Theo Erlangsen at Late Harvest in Paarl, South Africa - photo by ericpalmer

+ 421

rorymorrison (Feb 4, 2012 at 9:16)

I was gonna be a photographer... but then I took a handle bar to the forehead

+ 17

robinkitchin (Feb 4, 2012 at 10:53)

Boom!

+ 52

thekandyman (Feb 4, 2012 at 11:30)

I got hit head on by a bike. I still take photo's, just further from the tracks.

- 54

THMorandi (Feb 4, 2012 at 11:50) (Below Threshold) show comment

You can't just leave bike stuff that easy, a handle bar in the head is like nothing!

- 94

coltybear15 (Feb 6, 2012 at 22:03) (Below Threshold) show comment

does anyone else notice his brakes are backwards? (Right lever-front brake and vice versa)

+ 8

reillykintzele (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:04)

this is definitely one of my favorite pictures you've taken, Eric. well done

+ 5

Draggon (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:08)

Pure action shot right here, awesome!

+ 57

Taane (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:13)

@coltybear15 there not backwards, usa isnt the only place people ride bikes with brakes. South Africans (if he is a local) must ride left brake back brake like in nz.

- 90

peesh (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:16) (Below Threshold) show comment

calm down dude

+ 80

Taane (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:19)

i didnt think i sounded not calm :L

- 36

ZzzzingZing (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:42) (Below Threshold) show comment

Front brake lever on the right (vs left) is a moto habit that seems to be carried over pretty frequently. Left lever is normally a clutch. who uses rear brakes anyway? I think people ride motorcycles in most countries.

+ 7

bendikph (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:54)

handlebar didn't hit your fish lens so you will be just fine

+ 64

DirtboxTom (Feb 7, 2012 at 1:04)

@coltybear15: This is the standard format for British riders/bikes too.

+ 7

Caiokv (Feb 7, 2012 at 3:07)

This inverted brake thing is very weird, here in Brazil we ride like most people, but I bought a bike in the UK, and when I was test driving it I didnt notice the brakes...
I just looked like a toddler riding! lol

+ 30

timfrancis (Feb 7, 2012 at 5:11)

@coltybear15: it also makes us go faster with our brakes this way round Razz

+ 1

martysmith666 (Feb 7, 2012 at 5:41)

@rorymorrison loving the joke buddy

+ 23

wesdadude (Feb 7, 2012 at 5:46)

Just to clear everything up, it is you Americans who have the brake levers on the wrong sides of your bars. The rest of the world has it right.

+ 26

scott-townes (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:28)

Just to clear everything up, Americans are heavily credited with starting mountain biking so by laws of firsties, we have it right and the rest of the world has it wrong. Wink

+ 35

TheLou94 (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:53)

There's this thing called personal preference... 2 cents

+ 11

bigburd (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:58)

But you did not invent the bycycle nor the brake Smile

+ 13

ercover (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:02)

Does it really matter? I have my rear brake on the right. Deal with it. There are different countries, different people and different tastes. Like TheLou94 said it's all about your personal preference. Peace out!
Great picture by the way!

+ 31

ericpalmer (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:05)

Thanks guys, glad everyone is enjoying the shot, but I don't like where this is going.
If you want to carry on about how you like your breaks, please do it in a forum.
Thanks! tup

+ 1

TheLou94 (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:16)

I'll admit to being a but hypocritical in my comment actually, since right now I'm not running any brakes. But to get this back on topic, I think I've found a new desktop background!

+ 1

MiloXC3 (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:28)

Awesome shot! Major roost!

+ 20

coltybear15 (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:36)

Then why did I get negative propped so much? Frown

I'm just a dumb American obviously, take it easy on me guys.

