IG: @colton_rush07
Photos: Joey Mueller
Where you live: Eatonville, Washington, USA
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
I’m not really local to any large riding places besides the occasional multi-use trail but I have a lot of riding within an hours drive. I most frequent Capitol Forest in Olympia WA and get up North to the I5 corridor when I can. My favorite trail system is North Mountain in Darrington, it has a great mix of fast and steep trails that are super fun to lap.
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I ride a lot of Enduro and DH style terrain. This includes lots of steep trails with large jumps and flat landings. My intended use for this bike is to be the daily driver and the race rig at the same time.
What model and colour?
The Fugitive 138 in Tequila Sunrise! One of the more flashy colors available and it really stands out.
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I'm just under 6 ft tall and I'm riding a Large frame. It fits really well, with the longer post insertion which gives me the ability to slam the seatpost. It allows me to throw it around and still be comfortable on larger pedal days.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I'm running the Deore build kit rolling on full 29 wheels. A few parts have been swapped out from the original spec. The Fork has moved from the stock Marzocchi to a 170mm Fox 38, overforking it 20mm and slackening the headtube angle. I’m hard on wheels so it's running on backup wheels until I can get a solid DT Swiss setup for the race season. I’ll also be running a coil shock to help the back end settle for race days.
What do you love about your new bike?
I love that I can take the bike on shuttle days and then take it to a full on backcountry enduro adventure without skipping a beat. It is on the lower end of the lineup in terms of travel but that doesn't stop it from charging hard. It's most rewarding to have an active and smooth riding style especially when pushing the limits. The Fugitive also gives me the confidence to hit large jumps and corner with ease.
IG handle: @bellaroeleveld
Hometown and your favorite trails
I was born in Squamish and now call North Vancouver my home. My favorite local trails are Ladies Only and Meat Sweats.
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I typically ride steep and fast terrain. I gravitate towards freeride lines that require a bit of extra time to unpack. Nothing beats the feeling of conquering a feature when you've put the time and effort in.
What model/colour/size (and how does the bike fit you?):
Knolly Chilcotin 170, Powder blue (special team colour), size small
My bike is quite slack and is set up as a mullet which is just how I like it. I never have issues with bottom bracket clearance or pedal smash running 165mm cranks.
Bike spec/build. Did you do anything custom to make it special?
Fox 38 Factory 170mm
EXT Storia LOK C3, 325 spring, 170mm
Raceface cockpit
Shimano XT brakes 203mm front/180mm rear
Shimano XT 12 speed drive train with 165mm cranks
SDG tellis dropper, 170mm
Chromag Juniper saddle
Nobl TR 37 mullet wheelset with Hope Pro 5 hubs
Maxxis Assegei DD, max grip front
Maxxis DHR DD, max grip rear
LOOK X-track en-rage plus clipless pedals
My favorite part of the build is my EXT Storia shock that makes even the most rugged trails feel like bike park flow and my Nobl TR 37 carbon rims that are laced up with purple Hope hubs. Having strong wheels is a necessity when you want to go big.
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
167cm, 5’5, size small. The bike has a longer wheel base which really caters to my riding style. It excels in steep terrain while still being very playful on smoother trails.
What do you love about your new bike?
The best part about the Chilcotin is the confidence it gives me when riding chunky and steep trails. I find myself letting go of the brakes to let the bike do the work. I am super happy with my mullet set up. The main reason for this decision is because I'm a bit shorter and wanted to be able to easily pop and maneuver the bike. It is really the do-it-all freeride machine that you can easily pedal up for another lap.
Compensation
$40,000-$55,000 + commissions
Health Benefits after 3 months of employment
To apply email, info@knollybikes.com
]]>Photos: Simon Drouin
I have always loved Knolly as a brand and I had the chance to meet Dominic Toupin (Knolly Quebec Race Manager) this past summer. We got to talking (mostly about his insanely cool Tyaughton Ti) and I am really stoked to be on the 2024 Ambassador Team. My first new steed is the Endorphin. I built it up as a slopestyle/dirt/pumptrack fun bike!
Where do you live?
I live in St-Denis-de-Brompton, a small municipality of the Eastern Townships in Quebec.
What are your favourite trails to ride?
This is such a loaded question! It really depends on the time of the year. Since our winters are so long, I ride the indoor pumptrack at the Centre National Cycliste de Bromont and a few indoor skateparks like the Taz in Montreal. In the summer, I ride mostly in Bromont and the Highlands in the United States. But with the upcoming race season, I will be riding all over Quebec.
What do you want to accomplish on your bike this season?
The Endorphin has been named the Endor "fun" since I built it up. It is very playful and for an older (36 years old) rider, the suspension and slacker angles really give me a nice platform to continue to progress my tricks. It's a bit "safer" for my back and wrists, which have taken a beating in the past. I will not be landing double backflips but I am really excited for what I will be able to land in 2024. For the time being, I will continue to sharpen my skills at the pumptrack and park. With the double suspension, it means I have to work a bit harder so it keeps me in shape!
What bike do you have and what size?
I settled on a size medium Endorphin as my frame since it's built as a fun bike, and a smaller frame made a ton of sense. If I were to build it purely for pumptrack/slope, I could have gone for a size small but I ordered a medium so I could have a bit more stability on the bigger jumps that I intend to ride this summer.
How tall are you/what's your inseam?
I am 5ft11 and have a 89cm inseam.
What's your bike spec?
I like to keep my bikes simple as everything on a bike will see a lot of abuse and will mostly be run at full PSI suspension wise.
Frame: Knolly Endorphin
Fork: 150mm Rockshox Lyrics RC
Rear Shock: Fox Float X
Bar and Stem: Title AH1 31.8, 38mm Rise cut to 765mm and Title ST1 35mm
Cranks: Shimano Deore 170mm with Deore BB
Wheels: Spank Oozy 27.5 front and rear
Cassette: Wheels Manufacturing SOLO-XD single speed conversion
Derailleur: Reverse Components Tensionner
Grips: Chromag Basis
Pedals: Title Connect
Tires: Maxxis Ikon in 27.5x2.35
Saddle and Seatpost: Title JS1 and AP1
Brake: Shimano Deore 4 Piston
What did you do to make this bike yours?
I think that I am the first to build an Endorphin as a slopeduro. When I first saw the Champagne color, I pictured it with Chrome/Silver accents and I ordered all the parts before I even got the frame. When I opened the box I knew I had something really awesome.
What's custom on your bike that no other rider has?
The SOLO-XD and Reverse Components tensioner is something you do not see very often. It really speaks to the versatility of the bike that we are seeing built ranging from slopeduro to Mullet Enduro missiles.
What do you love about your new bike?
I love the way it rides and looks. It is awesome to be supported by a Canadian Company that believes in all types of riders.
Offer valid online only until February 29, 2024. Discount is automatically applied at checkout when two applicable products are in the cart. Additional discount applied to the lower priced sale item.
IG handle: Fendog__
Where you live: Seaford, East Sussex, UK
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Friston Forest is the local and where I found my love for MTB. Although the Surrey Hills is where you'll find me the most, it's the mecca for riding in the South East. I wouldn't say I have a favourite trail(s) but my favourite season is ‘Loam Season’... you can't beat that feeling of ripping up some fresh loamers!
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
My style of riding is enduro. I'll be using my new Endorphin for pretty much all my riding and racing. I've only ever ridden big travel enduro bikes, so it will be interesting to see and feel the difference with a shorter travel bike. I still have my Chilcotin Mullet for those big hitter days.
What model and colour?
Endorphin in the Champagne, which is incredible! The colour really pops in person.
