Is there a PROBLEM with the MOUNTAIN BIKE COMMUNITY?

[@brassmnky33]

You could easily do the same thing and tell them they have no business doing product reviews without an engineering and or writing degree. They are alienating most of the people who are paying full retail, fueling their sponsors, and enabling their careers.

[@Bike198]

Very true.

[@TheVuk1976]

Completely agree with you and also Ryan from Loam Ranger. For me it is most important than normal people review the products, people I can identify with. Or talk about trails that I or my family is able to ride.And you mention a wider community - heck yeah. I’m from Slovenia and enjoy your content.

[@FloridaEbikes]

If I see a company gives a KZbin person something for free its 100% guaranteed I will not buy it.

[@cunning-stunt]

Would people buy their car based on what Michael Schumacher has to say about his F1 racing days? Sorry but I don't know the names of any current F1 drivers, boring sport!

[@22percent]

Yeah - I totally agree - Some people think they are above others and don't realize that they are standing on their shoulders.

[@323johnnybravo]

The majority of MTB channels I follow have nothing to do with racing. Guys like Seth or Single track sampler just share their love of riding and it’s contagious

[@toxicmale1744]

I tend to mostly watch content made by riders roughly at my level of skill. I can relate to their struggles and efforts more readily and more easily begin to consider things I haven't done yet. Average mtb riding content has shown me new riding techniques, bike build options and given me the curiosity to visit places.

[@marcmilne9228]

I think it's been in road cycling for a lot longer and is now filtering down to MTB. It also depends on who you hang with. We are a group of 50 plus guys that ride to stay fit, keep the gut in check and enjoy a good chat at the coffee shop. When someone gets a new bike it's genuinely celebrated by all. Mountain biking was always about the experience, the ride, let's try to keep it that way.

[@bmherbst9895]

I just did the BC Bike Race this year, my first ever race. I really got into biking about 4-5 years ago, I now have more bikes than I would like to admit, I nerded out on parts, suspension upgrades.Through KZbin I could learn how to build bikes, do suspension, damper services, you name it. I LOVE it all!! The bug has bit me hard. It was such an amazing experience, the people were awesome, friendly and enthusiasitc. I chatted to numerous fellow riders, talking about bikes, trails, tech. I have done trips to Moab, did the Whole Enchilada with my dad, we did Sedona. I decided to move to PNW in Canada because of all the trails. All this and I have almost never met somebody I thought was an A-hole. I am slowly progressing and the community by far and large has been awesomely supportive. If you you are smug about your skills, there will always be someone who's better than you. Just be nice, modest, complement the other riders, and you'll soon be in great company!

[@bobsmythe9949]

Same here bro - 52 and started riding 6 months ago in Sydney and have found everyone to be cool, even at Bare Creek. Did some riding courses, watched a shunt load of vidz. Best thing have ever done.

[@junkandcrapamen]

Having fun is the pinnacle of mountain biking. Pink Bike can get bent.

[@luffyluck]

All I can say is that 7/10 videos I watch are from my local riders that go around all the different trail systems and showcase the trails. Their levels go from beginner mid-life senders to local racers/shredders. The rest are from people like Remy Metailler, Yoann Barelli or people like Dale Stone & his clique. I purposefully ignore (ie., 'don't recommend feature') stuff like GMBN and Pinkbike to avoid going through the constant remake of the exact same videos.

[@claremontinteriorsmw]

Must admit I'm feeling a bit like chessed off with the remakes, even this year along there's dozens of them OK I understand they are doing it for the latest catchment of viewers So maybe the best thing would be to just read the titles before running down your battery🥱

[@dirtyforksmtb]

Agreed. The remakes are crazy. I stay away from those channels. But I think GMBN posts a video every day of the year…. This kind of output is not possible if you want fresh new ideas every video. I love the local and regional videos the most. 🚵

[@xrstopherpopp120]

i found myself in my late teens early 20's by cycling alone....mountain biking....alone. if anyone tells me now that i don't belong, I'll cycle off alone, and be happy. there are far better riders out there riding far better bikes, but the ride is all about ourselves, playing with nature and gravity.

[@petersullivan5834]

The more I ride, each new year I ride, the community and camaraderie becomes more and more important. It has shifted each year from what I am riding, how I ride, to where I ride and who I am riding with. I watched BoBo’s video, read Remy’s letter defending riding an e-bike and rewatched Punters farewell video this week. I also broke a bunch of ice riding this morning and have two shins covered in oozing scabs from last week’s slugfest in slick, wet New England leaves. I don’t know. Let’s just ride bikes.

[@cberg9480]

Remy’s post about e-bike was due to people leaving their options about why they won’t ride them or like analog bike, that was ALLdue to the title of his video.No one I ride with cares if people have e-bikes, and a some of people In our group have e-bikes. Like you said people want to go out and ride and have good New England IPA at the end.However, if you are on KZbin, you have to be able to take the heat or get out of the kitchen.

[@stephenknight-lenihan3489]

I started mountain biking on a rigid frame in the early 1990s. It was egalitarian, nobody paid much attention to gear, and there was the original anarchic vibe. Personal bests were getting home without breaking yourself or your bike. You emerged covered in mud, having portaged bikes through the rough, and all you could see were the big grins, including from the bike shop guy who had sold you your bike. I still mtb, and yes it's a fragmented and sometimes gear-obsessed and overly-competitive community. But the original vibe still remains. Just look at the youngsters starting out, and remember the undiluted joy of discovering off-road. And personally, at 67, I selectively watch great videos on trail skills presented by good people and aimed at recreational riders like me. I also, appreciate the far better ride quality of purpose-built bikes. So thanks for posting this; it is sad when a community starts sniping when, after all, it's just riding a bike.

