Velo Podcast
Velo Podcast
Velo
The Aero Math Behind "Bra Maxxing" and the Reality of 32-Inch Wheels
38 minutes Posted Aug 7, 2026 at 7:34 pm.
Intro
Mike Levy does a huge ride on a 32-inch bike
Lisa and the daily century week
Bra doping at the TDFF
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38:23
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Show notes
Featuring: Mike Levy and Lisa Charlebois
How much time does "bra maxing" actually save in a pro peloton? This week, we dive into the Tour de France Femmes tech controversy that could alter podiums, look at the brutal reality of 32-inch gravel bikes, and check in on a 700-mile Century Week.
With Josh and Logan out this week, Lisa Charlebois and Mike Levy hold down the studio to discuss the big, dumb rides they are both doing and the biggest aero news of the week.
First up: Mike’s ongoing saga with 32-inch wheels. He tackled a 160km Fraser Valley “gravel” epic in continuous rain on his Salsa Fargo 32. He breaks down why the massive wheels continue to impress him, where a rigid fork falls short, and how a stranger's campfire saved his ride.
Then, a welfare check on Lisa. She is in the middle of a self-imposed "Century Week"—riding 100 miles a day for seven days straight. She gets into the reality of surviving a 700-mile week while trying to maintain basic human functions off the bike, plus the unexpected rig she chose for this crazy challenge.
Finally, the pair tackle the "bra maxxing" (or bra doping) controversy. They run the math on exactly how much time a rider stands to gain with a chest fairing and debate whether the UCI should step in or consider it fair game.
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