What's your take on the importance of MIPS liners in helmets? In theory I guess I get it, but when I look at one it just...
What's your take on the importance of MIPS liners in helmets? In theory I guess I get it, but when I look at one it just looks like a cheap thin piece of plastic.
I have been thinking it was smoke and mirrors, for years, until I rode in a competitors helmet with MIPS, I have been analyzing a lot...
I have been thinking it was smoke and mirrors, for years, until I rode in a competitors helmet with MIPS, I have been analyzing a lot of MIPS data, and I am convinced it is a help or added layer of defense against concussion. That being said, you can't just put MIPS into a shit helmet. The helmet has to be built well, designed well first. Our helmets are the best in class, so, could only make things a bit safer with MIPS right?
Thanks for your thoughts. I hit up the wife for a new A1 for my b-day, gotta protect what few brains cells I have left. You...
Thanks for your thoughts. I hit up the wife for a new A1 for my b-day, gotta protect what few brains cells I have left. You have have some great designs on them, nice work to the design team.
A1 has done phenomenally well for us, well beyond Troy's goals and it keeps growing-people love the comfort, and the styling we are known for-but I get to see so many helmets from customers and athletes that took massive impacts and walked away safely, thats the great payoff.
I've got more of a statement than a question, Stik - and sort of an embarrassing one at that.
I started working in shops as a...
I've got more of a statement than a question, Stik - and sort of an embarrassing one at that.
I started working in shops as a 15 year old in 1994. At that time, us shop rats all fancied ourselves as future World Cup mechanics and our superstars were folks like Gravy, Monkey and yourself. Back then, our shop was a GT, Mongoose and Schwinn dealer; so you were really at the top of the list for us. Anyway, a few years later, a couple of us went out to the NORBA at Seven Springs and got the chance to chat with you a bit in the pits and we all walked away just completely starstruck. Much respect, man.
Holy crap, that is beyond radical (not radical as in islamic terror) and thanks for sharing. I do not regret for one second the opportunity I was given to travel the world and our country, meeting people everywhere was the best and talking about bikes. It was a cool era, when all of the mechanics got a lot of recognition, had sponsorship deals, ads for products, etc...Thanks for coming by and I can't believe I wasn't a douche, I get told I'm an asshole all the time, so I am glad this worked out!
I tend to talk about bikes a lot...like the time at Rampage a couple years ago and Fairclough sent me a text "Come on fucker, I know you like talking about bikes a lot, but we're hungry".
Ok, so when is 2016 gear being released for public consumption/viewing? I like the website and all, but don't want to check it daily!
Feb 2016 for the new helmet collection and ride collection. Next weekend when Rampage is on NBC, you can see a couple of the new colors/designs of SPRINT on Semenuk, Fairclough and Zink.
We are underway with a whole new website as well, that will go live when the collections drop, hit the streets, etc...
Right now, who wins in a gnarly head-to-head race down a DH track, you or Leigh?
Sadly, Leigh and I raced the Snow Summit 'comeback' race in October and she beat me. They had their first DH race in 12 years or something, so we went up to race. I had not raced a DH in 22 years! I still ride of course, but not so much DH, unless you count those 10 days in whistler every summer, of which I try to ride all day-everyday.
She beat me by 7 seconds, she was on her Giant Reign (she's a LIV athlete, via her www.ichoosebikes.com business) and I was on my SICK ASS Santa Cruz V10c, Full SRAM build (#sramTLDracing)....but, I messed up a corner, got tired as hell....I was so pissed she beat me.
I got 5th in the masters class, definitely got the DH race bug again-lord knows I got the raddest bike i've ever owned.
My wife is so unreal on a bike, she's lucky, she just has the gift.
I don't know the rules nor do I care...I'm going to ask you two questions
- For being such a salty old opinionated prick, you've seemed to make it pretty far in the bike industry. Do you turn the asshole switch off and kiss-ass when the meeting rooms are closed? Or do you throw all 140 lbs of foul mouthed fury around?
- Are you sick or dying, it seems unhealthy to be that skinny.
i'll ask again, does the US have a chance to have a good gravity series like the good old norba days? if so, what would it...
i'll ask again, does the US have a chance to have a good gravity series like the good old norba days? if so, what would it take?
