View Full Version : Who's your favourite freerider?
emcgough
05-02-2005, 11:50 AM
Who's your favourite freerider and why? This could include your favourite oz rider, or one of the international superstars...
Mine are:
In OZ: Grant Allen- I just love the way he rides, styling and tricking off big gaps, awesome dirtjumper and a great guy too. He can do the big drops but still has the skill to hit up the technical stuff
In the World: Darren Berrecloth- Simply put, he's got it all. Does the big gaps and drops, with crazy variations like the 360 drop and the superman seat grab gap he does in NWD5. Seriously skilled dirtjumper. Also does trials type riding as seen in the NWD films. I reckon he's the most well rounded freerider on the planet at the moment.
P.S.: I'm not sure if this topic has been covered before, but I searched thoroughly before posting and found nothing, so at least I tried...
mustard
05-02-2005, 12:05 PM
l think there's to many freakishly skilled freeriders to list, each one has there own unique style :confused: there's to many!
emcgough
05-02-2005, 12:07 PM
you can still have your own personal favourites though...
STP112
05-02-2005, 03:09 PM
My personal favorite would have to be aaron Chase
A great freerider and very skilled at street and dirtjumping.
But you can never go past Tyler "super t" Klassen
DWNHLR01
05-02-2005, 07:01 PM
My personal fav is Thomas Vanderham, very talented freerider.
Richie Schley is just a dork.
Thomas Vanderham, wikid style, love the over-flat flatties. Doing a drop doesnt mean much to me, its more the style and flow of the rider that id prefer to see. ;)
Jordy
05-02-2005, 08:58 PM
Vanderham, style and flow kills all the stupid hucks and tricks these other guys pull
mike&nat
05-02-2005, 09:00 PM
i d go for wade simmons, his a sick freerider and has wicked style
My personal favorite would have to be aaron Chase
A great freerider and very skilled at street and dirtjumping.
But you can never go past Tyler "super t" Klassen
Are you serious? Watching Klassen ride makes me envy the blind. His section in Kranked 5 makes me wish moto-whips had never been invented, his style is the very archetype of the poo-stance.
Jared Graves is my favourite freerider, followed closely by Rennie.
Superman
05-02-2005, 10:35 PM
gus is my favorite freerider, good dirtjumper, fast downhiller, big hucker with some of the best style, good 4X rider, and to top it all off, his biggest drop (10m by 10m) was on a hardtail.
Are you serious? Watching Klassen ride makes me envy the blind. His section in Kranked 5 makes me wish moto-whips had never been invented, his style is the very archetype of the poo-stance.
Agreed... Super T is just another Bender on a different bike (and he seems to crash less often). No style whatsoever.
masjolly
06-02-2005, 07:45 AM
in oz Grant Allen is my fav cos he's got heaps of style and skills and is very committed to riding and building and a great guy to ride with
Overall: darren berrecloth, 360s and superman seatgrabs off drops such a progressive rider but also has the skills to ride the trails and street
oh and super t has a bowlegged and unco style has anyone seen dropin 2 where he tries some tricks? he does have skills though just bowlegged style
mattykingma
06-02-2005, 01:18 PM
cedric gracia
Mugger
06-02-2005, 05:06 PM
Nathan Rennie.
Ditto, just watched the Red Bell Freight Train that came with AMB. Loved the section with Rennie gapping with the motox kicker, bloody insane.
Riders who just do drop after drop after drop bore me, would rather watch someone who drops but then can ride north shore as well as dirt jump with style. Kyle Straits' another favourite too.
milne
06-02-2005, 05:21 PM
Grant Allen
because he rides for Banshee and is siko,
hes my fav,
but then im not a freeride fan
Daver
06-02-2005, 06:53 PM
Rennie. He owns.
Kammy
06-02-2005, 07:15 PM
:eek: any1 ever featured on drop in 1,2,3 :D
emcgough
06-02-2005, 09:26 PM
:eek: any1 ever featured on drop in 1,2,3 :D
Even Klassen?
andy73
07-02-2005, 08:00 AM
Hmmm, tough one. So many rad tiders.
Number one for me is absolutely Vanderham. he understands that style is a critical element in riding and takes a lot of style cues from motocross. Smooth as silk.
Otherwise there's so many:
Wade: Getting a bit long in the tooth now, but he's a true pioneer. his section in Ride to the Hills knocked my socks off.
Berrecloth: Freak - is there nothing he can't do?
Kyle Strait: The grommie's got style and a big bag of tricks.
Dangerous Dan: Builder and North Shore pioneer - how the hell does he stay on those skinnies?
I know that
Nathan Rennie.
fuck'n oath steve!!
He kills everyone *cough* rebull freight train *cough*
so much style, speed, balls, everything and he's a WC champion... lets see Thomas Vanderschmut or what ever his name is win a WC!!
olly1oo6
07-02-2005, 09:12 PM
ritchie schley - cos hes just soo smooth, lands everything bewdifully and doesnt do stupid stuff that puts him in hospital
bearclaw - cos like evryone said theres nuthin he cant do
andy73
08-02-2005, 06:45 AM
lets see Thomas Vanderschmut or what ever his name is win a WC!!
Thought the thread was titled who's your favourite freerider?
patto_15
08-02-2005, 01:48 PM
dave watson. he is awesome. jumping over tour de france was wicked but stupid. but thats whats cool about him.
andy73
08-02-2005, 02:13 PM
dave watson. he is awesome. jumping over tour de france was wicked but stupid. but thats whats cool about him.
yep - watson has great mot style.
Thought the thread was titled who's your favourite freerider?
