Can a world cup racer beat me on a bike 6 sizes too small?

Visit dailypuzzles.com.au/ and use the code "BLACKFRIDAY" for 25% off your entire order. Sale ends Tuesday 29th November!
This week I wanted to find out how skilled downhill world cup riders really are. To do this, I found the tallest guy in the mountain biking and put him on the smallest bike I could find. Can he still beat me without all the fancy gear? Lets find out.
Thanks to @BenCathro from @pinkbike for agreeing to this!
The bike I ride, Deviate Highlander 150: www.deviatecycles.com/highlan...
Camera work & thumbnail: @Kim_Norrie (Kim Boyd)

[@MikeBoyd]

Do you guys like the new format Pro vs n00b? I'm thinking of making maybe 4 of these episodes a year. Let me know your thoughts, positive or negative. Thanks!

[@OliverLMinecraftMachine]

I like it

[@yeshwinverma7819]

Its a nice idea

[@JoshuaBurniece]

I’ll watch any idea you put out there

[@MadMan-tq2ts]

It's a great Idea

[@bluebearproductions8954]

yes

[@chronxdev]

Dang that's a HUGE difference in times from mini-bike to Mike-bike to pro-bike

[@marshin7237]

Almost 30 seconds off Mike’s time with the big bike.

[@rbclima]

Very predictable. It'd be way funnier if the big guy rode a kids bike.

[@roberthunt6839]

Big difference for a race time, but look at it this way: going from a badly maintained bike with 10 year old tech and rock hard tyres (which also doesn't fit), to a top of the line race machine, made Ben about 10% faster, which isn't that much.

[@almabatekert_villanykorte3387]

@@roberthunt6839 On a track that's already less than 2 mins long,it's quite a lot

[@1312_PV]

@@almabatekert_villanykorte3387 Yes, but there were many artificial handicaps. Give it good tires, correct size frame, months of training and trust in the bike and maintenance and it will be a much smaller difference, maybe 3 seconds. Over the 12 years since the "old" bike debuted some amateur might have spent up to $15000 in bikes only to be potentially three seconds faster.

[@averyring3409]

Damn the camera setup for this one is insane, it looks like a legit race broadcast!

[@SuperMrSik]

the only thing that is missing is rob warner doing the commentary.

[@daylight_exe4538]

@@SuperMrSik well he doesn’t do it anymore

[@FrostBitn]

Ben is an absolute joy.

[@Vespuchian]

I love how game he is for this silliness. Just a great guy having fun.

[@daanroggeveen1103]

Yes he has such a great vibe!

[@easygoingdude9990]

This looks dangerous af. It’s incredible how fast they’re going. I cannot even imagine how much they have to pratice

[@TheFjoff]

i see what you did there

[@ItsMorbinTime03]

It looks way easier once you are on the bike.

[@desmond-hawkins]

See also Mike's video about taking it easier in this sport after getting multiple concussions.

[@57F100]

@@ItsMorbinTime03 I mean mostly but for me stuff like drops don't look big until you're going over the edge

[@joblessalex]

This is actually really really easy. Just looks bad.

[@timp2751]

It's not just carrying more speed but he also pumps through corners and features to gain speed. Much more use of unweighting the bike over the rougher parts as well. And the pros make it look so easy and composed!

[@senderhillside7233]

Yeah the result was expected, just being able to qualify for Mens WC DH race finals puts Ben on top thousands of other serious DH racers. There is no chance in hell for a total amateur to beat such a rider unless they have a bad crash or mechanical.

[@mikiex]

Get down the pump track to practice :)

[@ChuckUFarly]

It‘s just nuts how good Ben is still looking on the tiny bike. You can tell his speed just from how he looks on the bike. 😂

[@brycewalburn3926]

I absolutely loved how much fun Cathro had with this.

[@EarthlyEden1]

Ben and the whole Pinkbike team are a must watch.

[@ThePlacehole]

I don't think this tells the entire story until YOU set the time with that bike.

[@Crowbars2]

I'd liked to have seen Ben Cathro do the trail with his pro bike. It'd be so cool to see the similarities and differences between how he rides the bike and does the trail on the old bike vs the pro bike. And that camera set up for the trail was awesome!

[@hannuvallin6155]

Exactly what I was going to post :).

[@daswienerle3018]

Yea, it would be interesting how he could really rip around some of the corners and just destroy everything

[@h3yn0w]

10:48 , they say he did another run on his bike and took another 12 seconds off the time.

