Opinion: Show Me the Money

Jan 29, 2015 at 11:24
by Richard Cunningham  

just sayin RC header pic


“So, what does a cycling journalist do?” The question came from a metro-looking man in his mid-twenties wearing square-toe Italian slip-on shoes, tweed pants and a light-blue, button-up Prana shirt. We were making polite conversation while our drinks were being prepared at Peat’s Coffee.

“I travel, mostly Europe and North America, ride mountain bikes, and write stories.” I replied. “That’s the short version.”

“Have you covered the Tour de France?”

“Technically, yes.” I could have predicted that question - the classic non-cyclist lead-in. “I have covered a few stages and had the opportunity to ride in some team cars following the race. It’s quite a show, but I have never been assigned to report on the entire Tour. Most of my time has been spent on the mountain bike side of the sport, writing technical reviews and about events.”

“So, you do product reviews for the cycling biz. Is that anything like Consumer Report, where you buy a bunch of bikes and then rate them against each other?”

“Jeremy! Caramel, half-caffe macchiato.”

As he reached for his coffee, I spied Ferrari’s prancing horse, worked into the sleeve tattoo on his right forearm. “Sort of, but we do things more like a car magazine,” I said. “We don’t buy the products. We arrange with the brands to send us bikes and parts for reviews.”

“Does the cycling industry cheat reviews like the automotive industry does, and hot-rod the bikes that they send to you?”

“Most bike and parts makers aren’t organized well enough to do that,” I chuckled. “But, it does happen. Normally, we receive bicycles and components new, in sealed boxes. Some guys switch parts like tires, gearing and handlebars to ensure better outcomes. Suspension companies have been known to go over forks and shocks which are scheduled for reviews. You would be surprised how much better they work compared to the same items that come OEM on test bikes. I wouldn’t call that “hot rodding,” but small changes can still add up to a better review.”

“Does it pay well?”

“Salary, plus tips,” I smiled. “It pays the bills.”

“Tips?”

“A good review can sell a lot of mountain bikes,” I quipped. “Bike brands are willing to do what it takes to make that happen.”

“Richard! Double espresso with whip.”

“I find it hard to believe in this age of internet transparency, that any major brand would risk paying bribes to ensure good press,” Jeremy popped the lid of his macchiato and shook in a dash of cinnamon. “What are we talking about here? Do they give you the bikes if they like the review, and you put them on eBay?”

“It would be a lot easier if that were the case, but it is the tradition to send the bikes back when we are done with them,” I said, moving towards the door. “Smart editors establish industry relationships with one, maybe two key marketing people who can be trusted. If my review is good, my publisher gets a fat advertising buy and I get a piece of the action on the side. The bike business is like a revolving door for product manager and marketing positions, so as my guys move around, they pass on the program to other product managers and the checks start rolling in. We’re not talking big numbers, but it all adds up – especially when an editor has been in the game as long as I have.”

“Are most cycling editors on the take like this?” Jeremy seemed a little shocked by my candor.

“It’s like drugs and the Tour de France. It’s no accident that certain doctors and team managers are always associated with winning teams. Numerically, what are the chances that every racer on a team lines up at the start with testosterone and hematocrit levels at the highest margins allowed by the racing regulations – every day? I laughed. “Follow the doctors and you don’t have to guess which teams are on the juice. Once you know who is paying for editorial, all you need to do is match the brands with the editors’ review schedules and lifestyles – it’s simple math.”

“Just talking scientifically, how does this work? Do you solicit a particular sum beforehand, or do you publish the review and later, if the person (presumably, the marketing director) likes it, he sends you a check?”

“Jeremy, I gotta get rolling, and I have already told you more than I’m comfortable with, but it’s pretty simple really,” I stepped off the curb into the parking lot. “It’s a voluntary amount, but there are expectations. When someone sends me a bike or a component to review, I ask them to send the product specifications in a separate envelope. Usually, there is a check included, and depending upon the amount, I’ll massage the review accordingly. Fifty bucks assures that I make minor improvements. I’ll round off the weights, like ‘in the 28-pound range,’ instead of ‘28.9 pounds’ and I may overlook one or two components or aspects of its performance that may be insufficient, but still are functional. Five hundred or more, and I’ll craft the story to work around the product’s most glaring negatives in a way that positions the bicycle or component as viable competitor like, ‘It may round corners worse than an Etch-a Sketch, but get it pointed in a straight line and it can run with the best-in-class.’ I don’t lie about the facts – readers are too sharp for that. I have to be subtle to make it work. I present facts in a way that highlights the positives, and I inject opinions in just the right places – kind of how Car and Driver always manages to present American cars as overall winners in comparison tests with European models.”

“Well, that was an interesting conversation,” Jeremy paused at the driver-side door of a lifted, late-model silver-metallic Ford F250 with a Specialized Demo 8 and an Ibis Mojo HD resting on its tailgate pad. “You never told me which publication you worked for.”

“And I won’t tell you now,” I laughed. “These your bikes? I didn’t figure you as a downhiller.”

“No. I assumed this was your truck.”

“My ride is over there,” I pointed at my Volvo wagon. “It was nice talkin’ with you Jeremy. Have a good one.”

As I was waiting to make the turn out of the parking lot and onto the street, a cream colored Tesla pulled alongside. When the darkly tinted window retracted, I recognized it was Jeremy.

“What’s with the beater Volvo? He laughed. “So, you were bullshitting me the whole time?”

“Yeah, I was.” I admitted. “Sorry. I was going to tell you that I was leading you on back in the parking lot, but when you stopped by that F 250, I started wondering if I had chosen a darker path, whether the money would have been worth it.”

“No time like the present,” He smiled. “I’m sure more than a few companies would pay for reviews if you could make that work.”

“Couldn’t do it. Cycling has become my family. I owe them the straight story and I'm pretty sure that's how most of us roll, but thanks for letting me live the dream for a couple of minutes. Next time, I’ll buy your drink – I owe you that at least,” I laughed. “And, if you care to hear it, I’ll tell you what a cycling journalist really does for a living - after you explain how you got that Tesla.”

“That’s another story,” Jeremy said. “I’ll take you up on that coffee RC.”

The traffic light flashed green and the Tesla screeched off. The license plate frame read: “My other car is a Trek.”

Author Info:
RichardCunningham avatar

Member since Mar 23, 2011
974 articles

231 Comments
  • 167 7
 *insert comment from butt-hurt user who couldn't be bothered to read the full story*
  • 30 1
 Show me the honey then I show you the money.
  • 78 15
 What is the chance that RC remembered all that from that chat, eventually that he recorded or noted it? NONE! Public relations bit to quiet the internet after outrageous PB Awards. This article is nothing more but a bow towards Trek after they chose their Bontrager pump! Open your eyes people - Richard is cunning! - the surname is a clue damn it!
  • 27 1
 As much as I respect RC as a MTB pioneer when he founded Mantis, I also remember his time as editor in chief at MBAction and wow! Maybe it was the magazine's editorial line, but their articles are so biased that it's sometimes laughable… I have a hard time believing that these guys (namely MBA but others too, for sure) don't have some kind of unofficial deals with manufacturers… anyway, it was a pleasant reading, but I have to go back to work to earn $$$ to pay for my next bike! Wink
  • 20 0
 He may not receive product specifications, but I guarantee the job involves a plethora of unexpected safety meetings
  • 60 9
 Comments on here are disappearing like crazy. Thanks mods. This is important.

www.churchoftherotatingmass.com/2014/12/02/are-we-not-journalists-part-2
  • 21 1
 WAKI, Because we love you-quit watching Alias on Netflix and go ride your bike.