[@Eph610-20]

Excellent video. You are spot on. We have all the power to change the attitude in the sport. I haven't really seen this locally but I do see it online. About 2 years ago at a local pump track, I had a guy come to me to ask a few questions about where to ride, how to jump, and the bike I was riding. The first thing he said was to apologize for the bike he had. Our response to that can encourage or discourage. I told him that the best bike he can own is the one that gets him outside to try the sport. I could see that my comments gave him the confidence to keep riding and not feel bad about what he owned. This is how we need to be. If we want this sport to grow and bring with it all the benefits of a large and healthy mtb community, we need to be the ones to promote it. I always liked Henri, but his comments are very disappointing. Hopefully he sees his mistakes and doesn't repeat them. Personally I hate elitism in every form.

[@daveblackmoto]

I don't think the sport necessarily breeds these attitudes as much as it's a byproduct of who the sport attracts. It's such an individual sport that has a "grounding" effect for those who need the escape and various chemical releases it brings. IE, this sport attracts a lot of folks who aren't exactly "balanced" (myself included lol). But something else to consider - while it's fun to see the top guys hucking massive jumps, we also want to see someone only slightly better than us so we can attach our own goals and aspirations to someone else's journey. I do this with moto - just watched a guy do a jump progression that I'm feeling like I could maybe do. Also, KZbin is "entertainment" and the personality of the presenter, style of the video can easily trump the core content.

[@Bike198]

Dave...completely agree. I haven't thought about that angle but it makes a lot of sense. Also awesome to watch all of your Moto action!

[@johnnydoe66]

I watched both Loam Ranger and Paul the Punter's videos and I have to agree with both. I will say that this elitist attitude is in road cycling also, where some guys only care about their Strava times/avgs and how much their carbon wonder bike with its deep section wheels cost and they look down on you if you're riding something more than 2 years old. This is why I ride with like minded cyclists who don't care what you're riding and are willing to help you with good advice and not judge you. Cycling is, in my opinion, about getting out, being healthy- mentally and physically, and just being free from life's drudgery like when we were kids. The whole idea is to get people out on bikes of every type and if "bumbling" does it, than so be it. We all can't be "pros" because that would be rather boring and we need variety.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I've been riding for a long time and I've come to the conclusion that each group has its snubs when I first raced in XC back in 1994 I experienced the XC snubs first 😂 Then the DH snubs, incredibly we've come to the Freeride snubs and the park snubs. The journalists snubs always had a deep dark place right in my seat tube hole...😂

[@RydenDirty]

I’d have to say I very much agree that there is a huge part of this community who hate on others. I literally started my MTB journey by starting a channel. I wanted to learn how to jump. Almost 4 years later I’m constantly trying to better my skills. But there are not only the pro rider elites but also the “ big mtb KZbinrs” that treat people like they aren’t shit if they aren’t a part of their crew. Not all. There are a lot of humble riders out there still. I keep my circle small and tight. But not because I don’t want to share it with everyone. But more of keeping myself away from the haters. This sport has changed my life and it’s all I think about daily. Cheers my dude 🤘👊

[@Bike4adventure]

There is a problem with the MTB community! Im over 50, a big guy and unfit. I can't tell you the insults, and just plain arrogance and discrimination presented to me. But on the other side, Ive met amazing people, made good friends and have brought new people into the MTB sport. I've only been biking 3 years, I've lost 80 pounds, quit smoking and getting healthier. My local club is awesome and supportive! My videos are just for fun and a way to share rides and trails with my daughter who moved 18 hours away. It's too bad Pink Bike has not tried to fix damage done...They obviously do not care. As presenters they should be not presenting anymore in my opinion.

[@CenturyRide]

Wow, well done! 👍🏻

[@JDM_MSK]

I have been a fan of Henry on pink bike for a while. His comments I thought we’re disappointing. The simple solution, just don’t watch their contact and do your own thing. It’s better to go through life not giving a shit about what other people say. Also, as an intermediate level rider who has a limited time to get out and ride I always scout out peoples POV of trails I am interested in before I go out on a ride. That way I can hit the trails that I will most enjoy and be the most efficient with my time on the bike .

[@bfranco1519]

Henry is a tool…

[@BillReno]

I agree 100%. I actually bought a helmet after one of your reviews. People that are sponsored are doing marketing, while everyone else is doing a review.

[@mtb4life817]

MTB hot takes 1. MTBR needs to be shut down 2.GMBN>Pinkbike 3. Strava doesn’t deserve the hate 4. UCI selling broadcasting rights to Warner Bros was a horrible move 5. EDR needs to leave UCI and go back to EWS to help out the amateur athletes 6. UCI needs more USA racing 7. Bern Peak is a huge positive for the community

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

95% SimpDogging :P

[@Carsandcoffe]

How is that supposed to be a hot take if everything you stated is correct

[@D91Mart]

Id say thats a normal take not a hot take.

[@soberday9774]

There would be no Mtb racing without "Trail Bumblers" many great points sir we need people such as yourselves.