+ 5

bigburd (Feb 7, 2012 at 11:02)

Nothing wrong with a bit of banter but too many people are far from sublte Razz

+ 1

CactusChris (Feb 7, 2012 at 11:56)

You people make me cringe, its a great shot. Who gives a sheet how he runs his brakes. Now that being said, get off your computer and do something constructive. Cheers

+ 0

AnDyJMTB (Feb 7, 2012 at 14:06)

Can i just say...
The bike was supposed to have been invented by Scottish blacksmith Kirkpatrick MacMillan in 1839.
Well, he was the first to invent one with actual drive train.

Just sayin Wink

+ 2

JesseBMXs (Feb 7, 2012 at 19:08)

BOSS

+ 7

wcjrush (Feb 7, 2012 at 20:08)

Rippin photo brother! How ever the brake conversation is very pointless. As far as I'm concerned if I pull a brake lever it better slow me down.

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+ 50

obee1 Plus (Feb 4, 2012 at 10:18)

this is the kind of photo i like to show to coworkers when i explain to them why i spend so much money on riding bikes. i usually do it while playing motorhead, and i say "f*ck yeah' and "braap" a lot during the conversation. they get it, or else the conversation ends quickly. win win either way.
cheers eric. another nugget.

+ 2

jamezyo (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:30)

i concour!

+ 1

lmbngtracer7975 (Feb 7, 2012 at 13:24)

soo moto!

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+ 18

scratchbum (Feb 7, 2012 at 4:35)

Right hand lever for front brake is how bikes have been since day one sir walter raleigh and Rover's first chain driven bike blah blah.
The reason different countries use different set-ups is due to which side of the road you ride so as to have most control when turning into oncoming traffic and indicating. Simple but not widely known.

+ 1

Angryham (Feb 7, 2012 at 10:08)

wowsers

+ 5

Kmac17 (Feb 7, 2012 at 19:39)

It actually does make sense. americans aren't stupid, we just aren't smart Smile

+ 2

kramster (Feb 7, 2012 at 22:47)

Right you are sir. When I was a kid, the cops came to our school to talk about road rules and safety (in Australia). The cops said its illegal to sell a bike with the brakes any other way than left rear, so that you can do a stop signal with your right hand whilst on the left side of the road. Supposedly they could even ticket your bike as not road worthy if you rock the back on the right. It's got nothing to do with moto or anything other than that's how the bike was when they first got on it. And since all I had as a kid was a coaster brake and I got my first MTB in Canada, I always run the back on the right for no other reason than that's where it was when I got it.

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+ 13

gavlaa (Feb 4, 2012 at 9:42)

If that doesn't make POD i'll eat my hat. Ridiculously good.

+ 13

gavlaa (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:46)

My hat is safe. Palmer is a POD machine.

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+ 5

Russell1994 (Feb 4, 2012 at 13:59)

I love downhill. I love South Africa. Looking at a picture like this when it's really cold and snowing outside is not fun Frown

....... But sick picture all the same Salute

+ 5

Jamesb15uk (Feb 7, 2012 at 4:35)

True. But dont let it stop you getting out there! Big Grin

+ 2

Angryham (Feb 7, 2012 at 10:09)

its cold in england?

+ 1

Russell1994 (Feb 7, 2012 at 13:38)

Haha, it is a wee bit nippy, but living on the South coast we haven't really got a patch on you hardy Scots! Probably out riding the snow in t-shirt and shorts, while our snow ride was in full ski stuff Razz

+ 2

OwenL67 (Feb 7, 2012 at 16:45)

Im in fort william and the only snow we have is at 900m so plenty riding to be done here! bit nippy though!!

+ 1

Russell1994 (Feb 8, 2012 at 14:03)

Hahah, the highest we went up one of the hills was 217m, overlooks the Channel and we had loads of snow up there, especially where the snow had drifted! Makes riding sketchy but in a fun way Big Grin

+ 1

Angryham (Feb 9, 2012 at 11:12)

oh we were going to go skiing at the weekend at avimore, is there enough to ski?