[@Crowbars2]

@@h3yn0w I know, I would have liked to have seen that run, rather than just knowing what the time was.

[@chrisparti]

That was fascinating, a great video... I couldn't believe Ben managed to pull out 16 seconds, when you consider he was riding a bike 6 sizes too small, that he's never ridden before, that is 10 years old, un-maintained, with 26" wheels, on track he had ridden down once, compared to your intimate knowledge of the track... You are no mug on a MTB, so it shows how incredible these pro's are... great video to highlight that..

[@ChrisBrett2]

Hi other Chris, and I agree

[@colbysmith3026]

This collab is a massive win for us downhill riders. Good stuff

[@nijae.v]

BROTHER

[@quickscope8034]

@@paddor shut up

[@Florkl]

He sounds like he’s having so much fun! So wholesome!

[@hunterG60k]

I've never heard of Ben before but I really enjoyed this video with him, he seems like a good laugh and comes across really well on screen. Also, as soon as you asked if he could beat you my immediate thought was, "Yes, yes he can." Not because you're not good but because I know how good you have to be at stuff to make it look as easy as world champs do, entirely different class :)

[@HahaYes]

Wholesome horseperson. Have a good day

[@jorgedaniel9656]

The fact that to me Mike looks like he's soaring, and then Ben cuts almost 25% off of his time on his new bike, incredible.

[@Dan-uy2ld]

Mike's last few videos have been amazing, he's killing it right now

[@queazeproductions]

Quite the insane production with all those camera angles along the track. Loved this episode.

[@thehighground4920]

Mike you should make a seperate mountain biking channel, I can tell how much of a love you have for it

[@gruber450]

Good lil pratice run 5:13

[@genericinternetperson]

Love it. Technique really is the key to doing anything at a high level. And I'm glad you didn't just call it talent, but emphasized that it comes from years of practice and refinement of those skills. The best in the world have worked hard to get where they are.

[@andrewhackenmueller5825]

I love that you mountain bike, and cube. This is one of my favorite channels for the array of hobbies I have, and you encompass all of them, making no video dull

[@Tyletoful]

I have seen your ads for dailypuzzles and I have been a 3x3 guy that casually solves it as just a thing to keep my hands busy for about 10 years now, there is no speed in my solves but you've got me more interested in trying to improve myself with it and the Speedcubers documentary got me wanting to get more into the hobby. It took this many ad breaks to convince me, but I just bought a 5x5x5 and a bluetooth cube for myself and a Pyraminx for my nephew. Thanks for showing me their great products. I actually left a $10 tip at the end of the checkout, because the prices I got felt so unbelievably low that I can tell that the company truly is in it for the love of what they do and aren't there trying to nickel and dime everybody. Nobody might even read this, but just in case somebody from Mike's team sees, I just wanted to say thanks.

[@somathebest]

Tiny bike was a great idea but c'mon Mike! THAT GUY HAS FULL CONTROL SHOCK ABSORBERS AS LEGS 🤣Like from Spain!

[@jackpiki]

Mike, if you're a noob after 15 years then I've never even seen a bike before (been riding for 2 years). Phenomenal video and shots, please never stop making MTB content every once in a while, ride safe brother 🔥🤘

[@Enn-]

There's something special about watching someone do something with excellence. People that are really good at what they do are fantastic!

[@robbrennan-craddock1896]

Like the new format! Instead of a handicap for the pro, would be fun to see if there are any activities where you could secretly cheat as in your recent chess vids. Also, great camerawork on this one, would be v. interested in a BTS!

[@Stoo61]

Had a 2013 Orange 5. Loved it. Did anyone not love a 5 back in the day? Ballo is sick too!

[@georgefeneley4892]

My mates got a patriot and I've got a 2015 5 we still love riding them though mine is technically my dads so I'm saving for my own Kona stinky or stab

[@maura462]

It was cool that you made it harder for him but also had the pro time on his regular bike, just to see the difference. Awesome video

[@gfloyd2002]

Love the pro vs. noob series. I've always been awed when I've met professionals, even when I think I'm decent at the skill involved. They are just another level. The idea of handicapping them and competing head to head, probably to be trounced, is a genius way to showcase how truly elite an elite performer is. I look forward to more.