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I'm 5ft 8” and I'm riding a Medium. I found the stand over height on this frame to be just right for me. It allows for decent leg room and it made it easier to be more agile on the bike (which is great coming from someone with shorter than your average legs).
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I'm running the GX build kit with this bike and riding a Mullet because it's literally the best! I have the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 150mm front and Bomber Air 135mm rear. Grip of choice is the @odigrips_uk Elite Pro and the shoes on this bike are the insanely good @veetireco Snap WCE 29er front & Snap Trail 27.5 rear. All built up by Rich at @Cuckmerecycleco nestled in Friston Forest.
What do you love about your new bike?
I've only ridden this bike for a handful of times while doing some bracketing and general lapping, but already I can tell I'm going to love this bike. It's very agile and playful. Being a shorter travel, I found sprinting easier and flatter sections of the trails held speed better. But like all Knolly bikes, this comes into its own when the terrain gets steep. I found the new kinematics design works so well, the suspension found more traction and to be more plush, even under braking! This is exactly what you want when bombing down the trails! The main thing you will notice is the new look. Fresh look, fresh ride, what can I say, get your leg over a Knolly and you'll know what I'm mean.
Consumers asked and Knolly answered: all new frames include standout details like the straight top tube design, Enduro bearings on all pivots, and a one-piece monolink driving the shock. With the new Chilcotin, there are two suspension options (170/170 & 160/155) and an expanded size offering of small through x-large frames.
MSRP PRICING STARTING AT: $5999 CAD/$4499 USD (Deore build)
Another season with Knolly has come and gone. Like many preceding it, the year was packed full of adventures, incredible memories, and some damn fun races. Life’s become a blur at times and I find myself looking back each season thinking how lucky I am to experience so much in life. Much of it, if not all, thanks to mountain biking.
Case in point, an impromptu trip to Italy late 2022. I ended off that season by qualifying for the EWS Trophy Of Nations. A chance to represent Canada on the international stage. Ending that year on a note of that calibre led me to believe this last season wouldn’t be quite as memorable. Not at all true...You can read more about that experience here.
My 2023 kicked off late due to an extra helping of winter at home. Unseasonably cold temperatures and low snow levels around the Sea To Sky meant trails were late to emerge from their hibernation. Often I’d have a trip planned somewhere warm but that wasn’t in the cards. A couple of trips to Bellingham stood in place and eased the 2 wheeled withdrawal. It’s turned into a bit of a winter escape for my friends and I. We’ve discovered over the years how much of a gem that place is on and off the bike. I won’t get too much into it as I don’t want to get called out for dooming the spot ;)
Since I didn’t have any big trips planned for the first half of the season it gave me the opportunity to focus on road trips within BC and racing the Canadian Enduro League series. The CEL events were some of my favourite weekends of the year. The riding at Vedder, Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Sun Peaks after a few years absence was just what I needed. Getting to enjoy it with some of my favourite people still has me reminiscing back to dreamy days of summer. The cherry on the proverbial cake was taking the Western, National champs, and Overall titles in the vets category which I levelled up to this season after 3 years of eligibility. The crew at CEL puts on legendary events. Combining some of BC’s best trails with the best vibe. If you haven’t raced one of their enduros before, put it on the list for next year.
Staying close to home this year also enabled me to spend more time than ever in the alpine. If I wasn’t sleeping on top of a mountain to shoot sunset and sunrise, I’d be up there all day riding and searching out lines. Some peaks were discovered to be not so rideable while others were a virtual treasure trove. Some may have been lines potentially never ridden before! It was a rewarding endeavour regardless of success. Seeing new vistas of your extended backyard more than made every journey worth it. I even managed to recruit a few apprehensive friends which made those big days even more memorable. These backyard adventures were some of
the best shoots I’ve ever been a part of. Each trip resulted in a solid selection of bangers. On top of that, we may have unintentionally kickstarted what may be my next drone edit. Super excited to share these with everyone soon.
As usual, Summer in Whistler was every bit of magic as it could be. Endless warm sunny days, empty evening bike park laps, Phat Wednesday DH racing, and Toonie XC’s. You know you live in the right place when you’re just as excited about weekdays as you are the weekend. Highlight as always being the ultra competitive world champs beer league of Phat Wednesday racing. You can’t beat a $5 DH race series where you get to compete for fastest in Whistler against World Cup racers, local heroes, and your closest friends who you get the privilege of talking mad shit to as long as you’re faster that day.
The big surprise highlight for me this year was the Toonie XC’s. It’s long been considered the best deal in town, $2 for a race, dinner, and beers. I’ve partaken occasionally but haven’t truly competed in one for many years. I decided to give it a go this season at the last two races and ended up 3rd....twice! There’s a lot of fit, XC powerhouses in town. To be able to compete with them and grab a podium spot on my Fugitive which I also used at the Harper Enduro this year was probably my most rewarding accomplishment of the season. This also served as a reminder that XC is insanely, freaking hard. So this definitely won’t be a new direction for me.
Respect to the people that do this ‘for fun’ every week through the majority of the season.
After an incredible season at home it was time to scratch the adventure itch and venture somewhere different. An opportunity came up to join Big Mountain Adventures on their Nepal trip. Exploring some of Nepal’s wildest terrain shooting photos and video with Ben Haggar was just thing to scratch that itch. It’s amazing how much riding you can do and how many locations you can score on a well organized trip like theirs. From national parks on the outskirts of Kathmandu, through the ancient alleys and temples of Bhaktapur, and among the towering 8000m peaks of the Mustang Valley, each day was so incredibly varied. Wild trails, friendly locals, and some of the most awe-inspiring mountains I’ve ever personally laid eyes on already has me planning my return. The free ride potential alone is enough to have me buying that ticket back!
With 2024 now here, I’m excited to be staring down an action packed year. I’ll be going into my 11th season with Knolly which kind of blows my mind. It’s been a wild ride throughout the last 10 years on so many incredible bikes. This year I’ll be riding the new Chilcotin, the Fugitive, and the Delirium. I’ll be riding them at home in the bike park, in the alpine, and some exotic locales around the world. First up, Finale Ligure and Biesko Biala for the first two EDR races of the year. Then a trip to Kyrgyzstan at the end of summer to ride and shoot some mountain top adventures. In between? Well, a lot of the same and hopefully a few surprise trips somewhere special!
See ya on the trails!
Photo credits:
Steve Storey, Ben Haggar (Nepal photo), Ronia Nash (Enduro National Champs at Crankworx), Danny Martins (podium photo)
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IG handle: I don't have one… my parents wont buy me a phone yet; they don't want me having too much screen time.
Where you live: Coquitlam, BC
Nearby trail system and your favorite trail?
Burke Mountain, Eagle Mountain, SFU, & the North Shore.
I have lots of favorite trails! Here's a quick hit list:
Marvin and Scouts on Eagle Mountain
Red R to Green Bastard on Burke
Double Dog and World Cup at the Silverstar Bike Park
Original Sin and Aline Tech at the Whistler Bike Park
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I like to ride tech trails, fast flow trails and I'm getting better at the jump trails in the bike park. Jumps are sort of scary sometimes and crashing hurts. I crashed really hard this summer at Sun Peaks but I got to ride in the patrol van to the hospital. And this past summer I learned to like the challenge of climbing up the mountain.
I have one bike and I use it for everything (trail & park)! When I hit the park, my dad changes the rear shock to bike park mode and I’m good to go.
What model and colour?
My new Endorphin is shiny silver with blue accents. I love the colors and the blue accents go with my riding outfits.
How tall are you?
My dad and Noel said I was 4 foot 10 when I got the bike in the spring of 2023 but I'm taller now.
What size frame did you get?
I ride a size extra small.
