Pinkbike Poll: Do You Feel Influenced by the Pros?

Jul 8, 2014 at 22:34
by Mike Levy  
There's a commercial making the rounds right now from Coca-Cola that starts off with a group of young boys kicking a football around before accidentally letting it roll out of their sight. It then cuts to the same group running through a number of different neighborhoods around the world (the children posses the ability to teleport, as does the ball, presumably) while chasing the ball, stopping every now and then to sip an ice cold and obviously very refreshing bottle of Coke before carrying on. The company is a sponsor of this year's World Cup tournament, which explains the football bit and heavy rotation on all 7,000 useless channels, but I simply fail to see the connection. Call me practical and old fashioned, but it's a horrible commercial that shouldn't make anyone want to purchase a Coke, no matter how much they like football. Will I instantly attain the carefree attitude of a fourteen year old boy chasing a football through what looks to be Turkey, Japan, and somewhere in Europe before ending in Brazil simply because I took a big swig of carbonated water and sugar? I'm well aware that it's more of a subconscious approach on their part, but I'd like to think that I'm not that dumb, and that I know drinking a Coke will do nothing more than satisfy my sweet tooth and probably give me a bit of gas. Coca-Cola and all their marketing might have come up short on me, I'm afraid, but I got to thinking and it seems that I'm likely an easier target when it comes to our chosen sport. I don't think I'm alone, though.

If there was ever a time to call a Bros-amapalooza party it would be tonight in Fort William. Monster gets the chicks .

Brosnan and Hill celebrate a successful Fort William World Cup by drinking a few ice cold and amazingly refreshing Monsters. At least we're a long way off from those horribly scripted podium speeches that you see in Supercross.


There's a pretty good chance that you might follow the competitive side of our sport, even if it's only by glancing at the results from the most recent World Cup or skimming through a widescreen photo essay of the race here on Pinkbike. Or maybe you'd rather watch Semenuk, Messere and Sam Pilgrim get judged as they make their way down a course filled with super booters and step downs. It's also likely that the majority of us would rather be riding our own bikes than watching someone else ride theirs, no matter how good they are, but isn't there just something awesome about watching the best in the world go to work that gets you fired up? I know that it has that exact effect on me, and I'm usually itching to get out as soon as I'm done watching the live race coverage or replay. I've also started to wonder how watching our favourite riders - heroes to some, even - might come into play when it's time to throw down some cash on a new bike or piece of gear. Does Steve Smith winning on a Wilson leave you thinking that it's the bike for you? Are you more likely to dream about a new Gambler after watching Brendan Fairclough put his own into impossible positions on the trail? Semenuk's antics got you craving your own Ticket S?

Devinci, Scott, Trek and every other company who have invested in racing, slopestyle, or nearly any sort of high-level sponsorship all hope that you'll be influenced by the athletes on their bikes, by the clothing that they're wearing, and even by whatever fizzy pop logo they have on their helmet. And while many like to think that we're immune to such tactics, even the most steely of us are being drawn in ever so slightly by the marketing tractor pull tugging us towards whatever's new for this year. After all, it costs big bucks to sponsor a top racer or freerider, and even the dimmest of lightbulbs out there knows that sponsors expect a return on their investment. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that, mind you, because that's how the world goes 'round, bills get paid, and things get done, but it's also a fact that should be stored away until the moment you find yourself lusting after the latest and greatest bit of kit.




Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

262 Comments
  • 256 4
 I buy what works. If it happens to be used by a pro, great. Forums, word of mouth and personal experience are what drives me to make my purchases.
  • 30 2
 ^ thank's for sparing my time to write it up, exactly what i do.
  • 6 1
 +1
I definitely look at the pros and the collective use of certain products and how they perform or how they are trusted or how certain riders styles and bikes might suit myself or what I am after. But as for the marketing side of it I don't really care. I will research a product before I buy it and I know that most riders are paid to market their gear. I think pros can be good to see how parts perform and how they suit certain riders or what riders choose specific parts in their contracts but given kit is such a small factor at the top with everyone on top kit you cant choose one part based on a riders results.
  • 7 0
 Very few people can justify spending what it costs to ride what a favorite pro rides these days. I remember there used to be a time not so long ago when a factory team DH bike was pretty well what the pros were riding. New tech comes out so fast now its impossible to keep up even if you wanted to. Thats also aside from the fact that most guys run prototype parts which only team riders have access too.
  • 5 9
flag Rich-Downhill28 (Jul 18, 2014 at 2:29) (Below Threshold)
 If it's good enough for the pro's it's more than good enough for everybody else! They're the best examples of gear/components working as well as they can, if you're already spending a lot on parts and kit, you may as well spend a little bit more to get something better/lighter/nicer/stronger etc.
  • 7 0
 I am in the same boat as you fasian, however I ride the same frame as MAtt Macduff(O1 void in gold) and even though I got it because I love those frames I feel somehow happy inside knowing that we're on the same frame(fangirl moment).

Then we got the other side of the coin I've got a friend who's a bit shortminded and when we're ordering stuff he goes "yo man buy this tires because that's what brandon beggin/Stevie churchill are running right now"
  • 19 2
 I think using the same equipment as the pros means that other people will also expect you to ride like them. I'd rather be someone who shredded on an average bike than I would be one of those people with all the gear and no idea.
  • 9 0
 I look to lay people reviews for durability and functionality of equipment. The only thing I look to the pros for are their bike handling skills. I look to online retailers for deals & free shipping. PB, could you tell online retailers 20% coupon codes are great.
  • 7 8
 Yup. Especially when they get things done with good ol 26er.
  • 37 3
 Gwin went to Specialized so I did too
  • 2 0
 It does open your eyes to see what the pros are riding and maybe a brand of bike I had never thought of before. I was always riding Specialized and then went to a giant and then straight back to specialized. The geometry works for me but the only way. To know what feels right is to do a test ride from you LBS. Forums are great for finding any problems with a product but it's always an opinion and may not be right for you.
  • 4 3
 The way i see it is this. We should all be paid for advertising, We all ride bikes and wear clothes with logo's on them. After all if it's on the market it's more than likely already or soon to have some Pro linked to it. You can always throw the wheel size debate into this , If the Pro's are riding whatever wheel size then you should be too. Isn't that how marketing works ! Bring on the neg props for daring to mention wheel size. You can neg prop me if you're a narrow minded idiot that kisses ass and doesn't like to hear the truth . Let's see how many fall into my devious trap
  • 1 1
 I believe you should ride what compliments your ability. I personally do not see the need to have a top of the line bike if I'm not going to put it to good use. I think someone else mentioned this already but if you roll up to the bike park with a brand new carbon wilson and ride like its your first time on a bike ever, you're gonna be judged and look sort of like an asshole but if your shredding hard all the time and breaking parts constantly maybe its a good investment and you should pay attention to what top level riders are using.
  • 3 0
 @joshxlittle



I agree to a certain degree but Pro's get paid to advertise crap as well. Granted it may not do you're rep much good but you gotta feed the kids and pay the bills. You are probably just as well off looking at weekend racers that don't get kit thrown at them to see what lasts and what doesn't. But here's the kicker "They look at what the Pro's are using just as much"