+ 1

Russell1994 (Feb 10, 2012 at 13:26)

I'm sure you'll be fine bud Razz

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+ 1

wildwood (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:04)

You guys need to get on Vital MTB more often...you're a few days too late. This is their "Daily Shot" for last Sunday. I enjoy both sites btw but I think you can do better here regarding duplicate content such as PODs. Sick shot!!

+ 1

jonnydh (Feb 7, 2012 at 17:47)

I knew this looked familiar... good call. Not sure if it's fair to hate on pinkbike for using the same pick as POD although it does seem a little lame. But then again Vital kinda bit their "Daily Shot" idea from PB. Such a sick photo!!

+ 1

wildwood (Feb 8, 2012 at 0:28)

Not trying to hate. I love Pinkbike. But this isn't the first time I have noticed this and this time it was within just a couple of days so I piped up, it does seem lame. Oh well, life will go on and he gets more exposure for his photo!

+ 1

ericpalmer (Feb 8, 2012 at 0:48)

haha, yeah, I was about to say that I'm not complaining!

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+ 3

stefanb (Feb 7, 2012 at 4:50)

Nice to see its taken on a D70 also...proves you don't need the latest and greatest gear (although the lens is worth 3x the body is)

+ 6

ericpalmer (Feb 7, 2012 at 5:27)

when the body was new it cost the same as the lens, not any more though. haha Photo gear makes the photographer as much as a bike makes the rider...

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+ 4

izzbomb (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:54)

Seriously arguing over brake positions? I just pull it and i stop? Douche

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+ 3

demonskater94 (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:51)

one of my favourite in a while... not that the others are crap, just like shots like this. Smile

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+ 1

Ravi-Mander (Mar 1, 2012 at 4:11)

"coltybear15 (Feb 6, 2012 at 22:03) (Below Threshold) show comment
does anyone else notice his brakes are backwards? (Right lever-front brake and vice versa)"

... Does anyone really care Big Grin

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+ 3

jason-kimmings (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:32)

nice. this is going in the favourites Smile

keep up the good work

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+ 2

metalarc (Feb 7, 2012 at 9:36)

to the photographers that are getting hurt or hit by bikes, Just wear protection like the bikers do???

+ 1

Jamesb15uk (Feb 8, 2012 at 2:00)

Dude I think they were being sarcastic. (as in thats how close he is to the bike..)

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+ 3

luap (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:43)

Now that's how you use a fisheye!

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+ 1

ButtonPusher (Feb 7, 2012 at 13:34)

You know you've shot a perfectly executed DH shot when you can see what type of cranks he's using... any closer and we'd know the length of them... Great Shot man..!

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+ 3

Finn34 (Feb 7, 2012 at 2:35)

POM.... i'd say it's the best picture on pinkbike

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+ 2

stuflair (Feb 7, 2012 at 16:26)

Such an amazing shot, new desktop background done !! Focus on the shot people not his break set up!!

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+ 2

Id-rather-b-ridin (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:56)

Best POD in ages, MINT!!!

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+ 2

arnaudli77 (Feb 7, 2012 at 12:27)

Like your "Fish style" man!

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+ 1

NapoleonDynamite (Mar 2, 2012 at 21:57)

Did he stick this turn? everytime i've had the bike like that i've eaten dirt.

+ 2

ericpalmer (Mar 3, 2012 at 0:50)

Yeah, perfect every time.

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+ 1

dirty-fecker (Mar 2, 2012 at 0:18)

Ohh !! I love this ! This one I want to hang on the wall in Poster size !!

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+ 1

bradystoff (Feb 25, 2012 at 14:16)

this is a good one ballsy positioning to get the shot but pod worthy non the less great shop me lickey

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+ 1

y9pema (Feb 7, 2012 at 15:53)

Look at the rear shock getting worked!!! yeah RS! stick that in yer fox hole and stroke it

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+ 3

DIRTESANCHEZ433 (Feb 7, 2012 at 12:35)

overkill with gear

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+ 2

matbar20 (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:47)

That belongs in the Giant Bikes catalogue!
http://www.bikefat.com/

+ 2

bryantaber (Feb 7, 2012 at 14:04)

F*ckin RIGHT. I am thinking about getting a new DH frame for 2012. I love my AM Reign and my Session 88. So I just need some time to sort it out. THEN I see this, I know it's just a pic but .... it makes an impact.

