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500 a round seems like enough money for some teams to hire someone already with access versus hiring their own person. I could see why someone with access and contracts would like the change regardless if that is not how they got the opportunity to cover the sport and start their career. But I don’t see how it’s serving a real purpose other than to make more money and do less work as an organizer. Which seems to be the main priority for wbd and the few brands/people who are onboard with the changes. Nobody already at the top is...

The footage and commentary is usually pretty good, but holy cow the yelling! Track side footage from either of them was often only palatable at very low volumes. Something about that Aussie and Kiwi squawk, can even hear it on Vital Raw segments. 😀

Have you, like, listened to the lyrics of that song at all…?

Just cause their president is doing things I don’t understand or agree with doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate an American team doing great stuff within their respective sport and industry. Plus who doesn’t love a bit of Springsteen

You’re both welcome to leave at any time, nobody is keeping you here.

Wait? Which hardline? This is the real team rumours were all here for

I for one did stop watching his youtube channel. It started to feel too much like an info-mercial trying to sell you something. I really enjoy about 50-60% of it, but difficult to sit through the rest. Very much self-promoting but I also get it. He has a great thing going and I respect what he has built. Almost like he turns on the camera and has a different personality that is pushing his product. His riding style is amazing though.

Apparently in the paddock, the on camera charm doesn't translate among his peers on circuit. I have the opposite effect.

Some would say a million dollar question. People could argue Cannondale - the former MTB Marketing Director/Head of Marketing of GT who helped get Brage on the full GT program (in addition to others helping retain and build with him after he was aboard) however you want to use corporate jargonese is now the MTB Marketing Director/Head at Cannondale. However, personally, I don't see it a great fit... I wouldn't be surprised if it'll come down to Trek, Commencal, Spesh, or sneaky wildcard Nukeproof. Brands who either "have" money or are willing to use whatever to build (or re-build in...

This has been mentioned before, but seeing Brage on a Transition would be pretty iconic. They have a freeride bike and support other riders sending it. Part of me also wishes Kona comes out with a new Stinky paired with old graphics, and then unveils it with Brage doing some crazy shit as always. Whoever picks him up will have a bike that will be in the running for "video of the year" for the lifespan of the contract.

start a new freaking thread if you want to talk about that stuff.

In my limited experience, private equity is more like swinging a dick. They are all dickheads anyway.

Yeah, same here. Bottom line is, to date, that team is not good enough for Maples. So let's hope they step up the support and professionalism

Alright. Didn`t know that! Sincere excuses!

Watched it when it came out. Nick works for Shimano. Did you think he’d say, you can realize a large percentage of the improvements by simply swapping fluid? You didn’t answer the question. FWIW, my OEM SLX 4 pots have been issue free and not required me to try anything. And I probably have a lifetime supply of the old stuff.

Appreciate the kind words 🙏 that genuinely means a lot. We try. We keep trying. And yeah, when I say we, I really do mean me. Still just one bloke doing everything: product, riders, logistics, emails at stupid o’clock, the lot. No staff, no big safety net. Just belief and stubbornness. The industry doesn’t make it easy for small independents. The big dogs have deeper pockets and louder voices, but that was always kind of the point. Do cool shit, build something authentic, and if it ruffles a few feathers along the way, so be it. I’m proud that Viris...

Brage has to be one of the biggest ones we're still waiting on.

Credit to Burgtec. They have this team as co-title sponsors, and also sponsor Trek Factory, Commencal Muc-Off, Syndicate, Yeti Factory and they just picked up Frameworks. Some serious talent there. No idea where the budget comes from hahahahah

where is @Queenstown.NPC now lol I think he was throwing shade at people about Dak going to frameworks. He's probably rocking in the fetal position about this Gwin News.

Jack announced on one of his insta stories that he will be supported by Lusty Industries in Australia, so will be riding either Forbidden or Transition and wearing TLD and using Maxxis rubber.