Spomer, always with the inquisitive questioning with insight-also want to add, I am a big fan of what you have done in the media space....you know I was always a fan of your imagery, and Littermag was so sick, which turned into this beast (vitalmtb) that I love, [applause].
So...to answer that question-I do not know if it can ever be as big as the NORBA days. It was a bit of a perfect storm in the 90's. Tremendous growth in the economy, not as many distractions as there is now, not as many as disciplines of cycling as their is now, corporate america was very very interested in this new sport called 'mountain biking', they all wanted a piece of it, on and on.
That being said, it's safe to say, more mountain bikes are out there, more helmets sold, more trail shorts, more shoes, more gloves, tires, etc....more trails are open, bike parks, etc. But where has the 'race growth' gone?
I don't know man, these are big think tank questions, no defined answer, no one knows, but all I can say is, and I said this in a couple interviews lately, is that we have to get the 'band back together' the band being ALL disciplines at one race, the big festivals (Otter, Crankworx, Roc Dzur, etc) are the key to growth. When I read people shitting on an even like the Sea Otter, it pisses me off. Someone walks away with 1st place, and some brand walks away with some new customers-so why not be you?
Our network is vast, so in that I talk to a variety of people in the day, from dealers to distributors, to athletes to bike park managers and it seems like, if anything Enduro might have some growth problems due to land access. Sounds like in many regions land managers now look back at the DH races they did as 'easier' and more fruitful. But, we are all selling and developing products in that space, in that pocket, with or without enduro racing, because this is the stuff most of us ride in everyday. I know the bulk of my rides are on a 150mm bike, our A1 helmet, Ruckus shorts and a jersey....all mountain stuff bro! Enduro bro!
Spomer, always with the inquisitive questioning with insight-also want to add, I am a big fan of what you have done in the media space....you know...
Spomer, always with the inquisitive questioning with insight-also want to add, I am a big fan of what you have done in the media space....you know I was always a fan of your imagery, and Littermag was so sick, which turned into this beast (vitalmtb) that I love, [applause].
So...to answer that question-I do not know if it can ever be as big as the NORBA days. It was a bit of a perfect storm in the 90's. Tremendous growth in the economy, not as many distractions as there is now, not as many as disciplines of cycling as their is now, corporate america was very very interested in this new sport called 'mountain biking', they all wanted a piece of it, on and on.
That being said, it's safe to say, more mountain bikes are out there, more helmets sold, more trail shorts, more shoes, more gloves, tires, etc....more trails are open, bike parks, etc. But where has the 'race growth' gone?
I don't know man, these are big think tank questions, no defined answer, no one knows, but all I can say is, and I said this in a couple interviews lately, is that we have to get the 'band back together' the band being ALL disciplines at one race, the big festivals (Otter, Crankworx, Roc Dzur, etc) are the key to growth. When I read people shitting on an even like the Sea Otter, it pisses me off. Someone walks away with 1st place, and some brand walks away with some new customers-so why not be you?
Our network is vast, so in that I talk to a variety of people in the day, from dealers to distributors, to athletes to bike park managers and it seems like, if anything Enduro might have some growth problems due to land access. Sounds like in many regions land managers now look back at the DH races they did as 'easier' and more fruitful. But, we are all selling and developing products in that space, in that pocket, with or without enduro racing, because this is the stuff most of us ride in everyday. I know the bulk of my rides are on a 150mm bike, our A1 helmet, Ruckus shorts and a jersey....all mountain stuff bro! Enduro bro!
This is a great answer overall.
I agree there's something to having all disciplines at events. So much more interesting and highlights diversity more. I might be looking through rose colored Oakley's (Steve Giberson quote, I can't take credit for that gem) a bit, but the '90's events were so great when you had DH, XC, 4-cross all at the same place.
I don't know the rules nor do I care...I'm going to ask you two questions
- For being such a salty old opinionated prick, you've seemed...
