Bike Film Nostalgia - Favorite Movie of All-Time?

45 0

khan (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:19)

The Collective arguably raised the bar higher than any other single film did.

10 1

bigdan30 (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:58)

agreed. it changed the thinking from high-paced heavy metal hucking and got you to really appreciate the ride. personally, I find that the collective series is a good pre-ride movie, as it just makes me want to ride, and the NWD series post-ride, as i am more in awe of the tricks they pull and could only dream of being where they are someday. and lifecycles could just as well replace the collective in my previous sentence, as well as kranked replacing NWD. i miss the classics, seems like there hasn't been movie out in a while...

12 9

carbonlite (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:18)

I really hope lifecycles is a sign of things to come.

6 1

employee7 (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:18)

Shift. Wade in is prime pushing it farther than anyone at that point. It had to be good because it made me and all my buddies lust after a purple bike. Long live the Godfather.

11 4

diebel7 (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:18)

Sorry, carbonlite... im all for sick shots, editing, riding and some narration to set the mood. But im NOT for a movie that is 50% narration.

4 4

johnny-compton (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:27)

its interesting looking at the way the riders jump in the older videos to the newer ones..they have to put way more effort in the get their bike in the correct position to land..modern bikes do all the work for us these days in comparison

1 1

compaqnc6340 (Nov 26, 2011 at 15:06)

all these guys have balls of chromoly

19 1

danielsim1990 (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:34)

Some people seem to overlook is 3focus. Its fast paced, has awesome music (imo) and never fails to get me stoked for riding.

I also fall into the Life Cycles haters camp. I very much appreciate the film and recognise the incredible effort but it mostly fails to make a connection with me. I enjoy aspects such as the factory setting and dh bike repairs, as well as some awe inspiring cinematography but other sections I find frustrating. I think the pace becomes tiresome, and this could be avoided if not for the fact there is little story to engage with.

Watching a film like 3 minute gaps, the interviews are far more intriguing than the Life Cycles voice over.

8 3

gavlaa (Nov 24, 2011 at 4:54)

I agree entirely- was actually a bit gutted when I receieved Life Cycles after waiting 3 months for it only to realise I had seen most of the good stuff in the trailer. I'm not a fan off cheesy american voice overs either. Some of it was good as you say but it did frustrate me too. I love 'Follow me'- it ticks all my boxes and gets me super amped for a ride. Everything about that movie is God Damned amazing!! NWD and Kranked series have given a lot to the riding scene. Watching back through them is like watching a history of MTB which I think is rad!

5 0

OliScale (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:37)

I still think that The Collective Seasons is best ever biking film, its what got me into mountain biking in the first place. Especially Matt Hunters segment in Kamloops, thats got to be one of the best biking segments ever made hah.

3 1

yeahbro (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:57)

wheres Inside out? it is the best hands down.

3 4

hillman-hunter (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:25)

to me life cycles was too much like an art project, it was meant to show the story of a bike from beginning to end but had huge chunks missing in the life of a bike. Too much camera work for the sake of it and not enough action. Whats next raised the bar IMO of what we can and should expect from a modern bike movie, and a free one at that!

3 1

Nico-T (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:25)

Roam is where it all started for me, first bike film I saw and realised that the sport even existed! I generally had no clue before watching the whistler section of roam on youtube that Downhill/Freeride existed! Defo Roam IMO

15 1

wake-n-rake (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:18)

Earthed 3 into where Rob Warner is riding through a Swiss village with a hovercraft propeller / engine strapped to his back with a Pendulum song pounding away.

This probably explains why I think Lifecycles is a bit dull.

6 0

karl-burkat FL (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:20)

this yeah? haha www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f9HZa34yO0

2 0

gingerninja (Nov 24, 2011 at 2:29)

thats england not Switzerland and dont think its pendulum either. but a funny section none the less.

1 0

andrewbond (Nov 24, 2011 at 2:41)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kJ09FpWoaM

1 0

gavlaa (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:35)

I'd forgotten how funny that was- Rob Warner is such a leg end.

2 0

wake-n-rake (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:06)

D'oh......I don't know why I always thought that was filmed in Switzerland when quite clearly everyone is driving on the left hand side of the road.

2 0

sack-zement (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:31)

Can't remember the number, but another hillarious earthed section: the dirt van gets fully pumped by some tank.

Earhted all way!

4 0

zorba73 (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:40)

Ha ha, Swiss village! That's Henley on Thames! Earthed series for the tunes! Rankin knows good music.

3 0

spyretto (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:25)

Yep. Earthed all the way!

2 0

conorscully (Nov 25, 2011 at 11:10)

Earthed

7 0

bermtastic (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:59)

hard to compare favorites when some are 15 years older than others. I will always love the early Kranked series, (1-3 ) done on 16mm film, with no budget. those guys had to hike those lines all day for a one day shoot, when nothing had ever been done like that before on bikes as sketchy as hell, whereas now there's $$ and helicopters on location. I like the pioneering NSX films, and even though they are raw, they really document the building of the North Shore scene. The cinemephotography of Lifecycles was unreal.

6 0

universe (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:37)

Ride to the Hills for me. There is no wrong answer really. Everyone connects with a certain video in a special way that makes it timeless for that individual. RTTH was it for me. Premiere was at Uvic. Big party, was with the girl that would become my wife. It was just amazing.

8 0

gavinmclean (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:15)

kranked all the way!! they were the guys who made freeriding on the map! same with NWD they were there for the beginning and all the way till today!

2 0

skierdud89 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:24)

YES! those are the movies that paved the way for the rest.

