled in one podcast. (or ever) His theories are controversial and I think Jeff did a fantastic job in the interview.

Samgreene 2017
Oct 22, 2018

Listened to this podcast and removed my seat post since it's worthless for climbing and puts me in the adult fetal position. Will report back on the outcome.

On this Episode

Support this Podcast

Never Miss an Episode

Featured Articles

7 Comments