How does it fit you?
The bike fits me great but I’m growing lots since I got it… maybe Noel will make me another bike?!
What's your bike spec?
SR Suntour Durolux 36 at 160mm
Fox Factory Float X 150mm Rear,
Chromag 31.8 x 40 stem
Race Face Turbine Bar 720mm
Race Face Half Nelson 29mm grips
Cane Creek HeadSet
Hayes Dominion A2 SFL Brakes
Hayes 180mm D Series Rotors
Shimano XT 11spd Shifter
Shimano XT 11spd Rear Derailleur
XTR 11spd Cassette
Special 157.5 mm Crank Set
Chromag Contact Pedals
OneUp 180mm Dropper
Spank 26” Hex Drive Rear Wheel with Tannus
We Are One 27.5 Union Front
DHR II EXO+ 26” x 2.4 Rear
Assegai Maxx Grip 27.5 x 2.5 Front
Did you do anything custom?
Yes! I put a bunch of bike stickers, a water bottle holder and a waterproof walkie talkie so if I take off on my dad and brother or get lost in the forest… they can call me.
My dad said I have a Mullet set up: 26” rear wheel with a 27.5” front wheel. I like the front tire, it's grippy and tracks well on the trails. The smaller rear wheel gave me room when I stood over the bike. My dad said there is a pink noodle in my rear tire to help with dents. It didn't really work too well as I dented my wheel at the bike park hitting something!
My dad said I also have custom cranks which is157.5 mm long. It seems to work…. what is a crank again?
I have this tool thing in my stem. It's green. We seem to use it alot as it is fast to get out.
What do you love about your new bike?
It’s squishy on the downhill, feels good overall and makes me feel brave and confident. I like going fast and hitting jumps and drops. The brakes are real good too.
If I ride well and do not complain, then afterwards I get treats with my brother (slurpees or ice cream and sometimes fries).
How’s the bike performing?
It's awesome! It helped me get second place in the Enduro Kids Race at Crankworx! i look forward to riding it again in a few months but right now it is ski time!
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Featured Rider Hiroto Takagi: @hirototakagi
Riding: the Knolly Warden
Videographer Luke Dreyer: @ldreyer_photo
Photos: Jake Fox @fake.jox
Video location:
The clips were shot on Harper Mountain and some other local trails around Kamloops, BC.
Inspiration behind the video:
Hiroto wanted to create something that showcases his backyard trails and favourite time of year to ride. He and Luke came up with the idea to shoot him riding fast, aggressively and full gas. Hiroto is stoked with the project and how it turned out... he hopes you enjoy it too!
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IG: https://www.instagram.com/honza_faistaver/
Bike Photos: @bobositina
Ride Photos: https://www.instagram.com/sedivyjakub/?img_index=1
Location: Czechoslovakia
Intended Use:
Winter is just around the corner, so I put my park-specific Warden in the shed and built up a fresh 151 Chilcotin as my do-it-all bike.
Size/Fit:
Even though I am just a bit over 180cm, I ordered a size Medium as I love the feel of being on a smaller more playful bike.
Build/spec:
Featuring a size medium Chilcotin 151 Raw with some silver touches, Chromag parts and freshly rebuilt 2011 Avid Codes RSC.
Rock Shox Super Deluxe Air Ultimate shock
Rock Shox Lyrik Select+ fork
Nukeproof Horizon V2 wheels
Specialized Butcher / Eliminator tires
Sram GX drivetrain
2011 Avid Code RSC brakes
One Up dropper post
Sensus Swayze Lock-on grips
Chromag bars, stem and seat
Ride Experience
It´s been a while since I was on a full 29er and after a few runs on some local trails, I was so impressed how fast and playful this bike was. I can´t wait to spend more time on it this winter. Big love to Knolly Bikes for helping me out with this rig, you guys are the best!!!
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It’s been an unforgettable season of riding and racing, with this summer being super memorable. Having completed university in the spring, meant I didn’t have to worry about reports or exams and I could dedicate time to being outside. This year, I had the opportunity to be a part of a project with the North Shore Mountain Bike Association and Metro Vancouver to bring an unsanctioned trail called Cambodia, up to black diamond standards and become part of the Mount Seymour trail network. Alongside my good friend, Henry Fitzgerald, we moved dirt, rocks, and built bridges throughout the 3km trail. We incorporated our own vision for flow and speed, in contrast to the janky rocks and roots that existed previously.
When we weren’t building, we were riding whichever trail looked best on that day. My approach to preparing for the race season consisted of a modest amount of gym training, but primarily, I spent my time enduring epic days in the saddle. I adopted the North Shore Triple Crown, or some variation thereof, as my training regimen to build the endurance required for the races. This approach allowed me to focus on each stage one step at a time. Even though it often meant riding with a backpack, this preparation turned out to be ideal for racing. I was super stoked as the first race was just a week away when our project commenced.
My Race Bike
My race bike this year was a Knolly Chilcotin 167, with a 170mm Fox 38 and a mix up of the DHX2 coil shock as well as the Float X2 air shock to match the conditions. Other key parts on my build kit were RaceFace Turbine R wheels, bars, a 210mm dropper post, and Era carbon cranks.
Specs:
- Large Chilcotin 167 with the teal cosmos colour
- 170mm Fox Factory 38
- 210x65 Fox DHX2 or Float X2
- RaceFace Turbine R wheelset
- Maxxis DHF front & DH2 rear downhill casing tires with Cush Core pro Front & Rear
- Shimano XT drivetrain
- RaceFace Era 165mm crank with a 32T chainring
- Raceface Turbine 65mm Stem
- RaceFace Turbine R bars
- RaceFace Getta Grips
- SRAM Code RSC brakes with a 220m rotor up front and a 200mm rotor in the rear
- Chromag lift saddle
I chose the Chilcotin because of its long travel capability and 29” wheels. Even with DH tires, the bike pedals efficiently for long days with over 3000 meters of elevation gained. One thing I like different from most, is the longer stem. I find it helps keep my weight over the front tire for maximum traction on loose gravel and fast corners. SRAM and Shimano don’t like to get along with a cockpit set up, so I have a CNC’d matchmaker component from Wolf Tooth called the Shift Mount that allows the shifter to be bolted to the brake mount.
Race #1: Vedder (April 30)
This was my first race back since Fall 2021 and I was nervous but my excitement was high. Vedder Mountain has always held a special place in my heart because its trails closely resemble my backyard trails on Mt. Seymour. I've had the opportunity to race here in the past, and it's known for race days with scorching temperatures, often nearing 30 degrees. I consider this race to be the most challenging of the season due to the grueling road climb under the blazing sun. Fortunately, the amazing spread of food at the stations along the way keeps energy levels high and provides added motivation to get to the mountain's summit.
My first few stages were not where I expected to be. I felt like I couldn’t get in the focus state to go 100% down the hill. Maybe it was a fear of crashing, or I was just putting too much pressure on myself. As the day went on, my final stages began to feel good! I was finally able to loosen up and trust myself to cruise down the mountain. The Chilcotin had a predictable bite of rear end traction, allowing me to slide into ruts or grip through berms trying to keep the bead of the tire on the rim. It was awesome!
Race #2: Kelowna (May 14)
Smith Creek in West Kelowna was the second stop of the Series. Back in 2016, I lived here for a year in my first year of Carpentry school and Smith Creek (in my opinion) is the best trail network in the area. The trails are fast with tons of berms, jumps, and even has car doors to ride. Despite my history of riding here, the stages began to blend. I was not feeling good about my riding and my results showed that. With an 8th place finish, it was my worst result of the season. All in all it was a good day catching up and riding with old friends in the Okanagan heat. I knew there was more to give on the trails.