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+ 3

Laurence-CE (Feb 5, 2012 at 3:56)

Yes Eric! Score.

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+ 1

Larkey1 (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:04)

ythat i the brst pic ecver

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+ 0

Nickstewart2612 (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:39)

if you think thats close and loose then look at this.....http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/7675221/

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+ 1

grammyx (Feb 7, 2012 at 7:53)

..yea i like glory !!! ha ha dp1

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+ 1

blackpegasus (Feb 4, 2012 at 13:46)

POD........................

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+ 1

SoxBayMTB (Feb 8, 2012 at 19:55)

Straight dropped the clutch!

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+ 2

marzocchi170 (Feb 8, 2012 at 8:40)

POD!

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+ 2

davidson24 (Feb 4, 2012 at 14:37)

did someone say POD?

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+ 1

ahurst95 (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:49)

one of my favourite POD's ever dude. keep up the good work

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+ 1

DanieleCugnetto (Feb 7, 2012 at 9:52)

Sbraaaammmmm !!!! Bellissima !!!

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+ 1

mtb6969101267 (Feb 7, 2012 at 14:41)

That is the meaning of the term wiide f*cking open LOL

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+ 1

deathmetaldownhill (Feb 7, 2012 at 15:06)

That is fooooooooookin' EPIC!

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+ 2

dirtyamerican (Feb 7, 2012 at 18:35)

Brapppp!!

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+ 1

Diegs (Feb 7, 2012 at 19:04)

@rorymorrison, best comment ever

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+ 2

voltagerider Plus (Feb 7, 2012 at 13:08)

My bike!

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+ 2

bradwalton Plus (Feb 7, 2012 at 10:04)

yeah Eric!

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+ 1

thewelshmtbstig (Feb 7, 2012 at 11:50)

his brakes aint backwards

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+ 1

jack21 (Feb 9, 2012 at 10:56)

Tidy boxer forks (ur skiffig the ground ) Smile

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+ 1

scatology (Feb 4, 2012 at 17:17)

POW!!! Picture of the week. xD

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+ 1

davidstuartkelly (Feb 5, 2012 at 9:35)

Its all nice, going to be a future POD i reckon.....

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+ 1

drstepi (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:27)

Thumbs up for Eric ince again.

+ 8

Daniel2011 (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:41)

i was gonna make a handle bar to the head joke, then i got laid

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+ 2

crossey9 (Feb 7, 2012 at 5:15)

so sick!

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+ 1

HardingO (Feb 4, 2012 at 9:33)

Such an epic picture! POD for definite!

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+ 1

stevenmorrow (Feb 6, 2012 at 9:03)

Fantastic shot. Worth getting roasted then?

+ 0

chrisbarney (Feb 7, 2012 at 3:43)

Feels like summer to me!

+ 1

ericpalmer (Feb 7, 2012 at 5:23)

sunburn has never been this worth it! haha

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+ 2

nasha (Mar 2, 2012 at 10:00)

Look at that shock!

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+ 1

fecska (Feb 7, 2012 at 1:51)

I always like when your rear wheels lose in the dust... Wink

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+ 1

mcarswell (Mar 1, 2012 at 5:03)

braaappppp! sick nasty dirty with it

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+ 2

stepupcycles (Feb 22, 2012 at 15:49)

awesome picture!

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+ 2

tom-towers (Feb 4, 2012 at 10:05)

soo sick man!

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+ 2

phunkt Plus (Feb 5, 2012 at 3:07)

sweet

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+ 1

mtb6969101267 (Feb 7, 2012 at 18:06)

Very very nice whoo whoo

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+ 1

elbry (Feb 4, 2012 at 9:21)

pod shot

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+ 1

dharon95 (Apr 9, 2012 at 4:02)

Sick this deserves POD!

