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

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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.deviatecyc...
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

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@brycewalburn3926]

I absolutely loved how much fun Cathro had with this.

[@colbysmith3026]

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

[@nijae.v]

BROTHER

[@quickscope8034]

@@paddor shut up

[@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

[@EarthlyEden1]

Ben and the whole Pinkbike team are a must watch.

[@queazeproductions]

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

[@Dan-uy2ld]

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

[@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

[@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!!

[@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 🔥🤘

[@thehighground4920]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@somathebest]

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

[@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

[@Enn-]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@SamuelKGunther]

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

[@gavincfc]

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

[@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.

[@Rejinx]

This reminds me of what Brian Scalabrine, an Ex Pro NBA Bench player, said about being challenged by high school and collage kids. He said "On my worst day I am closer to beating Lebron James than you are to beating me." The fact is at the highest levels of a sport the differences can be huge.

[@lukecasey242]

This is the crossover I didn't know I needed

[@Alex46312]

Used to have a poster of that bike on my wall as a kid. No idea how the head angle seemed so normal back then ha.

[@baldweezy2362]

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

[@J1NX123]

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

[@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

[@rickbiessman6084]

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

[@Aiika__]

Goes to show it isnt all about the tool you're using, its about skill and technique. Ben smashed it on that tiny thing

[@bikesandsnowmobiles3308]

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

[@MarieVanMeulder]

When you said 'the smallest bike I could find', I totally expected a kids bike lol.

[@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.

[@dfunited1]

Mike you inspired me to learn a new skill! Today was Day 1 of practicing writing with my left hand.

[@RyzawaVT]

Ben was a blast and this series is a keeper!

[@stew_redman]

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

[@justinnewman13]

WOW this is eye opening! Unreal to think he could still cut 12 seconds off a 1:41 time for his 3rd run

[@LBletter]

love the mtb/downhill content! Thanks!

[@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!

[@natelance9526]

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

[@notanengineer]

Very close to 3 Million!

[@markmccall9027]

I've still got my ancient Orange 5 frame too! Loved that bike. Perhaps it's time for a spares box rebuild!?

[@jesseshort8]

It's crazy how it goes from lush green to a dead conifer section and back. Pretty cool.

[@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 ❤

[@npexception]

Pratice makes perfet.

[@jeffreydzialo]

You should have had Cathro ride his downhill bike. The tight twisting track might have been slow on a long bike, with lots of squish. But i think you were in for it, regardless.

[@danielsal5442]

How many camera guys do you have? Or could it have been filmed with one and lots of takes?

[@Tornroot]

5:12 Ben didn't even have a praCtice run, only had a pratice run. Love the new format though.

[@xserv8170]

Your videos lately are so good

[@felixblue_]

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

[@Vas1]

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

[@auto1226]

5:12 "pratice run"

[@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.

[@Rulerofwax24]

I knew this would be a blowout, maybe just from how it was setup. I can't imagine there are that many things where a pro can be seriously hampered by beginner gear - they're a pro for a reason. I'm reminded of an old series from DigitalRev that gave basically toy cameras to professionals and they were still able to make some really interesting shots.

[@TheMrBush]

I really loved the pratice run

[@erik4177]

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

[@steelzMan]

Had Ben rode his downhill bike in Pink Bike Racing, he would have shaved ANOTHER 12 seconds of the megatower!!

[@ravenblackwing7888]

“Pratice Run” -Mike Boyd 2022

[@11colinw]

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

[@maxwellcunningham8908]

Looking at world cup tracks on the TV does not do them justice. Ive seen the snowshoe dh track and it looks absolutely insane in person. Harder than any double black I've ever seen

[@KDEDflyr55]

I'd watch Ben Cathro make coffee or like, mow the lawn. The guy is pure charisma

[@tommyr95]

Ben's awesome! Love his contributions to Pinkbike.

[@lukasa1026]

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

[@RichardWinskill]

Ah good, I was hoping we'd get a time for his actual bike 👍

[@sl0m0_]

KING CATHRO 👑 i bow down to king of Big Guys everywhere

[@Henrix1998]

Cathro understands grip so so so much better

[@AbimbolaAjayi]

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

[@VinceEmond]

I’m surprised that Santa Cruz let @ben ride a Orange bike in this video. Kudos to them!

[@ocbyn]

Looks like a blast. More please

[@andymoss4285]

I knew cathro was Lankey, but he makes Mike look like an ewok😂 also that deviate looks swish

[@LukaPaja]

Brilliant video. What a lovely cheerful funny tall bloke.

[@garretthorner]

Love when this channel becomes a mountain bike channel 😂

[@melwalshmtb9121]

Love these Cathro collabs!

[@davidfranco9987]

Loved this new format 💯

[@bullseye0112]

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

[@rahatmuneeb3265]

Given his unconditional love for mountain biking, I wonder if Mike has played Downhill Domination.

[@justinmeyerr]

they are masters of riding at the limit. small bike, they'll lose some time, but still find that limit of speed vs crashing

[@QuietPenguinGaming]

Loved this!! Minus the pratice typo ;)

[@GetRitchie]

Look at the body position of Ben Cathro vs Mike Boyd. Ben is much more forward and aggressive, so leaning and pumping more with the front and mid section of the bike, while Mike is positioned way more backwards and passive.

[@GrahamCrannell]

oh god, now I want a downhill bike... this looks fun as hell

[@felixfam0481]

It'll cost a kidney (or two) but it's worth it

[@amando96]

@@felixfam0481 Get something from 2017 or so that is at least 27.5''. Solid deals these days

[@kolt4d559]

DH bikes are awesome, but can be a bit of a pain if you don't have to chairlifts or a shuttle service. Enduro bikes are super capable at most bike parks and climb a bit better. Research the bikes your interested in and what trails you will most likely be riding. These things get pretty pricey and because they don't live "easy" lives require a decent bit of maintenance. Cheers and happy riding.

[@pivotcycles-ote8083]

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

[@shutupbeach3523]

Here is your "C", Mike. Don't loose it again ;)

[@Scorpoid]

5:14 Pratice Run. Sorry Mike.

[@Magikarp_king]

I was really hoping the pro would be riding a super tiny toddler bike.

[@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

[@ocbyn]

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

[@02mtb]

ok, it's December, so I can write this: this is the best video I've seen in 2022 😁

[@polearm123]

5:13 Ah yes, the pratice run

[@WalkthroughHeroes]

I just saw the title and went "ooh boy he's going to smoke you!" haha.

[@malikomuchimba6876]

Congratulations on 3 million subscribers

[@marslion1]

I would like to see you try climbing! You've done so many physical challenges and I think trying to climb a moderatly hard grade would be really interesting to watch.

[@maartenkos98]

Cathro made it feel more like a pump-track on the mini bike 🙂

[@redstoneablecz5742]

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

[@jormam69]

It's crazy Cathro only needed to pratice once

[@piast99]

Oh, I would love to have Rob Warner commentating that race!

[@MTulak]

Haven't watched it yet, but my prediction is yes, Ben will definitely win. He is super skilled

[@LorDDemoniC]

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