This is a Carousel / MerryGoRound that you can't get off.
  • 3 0
 I pay more attention to the parts that aren't part of their sponsorship deals than I do their "paycheck" parts. Like all those Pros that were running unbranded Maxxis a few years ago.
  • 4 0
 Monster original (green) - yuk - quick way to develop Type 2 Diabetes

if you're gonna drink Monster or other 'energy' drinks stick to the low calories or sugar free version, the artificial sweeteners are not "healthy" but neither is a massive load of fructose sugar

still get hyped on the caffeine and taurine boost but not the sugar high / crash and huge insulin dump your body goes through = much less drama for your body Wink
  • 5 0
 Just don't drink energy drinks in the first place, a good diet and proper nutrition will do more for you.
  • 2 0
 Monster rehab does wonders for hangover
  • 2 0
 @jespinal

true that....
  • 127 13
 Am I the only person that believes if someone is wearing a Monster T shirt it probably means they're a dick? Fair enough if you're sponsored by them, but if you've gone out and spent some of your hard earned cash on being a walking advertisement for a product that tastes like crap, gives you the shits and makes your heart beat like a lab rat then you must be an idiot.
  • 10 4
 A fair observation. And whilst said individual may be a sucker it does highlight a strange ideology that I think many of us accept without thought.... 'Fair enough if you're sponsored by them'. All I'm saying is it's funny how accepting a dirty paycheck to actively promote, to youngsters, a drink which 'tastes like crap, gives you the shits and makes your heart beat like a lab rat' is somehow fair enough. It pains me to view a personal 'hero' of mine in such a way but I was happier when peaty was largely promoting Stella lol. I'm open to thoughts but there isn't much getting round the harsh reality. Maybe if enough ethical bikers got together and chipped in to cover the cheque he gets from monster, we the people could sponser him to cover up the logos! But that plays into the whole idea that he 'needs' the money.

Disclaimer: peaty is not alone, it just bothers me more with him.
  • 14 13
 Dirty paycheck? Dude, it is an energy drink, relax. Does it have some negative health effects? Yes, but so does riding a downhill and I'm guessing you don't mind them being sponsored by downhill bike companies.
  • 19 5
 I think you missed the point. You know what a tree is made of and if you want to find out what it feels like to kiss one at 30mph that's fine. Chemicals in the body is something else, you aren't told the truth about these drinks for good reason. I am relaxed, but we must just have different ethics about promoting poison to children.
  • 19 5
 No I didn't. It is the users responsibility to know what they are buying/eating/drinking. Don't blame Mcdonalds for making people fat. Google search "monster energy ingredients" and you will find a plethora of information. Beer companies also don't tell you that you can develop alcoholism or get alcohol poisoning and die.

I don't drink energy drinks, never have. But I don't attack the companies for peoples decisions. No one is forcing you to drink them.

"but we must just have different ethics about promoting poison to children." Painting yourself as taking the highroad is easy. Try discussing a topic just by the facts and be a bit less strident.
  • 13 6
 Okay, facts, I don't drink them. Fact. I don't agree with you that a child is responsible for understanding a drinks poisonous contents. Fact. I didn't attack the company. Fact. Although why, I don't know, are you suggesting that selling poison to anyone they can, while hiding the ingredients and lying about their properties, is fair game? If the answer is yes then you've made my original point, the thirst for profit and the acceptence of it's evils, has f*cked people's moral compass.
  • 10 11
 Okay, lets do it like this. What, by your definition is the poison in monster? The specific ingredient.
  • 10 6
 And if taking the highroad is so easy, why don't you try it? Because in reality it's not easy, you get negged propped for daring to suggesting we shouldn't promote poison to kids. Thats how upside down this world is, an obviously compassionate and moral suggestion to not willingly drug kids is met with 'talk to me about facts'.
  • 8 15
flag nouser (Jul 18, 2014 at 6:29) (Below Threshold)
 Okay, lets do it like this. What, by your definition is the poison in monster? The specific ingredient.
  • 11 7
 Waste of time. Especially as I imagine you want some sort of pointless link-off, citing a load of vested interests that claim 'shit be fine man!'. Talk to me about the list of thousands of chemicals that your wonderful FDA has ruled that don't have to be listed. Talk to me about the new aspartame that is 200 times sweeter, hence requiring 200 times smaller doses, hence not required to be listed. If you think these companies are okay because some corrupted twat with letters by his name said so, then you have much to learn. I don't mean that in a rude way, I don't know you. It's just startling how many people still think that 'it's on the market it must be safe'. Because that could not be further from the truth.
  • 7 16
flag nouser (Jul 18, 2014 at 6:46) (Below Threshold)
 It is a waste of time to cite just one "poison" that you have been referring to this entire conversation? The entire reason you posted in the first place? Well okay, obviously this entire argument was a waste of my time.
  • 8 6
 You obviously didn't read my last post. I say read, because you usually claim to understand so I presume you just didn't read it. The reason I posted in the first place was about ethical endorsing. So the waste of time was you trying to twist it to what you want. Which I think is a battle over a named chemical.
  • 19 4
 Quote:

mnorris122 (1 hours ago)

My cousin is a doctor, and he used to be the hydration specialist for a Redbull sponsored auto racing team. His job was to create fluids that would allow the drivers to perform their best throughout a long, hot race, and drinks for recovery after. No one on the team was ever allowed to have a single sip of Redbull, ever, it's too bad for you. This team had a doctor imposed ban on drinking their own sponsor's products.

:End quote.

Must be okay for kids if atheletes are banned from it, right?
  • 8 21
flag nouser (Jul 18, 2014 at 7:39) (Below Threshold)
 Okay, lets do it like this. What, by your definition is the poison in monster? The specific ingredient.
  • 10 18
flag Acorn22 (Jul 18, 2014 at 7:57) (Below Threshold)
 I'm for the American ^^
  • 16 7
 Lol. I'm for smart people like Einstein. Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind. Albert Einstein
  • 11 7
 Yeah man you can't support someone if they are from the same country as you. IT IS NATIONALISM AT IT'S WORST.
  • 8 12
flag burt-reynolds (Jul 18, 2014 at 8:11) (Below Threshold)
 mtbrider- Let's do it like this. Who funds you as a politician? The specific donor.

The attitude that you have here is that of a politician. Take it however you please from there.
  • 7 4
 lolwut.
  • 5 1
 I can't believe some people would spend money advertising for a corporate logo, whether it be on a t-shirt or a sticker on their monster truck. If you are sponsored by them, fine.
  • 4 0
 I agree, I never got why wearing monster hats and shirts became such a big trend.
  • 3 0
 The big monster decals in the back window of your truck is the one that gets me. I hope you're getting paid buddy!
  • 5 2
 You know drinking too much water can kill you too right? The only real danger to be cited by any real study, not just some random internet articles, is the caffeine levels of some energy drinks. Read 'some', RedBull has less caffeine than a cup of strong coffee. Even Cliff makes a shot that has 100mg of the stuff in it. There have been a number of studies that show how caffeine can aid recovery and performance at that 100mg level. I believe @tobiusmaximum's angst against this stuff stems from the over consumption of caffeine and the affect that can have on a younger person with a bit of questionable advertising thrown in. To which I agree, but an energy drink isn't necessarily "poison" and it also isn't necessarily unhealthy when consumed at a responsible level as with any other caffeine based product. As for the advertising practices, yeah they were pushing the boundaries there for a bit, but even then they were never "targeting" children specifically. At least in the states they aren't allowed to by law. A carry over from the days when cereal manufacturers were targeting children using sugar. Outside from that, how a child would get there hands on a huge amount of the stuff without a parent stepping in is beyond me. Because it would take a rather large acute amount for caffeine to do any amount of damage.
  • 5 1
 Just because they wouldn't let the team drink Redbull during a race doesn't mean its 'poison'. Of course you wouldn't drink the stuff when you are in the middle of a race or sporting event and need to stay hydrated. That's not what its made for. That's just common sense. Its not just redbull that does that, its all the drinks. I know a guy who works for a team sponsored by Monster and they get what they call "team water" or something like that, which are just Monster cans filled with water that they use for show in pictures or when the athletes are on camera. So when you see on TV, and an athlete downs a can of Redbull or Monster after a run, there's a good chance it's just water.
  • 9 4
 Albe23- Caffeine has nothing to do with it. None of those energy drinks are really harmful from caffeine. Where are you getting that wrong info from? It's all the manufactured sugars and "vitamins" that are in them that are really harmful to the body. The PH levels are insane.

mtbrider71- You were acting just like an American politician. Yeah, it's banned in every other country, but the manufacturer pays a lot of taxes, so let's call this freedom of choice. I agree with you to a certain extent that people should decide what's being put into their bodies, however it's not ok for companies to advertise that there product is healthy, when it's not. People buy into it, and we pay for it as a society. It's not ok to put money before health. We shouldn't have to test everything we eat before we eat it, because our government is so money hungry that they would rather make a lot of money than have a healthy country.
  • 5 4
 I don't understand, has it been proven that monster and red bull can cause illness or death to a living organism (besides drowning)? because that's the definition of poison ?
  • 7 2
 I drink redbull because they spend 1/3 of revenue on "marketing" which means sponsoring sports that might not exist at a professional level otherwise. It's almost a political statement more than a beverage choice.