I did know a well known bike editor/reviewer for a major magazine that lived in our small community for awhile. Much of his product testing involved him loaning test bikes to friends-I only ever saw him on a bike once. But when he left town, it took more than one full size U-Haul to load up all the bike shwag in his garage, including a number of bikes that somehow never had made it home to their distributors.
  • 1 0
 "Asian twins stole my mojo" WAKI can you explain ? Smile galen svensk människa nothing more to say ..... here !!
  • 17 6
 Why the f*ck is mnorris getting downvoted? Wake up morons.
  • 9 3
 Upvote mnorris so you could read the link he posted.
  • 4 0
 So it's similar to the games industry, where also no one ever receives anything, I swear! Wink Razz
  • 10 5
 So it's pretty clear that pinkbike makes money by selling reviews, "first look" articles, etc. And we all know it's not wise to bite the hand that feeds you.
  • 16 5
 Hey, I have this ethic lately that I don't btch on stuff unless I am able to provide an idea for alternative, I think it is very fair. How about someone comes with an idea of a site that would be "ethical", please write up a proposal of how would such site operate. I am tired of quasi-leftist, self righteous blokes who criticize everything and say that we don't know where we're going but this is a bad path. Please sketch up how should a review be made and then how you turn it into a business. You may not use a single "should" or "ought to".
  • 5 1
 While I doubt there is the sort of bribe system RC jokingly describes here, it does beg the question, could a bike site stay afloat without being very friendly with the industry?
I am suddenly more willing to pay for membership. If we pay for PB then there is less risk of them needing to suck up to the big guys.
That said, they did not give the slash, ctd, or a host of other big names a great review so I doubt they are bought and paid for the way some people are saying.
  • 1 1
 *insert satirical and whity reply by one who read the post and theorizes how to make billions*
  • 9 1
 Bunch of bull carp. This article is just throwing out straw men. I guess we know that RC doesn't receive "tips" so now it's clear that everything on this site is without bias.
  • 14 0
 Don't quite know what to make of it, but honestly, in the context of bicycles, I find it hard to care very much. Sure, I'd love to know that everyone is transparent and honest all the time, but I already know that pretty much everybody in the industry is there in one form or another to sell product, in the end. Whether that happens in the banner ads or in the main content or on the racetrack doesn't really matter. Even in a truly "unbiased" review, there's enough subjectivity and personal preference anyway that we shouldn't take every word as indisputable. And what's the worst that can happen? I buy the "wrong" freaking amazing bicycle?

I get a service (video clips, good stories, race coverage, product releases) in exchange for eyeballing some ads in the mix. If a particular website had an "about us" section that contained a bunch of "we exist to provide the most current, accurate, and unbiased coverage with the utmost in journalistic integrity and professionalism...." and then violated that claim, I'd take issue. But I don't know of any bicycling media outlet that makes me any such promises.

Good read, overall. Thanks!
  • 2 0
 So are they journalists? If so then the agreement is implied. Hence the title to the rotational mass article.
You are right though. Why should we demand more of PB than we do FB? Everyone knows Facebook is a giant billboard, but we are fine because the service it provides, which is not as good a service as PB provides.
  • 5 0
 Doesn't really matter until a truly junk product is honestly reviewed, leading to marketing dollar expenditure to 'correct' a fact-based opinion. Get a better job and buy what you want, you don't need any of it.
  • 3 2
 great to see you @bradwalton - you tested lots of bikes. Considering the fact that you ride bikes for at least 7 years, you went through many fabs, and you can throw a table on a 20ft hipped jump... could you honestly whine about one of current bikes from brands that do not go to NAHMBS, without coming out as a woose?
  • 6 0
 It's important to read everyone's responses here:

read.dmtmag.com/i/450545/23
  • 4 6
 I am certain of one thing: people are so full shit and it comes out when they sit on a high horse. I actually believe that those who get on a high horse do it in a desperate attempt to stick at least a bit out of the shit they are normally submerged in. What blows such things?! Assumptions, unclear situations. Where were those virtuous journalists shouting anythign when Steve Jones from Dirt was frequently wearing a T-shirt with Rockshox or SRAM logo on DirtTV recaps from EWS or World Cup?! A guy known for bashing Fox. I have nothing against Steve, on the contrary, just as with strong positions of RC on flipless, 275 and air shocks, I like to see someone with character who favors certain things because this is EXACTLY what all of us do. If someone expects to see Virgin Mary with a laptop and a dick in Mike Levy then he should go fk himself. I wonder what standards a statistical heckler sets for himself and how often he lives up to them. My impression of Church of Rotating Mass article was that it proves nothing.

Wankers!
  • 3 0
 That's just obfuscating the entire point once again. First of all, if there's a belief by some people that reviews aren't fully honest, then this article that insults those people by burning straw men is really only going to make that sentiment stronger. Second, this isn't about bias or personal preference. The point is that bias should not be related to marketing of the people who enable your paycheck.
  • 4 0
 Obviously more history behind this article than at first it seemed. I'm sure none of the people involved are 'Wankers' (@Waki), but just people in an industry they are passionate about that unfortunately involves money, and money corrupts! IMO @RichardCunningham was foolish to stoke the fire with this article, which (although well written) is quite patronising.
  • 8 0
 @Waki
I disagree man. If I was being paid by dirtrag to bring up these concerns wouldn't it be disingenuous to pretend they were simply my honest concerns?
Do you follow non-bicycle related news? Good journalists state any potential conflict of interest ahead of time. Bad ones don't, instead lying about public event to manipulate voters. Judges are supposed to recuse themselves when they have a conflict of interest. Bad judges don't instead punishing according to race or other bias.
It is not too much to expect, waki. If your blog got kickbacks from companies I would want to know I was not getting your opinion, but instead an ad. I value hearing your thoughts on longer stems and narrower bars because I think you are giving me honest thoughts. If some narrow bar company hired you so say that stuff I wouldn't read it. I have better things to do with my time. I read it because I trust you. I read PB because I trust the journalists here. Is that ridiculous? If it was then PB would be a waste of time. We could all just visit the bike websites directly and see how their moms think they are so great.
Do you honestly not think this is possibly an issue? You say it is too small an industry for that, but that actually makes it a much more likely problem. Of I was the CEO of fox and I wanted to increase my tiny profit margins you can bet I would do everything in my power to get journalists on my side.
The only hope is something RC said above. It is what gives me some faith. He said biking means too much to him to sell his integrity. He said he couldn't do that because cycling is like his family. That statement of belief is what I need. I want it from the rest of the staff too once in a while. Sometimes it comes in the form of the writer confiding about the flaws of a product (levy and kaizimer do this sometimes) or in an outright statement like RC or the form of an ombudsman to answer questions about it.
  • 5 0
 I can see why bontrager would want to know PB schedule for articles. If a company can time their ads to come out around the articles (the maya helmet for instance) then they can double the attention their ads get. It means more bang for the buck.
As for the man in charge at Dirtrag, he obviously was really concerned about the whole thing. he redacted names and waited, trying to decide how he felt about it all. Not being a jerk about it in my book.
  • 4 5
 taletotell - I gave you an extreme example where no one has said a single word, where Jonesy wears Rockshox T-shirt, repeatedly! DirtMAG was accused of bias against Fox since ages. Not a word.Sven Martin, half of VitalMTB and Santa Cruz bikes? What I mean is Pinkbike got theoretically caught, that's their sin, while everyone is doing same stuff.