Race #3: Kamloops (May 28)
For anyone that’s raced the Canadian Enduro League Series before, Kamloops is the one to do. Located about 30 minutes from downtown Kamloops at Harper Ski Resort, this race is perfectly organized. The ski resort is filled with riders getting shuttle laps up and down the dirt road and my group camped in the parking lot. We used the lodge for amenities, which overlooked the grassy ski runs that featured wild horses grazing in it.
With a crisp early morning start at 7:30am, there was dew on the trails as we pedalled up to the first stage. This was the longest stage of the day (about 10 minutes) and it was a quick wake up to start the day. There were many good stages that followed, with a grass slalom finish. It was a perfect day for me as I stayed on the bike, pedaled my heart out, and finished 3rd.
Race #4: Revelstoke (June 25)
There is something about Revelstoke that I love. It’s most like the North Shore in the way they are both temperate rainforests and the trails match the landscape in raw speed. This race was the first and only two day event of the season. Saturday was in the Revelstoke Bike Park and Sunday was across the valley on Boulder Mountain. Unfortunately the race on Saturday was canceled due to lightning that shut down the lift. This included a new trail that was filled with all sorts of rocks and roots that I loved, as well as the infamous awkward corner that either requires a perfectly timed nose pick turn or getting off the bike while doing a pole dance like move around a tree.
A light rain followed the lightning and the trails on Sunday were dreamy. The hero dirt conditions for the racers meant that everyone was going insanely fast and most stages were strong for myself with minimal mistakes. The biggest struggle for me was a long road sprint that my stamina was not ready for. After the race we swam in the freezing river and enjoyed dinner at my favourite spot in town, the Village Idiot.
Race #5: Valemont (July 16)
Valemont boasts legendary trails that have always tempted me to make the trip, but I had never committed to the 8 hour drive from Vancouver. In the past, I had opportunities to build in their “bike park” but I never decided to go. This race was an opportunity to experience the town. On the way up, we ran into Yatubi English who was biking from Vancouver to NYC. He was riding a typical 3 speed commuter and had an infectious excitement for bikepacking.
We camped on the riverbed which drops significantly in the summer and enjoyed a cold dip pre and post riding. The bike park is a sanctioned riding area, with either a dirt road or climbing trail to the top. Occasionally it seemed like the trail builder forgot to build a corner and several times I flew off the trail in practice. Luckily, each trail was uniquely different, so these pinch points were easily recognisable.
On race day there was an uncomfortable amount of forest fire smoke, so we all climbed as slowly as possible on the way up. The trails have a natural flow that mostly allows for no pedalling or braking, just absolutely railed corners to make up seconds against the competition. A second place finish for me was enough to drive home excited for the next race.
Race #6: Sun Peaks (Sept 24)
It has been 5 years since I had last been to Sun Peaks for a downhill race. It’s arguably the best bike park in BC featuring fast trails, big jumps and long laps. At the top of a mountain the temps dropped below zero at night, providing frosty conditions in the morning. Practice consisted mostly of just a day of riding bike park laps throughout the trail network. The CEL crew chose a wide variety of trails that had bits of everything on them.
My favourite was the 5th stage which is the BC cup downhill course, featuring speeds averaging 40 km per hour throughout. I decided to go with a coil shock for this race to absorb the small bumps and give my hands a chance to hold on. After the race, we continued to lap the park until it closed at 5. Ten bike park laps later, we were all exhausted and ready to head home.
With one last CEL race in Bromont QB, that I was not planning on attending, I was leading the points for the Enduro Championship overall. And just after that last race, I was stoked to find out that my consistent results had put me at the top (and I was the Canadian Enduro League champion)!
This was my 6th season riding for Knolly Bikes and it’s been so great to be a part of a like minded group of riders that produce premium bikes. I am incredibly grateful to continue this relationship into next year and while my 2024 race plans are still undecided,there will be some wild and crazy adventures happening. In addition to Knolly, a huge thank you to Ride NF, Fox Suspension, and RaceFace components for making it all happen. If you made it this far in reading this, thank you for your support and don’t be a stranger on the trail!
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IG: @seanjohncollins
Photos: Jon Gugin
Resides: Shawnigan Lake, BC
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Mt Prevost and Mt Tzouhalem are the two main zones close to home, as well as some hidden gems in Shawnigan Lake. My favorite trails would be Mt. T. loam line and Bloodline in Shawnigan lLake.
What's the intended use for your new bike?
I ride fast, flowy, steep trails with as many features as possible. The Chilcotin 167 is the perfect trailbuilding, freeride rig. I plan to continue building big features in the woods of Shawnigan Lake. This bike has the capability to get me to the top while also being able to handle the big hits while still being playful in the air.
What model and colour? I’m riding the Chilcotin 167, in Ano Black and I love it!
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? I am 6'1 and ride a large. It is the perfect fit for me.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
The bike is set in the slack setting, which I love. I am running Noble TR38 wheels and they are incredibly strong. I have the ZEB fork, with the Rock Shox coil in the rear. I have all Deity points of contact and a SRAM drive train with SRAM Code R brakes. I also have titanium Ewing cranks.
What do you love about your new bike?
My favorite part about the Chilcotin is that it is all thrills, no frills. This bike is clean looking, super solid and climbs like a dream. It's responsive and playful but also eats up chunky terrain.
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IG: @lexi_smyth
Resides: North Vancouver, BC
Nearby trail system and your favorite trail?
I live in Lynn Valley at the base of Mount Fromme. Fromme, Seymour and Cypress are host to the three trail networks that comprise the venerable North Shore. I count myself as fortunate to be able to access the trails right from my doorstep. While I do deke around elevated skinnys, my favorite hometown trail is an obscure loamer.
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I would describe myself as an all mountain rider who values the climbs as much as the descents. My ride plans are primarily on the North Shore and include frequent weekend trips up the Sea to Sky corridor.
The Fugitive is the perfect choice for me, it climbs efficiently with great traction and a super stable peddling platform. It also descends with composure and gives me the confidence in the steep jank that the corridor is famous for.
I only have one mountain bike in my garage because the Fugitive does it all for me. The only thing that stopped the bike was a muddy climb in Hurricane, Utah, where the mud was so sticky the tires wouldn’t roll through the frame.
What model and colour?
Fugitive 138, Tequila Sunrise Limited Production Colourway
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
Standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, I ride a medium frame for my bike. I've customized it with a short 35 mm stem and narrower 760 mm bar to accommodate my proportions of having longer legs, a shorter torso and narrower shoulders. The fit feels perfect for me, and I particularly appreciate the climbing position. The front wheel stays planted and I feel balanced directly over the bottom bracket rather than trailing behind it like I did when testing some other brands.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
My Fugitive rolls on We Are One Union rims laced to “silent” Onyx hubs. I prefer to run a Maxxis Assegai in front over the Minion DHF, it feels it offers more consistent grip over varied terrain and when it breaks free, it does so more progressively.
The cockpit is all by OneUp and includes a 35 mm rise carbon bar, 35 mm stem and black grips. Suspension is Fox Factory with a Fox36 fork and an X2 shock. The Magura MT5 brakes offer great braking performance and are easier to modulate than the Shimano XTs on my last bike.
The drivetrain is SRAM GX AXS with an upgraded XX1 gold chain and cassette. The electronic shifting is remarkably robust and consistent. The cassette is significantly lighter than the GX model and my experience is that the chain feels “snappier” and lasts longer.
Finally, I upgraded the saddle to a women-specific Chromag Juniper LTD which sports gold rails to match the chain and cassette. I have to thank Jason @two_wheels_adventure for an expert build - he even colour matched the brake caliper seals!
