No Longer Sponsored By Pivot!

[@dumplinggang2725]

You were wrong about one thing. Your content got me to consider Pivot (Specifically the Shadowcat) and when I see a Pivot bike, you're the rider who comes to mind. On the other hand, you were spot on about the cost. Even with used market prices, Pivots are costly to obtain.

[@X41N3]

Same for me, but the only bike I can afford is a marlin 6 maybe haha. I never heard of pivot before, it was Ali that did that for me.

[@5gvaccinator343]

I've splashed cash on their xc Mach 4 sl. And it's amazing! Ps never heard of pivot before Ali got his sponsorship. Or maybe I did. But ignored it like any other ad.

[@o.zzzzzz]

When I see Pivot bikes, the first rider that comes to mind is Bernard Kerr. I've seen many of Ali's videos over the years(really loves his build vids) but I think it's very hard to stand out as a trials rider as it simply isn't popular enough imo. Apart from Danny and Ali I don't know any other trials riders.

[@almightyme1770]

Yeahhh everytime I see a pivot bike I thought about AC, Wanted to purchase it and then realise I don’t have the money 😂😂😂

[@bjunk5838]

You are the reason I own a Shadowcat. Your comments about bikes being small enough to be fun and not just fast resonated so much with me. About a year ago I watched all your videos and after you replied to my comment asking some sizing questions I was off to the store. It's an amazing bike, it is just so much fun and can truly do everything. I've hit dirt jumps, pump tracks, trails, even double black downhill - which was a bit much to ask of it, but it rode surprisingly well compared to my Norco Range. I do understand the pricing you talk about, it's not a bike everyone can go out and buy. If I was not in my late 30's it would not be something I could afford. Nonetheless, you DID make an impact with Pivot and I thank you for it. I made sure to tell them you're the reason I bought a Shadowcat when I registered the serial number, and funny enough shortly after that we got my girlfriend a Trail 429. I realize this is 3 months late - but thank you again and good luck with your new sponsor!

[@brucemacdonald5532]

Could be Airdrop, UK based and build some great bikes that are more affordable. They’ve taken on Craig Evans as a sponsored rider and Ali would make another great addition!

[@elliotwilliams7421]

If whoever signs you has racers in enduro or downhill, they should fly you out to a few races. Just seeing you riding round at races showing what you can do would be a great advertisement. Much love xx

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Once my body and fitness has recovered I’d love to do more races!

[@elliotwilliams7421]

@Ali_Clarkson even as a meet and greet or showing off some of your climbing skills would be a great advertisement for the product you were on, showing what can be done with an ebike to navigate tricky terrain.

[@AdrianMRyan]

Your transparency, clarity, and sincerity are very very much appreciated, Ali. I've been watching this channel for ages because of those (+ the humor and skill), even though I'm more a gravel grinder than a mountain biker, much less trials rider (my biggest 'trial' is usually just getting off my ass to ride lol)

[@melwalshmtb9121]

I recon there’s a chance it could be Bird! Whoever it is, I wish you the best Ali

[@seanrequiredfieldcannotbel1362]

Can't wait to see you riding Cotic!

[@TheGrowbag84]

My guess is Bird Bikes.

[@danposs86]

I was going to guess Bird too

[@resmutu]

Good on you, Ali. I’ve been watching for years, and it’s been great to see your journey and development. If you’re ever in Newcastle, pop in to the shop I’m in (The only bike shop still in the town, Start). As for the new bikes… My guess is Saracen or Privateer. It’ll be good to see where the next step in your journey will lead you!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you! Will do!

[@ricardosalcedo2824]

I bought an Inspired Hex because of you. Dunno if that counts for anything! I loved the street trials you did on the purple Pivot. That front tire bump to tall wall move was absolutely epic. Trail riders could really learn from trials masters like you. Super Rider has been doing a good job of promoting trials skills to mountain bikers but no one can do it how you do it!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much!! How are you liking the Hex?