Yeah, i know - rennie kicks ass as a freerider (and also happens to win WC's)
Its called "TALENT" :p
Kammy
08-02-2005, 05:21 PM
Even Klassen?
yes :eek:
Cave Dweller
08-02-2005, 05:30 PM
Rennie, he is such a talented rider. In fact almost every DH racer is better then people who call themselves "free riders"
He owned Grant Allen in the red bull frieght train video. And grant allen says some fairly stupid stuff, like that crap article he wrote in AMB a few years back saying that "we shouldn't ride street or do skate parks" etc. What a tool. He must have felt fairly inferior getting owned by chase and rennie (who ride street and skateparks by the way). Go huck of something big will ya :D
grant allen says some fairly stupid stuff, like that crap article he wrote in AMB a few years back saying that "we shouldn't ride street or do skate parks" etc.
Yeah, what a F#$K whit! i couldnt believe he was say'n that shit, that just makes him look like a tool in front of the whole mtb world... I worry's me that people look up to him so much, cos with an attitude like that, he shouldn't even have been on the red bull train...
Not to say he cant ride, cos he can, very well.... but his attitude stinks :eek:
Jordy
08-02-2005, 07:45 PM
Yeah, what a F#$K whit! i couldnt believe he was say'n that shit, that just makes him look like a tool in front of the whole mtb world... I worry's me that people look up to him so much, cos with an attitude like that, he shouldn't even have been on the red bull train...
Not to say he cant ride, cos he can, very well.... but his attitude stinks :eek:
he said something like that on Freight Train too...fuckin dickhead he is
RANKED 1.Vanderham 2. Schwartz 3. Rennie 99999.Schley
he said something like that on Freight Train too...fuckin dickhead he is
yeh hes going on about riding natural and everything and that street/park shouldnt be ridden, with chase like right there with him on the trip.... haha what a tool... chase fucking rips, not that he doesnt, but for fuck sake and attitude like that aint doin any good at all.... ps: chase's step up to land sittin on handlebars on nwd5 is sick...
heppy
08-02-2005, 10:01 PM
Ok ,I am good friends with grant and i got to say that you all have the wrong idea about him. He is talking about what he likes to do when it comes to riding bikes, he's not trying to tell people what to do at all, he is expressing the aspects of riding that he likes. And his attitude is amazing when it comes to riding and he is very comited to riding and helps others around him.
So perhaps you should stop making judgements on people that you don't know and stop bagging people for doing what they love to do.
dj jedijunglesnow
09-02-2005, 08:09 AM
So perhaps you should stop making judgements on people that you don't know and stop bagging people for doing what they love to do.
If you look back no one actually bagged his riding, it was his opinionated comments in film and in print. Particularly in print; if you're going to write opinionated articles people are going to comment on them.
If you don't want people's feedback/opinions on your own opinion then shut the hell up and keep your opinions to yourself.
Red Rocket
09-02-2005, 08:17 AM
Are you serious? Watching Klassen ride makes me envy the blind. His section in Kranked 5 makes me wish moto-whips had never been invented, his style is the very archetype of the poo-stance.
Jared Graves is my favourite freerider, followed closely by Rennie.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggg ggghhhhhhhhhh Tyler ragged aaaaarrrrrrggghhhhh
seriously, I really think Tyler has a lot of skill, probably better than ALMOST all of us on this forum, whilst this isn't the argument here, and it is your favourit, Tyler really is a good rider
andy73
09-02-2005, 08:48 AM
Rennie, he is such a talented rider. In fact almost every DH racer is better then people who call themselves "free riders"
Vanderham comes from a race background himself. And in the last issue of Dirt he got some pretty big props from Cedric and Peaty re his style - they called it racer style.
At the end of the day you're right - Rennie rips...
I just hate the whole freerider vs racer debate.
andy73
09-02-2005, 08:50 AM
Actually bring back Booby Root!!! :D
Thomas Vanderham for his flow and making it look so easy
Ok ,I am good friends with grant and i got to say that you all have the wrong idea about him. He is talking about what he likes to do when it comes to riding bikes, he's not trying to tell people what to do at all, he is expressing the aspects of riding that he likes. And his attitude is amazing when it comes to riding and he is very comited to riding and helps others around him.
So perhaps you should stop making judgements on people that you don't know and stop bagging people for doing what they love to do.
sure he is a nice guy, and sure he is a commited rider, but fuck, either change your attitude or learn some public speaking skills cos it aint doin ya any favours (grant, that is) , especially being a freerider where its all about being open to ANY kind of riding, having a closed opinion like that is very hypocritical...
emcgough
09-02-2005, 07:54 PM
Hey, Grant is entitled to his opinion, and when he talks about not riding skateparks, concrete, etc... he isn't saying not to ride them at all, he's saying that, in his opinion, skateparks, etc. shouldn't be Mountain Bikers main source of riding. At the time of the AMB article, I know alot of this was happening in Adelaide. Kids getting into the sport were starting out on big DH bikes and jumping off bloody 4ft concrete ledges, and their bikes were barely touching dirt. At the time, these instances weren't rare either, there were alot of people getting into the sport with top shelf DH bikes doing the types of things Grant described in the particular article. So all you guys are saying you wouldn't have a problem with this if it happened in your area? That if a large percentage of new riders coming into the sport had some of the best bikes money could buy and they barely touched dirt? I don't think so... and if you agree with the sport going that way, in my opinion, you need to wake up to yourself.
Also, for those of you who have said "Grant Allen publicly viewed his opinions, so he has the right to be challenged, etc...", I have no problem with this, you can disagree with him all you like, but it doesn't make him a "fuckwit, fuckin dickhead, tool..." and whatever else you guys called him. You should show a little decency to other people.
rastas
10-02-2005, 10:25 AM
i didnt realise how good rennie is at freeriding till a short time ago so for australia its him
overseas probably that krispy dude from the double down vids or super t
steave peat is cool too.