I know what you mean, but I prefer a review on Pinkbike that bears signs of being an infomercial, than Peaty telling me that V10 hooked up great, or Loic Bruni posting instagram pic of his LaPierre, with superlatives in text under. As I wrote to you before - you know what? Even if it wasn't an infomercial, 90% of it would be true, 90" of the written word would look the same. Why? Because those bikes are God damn great these days - as simple as that. When I hear someone demanding an honest comparison between Enduro and Nomad I die inside. People wanting Shootout?! Really? What's better Mazda 6, Audi A6, Merc C or BMW 5? - when I see a shoot out in BikeMAG where half of bikes come with nearly identical setups it makes me want to laugh. And what happens when a really different bike comes along, like 29" Banshee Phantom, 26" Commencal Hip-hop?! They get stoned for being "targeted at no one" with too high prices - by the very same people who swore eternal hate to 275 wheels and make most Enduro specific jokes.

What I mean is: people look for problems with journalists, while there is no pleasing them because they are fkd up themselves! I am no better, I mean, I feel better in a way that I am conscious of my stupidity. Journalists from other disciplines, thank you for bringing that up: This is what I am ultimately getting at: THESE ARE JUST FREAKING BIKES! A biased review? And so what? If your vision is biased towards looking less ahead than looking ahead then it doesn't matter. Due to lack of skill you are losing tons of fun and many seconds anyway, so you may as well enjoy whatever it is you buy.
  • 3 1
 As far as bikes go, it is true, they are just bikes and they are all getting super awesome so no shootout would prove much at the high end. Taht is why lowerend reviews make sense: reviews.mtbr.com/review-motobecane-fantom-6by6-27-5-all-mountain-bike
I also know I am not good enough to appreciate the difference. At the end of the day this is all throwing sand in the sand box.

The thing is, those bikes are people's religion on this site. The reviews are the priests. No one want's their priests to be heretics. We want them to be believers.

As for the shirt, is it an ad that he wears a shirt for a brand he obviously likes better? I say no. If Sram paid him to wear it then yes it is an ad. Otherwise it is a review in itself. I don't know anything about the guy, but I do think you make too much of the shirt.
  • 2 1
 I guess I make a mental distinction between journalism and product reviews, even when the two roles are filled by the same individual. I agree that we can expect some higher standards of integrity and professionalism from these sites when it comes to actual journalism...such and such an event went down and so-and-so won, this company released a new product or held a charity event or whatever. When it comes to product reviews, though, that's not really the role of a journalist. Not saying it's wrong for them to do it, but it's just a different role. Much of the reporting is factual, but also has opinions and impressions that could be influenced by a host of factors that may or may not be relevant to the reader. I like reviews and find them useful, I just try to keep in mind that anything that's not verifiable fact isn't actually journalism as I understand it, so I weigh it differently. Consider how you'd receive a product review if Walter Cronkite or Barbara Walters started writing them (don't ask me about what)...probably different than their news stories.
  • 4 3
 taletotell - you nailed it! Priests! - What is the biggest problem of people who think are atheists have with religions? Do they have a problem with Koran or "Word of Christ"? No... their problem is that people who are religious are hipocrites! Priests in particular! Why? Because those critics, as soon as they see someone who claims to be religious, put expectation of sanctity on him. What do those people think of themselves? - opposite to religion - reason, facts! The problem is, Sanctity does not exist just as there are no perfectly reasonable people. So what they do they just change the priest to a scientist, preferably one with big mouth like Dawkins or Hitchens... or Bill Maher. To be honest with you I do not have any big expectations of reviews here, I just... I just read them for entertainment. And I judge bikes by looks.
  • 5 0
 Good read, RC. Waki, bring it in a notch. Half of Vital's staffers are not on Santa Cruz. Among the handful of full-time staffers we have just one of their bikes, and it was a hand me down from a third party. Some of our more visible freelance contributors ride SC because they like them or because of connections outside of Vital. These same guys are also not responsible for any bike reviews. Oh, and I'm pretty sure Jonesey only owns one t-shirt. He leads a simple life, travels with a tiny suitcase, and rails the shit out of turns like no other journalist can.
  • 3 2
 Bikinbeast - I don't accuse anyone of anything, and no matter how true I find your words, whatever you wrote is half relevant, I say how public sees things. All it takes is someone highlighting a blurry fact and online hell unleashes. As to Jonesy I had the privilege to ride with the very guy and can only agree with you. However I rarely hear something positive about him, Dirt has opinion of being very biased and controversial.
  • 2 0
 Yes Steve Jones is critical and not swayed by marketing or faddish trends. If only the same could be said for all journo's...
  • 3 1
 Jclnv - how do you know? Pressumption of innocence? Awesome, but why not make it for PB? He was often accused of shoveling big wheels down people's throats

People behave about all this thing like a 10 year old who came upon his parents having sex. What were they expecting - a stork?! If someone recorded our meetings in on city planning projects in office I work in, and released them to public there would be a mess! Some people are just too immature to accept how the world works in order to go forward, their idealistic images of reality are as necessary as holding them down. But that's ok... It's the eventual dismay by journalists from other companies, that disgusts me.
  • 1 0
 Because he's not running a giant advertorial website. I think he genuinely interested in the innovation/progress of bikes. He has fought the fight against the fashionable anti-29" luddites because he knows they're faster on his trails. It probably alienated a shitload of Dirt readers. Yeah he likes RS suspension (as do many who don't like stiction) and is outspoken about it, but he's also friends with Porter at Mojo. Square that one for me?

