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Hill is back! Announced on his socials
Wonder if him and Elliott could end up on some sort of SRAM program, choosing whatever frames they wish - maybe similar to what Dan Booker has done, although he’s supported by the frame vendor in that case too (santacruz)
With Pagey still looking after them too, would be cool to see.
THIS is an appropriate piece of design then. Didn't see it on the website. More embarassing, I didn't thought about this possibility, diving all the way in all the "hate" around Ari Bikes. My bad.
Here you go
Doesn’t actually say he’s back though
Sam Hill on ARI bikes, you heard it here first.
Greg Callaghan is running his own program.
Could always just fire up another Commencal or Canyon team
Officially official - the Straits have joined Ari.
Lindon, UT - 3/8/2024 - Ari Bikes proudly announces the newest additions to its roster - Kyle and Rachel Strait. The dynamic husband-and-wife duo bring a wealth of experience, passion, and a string of impressive victories to the Ari team.
About Kyle Strait:
Notable for clinching victory at the Redbull Rampage not once but twice (in 2004 and 2013), Kyle Strait is a seasoned pro hailing from Alpine, California. As the only rider to have participated in every Redbull Rampage since its inception in 2001, he has left a lasting mark on various disciplines, including speed and style, slopestyle, dual slalom, dirt jumping, downhill, and BMX racing.
About Rachel Strait:
An accomplished rider in her own right, Rachel Strait boasts multiple podium finishes in Enduro and holds National Championships in XC as a junior. Her racing endeavors also extend to the prestigious Enduro World Series (EWS). Since embracing motherhood, Rachel has continued to shine as a rider as well as in other endeavors, including being a Ford Bronco Ambassador, and showcasing her resilience and commitment to the sport.
Ari Bikes:
Based in Lindon, Utah, Ari Bikes has been a prominent player in the bike industry since its founding in 2005. With an impressive track record, including several 'Bike of the Year' awards, racing championships, and world records, Ari consistently maintains the highest customer satisfaction ratings, currently standing at an impressive 4.9 out of 5 stars.
"We are thrilled to welcome Kyle and Rachel to the Ari Team during this exciting period of growth and expansion on a global scale," said Joey Foresta, Sports Marketing Manager at Ari. "Their values and goals perfectly align with ours, making them a natural fit for our brand. As we prepare to launch multiple, all-new bike models in 2024, and custom projects with Kyle and Rachel, we are confident that their expertise and passion will elevate our brand to new heights."
To stay updated on Kyle and Rachel's adventures, follow them on social media. For more information about Ari Bikes and their latest offerings, visit www.aribikes.com
Welcome to 2024, when one of a sponsored rider’s attributes is being a giant corporate automaker “ambassador.”
“Check out my cool retro off-road vehicle with nostalgia points, and optional catastrophic engine failure.”
You'd rather them brag about being a giant energy drinks ambassador?
I feel bad for them if they ever get in an accident. Have you seen how those things crumple?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N40u8IzkXYA&ab_channel=RGRTravel%26food
I wouldn’t rather them anything.
It’s just amusing to me, a marketing announcement from a company that sent their employees to the comment section the other day pumping up their brand image. I think the word was “Astroturfers?”
What??? They are getting outside the industry perks, money and exposure. You know almost all other 'major sport' atheletes get outside the sport money and often auto industry money. In addtion, your second comment is about Fezzari/Ari, not Ford. You mad because Ford skipped over your resume?
They could've excluded the being a Ford Bronco ambassador part, it's superfluous. She's a good rider that competed at the top level, no need to boast her credentials with her other sponsors; unless, it is part of her Bronco sponsorship....
Let me be clear; I’m not throwing any shade on Rachel. She’s a bad ass rider and could outride all of us nerds. Props to her for doing what she does.
Again, I just think it’s strange that Ari would mention this beyond her attributes. Since she’s getting sponsored, focus on her riding skill and results. Not that Ford gave her a discount. I say discount because I’m pretty sure “ambassador” doesn’t mean “sponsored.” If anybody can educate me on that point, great!