Monster though tastes sooooooo much worse that even ideology can't get me to drink it. I get it free at work and still don't drink it.
  • 3 1
 Their clothing line is good looking, as it is their logo. I don't own anything Monster because it's just too expensive for my finances and I don't drink it, but I just don't think people using Monster's logo are that stupid. It just looks good and that's what matters. And what looks good or bad is subjective, it's not up to you to judge other people's taste as long as other people don't judge yours.

p.s. I don't drink usually Monster and very seldom drink Redbull (let's say once every 5/6 months), but when I do, I really love them both. And it has nothing to do with their clothing.
  • 1 3
 Do you know what subjective means?
  • 3 2
 I own a few monster/rockstar clothing items. Personally i like the look of what they produce. I also own jerseys that have energy drink branding on them, the fox/rockstar kit that was brought out a few years ago (actually works well for riding in heat). I dont really drink the stuff but i'll still buy their other products
  • 3 2
 @dualsuspensiondave: Sure when in very large amounts artificial sweeteners like saccharine can be harmful. But not so with glucose/fructose which act like sugar to the body. Now the vitamins you speak of don't do anything if you go by some current research. That study looked at the benefit of dietary vitamins and found no perceivable benefit or harm. They just don't do much over the long term. Unless you give large acute amounts like the 5'Hour energy branded stuff which can cause a thiamin flush I believe. Further, the only in depth studies that have shown anything to be harmful is caffeine in large amounts. We're talking large amounts, like drinking 4-5 BFG cans of monster. I can start to bring the internet's worth of knowledge with links if you would like. Also, as for PH level please don't go quoting the EPA on PH levels and drinking water, even they say the 6.5 - 8.5 numbers are "aesthetic" as in only effect taste, until you go caustic anyway.
  • 4 1
 More on PH levels, your insane amounts for energy drinks (3-4) is also in the same realm of coffee, wine, tea, and some cheeses. So not so "insane" as one would think, don't read into the hyperbole.
  • 5 1
 Coca cola is at 2.5. They just add an obscene amount of sugar. And just because vitamins have been chemically synthesized doesn't necessarily mean they're bad for you.
People should start realizing that everything that is chemically synthesized isn't bad, and that everything that is "natural" isn't necessarily good for you.
  • 5 0
 Well said fabdemaere.
  • 6 1
 Yeah but guys, you just support poisoning children. Who cares about facts. Amright?
  • 4 1
 Not sure what drama is about the shirt.... I'd kill for a shirt with a Monster T on it. XP Also, if someone tries to give you a sample of the latest energy drink, you're supposed to THROW IT ON THE GROOOUUND. okok, I'm done
  • 2 0
 LOL, love you groghunter, you win today.
  • 6 0
 I'm not a part of your system
  • 1 0
 you tell em' LL
  • 2 0
 Out of all the top athletes out there it's only Greg minnaar I can think of who isn't sponsored by monster/RB/Rockstar etc. not because he can't get the gig but because he chooses not to endorse a product that actually hinders a sportsman. I'm sure we can all relate to the times when you've taken a swig of the Green death pre uplift, get to the top buzzzzzzzzing and then Mong mode kicks in.

Kudos to Minnaar

I'm Alex and I'm a monsterholic, I've been clean for 5 weeks and I'm ok.
  • 3 3
 'he chooses not to endorse a product that actually hinders a sportsman'

This is the sort of awesomely simple logic I like. Minnaar just took an interstellar flight in my estimations. I'm so insensed by the monster invasion it would actually make me give more weight to his other endorsements because he shows some integrity when stacking the cheques.

P.s. did you have to go to monsters anonymous? did you know theres a monster now called Rehab? If that doesn't tell you everything you need to know.. lol. They do like to rub it people's faces for sure.

Question: what's a bigger 'waste' of money? A set of enve's? Or a can of monster? Wink
  • 3 2
 Stick with it, I used to drink that shit, it's complete nonsense though and you're better off in every way without it. Like was said earlier, drink a coffee. Don't like coffee? Even better, just drink some water, smile and be better off. And whilst it needs closer scrutiny, on face value I agree that if you want an energy drink buy a redbull. At least they do something to promote their brand. Instead of just slapping that crappy, decidedly hebrew, corporate tattoo on anyone and anything they can. Can! Get it? Monster Can!?.. lol. Taxi.
  • 1 0
 Your internet connection
  • 2 3
 @tobiusmaximum, time to take off the tinfoil hat bud
  • 2 2
 Funny. But if you go back to the top of the thread and count... Clearly I've said something people like.
  • 2 2
 @royal... But it's a troylee tinfoil pro 2!? It protects my head!
  • 2 1
 @tobiusmaximum, I could go on stormfront and sling some racist BS and get propped there, would it make me any less of a bigot? Just because a bunch of fellow flower children buy that 'poison' bull doesn't mean you're not laughably wrong.
  • 1 0
 @gavlaa - completely agree. Personally I have a real problem with how monster is marketed. I didn't think too much of it until my brother dragged me along to a Monster Energy sponsored FMX event (not a sport I follow but he had a spare ticket). Despite it being billed as a family event scantily clad "Monster women" were utilised to perform various utilitarian tasks, and at one point one of the MX riders spat a mouthful of champagne onto one of these women. I couldn't believe it, that's the kind of thing I'd expect to see at a WASP concert (if I had no taste in music and went to a WASP concert), not in a stadium full of kids.

I've got no problem with attractive women selling stuff, but there was something about their role in this event that was really wrong given the impressionable audience.