[@jbw5485]

Ben is such an awesome dude. I love watching the videos he does on Pink Bike. He’s always in such a great mood.

[@jackwilliams1468]

The fact that there is ONLY 12 seconds between Ben on the mini bike vs his bike shows how much skill he has

[@kmbrock]

12s diff in a race that’s less than 2 mins is a pretty big lead

[@jackwilliams1468]

@@kmbrock yeah fair enough

[@WaechterDerNacht]

Been waiting for this combination again since episode 1 of series 1 of "How to Bike". Like that format! Looking forward to what else you're gonna try...

[@LBletter]

love the mtb/downhill content! Thanks!

[@marshm3llow467]

I was kind of having difficulty connecting with how fun it seemed for Ben to ride on the tiny bike before I remembered that time I got to play a 1/2 size violin after playing my full size for ten years and how hilarious and enjoyable that was, so it's nice to know this is a cross-discipline experience! Excellent video :)

[@gavincfc]

Great to see u on your bike after ur injuries. Nice one man

[@ruisearts]

More of this please, that was a wicked video.

[@natelance9526]

what a great video - ben seems very light hearted and genuine, seems like you both had a great time filming this!

[@Deanasis]

I've been mtbing longer than youtube has been around. And a fan of your videos for a long while. I'm very pleased to see you making great mtb content. Keep it up!

[@oskarfreeski]

So good! More of these!

[@MarinusMakesStuff]

Switched my normal commuter bike frame from a 50cm for a 55cm frame and the difference was IMMENSE. I had so under estimated how much of a difference this would make...

[@JH-fk8ow]

You could have easily tuned that 50cm commuter frame to 55cm fit, by changing to longer stem, dif seattube angle. But its harder to fit larger frame for smaller fit. Pro roadbikers typically use several sizes smaller frames with longer stem, since the smaller frame is not just lighter but also stiffer in the main triangle of the frame.

[@sitka999]

Love it! I remember when your first video with Ben came out way back when.

[@nachomegafart3835]

@Lucas Gawor in mike boyds video on learning how to go down trails, it was uploaded 5 years ago.

[@Hisako86]

i like how CATHRO the pro is just wearing casual gear sheeesh and the tiny bike does make him look funny😂😂😂

[@tmass1]

it's interesting how much more the pros manipulate, twist, and pump the bike compared to normal people who just sit on it and ride it.

[@davidfranco9987]

Loved this new format 💯

[@RyzawaVT]

Ben was a blast and this series is a keeper!

[@tommyr95]

Ben's awesome! Love his contributions to Pinkbike.

[@ArchLali]

The only sponsor I don’t get bored off, knowing how you got it from the rubric cube video. Thank you Mike for another awesome video ❤

[@felixblue_]

looks like a real race broadcast! awesome commentary as well, great work!

[@rodsrodrigot]

Do more of this type of video!!! Noob x Pro!! Amazing as always Mike

[@xserv8170]

Your videos lately are so good

[@mikab.4838]

i totally expected mike to win because i (someone that knows nothing about mountain biking) thought "well he has a better bike so he would obviously win". but as i saw cathro just speed through those sharp corners i got more and more in awe and excited about the result. great video, i loved it!

[@skgmountainbiking2896]

In the mountain bike racing world yes the bike you ride is important, but I’ve seen people riding early 2000’s hard tails with crappy parts smoke people with 10k+ bikes. Yes good bikes are beneficial but skill is really what makes or breaks a rider

[@Chrisjvance]

Good job he had his pratice run! Another great video mike!

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Love these Cathro collabs!

[@pivotcycles-ote8083]

Love love the world cup feel for those race runs!!! Great video keep it up!

[@jameswheaton2542]

This looked like so much fun! Great vid!

[@redstoneablecz5742]

Soooooo close to 3 mil. subs Mike, keep up the good work mate!

[@bikesandsnowmobiles3308]

Have to say, loved the video, especially the race run overlay, looked really cool, although I am probably biased as a mtber myself

[@erik4177]

Love to see how much fun you're having. Great video! (stay active please lol)

[@bullseye0112]

One of the best videos I've seen in a long time !!

[@ocbyn]

Looks like a blast. More please

[@AbimbolaAjayi]

Definitely love this format, in fact all your video ideas are 👌🏽

[@jurgentrockenbau9321]

Great comparison!🤘🏻😁 Very well made video.👌🏻 It was obvious Ben would smoke you, but I didn't think of such a margin. Daaaaamn!😎✌🏻

[@lukecasey242]

This is the crossover I didn't know I needed

[@UncleRiotous]

I'll watch any video that puts you and Cathro together. Really good video.