[@RoughRidersMTB]

We do upload our "bumbling down trails" as a group channel as well. I do not really give a f*** what ppl at pinkbike think about our shitty content. 99% of the mountainbikers aren't racing or ride like young gods. Most ppl in the community are "shitty mountain bikers" who just want to have fun "bumbling down blue trails". I don't care about 99% of the racers. I cannot compare my riding to theirs and I do not even want to or need to. I rather watch amateur riders on youtube progress over a certain time than those 1% of elitist riders. For that reason the channels of those intermediate riders have the most views and followers, because most just dont care about the pinnacle of riders. They want to see what ppl of their league ride. We had quite some ppl join our group who started mountainbiking recently. And its always a pleasure to see them progress and help out each other on the riding. Not on an elitist level of course but still.

[@TRG36]

You hit the nail on the head. Subcribed. I watch mtb vids as much for the personalities as the bike content. Keep up the good work.

[@RayHarmon]

I'm lucky to live in a small community with more good riders than I can count. Most are humble and downplay their skills. Others will boast about their down hill day clearing gaps and drops. We don't seem to have the haters like social media. Most of us just want to ride bikes with people no matter the skill level. We like being outdoors, active and amongst like minded individuals. Most of us coach those learning so they progress and feel included. Elitists can F@¢£ off and be elite. Everyone else needs to ignore them, continue riding bikes and be happy. If you're out riding you're not at home commenting on someone's media. The old saying "if you don't have something nice to say then don't say anything," is really meant for this era of social media.

[@hardmtnbiker]

Nice perspective and I have seen that Loam Ranger video. Personally I’m a vlogger and started my YT channel 16years ago to market my Bootcamp classes then my first mtb video to show my local trails and share it with my family and friends. It’s a vlog, a video journal of content that I want to save and share. Fast forward, I still just post videos, mostly cycling related but not always. I like to post videos and enjoy the comments that lead to more conversations about bike stuff or whatever I shared. I know that YT is a revenue source for some people and a marketing platform for others, but personally I’m just posting content because it’s fun and entertaining for me and a few others lol. I have over 600 videos on KZbin and I will add more whenever I feel like it. Sometimes I make a video about bike riding because someone asked a specific question. Why not? I like watching KZbin videos about bikes and other topics and it’s fun.

[@crankshoptv]

Good points, it's sad that people will take the time out of their day to throw shade on other people's content, if you didn't like it and don't have a constructive critique, just click on something else. Kinda luckily I feel like this is an internet problem... As the owner of a bike workshop I meet a tonne of riders from all walks of life... I can honestly say 99% of them are great people.

[@OscarHernandez-xx2je]

MTB is about riding not racing. Racing is a part of most sports and a small part of MTB. It serves a purpose but is not the heart of MTB. This sport has always been a cool, inclusive sport. Everyone has a right to be a rookie, everyone has a right to be a shredder, everyone has a right to ride a 26, 29 or a rigid. Ride what you have and make awesome memories. I’ve been riding since 1992 and I’ve been lucky to introduce many people into MTB’ing over the years and changed their lives, hopefully for the better. I will continue to do so because I LOVE mountain biking. For me is not a hobby or something I do because I have spare time, this is who I am, I think about it constantly. I don’t race but I could. I’ll leave that to others with the itch. Now, mountain biking is going through a big change in large part due to e-bikes and technological progress. These bikes and technologies are opening the door to people that wouldn’t be able to get out and ride and that’s great. However, with this new influx of people into the sport, change inevitably and will most certainly change the culture of the sport, for better or worse. It is the responsibility of old shredders to welcome these people and continue to share the MTB values that make this sport great so that this new blood can experience the greatness of mountain biking. Kindness, acceptance, camaraderie, teaching your skills, laughing and mistakes and falls, humbleness. I have seen some local clubs with elitist attitudes and I just ignore them. Do not give those few people of organizations the power they crave with attention. If they want to put other people down or exclude riders that’s their prerogative but do not succumb to their ways. They will always be the minority. Goodness is at the heart of mountain biking and will always be that way as long as I have something to say about it. I will mountain bike until last breath. Mountain biking is life.

[@blackou7]

straight to the point! I've also experienced some "comments" from a few local snobs until I got a modern full sus bike... still smoke them down the trail.. MTB is all about the joy of riding, being out in nature, progressing if you are willing to & sharing the experience with others, last but not least a good chat & good beer after the ride :)

[@duancoviero9759]

❤❤❤ great comment 👍🏾

[@Wade970]

Well said, thank you. It’s really annoying to listen to the PinkBike/GMBN bro squad verbal diarrhea. The elitist gate keeping pushes newcomers away.

[@tariqkamil7853]

90% of us are average riders. And getting a review from the average rider is better than from an elite rider cos we can’t do what they do. I don’t need an S-Works Tarmac, as a below than average road rider, I need someone like me review a machine I can handle. Like as much as I admire TdF riders, I can’t ride those bikes for more than an hour

[@corydalus981]

People who get off on belittling other people have found a happy home on the Internet. As for MTB, I don't think the level of asshats comes nearly up to that in Alpine skiing. That was rife with people who literally would not talk to you at the bar in the evening if you could not ski the black diamond trails with them during the day. It was one of my main motivation for my quitting skiing.

[@ohyeahno16]

Thank you for this, it makes me feel better about being an absolute beginner. I can not tell you how embarrassing and intimidating it is to have better bikers, even the younger ones at the parks I go to (I'm middle aged and an avid downhill skier but we don't get much snow anymore so I'm trying this out since there's almost no ski season anymore here). They have their own groups and stare at you side-eyed while you head away from the harder trails. I actually decided to leave on our last ride after only two laps because I was so uncomfortable around these people when we'd get back to the lot. I'm constantly wanting to quit when people like that are around and having so few parks here but also having a huge biking community creates a LOT of snobby elitists at each park you go to. I never, ever had this experience in skiing or even professional horseback riding where almost *everyone* is a snob. I have an awesome bike and want to ride it. I really need to get over my intimidation before I quit and have barely started :/ I miss skiing.

