2016 Racing Rumours

Twitch wrote:

May be nothing, but Gwin is wearing Alpinestars glove and shorts.. :dry: [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/01/06/3140/s1200_image.jpg[/img]

May be nothing, but Gwin is wearing Alpinestars glove and shorts..

Unicycle wrote:

I've always wondered why or when the DH biking profession will get away from industry sponsorship. I don't want to drag this down the ski racing...

I've always wondered why or when the DH biking profession will get away from industry sponsorship. I don't want to drag this down the ski racing road again, but I guess I will. DH needs to get out into other corporate money if they actually want to make some (and most likely that is what Gwin is doing to some extent). Look at skiing or road racing for example. Names like DIscovery Chanel, Charles Schwab, T mobile, Barilla, Superfund and Audi for that matter. That is where the real money is coming from, not the ski manufacturer or bike company.

I was impressed to see Subaru(?) use one of the Mc Cauls (?) in their commercial's and thought "finally". Just because the sport may not have been associated with certain demographics in the past doesn't mean that it should stay that way. DH is becoming a far more family "friendly" sport with the advent of bike parks/resorts. I'll use Highland for example. I ride mostly with my son and, his crew of friends, dads. Amongst us is a software designer, a doctor, an engineer and (myself) Prosthetist. It's not a cheap sport and I think the demographic is shifting as people like me who have been riding since the 90's actually have careers and can afford to spend money in the sport.

My point is, I wouldn't get caught up on the frame sponsors capital resources..Gwin has probably reached far beyond that. And let's face it, the one thing that everybody gives him shit about, (being clean cut and no nonsense) may be the most marketable thing after all. Ratboy sponsored by Bank of America..not so much.

33mtb wrote:

Jacob Dickson on nukeproof (far right) [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/01/07/3143/s1200_jd.jpg[/img]

Jacob Dickson on nukeproof (far right)

33mtb wrote:

Jacob Dickson on nukeproof (far right) [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/01/07/3143/s1200_jd.jpg[/img]

Jacob Dickson on nukeproof (far right)

33mtb wrote:

Jacob Dickson on nukeproof (far right) [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/01/07/3143/s1200_jd.jpg[/img]

Jacob Dickson on nukeproof (far right)

Oz_Taylor wrote:

Gwin's salary is one thing, but setting up and operating a WC team that is capable of winning races is a different story. I'm talking about...

Gwin's salary is one thing, but setting up and operating a WC team that is capable of winning races is a different story. I'm talking about a team manager, transport/truck/pit setup in the US and Europe, masseuses, dieticians, admin etc. I doubt the world number 1 will be slumming it in the back of a camper van.

As Lee has said, each sponsor doesn't have to cover the entire cost of Gwin's salary or the team setup, but that leaves the question as to who has the infrastructure in place to make this happen in a relatively short timescale?

In my mind the only answer can be Martin Whiteley.

CombatMutt wrote:

I'd completely discount Gwin riding for YT strictly because I doubt they have the money to pay him; however, I thought the same thing about Nukeproof...

I'd completely discount Gwin riding for YT strictly because I doubt they have the money to pay him; however, I thought the same thing about Nukeproof and Sam Hill...................

responsiblepirate wrote:

Why do Americans keep saying this? Do you have any idea how many bikes YT are selling worldwide- They have zero overstock, they sellout on pretty...

Why do Americans keep saying this?

Do you have any idea how many bikes YT are selling worldwide- They have zero overstock, they sellout on pretty much every model, run no factories, employ minimal staff.
They run the epitome of a lean business model, and have been doing so since forming over 5 years ago and you think they dont have enough money to offer a frame sponsorship, not run a team, just offer a frame sponsorship.

And CRC, are you serious, they own multiple brands are the worlds biggest cycling retailer, but you dont think they can afford to pay Hills wage?

You realise that the bulk in which these companies order mean that even the YT tues you think you're getting a great deal on probably makes them 50% profit per unit.

not to mention the exchange rate in paying an athlete from a country with a weaker currency

Nagaredama wrote:

Gwin on YT frame.

w4s wrote:

last week you suggested he was going to be on the RockStar/KHS team, can't really believe anything you say now.

Eisma wrote:

Can we believe anything anyone says on here, they are called rumors for a reason.

