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Martin Soderstrom joins Specialized Freeride Team for 2011

Jan 21, 2011
by rasoulution  
Over the past few years, Martin Soderstrom has doubtlessly become one of the top freeride mountain bikers in the world. In the last 2 years alone, Martin has won 11 events and placed 5th overall at the 2010 FMB World Tour. Signing with Specialized is another rung in the ladder to stardom for him and he is ready to show off the new partnership. Martin will ride his new P.3, SX Trail, or Demo 8 at lots of contests all over the world and once again rock the FMB World Tour.
photo

Aiming to dominate the freeride world in 2011, Specialized is excited to announce the addition of Swedish pro Martin Soderstrom to their freeride program. Specialized will sponsor Martin with frames and saddles for at least the next two years and will be joining two of the best, Darren Berrecloth and Matt Hunter, to create one of the most diverse—and dangerous—freeride teams in the world. Not only do this year’s athletes represent the best in the business, the two decorated
vets and the young up-and-coming pro are not shy when it comes to product development. Specialized will make the best use of this partnership to take their products to the next level, as we’ve already seen with their XC and Downhill collaborations. As Martin puts it:
bigquotesI couldn't be any happier to sign with Specialized, it has always been a dream to ride for a big brand, and now to sign with THE brand of the big brands is just amazing. I have only been on the team for a little while now, but we have gotten a very quick start in a short amount of time to discuss how to reach our goals. As many of you already know I am a rider that has to be very certain that the products I am using are the best on the market and I feel that Specialized is the right brand for me. Together we want to create some new amazing gear, not only for me, but also for all of you out there. So let's say: Stay tuned!


photo

Deacon James, the director of the P.series line of dirt/park and street bikes said “we couldn’t be more excited. We have the utmost respect for Martin. We are big fans of his riding and style and have a deep appreciation for his professionalism. The timing couldn’t be better as we are dedicating more resources to P.series to fully realize Martin’s goals and ours by utilizing his direct feedback in the development of our current and future projects. Specialized is dedicated to making Martin’s dream bikes a reality, and we are well underway already. We’re going to elevate our game together. These are exciting times for P.series to say the least.”

Martin is fortunate to have two notorious rippers as teammates. Supported by strong partners for the 2011 season, expect Martin to nail the sickest tricks at 26TRIX, Vienna Air King, Rocket Air and the Crankworx events. To stay in touch with Martin, join his fan page on Facebook or check his website: www.martin-soderstrom.com

For further information or interview and photo requests, please contact: [email protected]

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Press Releases Specialized Martin Soderstrom


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319 Comments
  • 15018
 Yeah! Nice, i think he suits NS more though Frown
  • 10410
 woooooah, this is weird. NS was perfect for him, i figured he'd ride the Soda this season for slope...
  • 456
 i dont imagine him on the spec...
  • 9091
 biggest fail in mtb history to leave NSBIKES
  • 417
 agreed.
Offering more money than NS or just so he can have a say in the P series?
  • 254
 Yeah, I was gonna say, I would've thought he'd get more input with the bikes at NS seeing as they're a fairly small team. I'm betting specialised will be paying him a fair bit though ha
  • 10013
 @rwstyle,

How so? I'm sure NS is "cooler" in some peoples books, but there is certainly more to sponsorship than being with the most hip or coolest company. NS makes some great rigs, but there is no denying that Speci has more resources and more selection. Not only that, we could see him rip it up at even more events now. Sounds like a win-win to me.
  • 136
 WTF?!
  • 436
 Specialized has sooo much more going for him, its a bigger company, that has the ability to pay him more, get him more exposure and further his athletic career. Specialized is a fantastic company with and extraordinary line of top notch bikes. and the ability to give every one of their professional riders exactly what they want. He will do better then ever with specialized.
  • 104
 amazing, this is my favourite rider and knowing hes joining this brand i cant imagine how big hes going to get now, i personally like NS better for DJ's but this is alot bigger of a company
  • 660
flag rwstyle (Jan 21, 2011 at 10:23) (Below Threshold)
 @mikelevy yes I also prefer a crappy p3 frame when I get best dj frame of 2009 sponsored...
  • 131
 more exposure??
is that possible

he still has NS bars though
  • 284
 Why the saddles?! There saddles are f*ucking ugly
  • 81
 whuuut, lol this could make the p2's popular again, i remember people said they were too common so they ddecided to dislike them
  • 203
 @rwstyle,

There's a lot more to life than which DJ frame one is riding.. Martin is out there risking life and limb doing what he does, there is no shame in going to a bigger brand who may have more to offer. Having said that, I obviously don't know any of the specifics of the deal. Also, many riders would choose the Speci over an NS, just like many others would choose the NS over the speci. It's preference. He's made his choice, props to him, and I'm sure he is stoked!
  • 942
flag rwstyle (Jan 21, 2011 at 10:31) (Below Threshold)
 NS frame suits him way more and he doesnt need the support of a brand which is that big. I just cant understand...
  • 134
 @rwstyle,

"...he doesnt need the support of a brand which is that big" That's a big jump considering that neither you or I know the details of his Speci deal. For all we know, NS was only supplying bikes and Speci is doing bikes and an actual paycheck to live on... then again, maybe not. Like I said, I don't know any of the details. Specialized make great bikes and if they can offer more than NS, why second guess Martin's choice?
  • 201
 and now he gets a DH and 4X rig
  • 3518
 @rwstyle. You are the biggest idiot on PB.

Obviously he likes the Specialized frame more than the NS, so get that out of your head that " NS is the best for him " Every rider has their own opinion, HE HAS HIS. So don't bitch about him having it.

Specialized is putting out alot of great looking bikes the past few years, I'd pick a 2011 P3 over an NS any day.

" I also prefer a crappy p3 frame when I get the best dj frame of 2009 sponsored... " Guess what bud, this is 2011. And the P3 is going to dominate any circut you put it on.