I don't know the rules nor do I care...I'm going to ask you two questions
- For being such a salty old opinionated prick, you've seemed to make it pretty far in the bike industry. Do you turn the asshole switch off and kiss-ass when the meeting rooms are closed? Or do you throw all 140 lbs of foul mouthed fury around?
- Are you sick or dying, it seems unhealthy to be that skinny.
Proper grammar is something I strive for, I often fail...but I do know one thing, your first sentence was written like a halfwit retard.
-My career...experience has finally paid off, I guess? I am brutally honest and loyal as an old dog, there are few that appreciate and admire that in any workplace. Troy Lee appreciates it, for now, until he gets sick of me ranting about making things better for his brand, constantly striving to be #1. There are so many leeches in this and every industry, that suck ass and bullshit their peers, lie, cheat and steal, I try to just be transparent and real. I try to walk in the shoes of another prickface I know that works at Specialized, who used to be at Giant...no idea why Specialized hired him though?
-I look like I have cancer, and AIDS. I got so jacked with hair genetics, my wife must be delusional. But it made watching Dallas Buyers Club real good, I felt like I was in the movie.
Ultimately, to quote a friend "I am an idiot, I don't even know how I have a job"...I always liked that quote and can relate.
Is there a reason TLD stuff has SO MUCH branding on it? The Skyline is my favorite short and they are pretty tame as far as TLD gear but other stuff I don't buy because I don't like looking like a freakin billboard. Are there any plans to have more stuff like the Connect shorts that have next to no logo stuff on them? I like the gloves and the helmets and stuff but I don't want to look BroCal very often. I'm old and have no desire to advertise(unless I'm gonna be sponsored).
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities and need any edge I can find from equipment.
Back in the day if you had three sponsors courting you to put parts on your bike for a race who would they have been? Someone like Girvin? Yeti? Alpinestars?
Also, crazy kudos to you for getting the jobs you've gotten in the industry. Do you think it was place/time? Being nice? Kissing ass? Or just pure bs'ing people?
Is there a reason TLD stuff has SO MUCH branding on it? The Skyline is my favorite short and they are pretty tame as far as...
Is there a reason TLD stuff has SO MUCH branding on it? The Skyline is my favorite short and they are pretty tame as far as TLD gear but other stuff I don't buy because I don't like looking like a freakin billboard. Are there any plans to have more stuff like the Connect shorts that have next to no logo stuff on them? I like the gloves and the helmets and stuff but I don't want to look BroCal very often. I'm old and have no desire to advertise(unless I'm gonna be sponsored).
Well,
Probably because we are 'moto inspired' brand? and the formula has worked for us in bike as of late. That being said, the 16' line has a LOT of toned down pieces on the logo driven vibe.
I love this comment though, I am old and have no desire to advertise also. When I came to TLD 5 years ago, I was always wearing black and grey, no logos, Tshirts, board shorts in black, etc....I owned some dakine trail stuff, with no logos, but then I got here and said "well, I'm gonna try some of the loud kits" and I haven't looked back. But we are listening for sure, making more less logo driven, our customers have gotten older-but I pushed hard for us to make grom trail kits and grom gravity kits, we finally came out with those last year and those always gotta be classic, loud TLD kits.
I read way too many apparel industry financials, and there is a trend to shy away from logo-driven garments, we have reacted and we are listening to you, you will like the 16' line.
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities...
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities and need any edge I can find from equipment.
fully SRAM equipped Giant Trance Advanced, with a 160 pike....Transition Steel CX bike and my V10c. I want one of those new specialized electric bikes so I can drop lopes on the climbs. I want a Nomad or a Reign, I want a Yeti, I want a Trek, I want an Evil.....so many sick bikes on the market, its really frustrating-but great time to be into bikes.
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities...
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities and need any edge I can find from equipment.
fully SRAM equipped Giant Trance Advanced, with a 160 pike....Transition Steel CX bike and my V10c. I want one of those new specialized electric bikes so...
fully SRAM equipped Giant Trance Advanced, with a 160 pike....Transition Steel CX bike and my V10c. I want one of those new specialized electric bikes so I can drop lopes on the climbs. I want a Nomad or a Reign, I want a Yeti, I want a Trek, I want an Evil.....so many sick bikes on the market, its really frustrating-but great time to be into bikes.