3 0

loamer (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:47)

watching Tippie cackle his way down first descent steep mountain lines must have played in the old VHS hundreds of times

8 2

dirtworks911 (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:09)

The NWD videos pushed me to where I am today. If is wasn't for Josh Bender's parts I don't think anyone would be hucking as big as we are today. There would be no real freeride (at least where it is today), there for sure wouldn't be a Red Bull Rampage, and everyone would be into big time spandex wearing downhill racing.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrE8sT-zMEE

10 0

diebel7 (Nov 24, 2011 at 4:52)

But if The Collective series was up there, putting The Collective, Roam and Seasons in one I think it would win. NWD might have pushed biking, but The Collective group pushed biking, as well as video making. They helped start the point that a movie with nice shots and having good editing is better to watch than a crazy montage of tricks set to metal.

2 0

hillman-hunter (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:32)

NWD got me stoked on riding when i was just starting, ROAM gets me stoked on hanging with my buddies and Earthed (not 5) gets me in the mood to get loose and sideways. But Ben Reid and Peaty/Ratboys sections on Made are some of my fave of all time.

1 0

Lolo-the-frenchie (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:20)

NWD greatest serie ever. Represent the spirit of the rising freeride MTB : the big drops and DH parts of the moment I started riding my bike. Awesome trips around the world and some of the best riders like Strait, Simmons, Cowan, Vanderham, Berrecloth, CG or Peat !

This serie gived and ass kick to the world of Freeride MTB every year and were inspiration for actual riders.

1 0

CaptainBLT (Nov 30, 2011 at 16:45)

@diebel7 If you add the votes up for each individual collective movie, the series wins by a landslide. Pick any two collective movies and you get at least second place, as of Nov 30th

6 1

TrzecieKolo (Nov 24, 2011 at 4:27)

"Follow me" is best mtb movie for me. I always wanna ride after watching it. Every part of movie is perfect, good filming, good montage, good music, there is no really bad moments.

"Life cycles" is for sure best in terms of proffesional film making. It is breath taking when you see it for the 1st time. You watch it 2nd time to spot more details you missed in 1st viewing. But you don't want back to it over and over. To many slow motion, not so much bicycles riding itself.

"Follow me" - I watched it like 30 times and still not bored.

Always very inspiring and with great power

1 0

CaptainBLT (Nov 30, 2011 at 16:55)

Follow Me, because every scene is enjoyable, every time. It captures the camaraderie of riding, with great cinematography, an enjoyable soundtrack, eyepopping colors, and sick riding! Life cycles is really up there, but after the first couple times I found myself always skipping certain scenes, likewise with the collective movies. Then again, its hard to beat the first two scenes of Roam for pre-ride stoke. Bearclaw ripping PNW trails to RJD2, then the Whistler scene to Rise Against.

6 1

Varaxis (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:48)

Thanks for posting all these videos up. I never knew of some of these videos like Sprung. It's funny seeing the "retro" stuff, like the skin suits.

I honestly have only watched Life Cycles and that's what I voted for, but it's so good that I'd be surprised if there were anything that clearly beats it. I guess I'll need to check out Follow Me.

1 0

nouser (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:04)

If you like freeride stuff, NWD is hard to beat. Follow me, Seasons, and Life Cycles are great, too.

2 0

mozi29 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:18)

Favourite classic - the Sprung series. Got me stoked every time!
Best current (ish) - between Seasons and lifecycles...

5 0

suicidedownhiller (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:40)

My all time favorite movie is the Down/Double down combo DVD. Best riding, opened the door for events like Rampage.

6 1

moongose (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:46)

NWD is easily my favourite. Just because its the one where its so much about the riding and not all about clever filming or editing. Also the hadplant over the camel is one of the best things I've ever seen.

2 1

chyu (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:10)

Inside out gonna kill em all.

5 0

adam-mitchell (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:20)

Seasons was definitely my favourite, it just had that atmosphere you get when riding, that good feeling... 3 Minute Gaps I thought was a bit over hyped, still amazing but not as ace as the trailers made out, Follow Me was almost as good as Seasons if not on a par, NWD was fantastic, and Life Cycles was beautiful... But my problem with Life Cycles was it was more about making shots look outrageous than giving the riding feeling... If you get me... Haven't seen the others so I can't comment on them haha.

2 0

shprotman (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:35)

My vote is for Double Down. I still have it on VHS.

1 0

maxnordstrom (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:40)

I think Roam set a new standard to mtb movies for sure. I can watch it today and still get stoked so that's my favorite for sure. But pretty much every movie here is great.

2 0

el-nombre FL (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:07)

Sprung 3 FTW!

4 0

scotteh (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:17)

Whistler section of Roam is unreal

5 1

nouser (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:40)

Guy come on!!! Really? A favourite? All or any. Mine? Down and Double Down as my first taste of freeride films. The Collective as the first film that captured how it makes me "feel" to ride with my buds. Follow Me as best Blu Ray. Life Cycles for best cinematography, remembering " THIS IS'NT A BIKE MOVIE!!!!!, IT'S A MOVIE ABOUT A BIKE!!!! BIG DIFFERENCE!!!!!!" ( for all you haters out there, shame on you!!!!!). From The Inside Out as most anticipated film. Any NWD, CKD or Kranked or countless others I have spent watching, dreaming " Hey I could do that!!!! ( Ha Not!!!!! ). But really as I read my list I realise WE ALL love freeriding!!!! The movies, the times out alone or with buddies! How it makes us feel. So I for one am greatful to the directors for their vision and bringing these films into our homes. The riders ( past and present, good and bad, the jumps they made! and ones they did'nt!!!! ) for sending it for us, and taking us along for the ride!!!! As they say on Kranked 5 " Ride Hard, Ride Free!!!!! "

1 0

gavlaa (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:31)

I don't remember Life Cycles being advertised as a 'Movie about a bike' rather than a 'Bike movie'- if they had I would have saved myself £30! I don't hate the movie- I just prefer others... Is that allowed?!! I've not seen any bike films that I didn't like at all (Chlorophilia may be the one exception to this rule!)- NWD, Kranked, Anthill, Earthed - they're all epic both in terms of the level of riding and the way in which it was captured.