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggg ggghhhhhhhhhh Tyler ragged aaaaarrrrrrggghhhhh
seriously, I really think Tyler has a lot of skill, probably better than ALMOST all of us on this forum, whilst this isn't the argument here, and it is your favourit, Tyler really is a good rider
I never said he didn't have skill, just that he has deeply whack style.
wombat
10-02-2005, 04:30 PM
Nico .
So all you guys are saying you wouldn't have a problem with this if it happened in your area? That if a large percentage of new riders coming into the sport had some of the best bikes money could buy and they barely touched dirt? I don't think so... and if you agree with the sport going that way, in my opinion, you need to wake up to yourself.
that is exactly what we're saying :eek:
Who cares if they have sick bikes in a skate park not touching dirt - just ride the fuck'n thing...
masjolly
10-02-2005, 07:25 PM
i agree with what emcgough said, around adelaide theres a lot of young new kids getting into mountian biking, and most of them are simply being stupid with what they ride, as in they almost never ride on dirt, always on skateparks/street and they mostly have DH bikes too.
And I know why some of you like your skateparks so much, you cant be screwed building jumps out of dirt and putting the effort in. This isnt to say that all of you do this, its just the impression ive got from most of the kids in my local area, and this is basically what grant has been saying. He is entitled to an opinion, and he says in those articles that it is an opinion, not an instruction. So why not get off your arses and build something decent instead of living on these forums and bagging out everyone
And I know why some of you like your skateparks so much, you cant be screwed building jumps out of dirt and putting the effort in.
Thats like saying 'you ride dh, because you're too lasy to ride xc' - different styles of riding...
Anyway, im aware that its his opinion, and he is more then entitled to it, but a rider in his posistion should really watch how he says things...
PS - he did hit biggest drop off that platform at RBR - that was sick.
Cave Dweller
10-02-2005, 07:59 PM
he did hit biggest drop off that platform at RBR - that was sick.
I liked sam hills no footer off the drop more :D
masjolly
10-02-2005, 08:02 PM
yeah you do have a point with the different riding styles ajay, i really meant that around here i see a lot of kids hanging around at skateparks and dont even have the skill to drop into a quaterpipe, i recon they should go out and learn some skills on trails, thats how i learnt, especially as most of them around here ride dh bikes anyway.
agreed: grants RBR drop was sick
emcgough
10-02-2005, 08:03 PM
I liked sam hills no footer off the drop more :D i prefer Grant's drop, although the no footer was pretty cool
I liked sam hills no footer off the drop more :D
What? I think need to see that!!
didnt know he was into that sort of thang! Props!
Cave Dweller
10-02-2005, 08:27 PM
What? I think need to see that!!
didnt know he was into that sort of thang! Props!
Whats that i here you ask, DH pro racers beating so called freeriders like bourdon, watson, barrencloth and grant allen, unheard off!!111!!!111!!one!!
http://www.pinkbike.com/modules/news/?op=articleview&id=1115
2003 RedBull Ride
Name---------------Nation-----Best Score----Place
SAM HILL----------Australia-----128.50------1st
JOHN WADDELL------Australia-----126.50------2nd
NATHAN RENNIE-----Australia-----118.50------3rd
STEVE MARSH-------Australia-----118.00------4th
JARED RANDO-------Australia-----113.00------5th
BEN CORY----------Australia-----104.00------6th
CEDRIC GRACIA-----France--------103.50------7th
THOMAS VANDERHAM--Canada--------102.50------8th
SEAN McCARROLL----Australia-----102.00------9th
SHANE WODE--------Australia------96.00------10th
TYLER KLASSEN-----Canada---------94.00------11th
DAVE McLAUGHLIN---Australia------91.50------12th
KYLE STRAIT-------United States--91.00------13th
JUSTIN HAVUKAINEN-Australia------89.50------14th
DAVE WATSON-------Canada---------84.00------15th
ROBBIE BOURDON----Canada---------80.50------16th
DARREN BARRECLOTH-Canada---------77.50------17th
GARETH DYER-------Canada---------58.50------18th
RICHIE SCHLEY-----Canada---------47.00------19th
SHAUMS MARCH------United States--26.00------20th
GRANT ALLEN-------Australia-------8.50------21st
STEVE PEAT--------United Kingdom---DNS
TIMO PRITZEL------Germany----------DNS
STIJN DEFERM------Belgium----------DNS
DANNY MILLS-------Australia--------DNS
CLINTON WILLIAMS--New Zealand------DNS
Man, the only thing he must have hit was the huck. Is that all he can do?
Whats that i here you ask, DH pro racers beating so called freeriders like bourdon, watson, barrencloth and grant allen, unheard off!!111!!!111!!one!!
Man, the only thing he must have hit was the huck. Is that all he can do?
You miss read my post - i meant "sweet! i didnt know about that, but of course they would kick ass" or something like that...
Its funny tho, all the freeride vids are dominated with Tyler or Thomas.V but as soon as there is a "big line comp" the racers win...
Cave Dweller
10-02-2005, 08:44 PM
You miss read my post - i meant "sweet! i didnt know about that, but of course they would kick ass" or something like that...
Its funny tho, all the freeride vids are dominated with Tyler or Thomas.V but as soon as there is a "big line comp" the racers win...
Wasn't haveing a go at you, more the "we love grant alen he is such a cool freerider" camp ;)
I find it rather funny as well that DH racers ALWAYS whip "freeriders" when it comes to a competion like the redbull ride. I guess it seperates the men from the boys.
emcgough
10-02-2005, 09:06 PM
Man, the only thing he must have hit was the huck. Is that all he can do?