You can borrow my Nomad anytime (you'll need to drop shock pressure in half) if I can spin the Specialized when you get it.
Well,
Probably because we are 'moto inspired' brand? and the formula has worked for us in bike as of late. That being said, the 16' line...
Well,
Probably because we are 'moto inspired' brand? and the formula has worked for us in bike as of late. That being said, the 16' line has a LOT of toned down pieces on the logo driven vibe.
I love this comment though, I am old and have no desire to advertise also. When I came to TLD 5 years ago, I was always wearing black and grey, no logos, Tshirts, board shorts in black, etc....I owned some dakine trail stuff, with no logos, but then I got here and said "well, I'm gonna try some of the loud kits" and I haven't looked back. But we are listening for sure, making more less logo driven, our customers have gotten older-but I pushed hard for us to make grom trail kits and grom gravity kits, we finally came out with those last year and those always gotta be classic, loud TLD kits.
I read way too many apparel industry financials, and there is a trend to shy away from logo-driven garments, we have reacted and we are listening to you, you will like the 16' line.
That's awesome to hear. I'm sorry you endured owning Dakine products. That ultimately led me to TLD. I believe I got a pair of Skylines on sale and haven't looked back. That said, mine are getting to be 4-5 years old and I'll be in need of some more soon.
I actually appreciate the colors and some of the crap you guys manage to pull off...gold lamé helmets???....because...as a photographer I loathe when people ride in all black. I get it but... Also, it's good to be able to see if someone's red lining you so that you can actually see where they are in the forest. And...for the Northwet it's good to have loud colors so you don't get shot by a redneck "hunting deer".
I think my reviews are on here though but your designers do a phenomenal job with fit, pockets and looks. Keep it up!
If you had to choose one or the other, which is more valuable to the bike industry?
1. A consistent top 5 world cup or EWS rider that is not very personable, doesn't respond to social media questions from fans, and overall not very friendly
2. A top 30 rider with an occasional top 10 finish that shows up for local group rides sometimes, repeatedly answers the same questions about which wheel size is better on social media, is super approachable and everyone loves them?
Back in the day if you had three sponsors courting you to put parts on your bike for a race who would they have been? Someone...
Back in the day if you had three sponsors courting you to put parts on your bike for a race who would they have been? Someone like Girvin? Yeti? Alpinestars?
Also, crazy kudos to you for getting the jobs you've gotten in the industry. Do you think it was place/time? Being nice? Kissing ass? Or just pure bs'ing people?
The sweet spot for setup, in the day, was having RockShox and Shimano, on an Intense M1 frame rocking a Troy Lee Helmet...no question about it, end of story....if you were lucky enough to run that setup or be a mechanic for that setup, your job was so much easier and racing was safer.
I owe anything and everything to networking and hard work. Which started with my neighbor Charlie Litsky, he was the first 'cycling super agent' he represented Tomac, and anyone else who was fast. In the late 80's he introduced me to industry big wigs, the greatest athletes that I was a super fan of and more. In 1990, as I was racing I wanted to race the NORBA finals in Vermont, Charlie set me up to hook up with Tomac at the airport, use his rental car and room with him-Tomac was my f-ing hero, I was in awe haha. Stuff like that, getting to know people and busting ass.
I certainly never ever kissed ass, it's not in my make up, if anything i've just irritated or turned people off-I never stop working as well, its a problem, I need to get better at that, smell the roses a bit more.
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities...
You mentioned it quick prior, but what's your trail bike set-up of today? I ask anyone I know about this because I'm insecure about my abilities and need any edge I can find from equipment.
fully SRAM equipped Giant Trance Advanced, with a 160 pike....Transition Steel CX bike and my V10c. I want one of those new specialized electric bikes so...
fully SRAM equipped Giant Trance Advanced, with a 160 pike....Transition Steel CX bike and my V10c. I want one of those new specialized electric bikes so I can drop lopes on the climbs. I want a Nomad or a Reign, I want a Yeti, I want a Trek, I want an Evil.....so many sick bikes on the market, its really frustrating-but great time to be into bikes.