It seems to be a nasty douche bag hair metal brand for people who are sad about the Motley Crue splitting up.
  • 2 0
 That is a terrible example. Almost any big racing event has those girls whether it is sponsored my Monster or not. Even DH has 'podium girls'.
  • 52 2
 If I'm buying a bike, I go on CL or PB and buy what I can afford. I used to drink Rockstar when I was a teenager but now that I'm an adult I rarely drink energy drinks. But when I do, I'll pick up a Redbull as my way of saying thanks for putting on all these sweet events.
  • 5 2
 Yep, not a fan of energy drinks. But when the time comes, you have to support Red Bull, because of what they do for events, coverage, etc...
  • 3 0
 Same, it's cool to look at their bikes but there is not a chance in hell that I'm going to spend 10 grand on a bike or 600 on a helmet. We all like to dream about that v10 carbon that weighs in the same as most xc bikes, but its just a dream and in reality the people in this sport are some of the most down to earth humans ive ever met
  • 12 2
 My cousin is a doctor, and he used to be the hydration specialist for a Redbull sponsored auto racing team. His job was to create fluids that would allow the drivers to perform their best throughout a long, hot race, and drinks for recovery after. No one on the team was ever allowed to have a single sip of Redbull, ever, it's too bad for you. This team had a doctor imposed ban on drinking their own sponsor's products.
  • 6 0
 I support Red Bull when it's mixed with vodka, CL and PB FTW
  • 4 0
 mnorris122 not surprising, caffeine is a diuretic. RedBull I don't think has ever claimed that it will re-hydrate the body. So yeah, makes sense if you're going to be roasting in a can all day.
  • 39 2
 If I'm going to drink some energy it's always RedBull. Makes me feel better knowing that a very, very small part of that money is going towards World Cup coverage and all the great events that they do.
  • 17 2
 You should just buy the redbull, throw that fould can of chemicals in the bin, and have a drink of water. That way redbull still puts on the events and you stay healthy!
  • 5 0
 Just skip the redbull completely and put a tiny fraction of the money you save directly into events.
Everybody wins.
(Except for maybe mr Red Bull, but he is an %@#%#$^ anyway.)
  • 2 0
 Red bull should sponsor the TDF.
  • 2 8
flag scary1 (Jul 18, 2014 at 6:15) (Below Threshold)
 F*** it. Monster energy low carb saves my life.
Once a day, in the morning, so I can wake up and NOT be a dick.
And yes , can usually shit within 10 minutes of starting one, which takes me an hr to finish.Thats fine by me.
  • 9 1
 Why don't you instead kick you caffeine addiction and after a few weeks wake up like everyone else. The being a dick part might not be so easy to fix though, I clearly struggle with it...
  • 3 1
 Being self employed, I can't afford to wake up at 10am. I've been dealing with this my whole life. This is what works. And I'm happy it does.
  • 5 0
 Its not fundamentally any different to people who wake up reliant on coffee to start their day, but I think giving yourself that kind of dependency is pretty dumb too. On my 6 days of work a week I get up at 5am or 7am depending on where I need to be, but manage just fine without any stimulants.
  • 4 0
 Coffee in moderation is not unhealthy in the least. Scary1- Why in the world would you put that junk in your body, when you could have a cup of good coffee and be all set without all the sugars and other garbage in those energy drinks?
  • 2 0
 I think I already explained it.Plus I don't get coffee mouth. Not all of us are bright and cheery in the morning. This helps me alot. That being said, I've never had a drop of alcohol or illicit drug in my life. You guys pick your poison, I'll pick mine.
  • 2 0
 You are all i aspire to in life. Your childlike observances and conclusions have me totally reconsidering what I've been dealing with for 44 years. Thankyou all so much for your insight and mindless repetition of something somebody said some time ago on some know it all, "we're better than them" website.
I got it covered, chief. When catch any kind of cancer, I'll be sure to fire off a letter to Monster and thank them for all the years of life they made better for me, because I wasn't pissed off and grumpy for the first half of the day.
FYI - THIS is the second half
  • 2 0
 They haven't made energy drinks for 44 years.. so what did you do before?
P.s. I'm really glad you said pick your 'poison', so we cleared it up for mtnrider. Smile
  • 2 0
 Not much, tried mtn dew for a while. Mostly I just hated my life. I have some serious sleep issues, always have.And all the "solutions" aren't practical for real life. I also , after the Monster , drink about twice as much water as most people do , through out the day
  • 1 0
 Good man. Keep up the water if you're drinking a monster every day.
  • 32 4
 the only thing i drink out of a can is beer.
  • 2 4
 i get those 2 litters for soda haha
  • 19 0
 I bought some beer only because it had a mountain biker on the can.
  • 2 2
 Energy drinks are so bad for the health that they should be banned. Beer is definitely the way to go, but only after the ride, unless you go for lazy riding with beers in between Smile
I wouldn't buy a beer however, only cause Peaty is drinking it. I have my personal favourites and I'll stick to them, thanks.
As for the equipment, bikes and components. It's stupid to ride what pros are riding, because they are being paid to ride these things. The opinion of the community regarding some product is what you should be considering. We all know Pike is good fork, Hope make some great brakes, Zee is great derailleur, no matter who is riding them on the circuit.
  • 2 0
 Whilst I wouldn't commit to a beer brand because Peaty was sponsored by them, I'd certainly be more inclined to try it next to another beer I hadn't tried.
  • 8 3
 If your beer comes in a can you're doing it wrong
  • 1 0
 There are some great beers that come in cans. 21st Amendment Brewery comes to mind
  • 1 0
 Cans protect the beer better than bottles, which is why every microbrewer under the sun is starting to can their beer.
  • 29 2
 Nah I just wear normal clothing use protective gear and ride, mountain biking isn't a fashion contest.
  • 22 4
 Short story here: if it wouldn't work on us, they would not invest money in sponsoring. I do believe it is possible to be extremely resistant for PRO hype but I think 0.00001% of people are because most of such influence happens on a subconscious level. We project our complexes on all sort of famous people about whom we know little, we simply dig those guys, and it is impossible to not notice what they are wearing, riding or drinking as the logos are all over them, therefore our brains will always relate those products to the people we admire. Marketing is a brain candy, and everyone likes candies.
  • 10 0
 Exactly, but people don't want to admit that they're being influenced, because we always want to feel in control.
  • 8 1
 I mean, there is nothing to be ashamed of. We're only humans. However it might be good to try to wakeup from slumber and be aware of what is going on in our heads
  • 4 0
 Everyone is affected by marketing, but let's say you have two identical products. You may as well support the company who advertises their product better (e.g. with more wit) than the other. This radio show totally changed my view of the advertising/marketing industry and is definitely worth a listen: www.cbc.ca/ageofpersuasion
  • 1 0
 Spot on Waki. And even if you are not purchasing a product directly used by a pro, brand awareness is still being dished out everywhere.
  • 2 0
 On a related note - we fans have images burned into our memories of what it looks like to ride a bike whether it's from videos, print adverts or features in mags or online. We almost subconsciously want to look like our heroes, so we buy Renthal bars and TLD shorts because that's what I'm supposed to look like if I am serious. Even the new crop of colors gets us to turn our heads subconsciously and at least momentarily think "that guy with the baby blue POC and dayglo shorts is a serious mountain biker."

The energy drink thing is tangential and has a different psychology - like a shoe sponsor for a surfer. Kelly Slater wears DC shoes, so I should too? The product has nothing to do with why you like the athlete. (Note: Slates dropped Quicksilver, so he no longer wears DC shoes, I assume).
  • 1 0
 Ever since marketing companies started to work with psychologists, it has been game over for us. They know all the ways in which to get customers to hand over their hard-earned money for products that make us think we are faster, cooler, safer, etc. Everything in a marketing plan has been thoroughly A/B tested and planned out for maximum sales. They're using evidence based methods that you can't resist. They're most effective technique is making you think you are consciously making your purchasing decisions. You are not!

To a degree, the only way to subvert this to is to buy second hand goods that have proven records of being great products. Let the other early adopters waste their money on the newest, shiniest gear with its premium prices.
  • 2 0
 Patsplit - they use psychologists since 1920s. Check out the work of Eddy Bernaise, nephew of mr Freud.
  • 2 0
 @herzalot It all depends on the target, some people will look at Kelly & want to wear the same shoes as his because they want to emulate his style. "looking like a pro" or "looking like a real surfer" & all that. Not everybody has the intelligence to think things through to the point of "who cares what shoes Slater wears, shoes have nothing to do with surfing" either.
  • 1 0
 It's true that brand awareness has lots of power. You can see it in the MTB community when people knock off xfusion and SR suntour suspension products when they get good reviews while there is a mass movement of hype for BOS when most never tried anything for them, or worse, DVO when they hardly had a prototype done back then. Same goes for the Minions hype when a lot of people who tried muddy marys or kaisers/barons said they're never going back to maxxis.

