Former American DH racer turned SRAM PR Coordinator, Duncan Riffle shares his story and passion for all things mountain biking.
Get it on iTunes | Listen on Google Play | Listen on Stitcher | Listen on Casts
Welcome mountain bikers to Vital MTB's The Inside Line Podcast Back in early December of 2016, I met with Duncan Riffle. I've known Duncan for years and had shot photos with him when he was a pro downhill racer, competing on the World Cup circuit in the early and mid 2000's. Since then he's become a staple of SRAM's marketing department. What's funny is that I think of him as Duncan Riffle the American downhiller...the guy who won a Mt. Snow Vermont NORBA National in the rain. But he explained to me that most of his interaction today is with people who only know him as a SRAM guy.
We go into his storied downhill career and how he successfully transitioned into an industry position - a transition that most ex-racers don't seem to make very well. if you've seen his Instagram posts, you know he has a TON of ink and he posts some heavy pieces of writing. We get into that a bit too.
Duncan is a focused, driven personality of our sport and I hope you enjoy learning about his dedication to racing and riding bikes as much as I did.
Below are some photos I shot of Duncan over the years as they pertain to the interview.
Follow @duncanriffle on Instagram
This episode is brought to you by
Jenson USA
Use code INSIDELINE and get 10% off select items
maximumradness
11/21/2017 9:45 PM
hbelly13
3/13/2017 6:49 AM
Zoro
3/10/2017 4:51 PM
Perhaps one too many coffee before the interview by DRiff??
Great job as usual!
mp
3/10/2017 11:10 AM
Cool episode... this episode is co-sponsored by Rad and Knarly
Remember seeing Duncan at a race @ Sears Point raceway back in 2004ish... red jersey... yeah, he was fast & class.
Was wondering about something you said Duncan and wondering if you can clarify a bit because you stopped mid-thought. You described what seemed like a pretty special upbringing... grew up on an estate (?), 1.5 mile from a private beach, etc. Then you said it's a lifestyle, not privilege... and that we all make choices. Mind clarifying that?
JMHV
3/10/2017 11:04 AM
bizutch
3/10/2017 7:49 AM
When I was racing East Coast Nationals and Deer Valley, I'd run into Riffle at the Michelin tent a lot. Whether or not he realized who I was each time, he sure as hell acted like he knew me. Solid dude. I'll say this and I love if he'd confirm it, but his facial expressions when we'd chat always seemed to belay that he was holding back an epicly sarcastic reply and that his more humane side was delivering more genuine replies with sincerity instead. But underneath the surface, he had some really good one liners stashed.
Maybe I just think that because I secretly wish I could hold back some of my sarcasm. Either way, winning
Mt. Snow that year was awesome. First day of semi-pro practice I twisted my lowers on my Boxxer in the mystery rock and never even wrecked. Just slamming through hidden boulders. Beast of a track..Michelin 2.8's all the way baby!!!
JLutzy
3/9/2017 3:46 AM
Hristo_Tanev
3/8/2017 10:34 PM
Ahab
3/8/2017 1:34 PM
tbarnesarc
3/8/2017 11:13 AM
DV8
3/8/2017 8:57 AM
Another awesome pod cast!! Says a lot as to how kids have changed in 2 decades. wouldn't get many millennials going the way Duncan did.

Have enjoyed all the Podcast so far. Will there be some international riders and industry folk interviewed? Been good hearing from the Americas but there is an international audience be good to hear from the rest of the world too
sspomer
3/8/2017 9:00 AM
DV8
3/8/2017 10:40 AM
Lucent
3/8/2017 7:32 AM
Philkmetz
3/8/2017 7:16 AM
Digging this podcast (especially good audio!)
Quick story, when I finished on the podium at the 2011 Nat champs, Ducan gave me one of the most sincere handshakes and congrats I've experienced. It was my first Pro national result so it was a big deal for me. It was the only interaction I've had with Ducan, but it felt very genuine. I made it a point to return the favor to other riders down the line, his small gesture but it made a big impact.
sspomer
3/8/2017 9:01 AM