Hittheshowers13 wrote:

Nice little summary of what has gone down thus far over on dirt

http://dirtmountainbike.com/racing-events/movers-shakers-downhill-racer…

Gwin on...

lister_yu wrote:

I had the same thought, but if the provide the frame and the money is raised from other companies - well, that could work out very...

I had the same thought, but if the provide the frame and the money is raised from other companies - well, that could work out very well.

boogenman wrote:

Gwin to Intense

gbil wrote:

First real confirmation ??? [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/01/06/3141/s1200_p4pb13042513.jpg[/img]

First real confirmation ???

thedeathstar wrote:

So do you also realize that since they are different companies, KTM motorcycles has zero competition from any mountain bike company? That's a pretty non-existent issue...

So do you also realize that since they are different companies, KTM motorcycles has zero competition from any mountain bike company? That's a pretty non-existent issue, and if you want to talk about brand communication, I think it's a way bigger deal that a totally different company is making KTM bikes, which are supposedly pretty whack.

NoahColorado wrote:

Exactly. That's what I'm saying. It's not an issue for "moto" KTM, but it would be an issue for [i]another [/i]frame supplier/sponsor. Especially if [b]that[/b] supplier...

Exactly. That's what I'm saying. It's not an issue for "moto" KTM, but it would be an issue for another frame supplier/sponsor. Especially if that supplier is not a big, long-standing brand. I would assume Gwin isn't just asking for product, so the frame supplier would have to fork over major cash and then share branding space with a huge, internationally known brand that also happens to have licensed their name and logo for a line of bikes.

So, in regards to my first scenario (whereby KTM is the main sponsor), I just don't see how a bike brand would want to fork over a bunch of money to Gwin just to ride their frames. Consider if they did and they happened to get a really banger shot of Gwin at a World Cup just destroying the field, the value of the shot is gonna suffer because he's COVERED in KTM logos. Are you (as bike brand X's marketing manager) gonna buy that shot and pay thousands to put it in a magazine where it could end up next a full page ad for KTM mountain bikes? Basically, if you (as a bike brand) co-sponsor a KTM-headlined program you will without a doubt be helping KTM bicycles sell bikes. Maybe you believe you'll get a greater benefit than they will, but it's a quandary nonetheless.

If you think it won't be confusing, look at any press release about a high-profile rider signing with Fox (either head or tail) and read the comments. It'll be like that, but 100x more confusing to the average consumer.

Gwin to a Whitely-run program with KTM as the primary sponsor and a custom bike is my best guess. Who ran the Honda G-cross team?

boogenman wrote:

Gwin to Intense

CombatMutt wrote:

I would love that. American rider on an American bike would be fantastic.

gbil wrote:

First real confirmation ??? [img]https://p.vitalmtb.com/photos/forums/2016/01/06/3141/s1200_p4pb13042513.jpg[/img]

First real confirmation ???

YT USA wrote:

The only thing this confirms is that we have a leak in our advertising... Capra means "goat" and the fox is well...Fox suspension. It is allusion...

The only thing this confirms is that we have a leak in our advertising...

Capra means "goat" and the fox is well...Fox suspension. It is allusion to a dark Fairy Tale. Component specs are decided long before any of the race seasons have finished....

thedeathstar wrote:

So do you also realize that since they are different companies, KTM motorcycles has zero competition from any mountain bike company? That's a pretty non-existent issue...

So do you also realize that since they are different companies, KTM motorcycles has zero competition from any mountain bike company? That's a pretty non-existent issue, and if you want to talk about brand communication, I think it's a way bigger deal that a totally different company is making KTM bikes, which are supposedly pretty whack.

NoahColorado wrote:

Exactly. That's what I'm saying. It's not an issue for "moto" KTM, but it would be an issue for [i]another [/i]frame supplier/sponsor. Especially if [b]that[/b] supplier...

Exactly. That's what I'm saying. It's not an issue for "moto" KTM, but it would be an issue for another frame supplier/sponsor. Especially if that supplier is not a big, long-standing brand. I would assume Gwin isn't just asking for product, so the frame supplier would have to fork over major cash and then share branding space with a huge, internationally known brand that also happens to have licensed their name and logo for a line of bikes.

