Reviewing the News w/ Mike Ferrentino & Simon Stewart (June 2026)

Mike had to make a trip back to Mexico to help his 97-year-old Mom move, and amidst spider bites, broken windows, explosive dog diarrhea, and the usual technical issues (he needs his own full-time tech support department), he miraculously joined Simon to go over a very busy month — from racing to the courtroom, they have a lot to get through. Paragon Machine Works' reopening is the best news, and looks poised to keep frame builders stocked with crucial parts. Niner Bikes has been “paused”, whatever that means. Kona has a new boss (Mike is skeptical). The Loudenvielle DH World Cup was a crash-fest, but Luca Shaw emerged from the carnage on the top step, and Vali Holl continued her dominance on the notoriously tricky track. SRAM’s legal win against the UCI sets a precedent, and tons more. Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please let us know if there’s a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you’d like us to have on Bikes and Big Ideas. Email us at info@blisterreview.com to weigh in.RELATED LINKS:Blister Mountain Bike Buyer’s GuideGet Our Free Newsletter & Gear GiveawaysBLISTER+ Get Yourself CoveredMike’s The Grimy Handshake SubstackManitou on the New Mezzer & Mezzer LT (Ep.328)TOPICS & TIMES:Mike’s Dumpster FireLoudenville World Cup HighlightsLuca Shaw Finally Gets a WinVali Holl DominatesNova Mesto XC World Cup Insights Tom Pidcock Owns the Nova Mesto CourseGiro D’Italia Recap & Durango’s Sepp Kuss’ Stage Win SRAM’s Precedent-Setting Legal Victory  Leadership Changes at KonaIndustry News: Company Closures and ReopeningsNew Products: Manitou’s New Mezzer Upcoming RockShox Flight Attendant Video TeaserCHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:Blister CinematicCRAFTEDGEAR:30Blister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.