I'm on board with mikelevy, don't bash his decision, you're not his manager.
  • 72
 @Bmxerch
Didn't he have massive input on geometries of NS majesty? More like signature name? Hard to say that random bulk frame which has quite average geometries and such would be actually better?
Company in the other hand, i would jump to specialized aswell.
  • 61
 He still has NS gear on that P bike... wonder if specialized will make him change it out?
  • 71
 All I have to say is what the fuck is he on and where can I get some
  • 560
flag rwstyle (Jan 21, 2011 at 11:14) (Below Threshold)
 @lux-freerider Who the hell needs a f*cking DH or 4x bike!!!
  • 1129
flag rwstyle (Jan 21, 2011 at 11:18) (Below Threshold)
 Totally agree with liveless.
The majesty is his frame. He designed it. The p3 is an normal dirtjump frame. Its not that bad but martin started with street and park and the majesty is the perfect frame for him.
So all together: shut the f*ck up BMXerch!!!
  • 166
 f*ck you buddy. Shut. Up. Legit.

Who cares if he designed a frame ? It's his preferance, maybe his ideas and feelings towards NS have changed, and he likes the P3 better. And, most riders that are sponsored by Specialized race Dh, 4X, DualSlalom, and some Free ride. Which, once again, Where is NS' free ride and downhill bikes ?

The " Normal Dirt Jump frame " is more towards NS, and Dartmoor, and Blk Mrkt, etc. Specialized designed the P3 around 4X racing, idiot.
  • 60
 As if specialized couldn't get stronger
  • 150
 People, chill out...
  • 104
 I'm chilled. When I try and say something perfectly relevant, and get flipped on, obviuosly I will retaliate. But this kids so far up his own ass that he can't grasp that Specialized has something Martin is interested in more than he is NS.
  • 50
 mohahaha, i've known for over 2 weeks. met linus sjoeholm.
  • 120
 April fools... awe wait... shit.. what why
  • 315
flag KURTSUCKS (Jan 21, 2011 at 11:57) (Below Threshold)
 People above me fail! hahahaha...!!!
  • 92
 money, money, moooooney!, MONEY!
  • 81
 Yeah well. Kurt sucks Razz

I think that Martin's change is going to be good for him. He's got a wider range of disciplines now.
  • 10
 maybe he still rides for NS but only small parts like the stem and bar?
  • 10
 yea, he has ns bars in that pic., cant see the stem though. is it an ns stem too?
  • 10
 yea he probably still has ns as a component sponsor, like sam pilgram had last year and just picked up specialized as a frame sponsor.
  • 89
 Bmxerch ... I don't think that any frame in the Pseries can stand up to the majesty. I have owned Pbikes and I have a majesty in fact I owned them at the same time, and sold the p bikes because dust was settling on them. Better Geo, Lighter cleaner and with a better BB ... how do you consider p series being better? Maybe if you like heavy frames, euro BB's and crappy offset rims...

I bet he moved on to progress his career. Right on the tip of my tongue is the fact that His riding focus is very close to Pilgrims and not so close to claws. This will give him space on the team to shine while also getting more opportunities to advance with more support.
  • 90
 Great thing for Martin, congrats dude. And, now we are at it. Most riders are being underpaid and used by brands. Riders fuck up their bodies for the rock and roll life style and a few bikeparts and companies make the money while a rider can barely get to events or pay the bills. Most FMB World Tour riders don't even get paid by their sponsors, no travel money, nothing. Let the FMBA worry about that first thing next morning instead of asking them a fee for joining the club. It starts with the rider, he is the billboard that fly's, talks and moves, sponsors should take very well care of them, everyone should.
  • 214
flag brett236 (Jan 21, 2011 at 13:24) (Below Threshold)
 @bmx merch, martin DESIGNED the majest, its all his own geo on that frame, you really think he is gonna like a shitty p frame that he has no input on over it?
  • 40
 career wise this is a great choice for Martin, but im skeptical on it. unless he is going to have an extraordinary input on the P-series and do what he did for the NS line-up, im not a fan of this.
NS and Martin made the Polish/European bike industry known to the world, and not just a local company and it pains me to see him leave, but if the money is right...
  • 10
 read my comment above
  • 171
 @ pbrider , u do realize the p3 is lighter than the maj right? Facepalm its only the chromo frames that weighed a ton. the NS rims only just came out and we dont even know how they last under hard abuse as martins with mavic for wheels, he will continue to run NS components just like Berrecloth runs Easton components people need to chill the f*ck out and think about shit here... if he got invited to Rampage wtf would have riden? a 6-7 year old Cove like he was riding for 2 solid years for larger comps like crank works while NS sat by and picked their nose thinking if they should design a fully?

as well now hew has a better chance if he wants to pursuit WC 4x if he so pleases.

IMO spesh is becoming a VERY power full name and in my mind will being going toe to toe with trek soon (martin vs brandon any one?)
  • 70
 well any haters can just f*ck off to be honest, it was his move and he made it because he wanted to. ive never ridden a p series bike but i owned an ns and loved it and now i miss it Frown but that aside. ns is a very dj street oriented company and obviously slopestyle but if none of you noticed martins started doing 4x aswell and did 1 race or 2 i think at wc level. he rode his ns how it was single speed and all and managed to bin it. on a speci hes gunna be able to have a proper 4x bike or any other bike he wants to ride.

one more thing, has nobody mentioned that he and sam pilgrim both rode cove hookers for crankworx (even though sam was just waiting for his dimondback) and now sam has joined ns. hes replaced matrin almost.
  • 21
 chillout you lairy chicken man Wink
  • 11
 Martin was riding the cove cos NS couldn't ship the soda to crankworx in time apparently ...
  • 20
 give it a chance, lets see how he rides on specialized. i agree he suited NS but has anyone seen him ride a p bike?
  • 61
 Woah! Wierd! NS is my biggest dream! Well, as for now we will have to see what he will do. Kinda wierd is that he got his own signature frame and then left ns, lol. But hey, swedes are awesome, we do whatever we like! ;D
  • 30
 i love the specialized, just thinks its a proper dirt bike, his ns was kinda street looking, smooth and slick
  • 40
 Specialized makes amazing jump bikes. Like the p3 frame hes running right now. And just think about it. Specialized is probably paying im triple from what he was earning at NS. I support his riding, not as much as the bike he rides.