2 0

moongose (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:41)

should have saved yo self £30 cause it was in the trailer...

2 0

jay15 (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:52)

watch the trailer of Life Cycles again man, the narrator says its a movie about a bike!

1 0

gavlaa (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:54)

Just goes to show I should pay more attention- I'm terrible!!... I also always look at PB features and marvel at the photos but never read any words!! I'm sooo lazy!

4 0

prairiebiker (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:51)

NWD 2 will always have a special place in my heart.

I can still remember when I was first getting into freeriding it was on the TV's in the Bicycle Cafe when they were still in Winnipeg, and seeing Jeff Lenosky's section (because I was mainly doing trials/street riding).

Obviously the riding in recent movies is more impressive, but back then 5-6 foot drops were big for most guys riding (we're talking back in 2002). But it had so much influence and inspired so much progression in its segments...Hell Track, Josh Bender, Lenosky, Bourdon and the other Kona guys going big, Bobby Root doing nose stoppies on the tandem with the sex doll LOL.

It'll always be my fave because of all that.

1 0

daniel22mckee (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:18)

Ride to the hills for me to it was the first bike vid i had seen. it got me in to riding in the first place. it showed what was possible on a bike. to this day i sill watch it in awe.it had style and went big

4 0

patchesuk (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:02)

Seasons get's my vote. no contest. All others have nostalgia, sprung series, earthed... 3minute gaps was fantastic.. NWD series always big stuff... but seasons has all that. No matter what time of the year.. (in fact I've spent many a winter with a blizzard outside watching that vid and just wanting to ride).

For those who have not seen seasons and only seen lifecycles.. then get on it... you will not be disappointed.

..."feed off one another.

"

4 0

Wa-Aw (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:27)

The collective was one of the first real MTB movies that I watched. There are ton of good, cool and pretty movies out there but nothing seems to bring about that same feeling of wonder and excitement that the collective gave me when I first saw it.

4 0

nouser (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:19)

Ride to the hills, Shift, Sprung and the Kranked series were all good and they definitely made me want to go shred after watching. Follow Me and Life Cycles are pretty inspiring for newer films. However, my favorite MTB movies of all time are definitely the NSX series( even with the sometimes crappy music). I'm having a hard time understanding how the NSX series was left off the list. Especially if we're talking about the history of our sport and how we got to where we are now. In my opinion it's slightly disrespectful.

1 0

no-ah (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:33)

is the kevin sansalon in ride to the hills the same ridiculously good snowboarder kevin sansalone or are they two different people.

1 0

mulchee (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:17)

same person.

1 0

Knife-in-the-dark (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:40)

Glad someone else brought up the NSX films. Definatly some of my favs, even with the huck to flat on hard tail early ones.

14 6

james1 (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:46)

Lifecycles FTW!

6 5

PLC07 (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:00)

I've made the mistake of watching life cycles before follow me and nwd10. I dont want to disrespect those movies but since ive watched life cycles every other movies are pretty much a borefest.

10 3

OliScale (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:51)

I'm sorry but I thought the Life Cycles plot and voice-over was just terrible and corny. Other films like Seasons/3mg talk to riders and what gets them motivated to ride, but Life Cycles does none of that. It purely focuses on the bike (I understand that's what they were trying to do in the first place), but bikes themselves didn't get me into riding in the first place and never will.

And as for the music, it was all so depressing and didn't get me pumped to ride at all.

2 0

captyvatemedia (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:17)

That's understandable that you aren't getting pumped up to ride after watching Lifecycles.
Luckily, the film makers didn't have that intention in mind when they produced it.

2 0

brooce (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:57)

Not that I don't like this film, but it's atmosphere seems to be pretty artificial for me... I love "Seasons", charming video, and when I watched "Life Cycles" I thought that somebody wanted just to reconstruct this climate, to pourposely make this video a kind of classic one. It's just my opinion, though

3 0

PLC07 (Nov 25, 2011 at 18:03)

I thought every frame are pure bliss. All sections were very nice to watch. I liked it more because I thought it brought you away from your average biking movie. I'm sorry but I've seen like, 3948488458758393932948857383858757 superman backflips. It's a really nice trick but you know, I couldn't care less anymore. A superman backflip in front of a blazing sunset, that was something. The movie is full of little "normal" things like that, that looks insane due to the filmography.

Kind of like those VODs we get here all the time. You know, kids riding pristine tracks with barely any pebbles or roots in it on DH rigs. I bet their stanchion's o-ring doesn't get past the 5" mark most of the time. The first section with the dude shredding mad fast with a single crown blew me away. Nice change of pace.

I'm not saying all other movies are terrible, I'm just saying this one stood out for me.

3 0

pintsize (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:26)

fu*k they are all a bit too new school,

The best bike movie that you get attached to is always the first one you watched when you were getting into biking. Mine was Chainspotting back in the day!!!

but I have to say where the hell is TRANSCONTINENTAL or his second one The CIRCUS. These were films that inspired Clay Porter I remember reading.

3 0

alltta (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:07)

Where is WHAT'S NEXT ??!! it would have got my vote !!

But it's not there... so i voted Roam which will always be the best big production for me, it's the film that has put me into MTB... thank you !! My favourite moment was Berrecloth on the shore with his baby blue...