Think what you like but to me he's another world in credible journalism compared to Pinkbike. As are a few other UK journo's.
  • 3 1
 Ok, before the great man gets some bashing. I love him and I love DirtMAG. In terms of aesthetics, pictures, graphics, layouts Dirt has always been a benchmark to me, it was the shit. I mean, there was no one like them, I think nothing represents Dirt style more than the cover with Mike Hopkins catching insane air when shooting Life Cycles. Or those few shots of Brendog. It just left you shitless. I think Decline was a magzine that could eventually catch up with Dirt in terms of "Massive" content.It has been artish and I loved it. Right now many caught up as the industry saturated with photographers, at least on visual side. Other UK mags? Like what, MBUK? Idiotic claim from some qusi roadie Mag I read while waiting for a train in London (CyclingUK or something): LaPierre is the best climber in the test not only due to electronic suspension but also thanks to incredibly low handlebar position in relation to the ground - WHAT?!

I will honestly tell you though that I like Mike Levy's reviews a tad more than ones by Steve, because they are more personal and more entertaining. Steve used to be sharper, he seems to look at stuff more holistically now - can't blame him for that. When it comes to advertising of PB vs Dirt I will never agree with you. Dirt gets lots of sht for how much advertising space there is in it. Furthermore mags are more prone to feel obliged to be nice to manufacturers, compared to websites, because they are much more of a physical entity. I have no problems what so ever with anyone or any mag, having better relationships with one company over another.