Keep up the good work Martin!Salute
  • 30
 i hope that the specialized frames get dialed as hell now! I hope they actually take his input seriously.
  • 20
 @katinasd: buuut, martin makes good money. actually really good. know quite a lot people who has been riding with him a lot and people who attended the same school as him, and he makes good money. only of peak performance, he makes a lot of money, and that's not his biggest sponsor.
  • 30
 @ ksmb, cough* redbull lol
  • 10
 Go martin! im sure that he make more cash from now on !
  • 12
 spes does have something ns doesn't...sell out cred
  • 34
 didnt he leave cove for spec?
  • 23
 lol^
  • 21
 No he just rode the 18 year old cove mini fully in comps, did that thing have 29" wheels or was the frame just that small?
  • 10
 so i guess NS has sell out cred to as sam bagged on diamond back to ns? Rolleyes
  • 40
 Congrats to Martin. Now he can get the exposure and compensation he deserves.
  • 20
 you guys gotta remember that he is also big into 4X this will help him with that. also at kokanne cranworx he had a new cove not and old one check the pic on my profile its proof
  • 11
 Guys it's dimond back to ns...who would not do that, seriously.
  • 10
 ^^^ thats Sam Pilgrim
  • 43
 noooooo why would he leave NS those are clearly better bikes then the p series. sad day
  • 142
 NS ONLY DOES DIRT JUMP AND STREET FRAMES. MARTIN WANTS TO PERSUE DOWNHILL, 4X, AND ALL THAT STUFF.

SPECIALIZED HAS A WIDER RANGE FOR MARTIN TO USE. HOW MANY f*ckING TIMES MUST IT BE SAID !?!? OR ARE ALL YOU PEOPLE JUST THAT DUMB !?!?
  • 25
 Excuse me? You need to keep your nuts in your sack and calm the f*ck down. Not everybody spends countless hours marking his every move like you.
  • 61
 Holy fuck. Well someone had to see the post, because lord knows you'll ignore it if I don't put caps on. So fuck you. Half of you people don't even read the idealogic thing. You see what YOU want to see written. And blow everyone else's, legit, and probable opinions right out the fucking window. Buncha goons.
  • 20
 Oh yeah, I'm also not mad... Salute
  • 21
 Cool story bro.
  • 10
 Thought so too.
  • 11
 arent you doing what you just said everybody else is doing bmxerch? your writting your opinion and thats what you beleive so your gonna write it and beleive no one else
  • 40
 I love how the people saying its a bad idea are all unsponsered riders who will most likely stay that way until they quit biking by the time their 20. Why is this a bad idea? Cause ns is a smaller 'cooler' company? Who cares, specialised will give him more pay him more and this has already givin him and specialised more exposure which is what it is all about. Very smart move on his part, very smart and lucky move on specialised... Oh and kids.... Buying a 'cool' bike from overseas that you rarely see here isint giving you any more skills.
  • 40
 Brett- It's stating the blatantly obvious truth. NS does NOT have a Downhill, 4X Specific, or Freeride frame. Thus, driving Martin towards Specialized. If people would get this into their thick skulls, we could all be happy and cheerful. paul- Agreed, I don't get what's so hard to grasp about Specialized being a smarter company for him to ride for.
  • 70
 stop bitching girls and go ride your bicycles....
  • 20
 You are all forgetting that darren berrecloth and matt hunter probably had a huge input into the bikes that soderstrom will be riding, and those two seem like they know a thing or two about how to ride a bike.
  • 10
 specialized is a bigger company but that doesn´t mean that their frames are better for him than ns, I think that ns "majesty" is way better than any "P" frame..........if you get things for free you dont care if they are good or bad! maybe specialized has good quality products but out there are tons of MAJOR BRANDS sponsoring good athletes and making not so good products!!!!!!maybe that move is better for him but that don´t mean his new frame is better than the old one!!!
  • 11
 bmxerch- they were working on a slopestyle/freeride frame and if im not mistaken he was also having major input on that frame. the only reason martin left was for the money, we all know that
  • 50
 Actually the fact is we dont know anything.
  • 10
 Martin didnt Design the Majesty so stop beliving in this marketing BS. The geo didnt change that much from before he was in NS. Incremental changes.
  • 20
 Look at the 2011 Mjaesty, why does it have Martin Soderstrom's name all over it?
  • 21
 Brett. Where's the Downhill frame then ? Oh and the 4X Specific frame ?

Thought so. Don't have it.

SO. How about you all shut the f*ck up about Martin's move and be happy for the guy. He's better off with a wider range of biking disciplines anyways. Do you people not understand this ?
  • 30
 Hahahaha, you guys are soooooooo cute!!!!!
  • 30
 can someone delete my comments, I'm fed up of constant notices about you guys bitching about a guy changing bicycle sponsor, until you guys are as good as him and are being sponsored you don't really have the right to hate on his decision.
  • 10
 TL;DR
  • 10
 Also being able to ride a DH bike like the demo means he will be able to take part in the red bull rampage, and at 4X events he can work with the monster energy spesh team for mechanics and stuff. The move suits him, so its not just about the money.
  • 20
 I don't think it was ever about money. He's helping Spesh design a new P bike, even if it hasn't been stated, it's obviously going to happen.