What do you love about your new bike? How’s the bike performing?
My favorite thing about my bike is what a well engineered “all rounder” it is. More than that, the bike is ultra durable and still feels like new despite some hard hours of use.
Photo Credits: bike shots Alexa Smyth, ride photo Tandem Photography
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In addition, the Endorphin has been designed for fun-sized people ranging in height from 4’11-5’10. It was developed from the ground up to suit riders with smaller inseams, who are seeking a playful trail bike that isn’t gender specific. There is also a new size range that spans from x-small to a limited production of large frames, allowing the Endorphin to cater to a broad range of heights and riding needs. And riders can tune their fit and preference, with a choice between dual 27.5 or MX options.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
SIZES: X-Small, Small, Medium, Large*
*inclusive sizing for riders 4’11” and taller. Can fit down to 4’10” with minor modifications.
3 BUILD OPTIONS
3 COLOURS: RAW, Sea Foam, Champagne
BUILD KIT & GEOMETRY: CLICK HERE
Erin: 5’1” | 28” inseam | XS Endorphin frame | 29/27.5 MX | 175mm dropper slammed | 140mm fork
Ken 5’10” | 32” inseam | MD Endorphin frame | 29/27.5 MX | 175mm dropper 2” out from frame | 150mm fork
Ruby 4’10” | XS Endorphin | 180mm dropper with 1.5” out of frame | 27.5/26 MX | 160mm 27.5 fork
PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY
Photo/Video credit: Tandem Photography
*Bikes shown in the photos are not to spec
]]>IG: @kirra.mtb
Where you live
Coquitlam BC
What are your favorite trails to ride?
What did you accomplish on your bike this season?
What I’ve done with the bike this year
I chose the Chilcotin 167 to have a true enduro bike that would be able to conquer the descents at speed, and it sure does. This year, I have raced the Chilcotin in many different enduro races and look forward to many more. The bike has helped my confidence on the downs, helping me conquer even more technical and difficult features. I look forward to seeing where the Chilcotin takes me next!
What bike do you have and what size?
Knolly Chilcotin 167, Size Medium
How tall are you and what’s your inseam?
I am 5”7 and my inseam is 33 inches
What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I got a size Medium, and it fits just right
What’s your bike spec?
What did you do to make this bike yours?
I kept the majority of the bike components the same, but I focused on the color scheme to make mine standout! I wanted to go for a dark and evil look on my bike, and to me that means black and purple! I matched some of my components, and sticker decals according to this color scheme!
What do you love about your new bike?
What I love about the Chilcotin 167 is the variety of descents the Chilcotin can ride. Its sends on the flow trails, tackles the rocks and roots on the tech trails, flies on the jump trails, and overall, is an amazing bike. Looking forward to my adventures with the bike!
]]>IG: @hirototakagi
Photos: Jake Fox
Resides: Kamloops, BC
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails
The Bike Ranch, Harper Mountain and Sun Peaks
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I like to ride pretty much anything from flow to tech trails. I love riding steep, loose and fast singletrack.
What model and colour?
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I am 5'5" and run a small frame. It fits perfect and delivers a playful ride.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I mulleted my Warden: 29 up front and 27.5 in the rear.
Specs
Rockshox Zeb 170mm
Rockshox Super Deluxe
We Are One convergence rims laced to i9 Hydra Hubs
Chromag OSX bar, 35mm Riza stem, Trailmaster saddle, Pressure pedals
Magura MT7 brakes
GX drivetrain
Versus tire, Gravity casing
Rockshox AXS 175mm Dropper
What do you love about your new bike?
I love this setup and it's my first mulleted bike. I’m super surprised how having a 29 wheel up front delivers a fast and stable ride while still being super playful in the rear (with the 27.5 wheel). I am beyond stoked with how my Warden performs.
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Resides: Deep Cove, BC
Favourite gravel trails: Campbell River, BC
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
Exploring the back roads of BC
Model: Cache Titanium
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I’m 5’11” and purchased the 58cm Cache. It feels just right from the first ride and is going to be incredibly comfortable for the all day epics.
Bike spec: full custom build!
Part |
Manufacturer |
Model |
Size |
---|---|---|---|
Frame |
Knolly |
Cache Ti |
58cm |
Fork |
Knolly |
Carbon |
NA |
Headset |
Wolftooth |
ZS |
44/56 |
Front Brake Lever |
SRAM |
Rival |
eTAP AXS HRD |
Rear Brake Lever |
SRAM |
Rival |
eTAP AXS HRD |
Front Brake Caliper |
SRAM |
Rival |
FMFD |
Rear Brake Caliper |
SRAM |
Rival |
FMRD |
Rotors |
Hope |
Floating |
160mm |
Handlebars |
PNW |
Coast |
480mm |
Bar Tape |
Lizard Skin |
DSP v2 |
NA |
Stem |
Hope |
XC |
70mm |
Stem spacers |
Wolftooth |
Precision |
3/5/10/15 |
Cranks |
Hope |
RX* |
172.5mm |
Bottom Bracket |
Hope |
Threaded |
30mm |
Chainring |
Hope |
RX |
40T |
Pedals |
Shimano |
XT |
PD-M8100 |
Derailleur |
SRAM |
Rival XPLR |
NA |
Cassette |
SRAM |
XG-1251 |
10-44 |
Chain |
SRAM |
Force |
NA |
Seatpost |
Whiskey |
No.7 Carbon |
31.6 x 400 |
Saddle |
Ergon |
SR Pro |
M/L |
Front hub |
Hope |
Pro 4 - 28 |
12 x 100mm |
Rear hub |
Hope |
Pro 4 - 28 |
12 x 142mm |
Spokes |
Sapim |
Laser |
296mm |
Nipples |
Sapim |
Polyax |
NA |
Rims |
We Are One |
Revive |
28h |
Rim Tape |
Stans |
NA |
25mm |
Front Tire |
Teravail |
Sparwood |
2.2 |
Rear Tire |
Teravail |
Sparwood |
2.2 |
Bottle Cage |
Specialized |
Zee Cage II |
Right |
Additional notes: You need the MTB spindle to get the correct chainline…and a friend who can machine a part to press it in and out of the crank arm cleanly! Tool: HC108-13TS, Spindle: HC108-07S
What do you love about your new bike?
It is light, confidence inspiring even in the loosest of gravel and sooo fast!
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Photos: Patrik Zuest
James and Westley Corrigan are 12-year-old twin brothers from Nanaimo, BC. They have been riding bikes since they were five years old and have developed a love for the sport over the years. In 2022, they joined the Knolly GSR team and started riding small Knolly Wardens.
How did you get into riding bikes?
James: I think we really started biking when we moved from Winnipeg to Nanaimo. Our dad built us a ramp that we rode all the time. We just jumped and had a lot of fun. We started racing BMX and going to the Stevie Smith Bike Park. That's where we made friends who were biking just as much as we did. It was awesome to hang out with them and learn new tricks.
Westley: And then COVID happened. That was pretty boring for us, but we could still ride our mountain bikes. We spent hours every day riding bikes either on our street or on our local trails. The Stevie Smith Bike Park was closed, so we just rode our bikes where we could. When racing started up again, we stopped BMX racing and started racing mountain bikes. What I like most about biking is spending time with my friends and exploring new trails.
Where is your favourite place to ride?
James: That's a tough question. It's hard to pick a favourite place. But if I had to choose, I'd say Whistler. The trails are so good and there's always something new to explore. We always meet up with friends in Whistler and like going to Sushi Village together but I really love riding at Mount Prevost. The trails there are super challenging. So yeah, I guess it's a tie between Whistler and Prevost.