[@ricardosalcedo2824]

@@Ali_Clarkson I'm new to trials bikes and I find it very odd to ride but I'm trying to be patient. I got the yellow one and I rather like the looks of it! I'm older so no illusions of doing more than learning advanced bike control.

[@shida420]

No idea why you popped up in my feed because I don't ride mountain bikes, but it's a well thought out video and I'm always happy to see people grow and evolve over time. Good luck with the new sponsor and you earned a like from me👍

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much!!

[@craigsmith9075]

Awesome advice very open and truthful. Hope to see you around glasgow.

[@owlclaw]

That “little” bike is perfect for what you’re doing!

[@RosieBloom1996]

Absolutely Awesome! Very inspirational.

[@nmbr-4347]

I think Airdrop bikes has a good chance to be the one, they seem to meet all your requirements, and they have some great bikes

[@Ul.lure.xenial.84]

Airdrop not uk brand

[@natandirt]

@@Ul.lure.xenial.84 it is a uk brand, they are from Sheffield

[@nmbr-4347]

@@Ul.lure.xenial.84 they're from Sheffield, is that not UK enough?

[@Ul.lure.xenial.84]

@nmbr-4347 I stand corrected I thought they were a euro brand

[@jamesmilner4123]

​@@Ul.lure.xenial.84 they have never been a euro brand, they started and still exist in Sheffield UK.

[@TheJamesorange]

I "Hope" whoever it is you enjoy them! 😊

[@JS-ck2rx]

As a big fan and owner I would like to say cotic. Haven't seen any jib style / trials with a cotic as the steed so would be ace to see you show how real steel is. All the best with the sponsor whoever it may be and looking forward to showcasing British bikes

[@MarcusNesbitt4]

My guess is Airdrop, theyve got a 27.5 range and are very affordable. Orange, Bird, and Atherton would all be good candidates, but I think Airdrop is the best fit

[@joeldriver381]

Looking forward to seeing what you get!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Coming soon!

[@ead05]

that pink one is stunning

[@ashleytombs]

Yeah you’re not wrong The pivot switchblade is an amazing bike with a price tag to match if you go for the top spec one but if you really want to stand out from the crowd at the bike park you can buy the limited edition TALON switchblade For a small price of 12K 😂😂 but if you just want the frame if you can get a hold of one that will set your back 4 to 5K

[@aaronmorgan2475]

Hey Ali! Glad that you are doing okay! You are valid and an inspiration to all of us. Its fine to feel low but please dont be your own worst enemy for too long

[@ElTagno]

Looking forward to seeing you rock up on a Brompton.

[@gk3coloursred]

Bird bikes seems like they'd be a good fit in both directions. Whoever it is though, I hope it works out even better than expected for both parties.

[@adammoonface]

Reading through all the guesses makes you remember how lucky we are in the uk to have so many awesome small bike manufacturers! My guess would be Cotic. Hopefully a smaller brand will be willing to assist with production on some edits. I love your content, but i do feel this is where you lack a bit. Looking forward to hearing more! Keep it up

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Edits are something I’d like to do but currently it’s been difficult due to my weekly upload schedule (I’d have to forgo any earnings from KZbin while I spent time filming an edit, then the edit itself probably wouldn’t get huge views meaning I earn even less…basically edits are satisfying to have but financially rubbish)

[@azpk85]

I live in Arizona (Pivot home state) so it’s sad to see you leave, but I understand - we call Pivot “dentist bikes” because many can’t afford. Including me.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

See many about? They are lovely bikes

[@azpk85]

@@Ali_Clarkson yes they are everywhere! Lots of sparkling teeth on the trails 😉

[@EliKazmaier]

It couldn’t be Stanton bikes could it?

[@thehollows]

Change is always exciting. I would love to ride the bikes that you ride but sadly my skills keep me firmly in the commuter/curb bomber/cross country category. Keep up the good work and can't wait for the next video! Cheers!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you!