And then Specialized will be " Martin's bike " and Ns will be " The wrong bike for Martin "

Hahahaha people should think.
  • 20
 ns will never be the wrong bike for martin if he designed the majesty, they may make a specialized frame to his specs but in the end the majesty will still be the first frame he designed and the sequal is never as good
  • 20
 or you could look at it as theres always room to learn and for improvement and things can only get better... theres plenty of things that get better with the sequal
  • 20
 Brett- That's my point exactly. No bike will ever be the wrong bike for anyone. But alot of people are too hung up to settle themselves and read. And he will most likely put the exact same Geo into a P series bike.
  • 11
 maybe for a street bike but no one other than DH racers have had input or custom geo on their bikes and that was only sam and bendog because spesh was trying to build their DH race team. as it sits i doubt any one has custom Geo'd frames, maybe angle sets but thats about it, for any of the DS races every one(sam brendog and troy) was on the exact same bike(SX) just with different set ups.
  • 10
 Damn thise 2011 year gona be hot! Legendary riders changed there team so thsie gona be freakin awesome Sam's gona have loot of competition now NS vs Specialized ! tup
  • 30
 i personally think its gonna be a trek vs spec affaird (brendan & cam vs martin & derren) 2 cents
  • 10
 good showdown.
  • 21
 It's hilarious how people call the Majesty his signature frame. The difference between the Suburban and Majesty geo is half a degree.
  • 20
 its because the majesty frame has perfect street and dirt geo, so why not make a cheaper frame with very similar geo?
  • 10
 Im a retard.
  • 10
 brett - what planet do you live on. He didnt design their frame. He was one of the riders to give input to NS. That is all. What he was doing for NS was advertising the brand. That is all. You are very gullible
  • 10
 All pro riders riding for a company are riding to represent the brand... So, it's whoever frame they like, and who offers the right cash.
  • 120
 all u guys dissin this move to specialized are wrong... it was his choice if he didnt want to be riding with spesh he would not have gone isnt that obvios. and hey he also gets dh/free ride/ 4x bike out of it asweelll there is more avaliable to him at spesh so i cant wait to see this seasons its gunna be sick..
any of u NS fans dunno wht ur worried about u bagged ur self sam pilgrim for this season so everybody wins
  • 110
 given the choice of riding for?

a "cool" company (NS)

a "big" company (SBC)

which would you choose? if you actually want to make a living out of riding

you'd jump at the opportunity to ride for a big company like Specialized that has the resources to give you:

-a proper salary (so you can also buy full medical insurance)
-a wide range of bikes
-opportunities to travel
-full technical support
-pay expenses for you to travel to competitions and jams
-develop new frames and bikes with your expert input (read the article...)
-perhaps even a career working in product development or sales after your pro career finishes!

it might be 'cool' to ride for a smaller company, but you gotta make a living, as Pro riders have a short career which can quickly finished by injury or bad lack!

some years ago I rode for a 'cool' company (Banshee Bikes) doing freeride - until I realised I would never get 'paid' (I got bike and expenses covered, and media apprearance fees), but still had to work full-time to make a living and so my riding suffered...

do you think if a company like Specialized had come calling I would have turned them down to stay with the 'cool' company - hell no!!
  • 10
 this was on point !
  • 101
 Wow, these are some of the most retarded comments I've ever seen... Obviously Specialized can do WAY more for him than some euro street mtb brand. And I'm sure the geo on a new P3 is fairly similar to any other HT out there these days including the NS.
  • 80
 I'm no expert on this guy or speci vs ns bikes or anything but there are a lot of comments saying he's better suited to one bike or the other. Remember guys it's the rider not the bike. Put a talented rider on any suitable bike and he'll shred.
  • 60
 I like this change For 2011 Ns Bikes Are Sick But Speazlied are bigger company more money more prospects bterr future Build more types of bikes dont forget he rides 4X now aswell Good Move But You Seem To Hurt All The Trend Whores Martin!!!! Loves 2011 Already!!!
  • 22
 not trend whores at all, ns is a better product. specialized is big company, thats all they have going for them
  • 90
 Riding NS bikes isnt a trend buddy, theyre proven as damn good hardtails that are pretty damn affordable and ride amazingly. Specialized is a better choice as a whole for a pro freerider, it'l give Martin more choice for bikes so he isn't limited to riding dirt jumps and park, he can go blast some downhill if he wants now or ride in more big bike competition and have more chance at getting in big MTB films now that he has a bigger variation of what he can do. Joining Specialized isn't to say that he likes the P's over the NS frames, it's a better career choice for the future.
  • 10
 But brett, how do you think they got to be so big? Is it maybe because, I dunno, that they have some pretty good bikes, that have stood the test of time? Nooo, that couldn't be it now, could it?
  • 10
 they are big because of downhill/freeride bikes. how many top riders do they have on their dj team besides martin? and bmx is even worse. only reason to go to specialized is because of money
  • 20
 Maybe it also has to do with the fact that they have the resources to get their riders the exposure they need, to further advance their careers? How many events and projects do you think Specialized sponsors, compared to NS? And of those, whose logos are displayed the largest at these events? Now, follow the bouncing ball here, maybe this corresponds to their influence in the biking world, in all aspects. And as far as exposure goes, being on a team as big as Specialized will open so many doors to magazines and other advertising media
  • 10
 Staying on NS limits him to the world of Dirt Jumps, Street and Park. Moving to Specialized means Martin can have a bike to shred any dicipline of MTB, actually make money to live off and will be able to push his riding further than before. He's set now that he's on Specialized!
  • 10
 kona how much more exposure could martin get from what he already had? only thing specialized has to offer is money. ns was building his a dual sus bike and would have made him a 4x frame to
  • 60
 Such a good move for Martin. Specialized definitely has some better suited bikes for his riding style and will progress him farther in slope style than any of his previous hardtail sponsors will. Stoked to see what new bikes come out of this too!
  • 30
 i agree 100%^^^ Big Grin
  • 212
flag rwstyle (Jan 21, 2011 at 11:23) (Below Threshold)
 totaly not agree.
Martin is probably the best park street rider on hardtail.
No specialiced (maybe except the sxtrail) will ever fit him.
His ridingstyle is smooth and stylish and speci isnt smooth and stylish at all.
The geometry is not for him. He designed the majesty!
  • 30
 what's wrong with the P3 ? Bearclaw manages to be pretty damn smooth on his : P
And how do you know if " the geometry isn't for him " ?? Can you feel him being uncomfortable on his P3 ?
Not to forget he's also racing 4X from now on and that the speci will be much better for 4X than his majesty ...
  • 14
 bearclaw and martin have 2 completley diferent riding styles, martin designed the majesty so there will never be a better frame
  • 70
 rxstyle...so naive. You keep saying that the P series bikes will not suit his style. Do you really think he grabs a P3 off the shelf and then goes out and shreds? His bike is going to be totally designed and built to his specs. The logo on the down tube could say anything. Moving teams is all about business. These boys need to get paid and thats the bottom line. Call it what you want but I think Martin is pretty damn stoked right now. You my friend need to take your personal emotions and feelings out of HIS decision and throw down some logic.
  • 20
 Reading through these comments is hilarious. Criscokid25 just made the smartest comment on here. Martin is sponsored by Specialized now. They have more money than god. They can make him whatever geometry he wants (and probably lighter than stock also). You better believe his bike will be exactly what he wants. Martin deserves to get paid. He won't be sponsored forever. He now has access to more bikes, more money, more resources, better support, and better teammates. He would have to be a complete moron to pass this opportunity up.
  • 10
 hes actually just riding the regular 2011 p3... for real, geo is the same, they really did some big upgrades on the frame and everything is spot on for 2011
  • 71
 action sports is a very short career. what's wrong with him trying to make the most of his by going to a higher profile brand? it is a smart thing to do. hopefully, he left NS on good terms. who wouldn't want to advance their careers would a move like this?
  • 20
 exactly man gd shout
  • 50
 I'm pretty sure he wasn't welded with NS Bikes, so what's the moan about? Lots of riders move up the ladder, if they got what it takes. It's an opportunity. He did a great job for NS Bikes and they did a great job for Martin, getting him on the podiums. I guess the headhunting starts for NS now...
  • 72
 Have any of you unwashed masses actually put time on the new 2011 P.3 frame?
Until then, don't open your mouths about something you don't have a clue about.
Oh wait, I HAVE, but in all fairness, I'll keep this simple, instead of actually ripping you all a new one about your inaccuracies:
Better rep, bigger company, more money and more metal, and a bigger community when he comes HERE to the U.S. for comps and races... And since NS is not as recognized here, the big red S under him will help him garner crowds and followers...
And you notice the euro riders are the only ones complaining, right? Us U.S. folks are all stoked. LOL
Neg prop away...
  • 21
 I love you man. Someone else who gets it lol