5 0

wjgillis (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:16)

A tough decision between Follow Me and Life Cycles - both fantastic movies! But when it comes to nostalgia, Kranked II is quite the gooder.

4 1

dungeonbeast (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:28)

Without Shift and Ride to the Hills you wouldn't have any of these other movies. Most of the original Collective Crew got their start with Jorli Ricker and RTTH. Hands down the best bike movie of all time. Plus it had Shandro and Watson shredding the AK Mullet line in Virgin Utah. These shots are where the real idea for Rampage came from. Please all, learn some history and respect it!

4 0

jefyeah (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:21)

I own Ride To The Hills on vhs and it is the only reason I still have a vcr.

1 0

suicidedownhiller (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:34)

I'll disagree with you on the rampage roots, it may have been the idea, but bender and the double down crew showed todd barber the location and got them out there.

1 0

dungeonbeast (Nov 26, 2011 at 12:58)

Suicidedownhiller:

You are right about Bender and Barber, but prior to Shandro/Watson dudes seemed to just be sending single hits. Ride to the Hills showcased that entire lines could be ridden there, similar to big mountain skiing. Collaborative effort between all maybe?

3 0

vics26 (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:40)

I really enjoyed Barred for Life and I think Chainsmoke was pretty amazing for back in the day....Palmer at his best.

Here are a couple more movies that could have made the list.

Plush ( I think thats what it was called, had some awesome segment with Shaums March)
Jib (old school freeride movie with tons of urban DH/freeride)
The Rampage movies
The North Shore Extreme series
Riders Anonymous ( Awesome old school movie)
Made
The Entree ( cool documentary about Sam Hill)
Klunkers (documentary about the start of mountain biking)

3 0

Aikata FL (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:53)

Chainreaction,Down(1.2.3)/Local Yokels?JIb(1/2),Eastside Freeride 1.2,Between the tape,The Uprising,SuperHeroes,Super8Illusionary lines,Earthed(1,2,3,4,5),This is Australia,North shore extreme- those may not be the best movies of all,but they should have been in the voting list.

5 0

C4coach (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:57)

Poll is incomplete:

North Shore Extreme Series( any vid)
Back in the Saddle( and Again)
CKD

The Pist-n-Broke Team deserved some love in there that's for sure.

1 0

hucksauce (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:46)

NSX4 was awesome!

1 0

ButtonPusher (Nov 24, 2011 at 21:51)

CKD for life..!!!!

3 0

vancouver-bound (Nov 24, 2011 at 21:39)

ride to the hills blows most of those "HD videos" out of the water. most of the transitions are seamless. And with the most movies there are two or five segments you watch over and over. Only one or two segments in Ride to the hills are blah.

oh yeah... it was first.

That being said, the collective series and life cycles are great works of art. And follow me can keep up with ride to the hills.
Kranked is interesting
NWD is boring... same old same old... except kirt vories segment in NWD 10. That one stands out.

my opinion, love it hate it ignore it, it really isnt important but someone will read it

3 0

jorli (Nov 24, 2011 at 21:25)

A friend put me on to this link, I had no idea people were still talking about Shift and Ride to the Hills, I figured they were pretty well forgotten by now. Thanks for the support guys & girls!

1 0

dungeonbeast (Nov 26, 2011 at 12:55)

Jorli:

Ride to the Hills changed mountain biking forever and in a the best way possible. You should release a special Shift/RTTH dvd box set!

1 0

tysonw (Nov 27, 2011 at 12:36)

I agree with everything dungeonbeast said. I watch RTTH several times a year still but a DVD quality copy would be amazing!

1 0

jorli (Nov 29, 2011 at 11:20)

Thanks guys, it might be a bit difficult to justify these days now that VAS has collapsed. If I were to re-release it, it would probably be free on youtube or vimeo. I was planning on doing a sequel last year which would have included RTTH as a bonus, but dropped the project due to lack of support. Cheers!

6 1

scottsecco FL (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:49)

How can you forget What's Next? But Life Cycles for sure, followed by Ride to the Hills, and The Collective.

3 0

suicidedownhiller (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:53)

You know what would be great, if pinkbike got a hold of a source for these movies and sold them on PB, or at least linked it to a site. I'd love to pick up Ride to the Hills, Shift, Chainsmoke and Kranked 1-3...

2 0

nikifor88 FL (Nov 24, 2011 at 5:22)

people underestimate earthed series, no other movie could capture so well the atmosphere of dh racing, training or partying, also there was sick music. for me it was the toughest choice ever becouse i love half of movies in the survey, all callective and anthill, lifecycles, all 5 early nwd's, kranked 5,4,3, ride to the hills, JIB.........

3 0

neondion (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:48)

watching some older vids is cool and getting to ride the same spots in kamloops like rio after seeing it on a vid is awesome! Roam and Kranked series for sure..local riders, local spots!

2 0

kootenaybikes (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:57)

Yeah, what gives with putting all 10 NWD's together, including the Begin/Enga films in with just the Enga Kranked (big dif in my opinion) and then giving the Collective series all individuals? Yet there is a 'Collective' category too.... and no Follow Me?

2 0

mulchee (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:45)

the poll doesn't make much sense to bother with, as a handful of those later films had a much larger audience as the sport grew, and many people on here are too young to have seen the earlier films in their heyday. Before the internet explosion, the early films were really something to anticipate and the hype was huge as they toured and did the premieres. Now there's some kind of vid out every week, back then, these were all there were - a couple a year!

2 0

captyvatemedia (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:20)

For all those Aussies out there, you might remember Compression or TIA produced by Sam Davies.
Great film maker who has inspired a lot of my film making and without his inspiration I most likely wouldn't have ever touched a camera in my life.
He documented the Australian National Series a few years back in Compression, aswell as the Australian Riding scene in 2008 in TIA (This Is Australia).