On the other hand though, when I'm looking for a new dh rear tire or 150mm fork, I just google "best mtb whatever" and then see if it makes sense for me. We live in an information era where it's usually super easy to get the information you need to do a sound choice, if this is what you want, so there isnt much excuse to fall for marketing traps anymore as far as I am concerned. If you understand the mechanic behind them, it's often easy to spot and avoid falling for it.
  • 8 0
 I don't believe for a second that the Pro's actually drink this stuff. They put in heaps of work into correct diet and training, then we are meant to actually think they drink 8 cans of this stuff on race day. A bottle of coke or a small Redbull to cure a thick head - perhaps but pints of the shit, no.

As for pushing it towards kids - fundamentally wrong. Your not allowed to associate alcohol with having fun, cars driving fast, cigs with anything, or unhealthy fast food items to kids (hence pictures of happy meals are carrot sticks and juice) but for some reason monster is ÂŁ2 for 2 in my local COOP and every 'extreme' sports star has redbull written across the front of their house and cans of monster firing out of the back of their trucks at crows of adoring youngsters. Monster even rock up at little village skate parks here in the uk in some stupid truck giving out free drinks.

What I will commend however, is just how much Redbull have done for 'our' sports. They put on truly awesome events that simply wouldn't be possible without their money, it's just a shame that they can't push a genuinely good-for-you multivit drink or something similar under the same branding (keeping the cool factor) instead of firing these sugar/caffeine grenades at perfectly energetic kids who are at a crucial time in terms of development and growth.

Peace
  • 3 0
 www.wedrinkwater.com - I'd love to see some bikers getting onboard with this. Only snowboarders are officially involved with the project but a few high level pro skiers have been known to sport their stickers and t-shirts. Pros have a massive influence on the younger generation.
  • 2 0
 That's a bloody awesome project, shared on twitter and facebook. I need some stickers for my local bike trails - it's a pet hate of all of us watching kids chug pints of monster whilst in the woods for a couple of hours. I think the worst offender has to be skate parks through, they seem to sell nothing but super fizzy energy drinks and a plethora of coke owned brands, often having signs in the toilets stating that the tap water isn't suitable drinking water.
  • 1 0
 They likely don't drink the stuff on race day. The companies make cans filled with water for the athletes. So when you see Gee downing a Redbull in the hot seat its probably just water.
  • 1 0
 Monster even rock up at little village skate parks here in the uk in some stupid truck giving out free drinks. I didn't know this. Under the common law of the land that the 'UK' corporate legalsative scumbaggery is layered over the top of, this could very easily been seen as criminal. In fact it is criminal. If you handed out fags to kids in a branded truck, I for one would have serious issue with that.
  • 2 0
 @Lornholio - thanks for the wedrinkwater link. Looks like a great project.
  • 11 0
 No amount of pro hype can make me want to drink energy drinks, that stuff is just disgusting.
  • 5 0
 I don't drink any of them regularly because I don't like them, but on the rare occasions I need a kick I would get a red bull - primarily because of the amount they put back in to action sports, they've done soooo much for MTBing its worth showing them a bit of love (once a year…when I need it obviously)
  • 4 0
 I generally rely on the guys I ride with to guide my purchases. They have been riding a lot longer than me and have made both the right choices and mistakes, so can guide me to hopefully avoid unnecessary spending. So far it has worked very well and I am yet to regret a purchase. The pros have some influence on me, purely because they are extremely good riders and I know that if something works for the guys who ride like I want to I should at least consider it. I would never buy anything just because a pro used it though. What they do not have an influence over is things like nutrition, food and drink or anything that isn't directly bike related. I handle that myself, always have done even when playing rugby league and avoid supplements, energy drinks etc. Just not a fan.
  • 4 1
 i buy what i feel comfortable riding with and what feels natural to me. if a pro is using it i just think 'well it must be a decent product then" but i don't go out of my way to buy what steve smith would use for example although i would love to own a carbon devinci wilson, who wouldn't.
  • 3 0
 Pro riders change the way I see bikes. The Devinci Wilson, for example, seems to me like a purebred racer while the scott gambler seems like a giant huck/steeze machine. Those two descriptions could also be used to describe Steve Smith and Fairclough. Go figure....
  • 1 0
 It'd be good to swap them for a season to see if it's true. Would bren go faster on a wilson? Would Steve be slower on a gambler? Who knows? Who cares..
  • 5 0
 You're not even pretending these articles aren't pure marketing are you? Before you at least tried to hide it. Now run along, sell your findings to your corporate masters.
  • 7 0
 Gwin got a specialized to be more like Sam Hill...
  • 4 0
 No way, I never liked these loose-fitting, full-of-logos pajamas, they are about as awful and ridiculous as lycra or spandex clothes. I'd rather ride naked before wearing such a outlandish stuff.
  • 4 1
 this may seem silly but some of my purchasing decisions now are made because of the impact they will have, not just the product/ purchase itself. For example if I think that by buying product A (ie Spank Spike Handlebar) then I am showing that supporting Team Polygon UR is worthwhile, then I will buy that above product B, which might be a similar product but have no consequences for me. Eventually most of my bike now are parts that I can legitimately say "I bought this because it has a purpose other than its intended use" - and that reason is not "it looks awesome". Although some things look awesome. I like using Burgtec pedals becuase I think they are amazing and they still do support some of the WC racers as an example.
  • 2 0
 It doesn't seem silly, I totally agree with you. Riding is for fun, so if riding Burgtec pedals make you smile just a tiny bit more, that's a better ride.
  • 2 0
 For me it's all about what works, and being able to see through all the marketing bs. I won't buy a product just because some pro won a race using it, but if I try it and it works for me then I will consider using it. As for sponsorship, if buying a couple of cans of sugar and caffeine helps to promote the sport I partake in, then I don't mind buying some even if I don't drink all of it. Marketing does have its place, but at the end of the day it's up to the buyer to assess wether it is a purchase worth making, they are spending the money so they have the power.....
  • 2 1
 Nothing wrong with a redbull or monster every once in awhile as for marketing its hard to resist but once you break that urge its a joke.
  • 6 1
 Now this is one thing that bothers me lately: Monster/RB/Rockstar's presence in (for lack of a better word) extreme sports. Everyone with half a brain knows that stuff is crap and if someone shouldn't be drinking it, it should be athletes.

Nowadays you can't watch a WC event without the riders wearing some stupid flat billed hat with one of the big three on it or even more cringe worthy, quasi-casually sipping a can of that shit while being interviewed.

As for the question, I heard that MXer Jeffrey Herlings was paid 15k for wearing a RB hat for a few minutes at one (!) event. I'd think RB would only invest amounts like these if they are sure it'll have effect on sales.
  • 2 0
 I can't remember who it was but some moto go rider sponsored by monster once got photographed pouring water into an empty can of monster....the athletes probably drink it very rarely and do so for the money! Ever seen Gee Atherton on the podium and have the can in his hand open?
  • 1 0
 I've seen him open a sealed bottle of RedBull and drink out of it.
  • 2 0
 monster has "touring water" , water in a monster can. sealed. look hard enough and you'll see each of the big three pouring shit out and replacing it with water. MTB is the only event I've seen a racer actually drink the real product, granted just a bit. at least this isn't super cross, can't stand that shit anymore
  • 3 1
 Some of the energy companies actually understand how dangerous their products are and don't require the use or consumption of said product by athlete but instead, will ship out cases of 'touring water' to athletes.

These cans usually have a small 'W' or 'TW' on the bottom of the can; I've had a few friends sponsored by one of the big three companies for various sports who have refrigerators full of both the water cans and the product cans -- they'll hand a friend or visitor to the shop/house/gear trailer/pit a can of product, while snagging a water. It's insane to watch, and even crazier that people buy into it.

Notwithstanding, a few of the young pros actually do actively use and promote the product, but usually only until they burn something out or have adrenal gland issues, at which point they generally switch to water.

We live in a crazy f*ckin' world, but those energy drink paychecks keep the lights on.
  • 1 0
 Privateer or Dirt magazine (can't remember which) had an article on this, stating it basically is a double edged sword: on the one hand these companies keep the sport alive but on the other the stuff they promote is just poison.