[@YanDoroshenko]

I imagine that being one hell of a decision to make. That said, I did think about Pivot thinking about Ali Clarkson and vice versa. The best of luck to you finding another sponsor, hopefully there is someone in the industry able to notice talent and dedication when he's looking at it.

[@YanDoroshenko]

Upd: Congratulations on finding one, all is not so bad in the world.

[@firminshepherd4834]

Go Ali. Social conscience inspires respect. Looking forward to new material!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you!

[@alexbalrog]

Scrolling through the comments, there are so many great UK brands, it's easy to forget. My first thought was Cotic though so I'll go with that.

[@Allthatglittersaintgold]

Who ever you ride for, everyone in the comments will always support you, Ali. I am also sure, that all in the comments care for you and your health immensely. Well done on a move that suits you. ❤

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Such kind words! Thanks so much :)

[@duncanrandall2551]

I’d love to see you riding for Airdrop, but scrolling through these comments has reminded me how many great British bike brands there are (excuse the pun). It’s nice that you’re thinking about your audience instead of just thinking what’s the best possible deal you can get for yourself 😋

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@Happy_Biker]

Watching you jib and do trials on the Shadowcat is such a thrill. I'd love that bike.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Cheers!

[@UndCon]

Looking forward to the next Epicsode. Onwards and upwards!

[@Rqlawe]

i reckon its airdrop have one myself very good value for money and they still do a 27.5 enduro frame for sale

[@danielkeuneke5295]

I'm going to mirror all the others with airdrop. Seems to be a good fit and look to tick all the right boxes!

[@theandying]

I'd love to see you on a Whyte Snake but that seems to have been the biggest launch at Tweedlove for them to have just not followed up on

Orange!

[@orestisvas7277]

didn't the seize operations or something?

[@Beefdmz]

They found a buyer ​@@orestisvas7277

[@MarcusNesbitt4]

@@orestisvas7277 Theyve reopened now

[@ifitrollsrideit530]

@@orestisvas7277 Nope, Orange were saved. I think they were bought by their UK OEM.

[@MonkeyShred]

Yeah I’m going for Orange too 🤞 Props for the honesty Ali. I’m still in love with the colour on that pink Pivot 😅 Maybe we’ll see the pink Orange come through next?

[@neon_necromunda]

Orange are definately not in the affirdabike range

[@BenRelle]

That your gin at 8:12? I liked those Pivot bikes and what you did on them. They are punchy in price, but all MTBs (and all pedal bikes actually) are really expensive - I for one am not surprised at the market correction and seeing manufacturers go to the wall. Hope your next sponsor works well for you. As you were my only association with Pivot really, I didn't even know they were US based!

[@meffels]

My guess is Whyte. They have a smal team that they promote, are known for affordable bikes and have a wide range including e-bikes.

[@wilcooper64]

Don't they have Akrigg as a rider already?

[@meffels]

⁠Yes, which means that they have a team for Ali to work with. The first brand on my mind was Bird, but they have a smaller range and not really a team, so it doesn’t fit as well with what he said in the video.

[@wilcooper64]

@@meffels I doubt Whyte would take on another similar styled rider when they have Chris but we'll see soon!

[@mrbbonkers]

Saracen? I remember years ago they had the MAD trials bikes too.

[@tobyg4556]

Hmm I think Bird or Airdrop. I'm swaying more towards Airdrop as they are more focused on 27.5 but bird have a slightly larger line up.

[@Bicycle_Fungi]

Stanton would be sweet! Got some really nice frames, and a solid ethos. Either way, I’m sure you’ll be a fantastic ambassador for whomever is fortunate enough to have you on board.

[@beerenmusli8220]

Entertaining, thank you!

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@henrycowell193]

Seen a good few comments saying airdrop which seems very realistic but i want to take a stab in the dark and say kingdom bikes, not super affordable but a unique UK brand with various models, would also be super cool to see Ali on one of their steeds

[@jst88]

I reckon it’s Bird. Ticks the boxes of great value awesome bikes and very customer focussed. Either way good luck with the new brand!