No homo.
  • 10
 I think this is the crew i wish to be affiliated with on this matter. OMG ITS MY OPINION RUN FOR YOUR LIVES
  • 10
 No reason to run, Just get ready for war. Ha ha
  • 70
 This is for everyone who neg propped last time I mentioned that he was going to be on Specialized.
  • 51
 I would do the same, riders are not getting payed enough these days, it's kinda sad, but being a pro ain't such a cool thing in the terms of money making, so Martin's move is pretty obvious. Something should change, riders should get higher salaries.
  • 40
 I guess it's like any other sport. If you were playing college football, and then the NFL came and said "here's a few million a year, and you get to have plenty of sponsorship, and you'll go far kid", then would you not hop on over too? You wouldn't say "Oh, but I feel much better being part of a small town community and having input in the teams plays here...".

Same thing happened here. He was given a chance to expand and grow as a rider and professional athlete. Who knows, maybe they'll value his input on frame design at Specialized too? I am sure they don't ignore their riders. It's a cycling company, and biking is their main focus. He's a part of that family and that focus.

It is a shame on NS bike's part though...too bad they lost him Frown
  • 40
 In my opinion, it's usually a smart move to hook up with a big company if you can, because they can offer you more in terms of resources, development, and promotion. Congrats Soderstrom.
  • 31
 And the obvious one that everyone is forgetting. Money!
  • 30
 NS suited Martin well, and it is an amazing company, but now he has more options for a better slopestyle and downhill bike with Specialized and still has the option for the P series. NS has better dirtjump and street bikes, but Specialized will open some new windows for Martin
  • 10
 why would he want to start downhill he is a street/park/dirt rider and thats what he will always be dont try to convert him !!
  • 72
 major changes on bike teams , martin goes to specialized , thomas goes to rocky mountain which is good Smile
  • 111
 Also, Sam Pilgrim goes to NS...
  • 91
 maybe thats why martin went to specialized Wink something seems fishy
  • 150
 or ns singed sam pilgrim because they knew martin was leaving and they still wanted a rad big name freestyle guy on the team?
  • 30
 and sam pilgrim , forget thnx tom-ryde Beer
  • 52
 he went to specialized because he got offered more money. theres nothing else to it.
  • 20
 He should be riding better with them. Specialized have better support for freeride and 4X, so he should fit in perfectly.
  • 30
 martin is going to be getting more money with specialzed. thats what affects everyone at the professional level. hes gonna shred nonetheless though, so what difference does it make what frame he has
  • 13
 shouldnt be about money !!
  • 30
 Maybe not, but it is. What would you do if your boss offered you your current job, with slightly better benefits and a higher salary?
  • 12
 this should not be a job thats what im saying !! money should be earned trough comps !!
  • 30
 Are you on crack? Do you not understand what a CAREER is child? You know that stuff you need to live, money? If I was a bloke of his talents, I'd go with whoever was paying the most for me to potentially kill or cripple myself in comps.

And its not like speccy make crappy product or don't support their riders, the demo 8 was written off as nasty huck bike, but they've redeveloped it into a world cup and world champ winning bike.
  • 20
 Yeah, brilliant idea only making money though comps. Winner gets paid a ton, 2nd through 4th place pay rent that month, rest of the top ten sleep outside until the next comp and everyone else goes hungry. That sounds like fun.

