I answer the question everyone is asking! | Behind the Scenes with Doddy

It's been a chaotic month, with trips to Spain, Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and the USA!
Doddy takes us behind the scenes working with Mondraker, heads to France to ride the Passportes du Soleil; spends time on the new Rockshox Zeb Ultimate 3.1 and answers your questions - including the one question that keeps coming up...
Follow me on Instagram -
/ doddstar1979
Get your tickets for Malverns Classic 2024 here -
malvernsclassic.com/
My DJ Mixcloud account (needs updating, but there's some good stuff on here!)
www.mixcloud.com/andrew-dodd/
Yeti cargo gear - I LOVE this stuff and will be looking to get a Loadout Gobox too!
uk.yeti.com/collections/cargo

[@johncrowley1203]

You never gave the slightest hint of burn-out at GMBN. The love and the passion have always shown through. But if you stand still too long, you die.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Thanks for the comment. Like I said, I'd been doing a very similar job role for over two decades - and change was needed to keep me fresh. Everything in the past is remembered fondly, Im very proud of so much I've done. But I'm very lucky and immensely proud to now be working for a brand I've loved for years. And theres lots to do!

[@craigbest8644]

A change is as good as a rest so they say.

[@pwn3d_d1rt]

Ill never get tired of Doddy talking about bikes, whether it's tech, cool trips or whatever... you can always hear the passion for it!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Thanks! What you see is what you get! In it for life!

[@MrMatthias03]

Right? The dude can read a bedtime story any evening to my kids. He's just a wonderful host of a subject that is life giving. @DoddyMTBtech - all the best wishes for you, you keep on keeping on and we'll all be here to 'you'. Thanks Doddy.

[@pwn3d_d1rt]

@@MrMatthias03 haha, totally!

[@nigelrandtoul8646]

Doddy, without sounding too creepy, you are the guy I'd pick to sit next to on a transatlantic flight or be trapped in a lift with, the conversation would make time fly. Good luck dude 👍

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Ha ha, this made me chuckle! I can talk, sometimes it’s a problem 😂

[@edwards8383]

In 2001 I was 17 and just discovering competition spec mountain biking. On visiting the local bike shop and realising I hadn't brought enough money with me 😅. I grabbed the coolest looking magazine off the shelf and headed home. That day changed my existence, that magazine was MBUK. Thank you Doddy 🤘🏼

[@DoddyMTBtech]

No way! That’s a cool story! I was just a part of a great team there - the founder of the magazine, Tym Manley was my mentor. He taught me so much, and I’ll always be thankful for it!

[@michaelheselton4370]

Thank you, Doddy, for keeping Old School/Retro alive. Keep it up, cheers

[@DoddyMTBtech]

You know me - I LOVE the old stuff! I have so much stuff tucked away to talk about, and am also off to the Malverns again in a few weeks. I'll shoot loads of retro stuff there, and will probably make a few videos off the back of it!

[@michaelheselton4370]

@@DoddyMTBtech Right on, looking forward to seeing more. I’m working on a couple of neo-retro builds currently and plan on doing some late 80s/early 90s hardtail/fully rigid builds. Can’t wait to see more inspirations from you.

[@jago100]

Loved the video, would be great to see a workshop tour/van tour if there’s anything unique about that. Possibly your favourite tools/gear

[@DoddyMTBtech]

I've been asked about the workshop for a while, so will do that, and perhaps just add a bit in about the van. That's nothing special (except to me!) I think. I've made a few mods, and have more planned. But I guess it's kind of cool!

[@djsonfire0001]

Looks like you have had an insane amount of fun!🌞😎🚲

[@griffmtb]

Glad I found your channel Doddy, been missing my UK MTB buddy!

[@yeahboiproductions7065]

hey man we saw you at fort william this year and honestly could have chatted for hours. it's really nice to see someone doing what they love. bikes, cameras, music and friends. honestly can't go wrong with that combination! keep doing what you do man

[@Bikeaddict4235]

Great to see you enjoy my stomping grounds in the alps,I always say when the lifts are running use your analogue bike , out of lift season I aint climbing 2000mtrs just to get a ride in so the ebike is mandatory.😊

[@gregorytripodi6917]

yep, follow your passion, good seeing you, thanks

[@jimm3379]

The new job seems to be agreeing with you Doddy - living the dream! Good on you mate

[@b.r.3232]

So fun!! Lov the vid. & information!!