Well,
Probably because we are 'moto inspired' brand? and the formula has worked for us in bike as of late. That being said, the 16' line...
Well,
Probably because we are 'moto inspired' brand? and the formula has worked for us in bike as of late. That being said, the 16' line has a LOT of toned down pieces on the logo driven vibe.
I love this comment though, I am old and have no desire to advertise also. When I came to TLD 5 years ago, I was always wearing black and grey, no logos, Tshirts, board shorts in black, etc....I owned some dakine trail stuff, with no logos, but then I got here and said "well, I'm gonna try some of the loud kits" and I haven't looked back. But we are listening for sure, making more less logo driven, our customers have gotten older-but I pushed hard for us to make grom trail kits and grom gravity kits, we finally came out with those last year and those always gotta be classic, loud TLD kits.
I read way too many apparel industry financials, and there is a trend to shy away from logo-driven garments, we have reacted and we are listening to you, you will like the 16' line.
That's awesome to hear. I'm sorry you endured owning Dakine products. That ultimately led me to TLD. I believe I got a pair of Skylines on...
That's awesome to hear. I'm sorry you endured owning Dakine products. That ultimately led me to TLD. I believe I got a pair of Skylines on sale and haven't looked back. That said, mine are getting to be 4-5 years old and I'll be in need of some more soon.
I actually appreciate the colors and some of the crap you guys manage to pull off...gold lamé helmets???....because...as a photographer I loathe when people ride in all black. I get it but... Also, it's good to be able to see if someone's red lining you so that you can actually see where they are in the forest. And...for the Northwet it's good to have loud colors so you don't get shot by a redneck "hunting deer".
I think my reviews are on here though but your designers do a phenomenal job with fit, pockets and looks. Keep it up!
Dakine sponsors the legend Andrew Shandro, whom I am a big fan of...so I am all about those dudes haha.
The beauty of Troy Lee, he takes risks...risk with color, risk with design. That is our DNA. And the dude loves mountain biking, he has gone through a rebirth if you will with bike, i've built him a few sick bikes and he rides them all at his place in Laguna. The whole "built for riders by riders" thing has never been more true than "Troy Lee Designs"....that dude just lives and breathes it.
I will tell Troy, he will be stoked on this, thanks man.
I just want to say I'm sorry for over reacting over some dumb tweet about Oregon we threw back and forth at each other when you were at Intense. I knew you where joking but my fingers didn't. You don't hold any grudges do you?
Do you like hockey? If you do, what's your favorite player and team?
Nah, don't follow it all, my brothers and stepdad are into it big time. We used to get tickets for the Kings and I would tag along when I was a teenager, but, was really to get the cool snacks and see if there were any hot chicks in the stands.
"I will tell Troy, he will be stoked on this, thanks man."
Thanks for sharing with us. I love these industry forums. It helps you get to know more about the industry. Even if I can't seem to wedge my way into this or skateboarding...I can live vicariously! On the webs! In a forum!
If you had to choose one or the other, which is more valuable to the bike industry?
1. A consistent top 5 world cup or EWS...
If you had to choose one or the other, which is more valuable to the bike industry?
1. A consistent top 5 world cup or EWS rider that is not very personable, doesn't respond to social media questions from fans, and overall not very friendly
2. A top 30 rider with an occasional top 10 finish that shows up for local group rides sometimes, repeatedly answers the same questions about which wheel size is better on social media, is super approachable and everyone loves them?
Jesus christ, answer #2, times a thousand!
BUT, we as a brand, have the 'For the worlds fastest racers' in our brand moniker, GNARLY shoes to fill. That being said, someone like Brendan Fairclough is a remarkable partner to have with us (we just re-signed him for 3 years!! woot woot!). Brendan was that guy that everyone said was the next big thing, next guy to win world cups, then he got hurt, had his facial surgery, got on a new team, A LOT of changes that took some time to get used to and we stood by him all along because he is a dude with great style, is personable, engages with the fans, promotes our products and is there when we need him-he's a "peoples champion" if you will. Throw in the fact that now/again Brendog is only a couple of seconds away from WINNING WORLD CUPS and you have a super fast, incredibly talented athlete.