[@daviddavis6876]

Absolutely agree. I love the “amateur” reviews on bikes because they are relatable to my level.

[@donpalmera]

How about everyone does this: Instead of making into just do the thing you like? If you want to do it with other people then do it with some friends that just happen to also like it and aren't only friends because they like it.

[@andrewrivera4029]

It starts with the bike shops, I walked into one the other day and I’m a 58 year old who has maintained a high level of fitness to be able to ride what arguably only people half my age are riding but I travel extensively so do not frequent anyone particularly bike shop and there was a very friendly young man who immediately helped me had me rung up and taken care of in 2 min. But there was a group of guys talking and were deep in thought and talking about something and couldn’t even say thanks or goodbye, I kind yelled “thanks, have a great day” which seemed to me to be snobbish. I was thinking of having my spokes tightened on my 3 bikes I ride and swap out a wheel but now I may do it in the next town I stop in. I try to do most repairs myself now as from town to town it becomes difficult to have 3 bikes constantly being serviced. The point is we are all judged within the biking community and be aware of it and try to not drive people out.

[@lyncsi]

It's unfortunate that there is always an aspect to any sport that is elitist, because it's not about ability but an attitude and which always has a polarising effect. The majority of riders are average joe's having fun just like me and I don't really care about their (PB content creators) opinions but more about attitudes. If you think that your a bit above the cut then life has a way sorting that out . The bottom line is that their just youtube creators like millions of others. Really good video and comments.

[@ralva2779]

I enjoy many of the different videos from around the world. There is great amount to learn from the tech serious and super funny! 😎🤘🏽

[@Bike198]

Room for everyone for sure! I love the diversity as well.

[@hammertime7740]

Pink Bike is horrible. Thank God that Levy dude is resigning. The whole site is condensending.

[@braincloud1]

I'm new in MTB'ing and during covid I bought a Trek Xcaliber 9 because that was the only bike I could find. Everything was sold out. After a while I realised the bike didn't satisfy my feels and needs. So I bought a Canyon Torque AL7 with black friday and I absolutely love it! Not the most high end parts and also not the least parts so I'm pretty sure it will last long with the right maintanance I do myself which I enjoy learning while doing. I watched a lot of videos about MTB'ing and technical stuff. I also realised this channels are sponsored and saying what they have to say. Maybe they act a little bit like that to feel interesting. But it's all good to me. I pierce through it and know it's all about having fun. Not about what's the best part or the worst bike. If I see Sam Pilgrim shredding the sht out of a Penny Farthing I realise we don't have to make such a big deal out of it. Just ride that dang thing 🤣 Stay safe guys! Cheers!

[@finroddd]

Well said and very good points, man! Thanks for this!

[@bobsmythe9949]

Guys - this is called LIFE! Every sport, club, work place, committee etc will always have those kinds of people. They're basically bullies and best way to deal with them is to show NO FEAR and just do your thing. Strangely, then they will leave you alone, or actually like you for it and then you get to choose whether to befriend them or not. That's why learning self defence is one of the best things you can do for yourself, just to be able to show no fear. Life's a game and I'd prefer a tougher life than to be some cotton wool snowflake with cameras and legislation watching every breath you take. I'm not defending these bullies, but you need to know how to handle them because they will never go away.

[@22percent]

Thanks for your comment and your valuable attitude.

[@hippymtnbkr]

I remember I had a subscription to you site at one time. I'm a 65 year old cyclist who has been cycling since I was 27. I'm originally from Michigan and now live in Charlotte,NC. Where all rider's, especially the younger ones, all believe they are experts in the ridings community. I made a comment on a rider who came behind me on the trail and said Rider up. This is a phrase that I knew as something you say when a rider is approaching from the opposite direction, and you are saying it to a group. Such as when road cycling, you would say car up when a car is approaching. But this I surmised was that the rider wanted to pass me, and he heard someone say rider up before, and thought it was cool. I come from the old train of thought that if you want to do something, then you should mention what you want to do. Something like, I'm behind you and I wish to pass. I myself have a bell, and ring it well before, then indicate if if I will pass either on the left or the right. Most trail riders will say on your left, which still doesn't make sense on the trail. What if I'm following the best line on the left, I'm supposed to give up my good position to you. On your left is a road bike term anyway, and the riders in Charlotte put down any rider's that wear Lycra, they call us wanna be roadie's. But they have no problem incorporating a roadie term. Another thing to add is something a couch told me year's ago. If you possess the ability to ride fast, then you should also possess the ability to pass safely. Anyway, I shared this on a Facebook forum, and everyone disagreed with me, saying I had a bad attitude. They claimed I was lucky that someone even alerted me that they were behind me, weather it be rider up or rider on fire. They all said that since I was the slower rider, I should move to the side and stop if it needs to be done. Is it only in Charlotte that riders feel to be elitists. I'm older and ride for fitness, and try to keep my heart rate in the zone. So I need to stop, so you can get your strava time in. Even in doing that. Shouldn't you pick an area that has no other trail users. Or just ride your best according to conditions at the time, including other riders. Getting a little off topic, are rider's that do jump's and drops ,still considered free riders. I mentioned that once in a comment, and got called a boomer, old school etc. They claimed what I did, cross country, is passe and not even considered mountain biking anymore.

