Greg Watts In The Off Season

Greg Watts has become one of the most premier riders in MTB slopestyle. From winning the 2008 VW Trick Showdown with a flip whip off the huge Kokanee kicker, to taking home the 2009 Crankworx Slopestyle Gold with an unbelievable run. Most recently he's joined Haro's Team, and is having an awesome off season, Greg is one to watch for in 2010. I had some time to meet up with Greg for a few days and got a good look at his slope bike, spent some time with him riding his new hardtail, the Haro Thresh, and asked him a few questions to see what's been going on and how things are looking for 2010.

Check inside to read more on Greg and his 2010 season...

This year Greg will be on Haro's slope bike, the Haro Porter. The Porter is covered in beer logos from actual home-brewed beer from rider Eric Porter, giving the bike a very cool and fun look. Greg will be running all kinds of sick parts from SRAM, Easton, SDG and Gamut to make the bike weigh in at around 31 lbs.



The Specs

Frame and Size	2010 Haro Porter frame
Rear Shock	RockShox Monarch
Fork	RockShox Lyric
Crankarms	Truvativ Holzfeller OCT cranks (165mm)
Chainring	Gamut 36T
Bottom Bracket	Truvativ
Chain	SRAM
Cassette	SRAM
Rear Derailleur	SRAM X.0
Shifters	SRAM X.0
Handlebar	Truvativ
Stem	Truvativ
Grips	ODI Ruffian
Brakes	Avid Elixir CR
Front Wheel	Easton Havok •20 mm thru-axle
Rear Wheel	Easton Havok •10 x 135 mm
Saddle	SDG Patriot, I-Beam
Seatpost	SDG I-Beam
Extras	Gamut P-30 Guide

I asked Greg a few Questions for you guys to see what he has been up to and how he is liking his new Haro bikes!


What's up Greg? Thanks for spending some time with us. After being on Haro for a few months now, how are you liking the bikes and do you see a big future with the company?
I absolutely love the bikes! The Thread is a perfect dirt jump bike, and the Porter rides super good too. Perfect for bigger jumps and drops, as well as a good trail bike. They have everything to fit all styles of my riding. I think I'm gonna be with Haro for a long time. The people that run the company are really cool, and they focus more on the freeride aspect of mountain biking than any other company.


I know that you are about to get very busy traveling to all sorts of events and filming for upcoming movies. Can you list your crazy schedule for the next couple of months? At least list the major events we can plan to see you at.
Well, the season seems to start earlier every year. When I'm not out at a contest or an event, I am riding in town, building new stunts, and filming for Barred for Life 2, as well as numerous photo shoots. The main contests I'm going to this year are Jamie Goldman's jump jam, a bike expo/ slopestyle comp in Germany in May, Teva Mountain Games, Claymore Challenge, Crankworx Colorado, Crankworx Whistler, Rampage, Interbike, and I'm also teaching at the Camp of Champions for a week in Whistler.


How was your training in the off season this year? What have you been doing besides a ton of riding to get ready for the 2010 season?
The riding scene in Santa Cruz is bigger than ever, so we have a choice of a dozen good riding spots to choose from at any given time. I've also been hitting the gym a lot lately to lose some baby fat, and to get in shape for some upcoming contests.


Give a shout out to your sponsors!
I'd like to thank all of my sponsors for helping me out this year!
-Haro Bikes
-Rockstar Energy Drinks
-Giro Helmets and Eyewear
-Easton Wheels
-SRAM - Truvativ, Avid and RockShox
-Kenda Tires
-Gamut USA
-Sombrio Clothing
-Five Ten Shoes, and any others I may have forgot!


With the season right around the corner, Watts sounds like he is ready. If we were in Vegas and we could bet, I would place money on Watts. Good luck this year Watts!

-Justin Brantley
And thanks to Borrowlenses.com for helping me with my gear.