He was sponsored by Kona, and now Banshee, and has been in the NWD series... if all he could was huck, would he continue to be backed by companies like this? Common sense says no, but it seems you don't use much of it, mate...
Daver
10-02-2005, 09:13 PM
He was sponsored by Kona, and now Banshee, and has been in the NWD series... if all he could was huck, would he continue to be backed by companies like this? Common sense says no, but it seems you don't use much of it, mate...
Dude, Kona + Banshee x NWD= uber huck. Are you naturally this stupid or do you practive daily?
emcgough
10-02-2005, 09:24 PM
Dude, Kona + Banshee x NWD= uber huck. Ok so every rider in the NWD series (except racers of course!!!), and all the Kona Clump team are huckers. These guys have skill whether you choose to acknowledge it or not.
Are you naturally this stupid or do you practive daily? You mean practise daily?
wombat
11-02-2005, 11:56 AM
Also, for those of you who have said "Grant Allen publicly viewed his opinions, so he has the right to be challenged, etc...", I have no problem with this, you can disagree with him all you like, but it doesn't make him a "fuckwit, fuckin dickhead, tool..." and whatever else you guys called him. You should show a little decency to other people.
Ok everyone, keep the above statement in mind, because I believe it's pretty important; debate the sentiments expressed by Grant if you want, I for one don't really agree with them, but I can see his point too. Please though, don't get into a mud slinging match, if this degrades any further it'll be locked.
Cave Dweller
11-02-2005, 01:45 PM
Like rennie has said, "any DH'er can huck, but no hucker can truely DH". He backs that up by whipping arse at the Redbull ride.
IMO there is no problem with Grant saying what he wants as long as he can back it up. Are we going to see Grant beat Rennie in a DH race? Or hit up the skate park and make chase look like a pansy? If he can do that he has my upmost respect because he truley would be a talented rider, until then he should probably keep his opions out of the mountain biking press and just concentrate on becoming a better "freerider" (whatever that is).
(PS I don't think this is offensive Wombat, feel free to delete if you think it is)
Hrm... Von Williams.
Pedalkick to big huck = :cool: Awesome street/trials rider as well as a good huckwit/freerider.
Plus Krispy as well, for his ability to go big. Both of them are excellent riders, and skilled mechanics too... I envy both those talents!
MikeyP
11-02-2005, 03:05 PM
Godfather of freeride (FLOW volume2 number4) Wade Simmons - the reason I got into freeride
Cedric Gracia - I'm sure there's more, but the only I know who rides in so many different events with such skill....lemme know who else so I can learn. All I ever see is dedication to one style of riding alone.
Whenever names are being mentioned.....even if it's waaaay off topic....gotta say Ryan Leech. What he's doing in trials just doesn't fit trials anymore - manifesto - this should be a new class of freeriding.
______________
I haven't touched it for at least an hour, honestly....
I hate wankoff categorising of riding, but I call Leech's style "freetrials", I think it's apt.
emcgough
11-02-2005, 03:47 PM
Like rennie has said, "any DH'er can huck, but no hucker can truely DH". He backs that up by whipping arse at the Redbull ride.
Fair enough... but what's your point? Yes, Rennie is a racer, but he is also a "freerider". It's irrelevant to say "DH riders kick arse at the freeride comps", because if they're in a freeride comp, most would assume they are also a freerider. It's fairly straight forward...
Cave Dweller
11-02-2005, 03:53 PM
Fair enough... but what's your point? Yes, Rennie is a racer, but he is also a "freerider". It's irrelevant to say "DH riders kick arse at the freeride comps", because if they're in a freeride comp, most would assume they are also a freerider. It's fairly straight forward...
Man i hate catagorising. My point is that World cup riders can do anything that a "freerider" can do plus more. Freeriding is a term congered up by riders who couldn't actually hack elite world class riding, but can throw themselves of cliffs easy enough. Skill involved = 0.01%, balls (or lack of brain power) = 99.99%.
scblack
11-02-2005, 03:57 PM
Fair enough... but what's your point? Yes, Rennie is a racer, but he is also a "freerider". It's irrelevant to say "DH riders kick arse at the freeride comps", because if they're in a freeride comp, most would assume they are also a freerider. It's fairly straight forward...
The point is, true skill is shown by the racer, who goes across to a freeride comp and wins, or at least beats the "freeriders".
But the "freerider" who has been beaten by the racer, is well and truly beaten. He lives and breathes "freeride" but can't even beat a racer at it, in a competition.
He's saying where the skill really lies.
masjolly
11-02-2005, 04:03 PM
Man i hate catagorising. My point is that World cup riders can do anything that a "freerider" can do plus more. Freeriding is a term congered up by riders who couldn't actually hack elite world class riding, but can throw themselves of cliffs easy enough. Skill involved = 0.01%, balls (or lack of brain power) = 99.99%.
Both dispiclines require their own specific skills, for example darren berrecloth. You couldn't say that Berrecloth doesnt have amazing bike skills. Same for DH, Steve Peat has amazing bike skills too. Both riders have immense skill, they're just channeled in different directions.
Cave Dweller
11-02-2005, 04:19 PM
The point is, true skill is shown by the racer, who goes across to a freeride comp and wins, or at least beats the "freeriders".
But the "freerider" who has been beaten by the racer, is well and truly beaten. He lives and breathes "freeride" but can't even beat a racer at it, in a competition.
He's saying where the skill really lies.