[@jdnims]

honestly had not seen or watched any of your content until now. the great algorithm in the sky recommended and damn I'm glad it did. I can't agree more about the community and elitism. In the case of pinkbike, if henry is involved in any content I will not watch, and I actively avoid anything him or the others from that video take part in do. I think pinkbike on a whole has some good content but I'm disappointed there wasn't more said about those comments and that attitude, and I think it speaks volumes to how folks in the industry feel about mtb riders who aren't racers. I agree whole heartedly on the racer comments. I've tried it and its not for me, doesn't mean I'm not good, just not my thing. I enjoy riding, period. Anyhow great video and glad to see someone else speaking up.

[@rogerd9405]

I think the Pink Bike comment was taken out of context. I'm not saying they're right but I kinda get what they're saying. I personally don't care to watch a person with less than mediocre skills, fumble their way down the trail. It's kinda like, would you rather watch F1 or grandma diving to the supermarket? Should grandma be banned? No, of course not. Just don't watch her channel. That's what I did with Paul the Punter. I got sick and tired of watching him progress, just for him to be twice as bad a month later. If you liked his content, cool, have at it. But as a seasoned rider, I don't need to watch a guy who can barely walk and chew gum, teach me how to ride a bike. IMO, KZbin is just a storage space where people can share their videos. You can choose not to watch the ones you don't want to see.

[@stephenlord599]

I find the endless self advertising is what provoked this. I’m a member of several social media based groups for lots of reasons from manufacturer specific groups for tech advice to local riding groups These groups are spammed by the same people posting misleading and all out shit with the excuse of “growing their channel” One of my local groups I just looked and 8/10 of the last posts are people who can’t ride linking their shit channel mostly inappropriately .. either it’s not that area/trails or it’s not that manufacturer bike etc It’s gone from click bait to out out and liars .. they join on group rides and despite being told no filming they do then publish .. they film others riding stuff they won’t ride and then go and buy the same top and do an intro wearing it then put someone else actually riding they filmed without permission and pretend it’s them. They can’t even do that well .. when I called out one spammer for how his forks changed from fox to Rockshox he deleted the thread .. it obviously wasn’t him just him secretly filming someone on a similar colour bike and buying the same top as the person they filmed .. I’ve really no objection to people using YT to store their personal videos .. it’s when they realise that people won’t watch their shit and they start trying to publicise it everywhere that it takes over.

[@Bike198]

@stephenlord599 anyone misrepresenting themselves like that is just horrible. I haven't seen much of that but I also might just not be paying attention to it. The constant spamming of links and lying is something that shouldn't be tolerated for sure.

[@stephenlord599]

@@Bike198 You don't need to be a great "rider" to have an interesting MTB channel and most of them are missing the point you could be a world class rider and if you post unedited 20 min POV it's still shit. BOBO isn't a bad rider at all but that's not what makes his channel so good.. he could be totally crap and it would still be a great channel... Sadly it seems almost a pre-destined formula of misleading and lies from people who think they are "creators" etc. but have nothing of interest to share because they missed the point completely. They seem to justify everything as "but I'm building my channel"

[@mdschocket]

Excellent video I mostly watch videos that do expand my awareness of riding and seeing new trails. the product reviews of new bikes in the $7 to 14K range never really talk about how many riders really have the type of discretionary funds, and in 4 years the bike is outdated? I'm currently riding a 2017 sc Hightower cc 27.5x2.8 tires upgraded to sram xo axs I'm thinking of buying new bike I'm 67 and not sure spending 14K is going to make me a better rider?? Do I purchase analog or power assist? At my age I just enjoy being outside riding I ride solo at my own pace

[@johnbravo7542]

I didn't even know this existed. With regarding product reviews,I don't really pay much attention,as I know the reviewer will say favorable things towards the product,for financial reasons,so when it comes to bike,and bike parts I let my own experience,and researching of a product,help in decision making,built enough bikes,and serviced enough components in the past to understand what makes a conponent work well,I have a good grasp of geo's and suspensions. Anything I watch on KZbin with regards to mountain biking is related to the character of the person,and the trails they ride.

[@xerxesdacat]

Tottally agree with this video, I have been involved in other sports, road cycling, longboarding and Motorcycle Sport bike riding. What i find most baffling is how much more toxic the mountain bike comunity is than the sport bike motorcycle community by FAR! This realization was very shocking to me. Too many dogmatic egos attached to products & trends that come and go. As far as toxicity, gatekeeping goes there are other sports comunities where you can have the freedom to express your own experience with a product & not get flamed or harrassed just because others are on board with that products hype train and your not.

[@iwantmymtb]

If people would stop and think before speaking I believe there would be much less negative and discouraging mentalities out there. Spread encouragement !!!

[@TK-OK]

Until 10 minutes ago I didn’t know this channel existed. I agree and hope others would treat ebikes the same way

[@nickcummins3084]

no, Henry Quinney makes a joke about TicToc or Insta POV riders doing videos being generally a bit crap at riding. The editors of Pink Bike do not have a rant about it, its Kas agreeing that most of it makes for a crap evening's entertainment. It's clearly a joke by Henry, and he's got form for doing it for knocking all sorts of folks from all sorts of pedestals. And the thing is, he's not wrong, there's now a bazillion channels of folks doing POV uploads most of them (99%) are dull. The fact that he's hit a spot - here you are ranting about his joke the same way Ryan is, sort of proves he's right, dull POV bumbling is very dull, do something different. Berm Peak is wildly successful, and he's even done a video about why he doesn't do POV. Generally the best POV channels are because the rider is interesting or extremely talented, see Remi or Joann...Oh; are they, wait, ex-racers..? hmmmm

[@devlinsgd1971]

This is bang on. I don't watch less than elite riders because I find it dull. I definitely don't need to see my local trails from 372 different local KZbin wanna be's.

