Steve Smith On Evil Bikes
Nov 25, 2008
Source: Evil Bikes and words by Thomas Vanderham
On behalf of Evil Bikes I am stoked to announce the signing of World Cup downhill racer Steve Smith. I first started hearing Steve’s name about 4 or 5 years ago when I was still racing BC and Canada Cups. It was always murmured along with phrases like “the next big Canadian racer” and “has the potential to do well at a world cup level”. This year Steve took big steps to reaching that potential with a break out season, which saw him claim the US Open title, post a 10th place finish at the Andorra world cup, and debut in the film Seasons. As a fellow rider I am excited to have Stevie as a teammate, we have always had a great time hanging together and I like the confident approach he brings to his riding. The generally soft spoken 18 year old usually lets his riding do the talking but I forced him to sit down and answer some questions so that all of you could get to know him better.
On behalf of Evil Bikes I am stoked to announce the signing of World Cup downhill racer Steve Smith. I first started hearing Steve’s name about 4 or 5 years ago when I was still racing BC and Canada Cups. It was always murmured along with phrases like “the next big Canadian racer” and “has the potential to do well at a world cup level”. This year Steve took big steps to reaching that potential with a break out season, which saw him claim the US Open title, post a 10th place finish at the Andorra world cup, and debut in the film Seasons. As a fellow rider I am excited to have Stevie as a teammate, we have always had a great time hanging together and I like the confident approach he brings to his riding. The generally soft spoken 18 year old usually lets his riding do the talking but I forced him to sit down and answer some questions so that all of you could get to know him better.
Stevie, congratulations on your new deal with Evil Bikes. First off, you are from Cassidy, a small town on Vancouver Island, BC. How did you first get into mountain biking?
I started on a bmx doing some races here and there. Then a guy from my local bike shop got me a North Shore Extreme video and I was pumped. I started riding on the mountains and was instantly hooked on how much more terrain I could access. I started taking it seriously after my first race, the BC Cup finals in Hemlock. I won the under 15 category and my time was 2nd in the pro class.
What do you do in Cassidy other than ride your bike?
Not much I ride my bike a lot. I guess when I’m not I go fishing, ride a bit of moto, and maybe even hit the driving range. Cassidy is pretty mellow.
Do you have a specific off-season training regime?
Yes, last winter Red Bull hooked me up with a trainer and a strict program. I’m in the gym 6 days a week mixed in with a bit XC riding.
I hear that you are a wizard on your Blackberry, how many text messages would you say you send a month?
Ahh, probably a couple thousand, I don’t know exactly but it’s a lot.
What is your go-to Subway order?
Haha, I alternate between two subs for the last eight years. Roast Chicken or Italian BMT both on Honey Oat bread, with lots of chipotle sauce, and all the veggies. I’d say I eat Subway four times week.
What are your thoughts on skin suits?
Oh man they are the worst things ever. I only wear one at worlds because you sort of have to, but I get out of it as soon as I can.
This year you were featured in the film Seasons and really were a standout story with your mom shuttling you in the Tracker. People all over the world became familiar with you for the first time, have you noticed any increased attention?
Ya actually, crazy amounts. I had a lot of people recognizing me at events and Id say I get 15 friend requests on facebook everyday. I really enjoy it, its cool to see how many young kids are into the sport these days.
Speaking of the Tracker I hear it has now been retired, what happened?
Touchy subject, we wont go into it.
What is the biggest thing you learned from your first full year racing as a pro?
I’d say I got a lot more comfortable at big races. The experience was huge. I also saw good results from the work I put in during the offseason; you really get out what you put in.
Tell us why you decided to ride for Evil?
A lot of reasons. I am really stoked to ride a good bike so working with Dave Weagle is a big motivation. Gabe Fox is also someone that I’ve been working with for 5 years, and he’s helped me out a lot. I also liked the feel of the company; it’s a small group with a family atmosphere,
so I think it’s a good fit for me.
What are your goals for next year and beyond?
Id like to podium at world cup races. I’m going to work hard in the off-season to try avoid injuries, and of course have fun!
Anyone you would like to thank?
Everyone that has gotten me to this point. Red Bull, Gabe Fox, Matty my mechanic, and of course my Mom for the shuttles.
In 2009 Stevie will once again be racing the full world cup circuit, as well as the US Open, Canadian Nationals, and Crankworks. His new ride will be the Revolt, the first downhill bike from Evil, featuring the DELTA System by Dave Weagle. For updates on Stevie and Evil Bikes, visit evil-bikes.com
Photo by jpilot.pinkbike.com/
I started on a bmx doing some races here and there. Then a guy from my local bike shop got me a North Shore Extreme video and I was pumped. I started riding on the mountains and was instantly hooked on how much more terrain I could access. I started taking it seriously after my first race, the BC Cup finals in Hemlock. I won the under 15 category and my time was 2nd in the pro class.
What do you do in Cassidy other than ride your bike?