Westley: I’m lucky to live on Vancouver Island because there are so many places to ride. I mostly ride in Cumberland, Mount Prevost, and around Nanaimo. I could ride island trails every day and never get bored. Last October, we went on a big road trip to Utah, and it was a lot of fun. The riding there was so different from home. We visited Moab, Park City, and Virgin to check out the original Redbull Rampage site. I’d never ridden anything like that before. There were lines and jumps and sketchy canyon gaps everywhere. The Rampage Site was the highlight of the trip. I had a lot of fun on Breakfast Line and there's another big canyon gap I want to hit if I get to go back.
What’s your favourite trail?
James: If I had to choose, I'd say one of my favorites is the Monster Mile at Mount Washington on Vancouver Island. It's super challenging and technical, which makes it fun to ride. It's where the Stevie Smith Memorial race is held every year and I want to do that race. When I’m in Whistler I like Captain Safety and In Deep. Those trails have some amazing features like rock slabs, rolls, and chutes. Also A-Line and Freight Train party laps are hard to beat. I even got to lap those trails with a few pro riders last summer which was awesome!
Westley: It's hard for me to pick just one favorite bike trail because there are so many. At Whistler Bike Park, I love Schleyer to Upper Joyride, and then jumping onto Detroit Rock City or Lower Whistler Downhill. It's a long ride with a lot of different sections, which is super fun. I have a great time on Goats Gully because I like riding tech trails. I also had fun on Airplane Mode in Squamish. It's a shorter trail and really well built. My Warden is perfect for that trail.
Why do you love your Knolly Warden?
James: My Warden is the perfect bike for me because it can handle anything I want to ride. It is good for hitting big jumps, tech trails, or cruising down a flow trail. I just added a double crown fork to help on DH races and in the park. The Warden is built to handle it and it really makes a difference on the big lines. All the components work together, and it makes it a pretty great bike that I can still boss around.
Westley: The Warden is fun. It's a great freeride bike, which is perfect for me. It doesn't hold me back from anything. If I had to pick one thing about the Warden, it would be the suspension. I like to ride a lot of different things on my bike and the Warden does it all. I also like that it can take a coil shock. I started out with an air shock on my bike, but I like the feeling I get from a coil, especially when on big jumps. I think the Warden is just a fun bike.
What are your race plans for 2023?
James: This is going to be a great race season. Last summer, I did a few of the NW cup races and they were fun. I want to do the whole series this year. I came in 2nd at the first NW Cup this year. I also want to get to Whistler for the Air DH race and want to be a pre-runner at the Stevie Smith Memorial race at Mount Washington.
Westley: I had a bad crash in April and broke both of my arms, so I can’t race right now. Last year, I had a lot of fun at the NW Cup so I hope I can get back in shape and be ready for a few of those races. I should be ready for the A-Line Air DH race at Whistler Crankworx again this summer. I want to ride with my friends and check out other places like Silver Star and Big White. I want to have fun on new trails and try new things. I can't wait to get back on my bike and start riding again.
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IG: @Billyadamsonmtb
Resides: Vernon, BC
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Kamloops, Silverstar bike park
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
Freeride and bike park
Model and colour: Chilcotin 167, Pearl White
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I am 6 feet and run a large frame. It fits perfect for my intended use and I wouldn’t want it any bigger!
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I ran the front brake through the stem for barspins.
The basic specs are:
29 Spank Oozy rim/hub
Maxxis assegai 29 2.5wt
Deity black label handlebars 38mm rise
Deity stem, grips, seat, pedals
Raceface turbine cranks
Box drivetrain
Rockshox rear shock
Rockshox Lyric 160 front fork
What do you love about your new bike?
I love being able to go big on the Chilcotin; it handles very similar to my downhill bike. The Chilcotin is the best “all around bike” you can find.
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Rider:
Nicholaus Zilinski
IG: @vancanmtb
Where do you live?
Coquitlam, BC
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails?
The North Shore: 5th Horseman, Pingu, Upper Oil Can
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
Everything! I like to ride it all, jumps, flow, super chunk. The Chilcotin really shines in high speed, rough terrain.
What model and colour?
Chilcotin 167, Purple Delirium throwback
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I’m 6ft tall, I ride a large, and it fits perfectly!
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
It’s an XT build with SR Suntour suspension. I’m running 220 HS2 rotors front and rear. I’ve also got 165mm 5Dev cranks and a 50mm titanium 5Dev stem.
What do you love about your new bike?
Knolly’s all have a super solid construction that I can trust and I love the kinematics - so plush!
]]>IG handle: @mbalcita
Resides: Langley, BC
Nearby trails and your favorite trails
Woodlot, Thornhill. Anything with jumps!
What do you ride (type of terrain)?
I mainly ride jump/flow trails and I went with the Chilcotin 167 because I wanted a bike that could handle big jumps and the steeps.
What model and colour?
167 Chilcotin in white!
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I’m about 5’ 8”. I got a medium and it fits perfect.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I took some parts off my Fugitive which was basically a GX build kit with a Z1. The white Title bar and stem give the bike a real clean look. The 27.5 Weareone’s to i9’s make the bike sound great as well. I like the smaller wheels mainly for jumps.
What do you love about your new bike?
I really love how the bike feels. I love the lower bb and the top tube length is perfect. Slack mode is perfect for the steeps.
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What's up Knation! Most mountain bikers try their hand at racing at least once. For some, paying entry fees, travel with limited riding time, and the pressure to perform can turn people away from racing. For others, it adds more challenges to the sport, leisure activity, lifestyle, or however you classify it, that is already challenging just by itself. Regardless of how you feel about racing, almost all mountain bikers enjoy watching the elites crush their way to the finish line representing their sponsors or their countries with the hopes of dawning the coveted white jersey with UCI rainbow stripes. Regardless of the discipline, racers dream of that moment, but sadly most of us never reach the elite status to cross the finish line under the UCI arbor!
Each year the UCI puts on a Masters World Championship for the XC and DH disciplines and has it at the same venue for two years before it moves to its new home for the next two years. You have to meet only two qualifications to race:
That’s it. I have never raced in the elite field, and after all that I have heard from friends and other competitors who have raced it, this was my year to put my name on the list and "giver a go"!
I celebrated my 50th birthday this February, and what better way to celebrate such a milestone than to throw myself down a mountain at a high rate of velocity with the hopes of being a WORLD CHAMPION! The race was in Cerro Bayo, Argentina, and it was the second and final year before moving on. First, if you ever have the chance to visit Argentina, I highly recommend it, not just for how beautiful the country is, but for how welcoming the people are. Cerro Bayo houses the track aptly named Kamikaze. The Kamikaze is roughly a mile long (1.6 km), with an elevation loss of 1,419 ft.(432.5m), and an average grade of -31.1%. It twists and turns over sand and a clay base littered with roots and trees, with bamboo lining the outside of the track. It was tough to figure out your braking points because if you braked late, it would cause you to slide. I wound up changing to a mud tire for more traction due to the depth of the sand. The only pedaling on the track is out of the start gate to the 10-foot road gap, and from then on, it needs no pedaling, just gravity pulling you down! From day one of practicing until finals, the track changed, and the small holes became bomb craters.
“It was the most challenging track I have ever ridden in my 11 years of downhill racing.”
The environment of the race was electric. There was representation from Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America as far as the downhill goes. Loic Bruni's dad was racing and secured his 11th-world championship jersey at 62 years of age. There were a few other legendary names in attendance, including Tinker Juarez (XC). After the race, riders cheered their fellow compatriots as they walked up to the podiums to receive their medals, with their country flags on the big screen in the background as the winner had their national anthem played. Racers were all high-fiving each other in the crowd as everyone celebrated the fact we were all gathered to ride and race bikes and to soak in the stoke mountain biking gives all of us. A few of my USA teammates and myself traded our USA jerseys with other riders from Argentina to celebrate our respect for each other. I have never been to a world championship, but this is how I imagined it.