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+ 1

CarloArnone (Apr 7, 2012 at 2:26)

Top photo man

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+ 1

Dunerider67 (Apr 3, 2012 at 0:37)

POD!!!

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+ 1

general4 (Feb 7, 2012 at 19:09)

giant 3

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+ 1

shishka (Feb 7, 2012 at 19:43)

nice giant commercial

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+ 1

ccvl Plus (Feb 4, 2012 at 10:09)

Magic....

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+ 1

nico100 (Feb 10, 2012 at 18:10)

PODski

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+ 1

micahs504 (Feb 7, 2012 at 22:08)

so sick

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+ 1

rideredallay (Feb 7, 2012 at 21:42)

mobbin it deep

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+ 1

TotoGiant36 (Mar 2, 2012 at 8:58)

Geezas! Siiick!

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+ 1

iBikeSA95 (Feb 7, 2012 at 20:16)

Braaaap

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+ 1

thewelshmtbstig (Feb 7, 2012 at 11:47)

mypod

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+ 1

GermanyFreeride (Feb 7, 2012 at 4:50)

yeah!

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+ 1

AAAustin (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:42)

MAESTRO!!!

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+ 1

Jean-dirt (Feb 4, 2012 at 10:30)

Amazing shot Eric!

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+ 1

ScaryGerry (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:53)

Wow awesome...

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+ 1

noahgrandry (Feb 7, 2012 at 3:04)

nice picter

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+ 1

KempeleenPoika (Feb 5, 2012 at 4:07)

pod

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+ 1

Pedro5DH (Feb 5, 2012 at 7:29)

Amazing shot! POD

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+ 0

carbonlite (Feb 5, 2012 at 8:16)

this is why fisheye was invented

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+ 1

downhilltoavenged7x (Feb 6, 2012 at 2:23)

New background!

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+ 0

gooserides (Feb 4, 2012 at 13:31)

So siiick! This has to the best image of you yet!!! Big Grin

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+ 1

MTLhucker (Feb 7, 2012 at 6:43)

WAAP!

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+ 1

Canonboy (Feb 4, 2012 at 11:43)

Sick shot Eric

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+ 1

bambus1946 (Feb 5, 2012 at 6:04)

POD . Giant MMMM Big Grin

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+ 1

desert-fox (Feb 4, 2012 at 11:33)

POD!!!!!!!!!!

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+ 1

rlucky82 (Feb 7, 2012 at 15:46)

FANTASTIC

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+ 0

VinceVanGogh (Feb 7, 2012 at 8:50)

SICKK!

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+ 0

Tehran-Rider (Feb 7, 2012 at 13:23)

nice bike

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- 2

igottaride (Feb 4, 2012 at 11:36)

picture of le day

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- 3

danyul (Feb 4, 2012 at 12:25)

soooo sick! love it.

Your logo "bar" is slightly distracting though

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- 2

hellproof (Feb 4, 2012 at 23:30)

Sick Mr. E!!! Keep snappin!

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- 1

DHnewboy (Feb 5, 2012 at 9:10)

this better get POD!

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- 1

sefi (Feb 4, 2012 at 9:53)

POD!

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- 2

BOOBINATION (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:13)

"I don't always ride bikes but when I do I burm like a boss"

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- 2

SHARK555 Plus (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:03)

you can take your finger off the front brake, mr. steez.

+ 9

Draggon (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:06)

Mr Steez can do whatever he wants.

+ 4

scrippsranchDJ (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:06)

Did you care to check where the brake cable goes?

+ 2

Draggon (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:10)

Technically he's not wrong.......both fingers on both brakes.

- 1

SHARK555 Plus (Feb 7, 2012 at 1:46)

yup, Mr. Steez does do what ever, even rides with inverted controls, that mad man.

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- 1

airsoftesneeto (Feb 7, 2012 at 0:15)

WOW

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170 Comments