Thanks lyell, that is what i was trying to say in my typical round about way :D
Masjolly - sure its channelled differently, but Racing requiers you put together a vast array of skill - cornering, picking lines, tactics, etc - all at very high speed numerous times throughout the run AND have a 'racing' frame of mind where you are constantly trying to get the extra pedal, the second less on the brakes, and if you've ever seen a WC dh race then you would have noticed that they pick some amazing lines at very high speed that have alot of "freeriders" shaking in their boots...
nickz
11-02-2005, 05:16 PM
Naz is my favourite freeloader,oh I mean freerider.
heppy
11-02-2005, 05:27 PM
I can see how lots of you may veiw DH racers as more skilled then the freeriders at freeriding but I think if we were to look at the level that freeriding is at now with big tricks of big gaps and new tricks being discovered, i think freeriders are becoming more skilled at what they do.
You should keep in mind that DH has been around for a long time where as freeriding has only recently become it's own thing. I think if we were to have another red bull ride event in 3 years time the freeriders would begin to take over because the freeride scene will have had enough time to progress to bigger and better things.
This is one reason why i would freeride rather then DH because i like the idea of how much freeriding can progress, where as DH seems to be the same old thing over again
emcgough
11-02-2005, 06:33 PM
they pick some amazing lines at very high speed that have alot of "freeriders" shaking in their boots...
That's true, but Berrecloth doing a superman seat grab off that big gap in NWD5 would have racers shaking in their boots... it's a two way street
That's true, but Berrecloth doing a superman seat grab off that big gap in NWD5 would have racers shaking in their boots... it's a two way street
fair call - i think this 2way street go's in circles...
Its all just riding at the end of the day - we all like bikes :D
i hope!
andy73
11-02-2005, 10:16 PM
There's another thing to remember here - freeriding is about to go through a huge change. Look at the young riders coming through. strait, Basagotia, Zinc and Bearclaw - more and more it's about bringing more technical moves to the fore. Freeride is now including a lot more BMX influence and we'll see more riders crossing over from BMX into MTB and charging it - they've got great technique and on an mtb they can suddenly go huge.
In the next two years you'll see more huge tricks from freeriders, ala Bearclaw's Superman seatgrab huck or Basagotia's tailwhip huck. This will put freeriding in its own category in terms of skill and I'd be very surprised if you see Racers beating freeriders at freeride.
Personally, I'm gald for the development - i think freeriding was in danger of becoming a bland huck fest.
scblack
11-02-2005, 10:32 PM
Freeride is now including a lot more BMX influence and we'll see more riders crossing over from BMX into MTB and charging it - they've got great technique and on an mtb they can suddenly go huge.
In the next two years you'll see more huge tricks from freeriders, ala Bearclaw's Superman seatgrab huck or Basagotia's tailwhip huck. This will put freeriding in its own category in terms of skill and I'd be very surprised if you see Racers beating freeriders at freeride.
Personally, I'm gald for the development - i think freeriding was in danger of becoming a bland huck fest.
OK then, if they have such good technique, why then are they not winning World Cup races? Surely technique will do it for them?
I haven't seen the bearclaw seatgrab huck, but I'm aware of two things he's done, the 360 huck and now the seatgrab huck - what else - what events has he won? Where does he stand out? And is there anything but a variation on a huck?
Also, in your last sentence, freeride is a bit of a huckfest, but I'd never really call have it bland. It takes skills the average rider doesn't have, but explain to me what you reckon the huge change has been, whats the big development?
heppy
11-02-2005, 11:05 PM
OK then, if they have such good technique, why then are they not winning World Cup races?
God your an idiot, there not winning World Cups because they are freeriding not racing and training to be a speed demons.
Bearclaw also one the Monster park event and has missed out on a lot of events aka crankworks, Rampage because of injury.
And the big change i think we are seeing now in freeriding are the slope style events that you see popping up everywhere now and these events are being won by freeriders.
But wouldn't racing be the ultimate test of outright technique?
He one the event? who twoed it?
scblack
11-02-2005, 11:16 PM
God your an idiot, there not winning World Cups because they are freeriding not racing and training to be a speed demons.
Bearclaw also one the Monster park event and has missed out on a lot of events aka crankworks, Rampage because of injury.
.
Hahahahaha, bearclaw ONE the Monster Park event did he? hahaha
If he's such a good rider, why has he missed SO MANY events through injury? I'm making some sort of connection there, but I'm afraid you may miss the irony there. I'll allow you to join the dots...........
jamsta
11-02-2005, 11:18 PM
But wouldn't racing be the ultimate test of outright technique?
He one the event? who twoed it?
not really - it's racing after all - like motor racing, sh!t can happen, nothing to do with technique, stuff can fail, hickups happen etc...
I'm not sure if there's a right/wrong answer, but this I know, It's about Bikes - full stop. Isn't it :confused:
not really - it's racing after all - like motor racing, sh!t can happen, nothing to do with technique, stuff can fail, hickups happen etc...I don't know what you're trying to say here, are you saying "freeriders" have excuses for all their failed racing attempts? Or that they've been cheated of their deserved race wins due to external circumstances?
jamsta
11-02-2005, 11:40 PM
I don't know what you're trying to say here, are you saying "freeriders" have excuses for all their failed racing attempts? Or that they've been cheated of their deserved race wins due to external circumstances?
Nah, not at all mate - I was just trying to express that a race win doesnt always go to the best rider. It does go to the best rider of the day I guess, but not always THE [if you could call them that] rider.. The better rider may have fallen into some sort of misfortune with bike/gear, anything really. make sense? If not, I'm sorry, I'm tired :(
Numinos
12-02-2005, 12:08 AM
tyler klassen all the way hes a ledgend
scblack
12-02-2005, 12:09 AM
God your an idiot, there not winning World Cups because they are freeriding not racing and training to be a speed demons.
Bearclaw also one the Monster park event and has missed out on a lot of events aka crankworks, Rampage because of injury.