Oh yeah, and film riders like Hunter only ride every second weekend because they're working 2 jobs to make ends meet.

Sounds kind of idiotic when I put it that way, doesn't it?
  • 11
 no having a job would be no problem if you rode pro like how often do you need to be out practising certainly not all day every day !
  • 30
 Alright, I'm not dignifying that with a response. The troll food is going back in the fridge...
  • 12
 okay dont ! but you just did so that failed !
  • 10
 As much as ns bikes are amazing for there street and DJ frames, he was looking for an all round thing, and spesh and martin goes really well. lets see what he gives them this year, i am thinking its going to a good year for him.
  • 10
 from what i have hear. he i gona get a signature p frame real soon, and keep on the devolpment to get the bike perfect. so he`s bike is not gona be a problem. so for martin this is a win win situation, gonna be at more comps. better backup more money, bigger company. and he is abel to ride the same brand of all of his bikes. not an ns dirt bike an evil dh and a cove sl. and his gonna have a pretty sick 4x bike at the wc i belive. the kid has mad skills on the 4x track.
  • 10
 @mattsmurph
if you read you will find something that says: "Specialized will sponsor Martin with frames and saddles, for at least the next two years". atleast what I found? I dont know with you. but for me it sounds like: Specialized will sponsor Martin with frames and saddles, for at least the next two years
  • 10
 shot martin, i think this is a good move for you to sign with specialized. i think that each rider should have the right to what bike THEY want to ride, not what everyone else wants them to ride. so what if they ride gears or a full sus for dirt jumping, its there choice so respect it. Its not like the bike makes the rider, i bet if you put martin on any bike he could ride it just as good.
  • 20
 even apollo fs26?
  • 10
 ^^ @ royalmajesty hahahahaahahahahahahahahahhaahahah
  • 10
 Oh boy this is a sad day for ns but I can see him going further on specialized cause he'll have more riding variety with spec tho like someone said earlier he'll get a DH and 4X rig and he'll get to ride with hunter and berrecloth so he'll defiantly advance there and I have a feeling he's gonna change the face of the P series
  • 10
 Hey Guys! listen to me!!! I know that many people think NS is cool but i dont think most of you kids have grown up watching specialized as the coolest bikes on earth. And also, he want to take the next step, and this is the next step for him. I really think you would have done the same thing if you were in his situation.
  • 10
 i think tbh specialized jump bikes more for drit and as u seen his vids rides more park so ns is alot better for that but ns is one biggest mtb makes around now so i think he made mistake think him and sam prilgram made edit toghter would been so gd watch but u cant see it now he fuck off to specialized
  • 10
 a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs013.snc6/166360_1725094800990_1046993141_1966669_2194371_n.jpg

I just saw this posted on facebook. Monster WInterstyle a few days ago and hes riding an NS...looks like a prototype aswell.
  • 30
 Good on him, can't wait to see him ride some of the 4x world cups this year.
  • 40
 Pah! Like anyone would turn down Specialized as a sponsor. Good on him.
  • 33
 for all those guys blabin on about more money i have one thing to say this sport should not revolve around money ! its about fun and respect for other riders and thats what ns do they have alot of respect for there riders im happy for sam because he deserves the respect and no doubt he will get it on ns BUT i can tell you no that soderstrom will be used on specialized you will just see his name every were he is there to sell products and thats it !! ns was like a family to him specialized will just be plain old work ! marty should have been loyal to the company he has had frames from since the start ! NSBIKESCO ftw (btw i will probli get negs for this but i dont care cause its my opinion and i wanted to sare it ) Okaythxbyee
  • 11
 I'd like to know your favorite riders list if you don't mind?
  • 10
 1 lewis nolan
2 alexey sinayko
3 Pasha Vishneviy

want more ?
  • 11
 Nah I'm good, just had a hunch about something
  • 10
 care to explain your hunch ?
  • 10
 Frown . thing is its going to bring better frames in for specialized as well. so HOPEFULLI a good outcome will be that there will b a majesty competitor as it is such as sikk frame Smile
  • 10
 martin soderstrom one of the worlds best dirt street n park riders in comps he is going better than sam pilgrim but he should of stuck with ns better company and he just brought new 2011 frame out
  • 20
 Wow, NS must feel P'd on. Yeah... Bad joke. I'm sure it's all good between NS an Martin, he is still rocking their bars. That's got to be great exposure for them. Ken
  • 51
 Seems like a smart move!
  • 44
 Can't imagine him doing flat tailwhips on that P2. Too bad NS couldn't provide him with that something that Specialized could (maybe a paycheck?).
That seat is ugly as hell btw.
  • 51
 * Facepalm *

