Raydek Posted September 17, 2015 Posted September 17, 2015 http://www.redbull.com/us/en/bike/stories/1331732580765/evolution-of-the-mountain-bike-darren-berrecloth-the-cycle The modern mountain bike and rider have advanced to new heights — as Darren Berrecloth demonstrates. DATE 14 September 2015AUTHORMike Berard Darren Berrecloth almost single-handedly changed the direction of freeride mountain biking when he showed up at Red Bull Rampage in 2002. The Claw's ability to fuse BMX style tricks into big mountain lines showed the rest of us what was possible. In the video above, Claw takes us back to his beginnings — and what he has to say might surprise you. Watch Bearclaw's "The Cycle" video belowRedBull.com: A lot of people incorrectly label you solely as a BMXer-turned-freerider, but you actually rode cross-country way back? Darren Berrecloth: Well, growing up, like most kids, you rode whatever bike was around. I've had a mountain bike as far back as I can remember. Did mountain bikes hold up to your aggressive riding?When I started to gravitate to jumping off stuff and building jumps I kept breaking mountain bikes and had to wait for some time until I could afford to buy the parts needed to fix it. Naturally, BMXs were a lot stronger back then so I always had a mountain bike throughout my younger BMX years. I raced the odd cross-country and downhill race growing up, and it wasn't until later I really got back into it.You choose your own limits — the bike doesn't choose your limits for you.In "The Cycle," you claim the all-mountain bike can do almost anything you want it to. In your opinion, where does a modern mountain bike with 6 inches of suspension stack up against the bikes you first rode at Rampage?That's funny because I am in China right now with a Specialized Stumpjumper [27.5 inches] and I have been riding some insane lines on it. With that being said, a modern 6-inch x 6-inch bike is not far off the bikes we rode back in the day to do all our rowdy lines and airs on.Are you on a 29-inch-wheeled bike in this film?Yes, most of the video is on a 29er Stumpy Evo except for a few shots I am on the new Enduro Evo 650b [27.5 inches]. Last wheel size question: There's been a lot of fear from the freeride communiity that we may lose the 26-inch wheel size altogether. How founded do you think that fear is? And would it be tragic if we did lose it?The question and fear is real! For most companies, the reality of making three sizes of bikes is not ideal — I think most companies will ditch the 26-inch, but only a few will keep it old school. Arguably, the new all-mountain bikes get us closest to the true heart of mountain biking: the freedom to explore without limits. What's next in Darren Berrecloth's always entertaining explorations? [Laughs] I'm in China right now, man! I am filming with Damien from Fast Focus on a journey across the Chinese landscapes. From that he is doing a documentary and I will be pumping out a GoPro edit from this trip, as well.Everything has its breaking point. At one point do you think the all-mountain bike reaches its limit?Ummm, well, you choose your own limits — the bike doesn't choose your limits for you [laughter].
Raydek Posted September 17, 2015 Author Posted September 17, 2015 Admin.. any chance you can embed the video please?Edit: Thanks Admin
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