They did leave open the big question though - which interest prevails: ethics (not promoting unhealthy stuff to a young and vulnerable audience) or money.
  • 3 1
 i recently slapped a schwalbe hans dampf on the front of my rig which i love. it's fat and has never washed out. a lot of my buddies were saying the maxxis high roller 2 was better and schwalbe are shit (they put it slightly more eloquently). my reply: if sam hill runs a hans dampf on the front of his all - mountain rig it must be good enough for me. to a certain extent, i guess i am influenced by what the pros ride.
  • 2 0
 Yeah, I had a hans dampf on my the front of old bike and a high roller 2 on my current bike, it's a pretty close thing between them but I prefer the schwalbe slightly more, bit more predictable
  • 1 1
 I wouldn't say your case had such a big influence from a pro. Deep inside you wanted to buy the Schwalbe, from time to time, everyone wants to try something new. It just happened, that Sam Hill also rides it, which is pretty much the best forum review you could get. I myself answered the second option, although I have chosen nothing to buy that a pro rides/uses. I am fortunate enough to be a on-line bike shop guru so that I can find anything cheap. Big Grin I am biased about what to buy though, just because I do not like the company, not the rider.
  • 1 1
 First off, I've ridden both tires extensively. The HR2 has much more grip in all riding conditions, yet rolls slower than the HD. I would say that the only thing predictable about the HD, is that it will slide out very quickly in most conditions. The HD is an all around OK tire. The Magic Mary/ Rock Razor combo is pretty hard to beat though. For the money, nothing beats a pair of Minions or High Roller 2's. Can't wait for Maxxis to come out with a fast rolling good cornering rear tire.

I said the same thing to myself about Muddy Mary's. "If they are good enough for Danny Hart to race, they are good enough for me". Boy was I wrong. Those tires are awful in any conditions.
  • 2 0
 Steve Smith won the A-line race on Hans Dampfs.
  • 4 0
 You mean my full TLD kit and 2015 specialized enduro WONT make me as fast as Gwin? FFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
  • 2 0
 I guess there's a degree of influence for me... mostly though, I just want the best kit that I can afford... find me a pro riding a Specialized Big Hit with Sram forks and drivetrain, Shimano brakes and fox shock. Also, in recent years, the best bike I've ridden was a Norco Aurum. I couldn't tell you off the top of my head which pros ride for Norco, but I can tell you I really enjoyed riding that bike.
  • 2 0
 They don't really drink it. Sure they get handed a can of monster for the interview but anyone remember Josh Hansen in super cross a few years ago? He got podium and was handed a Monster drank from it like 1,000 times during his interview then poured it all over his head to cool down. You clearly saw it was water!
  • 2 0
 A local legend used to ride Ibis. A certain segment of the population 'round here all got Ibis too. The underground hardcore guys with money bought what their idol was riding. Then he switched to Intense, and guess what I am seeing on the hardcore trails and on the backs of local cars and trucks now? When it comes to actual MtB product - clothes, pads, bikes helmets and components, I think anybody who is actually on Pinkbike is influenced by what the pros ride. The image of what your hero rides is burned into your brain.

As for energy drinks - that's just a dumb choice that has nothing to do with riding, unless you are naive enough to think the pros are actually drinking that shit before, during or after a ride.
  • 2 0
 Pro riders are pro riders because they can ride fast. Damn fast. To an extent , they ride what they are paid to ride - Think someone like Minnaar is going to change out a product, because he doesn't like it and pay for the one's he does himself? No, he'll ride whatever and ride it fast. Plus what these guys get is all top shelf. And they are product testers as much as salesmen for all their various sponsors.
  • 2 0
 All depends for me. If I see someone riding something because they are paid to ride it I don't put much weight in it and will do as much research about the products as possible and try to demo/ decide for myself. But if I see riders riding blacked out tyres for a company that they don't ride for I give it some notice. An example is that I decided to try out Clipless pedals for DH and I noticed that a very large number of riders are using the Crank Bro's Mallet DH pedal and are not sponsored by them so I figured there must be something to it. Bought the pedals and am glad that I did, I have hit some rocks pretty hard with them and probably would have broken a lesser pedal.
  • 2 0
 Haven't bought an energy drink in a while but, I would definitely buy a redbull or monster over some other drink that doesn't sponsor MTB events. As to gear it depends if it is something that I want performance or durability out of. Pro's can wreck their stuff and get new stuff for the next run. Some pro's are harder on there gear than others so when the Claw has a Deemax on the back of his bike at Rampage I figure it can handle whatever I could throw at it. If Sam Hill has signature shoes I figure they are sticky. Sometimes its just because my favourite colour is green.
  • 2 0
 Pro's ride big bouncy bikes worth ÂŁ7000+... i ride a steel hardtail so i'd say no! I go with one of two things- Is it cheap and suits my purpose, or does it have good reviews. Hopefully i get both and that winning feeling!
  • 1 0
 When i was looking for a new wheels for my ride, I spent hours and hours surfing the internet for reviews and pro/cons on Stans Arch EX rims, and believe me, there are alot of different opinions on those rims!
Then i saw a video of Chris Akrigg riding them, and to be honest, that was the best review I´ve ever "read", cause´ if they can hold up to his riding, I think they do for me too :-)
  • 2 1
 Maybe the dumbest poll ever posted on Pinkbike. This guy had way to much time on his hands. The comparisons were ridiculous and just pitty. That coke commercial really made him lose sleep apparently. Of course pros influence people. If not then no sport anywhere would exist.
  • 1 0
 My thoughts exactly. It just seems like a pointless whinge really. I read the whole post about trail building and how too much focus was been put on smooth trails, but this post just seems pointless.
  • 1 0
 I've been lucky enough to have been raised in such a great biking community like the northwest, so I have a lot of different opinions in the racing scene I can consider when making decisions. As far as emulating pros, I've always tried to emulate professional motocross racers.
  • 1 0
 I talked to a pro yesterday via social media about tire setup on my bike. He rides the same bike and has won the event that I'm gonna compete in soon. I didn't buy the bike because he rode it. Hell, I didn't even know who he was at the time I purchased as I didn't follow mtn biking for a while. It was refreshing to be able to get some beta from a guy like that. Does that influence my purchasing decision? Hell ya it does...
  • 1 0
 I think that if something is good for a pro, who REALLY understands and feels the bike underneath them (not like people acting like they really we feel the difference between similar tyres, the shock and fork fine settings, the +2 cm in our handlebars, etc), then it must be good for us humans. That said, their stuff is just too expensive and I cannot afford it.
  • 1 0
 No. We would hope that the pros actually endorse the products they're being paid to push but that may or may not be the case. The average guy such as myself needs equipment that's built to last and solely looking to a group of pros who punish a bike for 3-5 minutes and then hand it off to a team mechanic is not indicative of its use season after season. Many of the pros race rather naked as far as armor is concerned and I can't help but notice the influence anytime I'm up at whistler. Guys who have other jobs outside the bike industry running a helmet jeans and a tanktop, small knee pads shoved into the jeans if lucky. This certaintly has to be pro influence and form over function taking place....a silly precedent.
  • 1 0
 But the Coke ad did work on you. More so than it did most other people. It got you talking and told other people about it. Advertising is just as much as getting people talking and thinking about a product as it is selling it.
  • 1 0
 I buy what is good. if a pro is riding it it is probably quite good. like sam pilgrim rides a NS Majesty. I would probably have one of them cause they are pretty damn good and I know they are good cause sam pilgrim rides one. its not pro rides one therefore I want one its pro rides one so it must be good so I want one
  • 1 0
 The closest I would go would be to use some of the same brands as pros, but due to price of components i currently run Rockshox Boxxer forks... except they are from 2006, Pros don't influence me too much, if it works I'll use it.
  • 1 0
 I will see and look at what Kits and Rigs the pros will be riding and definitely look at those parts or Gear and consider buying it but when i'm gonna buy a frame or new bike i'm gonna go for the bike that i like and the bike that i feel will let me have the most fun when riding and the best bike for my riding style. I usually try to stay with the same Company for all my bikes but in the end i would say that what the pros ride definitely sparks an interest to look at their bikes and gear and consider buying that stuff.
  • 1 0
 The Pros' do this for a career..so if they advertised RedBull, Monsters, etc..much respect to them. Cuz that means they made it. It's their paycheck, so they should "milk the cow". I look to the pros' for their ride skill and what I can learn from them. Don't hate the Pros' cuz they advertise products, how else are they gonna get that extra paycheck. Every athletes do it.
  • 1 0
 At the end of the day we all buy what we like, or what takes our fancy. Pro's or top so called top sport stars holding or (supposedly) drinking a 'sports drink' only appeals to impressionable kids and some adults, as it looks 'cool' or they think that's what you should be drinking if you're doing the same sport as them. In truth top atheletes wouldn't touch Red Bull or Monster, as it's complete crap! They drink a specific dietery drink formulated to exactly how their body works i.e losing sweat, build up of lactic acid etc.
It's all very clever marketing, and we all suffer from it at some point through the media and 'advertising'.
But having said that, if you buy stuff that makes you happy (me) then carry on, the world could do with a bit more happy! As for being influenced by pro's, i'd say only as much as seeing what goggles fit which helmets, or what some of the freeriders are wearing.
Mostly i spend money on keeping my bikes running, and that keeps me happy.
  • 1 0
 I'd love to ride the same bike as Gee Atherton or Stevie Smith or Brendon Fairclough but I buy what I think is good and what I can afford. as soon as a world cup is won on any given bike it's probably going to be more expensive than an equal bike from a company with less of a public view.
  • 12 11
 I think of the pro-effect every time some guy slams a red bull in front of me. That crap has got to be terrible for your body and isn't likely to make you ride better, but that doesn't stop the fox clad punk on his Aggy style kona from pounding it down before exercising his wealth given right to hop on the lift for another run.
Why is the biggest free ride comp funded by red syrup in a blue and silver can? It's like having silly string sponsor a boat race.
  • 2 1
 Why is there always adds for terrible beer during football games?
  • 7 3
 Every time I see a Pro athlete with an energy drink, I think they might as well be sponsered by a cigarette company. They are both killing your health.
  • 4 0
 Terrible beer ?
  • 1 1
 Majority of things brewed south.
  • 5 0
 Umm, taletotell, everybody knows that if you ride an Aggy style Kona you ONLY drink Monster...
  • 2 1
 The only Aggy style Kona rider I know, will smoke you down the trail then drink a beer and smoke you again. But yeah, your example was way off and downright confusing actually (Aggy is one of the worlds most down to earth riders).