[@11colinw]

I love the MTB contents and you bike is sick!!

[@project-hq]

I really enjoyed this video! Everyone loves to be an armchair pundit and this shows that there is more to it than gear!! Loved it. Thanks Mike

[@Happy_Shopper]

Great to see Ben back on the channel

[@zkx1048]

Great video Mike! Its so cool your one of my favourite youtubers and you happen to ride mtb like i do. Great work and keep it up!

[@yozhis1]

Really nice! You are becoming one of my favorite youtubers, man! Would be cool to see how fast he can go on his own bike, just to compare. And awesome idea to have pro vs noob. Now let us know what else you are capable of

[@DorianHerniote]

Nice format. Keepp it going Mike !

[@rickbiessman6084]

Dang, even the first few meters look soooo good for Ben. Such an amazing guy!

[@Mr.2E]

That track looks SO fun. Excellent video.

[@J1NX123]

Seeing Ben on that bike is great. I usually see him on bikes that fit. 🤣

[@lukasa1026]

i'm so happy that you made another a vid ben

[@nukleyar]

This looks dangerous and hilarious. More of this, please!

[@BillSkatez]

Great vid, Mike!

[@dogzilla4398]

More of these please

[@rockycrim6932]

This is super cool good format I want more

[@ocbyn]

Enjoyed the race run descriptions. Do a series of Ben giving you training tips

[@notanengineer]

Very close to 3 Million!

[@baldweezy2362]

Idk Shit about this sport or hobby. But if it’s a boyd video, I’m supporting 200%. Great video mate.

[@LorDDemoniC]

I love ben , such a funny man ... this was a great video!

[@LukaPaja]

Brilliant video. What a lovely cheerful funny tall bloke.

[@Vas1]

Just about to hit 3 million subcribers I see. Let's gooo!

[@ieshi23]

Seeing Mike standing next to Ben reminds me of that meme of Tyler1 next to a tall woman

[@FinduroVR]

Its so cool to be able to watch the physical differences in the ways you both ride, it just goes to show how much of mtb is the rider, not the bike! I will say though, there is a few key techniques separating "normal" mtb riders to downhill racers, which anyone can learn and improve upon with just a bit of practice! First is the braking- Ben is braking much farther up the trail before his corners to maximize his comfort in the turns, making sure that he won't slide but carries as much speed as possible. Cornering is a lot easier when you aren't braking in the corners and having to pedal out, and that is where Ben gained the majority of his time. The rest was his more dynamic attitude on flatter straight sections, using even small bumps and rolls as pumps and jumps to gain extra speed- which then adds up saved time over the length of a track. Pump tracks are a great place to practice that motion, and when you're riding trails focusing on a playful, bouncy riding style while staying sturdy and balanced can help find areas where you can gain that extra speed safely and in an enjoyable way. A combination of pumping and body positioning, and braking at the right times with the right power, helped Ben win this race. Was a pleasure to watch, would love to see more stuff like this in the future!!

[@lordofgraphite]

What a legend. Really got into the spirit of it ❤

[@48Boxer]

I was guessing 1:52, never expected that outcome!

[@Alex46312]

Nice filming on the time runs.

[@QuietPenguinGaming]

Loved this!! Minus the pratice typo ;)

[@garretthorner]

Love when this channel becomes a mountain bike channel 😂

[@josemarialaguinge]

Like this series, it is actually interesting. Keep it up. I guess this shows that the biker matters.

[@TheMrBush]

I really loved the pratice run

[@smv9338]

What a great video! Like they always say, its the rider not the bike!!

[@trajectory3156]

before watching, I think ben will win. Edit: yeah, like mike said, the difference between a good rider and a pro is incredible and deceiving another great video from mike! and a great cameraman/woman!

[@matthewbowers88]

Ben is such a laugh. He's a legend but he's so easy to watch. I went full sonic with my head bobbing left and right. Mike, err it looks like you had a nice day.

[@yeetdelete6667]

Great video!

[@stew_redman]

So glad to se you're one of the few KZbinrs not pushing the Established Titles scam

[@kherthy]

This new format is pretty cool, though a little bit more insight on the technical aspect of each field (future videos) would be nice.