2 0

uphillsg (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:40)

My favourite video is velocity vs traction. I think its from 94 or 95, from NZ, mostly the national series. It is probably lost forever now, but maybe one day someone will find a vhs copy and convert it to a digital file on utube or something. Still to this day I have never seen such a long crash segment, but there is plenty of nice riding to. Even a bunch of the brilliance of Glen Sisarich's riding.

2 0

RONDAL (Nov 24, 2011 at 17:13)

You can tell the average age of pinkbike users when newer movies are leading the way. They might be better FILMED, but the old Shift, Ride to the Hills, Original Kranked.....they are the birth of MTB videos and the riding in them was argueably leaps and bounds ahead of what ANYONE else was doing.

3 0

knightridersix04 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:16)

New World Disorder 5 and 6 are by far my favorite biking movies, there's just no comparing to Simmonds and Schley in their heyday

1 0

nouser (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:53)

Guys a favourite? Come on. Any or all of them. Mine? Down n Double Down as my first taste of the whole freeride scene. The Collective for first film to really feel how freeride makes me feel. Follow Me for latest Blu Ray. Life Cycles for cinemageography, remembering this is a film about a bike and not a bike movie. Any NWD or Kranked or CKD. From The Inside Out as most anticipated. But what this all really means is We All love freeride. All have the pleasure of these films. All owe a huge thanks to the directors for bringing us their visions on freeride and its progression over the years. The riders for sending it! And taking us along for the ride! Thanks for all the memories old and new, and the ones to come too.

2 1

ArmyFork (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:19)

I chose Roam not because it's the best bike movie of all time (It isn't, I'd say Lifecycles is), nor is it the best shot or the most innovative. The reason I chose it was that back in 2006 I picked up and proceeded to watch this movie so many times I'm surprised I don't hate it by now. Instead I still love it to death, because not only is it well made and not only does it end on a high note that always makes me excited to ride, it was the movie that brought me into biking. It was the movie that propelled me forward in my mind the first time I bought a freeride bike (2006 Giant Faith 2, heavy, green and I loved every inch of it) to ride like I was chasing a deer, to ride with what I thought to be reckless abandon at the time. It's five years on now and I've sadly wrecked that frame due to a mechanical slip-up and have moved on to a race frame and have focused more on racing nowadays, but no matter where I am or what I'm doing I always remember this movie. It still plays in my mind when I dream of riding, and even though my tastes have changed and other songs play in my mind from other movies and other segments inspire me, I still remember Roam. And no matter what I always will

3 0

silentj (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:47)

Useless poll without North Shore Extreme series IMO. I voted Chainsmoke but only because Chainsmoke 2 is the best movie of all time.

1 0

scali (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:22)

1,2 & 3 - Sprung, earthed, chain smoke.

If it was my own list it would be: Sprung, earthed, mudcows, dirt, chain smoke.

I like follow me & seasons but i don't find myself getting them off the shelf as much. The Collective stuff i actually find quite boring as it's so far removed from the riding that i do.

1 0

Dirtjumper518 (Nov 24, 2011 at 17:06)

i thought this thread was about getting stoked on old-school mountain bike shredding! don't get me wrong, the new productions are amazing, but i cant believe how many people voted for the newest videos in the game... and not some of the "glory days" flicks from the OG killers

2 0

dgio (Nov 24, 2011 at 20:42)

Ride to the Hills changed the way I looked at mountain biking. After seeing Jesse Robert's segment I bought a little hard tail, learned to dirt jump and spent days trying to do sweet one-handed tables.

1 0

pimpedaline (Nov 25, 2011 at 5:14)

Being one of the older riders, it was the Kranked, and NWD series that sparked my love of riding and pushed it further. While movies like The Collective raised the bar it was these two that set it in the first place and no one came close to it for a long time. I can still sit down and watch the original Kranked and NWD videos and be thoroughly entertained to this day.

1 0

oliverthepirate (Sep 5, 2020 at 1:26)

I'm a little (9 years) late to this party, but does anyone have a digital version of Vicious Cycle (RAP)? I have a VHS complete with a 'Shop Copy' strap blocking the lower 1/3rd of the screen, but can't find a watchable copy anywhere.

2 1

lenmerderdenfer (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:15)

Bike footage or Video is all good in my anarchist's bike thesaurus of (sic.) shred but, when a bike video is so remarkably provoking that it makes my nerves, heart and (soul?) resonate with serendipitous joy for simply moving forward on my bike still sitting comfortably on my couch while, tears of adrenalin saturated love for shred well up in the corners of my eyes, something is afoot in Life Cycles. Thank you!

1 0

Kanicula (Nov 24, 2011 at 2:38)

Yeah, tons of dvd/vhs video had been forgotten in the list : Torque, Keep it Real, Menace II society, Mud Crow, JIB, Double Down... But we can't compare oldschool video with new school. It's not the same spirit but I like both. I like the purity of Life Cycles, but I love the "fatness" of Kranked or NWD too.

3 0

Gruta FL (Nov 24, 2011 at 4:00)

It was Kranked that got me started, but honestly I just don`t have the time anymore to watch all the films and cast an honest vote, so... my vote goes for Kranked.

