Some of the best athletes in the world employ pre-game rituals out of superstition, habit, or to “get into the zone,” but you don’t need to be Michael Jordan or Maria Sharapova to benefit from such a routine. It turns out that those rituals, be it your lucky socks or that one song you just have to put on before heading out, can play an important role in readying your mind and body for what’s about to come.

Today’s episode of the Velo Podcast sees Alvin, Josh, and Levy sharing their own pre-ride habits, with the latter’s possibly verging on neuroticism.

The crew also digs into Alvin’s review of the finally updated Surly Straggler, a steel gravel bike designed for a good time rather than the fastest time, as well as Argon 18’s new Nitrogen aero road bike that is most definitely all about fast times.

We bid adieu to Rapha and EF Pro Cycling's seven-year apparel partnership and how the two left a mark on cycling fashion in the collaboration.

Further reading

• How Rapha and EF Pro Cycling Made Pro Cycling Kit Cool
• Review: The Surly Straggler Could Be a Modern Classic, but There’s a Catch
• First Ride: Argon 18 Nitrogen — Can You Have It All with an Aero Bike?

1:45 Why we care so much about Rapha and EF Pro Cycling parting ways