So, in regards to my first scenario (whereby KTM is the main sponsor), I just don't see how a bike brand would want to fork over a bunch of money to Gwin just to ride their frames. Consider if they did and they happened to get a really banger shot of Gwin at a World Cup just destroying the field, the value of the shot is gonna suffer because he's COVERED in KTM logos. Are you (as bike brand X's marketing manager) gonna buy that shot and pay thousands to put it in a magazine where it could end up next a full page ad for KTM mountain bikes? Basically, if you (as a bike brand) co-sponsor a KTM-headlined program you will without a doubt be helping KTM bicycles sell bikes. Maybe you believe you'll get a greater benefit than they will, but it's a quandary nonetheless.

If you think it won't be confusing, look at any press release about a high-profile rider signing with Fox (either head or tail) and read the comments. It'll be like that, but 100x more confusing to the average consumer.

Gwin to a Whitely-run program with KTM as the primary sponsor and a custom bike is my best guess. Who ran the Honda G-cross team?

thedeathstar wrote:

You're probably right for most bike companies. But I think for YT it would still be a slam dunk based on how new the company is...

You're probably right for most bike companies. But I think for YT it would still be a slam dunk based on how new the company is. People in this thread even are questioning the Tues as a race bike, so the fact that they could jump into the DH market is big time incentive.

I still think the possible confusion is exaggerated. Likely more people would be aware that Gwin is on a YT frame then think KTM must make a sweet dh bike. I have no clue what Madison and MS do, and it wasn't too long ago that I finally found out what GSTAAD was. For all I know they could be direct competitors. I'm sure you've paid attention long enough to see that the bike always gets the recognition, and often even the blame or credit.

jeff.brines wrote:

I think its funny how we all talk about YT like we've seen the P&L and are familiar with their balance sheet. Who knows. Maybe they...

I think its funny how we all talk about YT like we've seen the P&L and are familiar with their balance sheet. Who knows. Maybe they are backed by some PE firm with deep pockets. Or maybe they're just killing it. We have no idea.

boogenman wrote:

Gwin to Intense

CombatMutt wrote:

I would love that. American rider on an American bike would be fantastic.

Primoz wrote:

Specialized not American enough?

JoeyHooo wrote:

And what about Mitch Ropelato ?! Would love to see him on Specialized Factory with Troy !

CombatMutt wrote:

I'd completely discount Gwin riding for YT strictly because I doubt they have the money to pay him; however, I thought the same thing about Nukeproof...

I'd completely discount Gwin riding for YT strictly because I doubt they have the money to pay him; however, I thought the same thing about Nukeproof and Sam Hill...................

responsiblepirate wrote:

Why do Americans keep saying this? Do you have any idea how many bikes YT are selling worldwide- They have zero overstock, they sellout on pretty...

Why do Americans keep saying this?

Do you have any idea how many bikes YT are selling worldwide- They have zero overstock, they sellout on pretty much every model, run no factories, employ minimal staff.
They run the epitome of a lean business model, and have been doing so since forming over 5 years ago and you think they dont have enough money to offer a frame sponsorship, not run a team, just offer a frame sponsorship.

And CRC, are you serious, they own multiple brands are the worlds biggest cycling retailer, but you dont think they can afford to pay Hills wage?

You realise that the bulk in which these companies order mean that even the YT tues you think you're getting a great deal on probably makes them 50% profit per unit.

not to mention the exchange rate in paying an athlete from a country with a weaker currency

JMHV wrote:

Exactly. It comes down to how budgets are used. As a smaller company, YT might only have, say, 800K (I doubt it's that low) allocated for...

Exactly. It comes down to how budgets are used. As a smaller company, YT might only have, say, 800K (I doubt it's that low) allocated for global marketing but if they decide it's a good move to put 40% of that towards developing a DH program that includes Gwin, then there's your salary and a good bit of expenses. It's pretty simple really. And if they are planning to develop a WCDH platform, they already have product devo money earmarked that doesn't come out of the marketing budget.

CombatMutt wrote:

To be fair, no I have no idea how many frames/bikes YT is selling worldwide. Nor do I know how Specialized decides to spend it's money...

To be fair, no I have no idea how many frames/bikes YT is selling worldwide. Nor do I know how Specialized decides to spend it's money. I believe that Specialized has gobs more money than YT does, strictly because of how many bikes are in their arsenal, and that they sell these bikes almost everywhere.

I'd prefer to see Gwin on an American platform, Intense still makes DH rigs....... and I know it isn't up to me. I still think it was less about money and more about team ownership/structure.

As for the graphic, GOAT has traditionally been used when describing Peaty. In addition, the lettering underneath "New Breed" isn't centered, and it's pretty blurry, so I think it's fake.