1 0

dhpierce (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:28)

All amazing to watch! Seasons kept me riding through a lame winter when I ended up riding solo the majority of the time, life cycles inspired me to inspire others to ride no matter how crappy the weather was during an amazing trip to UBI in Ashland OR. but if i had to pick just one... NWD 2 is the video i found when i started trying to jump, drop, free ride a bike. when waist high jumps seemed huge the kona guys were ripping the kona ramp and airing out jumps bigger then the tractor it took to build them. and when tiny drops seemed scary simply because you couldn't spot the landing, not only was bender surviving crashes of of 40 and 60ft drops. the guy on the unicycle was going big. NWD all the way

1 0

Flanimal (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:33)

Just filled pages of Amazon wish lists on the basis of this article. Never seen Follow Me but extremely impressed. Roam gets my vote but I am more then delighted that riders with more skill than I will ever have (despite massive personal investment in 'skill compensation' equipment) and talented film makers continue to produce this material. Makes my Go-Pro efforts look like the sh*te they are. Please continue!

2 0

mckrider (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:58)

Karl, u r the man for this article. U r also the man for puting Ride to the Hills on the cover and right at the top cause it should be everyones pick. That movie is hands down the G.O.A.T.

1 0

larryssman7 (Nov 24, 2011 at 16:30)

Roam was the first mtb video i ever saw, it inspired me to start riding.
the day i saw it i went out and built a big gap and started jumping on my 20".
I shortly built a bike, and bought the whole collective series.
I hope to see more from that team, now anthill films.
they've inspired me to take up filming.
definitly the best videos out there.

1 0

jgottya1 (Nov 24, 2011 at 18:25)

While these are ALL excellent films.....it was the very old digger north shore flicks that got me stoked to go off wayyyyyy back in the day......if i has to pick one of these.....it would be Earthed.....as hard of a choice as if is .....they showcase the fun and serious side of DH at the top level....racing, partying, training, free riding .......cheers!!!

2 0

Meles (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:01)

Kranked infected me and NWD continued with that! Here are some more "Oldies": www.mtb-news.de/forum/showthread.php?t=440181

3 0

deutschland (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:15)

North Shore Extreme series not in a list? Ok, then I have to vote for The Collective.

1 0

derekt (Nov 29, 2011 at 6:59)

NSX all the way

2 0

pray4snow (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:33)

I have to say when Ryan Leech rode the chain connecting the two poles in the Collective. I can't belive the movie RAD wasn't among these! All great pieces of bike porn.

1 0

huckk (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:30)

Classic: 1.Superheroes 3 2. Ride to the hills
Modern:1. Earthed 5 2. The Collective. 3. Follow me.
Life Cycles made me feel guilty for some reason.... Besides, i don't repair my bike in a barn.
Just an opinion....

2 0

skierdud89 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:23)

NWD series FTW!! Those are the movies that made me want to huck my bike off tall things! Whether I landed it or not I felt like I was part of the progression of the sport...

4 0

downhilldj127 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:56)

Matt Hunter's seggie from Seasons changed my life

3 0

miki-ck (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:39)

Has to be NWD 2 - first bike movie I've seen. I still remember how amazed I was. That moment changed my life really

1 0

ButtonPusher (Nov 24, 2011 at 21:53)

CKD..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2 0

crellez (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:32)

They forgot Jib 1 & 2. awsome movies and they also forgot Double Down teh old Karpiel movie with Bender going nuts

2 0

bikrboij (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:40)

gotta say grew up on watching kranked and new world disorders over and over.

1 0

olih27 (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:09)

Bit unfair pitting the whole NWD series against other single films, especially as you split up the three by the collective, either way 1. Seasons 2. Roam

2 0

nouser (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:51)

I'm thinking the kids are too young to remember Chainsmoke! What could be better than Napalm and Metzger in lycra?!?!?!

1 0

stutaylor (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:37)

I dont know why everyone is wowed so much by life cycles. Yes the camera work is impressive but there is not actually that much mountain biking in it!

2 0

iancolbourne (Nov 24, 2011 at 18:26)

I remember laughing so much at Kevin Sansalone. He did a 1 hander variation off of everything in his seg.

1 0

Rolo-Polo2 (Nov 26, 2011 at 10:02)

Kranked III - Ride Against the Machine was the first mtb movie I ever owned, got to get a VHS player so i can relive the memories!

1 0

shipparo (Nov 27, 2011 at 11:54)

Voted for The Collective, Roam and Seasons but I would like to mention Abruzzo based Clorophilla www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnZnYYlbffA .

5 2

JNS33 (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:50)

Life Cycles is the pinnacle of mountain bike filmmaking.

1 2

hillman-hunter (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:25)

you've obviously never seen dirty tricks and cunning stunts!!

1 0

Lehel-NS (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:52)

Ah, how I should decide??? The Collective (both Seasons and Roam) or Life Cycles or Follow Me.... it's hard decision to make!

1 0

ElMaz (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:25)

Then do as I did : choose all of them! You can choose several, so go ahead!
Follow Me and Life Cycles were both my choices : the first for the freeride spirit it inspired me (and why at 32 y.o. I decided to put a foot on the downhill world...damn, I'm too old for that sh*t!), the second for the beauty of the whole movie...
Couldn't decide, clicked on both, choice was made!

2 0

Lehel-NS (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:23)

That's a good idea!

I love the Collective films, because they have that feeling in them that just makes you wanna go and have fun with your buddies riding. Follow Me is similar, pure FR - having fun on your bike.... And Life Cycles is just Life Cycles, perfection and beauty in all ways, like you have said.

So I guess that I'm gonna choose ALL of them.

1 0

gavlaa (Nov 24, 2011 at 6:39)

And what's the point in that?- you might as well save yourself the time and vote for none of them- the result would be the same!

1 0

Lehel-NS (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:39)

Whoa wait a minute, by "choosing all of them" I have meant that I will choose 3 films. The Collective, Follow Me and Life Cycles.

No need to be so negative.

1 0

gavlaa (Nov 25, 2011 at 10:39)

I was only kidding dude!