[@johnlopez4089]

I’ve ridden BMX for over 50 years and just recently got wrecked three times real bad in a 16 month period. So now I’m on to the big squishy bikes and I’m loving it. But the amount of close friends I have from all those years of riding is zero. I have plenty of acquaintances but no true friends.

[@davenawahine4428]

Most off road and pure race bike motorcycle test riders are not professional racers. Usually it's a mix of different skill leveled test riders. Reason being, the core consumers buying motocross, enduro, trail, trials bikes are not professionals. I'd rather hear opinions, assessments, comments, etc from the average Joe than a pro..... as long as it's an honest assessment.

[@davidflores9066]

Just found all these videos referenced. been mountain biking for off an on for 20 years with a few peaks and valleys in my skill/fitness over the years. i had been hearing SO MUCH at races lately people say, 'i just want to have fun and not crash'. this kinda bummed me out. everyones coming from far and wide to this big social event, and the racers are all stressed? i have been trying to think of other events and social things we can do with MTB that are more lighthearted. the consequences with golf are more strokes... fishing is going home with no fish... MTB has much more serious consequences, but this high risk is what puts us into the 'flow state'. there might really be something to the term 'adrenaline junkie'. maybe we are kind of addicted to the feeling of whizzing by that tree that could have just killed us...

[@JaredUnashamed]

People really take sport to serious. Also some people like drama and live for it. I've played sport at a collegiate level, I've also set personal goals in running where I thought I was pretty fast. But a friend of mine always said, "my fast pace is someone else's slow pace." Set a goal reach that goal and be humble about it.

[@giberthayworth6059]

Interesting, I've run into a few snobby people but the overwhelming majority have been very welcoming, including inviting a total stranger (me) to join their ride and treat me like part of their group.

[@ricardolopezdevictoria1109]

Just ride for you. Who cares about the rest or what equipment you use.

[@stephenkohler3472]

Bike racers should have as much influence on the cycling community as ski racers do on the ski community... Essentially none.

[@jimmansi9046]

I raced mtn bikes for 6 yrs & did well but for me it took the fun & joy out of riding as I thought I had to be “training “ all the time. Fun rides turned into training rides hammering all the time so I stopped racing & now just ride & am loving it still at 61.

[@NobodyNunya-x5z]

Some people just don't know where "too far" exists when it comes to gatekeeping

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Iv'e seen this even at group rides which I avoid now. It's just more fun riding alone and not worrying about what anyone thinks or does.

[@Bike198]

I ride with a much smaller/closer group now for that reason.

[@FirstNameLastName-ev3jk]

People should lighten up about the Pinknike video, in my opinion.

[@derDresdnerHeide]

Ok, that again is a "it-depends-thing", I would say. If someone does videos about biking techniques, how to get skilled, he (or she) should be skilled in the first place. The same about doing maintanance and repair stuff. Wrong advice can be fatal, and there are videos containing really bad advice. On the other hand, yes, there are people, a lot of, and I know the same from road biking, who are the best and the wisest. The good thing about online and real life is, you can chose. I am biking since 1989, tried some racing, marathon and now, 50+, I enjoy the fun way of riding and I aquired the ability to filter, what I listen to. To know a bunch of really good people and to know where to get help, if help is needed helps to look over those gurus, who know it all. And if I ever get in a conversation with such a guy, I tell him, don't just listen to what you don't like and stop telling people what they should do.

[@FATFORKS]

With the corporate hatekeeping, it's interesting because platforms like KZbin don't adhere to any traditional hierarchy. Basically if you make popular content you'll get views. Traditional media outlets are losing viewership numbers because people now have access to whatever content they want to watch and there's lot's of creators making this content now. Traditional rules about how good your riding is, who sponsors you, who you know in the industry etc are completely redundant in this context. So big media companies are now on a level playing field with random creators and they see these creators who used to be their customers now as their rivals. Random creators also have much more scope to adapt to trends in content viewing, whereas bigger media companies are stuck in the traditional structure of content creation so they're always going to be a few steps behind.

[@haemmertime]

This is why I don't ride at bikeparks anymore. I use functionell clothing for cycling for example rugged hunting trousers( with membrane) and a cheap shirt because I normally ride in the woods and mtb-clothing gets ripped way too easily by thorns and bushes and I wore this at the bikepark and really could see people look down on me. It's not like it hurt me in any way, because I am used to such behaviour, but it definitley ruined the expierince. I suppose this comes from a mixture of jealousy and not being able to grant someone else the things they achieved. This personality trade is common in the area where I live but on social media it is even worse, why we usually feel bad after spending too much time on it.