[@geoffpyke1]

Good to see you back Doddy, I’ve always enjoyed your thoughts, presentations and enthusiasm. Keep it up mate.

[@scottbagley7513]

Hey doddy Awesome that your working for a great brand like mondraker!! I always use to watch you on gmbn tech!! So be like old times watching your new channel.. keep up the good work the transporter looks ace 👍🏻

[@spatchist]

Really interesting to see you giving an insight from the other side of the bike industry. The last person I knew of in a similar situation was Mike Ferrentino. Yes, I missed your bike show coverage , but we all need to change up our lives from time to time.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Despite having been in contact with Mike over the years, I only recently met him at our open house event at the US HQ. Such a great guy. I’ve followed him for years, so was really cool chatting to him!

[@waynebrowne4383]

Doddy, I will never get tired of you. I had a chance to ride with you many years ago when you worked at MBUK. When I saw you at Fort Bill this year, I wanted to say hello and get a pic with you but I went all shy, I'm 45 wtf 😅.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Ah you should have said hi! Were all cut from the same in the MTB world! Say hi next time 👍

[@waynebrowne4383]

@DoddyMTBtech I don't know if you remember, you were at the opening of QE country park mtb trails, I think around May 2012. There was an MTB race. I was on the point of throwing in the towel and wondered if racing was a thing for me. You rode up next to me, and we chatted for a wee bit, and you gave me some encouragement. I finished the race and went on to do more races, even being part of an amateur XC team.

[@vojtechkamenicky]

I kinda couldn't seem to find the reason of your disappearance from GMBN and their content just doesn't feel as engaging as ti used to. I'm so glad to have found you on your own channel and I'm so happy for you working with an awesome brand. Keep doing what you love, you're truly one of the most passionate people in MTB tech. Keep it up

[@benjaminroys6613]

Legend wearing a legend mint sauce on the lid!!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

I have a few more of those stickers - saving them for the right thing, whatever that is! Love Mint Sauce!

[@billderas3420]

Doddy. Either the Fox or Rockshox digital shock pumps are both quite good in my mind. Will never go back to an analog unit.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Thanks. Last time I had a digital was a Fox one, went missing on a shoot and never replaced it!

[@Tanner731]

my understanding is aside from the nicer valve adapter the digital name brand ones use the same bits as the cheap ones. just look for the ones that look exactly like the fox or rockshox ones

[@davekal]

Doddy this format is incredible, I look forward to more. Thanks!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Thanks! I didn't really plan this video tbh! I'm usually a very planned person with filming, but I had some bullet points of things to talk about, and a few questions. Most of it was free-flowing talking. Felt quite nice to make though, as was quite easy!

[@erwinalbsone859]

Thanks Doddy 🤟looking forward for more videos 😍

[@CordlezToaster]

So happy for you Doddy, and thank you for the time you give us.

[@samblenkharn8099]

Thanks for featuring my question Doddy 👌🏻

[@tim__sadler]

what a superb episode - keeping the stoke alive - sound like you are keeping well and out of trouble!

[@akawazzupwitdat1543]

I was hoping that you would have your own channel…it’s about bloody time! Missed your insight on bikes, and knowledge of bikes 🍻🇨🇦

[@BaldBloke]

Topeak Pocket Shock Pump with Digital Gauge 👌

[@BaldBloke]

p.s i'd love another pair of 1200 mk2's, still got my 90s/2000's house/trance 12" collection. 😎

[@daz_the_cyclist8961]

Great edit bud more retro stuff please 😉

[@DavidJones-nl2xw]

Good to hear your updates Doddy. Have enjoyed your content over the years. In terms of the digital shock pump question, agree with some of the other comments, most appear generic so I'd go for the cheapest version of the same looking one you can find. Mine is a now defunct Lifeline (old CRC) in-house brand one and it's fine.