And the big change i think we are seeing now in freeriding are the slope style events that you see popping up everywhere now and these events are being won by freeriders.
Now I just realised who you are - you're Grant Allen's mate aren't you?
I had a couple of posts with you about how negative the attitude of some of Grant's magazine articles have been. Grant just wrote a VERY good article in Revolution - the First Time - which gives a little insight into a good riders' ideas/thoughts.
Maybe the quality of your crap could improve like Grant's articles has(not calling Grant's stuff crap). We only hope.
andy73
12-02-2005, 08:10 AM
Where does he stand out? And is there anything but a variation on a huck?
Way more than huck variations - fast plants, hand plants, killer dirt jump technique - stuff nobody else is doing yet. Check it NWD5.
Also, in your last sentence, freeride is a bit of a huckfest, but I'd never really call have it bland. It takes skills the average rider doesn't have, but explain to me what you reckon the huge change has been, whats the big development?
I thought I did explain it :rolleyes: with the intro of more BMX influence like technical tricks such as tailwhips etc it's becoming about far more than just dropping off cliffs. i got tired of watching dudes like Bender doing nothing but dropping (that doesn't mean i don't think he's skilled - i just get bored watching it). But seriously mate watch the Crankworx section of NWD5 - compared with last year it's progressed so far and if you can't see how the riding's changed, you're not looking hard enough. :)
heppy
12-02-2005, 12:02 PM
Hahahahaha, bearclaw ONE the Monster Park event did he? hahaha
If he's such a good rider, why has he missed SO MANY events through injury? I'm making some sort of connection there, but I'm afraid you may miss the irony there. I'll allow you to join the dots...........
Well if you look at his segments in films it is easy to see he is trying to push the limits of freeriding a lot more then others. Tell me what you think is more dangerous, -hitting the same corner at the same old speed which you have done several times before or launching a monster gap which you just built and are about to hit it for the first time?
I am not trying to take anything away from racers i am just trying to point out that when your pushing a sport so much you can expect there to be some injurys.
anyways i am gonna stop replying to this topic as i am well over it i think.
In Oz I reckon Rennie has it wrapped up, however a few of the unknown fellas around here seem to be doing alright.
OS, I'd say it would be a tie between Wade Simmons, Von Williams and Krispy, with Gibb and Leech coming in a close second.
Wade has a great attitude towards the sport and was one of the originals, Von can do just about anything you care to name (DH, FR, trials, etc) and Krispy just has this can-do attitude and nothing seems to faze him.
I also like Brett Tippie (chase scene in Kranked 4 anyone?) and Dangerous Dan is one hell of a skilled rider.
freeride_sweet
12-02-2005, 06:31 PM
have to say the cedric gracia is my fav rider, i just love the way he throws his bike around,
emcgough
12-02-2005, 07:25 PM
Freeriding is a term congered up by riders who couldn't actually hack elite world class riding
Not all riders have ambitions of becoming a DH world champ.
emcgough
12-02-2005, 07:36 PM
explain to me what you reckon the huge change has been, whats the big development? Ok, it seems you need alot of help on this one, you really are clueless... sooo what you can do is watch some footage of the 2003 Crankworx festival, and then watch the bit on crankworx in NWD5. You should notice quite a big difference in the standards of competition. This is called progression, in this case, over a reatively short space of time.
Just out of interest, has there been any progression in World Cup racing over the past 3 years? I'm not saying there hasn't been, because I honestly don't know as I'm not heavily into the race scene, but I'm just curious...
Less condescention would be appreciated, I do realise tone is hard to convey online, but throwing in personal insults definately isn't necessary.
roasted
12-02-2005, 08:26 PM
well, emcgough, if you want to look at it that way...
freeride has not really progressed as such, just changed to a different format involving different shit. in this case, more BMX'ey.
TOPIC JUMP!!!
I DO respect grant for his viewpoint and good on him for saying it.
and the bloke can ride, (he jumps good) but also likes to huck.
ALSO the whole comparison idea between DH and FR is convoluted and ridiculous. Get over it, they are different styles of riding.
Yes I do realise that I just contradicted myself.
Best freerider (in my mind). steve romaniuk. bit of a huckwit, but smooth, and does some pretty stylish stuff.
best street rider: chase
Best DH'er/all rounder: Gracia.
edit: but then I guess that the change to bmxness may be a bit more prog-y than I thought.
ah well, dont mind me.
emcgough
12-02-2005, 08:45 PM
ALSO the whole comparison idea between DH and FR is convoluted and ridiculous. Get over it, they are different styles of riding.
.
I especially hate the "World Cup DH'ers whip freeriders in freeride comps" Gives me major headaches...
Smooth&Agile
13-02-2005, 04:08 AM
Mr. Thomas Vanderham. One if the sickest duds out there. Freeriding is Thomas Vanderams.
Cave Dweller
14-02-2005, 09:17 AM
Well if you look at his segments in films it is easy to see he is trying to push the limits of freeriding a lot more then others. Tell me what you think is more dangerous, -hitting the same corner at the same old speed which you have done several times before or launching a monster gap which you just built and are about to hit it for the first time?
Didn't rennie hit the biggest jump during the frieght train? I don't remeber Grant hitting the big moto double, or the canyon jump. So is grant pushing the limits of freeride by letting Dh racers show him up. Im confused mate :confused:
toodles
14-02-2005, 09:42 AM
Didn't rennie hit the biggest jump during the frieght train? I don't remeber Grant hitting the big moto double, or the canyon jump. So is grant pushing the limits of freeride by letting Dh racers show him up. Im confused mate :confused:
ha ha ha... owned.