How did I do? 9th out of 25. Not too shabby for my first master’s championship, but it is not my last. I want that jersey even more now!
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Where do you live?
Vancouver, BC
How tall are you?
I am 188 cm with an 86 cm inseam and really long arms, sort of built like an inflatable wavy arm man.
What size frame?
XL Fugitive
What’s your build spec?
I built the bike with a whole mishmash of parts. Mostly Fox, Race Face, and Shimano, with a smattering of other little things.
Fork: 160mm Fox factory 36
Shock: Fox Float X2
Wheels: RaceFace Arc 31 rims laced to Vault hubs.
Cranks: RaceFace Era 170mm
Bar/stem: RaceFace Turbine R 40mm stem, Next R 20mm rise bars
Headset: Wolf tooth geo-shift -1degree
Seatpost: ONE up 240mm dropper
Brakes: Shimano XT levers, Saint Calipers
Derailleur/Shifter: Shimano XT
What are you running in your cockpit?
Currently I have the bike built with a 40mm stem, though I might play around with a 50mm stem in the future. Bars remain at the stock 800mm width, and I will not be cutting them down. Because I chose to over fork the bike, I wanted to offset the added length of the 160mmm fork by using an “angleset”, this allowed me to keep the seat tube angle and stack height as close to the intended geometry as possible whilst giving a bit more squish in the front.
What’s the intended use (where are you riding it)?
I mostly ride on Fromme or Seymour, but I have lots of trips all over BC this year.
What’s your favourite trail?
Project 9 in Fernie, BC
Why do you love your new ride?
It just does all the things a great bike should do.
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UK Team Update
Stephen's from Seaford (East Sussex, UK) and has been riding and racing MTB for the last 10 years! It's taken him on some epic adventures and he's met some amazing people along the way. This will be his fourth year riding for Knolly and he's taken on a new role as the UK Team Manager (UK Collective). He's got some great athletes on the 2023 team and is still looking to expand. Be sure to come over and say hi if you see the team at their local races or bike parks.
2023 UK Team Riders:
He's stoked to have these riders back with the Collective! He's still taking applications for Ambassadors and Regional riders. If you want to ride for a sick brand like Knolly and represent in the UK, please get in touch with him via IG or email: knollyukcollective@gmail.com.
This year they'll be individually and/or the team will be racing the Southern Enduro Champs, Southern Enduro Rounds, ArdRock Enduro, and Vallet Enduro. If you find their tent, be sure to connect with them. Each rider may be doing a few additional local and regional races too. Along with racing you'll see them riding their favourite spots, from Wales, Surrey to the Peak District.
Stephen's Chilcotin Bike Check
Lives: Seaford, East Sussex, UK
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
I'm lucky to live right next to a great network of trails at Friston Forest, ranging from flowy single track to some short but fast DH tracks. The bike community is becoming bigger here, especially with the start of a new bike shop, Cuckmere Cycles based at the foot of the trails. The hope is to start to create a MTB hub for riders to start/end their rides. My favourite trails include: 'X-Files' is the OG of DH tracks and 'Double Drop' (probably has another name by the builders) is my other top choice. It’s a steep, fast track with two drops into catch berms!
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I prefer the off-piste, natural type of terrain over big bike park jumps. You can't beat the feeling of getting down a gnarly, steep off piste track! This will be my go to bike for big mountain laps and gnarly decents, along with races.
What model and colour?: Chilcotin 167, limited edition colour Teal. This colour is dope!
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I'm 5ft8" (1.72m) but I have annoyingly short legs and arms! I'm running a medium which fits perfectly. I definitely couldn't go any bigger. I do roll my bars back an extra degree to shorten the reach just a bit to find that sweet spot.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
I'm running the GX build kit on this bike which I'm loving. Never used Magura before but I'm impressed with the power and modulation they provide. I've made some changes to the bike. I've cut down the bars to 760mm, I've changed the grips to ODI Elite Pro (best grips on the market in my opinion), riding for Vee Tires allows me to ride some very impressive tires; front Snap WCE Gravity Top 40 compound, rear Flow Snap Tackee Compound. I've changed out the shock for a Cane Creek Kitsuma coil - love how easy it is to tune. I will be mulleting the bike very soon, and changing the shock out for a RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate with the MegNeg upgrade!
What do you love about your new bike?
Well obviously you have to love the colour! But it's the way it makes the fast chattery sections near smooth. Taking a little bit to get used to, but who doesn't like more speed! Plus climbing is a beast with the bigger wheels.
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WHERE YOU LIVE: Calgary, Alberta
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Moose Mountain! I volunteer on the board there. Favorite trail would be a toss up between Flight 66 and Jean Guy on The Rocks. https://www.trailforks.com/region/moose-mountain/
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I’m kind of the odd one out in The Flannel Crew. Most of my teammates are big on shuttle trucks, bike parks, and big backcountry lines. I quite literally need a quiver killer of a bike. I pedal in-town on busy weeknights, I climb to get to loamers or less-accessible trails here and there, but I still jump in the truck with the boys and pound out shuttle laps and bike park days. The Knolly Warden is perfect for me. It’s playful in the gnar and tech, and I can still hang with the homies on a jump line or when we’re checking off big wood stunts.
What model and color?
I scooped up a Knolly Warden in Brushed Raw Aluminum.
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I’m definitely weird ergonomically. I’m 6”0 tall on the dot but I’m more torso than legs. In my case, the Large Knolly Warden fits like a dream. The cockpit is roomy, and I feel right at home riding it on the descents, climbs, and the works.
What’s your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
It’s almost part-for-part an out of the box build. The only thing I opted for was a bit of extra travel after going back and forth with Ken at Knolly. We stuffed a bigger shock on it and air spring in the fork so it’s 180mm on the front end and 175mm of party in the back. Other than that, I tossed on my We Are One Unions and I9 1/1 hubs so it’s bombproof for some big hucks.
What do you love about your new bike?
I’m loving some of the smaller details on this one! Like the whiskey bottle decal on the seat tube.
What did you name your new bike?
Since it has the raw-metal look, I named it after one of my favourite Johnny Cash songs. Big Iron! 🤠
AUSTEN TANNEY
YOUR IG HANDLE: @austentanney
WHERE YOU LIVE: Calgary (Cowtown), Alberta
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails: I'm fortunate enough to have a local trail system right outside my back fence in Valley Ridge. But my favorite trails and second home will forever be Moose Mountain in Bragg Creek, AB. When I say Moose Mountain I mean the classic shuttle laps of T-Dub, Flight-66 and Billy Dog. Prairie Mountain pedal laps do not exist in this fellas trail vocabulary.
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I have always been drawn to the natural untouched lines of mother nature. The Hike-A-Bike express is my game, and new terrain is its name. I plan to get the 2023 Chilcotin into a lot more first ascents, and push the envelope of summit riding in the Rocky Mountains to see what's possible to descend on two wheels.
What model and color?
2023 Knolly Chilcotin 29" Frame / X-Large / Teal Cosmos
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
Weighing in at 220lbs and standing at 6’2 in height, fighting out of The Flannel Crew corner. My weapon of choice for the 2023 season is the X-Large Knolly Chilcotin 29" with Fox 40’s. Having a long reach and tall athletic build, the X-Large fits great and I already feel right at home in the cockpit.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
2023 Knolly Chilcotin 29" XL Frame, with GX Build Kit.
Customizing this bike was a treat. I decided to take an authentic approach and customize the Chilcotin into a freeride monster. This included Orange Fox 40’s, a Spank 20mm Hub Conversion Kit, RS Super Deluxe shock with 500lb spring, and matching orange spank rim decals.