This sport is way too fucking small, to only be a race horse, only be a results rider. Unless you can get outside the box exposure, you had better engage with the fans, and draw in your sponsors to that engagement.
There is also another element that is crucial in these partnerships, if that athlete can contribute to product development, some athletes are total rubbish at it and think they are great, some are a true goldmine with working with design and engineering to make better products-we have all of that, something Troy is proud of, as am I.
I tend to talk about bikes a lot...like the time at Rampage a couple years ago and Fairclough sent me a text "Come on fucker, I know you like talking about bikes a lot, but we're hungry".
We are underway with a whole new website as well, that will go live when the collections drop, hit the streets, etc...
She beat me by 7 seconds, she was on her Giant Reign (she's a LIV athlete, via her www.ichoosebikes.com business) and I was on my SICK ASS Santa Cruz V10c, Full SRAM build (#sramTLDracing)....but, I messed up a corner, got tired as hell....I was so pissed she beat me.
I got 5th in the masters class, definitely got the DH race bug again-lord knows I got the raddest bike i've ever owned.
My wife is so unreal on a bike, she's lucky, she just has the gift.
At least I made my start, Lopes missed his start time!
- For being such a salty old opinionated prick, you've seemed to make it pretty far in the bike industry. Do you turn the asshole switch off and kiss-ass when the meeting rooms are closed? Or do you throw all 140 lbs of foul mouthed fury around?
- Are you sick or dying, it seems unhealthy to be that skinny.
So...to answer that question-I do not know if it can ever be as big as the NORBA days. It was a bit of a perfect storm in the 90's. Tremendous growth in the economy, not as many distractions as there is now, not as many as disciplines of cycling as their is now, corporate america was very very interested in this new sport called 'mountain biking', they all wanted a piece of it, on and on.
That being said, it's safe to say, more mountain bikes are out there, more helmets sold, more trail shorts, more shoes, more gloves, tires, etc....more trails are open, bike parks, etc. But where has the 'race growth' gone?
I don't know man, these are big think tank questions, no defined answer, no one knows, but all I can say is, and I said this in a couple interviews lately, is that we have to get the 'band back together' the band being ALL disciplines at one race, the big festivals (Otter, Crankworx, Roc Dzur, etc) are the key to growth. When I read people shitting on an even like the Sea Otter, it pisses me off. Someone walks away with 1st place, and some brand walks away with some new customers-so why not be you?
Our network is vast, so in that I talk to a variety of people in the day, from dealers to distributors, to athletes to bike park managers and it seems like, if anything Enduro might have some growth problems due to land access. Sounds like in many regions land managers now look back at the DH races they did as 'easier' and more fruitful. But, we are all selling and developing products in that space, in that pocket, with or without enduro racing, because this is the stuff most of us ride in everyday. I know the bulk of my rides are on a 150mm bike, our A1 helmet, Ruckus shorts and a jersey....all mountain stuff bro! Enduro bro!
I agree there's something to having all disciplines at events. So much more interesting and highlights diversity more. I might be looking through rose colored Oakley's (Steve Giberson quote, I can't take credit for that gem) a bit, but the '90's events were so great when you had DH, XC, 4-cross all at the same place.
-My career...experience has finally paid off, I guess? I am brutally honest and loyal as an old dog, there are few that appreciate and admire that in any workplace. Troy Lee appreciates it, for now, until he gets sick of me ranting about making things better for his brand, constantly striving to be #1. There are so many leeches in this and every industry, that suck ass and bullshit their peers, lie, cheat and steal, I try to just be transparent and real. I try to walk in the shoes of another prickface I know that works at Specialized, who used to be at Giant...no idea why Specialized hired him though?
-I look like I have cancer, and AIDS. I got so jacked with hair genetics, my wife must be delusional. But it made watching Dallas Buyers Club real good, I felt like I was in the movie.
Ultimately, to quote a friend "I am an idiot, I don't even know how I have a job"...I always liked that quote and can relate.
lol
And where the F is Kidwoo? or Acadian?
Fail.