I think what renders anti/Pinkbike arguments useless is that, I am sure that every company gets proposals for advertising and most of them accept them, which means that we get back to point zero, because A-companies don't bid who gets most coverage, and B - if everyone pays, you don't need to feel obliged to favor anyone.
  • 1 1
 If he's not on the take he's an idiot, because everyone thinks he is. And if he is, so what? It's a rich man's pastime, not life and death.
  • 1 1
 hahahahaha. Oh you made my day Jaame. I don't care, it's their lives, I am happy for them, I am happy to be here Big Grin All I know is that a person who looks for perfectly clean people is deluded in a way that what he actually, subconsciously seeks is tiniest bits of crap to feed his minority complex.
  • 1 2
 If your wife thinks you're shagging the baby sitter...
  • 1 0
 Good job making me want to punch this Jeremy guy in the esophagus.
  • 1 0
 RC is the master at generating 38k hits to PB during the slowest part of the year. Hits = ad money. Enthusiast magazines and web sites are basically comic books for all ages and I think WAKI and I agree there's nothing wrong with that. It just is what it is, a way for more people to make a living in the bike industry.
  • 1 0
 I am going to side with @taletotell on this one.@Wakidesigns I love the shit you write normally but your defence of RC and accusations towards other MTB outlets is a little disingenuous and is a little over the top. And are you really in a position to objectively comment given your article writing for PB anyway?
I love PB and all it has to offer. But RC in "the right stuff" parlance you have "screwed the pooch".WTF-you were in a position to rationally explain away the "cash for comment" type accusations 4 weeks ago. Hell most of us would accept an explanation that PB was courting with the devil to improve the site etc. No one would really think you were out to feather your own pockets given the amazing service you have provided to MTB journalism. But ultimately MTB is entertainment and not life and death. Most of us read the reviews for an idea of what shit is out there not as some biblical declaration to buy it. Hell most of the reviews are on stuff I can't afford and besides the real entertainment is reading the shit people hang on each other and pearls of wisdom in the comments section.
But from a position of possible strength you traded away with some bullshit psychobable parable. And worse still a cynic might see the liberal use of brand names in the article as first instalment of the contract. I mean really how much better would the piece have sounded if it read "my other car is a bike".
Now all PB can do is sling mud at Rotating mass.Great work RC and PB.
  • 1 0
 Mhm... let me be straight here:
1.I don't directly defend Pinkbike - I say that EVERYONE works in ways where big chunk of stuff they post is proportionate to how much money they get from some sort of advertising, and I am sure there are "worse" than Pinkbike. it's natural - you get stuff for tests, you get paid for advertising, you are nice to your clients if only as an act of gratitude? Since when being grateful is bad? So when I read that other journos got dismayed, I think they are full of shit hypocrites. Yes VitalMTB tests seem like it was the Vital that asked for a product initally - yes, they are as thrilling as car TV shows before top gear came along. BTW RC reviews are really bad too IMHO. Should he change something? No, I don't give a damn. As long as he does not want me to acknowledge how great he is, he can write twice as much, being even more opinionated.
2.If Trek, Spec, 661 or Bell pays for commercials so do others, field levels. Bias is next to non existent
3.If someone wants clean reviews and high journalist virtues in MTB world, then he also better believe in Virgin Mary and that George Bush is after peace in the world.
4.RC caused a stir as usual, he is a true journalist Troll. He makes me laugh, but I don't think there is a single journo in the bike world spawn more crap in comments. Honestly? That was dumbest thing he ever did. Even article on clipless doesn't come close. It did more harm than good to PB
5.Cash for comment - yea, it's about it a lot, website views, google analytics is great, but it's not everything. It cannot always explain why things go up and why they go own. The more times you see Sram Guide brake banner at the top, the more likely you are to buy it. When you comment, you want to come back, the dumber the discussion the more interested people get. But there is the law of critical mass...
6.I am psychobable yes, always. Wait till May until you see my videos... we are all fkd up in one way or another.
  • 1 1
 If your wife thinks you're shagging the babysitter and is punishing you for it but you didn't do it, you might as well do it. If you're doing the time, might as well do the crime. Anyone in a position to legally take bribes should do it if everyone thinks they probably are anyway. I don't care if the pinkbike writers are on the take or not. Frankly, they should be. Being corruption free doesn't pay the mortgage or your daughter's ballet tuition and hey, what's the difference to anyone if you write a good review? Hell, it seems to me pretty much every review is a good one anyway, and there are no comparitive tests so where's the harm in it?
  • 2 0
 Jaame - for men with high need for sexual affirmation, MTBers are wankers - if your wife comes back home after away for a week and kids tell her that babysitter was at home, the reality is that you went riding, instead of creating favorable circumstances for a shag. At best you could have a riding shagbuddy, however I am not sure how would it play out on your focus on trail. So... asking only hypothetically... can you fit a blanket and wine glasses in Evoc backpack?
  • 1 0
 I haven't got a babysitter, but I think you could get wine glasses and a blanket in a backpack. Or just put the wine in the camel back reservoir. Might taste a bit funny but after a few swigs you wouldn't notice especially if you were about to get your end away with a sixteen year old
  • 1 0
 jaame - please don't tell me that now you are leading me into thinking about pouring stuff from hoses on a shag ride... oh what a relaxing twist in this discussion.
  • 1 0
 Noooooo-if your wife thinks you are shagging the babysitter and even if you're not your wife is suspicious because you probably have form. Big lesson is don't get an attractive babysitter because even if you're not shagging her she is probably shagging her boyfriend or girlfriend worse still both of them at the same time rather than look after your kids.
And Waki-defence of PB was the wrong term so I apologise but just because other mags seem to be biased it doesn't make it right.But as I said if being on the take aids a more entertaining site go for it. Just don't write a shit article to get everyone guessing AND at the same time use brandnames seemingly fulfilling your "obligations" at the same time. Bad form.
Look forward to your video Waki.
BTW I get my mother in law to babysit. And no I don't shag her.
  • 1 0
 Look, I know 2 real cases (one in my family) where a partner has been very jelaous of her/his spouse... it turned out, it was the jelaous person that cheated later on. Why are they jelaous? Because they fkng know from their own personality how to play with fire! So if your wife is very jelaous - better watch her! Or... patiently wait for an excuse to legitmately shag someone else.
  • 1 0
 It sounds like you premise is that you can't feel something is wrong without being guilty of it. Damn you for the holocaust, waki. Why'd you kill all those Jews? Maybe Martin Luther King Jr was a racist?
Faulty premise. Yes paranoia can arise from internal guilt, but it need not always be the case.
I am not a sellout. I just want unbiased reviews. Maybe that is impossible or it is already what I am getting. Either way I still read the reviews like they are water in the desert so it doesn't really seem to matter.
Jeeze why did I comment? This thread had a chance to die and I just had to keep it going. Facepalm.
  • 1 0
 taletotell - it's ok. It may be counter intuitive but it is not the same thing - people SOMETIMES feel that something is wrong because they feel guilty or ashamed of something. Feeling something is wrong is not the same as being angry about something not being the way one feels it should be. Guilt or shame lie at the base when people get angry or fired up for little actual reason. The way I undrestand it, according to Jungian psychologist the ultimate evidence of underlying guilt/shame is combination of anger and getting on high moral ground. Also even if own problem gets projected on a raised issue, it's not always about the same issue, rather a related one. My experience with so called "shadow work" is that I found many issues underlying my outbursts and a lot of anxiety accompanying judgement went away. I have to keep on working on it, because A, open door shuts if I don't hold it, and B its like peeling an onion, it goes deeper and deeper. One has to be willing to go deep into scary places. Last time I got angry at my wife when she shouted at me when I accidentaly hit my little son with the door. After examination I realized that I did not get angry because I was ashamed of being clumsy and a bit careless. That would suffice half of a year ago as off course that was the case. But now I realized that I genuinely did not feel any guilt for hitting him, I did not feel sorry for him, because I felt it was his fault and I also felt judged as a bad father. There's plenty of issues connected with it which I wil save you, particularly because we are all different. But digging in own crap does bring results. I sense though that some are not willing to take the true pain and bypass by applying general morals, in my own witch hunt I classify them as those who make judgments too fast and are very quick to set up the gallows. You don't seem to be one Big Grin Now... what did we say about shagging...
  • 1 0
 It's a concept with which I am familiar, but I don't agree that it should be applied here. The editor of dirtrag did not set up a public gallows (he did not publicly name any involved parties) but instead offered a chance for those who he felt were misbehaving to change.
It is not like the reign of terror here with journos being beheaded and some hypocritical Robespierre making bold proclamations from high soapboxes as his foes go to the guillotine. The indignant rants came later and mostly from the audience.
If the day comes when I chose one bike over another based on a review and feel cheated I will be pretty mad, and everyone will point out it is a rich person problem and I will think of his series of arguments and sigh as I realize I should have dine my own bike testing and that will be the end of it.
  • 2 0
 I have nothing to the editor of DirtRag - it was classy, considering the power of laxitive in his hands.
  • 1 0
 What did that editor do exactly? it sounds interesting
  • 1 0
 He got an email from PB to Bontrager that looked like it was a deal to do a certain number of articles about their stuff in exchange for money. PB says it was a receipt for bontrager ads plus a timeline for articles (which makes sense since companies like to line up their ads to match articles), but it looked bad. The editor of Dirtrag redacted the names of PB and Bontrager and instead pontificated about how selling out sucked.
  • 1 0
 As per teamdicky below:
www.churchoftherotatingmass.com/2014/12/02/are-we-not-journalists-part-2
then:
read.dmtmag.com/i/450545/23
Makes everything much clearer including the possible reason for RC's article.
"Cycling has become my family"......eh RC?
  • 1 0
 I think it would be fair for DirtRAG to present how do they create publications. How do they do testing and get bikes for it. Also Pinkbike does not print stuff and get money for selling it and that makes a big difference. Ehh... ethics of fkng bicycle world, drama... it's like with Louis CK. A woman saying that she is starving she needs to eat lunch no or she's going to die! Hungry children in Africa don't go around syaing they are starving to death
  • 1 0
 I became a contributed to pb in hopes that with time they will have enough that there never need be doubt where the money comes from.
  • 1 0
 Just don't believe anything you read on pinkbike... Which given its entirely subjective nature , you shouldn't anyway. So they are getting paid for reviews... Big wow!
  • 1 0
 But... if every company pays them... doesn't it really come back to starting point? Some idiot argued that Fox paid Pinkbike for Suspension Award. That would be ace to see in reality. Ebay auction, one who pays most gets best reviews and awards! I am all for same thing in road racing (any discipline of cycling really) just allow doping, it would be fantastic!!! At worst create their own category as it hapens with E-bike catogeries in some Enduro races in UK. And if you race outside of Dope-league and get caught you just get your result tranferred. I'd like to see bloke in the start gate in Val Di SOle, high as a freaking house, then going down half way, suddenly throwing bike to the side and running up a tree screaming: save yourselves, space monkeys! Aaaa spiders are crawling all over me!!
  • 1 0
 Yes and no waki. It is not a zero sum game. It is not like there is one great bike trophy and they are all paying to get the award. People are worried weaknesses are being down played much the way RC joked about. The fact that he used references to actual statements makes it a little more weird, and funny.
  • 2 0
 That's why I mentioned Levy's reviews some 10324234732798497234 words further up. To me he shoots them issues well. Mike Kazimer, not so well, a bit too kind for my likes, but I take it. Matt Wragg... eee... not always sure what he's on about, whatever - hurray for variety, and RC... I find his reviews really flat, (oh it has bars and if you turn them bike changes direction, oh the suspension bobs this and that, then it opens) - what lights them up is some weird statement that usually gives same effect as putting a stick into an anthill, getting 80% of attention instead of theoretical characteristics of the product.
  • 2 0
 I tried to read all of this, but I got the same feeling in my stomach as when my wife says "we need to talk" so I'm going to go ride my bike.
  • 1 0
 my only other option is pay attention in class. . .
  • 1 0
 Please do, or you'll be working like the proverbial dog (as opposed to real dogs, who don't work at all-too bad they can't ride bikes, as they have unlimited time) at an advanced age, as I am.
  • 1 0
 This is my second degree. I have it well in hand so far. Wink
  • 83 0
 I found this story to be laterally stiff yet vertically compliant. It climbed to the top like a mountain goat and descended like a banshee with it's hair on fire.
  • 34 1
 Is that your unbiased opinion or are you being paid by the bike manufacture to say those words? Smile
  • 16 0
 Yup Banshee's do descend pretty well...
  • 5 0
 last time i checked, my bike didn't have hair...
  • 8 1
 Mine does @ithomas
  • 17 1
 leftover pubes on the saddle dont count
  • 4 0
 Or blood and remains of a piercing
  • 16 1
 that took a nasty turn
  • 1 0
 My friend I mean nooooooo.....no I've seen it or at least perceived it via my lenses screen and decoder .
  • 4 0
 might wanna stop while you're behind
  • 3 0
 @WestwardHo Obviously you were paid for that review Wink
  • 67 0
 Worst Penthouse Forum letter ever.
  • 31 0
 i really hope you wrote that in the voice of the Simpsons comic-store guy
  • 9 1
 HAHAHAHA!!! Best comment. ever.
  • 1 0
 Hahaha! Thanks for the laugh owl.
  • 66 5
 After all the awful writing and grammar skills in the MTB media, this story was like a breath of fresh air. I like how you used simple language and kept me on the edge of my seat. Great work, RC.
  • 20 0
 And plenty of hyphenated description-words to conjure the coffee-shop where the supposed-incident occurred.
  • 1 0
 Ah yes, I find the logical fallacy that this entire article is based on to be very refreshing.
  • 38 8
 Totally not bike related but digging the fact that A Tesla has replaced a Porsche as the gold standard for a new car... Truly an impressive company...
  • 8 2
 WANT.
  • 14 1
 Porsche 918 Spyder with Weissach Package - WANT
  • 15 3
 This is what environmentalists never got - you can't convert the mainstream to like hybrids or electric cars, by presenting them PRius. Show them McLaren P1 or Tesla and you'll see SUV trend drifting away...
  • 3 5
 When you can actually go on a decent road trip non stop with them is when I think the mainstream will catch on. I like the idea of electric sports cars, but you can't exactly drive them like "sports cars" for very long.
  • 6 1
 What a bout my Hybrid Hummer? Takes two days for a full charge. Gets me to Starbucks and back!
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns you're so right
it's all about status symbols :-(
  • 4 1
 Not too may people road tripping in a Lambo/Ferrari/Porsche/etc. 250mi/charge is farther than I drive probably 360 days out of the year. And I don't mind driving 2 hours to good trails! Besides, if you can afford a Tesla you can have a gas/diesel/hybrid too, or rent when necessary. I would rather have the Tesla and deal with the rare inconvenience of stopping for a 30min FREE charge at a Tesla Supercharger station.