I wouldn't normally particpate in a a "freeride" thread as it's not really my scene but I just picked up (swiped actually - thanks Big Dan) an old Euro DVD that show my DHer of all time - Nico V... wait for it - free-riding.
I seriously had never seen anything like it as I considered Nico to be a pretty straight-laced racer through and through. But yeah - he throws whips, no handers and even hits a couple of hucks. Not super advanced compared to some pro-freeriders, but he does them at speed. Like REAL race-run speed. And the hucks he hits - none of this wide, soft landings like the rest of the Monster T-wielding gumbys but he's landing on a ridge like 30cm wide. Pfft ha ha ha... whoever tried to compared the "mad skillz" of free-riders to DH pros needs to realise that when your level is being assessed by something as objective as a stops watch (compared to judges opinions) the bullshit stops.
Cave Dweller
14-02-2005, 09:50 AM
Monster T-wielding gumbys
You calling me a gumby?
How about we step outside and sought this out once and for all you flexy boxxer noodle.
:D
emcgough
14-02-2005, 04:30 PM
Didn't rennie hit the biggest jump during the frieght train? I don't remeber Grant hitting the big moto double, or the canyon jump. So is grant pushing the limits of freeride by letting Dh racers show him up. Im confused mate :confused:
Oh my God, he was talking about Berrecloth pushing the limits of freeriding with his superman seat grab gap and 360 drop, etc.. Can't you read? And Grant has hit up all those Burra jumps many a time (seeing as he built them), which includes the canyon gap. Anyway, Rennie barely made it over the canyon gap, it looked shit IMO.
Cave Dweller
14-02-2005, 04:40 PM
Oh my God, he was talking about Berrecloth pushing the limits of freeriding with his superman seat grab gap and 360 drop, etc.. Can't you read? And Grant has hit up all those Burra jumps many a time (seeing as he built them), which includes the canyon gap. Anyway, Rennie barely made it over the canyon gap, it looked shit IMO.
Like, OMG!!!111!!!! sorry, i stand corrected. Obvioulsy Grants jump over the canyon was so much better then rennies that it was shown on the redbull fright train movie, but i must have missed it when i was blinking.
Or maybe Grant was riding rennies bike and wearing his clothes and it was Grant that made the gap and Grant that cleared the 55 foot motor bike tow in double. Who would have thought.......... :rolleyes:
And yeah, barrencloth is soooooo pushing the limits of freeride. He must be like the first guy to ever pull a superman seatgrab or to do a 360 drop off something. Not........
wombat
14-02-2005, 05:00 PM
The point is, true skill is shown by the racer, who goes across to a freeride comp and wins, or at least beats the "freeriders".
I don't buy that completely; should I read into that that because the world's top trials riders aren't winning races that they're lacking skill?
heppy
14-02-2005, 05:06 PM
Like, OMG!!!111!!!! sorry, i stand corrected. Obvioulsy Grants jump over the canyon was so much better then rennies that it was shown on the redbull fright train movie, but i must have missed it when i was blinking.
Or maybe Grant was riding rennies bike and wearing his clothes and it was Grant that made the gap and Grant that cleared the 55 foot motor bike tow in double. Who would have thought.......... :rolleyes:
And yeah, barrencloth is soooooo pushing the limits of freeride. He must be like the first guy to ever pull a superman seatgrab or to do a 360 drop off something. Not........
Did you know that grant broke his collar bone on the third day of the road trip and yet still managed to ride well through out the trip.
Anyway rennie is an amazing rider(#1) so what did u expect, of corse he would ride well on the trip.
Nah, not at all mate - I was just trying to express that a race win doesnt always go to the best rider. It does go to the best rider of the day I guess, but not always THE [if you could call them that] rider.. The better rider may have fallen into some sort of misfortune with bike/gear, anything really. make sense? If not, I'm sorry, I'm tired :(
yeah, these pro racers dont ride one race and then be forever bound by the result, steve peat stacked on the last corner of the world champs having had the fastest splits up to that point... so in this case the win went to fabien barrel, who is also an AWSOME rider, tables do turn though, the rider who wins the race because the better rider 'had issues' will only hold that status until the next race...
Same with freeriding, comps are won and lost but at the end of the day, the really tallented riders are noticed regardless of there posistion. But to win dh race, you MUST be very talented, and able to link every thing together in one go...
scblack
14-02-2005, 08:27 PM
I don't buy that completely; should I read into that that because the world's top trials riders aren't winning races that they're lacking skill?
I'll put this another way then - when was the last time a Trials rider won any event OTHER than Trials?
And for that matter - when was the last time a "freerider" won an event other than "freeride".
BUT I can list SEVERAL "freeride" events that have been won by racers.
This is my point throughout here - racers have managed to take their skill to a different event and WIN. Who else has managed this?
scblack
14-02-2005, 08:40 PM
Oh my God, he was talking about Berrecloth pushing the limits of freeriding with his superman seat grab gap and 360 drop, etc.. Can't you read? And Grant has hit up all those Burra jumps many a time (seeing as he built them), which includes the canyon gap. Anyway, Rennie barely made it over the canyon gap, it looked shit IMO.
emcgough - you're a goose.
So, who hit the canyon gap? Lets list the "freeriders" there who did the trip - Grant Allen, no he did not. Dave Watson, no he did not.
There's only one person who did on film - Rennie.
emcgough wrote:
I especially hate the "World Cup DH'ers whip freeriders in freeride comps" Gives me major headaches...
12-02-2005 09:26 PM
Yes, anything that you are unable to manage a decent argument about would give you headaches. The only progression anyone has listed in here - for freeriders has been to bring in BMX tricks.