Also, crazy kudos to you for getting the jobs you've gotten in the industry. Do you think it was place/time? Being nice? Kissing ass? Or just pure bs'ing people?
Probably because we are 'moto inspired' brand? and the formula has worked for us in bike as of late. That being said, the 16' line has a LOT of toned down pieces on the logo driven vibe.
I love this comment though, I am old and have no desire to advertise also. When I came to TLD 5 years ago, I was always wearing black and grey, no logos, Tshirts, board shorts in black, etc....I owned some dakine trail stuff, with no logos, but then I got here and said "well, I'm gonna try some of the loud kits" and I haven't looked back. But we are listening for sure, making more less logo driven, our customers have gotten older-but I pushed hard for us to make grom trail kits and grom gravity kits, we finally came out with those last year and those always gotta be classic, loud TLD kits.
I read way too many apparel industry financials, and there is a trend to shy away from logo-driven garments, we have reacted and we are listening to you, you will like the 16' line.
I actually appreciate the colors and some of the crap you guys manage to pull off...gold lamé helmets???....because...as a photographer I loathe when people ride in all black. I get it but... Also, it's good to be able to see if someone's red lining you so that you can actually see where they are in the forest. And...for the Northwet it's good to have loud colors so you don't get shot by a redneck "hunting deer".
I think my reviews are on here though but your designers do a phenomenal job with fit, pockets and looks. Keep it up!
1. A consistent top 5 world cup or EWS rider that is not very personable, doesn't respond to social media questions from fans, and overall not very friendly
2. A top 30 rider with an occasional top 10 finish that shows up for local group rides sometimes, repeatedly answers the same questions about which wheel size is better on social media, is super approachable and everyone loves them?
I owe anything and everything to networking and hard work. Which started with my neighbor Charlie Litsky, he was the first 'cycling super agent' he represented Tomac, and anyone else who was fast. In the late 80's he introduced me to industry big wigs, the greatest athletes that I was a super fan of and more. In 1990, as I was racing I wanted to race the NORBA finals in Vermont, Charlie set me up to hook up with Tomac at the airport, use his rental car and room with him-Tomac was my f-ing hero, I was in awe haha. Stuff like that, getting to know people and busting ass.
I certainly never ever kissed ass, it's not in my make up, if anything i've just irritated or turned people off-I never stop working as well, its a problem, I need to get better at that, smell the roses a bit more.
Thanks for the kudos-much appreciated.
The beauty of Troy Lee, he takes risks...risk with color, risk with design. That is our DNA. And the dude loves mountain biking, he has gone through a rebirth if you will with bike, i've built him a few sick bikes and he rides them all at his place in Laguna. The whole "built for riders by riders" thing has never been more true than "Troy Lee Designs"....that dude just lives and breathes it.
I will tell Troy, he will be stoked on this, thanks man.
-Mike Estes, A dummy.
Thanks for sharing with us. I love these industry forums. It helps you get to know more about the industry. Even if I can't seem to wedge my way into this or skateboarding...I can live vicariously! On the webs! In a forum!
BUT, we as a brand, have the 'For the worlds fastest racers' in our brand moniker, GNARLY shoes to fill. That being said, someone like Brendan Fairclough is a remarkable partner to have with us (we just re-signed him for 3 years!! woot woot!). Brendan was that guy that everyone said was the next big thing, next guy to win world cups, then he got hurt, had his facial surgery, got on a new team, A LOT of changes that took some time to get used to and we stood by him all along because he is a dude with great style, is personable, engages with the fans, promotes our products and is there when we need him-he's a "peoples champion" if you will. Throw in the fact that now/again Brendog is only a couple of seconds away from WINNING WORLD CUPS and you have a super fast, incredibly talented athlete.
This sport is way too fucking small, to only be a race horse, only be a results rider. Unless you can get outside the box exposure, you had better engage with the fans, and draw in your sponsors to that engagement.
There is also another element that is crucial in these partnerships, if that athlete can contribute to product development, some athletes are total rubbish at it and think they are great, some are a true goldmine with working with design and engineering to make better products-we have all of that, something Troy is proud of, as am I.
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