[@adamcollentrials]

Glad to hear you left on good terms. Pivot would never have been on my radar without you. This video has some insane riding in it too! My guess... Calibre?

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much for the kind words!

[@learningMTB]

Your videos were what made me want to get a pivot, especially that shadowcat but I couldn’t justify the price. I did end up getting the same passquest chainring with the bash gaurd and I9 hubs from your videos

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Ah that just confirms the issue then! Hopefully my new bikes will be equally nice to ride but much more affordable :)

[@TRTManGaming]

I was thinking ribble but I just had a look and can't see any mountian bikes on there. Where have they gone??? ;-;

[@tashwillmyers3960]

It will be so sick for its Stanton Bikes

[@petermcinnes6987]

I looked down the brands people were mentioning and wondered if they were missing someone. Great bikes, great service. Privateer?

[@MatTancock]

airdrop 100%, they make a 27.5 jib bike and also 27.5 enduro, expanding their range and also a small team

[@jbradfordphoto]

Oh nice! Class act as always, Ali. So will you be riding Orange with Carthy or Whyte with Akrig? Argh....hmm... For some reason my gut says you're going team Orange. Either way, I'm so stoked that you get to go forward with support!

[@waypastfear]

gota be Atherton because of their nuanced frames and aluminum options.

[@estilwell444]

Holding out hope you are going to be the center piece of the On-One revival

[@rajaizkraja]

Pipedream Cycles! 🎆🤙🏻

[@jurassicollie7458]

My guess is deviate or airdrop i recon it's more likely going to be airdrop though because it fits best with your description also they make some sick bikes very dirt jump orientated though but exited none the less

[@larsdebrabandere1783]

I'd guess tha atheron bikes, they're amazing looking and seem like a good deal. Also I really hope to see that self made line ridden properly, or did I miss it?

[@robertphillips2467]

Love it if it was Airdrop and you and Craig did some collaborative stuff, especially in Sheffield and Wharncliffe.

[@lvburik]

Brompton? Small wheels, not very slack, very Short t4avel. Seems to be ticking all boxes. The hinge may even allow for some very cool tricks!

[@matthewvale4545]

Good luck Ali

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you very much!

[@HarryL2020]

Hopefully Atherton bikes but I feel like they're already well known and kinda expensive too.

[@OldManFatBike]

Is it Cotic, Ali 🤔

[@colinlee5429]

Sounds like you've done it for the right reasons 😊🤙

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thank you :)

[@StaceJohnson]

Very classy, ali, and I totally understand the decision. It also speaks to your integrity to recognize that Pivot was not a good brand fit for you.

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Cheers dude, it was a tough call but I’m thinking it was the correct one

[@andrewwhite3457]

Cotic bikes would be cool. Got to love what they are doing

[@twostrokepower]

If your new sponsor should not be like you imagine, just send an email to the guys at YT industries In my opinion the bikes are great, and even as a customer or with other words one of thousands of people, you feel never left alone, almost like in a family and that’s what they are standing for. Cherry on top: the bikes have a very good price- performance ratio

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Didn’t have much luck with YT when I asked them a couple of years ago

[@dimensionsofearth]

I think Bird is a good option as they begin to grow and use more technology. With a reasonable price. Hope would be cool but they aren't exactly affordable. It felt like a long year on Pivot, with lots of great riding!

[@JBgrt-wz9oi]

Starling

[@steve315r]

Ali, what quarry is that? Not the Bob McGregor Trials Academy the other one. Is it Craigie, Edinburgh?