Not much I ride my bike a lot. I guess when I’m not I go fishing, ride a bit of moto, and maybe even hit the driving range. Cassidy is pretty mellow.
Do you have a specific off-season training regime?
Yes, last winter Red Bull hooked me up with a trainer and a strict program. I’m in the gym 6 days a week mixed in with a bit XC riding.
I hear that you are a wizard on your Blackberry, how many text messages would you say you send a month?
Ahh, probably a couple thousand, I don’t know exactly but it’s a lot.
What is your go-to Subway order?
Haha, I alternate between two subs for the last eight years. Roast Chicken or Italian BMT both on Honey Oat bread, with lots of chipotle sauce, and all the veggies. I’d say I eat Subway four times week.
What are your thoughts on skin suits?
Oh man they are the worst things ever. I only wear one at worlds because you sort of have to, but I get out of it as soon as I can.
This year you were featured in the film Seasons and really were a standout story with your mom shuttling you in the Tracker. People all over the world became familiar with you for the first time, have you noticed any increased attention?
Ya actually, crazy amounts. I had a lot of people recognizing me at events and Id say I get 15 friend requests on facebook everyday. I really enjoy it, its cool to see how many young kids are into the sport these days.
Speaking of the Tracker I hear it has now been retired, what happened?
Touchy subject, we wont go into it.
What is the biggest thing you learned from your first full year racing as a pro?
I’d say I got a lot more comfortable at big races. The experience was huge. I also saw good results from the work I put in during the offseason; you really get out what you put in.
Tell us why you decided to ride for Evil?
A lot of reasons. I am really stoked to ride a good bike so working with Dave Weagle is a big motivation. Gabe Fox is also someone that I’ve been working with for 5 years, and he’s helped me out a lot. I also liked the feel of the company; it’s a small group with a family atmosphere,
so I think it’s a good fit for me.
What are your goals for next year and beyond?
Id like to podium at world cup races. I’m going to work hard in the off-season to try avoid injuries, and of course have fun!
Anyone you would like to thank?
Everyone that has gotten me to this point. Red Bull, Gabe Fox, Matty my mechanic, and of course my Mom for the shuttles.
In 2009 Stevie will once again be racing the full world cup circuit, as well as the US Open, Canadian Nationals, and Crankworks. His new ride will be the Revolt, the first downhill bike from Evil, featuring the DELTA System by Dave Weagle. For updates on Stevie and Evil Bikes, visit evil-bikes.com
Photo by jpilot.pinkbike.com/
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78 Comments
- + 1
pgripper
(Nov 25, 2008 at 16:58)
souns sick
[Reply]
no offense, but in my opinion thats kinda lame, could have gotten a way better company in terms of more then one decent frame for riding
So what makes a good company is more than one frame...didnt know that? Hmmmm shall we introduce you to Dave Weagle? So what you're saying is you have to sell everything from $200 hardtails to full on DH bikes to be considered "way better"?
Trust me Stevie will come up with a frame for DJ if he needs to...oh wait Evil probably still has some of those as well
Trust me Stevie will come up with a frame for DJ if he needs to...oh wait Evil probably still has some of those as well
Evil has six frames slated to come out in 09. To quote Ska Todd from Ridemonkey (who works for Evil, which has been around for 7 years or so):
"Some quick info and back to work for me...
Evil = Kevin, Gabe, & I at the core right now, plus a couple contracted people working on particular facets of engineering, production co-ordination, etc.
Evil is based in Seattle. Gabe lives in N Van. I live in the NYC burbs.
Production at this time is being split between US and Taiwan. I'll be in Taiwan again next week in fact.
Expected product launches for 09 year include the Revolt (203mm DH), Division (160mm All Mtn), Sect (140mm trail) as well as a Sovereign w/ some geom tweaks and more sizes, an alloy all mtn hardtail, a new jump bike named Faction, and a city/urban 700c bike.
We're not rushing anything to market or the public eye. When things are ready they'll be released. What is on the site now is to whet the palate a bit. Sorry if that sounds like I'm teasing...maybe it is ...but we're not doing this the status-quo. It's somewhat bike industry 2.0 if you will.
-ska todd"
"Some quick info and back to work for me...
Evil = Kevin, Gabe, & I at the core right now, plus a couple contracted people working on particular facets of engineering, production co-ordination, etc.
Evil is based in Seattle. Gabe lives in N Van. I live in the NYC burbs.
Production at this time is being split between US and Taiwan. I'll be in Taiwan again next week in fact.
Expected product launches for 09 year include the Revolt (203mm DH), Division (160mm All Mtn), Sect (140mm trail) as well as a Sovereign w/ some geom tweaks and more sizes, an alloy all mtn hardtail, a new jump bike named Faction, and a city/urban 700c bike.
We're not rushing anything to market or the public eye. When things are ready they'll be released. What is on the site now is to whet the palate a bit. Sorry if that sounds like I'm teasing...maybe it is ...but we're not doing this the status-quo. It's somewhat bike industry 2.0 if you will.