[@charlesholland6851]

Those bikes look proper trashed! Bet that was a very fun ride

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Yeah was a muddy few days! New brakes pads all round, and a deep clean. Looking like new again!

[@juffkasvennsson4609]

It is so amazing to see you so happy , when you sat in the lift, talking about your holiday . Nice video . I wanted to ask you I saw you wearing your garmin watch. Do you use it for navigation or just just health metrics. Because I didn’t see a bike computer on your handle bar. And as for a shock pump , I love the leyzine. It’s digital , but I just like the form factor and built quality.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Thanks, it’s a very liberating time for me. Really appreciating life at the moment. I use the watch for typical stuff including health; tracking rides, checking messages etc. I have used it for navigation but tbh I prefer an actual Garmin on the bike for longer rides and navigation. You can on certain Garmin use the watch as a second screen, which is useful. I really love the watch though, and find it makes me use an onboard Garmin less and less

[@MikeesTexas]

Excellent rambling❤

[@stevengeorge5605]

Well done, Doddy!

[@mole3481]

Great vid. You've been in my life for fucking years. 🤣 I'm 42 and I've also read most mbuk mags. Southwest based too. I love the passion for retro. Just takes us back to those amazing times. Keep it up mate. I've been DJing nearly as long as I've ridden bikes also. Must be to do with the age eh ✌️ Keep it up. Much love.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

As I said in another comment above - we’re all cut from the same! You sound really similar to me! 🔊🔊

[@EMTBAFV]

I've just swapped out my carbon bars for the Burgtec Ride High 38 and the new V2 Funn Equaliser stem 41mm on my 2024 Cube Stereo Action Team 160. Loving it! That bar is made for this bike. I just got it. It's my first eMTB. The price was just too good with the spec it has saves me changing out a cheaper bike and adding this stuff over time and comes with nice warranties. This was a big thing for it being a first emtb for me is some protection, and didn’t want to spend much more again with it being a first and taking so bad with this motor! Think i prefer my old Giant without a motor but will take time to get the hang of!

[@HUKIT.]

Really missed your coverage when GMBN was covering Eurobike, just wasn’t the same without you.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

It was strange watching other people's coverage. I'd forgotten how many people put out content

[@dave_clarke]

Glad this popped up, insta-subscribe Mr Dodd!

[@TheAngryHusky]

The US needs an online Mondraker store! I have an FPodium DC-R and would love to have some Mondraker clothing etc but it’s impossible to find in the US.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

I’ll pass this on to the US crew 👍

[@axxxxman]

sounds like he is living the dream, I miss you on GMBN Tech, the combination of you and Ann was a very good one. The new job looks great. I hope you stick with it. Daddy DJ is a bit too much though. cheers

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Thanks, I'm really enjoying things at the moment! What do you mean 'too much' with the DJ stuff? I was just sharing what I like outside of bikes!

[@kez2252]

Super interested in the dune as my e-bike of choice, however, that high seat tube is a deal breaker. Really hope they can revise that for next iteration 😉

[@user-rc9ff5gc8i]

Rockshox and Fox pumps were clones a few years ago. R.S. was $15 cheaper.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I used to commute 22km back and forth to work at first it was the dream but I had to stop since I was about to quit biking altogether.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

I hear that completely! Glad you’re still in to bikes!

[@TryRebooting]

As someone who lives 30 minutes from Boulder, I had no idea the Mondraker US headquarters were there! Doddy, if you have any influence with them, it would be wonderful to see more local shops carry Mondraker or at least some demo days. Glad you enjoyed the Colorado visit, the elevation is always rough but the trails are worth it!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

It’s literally just opened! New staff etc. we are in the middle of sales and dealer presentations so I’m sure that will happen in time!

[@TryRebooting]

@@DoddyMTBtech Sweet!! I'll keep my eyes peeled 👀

[@maskmord]

I started with a hardtail last year and bought myself a mondraker raze two weeks ago. The hardtail were great to learn all the fundamentals and it transferred great on the new bike. The only thing was that I got over confident and sadly i popped my shoulder in a crash a couple of days back

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Unlucky, hopefully you heal up fast and fully. Great choice on bike, it's my personal favourite!