EDIT: My house to Bend, Or is 124 miles. Drive, ride, charge while sipping a pint (only to be safe), drive home. SOLD.
  • 2 2
 I'll stick to my truck thanks...
  • 3 2
 I'm not just talking Tesla's or Ferrari's, more electric vehicles in general. Their range is the biggest thing holding them back. But another thing a lot of people don't talk about is the added price of Tesla's. One of my customers has one and their insurance went up almost a grand a year and his electricity bill went up about 300 a month.
  • 4 0
 Where did their gas bill go? I put $40 a week into my car right now, and for the sake of argument lets say I'm driving the 85kw tesla and I go the same distance in a week about 250 miles. I think power is $.13 per KwHr here. that means it costs $11.05 to fill up the tesla. So roughly it costs the same in a month to fill up a tesla or any reasonably designed EV than it costs me in a week. The insurance hike I could believe, it's an $80k car what do you expect, but electricity? there is no way it went up $300 a month unless they drive the car to empty 23 times in a month. Electricity is that much cheaper to drive than gas. Range is a problem on long trips yes. But around town, just plug it in at night and you're done. Full tank in the morning...
  • 2 0
 The high end of the EV range is pretty hard to achieve. It's like getting your gas car to run at Highway MPG all the time. If you're using AC, radio, seat warmers or anything like that it's all running off the same battery. This guy did also drive around a lot for business and what not. Hell I put that amount of miles on my truck every 2 days. I'm not an EV hater, I actually really like the concept, especially in sports cars. Who wouldn't want an instant and linear torque curve? But with current technology they're not quite perfect yet. I don't like having my range limited that severely and I don't want to have to wait 30 minutes for a charge.
  • 5 0
 WAKI doesn't get to California much where Prius drivers are as sanctimonious as horsemen
  • 2 4
 Tesla will never replace a Porsche, or any other gas powered performance car. If you've actually driven a Porsche (or Vette, or M3, or S4, etc.) vs. a Tesla it wouldn't even be a question. A Tesla is for rich, liberal tree-huggers too cool to drive a Prius or Volt.
  • 1 0
 Z bike. 100 miles n hour. 100 mile range. electric motors are torque monsters. go ride your bike. cars suck!
  • 2 0
 Ducati 1199. Because in addition to crazy speed and handling, there is the sound it makes.
  • 3 6
 Tesla - 120 mile actual range if you drive it like a regular car (co-worker has one), top speed of 120mph, looks like a Hyundai (new Hyundai's actually look better), sounds like a golf cart, and isn't faster than a gas powered performance car. This is what you all get excited about? And in the words of Jeremy Clarkson, I actually do downshift my V8 powered Euro-sport sedan (thank you Germany!) next to Tesla's so that they can hear me hurt the environment, and also know that they are getting smoked by a cheaper vehicle. Now neg-prop away sheeple, lets break a neg-prop record, so I can celebrate with a 200ft. burn-out on my way home.
  • 4 0
 @SlodownU Can't argue with the sound of a Ducati, especially the older models with the dry clutch!
"Is there a bag of nickels in your transmission?" Nope, that's the sound of awesome.
  • 3 0
 @SlodownU. Technically in a straight line the new Tesla P85D is faster then any other SEDAN ever made. 0-60 in 3.1 seconds, it smokes the Hellcat by quite a bit. Now the problem with that is if you are using the car to it's full potential you are not gonna get very far.
  • 1 1
 But the Tesla P85D costs $120k, weighs close to 5000 pounds, and handles like a turd. Plus it doesn't make any nice V8 sounds or give you that nice feel you get from a high-strung performance engine. Not many gear heads hear, what a shock.
  • 2 0
 A Dodge Charger Hellcat weighs in at 4500lbs, not exactly sprite. It also is not exactly renowned for it's handling. I question have you ever driven a Tesla? Because I have and they handle quite nice and have tons of room for storage. Also any experienced and skilled driver will tell you that the way an electric motor puts out power is far more desirable then blown or turbo V8. Naturally aspirated is better but not by much. With an electric motor you have instant torque instead of having the slight lag a super or turbo charger has. There is a reason McLaren, Porshe, and Ferrari have all gone to hybrid designs for their supercars. But as I have mentioned before technology isn't quite there to make a capable fully electric super car.
  • 1 0
 I've driven a Tesla S, yes it's fast, but it's heavy, you can really feel the weight in transitions. A Hellcat is not something that I would personally consider because I value handling over straight line speed. And the reason they're adding hybrid technology to super cars is because it's the most reliable way to boost the power and performance of a motor that's already putting out over 700hp. Efficiency has nothing to do with it.
  • 1 0
 I thought this article was about cycling journalism and not being bribable
  • 1 0
 As do I have, the only real reason I compared it to a charger is because it is claiming to be the fastest sedan ever built. And yes I would agree they aren't doing it for efficiency. The reason electric has a place in super cars is because of the power delivery. Any turbo set up will have some amount of lag and has to build boost. Electric provides instant torque which is why it has been added. Some F1 cars have created electric turbos that way they have full boost exactly when needed.
  • 32 2
 Awesome! You had me going for a bit there, right up until the $50 round off the weight comment.
  • 20 0
 The only thing I didn't believe is when he said it was a joke #conspiracy theory Wink
  • 27 1
 that was awesome, i kept picturing jeremy as jeremy clarkson which made it more fun for me. good read!
  • 10 1
 Must say tho Clarkson lets himself down sometimes being an antichrist err.. I mean anticyclist.
  • 3 0
 got to love the "orangutan"!
  • 4 0
 Clarkson is a rowdy now. He got a bike to get fitter.
  • 24 0
 I knew it! Oh.......wait......nevermind.
  • 17 0
 American coffee...how not to do it
  • 1 0
 Just don't do it monza
  • 19 2
 Slow clap. Well done
  • 19 4
 Classic misdirection. Post the truth, and then claim you were just kidding. Good one.
  • 4 2
 Passive aggressive is where it's at, not only you can say exactly what you think or worse, then you apologize and people think you have such a strong personality that you are not affraid to admit being wrong. You can also turn it into a joke and people will think you are so intelligent and funny. I could not care less if it is the case with RC but works great on my Boss in mail conversation!
  • 10 0
 This rich, metro-looking man in his mid-twenties wearing square-toe Italian slip-on shoes, tweed pants and a light-blue, button-up Prana shirt kind of makes me feel like a loser. But he also sounds like a giant chode...so whatever.
  • 2 4
 I guess it was Prada, BTW...
  • 4 0
 @cool3 it could be Prana (outdoor clothing brand)
www.prana.com/men/clothing/knit-woven.html
  • 4 0
 @vhdh666: thanks, didn't know about this brand. I thought that Prada was a good fit with the guy's description… Wink
  • 1 0
 Sounds like jeremy clarkson
  • 13 0
 Had to be a Specialized in there somewhere!
  • 11 0
 ....you drink espresso with whipped cream?
  • 2 1
 Espresso Con Panna, takes the bitterness off the coffee.
  • 4 0
 Then why bother with espresso at all? The caffeine content isn't actually higher than in normal coffee, it just tastes like it is.
  • 2 0
 Doesn't have to be about the caffeine content. It's a very rich flavoured drink.
  • 4 0
 If you don't like bitter then try a ristretto.
  • 8 0
 uurrrghhhhh...coffee snobs. three years making coffee in a cafe gave me irrational peeves...
  • 6 0
 Uhuh, coffee snobs.. yeah. Surely if that's how someone drinks their coffee then what's the problem?