4 0

oldfaith FL (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:09)

NWD! no question

2 0

metalfreak (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:12)

Earthed was the best racing series!! LifeCycles has awesome footage. It's more than just a film. It is art!

3 0

konamat (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:25)

Missing one of the oldest and coolest: "Hammertime"!!!!!!

1 0

Joelrider (Nov 24, 2011 at 5:24)

archive.giant-bicycles.com/cn/catalogue_popup.asp?sPageID=popup&popuptype=zoom&modelid=9501 the bike of the first page movie

3 0

crashin (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:27)

Ride to the Hills, what else?

2 0

mulchee (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:43)

the original bike movies, Pulp Traction, Kranked, Ride to the HIlls and I always liked Leclerc's Back in the Saddle.

2 0

oodboo (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:29)

Are we forgetting ET? Classic scene where that Elliot kid gets some huge air time.

1 0

aireeek (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:46)

To me, the first will always be the best. Vicious Cycle was waaaaaaaaay ahead of its time, and is still enjoyable to watch today.

1 0

hucksauce (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:43)

Collective has the best camera angles. NWD6 IMO is the best film on the list. The film that started it all for me however was Victims Of Gravity hosted by Bob Roll.

1 0

nathanhughes (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:00)

Superheroes 1 &2
Sprung 3,4,5
New World Disorder 2
Ride to the Hills
Drift 1
Seasons
Tipping Point
...............All mega sick!

1 0

crash21 (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:05)

CHAIN REACTION SERIES!!!! got em all bakc home on VHS, those were - just awesome. old school chase, bourdon shamus march, bender, ect ect guess NWD series if i had to vote

1 0

dhcyc (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:58)

all these movies are special, but since I went into DH racing the biggest impact on me had the Earthed 5, this movie rocks and rolls!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 0

Jo-rides (Nov 25, 2011 at 13:13)

For me, Robbie Bourdon's huge flat 3 in the New World Disorder serie is the best segment ever. It wasn't for that segment, I'd pick Season all the way.

1 0

bikerm (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:03)

Wellll LifeCycles is the Best Movie Ever, so I had to put down Ride to the Hills as my favourite BIKE movie ever.

2 0

fcukingelixire (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:05)

...and Superheros 2-3 and Chain Reaction 2-3-5 and Union & ReUnion

3 0

davidstuartkelly (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:18)

You are a mind reader, superheroes for me...

1 0

loriszekely (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:26)

yeah chain reaction and Match Videozine Issue 4-9..

3 0

PennyFarthingDH (Nov 24, 2011 at 2:23)

seasons no contest

1 0

PennyFarthingDH (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:05)

last section, the fall in whistler and matt hunters bit!

1 0

pommes5 (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:26)

I truely miss VAST in this vote. So I went with Roam, which is my second favourite movie.

2 0

shreddingthegnargnar (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:33)

Ride To the Hills and Barred For Life

2 0

dejohn (Nov 24, 2011 at 4:28)

Where'S THE CIRCUS ? That's my favorite one !

2 0

nsoul (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:26)

Seasons, Follow me, Life Cycles, and Kranked revolve, etc...

2 0

xburt (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:01)

Dirt with JMC and Rob Warner - classic!

1 0

jb1979 (Nov 29, 2011 at 5:14)

I agree Dirt. With the legendary JMC (RIP), it wasnt about massive lines, jumps or tricks. But it totally captured the feeling of riding with your mates. A great feel good film from the mid 90's. Still watch it now as I've transfered the VHS to DVD.
JMC had plenty of style and was a great DH racer. Shame we didn't see him fullfil his potential.

1 0

mybicycle (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:25)

How about Evolve? www.dailymotion.com/video/xp8p4_evolve_sport#from=embed

3 0

chilimess (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:24)

Collective is the best

1 0

swilson669 (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:17)

id have to go with the tipping point, but life cycles is too epic to not mention

1 0

jmenau (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:45)

How about Chain Smoke 2 trailer? Here it is:

www.pinkbike.com/video/120224

1 0

Views (Nov 24, 2011 at 17:59)

Lifecycles! That film just appreciates everything i appreciate when i go for a ride, its pure emotion.

1 0

marco-djer (Nov 24, 2011 at 21:46)

No offense to the others, but I think think big/ people grapher tops them all. dirty dreams and action heroes were epic!

1 0

hoodsta7 (Nov 25, 2011 at 17:02)

By far 'follow me' would be the best MTB movie, my favorite part was when they go to the bike park with Claw and McCaul

1 0

mtbJD (Nov 25, 2011 at 21:27)

any real mountain biker who has been around knows the collective and roam changed how mtb movies were made, FOREVER

1 0

mtbJD (Nov 25, 2011 at 21:28)

i can watch roam over and over. but i just cant with any other vid. its weird

1 0

brianpark FL Editor (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:56)

Damn it, does anyone have the ACTUAL teaser for Ride To The Hills? It was so amazing.

1 0

michael-douven (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:08)

Seasons is still one of my all time favorites. Life cycles second. Oh and the earthed series.

2 0

Averyone (Nov 24, 2011 at 3:00)

Transcontinental: Headliners 2...

2 0

MrJackDeluxe (Nov 24, 2011 at 5:27)

For how long you ve been a strawberry?? hahahhaha

1 0

Mumby (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:59)

looking for full vid of Ride to the Hills, can't find a torrent for it or a digital copy anywhere.

1 0

bandanafree (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:16)

Where's the old MPF films? Hidden Pleasures, Second Coming. Those were wicked old freeride vids!