[@maskmord]

@@DoddyMTBtech thanks! I told myself to just test some bikes before i even consider a new bike. Mondraker raze was the first on my list, I've heard great stuff about it and it's one of the few bikes that still looks great in the size XL. When I tested one I felt an immediate connection to it and not long after that I bought one

[@jn1083]

Belt drive is the way forward.

[@EMTBAFV]

I must be out of shape. I took my new eMTB with the Bosch Gen 4 smart system out for a ride a couple of weeks ago when the weather was nice, and it was tough! Even in Turbo mode, that thing seriously requires a lot of effort to get it moving. I definitely wasn't one of those people who said that the smile is impossible to wipe off after your first ride on an e-bike. For me, it was the opposite. I hated the thing at first! The 165mm cranks or the Q factor-something isn't right there with my Sam Hill pedals. So I just bought some new one up alloy with a wider platform to see if that's any better. My legs just felt too far back, like they were under me, and the heel of my shoe was getting caught between the pedal and the e*thirteen* crank arm! e*thirteen* crank arms are so narrow, but then again, I'm coming from my old Giant ATX TWO to a modern geometry. It's like I need to learn all over again with these new bikes. I'm taking it badly at the moment! So, hopefully, this week, now that the rain and wind have gone for a few days, I'll get some more time on it and get used to this motor system. The new update for the Flow app landed two days ago, and there's even more stuff added. I'll be bald by the end of next week! But i am finding this new Emtb with the new geometry alot harder to ride than my normal old DH Giant! That's bonkers!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Hi! Thanks for watching and adding a comment. Sounds like you have some issues getting used to the new bike - I hope that's not ruining the experience. Q-Factor will probably be fairly close to DH bikes with the wider BB, but the position of it will be quite different from your old bike. Firstly, your old bike was a DH bike, so it would have had a very slack seat angle - as they were never geared up for seated riding. Modern trail bikes (E and regular) have quite steep seat angles, to put the BB in the most efficient position for both pedalling and weight balance when climbing. On mountain bikes this is under the hips - so yes it will feel very different, but it is a better position. You can get back some of the older feel by moving your seat back on the rails, but this will also lengthen your cockpit, so you might find it a little long. Persist with your new bike, and you will end up loving it. Although it has loads of low down grunt from all that Bosch torque, it will respond best to spinning a faster cadence. When you get used to how the power kicks in, you can manage your pedalling around it really well. And as for the suspension, even entry point EMTB's benefit from the sprung/unsprung mass ratio - so they feel amazing on the descents. Your new bike will likely outperform your old Giant, but not just down - everywhere! Good luck!

[@BGraves]

Was the Discovery corporate ownership putting a big damper on the creative direction of the channel?

[@IronX77]

Link to the motor vid?

[@StacyODell]

Vlad is lowkey bad ass

[@calypso2niner]

Oh good, I found Doddy. To be honest, GMBN kinda lost me with some of their new flavors.

[@Superteastain]

Enough of the chatter, why does my frame keep squeaking?!?!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

is there a mouse in your BB?

[@Superteastain]

@@DoddyMTBtech Sounds like a family of mice... a family of angry mice.

[@DoddyMTBtech]

@@Superteastain Ha ha, at least it's mice. I have a friend whose bike sounds like it has a donkey living in it 😆

[@asifitmatters1]

It’s really nice to let dealers test ride… but maybe you should give the actual paying customers more opportunities to test ride the bikes! At the end of the day it’s not the dealers paying the bills!

[@DoddyMTBtech]

Well, it’s important that the people selling the bikes understand them and have all the information they need to do their job. It’s part of a chain. We do this with country teams; who then implement dealer training and then do customer demos. The one I visited in Germany was previewing 2025 ahead of launch, for dealer pre-sales. There are plenty of demo opportunities - but doing something on this scale would need to translate to sales, as it costs a lot to do. Hence it being focussed at dealers/distributors. If you want to demo bikes, I can point you in the right direction..

[@asifitmatters1]

@@DoddyMTBtech please point me in the right direction then, because in my experience especially German bike shops have stopped providing test bikes or try to charge €100 for a test ride. If I don’t pay to test drive a car or boat, I’m sure as hell not paying to test a bike!