Except decaff. That's just soil pretending to be coffee.
  • 2 0
 yeah well i did say it was irrational...
  • 1 0
 Espresso Con Panna is a lovely way to drink coffee!
  • 4 0
 I'm just glad the "coffee" orders didn't slip by without comment. I couldn't bring myself to ignore it, nor could I comment, as I hate the "coffee snob" label. But damn, did I cringe.
  • 12 1
 Thanks for writing for Pinkbike RC.... dig it.
  • 10 3
 Yeah, kinda bummed that my post got chopped. All I did was link to:
www.churchoftherotatingmass.com/2014/12/02/are-we-not-journalists-part-2

Admitting some kind of wrong doing by deleting the post much?
  • 2 2
 It wasn't removed, it is still there down at the bottom but it has been neg propped into the comments with below threshold score are hidden bit. Nobody liked your post, there is no conspiracy.
  • 3 1
 Thanks. It would be nice if Richard would explain the background to his story.

read.dmtmag.com/i/450545/23

I still don't like the idea of "paid for" editorial content. Just don't.
  • 1 1
 Where in that article does it say the editorial content is paid for? It's just bullshit speculation based on an ad buy contract. Prove it or drop it.
  • 5 0
 What about mixing reviews, articles and editotial looking advertising on the same space? Just look at the commencal/Kyle Strait "article" just below this one. :-)
I think you should keep the advertising in the left and right columns if you aim is to keep some kind of jounalistic credibility on this site.
  • 12 3
 This might be the best article I've seen on Pinkbike to date.
  • 5 0
 A lot of commenters are missing the point. This wasn't just a hah-hah-tricked-you novelty, and the real point wasn't to show how squeaky-clean RC is. This was vehicle for expanding the conversation about ethics in MTB media, cleverly crafted to avoid overt finger-pointing. Respect.
  • 8 0
 So the bikes you review DO end up on eBay, don't they?
  • 1 0
 And the clothes you big up!
  • 6 0
 My first mtb was a Nishiki Alien. Thank you RC for your dedication to our sport. A great read.
  • 10 3
 R.C.s' World! great article my mate.
  • 9 3
 Haha, this was an awesome read. PB needs more of this. Big Grin Burning out on videos...
  • 3 0
 The message here: If you want to be a part of the bike industry and have the income to buy a Tesla. Dont work in the bike industry just write about it. And swallow some..........ahem.
R.C. you break the mold. I will always respect your opinion.
  • 4 0
 If more of us became plus members here then we would have to worry less about capture. If PB can make ends meet with less ads then they can afford more transparency. I think I'll go plus.
  • 8 4
 I don't care what everyone thinks about this article . . . RC tried to get us to call free-riding "black-diamond" riding and I will never forget how incredibly lame that sounds.
  • 13 1
 SeanC1^^^ Fact is, I had nothing to do with MBA and the "Black Diamond" thing. That was Jimmy Mac's business. The way I saw it, it was like surfing laguage. I didn't name freeriding. I wasn't a pioneer freerider, so I had no right to re-name it. Before you get ugly, you might want to verify your story.
RC
  • 7 0
 Boom, Lawyered.
  • 4 1
 @SeanC1, you don't care what anyone thinks about this article...well, it's a good thing you took the time to enlighten us with such an articulate and well conceived point...
  • 3 0
 I'm just going to up vote SeanC1 so this thread doesn't get to the "Below threshold threads are hidden", hehe.
  • 4 0
 Not trying to be ugly, I just always thought the term was a little wacky. If RC never used the term in an MB Action article, then I will apologize.
  • 1 0
 @RichardCunningham, That is good to hear as that's one of the thing that made me stop reading MBA. As well as the air of contempt for freeriding in general. (How it came across to me anyway.)
  • 2 0
 I'd just like to say that reading people's interpretations of this article also reminds me why people even have conspiracy theories about magazines and websites.

There are dozens and dozens of different interpretations of any sort of media. I think I could put a picture, a 3 sentence statement and 10 second video clip up and poll every individual about it.