P3 bro. P3.
  • 20
 oops, my bad. Sorry
  • 42
 well done dude. ya might get to ride with the claw. its worth it just for that. lol
  • 10
 um genius, he's been riding with Bearclaw at half the competitions he rode over the last few years...
  • 10
 Easy genius hater. Riding in the same competition as another rider is much different than actually going riding with someone.
  • 31
 p3 is better than majesty ( for me) or sx??? with martin style? Ns soda is for him better
  • 30
 Hoping to see an edit from this machine on his new ride!
  • 30
 yeah !! he deserves it !!
  • 21
 Congrats to Martin, I'm sure Specialized is paying him way better. Too bad the smaller companies always lose the best riders to the big bastards!
  • 10
 Didnt see that coming! I guess this is great for Martin since now Im sure he'll be getting more exposure and more funding to travel to competitions. Woot!
  • 11
 Man signing with a bigger company that will back you with more r&d, exposure, compensation etc... sure is stupid. To everyone that thinks otherwise...enjoy bringing chicks home to your parents basement when you're 40!
  • 30
 money makes the world go round
  • 10
 sadly
  • 10
 All whats blowing threw my mind is just WTF?
I just thaught it was a Joke or something like that but its true WTF?!?!?! >.
  • 10
 appreciation of frame design is subjective. I don't think you can say one is better then the other. It may be better for you..... but I may like something different.
  • 21
 Frown ) wtf ns jump bikes are much better thank spec ones Frown ) unless hes planning to do redbull rampage or somthing Frown )
  • 22
 ns was making a fully for him and the team to ride at places like rampage
  • 10
 i hope you are not talking about the soda lol
  • 21
 Well maybe not for rampage...but let this one go man
  • 10
 ok ya man im just jokin around
  • 20
 Hell yeah martin, even if NS looked better on you!
  • 22
 Wooooot! p3 isn´t the right bike for him i think, but now I know why NS got Sam Pilgrim.....
Dammn bet the payed lots of money to get martin!!
  • 20
 did not see that coming . .
  • 20
 i would have done the same!
  • 20
 This is pretty cool not gunna lie. He's gunna get crrazy exposure.
  • 20
 YEAAAAAAEAEAAAAAAAH
  • 20
 @Tom-Ryde sam pilgrim is already on NS
  • 20
 sweeeeeeeeeeeeet i love this guy hes legit
  • 20
 I wish he would have switched to trek instead of specialized
  • 10
 Just out of curiosity - why?
  • 10
 specialized frames feel like sh*t, trek tickets ride so nice
  • 10
 Yeah, the Ticket is a sick bike, and probably nicer than the p. series. I really prefer Spec's bigger bikes though, but to each his own.
  • 30
 Nice!!!
  • 31
 Sam Pilgrim take over for Marty...
  • 10
 i think its a good move for Martin, and i kind of seen it coming.. Thats new soda frame looked so sick though!
  • 10
 WTF! I was very excited to see Martin and Sam Pilgrim riding the new soda frame together this season...I do not believe it
  • 20
 Ancient adage says:"money are changing people" Big Grin
  • 20
 unfortunately true...
  • 40
 would u rather 3 an indian air over a 60ft gap for $ or for $$$? it's a $imple career move and recognition for talent and hard work in a very competitive $hort-lived $egment.
  • 64
 martin+ Ns BIkes = perfect
Martin + spezialized = no go
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 22
 yeah agreed ^^ he doesn't suit specialized :/
  • 21
 i agree also !! Ns bikes for the win Polish pride lol !!
  • 20
 C.R.E.A.M CASH RULES EVERY THING ARROUND ME!
  • 20
 he changes sponsors like underwear or is it just me??
  • 10
 Isnt it weird that all the 2011 maj frames have martins signitures on them?
  • 20
 And anyone else notice the NS parts on his new P3?
  • 10
 People need to stop focusing on the gear. Martin would make any frame look like it was designed for him...
  • 10
 NS already designed a frame for him and it had his name on the frame and now he has fucked off to specialized.
  • 10
 What I meant is that the fact he had a frame designed to his specifications and then changed for a "generic" geo and "shit" frame (see comments above) doesn't make his move a bad one. Martin would rock any frame. If the peeps behind NS bikes are as nice as you guys would like them to be (they probably are btw), then they'll be happy that their friend just got a big sponshorship. I'm pretty sure Martin didn't slam the door behind...
  • 20
 fuck you,its not martin...
  • 43
 really? thats kinda weird..... he should ride the cromo frames at least.
  • 31
 won't be long until everyone's on carbon fibre frames....
  • 12
 i hope your kidding tom
  • 21
 I think that as technology moves on carbon fibre is going to become more and more used and more strong, stiff and resistant to snapping. We have Carbon Fibre DH bikes now. Not long ago that would have been a crazy idea. I think soon enough carbon will make it's way into 4X in a big way and then transfer into DJ and finaly into street riding. I'm not saying alu and steel frames will be no more - because they have their advantages (price) but I think there will be a day...
  • 10
 but dj bikes arent full sus...
  • 11
 tom i dont think you realize how much more stress is put on a frame riding dj and street compared to downhill. in downhill all of the stress is put on the headtube from the forks. in street and dj it is on every single part of the frame. carbon fiber will snap under that pressure. i dont care how safe you tell me carbon fibre is i will never ride a carbon fibre frame
  • 20
 Carbon fibre at the moment clearly isn't up to taking DJ/street brunt, but I think it will be one day. It wasn't long ago it wasn't up to downhill use and I think the time will come...
  • 10
 i dont think you understand what im saying, carbon fibre is not a strong enough material to stand up to the abuse of street and dj, you case a jump hard with a carbon fibre frame your gonna snap the chainstays or something else around that area. you land a bit side ways on a 3 on a huge jump your frame will snap. carbon fibre will never be strong enough to take the abuse
  • 10
 I reckon it will be, we still havn't reached the limits of carbon fibre... currently it's not strong enough but I'm sure scientists will play about with it and make it stronger and better in years to come. Although currently it's not strong enough. In the early 90s all frames were made of steel because aluminium was thought to be too weak and bendy...
  • 10
 imo aluminum is still to weak, if i can crack a full cromo frame i could wreck an aluminum frame pretty easy to
  • 10
 havn't seen any snapped banshee amps in my time... Even those dartmoor player frames hold up if you follow the user instructions.
  • 10
 just because you havnt seen it dosnt mean it never happens. i cracked a full cromo frame on my bmx, and steel is stronger than aluminum. imo 100% heat treated cromo frames are the best