-ska todd"
They could have,
however in the interview it says that Gabe has left Cove for Evil, and Gabe basically gave Steve his wings, so Steve was loyal and followed him.
however in the interview it says that Gabe has left Cove for Evil, and Gabe basically gave Steve his wings, so Steve was loyal and followed him.
Yeah,
Ballaholic, the new Evil bike is AMAZING looking, and they are working with Dave Weagle (DW-Link) to help build a race ready bike.
The new Evil bike will be revolutionary.
Ballaholic, the new Evil bike is AMAZING looking, and they are working with Dave Weagle (DW-Link) to help build a race ready bike.
The new Evil bike will be revolutionary.
haha to young? ive been arouns longre than you think dickwad
he still would of done better on cove trust me.
i heard this news before any of you f*gs on the internet so i think i know a bit more than you asswhipes
he still would of done better on cove trust me.
i heard this news before any of you f*gs on the internet so i think i know a bit more than you asswhipes
[Reply]
"His new ride will be the Revolt, the first downhill bike from Evil, featuring the DELTA System by Dave Weagle. For updates on Stevie and Evil Bikes, visit evil-bikes.com"
In case you didnt see that...
In case you didnt see that...
evil is not new they went bust and have only just started making frames again, there is more than one type of evil frame out there
yes it's called common sence, of which you have none of!
Evil only have one frame out? do your research before you make retarded comments like that.
New company? seriously just because you have never heard of them doesn't make them new...
pre-pubesant moron
Anyway, Evil are a great company, and it would be good to see them on the world cup circuit.
hope steve does well
Evil only have one frame out? do your research before you make retarded comments like that.
New company? seriously just because you have never heard of them doesn't make them new...
pre-pubesant moron
Anyway, Evil are a great company, and it would be good to see them on the world cup circuit.
hope steve does well
wow, what is ur problem where just talking here, yes maybe i should do `` research`` but u should maybe take so anger management classes, how to take thing so personal by mmmmmmsexualp1, which by the way makes no sense and is the gayest name iv seen. So My bad, but i still think Cove is better.
so good luck to steve smith on his new bike, and for duschbag mmmmmmsexualp1, well maybe keep ur non needed comments to ur self next time cuz we arent here to fight and to throw stupid comments.
Cheers
so good luck to steve smith on his new bike, and for duschbag mmmmmmsexualp1, well maybe keep ur non needed comments to ur self next time cuz we arent here to fight and to throw stupid comments.
Cheers
"we arent here to fight and to throw stupid comments."
"the f*ck, why would u leave cove, for a new company like evil??"
"its new enough for them to only have one frame out, its called common sense."
contradiction much?
and there is nothing wrong with my anger, it's healthy to let it out on small bursts
(as for calling me a duschbag, twat yes, c*nt yes, mother f*cker yes but duschbag? it's not even a word let alone insult)
"the f*ck, why would u leave cove, for a new company like evil??"
"its new enough for them to only have one frame out, its called common sense."
contradiction much?
and there is nothing wrong with my anger, it's healthy to let it out on small bursts
(as for calling me a duschbag, twat yes, c*nt yes, mother f*cker yes but duschbag? it's not even a word let alone insult)
i love you steave your my idol but im not sure about this whole evil thing its just gunna be very different! not the same steave smith
C'mon man, you sound like your in a soap opera.... Evil is pure innovation and Steve will take it to the next level!
kind of like no one can see hill on a specialized right?.. who gives a f*ck what bike he rides. let's care about the results he puts out.
[Reply]
haha your welcome, I hope you've check out my other ones of riders at crankworx, i got a good one of cedric gracia and he even put it on his own website, i met him and i showed him the pic and he loved it so he told me to send it haha
Booo! I work for Cove USA and this news is terrible!! Have fun testing bikes for 2 years before anything gets to the market......
Tell those guys up in Canada to get their act together and maybe pay their athletes something.... then maybe they'll be able to keep their talent!
I hear ya. At least the loyal Cove riders know the truth. I'm sad ever since Gule left.....I'm under the impression Gabe is at Evil from reading this........I wonder what's going on up North.
[Reply]
good for evil bad for cove, to be honest i was a little bit dissapointed when i saw this. im sure he is going to have a awsome season though in 2009, looking forward to it!
[Reply]
The REVOLT looks like a Commemcal. Another copy cat. I like th old hardtail Evil Imperial that's what I call "ORIGINALITY".
Cant wait to see him killing it in races with Evil. Canadian boys gotta get their names out in the big league!
As well you should be man! I'm just as excited to get a look at the finished bike and we're tryin to get them for retail in our store next summer...fingers crossed.
[Reply]
Evil has worked in conjunction with Dave Weagle, the owner, and creator of the DW Link.
Evil actually uses a Delta system, which Dave also developed.
Evil actually uses a Delta system, which Dave also developed.
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