There would be 100's of "interpretations" of just about any media bit on earth. Relax folks.
  • 2 0
 I work for a bike company now, and I ran the marketing dept of another sporting goods company for a number of years. Maybe it's different here in the UK or in the watersports market, but we never sweetened anything with publications. We paid for ads, they got invited on trips and to dealer meetings / product launches on a cyclical basis and occasionally we didn't ask for kit back when it had been through a few hands but we never thought about slipping them a few bills or trading equipment under test for better reviews.

Had there ever been any discussion of that I would have pulled all our advertising on the basis that they were running an unfair ship and we couldn't ensure a straight review. There's always someone with deeper pockets than you and there's no point paying top dollar for adverts in a magazine that you can't trust.
  • 6 1
 Good one RC! I enjoyed that article.
  • 7 2
 That was great. Well done RC
  • 3 0
 I would venture to say for Richard, riding new and different bikes for free is the bonus/ reward.

Thanks for the welcome diversion from reality.
  • 4 1
 Red pill / Blue pill. Which half of the story do you choose to believe? Either you are a cubicle loser or you are a mere battery in a distopian world.
  • 6 4
 I really don't know why is that COFRM article causing such a buzz. Can someone please explain my dumb me in which way, the behavior of the company in question is unethical?
  • 3 0
 Unethical is a bit too strong. But to write an article to specifically suggest they are immune to the obvious 'conflict of interest' between editorial content (especially reviews) and advertiser's dollars, is sailing a bit too close to the wind IMO.
  • 3 0
 There is the question of what the product is. Do people come to bike sites for the ads or to get information? If the magazine claims to be providing unbiased info when really it provides ads that is a violation of the consumer's trust and is therefore unethical.
RC is saying they don't do that. The above link suggests otherwise.
  • 1 1
 Are we all going to end up on those flying bike things like on str wrs if so tell me and anyone like minded who wants to keep some sort of integrity in your life and not only that not be obese for half of your life or worse...mmm enough said c u on the trails.
  • 4 0
 actually got to the end, well done.
  • 2 1
 Mmmm I wonder....Are those guys at Vital on the take... Is the dark side real Do reviewers threaten a horrid review unless the purse is big never mind a good review I see a movie - Premium Rush Job @Pinkbike. Com
  • 5 0
 Cool story, Hansel.
  • 4 0
 You should write a book @RichardCunningham
  • 6 2
 Brilliant RC, great writing/story telling as always
  • 4 0
 That was brilliant.
  • 3 0
 Thanks for the good read RC!
  • 1 0
 The only thing that bugged me about this article was the tattooed sleeve. Why does every douchebag and soccer mom need a whole sleeve tattoo these days?
  • 3 0
 rc - have you ever wanted to choke out someone from a marketing dept?
  • 6 5
 If you saw Jeremy's tesla on side of road, needing a charge, would you just drive by pointing to the generator in the back of your car or stop to help?
  • 2 1
 Already down voted! Come on RC, I'll give you a couple banner ads if you say you're sorry! Maurice knows where it's at.
  • 2 0
 The Super Hunky is strong in this one...


This is a compliment.


(apple not falling far from the Hi-Torque tree.)
  • 3 0
 That was good, i think you had everyone going haha
  • 2 0
 May be one of my favorite reads on Pinkbike so far. Damn fine, Mr. Cunningham, damn fine.
  • 2 0
 Ok just think of how much money bike companies make from changing wheels sizes, more on the way too Just wait and see!!!!
  • 2 0
 650b+!!!! Ermahgerd! Fatbikes with smaller tyres and bigger rims...or is it mountain bikes with bigger tyres and bigger rims? Or is it 29ers with bigger tyres and smaller rims? Or is it more pointlessness to spend your money on that won't make you have more fun than dicking about with your mates in the woods on the bike you have now?
  • 3 1
 haha great story! classic
  • 2 0
 gnarbar, did you even read the article?

blackthorne, screeching tires still screech whenever it comes from tires corrected to a gas, diesel, or electric car.
  • 2 0
 Like it,like it a lot must read it again.
  • 2 0
 Great story! You had me thinking the whole time" I Knew it".
  • 1 1
 Did you ever get in trouble for saying this in one of your articles?
"...steel or titanium build up weight faster than Oprah Winfrey."
  • 2 1
 "Tesla screeched off"-- or should it be 'whirred away' since that's what electric cars sound like.
  • 12 0
 Unless they're screeching, obviously. It's the pedal on the right.
  • 4 1
 Teslas do have a little trouble spinning the tires, but only because the traction control works so well.
Turn it off and no problem, except having to replace your tires...

691 horsepower.
0-60 in 3.2s.
Real room for my legs.
Equivalent of 90 mpg.
$105k - tax incentives.
  • 2 0
 Dude.... Excellent work Mr. Cunningham
  • 1 0
 I didnt get it. Fsck , i`m out for a ride, who`s with me to catch some thick mud?
  • 2 0
 Ughhh.. Boulder Razz
  • 2 0
 Suspensful
  • 7 6
 Soo did this conversation actually happen or is this just a cool story?
  • 17 1
 cool story bro.
  • 4 2
 "cool story bro."
  • 7 0
 chill anecdote, kinsman
  • 3 1
 Genius Richard
  • 5 3
 Ha, you're so cool RC !
  • 8 9
 bumlick
  • 3 2
 Guess you misunderstood me
  • 3 3
 morning laugh with my coffee. nice one RC, might just be your best article ever!
  • 4 3
 so... you were paid to promote those big ass 29ers... i get it!
  • 1 0
 You pay full price? What a hack!
Ok I grinned....... Alot
  • 1 0
 Great writing. You are wasted in reviews.
  • 2 0
 cool article
  • 1 1
 The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was making you believe he does not exist. This piece is to be condemned.
  • 2 1
 Haha, good work, RC. Big Grin
  • 2 1
 Cool story, Bro.
  • 1 0
 What a horse shit story
  • 2 3
 I've gotta stop reading PB...
  • 4 6
 Nice one! You made me google Tesla...
  • 4 1
 Which did you read about, the car, or the man? theoatmeal.com/comics/tesla
  • 1 0
 I read a biography on Tesla in high school and a lot of the stories of that guy have stuck with me. I still haven't done any fact-checking, but to this day I don't know how much of it is true because it seems to defy my understanding. I mean, wireless electricity? Come on, is that real?
  • 4 0
 It was and is real. Tesla was both visionary and brilliant.
  • 1 0
 "It was and is real. Tesla was both visionary and brilliant." - As is the company of the same name.

That Jeremy guy sounds like a pretty cool dude. Can't get any better than EVs & MTBs.
  • 3 0
 Yeah! I finally took a few to look some of it up yesterday. Looks like the bit about the "earthquake device" is unverified, but that guy is otherwise my pick for Most Underrated Mad Scientist of All Time!
  • 1 0
 @Hyakian ... Searching the name lead me to the inventor and the product, so technically both.
The car is great but I only see it being useful in countries which supply recharge stations. Here in South Africa you better have a bike rack with a bike on attached to your Tesla!
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