And you Canadians are way off with the bad beer assumption. There is some amazing beer brewed in the United States. Not the stuff you see advertised on T.V., that's for sure. Not even sure how it's considered beer really.
  • 1 0
 Aggy may be awesome. I have no way of knowing. I didn't say anything about him. I am just saying his fan club has a lot of guys who think the name on their gear makes them fast. It is the same with every pro's following. If it were not that way the sponsor wouldn't bother to hire them.
  • 4 0
 I suppose nobody else is going to point out that the cans of Monster are not likely to be filled with Monster...
  • 1 0
 If I drink an "energy" drink it will usually be red bull, it a conscious descision, I feel there sponsorship has brought some much to extremely sport in general I am happy to chose redbull over other drinks.
(In moderation obviously)
  • 1 0
 I am not a great rider but I am persistant and I feel justified in my purchases by pros. Specialized Enduro 29 cause Gwin likes it. Flat pedals cause Sam Hill likes em. Mountain Biking cause its FUN as illustrated by Cedric Gracia! and Steve Peat had a PIC of my LIVE CD! The Forgotten Rebels - Last Ones Standing!
  • 2 1
 Hannah barnes has a inflence on me. But not entirely for mtb reasons.
Only thing i can think of that i bought based on racers were some mavic crossmax enduro wheels . ( if there tough enough for the racers they will last well for me) And i regret that so lessoned learned.
  • 1 0
 I can't afford the stuff the pros are on... even down to their $2.50 energy drinks. Hell, I just got an old Moorwood Izimu last year with a Dorado and a CCDB used. Now I feel like a pro... but I'm like what, 8-10 years behind?

Oh, and I drink Red Rain when it comes to energy drinks... makes Monster seem like a Puppy!
  • 2 0
 There is one thing the pro's use that I believe in... and that's tires, namely Minion. When literally every pro uses them, they gotta be good (and we all know, they are)
  • 1 0
 I think its amusing when long time sponsored or pro riders lose track of what other products are available because they have been with brand X for so long that they aren't aware of what brand Y is doing. I ride with pros on occasion and just the other day, I had one completely intrigued by very functional knee pads that I could take on and off w/o removing shoes. I've seen the same thing w/ Gravity Dropper posts, tires, brakes, etc... I've also learned a lot from "pros/sponsored riders" concerning equipment too.
  • 1 0
 www.wedrinkwater.com - I'd love to see some bikers getting onboard with this. Only snowboarders are officially involved with the project but a few high level pro skiers have been known to sport their stickers and t-shirts.

Pros have a massive influence on the younger generation.
  • 1 0
 I think the only logical conclusion to make is that people are influenced a good deal by what the pros are doing. And the reason I say this is because if they weren't, companies wouldn't spend all this money on sponsoring the pro teams. These are large companies with well paid marketing professionals. They must see some benefits in terms of sales.

On top of that you can just see it by talking to people or reading the comment sections here. People constantly compare bikes by saying "what has it won", as in the results of pro riders riding a certain bike.
  • 1 0
 I do look to the pros to a certain degree, but my decisions become a little more nuanced after that, at least in my mind. Living in Vancouver, I looked to local pro riders like Wade Simmons and Brett Tippie. They were riding Rocky bikes on the same trails I ride. I figured those bikes were designed and tested locally by riders familiar with our conditions and that felt right to me. But ultimately, I ended up with a bike that suits my riding preferences, albeit the same brand as what the 'pros' ride.