The crankworx events have raised the bar for freeride events, but a LARGE part of that reason has been the better course. Just providing the last course used in Whistler was going to up the bar for everyone. That was a hell of a course, and looked great.
roasted
14-02-2005, 08:58 PM
snap.
moving on, its all subjective anyway, so who gives a fuck?
It was a thread about your favorite freerider or person to watch freeriding, lets not get all up in arms about it.
andy73
14-02-2005, 09:16 PM
Yes, anything that you are unable to manage a decent argument about would give you headaches. The only progression anyone has listed in here - for freeriders has been to bring in BMX tricks.
This thread frustrates me more and more daily. Why?
1. As soon as people start hurling insults at one another, intelligent debate goes out the window.
2. Closemindedness - I don't care who is better in terms of freeride vs racers, this thread's title is "Who's your favourite freerider?" The key word there, my friends, is favourite. Favourite doesn't neccessarily mean best - it's the person who appeals to you most. that can be based on a whole host of things not just thier skill/talent. But some of you continually fail to acknowledge the opinions of others. I can look at rennie and think, hell yeah - he's an awesome rider and I can also understand how you might say he's their fave - cool, good for you. however, you cling to your opinion so tightly you can't entertain for a second that the opinions of others might have some merit too.
It's true, the course at Crankworx this year was better and definitely played a part in kicking things up a notch. But look deeper mate. This year they opened the event up to younger, less established riders - hence the rather atypical podium - and this has seen the sport pushed further.
My point - Open your mind a bit. When you're talking about favourite, there is no right or wrong answer, so don't argue like there is. Every rider mentioned in this thread kicks arse and would slay any one of us on any terrain, any day of the week.
wombat
14-02-2005, 11:25 PM
I'll put this another way then - when was the last time a Trials rider won any event OTHER than Trials?
Steve Marsh and Jeff Lenosky.
On the other hand, ever seen a DHer win a trials comp? :p
toodles
15-02-2005, 06:07 AM
You calling me a gumby?
How about we step outside and sought this out once and for all you flexy boxxer noodle. :D
Oh crap. Forgot about that. :D
On the other hand, ever seen a DHer win a trials comp? :p
If I count as a DHer and C grade trials counts as a trials comp then yep :D
scblack
15-02-2005, 08:27 AM
This thread frustrates me more and more daily. Why?
Every rider mentioned in this thread kicks arse and would slay any one of us on any terrain, any day of the week.
Andy, you're right this topic has had too much off topic argument, partly from me. :) I personally take a bit of an issue when people put up stuff which has no thought behind it, and that did occur WAY back.
One thing which I pricked up at was the people's choice of Bearclaw as their demigod, and it just reminded me too much of Bobo. How many people remember Bobo and the crap he came up with?
I'll go back on topic then.
One of the best is, Bender. Not because he is the greatest rider (because most of his drops end up as crashes), but because he did raise the bar. He brought BIG drops to the fore, and changed many people's ideas from that. I don't think just dropping off a large drop is great at all, but he did up the ante a lot.
Otherwise Wade Simmons is great at loads of stuff, and is one of the originals. A great rider.
And Grant Allen has big balls, he did the big drop in Red Bull Ride I first, and the only guy to do the big drop in Red Bull Ride II. He does spit some crap in his articles, but is a ballsy rider.
But overall I couldn't go past Rennie. He does virtually everything. A World Champion DH'er, top placings in freeride comp's, does the 70ft Freight Train jump, can DJ great, can win 4X. He's just got it all.
I'll give up my arguing from here. :D
emcgough
15-02-2005, 05:16 PM
When you're talking about favourite, there is no right or wrong answer, so don't argue like there is. Yeah great point. I should've thought of it before getting worked up myself...
rimas
15-02-2005, 06:25 PM
Blah, blah, blah. Now y'all shut up and go ride.
:)
Daneel
16-02-2005, 11:55 PM
darren berrecloth or cedric gracia..
both are awesome..
holmes
18-02-2005, 12:47 AM
That infamous canyon gap on the Freight Train might have been sessioned all arvo by Rennie, Grant, Rohan Mogridge and Dave Watson. Thats if Dave didnt fracture a few vertabrae in his back meaning a big mission for serious medical attention and subsequent bad vibe on the area.
Funny thing about that trip is that the mixing of Chase, Allen, Rennie and Watson probably pushed riding further by pulling everyones styles together and caused a little thinking on all fronts. Picture Grant and Rennie sussing lines to hold speed, Grant was all ears, as was Rennie with Grant on tow ins and so on. Pushing and learning. Kinda like when you grow up with a crew who ride...
That was the whole idea behind the trip in the 1st place. Bring some of the best names from all walks together and see what the fuck happens... You get to see a very edited glipse in the DVD of what was 2 weeks of some of the best times and 26inch riding I've been a part of in a long time.
Riding is riding, whatever marketing term you choose to use for what you do. Don't let youself get blinded by one style, cause it all adds up, do it all, add some style, some flow, enjoy it and the ride will always rule.
Holmes
[R]evolution::2020bmxmag
andy73
18-02-2005, 06:33 AM
Riding is riding, whatever marketing term you choose to use for what you do. Don't let youself get blinded by one style, cause it all adds up, do it all, add some style, some flow, enjoy it and the ride will always rule.
Amen brother - amen.
DarlingDownsDownhiller
19-02-2005, 07:28 PM
There are so many good riders out there to pick One.
Aussie. Rennie, Allen and Graves.
Grants articles are not out of place in my eyes. He's got a point, Our sport is called mountain biking, but as he says, thats not to say people can't ride street. And the next minute Chase was backing him up so i don't think he was offended in anyway.
World. Strait, Vanderham - their young but the heaps good. And i don't think you can go past Berrecloth, he's got the balls to try anything, and usually pulls it off :D Just my 2 cents
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