[@brushylake4606]

The problem with the PinkBike idiots is that racers have nothing to do with me. I'm a 52 year old with an 11 year old and 6 year old son. I've been riding a bike to work for a few years now. As my sons get older, biking is a hobby/sport that we can enjoy together (along with soccer and basketball). I want to get a mountain bike for myself and my older son and get out on some trails. Channels like this, Berm Peak, Loam Ranger, and others help me learn basics, equipment, first person trail views, and other aspects of biking that "racers" and "professionals" will never cover. I'm never going to spend thousands of dollars on a bike. My mountain bike is an upgraded Cannondale Trail 8 (bottle cages, better saddle, soon to upgrade the front forks) so I don't think the PinkBike guys are going to have anything to say to me. I'm not trying to impress anyone, I'm trying to have fun with my boys. If that means I'm not a "real mountain biker", then so be it. I'll be enjoying my time with my boys in the Florida sun. Berm Peak, Loam Ranger, and others have gotten me interested in riding the Overseas Highway over the Florida Keys, the Florida Coast to Coast trail, and even mountain biking in the Arkansas hills near my family farm. Have fun gatekeeping, I'll be enjoying my time on bikes with my boys. My older son is thinking about putting some of our videos of our learning to bike on KZbin, along with his sailing adventures. Biking is supposed to be fun. People like that miss the point. The reason that cycling breeds the "elitist attitude" is cost. There's no other regular sport that separates the haves and have nots like cycling. I have a $600 bike. There are dudes with bikes that cost 20 times that. If you don't have a $5000 bike, you're scum.

[@worldstallestmidget]

I think the problem with the community on KZbin is that KZbin at one time is was just for entertainment and now KZbinrs live of making videos now. It’s no longer entertaining its business. Companies like pink bike are mad because people don’t watch their stuff exclusively because there’s a bunch more content creators that make just as good if not better videos then pinkbike. And you were spot on with the as long as you do things our it’s all good! I deal with the elites all the time! Especially when it comes to trail building. They come out once or twice a year clean a trail up and then feel so self righteous afterwards. I have spent countless days of building in the cold wet heat snow rain you name it. All for someone to come out and bash mywork. I don’t care they can bash it but they still ride it. We need to just ride our bikes and not care what other people do or say. Enjoy life will we can! Because it coukd all be over with before you know it

[@carterschichtel9678]

It is the same with any extreme sport. Back in the day people would spend months-years filming a vid part. It's more about style, speed and trick + cinema creativity. A lot of modern day content lacks this and is the equivalent of fast food. Likely what they really mean but said in a harsh way. If you spend more time riding and less time looking for attention you progress 10x faster

[@joecanuck3751]

I've experienced the same thing in the RC airplane community.

[@aquicktake]

I'm from the Skid-Lid and toe straps generation and I HATE the way that BOTH road and MTB have gone. They are nothing like what they used to be - which was manly having fun and being social. My local LBS should be ashamed of the conduct of the 2 dozen guys that ride. I joined them about a year ago - and I swear I think I have had only about 2 or 3 five-word conversations with ANY of them. And, I had to be the one to initiate the conversation. I don't know man; just seems everyone nowadays is just so God damn full of themselves.

[@GHinWI]

One big problem with pro MTB racing is the huge amount of trail damage it causes. Worse, pro racing is all about shilling products nowadays.

[@Bike198]

It really does. There is a lot of trail work that has to be done after any race...especially if the weather is bad.

[@Trailz6of7]

I watch as many MTB KZbinrs I can. I learn from them all. I get entertained from them all. They all serve their purpose. I love riding my bike when I get the time. I started racing in 2021 and I enjoy it. It allows me to see how I fare with others, how my riding and fitness progressed from season to season. Its not my future, but my right now. It has to be selfish when you are in the zone, you the only one in it in your head. FOCUSED. Its YOU time and you need to be in it or you can really fuck up. Its all positive if you let it be. The negativity is where you choose to let it offend you. Everyone should ride for them self. There are lots of assholes out there. Who cares. Carry a roll of toilet paper and throw it at them when you ride by………..I ride for me and me alone. Its my time, my bike, my happiness.

[@siriosstar4789]

Bravo . excellent content. Now , let's expand the conversation a bit and talk about the current and mostly accepted definition of mountain biking . i've been ' mountain biking ' since 1958 . yeah you read it correctly , i'm old as fk . 77 78 in Feb. in those days mountain biking was riding our schwinn cruisers in , well, the mountains or hills or off road . Then a long pause to 1980 or so and i started riding downhill on a Schwinn cimmaron MTB. this was basically slowish trail riding with lots of crashes . i never graduated to jumping , drops , aerial acrobatics and kamakazi downhills as todays mountain biking is defined . i just continued to ride off road with the occasional semi fast downhill . my point is there are a huge number of people that ride this way but aren't considered mountain bikers by the young elites or those that think they are elites . Today i ride an E mtb becuse of old age weakness and multiple injuries . so am i qualified to speak about the history of mountain biking and the different styles of riding? i would say more so than the Bubble narrow minded riders that have no idea how it all began and still is to this day.

[@walterwalter1092]

I think some pros are just jealous of the KZbin vlogs, esp vlogs with a big following where the vlogger isn’t at the level where he is constantly putting his well being on the line. 99% of riders can’t relate to pro racers or free riders, and frankly, they don’t want to be at that level. This bothers guys who have dedicated their entire life to getting to that level. They want to be admired and worshiped. Instead, majority of riders would get more excited to meet BKXC. MTB pros are putting their well being on the line in every single event and serious practice. I sometimes think it has honestly just gone too far.

[@smalltankinbigfish9404]

Now I enjoy much more mtb since I started to slow down. Don't try anymore to be fast or super technical. Just doing my stuff and have some time a nice chat with others

[@mattfoley4128]

I grew up poor playing tennis. These "elites" aint got anything on those snoots. They hate getting beat by a hacker with a cheap racket

[@chrisdrysdale9175]

Seems like a certain stigma that comes with mountain biking and I am guilty of it I will admit. Showing up at a trail head and because I come from a DH / Moto back ground I felt my riding style was far more superior then a newer and xc rider and I’d often find myself riding alone or with selective group of riders. I’m happy to say I’ve grow out of that mind set and my life in the cycling community far better experience.