Also, I’m sure Ford isn’t looking to sponsor any fat 50 year old candidates for an e-bike. If they are, maybe I SHOULD send them my résumé.
since you all helped make these questions interesting, here's the youtube version of the interview with Aaron Gwin from a week or two ago. i'll make the audio/podcast version available asap. @Dave_Camp and crew, let's just say we all underestimated how much juggling he's doing!
Interview Topics
0:00 - Intro, Move to Crestline Bikes
3:05 - Did Aaron Spend Personal Money for the New Team?
4:27 - Why Did the News Take So Long?
5:57 - How'd He Keep the Team Rumor Secret?
9:10 - From Vee Tires to e.13 Tires - Is There Really a Difference?
11:42 - The Day He Realized He We Would Be Off Intense
16:17 - Did Aaron Try to Be a Part of Big Brand?
21:36 - Does the Frame's Suspension Platform Matter Any More?
24:55 - Gwin's Crestline DH Bike Weight
26:56 - Does He Still Run Firm Suspension?
32:32 - Dakotah Norton
35:51 - Are There Enough Crestline Frames for the 2024 Season?
41:39 - Windrock for World Cup DH Training and Making Trails Harder
45:32 - What Goes on at a Red Bull Athlete Camp?
53:39 - World Cup Snow DH, Cool or Lame?
54:18 - Aaron Gwin's 2023 Injury in Detail
1:07:02 - World Champs is Gwin's 2024 Goal and He Thinks He Can Win
1:09:35 - Does a Winning DH Run Have to Be Out of Control?
1:12:27 - Jackson Goldstone and How to Compete Against Him?
1:17:43 - Gwin Racing at the World Cups
1:20:17 - Aaron Gwin Has like 53 Different Jobs
1:26:55 - The Future of Windrock Bike Park - Host a World Cup? Get a Chairlift?
1:32:31 - Favorite Bike He's Ridden in the Past? YouTube Habits and Life Outside of California
Can Gwin order gluten free pizza in Tennessee?
Does he miss the epic toilet view he had in California?
What about John?!
Why has everyone suddenly got uppity about it all of a sudden?
It’s been going on for years, not just by Ari.
It’s because this is how big business works.
Average MTB Joe is watching Supercross and a Ford Ranger or F150 commercial comes on. In the back of said truck are a couple of Ari trail bikes on a gate pad.
The ad folks would call it “synergy”, but it’s how bills get paid.
I'll do a steak every night for dinner no problem!
Nice job Spomer. I think that's the best interview/podcast of Gwin I've ever heard.
I second that, he seemed way more relaxed and open, likely due to where it sounds like he's at in life. Really enjoyed it.
So who is gonna be the guy that goes back through the comments section to highlight all the posts that said he had an ownership interest in Intense Bicycles? We need receipts. I don't want bickering to ensue. I just want a body count.
thanks, that's awesome to hear!
Don’t make me dig up those private messages bizutch… hahaha
Had me sweating. I doubled checked.
I wasn't one of the ones thinking he had ownership in Intense.
You were giving me clarification on #5's involvement
You’re right haha
I was genuinely surprised by Gwyn not having having a stake in Intense given the commitment he put in (running the race team,developing the new bike) but it makes sense with Ryan Dungey and Jeff Majkrzak being (what I assume) majority stake holders and unlikely to want to dilute their ownership.
I just assumed they did'nt have the budget to afford Gwynn's price.......I guess they found some change behind the sofa!!!
Using voice to text?
He's not Ms. Paltrow.
I think the confusion comes from the fact that he’s the team owner. People see “intense” and “owner” in the same sentence and jump to conclusions.
I am super excited to see what he can do with Crestline though. Seems like he’s mirroring what the Athertons have done in Wales. They’d both been around the block and ridden for almost all the big brands. The Athertons bought robot bikes while Gwin’s got a nice slice at Crestline. Athertons have Dyfi and Gwin has Windrock. I’d love to see a red bull project where they ride each other’s bike parks.
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