[@Ali_Clarkson]

It’s cambusbarron quarry just outside Stirling 👍🏻

[@christopherhardison9725]

I want a trials bike like yours but I can't seem to sell my full suspension bike to make the purchase so if you have any suggestions on how to do it I would appreciate your support

[@Ali_Clarkson]

I’d say that you don’t necessarily need a new trials bike, there’s plenty of older used bikes out there and they’d be a great way to get into riding trials

[@emanuelgebauer7098]

Kind of hope it's bird. They sure deserve some more exposure. Absolutely adore my Aether 7, I think it would also fit your style 🥳

[@JeffersonPunk]

I reckon it’s the lovely folks over at Cotic

[@ThomasK-lg5lu]

Cool U.K Bike! would love to see one build whit Lot of Hope parts! Cose i love my new Hub

[@JWCinematography]

my guess is orange, i remember you touring the factory a few years ago. (possibly pace too, yorkshire brand + yorkshire rider?)

[@neon_necromunda]

Isnt orange owned by santa cruz bikes now?

[@Zenqiii]

Wow some of the best bike control I've ever seen! Absolutely ridiculous some of the stuff I just watched you do haha, do you run 27.5" wheels?

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Thanks very much! Yes I run 27.5 👍🏻

[@ashleytombs]

That’s a shame as we know all good things must come to an end at some point yes Pivot amazing company and yeah like most bikes these days they’re a lot of money it’s crazy to think that Enduro bikes are more than DH bikes which is crazy onwards and upwards as the saying goes looking forward to seeing your new sponsor

[@paultrial]

Starling Cycles!

[@adamwil1177]

Good job Ali very honest. Dont think people realise what doin trials on bikes does to them and also to people who watch them when they think they need top shit. Trials is all about seeing n havin fun n that feeling in your mind of yes i did that. Then once u nailed it make it look good. ❤

[@tomtokeley7373]

Oh definitely airdrop. Sick company, and they have a 27.5 small travel rig too ;)

[@shaneridesmtb]

Airdrop!

[@Dwyane1st]

yeah that could be really cool! quite fancy one of their DJs

[@Team-Fraser]

My guess would be Genisis bikes. Not good about your back, hope you are on the mend. I was hoping to see you at Bob's this weekend, You take care @Ali Clarkson

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Yeah pretty gutted about that :(

[@orestisvas7277]

My guess is Whyte because i don't know UK brands (or many brands for the matter), not the best value bikes but you can beat on the frames all you want

[@tonymighalls9667]

My guess is airdrop! 100% all in!

[@christrahar5724]

My guess is Atherton bikes!

[@beartiger1553]

I’m with you hope it is

[@Metal-Possum]

Starling would be a great sponsor.

[@Beefdmz]

Surely it's Deviate, they seem like a brand that'd suit you really well as far as brand values are concerned

[@paulsymons562]

Honestly Ali, I see you and think Inspired. Thats who I associate you with, whatever MTB you ride. My guess is Whyte.

[@Gloitch]

I'll have a guess with Whyte Bikes.

[@n3croo583]

I'll be riding the hardest trail... Call it personal bias but I ride a Nukeproof mega... Although that's a lot of travel for Ali

[@joseluissalazarcabrera1964]

Te felicito por tu postura y decisiones es lo mas correcto! No conosco las marcas de allá pero imagino que será algo como Orange, suerte!!!👍😎🇲🇽

[@Ali_Clarkson]

Merci beaucoup

[@paultrial]

Kingdom Bikes!

[@rexxaitken]

Airdrop is my first guess, could be more exotic maybe starling or even hope?

[@KHos73]

I reckon Orange possibly :) or Airdrop, they seem to do various types of bikes which would be good for Ali

[@full818]

it has to be orange bikes, since they have a big range of bikes and are pretty well known worldwide

[@Fantic156]

Pashley trials trike... 😂 Seriously, Atherton seem like a good fit.

[@WaechterDerNacht]

The bike brand that came to mind during the video were Airdrop Bikes...

[@corycampbell5913]

Stanton!

[@Paul-mm9bq]

Good vid Ali. I'm after a new bike and looking to do it through wheels to work. question is what do I get as I'm none the wiser. My guess is Carrera. currently have a vengeance but I want a decent allround mtb

[@Ali_Clarkson]

This isn’t really my expertise sorry, depends on your budget and stuff…might just be worth trying to find bike reviews of bikes around your budget for better insight