What do you love about your new bike?
The best thing about my new Knolly, other than being able to swing a leg over something trustworthy and not clapped. The aesthetic color scheme and monster build is ready to point straight down the chute and let er-buck.
What did you name your new bike?
Eggplant! 🍆
BRYANT BOOTS FREEMAN
IG: @lil2zesty
WHERE YOU LIVE: Calgary
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Moose! T-Dub and Flight 66
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
All things send: loam, steeps, big hits, screeeee!
What model and colour?
A Knolly Warden without paint to scratch!
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
6 foot, got a Large and fits beautifully.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
Base drive train. Have a fox 40 factory up front for 203mm of big bike travel. Have a 180mm coil in the rear. Topped up with Sensus grips and Chromag saddle + pedals.
What do you love about your new bike?
That it’s a downhill bike with a dropper 😂
What did you name your new bike?
Free Bird. 🦅
ALEX MORAN
IG: @estfire15
WHERE YOU LIVE: Calgary, Alberta
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Favorite trails have to be the ones I started riding on! OG trails at Moose Mountain and Canmore like T-dub, Jean Guy, and Riders of Rohan. Rooty/rocky/gnarly Alberta terrain. I'm also lucky to live a stone's throw from Fish Creek Provincial park in Calgary and frequent the trails and sneaky descents scattered about.
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
I ride all sorts of terrain from flowy gravity lines, tech, steep chutes. I'm blessed to ride with friends who enjoy multiple disciplines so need a bike that can scramble up a long ascent, crush park laps, and “Green Wheel” some yet undiscovered trails. I think the Knolly will do all that and more and can't wait to put my feet to the pedals.
What model and color? Knolly Chilcotin 167 in Stealth Black.
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I'm 6’ and I snagged a large frame. Feels great in the saddle should be the perfect fit come the spring.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
Full GX build, with a Zeb Ultimate front, and RS Super Deluxe air rear. I slapped on some fresh grips and a well broken in Chromag Trailmaster LTD for a fresh pop of green off the matte black finish of the frame. Plan to keep this build fairly low-key to fit with the “Stealth” build; plain from a distance but an absolute slayer up close.
What do you love about your new bike?
I'm loving the attention to detail and small bits of design that make it pop. The gloss black logos off the matte black. The components are solid, trustworthy pieces I don't have to worry about!
What did you name your new bike?
Black Sabbath. 🤘
LARS GONERA
IG: @larsgonera
WHERE YOU LIVE: Calgary, AB
Nearby trail system and your favorite trails:
Moose Mountain’s Flight 66 or building our own trails with Austen in our backyard.
What do you ride (type of terrain)? What's the intended use for your new bike?
Bikes built to go big and fast. Anything and everything that doesn’t require pedaling uphill. Like Kenny Powers once said “I play real sports, not trying to be the best at exercising”.
What model and colour?
Knolly Chilcotin Teal Cosmos 29er
How tall are you? What size frame did you get? How does it fit you?
I’m 6’4” and 230 lbs. With really long arms and legs it’s easy to decide on sizing, XL. Coming off a 2019 XL 27.5 bike, the Knolly Chilcotin feels like an absolute tank and the 29’s make me feel like I’m actually on a mountain bike for once and not a plus size squishy dirt jumper.
What's your bike spec? Did you do anything custom?
Knolly Chilcotin XL, with a GX Coil Build wrapped in automotive 3M courtesy Keenan. Fox 40s with 203mm travel. Purple Raceface Atlas 35 bars with Chromag Squarewave XL grips. Raceface Chester DM stem. Chromag Rawhide Overture saddle. Purple Chromag Scarab pedals. Matching Spank rim decals and some custom Fox 40 fork decals from Ground Keeper.
What do you love about your new bike?
Absolutely everything, from the limited edition colour way to the way the angles flow to the big burly Fox40, but the thing I love most is how this rig feels! Big, Burly, and Confident!
What did you name your new bike?
Rhonda! 💃
We would like to give a HUGE shoutout to Jayme Rashelle Photography, Austen, Lars and Dre Visuals for the bike check photos!
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Photos: Top Shop Media, Graham Trenholm
We're super stoked to partner up with The Flannel Crew for another wild ride of a year.
We caught up with the crew to do a bike check and see what kind of Knolly Bikes they’ll be shredding on the trails this year (full details about this to be revealed next week!).
As much as they might seem like a bunch of fun-loving dirt bags that love shuttle and park laps - they actually have very diverse riding backgrounds and the differences in their builds reflect that.
Before we dive into what they created, we asked the crew about their objectives for the 2023 riding season.
Although the boys have some lofty goals for the year, their core mission remains the same:
"Keep freeride alive, spread the stoke everywhere they go and give back to the community along the way."
From media production to trail advocacy, these legends are trying to do it all in order to make the sport better for everyone.
In case you haven’t heard, they are working on their first feature-length bike film, The Nomad Movie.
Like it or not, the bike industry and mountain bike media has changed significantly over the last 10-15 years. In some ways, things have gotten better (hello, an abundance of machine built jump trails!), in other ways, the sport has strayed from its fun-loving freeride roots.
It seems like there is a ton of monotony entering the space with TikTok trends and cookie cutter riding, but The Flannel Crew is aiming to change that.
When you look at mountain bike media these days, all you see is people riding a big name destination (Whistler, Squamish, The North Shore, etc). The truth is, there is so much more great riding outside of those areas that just don’t get the love and exposure that they deserve. The goal for The Nomad was to venture out and explore the world, look at the landscapes with a creative eye, and ride some spots that haven’t been beaten to death by the industry.
The crew have definitely done their mountain bike movie homework. The Nomad is a nod to the great vintage freeride films of yesteryear, featuring all of the essential riding areas, with a modern twist that could only be brought by the creativity and literal insanity of the crew.
We have no doubt that this movie will have you on the edge of your seat and fired up to go ride your bike and try riding new and exciting things.
As always, the crew’s number one goal is to bring the party to the trails. Regardless of who you are, what your skill level is, and what you ride, the goal is to get more butts on bikes and have fun doing it.
By the sounds of things, we’ll be participating in the Wolfe Auto Group x Dunbar Cycles Share the Ride event again. Last year, we headed out to the Stoney Nakoda Reserve and built 50 kids bikes for up and coming riders in a less privileged community.
Seeing the kids' faces light up when we gave them their fancy new bikes was absolutely priceless. Regardless of how stoked you are on riding, it’s important to lay a good foundation for future shredders and ensure you’re passing on the torch to them. This event does an incredible job of instilling a passion for bikes in kids and we can’t wait to see where it goes this year!
Another big thing we try to give back to is our local trail society, MMBTS. We’re already set up as corporate sponsors for 2023 and we hope to be able to channel as much fundraising back to the mountain as possible.
I’ll never forget our first trip to Moose, back in 2014. We took a lap down Jean Guy on The Rocks and Bryant said “I think that is the best free trail I have ever ridden…”
The rest has been history. Joey has been volunteering on the board as VP since 2016 and we have run several trail days and fundraising events as a team to give back since then.
This year, we’ll probably run another whip off fundraiser on Flight 66, there will probably be a movie premiere from a big film studio to raise money if a good flick (other than ours) comes out, and we’re aiming to volunteer more by running trail days with the MMBTS trail crew this year.
Stand by for next week's post featuring their 2023 bike checks, with some super sweet builds and athlete profiles!
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