So maybe it's less about the pros and more about supporting local companies like Rocky and Race Face?
  • 1 0
 Oh c'mon. Let's pretend none of us are so weak minded that we fall head over heels after 1 world championship. But... 1 Stevie Smith year and wholly Devinci! Also. Suddenly everyone is trying to clip in. For many reasons I hope Sam wins another worlds, but partly to watch a bunch of folks start taking about how flats are faster again. We all fall for it to some degree, We may not buy the soda, but trust me, we all drink the Kool-aid.
  • 1 0
 The only people ever to have got their logo and corporate identity around more than monster were the nazis. On the subject of pros, i often find myself more interested in a pro rider if we end up on the same bike. I then get interested in what stuff that pro uses and then end up getting an interest in the pro rider. But obviously some pros i'm far more interested in due to their riding.
  • 1 0
 I buy what is on sale or what is being "blown-out." I have never owned a current year model bike. The closest I had to owning a up-to-date bicycle was my Yeti 575 that was a 2012 model I bought in 2013. A lot of my buying decisions are influenced by what amateur riders say via sites such as mtbr.com and what not. People on a budget who need shit that will last don't bullshit about how a product performs. Last year I spent $300+ on a pair of carbon Mavic shoes at full-price that were the up-to-date model and I still use them to this day because they are bad-ass! But, they will probably will have to serve me through next season to justify the buy! My decision was based on research and informed decision making. Pro's don't influence me all that much.
  • 1 0
 I'm more curious about what the guys I ride with or others that ride the same trails in the same conditions are using. Chatting with the guy I bump into at the trail head every couple of weeks, or watching a buddy try a new set up goes way further for me than a pro's endorsement of a product. I work in the area of child psychology and where the practice of "modelling" (shout outs to Bandura) is most effective is when the model is relatable to the individual. Of course, Marketing trumps this by not focussing on behaviours or products but rather pairing emotions (as alluded to by Mr. Levy- loved the write up BTW) to products. The message is rarely the "the product will do..." but rather "the product is related to this experience...or feeling..." Clever and deceptive.
  • 1 0
 i have a riding buddy who makes his own lemonade and puts some salt in it. it is funny cause i was actually buying some sort of electrolyte drink for hard rides in the summer heat, when i realized that's all it is. when was the last time you actually saw some pro rider with a jersey on with a picture of a lemon, a drop of honey, and a dash of salt on his jersey? i'm talking cost analysis right there.
www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2013/03/refreshing-orange-lemonade-ditch-that-overpriced-sport-drink.html
  • 1 0
 i wont go out and buy a drink because its what a pro drinks. but say i was looking at a frame you gotta admit watching some people ride makes you think that bike handles well or thats a rig you can throw around.
  • 3 0
 the only pro worth copying is palmer and u would be a sh*t c*nt if you tryed as there is only 1 palmer
  • 4 0
 I'm too old to give a shit what the pros are riding.
  • 1 0
 "At least we're a long way off from those horribly scripted podium speeches that you see in Supercross."
Yeah, i'm so glad about that... we're at "You're gonna sing bro?" "...No" ... love it!
  • 2 0
 Allways will exist a majority who will buy everything they don't need, to feel what they aren't, trying to impress who they don't like...
  • 4 0
 For breakfast I have monster on cereal.
  • 2 0
 Red bull- banana smoothie
  • 4 1
 MucOff pancakes
  • 1 0
 Vodka Redbull orange
  • 3 0
 Coq au chain lube
  • 3 0
 the only time i drink this toss is with vodka and im dancing like a twat! YEEEEEHHAAAAAA
  • 2 0
 I drink a redbull can every time I watch a DH world cup live. It's like "thanks for the free broadcast".
I drink redbull for other reasons too (jagermeister I hate you!)
  • 1 0
 Leave the drinking of poison to impressionable kids who aren't aware of the dangers. Red Bull doesn't need your money, they have plenty of it already, and your health is more important than supporting a drink company.
  • 2 0
 I like Hill and Brosnan, but STILL...And I prefer Redbull to Monster... So not so influenced by them... Even if i have Danny Hart's golden bar Big Grin
  • 1 0
 If 750 bars are good enough for JC they are good enough for anyone. A lot of people consider Am45s to heavy for enduro but if Martin Maes can win on them at his level i think i should be ok.
  • 3 0
 no, monster gives me the shits!
  • 1 0
 shame their logo is based on the beast number .... www.tydknow.com/one-thing-you-didnt-know-about-monster-energy-drink
  • 1 0
 Or the claw marks of a 'monster', along with the letter 'M'.
  • 1 0
 shame? that makes me want to buy some now \m/
  • 1 0
 maybe 1% of the time. for instance I like that jared graves is winning on a 26er which is quickly becoming an antiquity. other than that, no.
  • 1 0
 Back when I first got into mountain bikes I was heavy influenced by Steve Peat. My love for Orange bikes, Royal Racing clothing and of course Peaty grips.
  • 14 11
 "Gwin went with Specialized so I did too"..
  • 2 0
 Hahahaha bro you was pissed off
  • 1 0
 In the Pro surfing world, there is this guy named Jordy Smith. Any time any product comes out that is 'his'. I buy it right away.
  • 1 0
 Don't know if anyone has mentioned this, but when I need new rims I will be looking seriously at whatever Gwin rode in Leogang.
  • 2 0
 With bikes you get what you pay for, unless it's carbon
  • 1 3
 To me, alot of the time its about keeping your name/brand alive and in peoples minds, its not about looking at the latest winner of an event and suddenly going and purchasing the tires they used or the frame etc - brands have to keep a public profile and be seen to support riders as its proof that they make good gear (well, it should be proof but smokes and mirrors ... )

As for Coke OMFG - every ad they have ever done has turned me off more and more and more, Coke - how the FCUK did that ever take off, its one .. THE most disgusting things on the damn planet, nearly as bad as they cheesy ass adverts.

Just to prove my wonderful naivety - i only found all this action sport stuff recently and didn't even know that Red Bull and Monster etc were DRINKS, i just thought they were something to do with events management or a club/organization (as they were plastered everywhere) like UCI etc - i have since tried a red bull and as far as i care they can join coke in the "no one should have to ever suffer this crap" department - which is a shame as i do want to support the work they do, just not through that crap - films and stuff maybe, not drinks!
  • 2 0
 Thank God someone turned their hard earned labors into a success that people want to buy, thereby creating jobs...kids getting paid in commercials, athletes being paid worldwide! That's awesome, and that's influential!
  • 2 0
 I might notice the pro rider that chooses to use what I use....
  • 1 0
 thats very true
  • 1 0
 After Aaron Gwin's run at Leogang I wonder what the sales spike looked like for DT swiss on the monday?
  • 1 0
 not going to lie after seeing that run I would have some of those wheels if I had a DH bike
  • 1 0
 if i could afford it then yeh i would have my bike and gear the dame as my favorite rider
  • 1 0
 I don't care what pros ride...but I do love watching them ride...I learn a ton from watching them!
  • 1 0
 I can't say I'd buy something a pro uses/endorses/is sponsored by, but I'd buy the shit out of a Troy Lee/Redbull Helmet
  • 2 0
 I'm influenced by these guys www.drinkwater.com !
  • 2 0
 Oops, its www.wedrinkwater.com
  • 1 0
 Pro's get paid to ride, wear, and drink whatever their sponsors and teams tell them to.
  • 1 0
 Does anyone else walk away from reading comments on PB feeling dumber than they were 10 minutes ago?
  • 2 0
 Red Bull; yes, Monster; NO.
  • 4 3
 I see some pros and cons to this survey
  • 1 0
 bahaha! very good
  • 1 0
 I feel pros inspire rather than influence Well for me they do.
  • 1 0
 I used to ride a Session, then a Demo, now I'm on a Wilson. I'm a sheep.
  • 1 0
 I wear the same underwear ,does it count?
  • 1 0
 No self respecting athlete would drink that shit...
  • 1 0
 Energy drinks taste like swill.
  • 1 0
 If Sam Hill actually won races I might drink Monster...
  • 1 0
 They do influence me. Especially in slow mo.
  • 1 0
 aaaand theres that answer everyone is obviously going to choose
  • 1 0
 Mike stop posting bullshit.
  • 1 0
 A lot of these sponsored riders can are actually filled with water!
  • 1 0
 that choice selection could not be more biased...
  • 1 0
 I am not influenced by pro riders.
  • 1 0
 #batfink
  • 1 0
 not even with energy drinks
  • 1 0
 Well, maybe the ones with energy drinks, lol
  • 1 0
 It would be an interesting social experiment if all downhill racers switched to bikes which rode horribly, were terribly uncomfortable, snapped in half often and only came in the color of bright pink. My hypothesis would be that the majority of downhill riders would switch over to these bikes and would scream from the rooftops how much better they are than those silly old school 2014 downhill bikes of the past.
  • 1 0
 Media in this sense is stupid your energy drinks are poison!
  • 1 0
 muscle milk and a java monster will keep ya going
  • 1 0
 no
  • 1 0
 if its 26 i like it
  • 1 0
 boring....
  • 1 0
 No, I'm not.
  • 1 1
 some follow fashion or trends... i create my own
  • 1 1
 edit
  • 1 1
 edit......
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