[@ML-wl9rz]

It's surfing too. It's not our activities that are the problem. It's how we identify ourselves through them that is. I'm not a Mt biker. I'm a guy that likes to ride a bike. Enjoy yourself and forget about the scene. Just be a human having fun.

[@TCfert]

Hear hear! 🙌

[@guitarlessonsnow3431]

Have fun and ignore trends. End of story.

[@D91Mart]

Although I mostly agree with your points, I don't see a whole lot of that negativity in my community. Everyone here is pretty inclusive and doesn't shun riders of lesser skill levels that I have witnessed. That being said I think people need to listen to that whole pink bike episode before forming their opinions, because I don't think in the end they came of as elitist, they were basically trying to get at maybe spend more time having fun riding your bike and stop trying to turn every ride into a youtube vid, which I tend to agree with. People cant do anything these days without trying to capture and share it on social media. But yeah Henry is a little bitter about his failed racing career. 😂

[@Govermentsound]

Spot on 👍🏾

[@Wieber84]

Ran into Quinney from PB picking up a rental bike from a coffee shop in BC and he couldn’t have been a nicer person

[@stuartwoodburn2653]

I was shocked that this happened, I understand that it can as I myself have looked down on gravel and roadies. Then I though car driver behave to wards other road users and polluting, it is cyclists are just enjoying being out side. Cycling is fun and that is all that maters in the end,these people need to grow up and what pink bike presenters are expressing their opinions you not have to agree!

[@Bonky-wonky]

3:49 true but that doesn’t mean they don’t feel the differences between bikes. Most top level racers can notice a single click, psi or mm difference. What makes their opinions less valuable for average riders is the fact that in some cases they might struggle to see things from the average bumbler’s perspective who doesn’t go flat out. Where exactly do you find that negative, elitist part of the sport? If you mean the comment section on PB you should keep in mind it’s really just a small but very vocal minority that is basically the 4chan of the sport. Except for a few spots here and there that suffer from localism (which is nothing compared to surfing) I always feel welcome when riding different places and usually make new bike friends along the way. I’ve done pretty much every cycling discipline (bmx, road, gravel, dh/ds/xc/en) and mtb is by far the least elitist of the bunch.

[@MTBShed]

I deal with this in our local community with the “elitist racers” 🤣🤣🤣 …and these are guys racing “MTB” in the midwest 🤦‍♂️

[@MunchPremium]

It is crazy how far these editors are detached from youtube...why would pinkbike hire them they should hire yt strategists and proper marketing people instead of editors doing little work How can such a bike group of hired people produce content that barely gets views

[@gainknowledgeandinsight]

I go by myself 98% of the time. I don’t even know any other MTB bikers

[@SirCamsmorethanalot]

Rule # 1: Is it fun!? If not, bail! No need for anything else like deep psychological insights, motivation etc. Keep it simple!

[@sprN0VA]

I think the same thing could be said about any community with stuck-up gate-keepers - no one will want to join and the elitist community will dwindle. Then eventually enough people who still want to do the activity, but don't want to associate with the snobs, will create their own counter culture.

[@cunning-stunt]

Henry, I'm not a professional mountain bike racer nor do I race in local events, why would I want to listen to a racer who is basically sponsored to race by certain manufacturers? Most racers are to busy training or racing to make content that relates to my riding.

[@hiroyopoetker]

MTBiking used to fun! To much BS and still riding the same trails! grow and and go ride! RideOn!

[@JIBBING_1980S]

I wish i can share this clip on my instagram

[@tonym6633]

Do I like watching Remy ,hell yes. Do I sometimes switch to Embn after saying not a godamn chance five times in a row.

[@13thbornpr]

The send it attitude. All these videos of riders sending it big makes people think that this is what mountain biking is all about. Go big or go home. So if you're not a shredder with steeze then you're nobody and you're just not cool. I think this elitist mentality is in most extreme sports but specially in those that you have to suffer a little bit for "greatness". Hours on the bike sweating blood automatically makes you better than a beginner or any casual rider. This message is unknowingly pushed onto people specially by social media but also the industry. Best example of this is when you see a beginner with a 10k bike.

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

So... just gotta say that if you just go out and ride for fun you really don't have to deal with any of this bs and drama.

[@anthonysears871]

Yep. Anybody can say anything on KZbin. Almost all is wrong!!!! They're KZbinrs that ride bikes! And look at me's!

[@katiposcotty]

The likes of pinkbike just want to be the gatekeepers by the looks. Im no pro rider or engineer but I made and sold a number of DH frames. People more than happy with them. Might start building some more, probably trail and enduro frames this time.

[@BankBoy21]

The Problem is that the mtb Industrie has way to Many Standards. But pink bike is right that not every clown that know nothing thinks he can Hand out tips. Racing sucks so much and destroys the fun in Biking!

[@digerati808]

This elitist attitude is magnitudes worse in the road cycling community. Unfortunately it bleeds over into the dirt scene sometimes. Once you start looking down at someone that isn't at your same level, you've lost your path in the cycling community. That aside, not all people strive to be an elite racer. I personally train my fitness and race in multiple disciplines, and I see it a necessity to not only learn from the cyclists above my level but also encourage and teach those below. This is the foundation for the survival and growth of the sport.

[@TCfert]

Hear hear!

[@dabbking]

The cycling community dislikes me because I am conservative also the rock climbing community