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I'd say the biggest things are luck, persistence, and persistence. While experience in a shop setting is a huge plus it isn't going to be the be-all end-all thing that gets you employment in the bike industry. A mechanical engineering degree is definitely a plus but at the same time, if a company isn't hiring engineers at the moment but...

Currently running Spesh Hillbilly 2.3 dh with 32 in the rear and 28-30 in the front. I'm a big guy and ride with a rearward weight bias so a little extra in the back works for me.

More road riding for training More long xc rides to get to awesome and less travelled singletrack Ride more dh to improve my skills Make it to Ashland 2-3 times Make it to Downieville 2-3 times Start taking photography more seriously and try to get out and get pictures of people riding More in the gym training time No beer...

I've got a 70mm for about 99% of the time. But if I'm going to do quick shuttles on my trail biek I've got a 50mm as well. The short stems suck for climbing and I've got a few hills where I live.