1 0

joram-adams (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:56)

Is there anywhere you can still buy these films? I want my children to watch these haha

2 0

UncleCliffy (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:00)

RIDE TO THE HILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 0

extention (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:54)

Most of you probably don't remember chainsmoke but it set a benchmark in MTB productions

1 0

sweetonic63 (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:29)

i do see alot of amazing bike movies...but i dont see From The Inside Out...and thats the definition of amazing

1 0

c-rod (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:42)

I think that Suspect should have been up there. Mike Wilson used to rip it!

1 0

c-rod (Nov 24, 2011 at 16:05)

I would have liked to have seen SUSPECT up there, thats a classic, Mike Wilson used to rip it!

1 0

zepequeno FL (Nov 25, 2011 at 8:24)

To me, EARTHED series is the best and particulary Earthed 4 'Death or Glory' the best mountainbike video of all times.

1 0

nouser (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:05)

I'm still waiting for Where the Trail Ends.

2 0

LiamRenaut (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:51)

Seasons all the way

1 0

fredooo (Nov 24, 2011 at 0:13)

missing the best one: building the underground!

2 0

zelovocar (Nov 24, 2011 at 7:44)

NWD 6 for me

1 0

biker379 (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:40)

The Tipping Point!!! Why isn't that up there?

1 0

mtbJD (Nov 25, 2011 at 21:28)

roam gives me the chills every time. its just so well done.

1 0

madbucher (Nov 27, 2011 at 11:00)

And where is WHAT'S NEXT and JIB series? My vote for them!

1 0

steve2210 (Feb 21, 2016 at 17:47)

Anyone have the full version for eastside freeride 1?

3 2

drewboxold (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:54)

Why do people hate on life cycles. it is truly amazing

6 0

karl-burkat FL (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:55)

Who has hated on it? Look at the comments...

2 0

drewboxold (Nov 23, 2011 at 22:58)

i know others already hate. don't know why

4 0

thecarpy (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:36)

It's pretty widely accepted as fantastic.

3 0

Smells (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:44)

If they do hate on lifecycles its just because some people like to hate the best or the most popular, whatever the subject is.

1 0

adamdhr (Nov 24, 2011 at 1:35)

I wouldn't say people hate it, just possibly dislike it or prefer other films, it seems to be more about the filming aspect rather than the riding. I went to the premier and have to admit i was let down, it didn't motivate me to ride, people just like different types of films, for me, i love the clay porter films as it gets the adrenaline flowing and makes me want to go ride. Whereas Life Cycles was a lot more melow and relaxed, which i struggle to connect with as the only time i feel like that is when i'm riding XC and i only do that for training really.

2 0

drewboxold (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:09)

ya thats what the haters said, its more scenery than biking. probably because they're used to other styles of films (clay porter and NWD) and have never seen a film like it before

1 0

virtumedia (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:02)

Moar Collective cuz Moar, and Roam... NWD 4,5,6 too

1 0

slamman (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:19)

WHERES "SHRED"???????????????????????? THE BEST MOVIE OF ALL TIME!

2 0

universe (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:13)

How about Tread?

1 0

universe (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:14)

www.amazon.com/Tread-Keith-Blanding/dp/6305004099

2 0

slamman (Nov 25, 2011 at 0:16)

haha Tread indeed, DOH!!! forgive me for i have sinned

1 0

anastaputra (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:26)

THE STRAWBERRY GIRL......I LOVEEEEDDDD IT

1 0

nwmlarge (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:45)

Love Seasons, best sound track and combo of aspects

2 0

dughead123 (Nov 24, 2011 at 4:24)

No Mud Cows? For shame!

1 2

jyemen (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:23)

depressing to see that life cycles is taking it, worst mtb movie ever, best art/mtb maybe. collective is what got me right away

1 0

kootenaybikes (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:52)

It would seem that your opinion is not shared by the majority. Perhaps it's because film is an art form and you can't make a watchable film without it.

1 0

hillman-hunter (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:43)

or perhaps the majority of voters have not seen earlier movies?

1 0

voltagerider (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:40)

Gotta be Follow Me for meh!

1 0

epavichthesavage (Nov 24, 2011 at 10:49)

Seasons. Love that movie and I still watch it, plus I have it on my ipod.

1 0

kevin267 (Nov 24, 2011 at 12:12)

New world disorder 3 or the collective, it's a tough call

1 0

finnrambo (Nov 24, 2011 at 20:23)

wow cadel evans looks just as gay on a mountain bike as his road bike...

1 0

speedy06 (Nov 27, 2011 at 19:30)

The reason I got into mountain biking was Earthed 3

1 0

dna151 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:29)

good ：）

1 1

lanes (Nov 24, 2011 at 8:01)

for me it was a tie between seasons and 3 minute gaps.

1 1

poniatkys (Nov 24, 2011 at 9:29)

now i will watch Lifecycles for 101th time

1 1

GenaTA (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:15)

for me NWD and Kranked is best thing ever

1 0

gx199 (Nov 28, 2011 at 17:26)

Double Down ;-)

1 0

chettjames (Dec 30, 2011 at 23:20)

good one!! but this list without NSX videos is bullshit!!!

1 1

Gibbons757 (Nov 23, 2011 at 23:10)

NWD, Life Cycles, or Follow Me. Its gotta be one of them.

1 1

FERNANDOXXX (Nov 24, 2011 at 5:07)

is how to choose who is better my mother or father ...

1 0

boulder174 (Nov 24, 2011 at 11:42)

follow me!

1 0

warganicc (Nov 24, 2011 at 13:48)

You can only pick 1.....

1 0

larryssman7 (Nov 24, 2011 at 16:21)

if you press ctrl you can pick the whole collective and anthill series

1 0

Islandbear (Nov 24, 2011 at 14:16)

Barred For Life, Roam!

1 0

rockin-itis (Nov 24, 2011 at 15:21)

Pulp traction