  • 10
 100& heat treated cro-mo is probrebly the strongest, but far from the lightest. Most people don't need the added strength and are free to enjoy the benefits of lighter materials. But I agree - cromo is very strong.
  • 10
 just cause you're a hack doesnt mean that carbon fibre will break if someone else rides it. i COULD see carbon becoming strong enough in the future, but im not sold on it.
  • 10
 sorry im not a pussy about my bike hondarider. and just to let you know im 6 ft 3 and about 210 pounds so i tend to break shit from time to time. carbon fibre will never be strong enough to stand up to agressive street and dirt riding. and at the small chance it did could you imagine the prices on a carbon fibre frame? at least $1000. and thats to much to spend on a sketchy ass carbon frame, ill stick with my cromo
  • 10
 even the biggest riders can make things last if they're smooth. ill stick to my cromo frame too, but dont count carbon fibre out just yet
  • 10
 That means you're 17 stone 5lbs in english money. So you are are exceptionaly heavy person... and by the sounds of things you're a bit of a hack too, so carbon fibre will probrebly never be strong enough for you. But for the rest of us, some time in the future, it could be the way foward...
  • 10
 tends to happen when your 6 ft 3, and im not a hack at all i just have had some big slams.
  • 10
 I'm 6ft and 149lbs... which means for 3 inches taller you're 61lbs heavier which makes you a very heavy person who crashes hard. Carbon fibre is never going to be for you.
  • 10
 never would want to ride it anyways, im good with my 24 pound bmx, still have heavy ass rims and stem so i could knock it down to 23 pounds easy. dont need lightweight but sacrificing strength parts
  • 10
 i mean no disrespect, but casing the same gap numerous times is considered a hack. (i creeped your profile) im not Mr. Smooth either, i cracked my headtube on my first proper frame.
  • 10
 casing the same gap numerous times? i have cased the one that most of my pictures are on maybe 10 times when we were messing around with the lip and trying to dial speed and i cased the 17 foot a few times because those were my first 3 times casing it and i kept overshooting the drop on the drop in
  • 10
 theres no need for excuses, the fact is it happened. just ditch the drop all together and make the lip steeper.
  • 10
 trust me, its a pretty short run up for the size of jump and we are making it steeper next season. ill put some pics up when we test it. do you build your own jumps? cause this is my first legit trail and im not that great of a judge of speed so ill try my best to ride smoother so you dont consider me a hack
  • 10
 whenever i can i do, which isnt very often unfortunately. now long have you been riding for? cause the first few years is never smooth for anyone Razz
  • 10
 last summer was my second summer jumping but i spent most of my times at the jumps digging insted of riding because there is only me and one other core digger there to build and ocasionally a 3rd guy helps but he just mostly tests the gaps. this year hopefully it will be more riding than digging but i can never stop expanding and building new stuff out there Razz
  • 10
 its guys like you who allow the sport to thrive, so good on you. i wish there was somewhere out here to dig and ride, but i think im gonna resort to building some in my backyard, regardless if my parents want me to or not Razz
  • 10
 haha i wouldnt say i allow the sport to thrive because me and my 2 friends that ride are the only guys that ride those jumps cause we are the only dirt jumpers in the south end of guelph that i know of. i have been trying to convince my mom to let me build in the back yard all last season and the only thing she would let me put back there is a mini ramp if i can get the money to build one
  • 10
 yeah but without digging, there would be none, so you are helping. the great thing about DJ's is that dirt is cheap, so i would just need to get the wood for the roll-in. im thinking of just doing it one day when my parents are at work Wink
  • 10
 i have thought of that same thing, but then remembered when my mom go home i wouldnt be alive to use them anymore Razz
  • 42
 good stuff Big Grin
  • 10
 @jumpbikelife. thats a chromag saddle, there not ugly
  • 10
 I disagree, i hate that saddle.
  • 10
 fair enough, i dont really care tbh
  • 10
 NEW BIKE IS AWESOME! I HAVE THE SAME FRAME SO PUMPED!!
  • 20
 was NOT expecting that
  • 53
 Wtf Martin !!!Frown
  • 31
 oh yeeee speci 4 ever:P
  • 20
 YAAAAA WOOT WOOT
  • 31
 awsome dude Big Grin
  • 32
 he should have stayed with ns
  • 11
 Amen !! i wonder will all his ns slim marty grips and majesty frames go on special offer cause they have his name on them hahah
  • 11
 From what I know Martin wanted to focus more on DH and freeride events next year and Specialized has the frames to do that.
  • 11
 id be doing that face to if i were ridden a specialized ahahah jk Props ,man !!
  • 10
 maybe specialized has offer a bigger money for him!
  • 21
 fucking motherfucker, ns done for him a lot and he left them
  • 21
 sooo trueee !!
  • 21
 man he should stay with NS
  • 32
 He should've stayed with NS
  • 10
 The fighting going on here is entertaining -- so much passion!
  • 10
 He got the same shoes as me Big Grin
  • 10
 Specialized Bikes; A new Bar in biking has just been raised.
  • 10
 Yeah Martin! thats so sick. Kill it this year bro!
  • 10
 nice bike and youBig Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin Big Grin
  • 10
 D: NS suited him way better!
  • 10
 is he still using ns components?
  • 10
 hes still ns for components, he just ride specialized seats and frames now
  • 10
 Im going to buy that fork Smile if he's using it , it must be good Big Grin
  • 10
 @rwstyle ... Martin started with racing 4x actually ..
  • 10
 im loving his new p3!!!
  • 11
 sick, martins gunna make demo 8s cool again Big Grin !!!
  • 10
 whaaaaaat
  • 21
 Fuck yea!
  • 32
 dislike !!!
  • 22
 what the fuck is this ns is soo much nicer
  • 33
 NS Majesty > Specialized P.3, should have stayed with NS with Pilgrim
  • 10
 did he leave NS Bikes?
  • 20
 no, he just rides for them both now....
  • 10
 thank you for filling me in on that
  • 10
 he just rides for specilized now, but im guessing still has a components deal with ns
  • 12
 So much repetition.. I'd rather a parrot to be in these forums instead. He's Moved. Nuff' Said.
  • 11
 NOOOOOO
  • 24
 WHAT! He should have stayed with NS!
  • 24
 he should stay with ns wtf
  • 35
 Martin, what are you doing???
Please not Frown
  • 35
 Martin Soderstrom is a fucking fag
  • 36
 bad move, stay with ns if i was him
  • 130
 That's just it............No one here IS him. All these people hating, we PAY for bikes, we are the idiots! lol
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