Podcast: Pedal Hub, episode 1

Pedal Hub is a new weekly podcast from MPR News featuring three biking fanatics in a spirited weekly exchange about their favorite pastime, with occasional questions and contributions from other cycling enthusiasts.

The podcast is hosted by One on One Bicycle Studio co-owner Gene Oberpriller, Amber Dallman of St. Paul Women on Bikes, and Patrick Stephenson, founder of 30 Days of Biking.

In this debut episode, our cycling crusaders confront an issue biking enthusiasts feel very strongly about but rarely discuss — whether to wear a helmet. The safety benefits of bike helmets are obvious. But some view not wearing them as a freedom issue, while others worry helmets discourage people from riding bikes. It's a loaded topic, but Gene, Amber and Patrick muster their courage and dive in.

Also, they tackle another awkward though less pressing subject: biking and body odor. Amber asks the crew how they handle the sweat and stink cycling generates, especially for people who bike to work.

• Subscribe to "Pedal Hub" on iTunes