The Pinkbike Podcast: MTB Fashion Failures & Tedious Trends

May 24, 2023
by Henry Quinney  
photo
Art by Taj Mihelich

Fashion isn't something I'm personally too concerned about, but on some level it does affect us as an industry and sport, no matter how immune we think we are. In fact, to get to the route of it, Kaz and I sit down with the most fashionable mountain biker in the PNW, Dario DiGiulio, and ask him why nothing beats riding in a Talking Heads t-shirt.

Of course, it's not just our clothing but trendy riding spots, the latest Instagram trends and a whole litany of other faux pas and blunders to fall foul of, knowingly or not.





Featuring a rotating cast of the editorial team and other guests, the Pinkbike podcast is a weekly update on all the latest stories from around the world of mountain biking, as well as some frank discussion about tech, racing, and everything in between.

Subscribe to the podcast via your preferred service (Apple, Spotify, RSS, Megaphone, etc.), or visit the Pinkbike Podcast tag page for the complete list of episodes.


Bonus: The Music Corner


Song 6 to 11 is the perfect "half album" - Henry

7 minutes and 26 seconds of North African punk perfection. - Dario

Otherworldy singing and creative lyrics make me happy - Kaz


Posted In:
Podcasts The Pinkbike Podcast Dario DiGiulio Henry Quinney Mike Kazimer


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110 Comments
  • 39 1
 Are all the "where is Levy?" people new to PB? Levy goes on extended vacation every year.
  • 14 0
 That guy clearly loves curling.
  • 8 4
 He does and as a bonified Levy-on-the-pod fan, I'm used to it - but he's done nothing for a full 6 weeks now (at least via pod) and nothing I can find on PB otherwise since March 24/25-ish. This is unusual. So yeah, take all the vaycay ya like - some of us just like our weekly Levy dose. He's a character and a trip, even if he does wear dirty chamois', lycra and nursing home slipper sandals.
  • 38 2
 I like this new Dario guy. More art nerds in MTB!
  • 14 0
 Are we not obnoxious enough for you?
  • 17 0
 I've been doing some thinking, and I got some ideas to improve the site. I got it right here.
Uh, one: Levy needs to be louder, angrier and have access to a time machine.
Two: Whenever Levy's not on a podcast, all the commenters should be asking "Where's Levy?"
Three--
  • 3 0
 see point 1 and 2?
  • 4 0
 Levy’s busy working on a new podcast with Poochie & Roy.
  • 7 0
 Note: Levy died on the way back to his home planet.
  • 20 0
 Free Levy!
  • 5 0
 The Aliens have him now
  • 1 0
 @threesixtykickflip: He knew to much......
  • 16 1
 Levy moved to Boulder for a couple months of sensitivity training. If he makes it through without offending anyone he can rejoin the PB gravel bike review panel.
  • 14 0
 Anyone else have issues with the sound levels? Had to turn it up to hear Dario, then Henry blows my speakers out when he laughs..... like most things, Kaz was mostly in the middle.
  • 2 0
 Same
  • 5 1
 I've heard this comment before but holy shit, this episode was in fact almost unbearable. I love some Henry and his anti-everything but the low vocal tone puncutated by exospheric laughter was harder than usual this episode. Had to keep jumping back to repeat what he said at higher volume then ram the volume down to avoid getting eardrums ripped...
  • 1 0
 They need a proper producer to mix the tracks in post.
  • 15 2
 Anyone know why Mike Levy is not doing these anymore?
  • 10 2
 I'm slowly coming to accept that Levy may no longer be a part of this site, sadly. Wonder how long's his gardening leave?
  • 4 0
 @chaoscacca: nah he’s still here just chilling atm apparently
  • 3 0
 FTIW, Levy has been name dropped in pods he's not in since early April when the aliens took him, including this pod where he's referred to as ultra eccentric. PB is amplifying the bewildernment by saying nothing, which I think is bad MO if Levy's gone or if he's just doing other stuff - just say so. We don't need gossipy deets about it if he quit, was fired, left on his own or whatnot...doesn't matter and honestly I don't care. Just wanna know if he's cooked for the pod or not. I'll survive, the pod is fine and in spite of Dario say like 138 times a pod, he's cool and its fun...just dunno why PB's gotta be all Comrade Xi about saying what's up w/ Levy. Its really not a big deal but people are curious and the less they say, the dumber the shit we say.
  • 2 2
 @Mtn-Goat-13: PB has a history about not communicating with their audience... Or if they do, it's never straightforward press-release style communication. Gets old, but it's how they roll.
  • 1 0
 @corposello: I hear ya - and nothing we type here changes this. I get it more w/ Alicia's crash though obviously everyone knew - seems like PB could just say 'she had a bad crash, here's where to donate & send your love & good vibes...", add link - done. Instead people went on for months about it and were periodically told (if they didn't know) she crashed. PB does a disservice w/ the Boards of Canada secretive shit - just say whats up PB. We don't have to have all the gossip and even Levy's not a god - just good to know some basic things sometimes. Everyone's in the know & all the gossip dies, easier to just move on.
  • 3 1
 We forgot the whole PB editorial team is just a tiny part of a massive corporation. Even if they wanted to fill us in on Levy, I’m sure HR policy is to not discuss any employee’s personal affairs
  • 10 1
 You mean like the DHaRCO party shirts?
  • 8 0
 Maybe Levy is hidden away working on the Grim Donut v3…
One can only dream..
  • 2 1
 Grim DCNUT
  • 4 1
 as in GRIM DOWN COUNTRY NUT (I know how the typical PBers are gonna read it)
  • 2 0
 I picture the "O" in DONUT as a sprinkle covered treat with a bite out of the right side. And I am actually curious as to how exaggerating current trends (i.e. Grim Donut'ing) a BCXC race bike will make it faster or better? Will a 10kg/22lb DH bike be the result and will it actually be faster in a BC XC race? Maybe it would look like something Dangerholm would do?
  • 3 0
 @taprider: GRIMCOUNTRY
  • 5 0
 I completely agree with Kaz about clear glasses and NW trails. There is no way I can ride a trail that mixes sun and shade with anything besides completely clear glasses. The photochromic lenses transition far too slowly and the darker tinted glasses make everything in the shade invisible for me.
  • 1 0
 I have the same issue but east coast (pisgah / western NC) - shades on = sketchy except in winter w/ higher light so its clear mostly. Could give the eff's whether its fashionable either way - I just use my $20 Shady Rays bluelight glasses anyway...done that for years now.
  • 1 0
 Boeing or Microsoft are massive corps - Outsides a bitty spec. Even then, I don't think anyone is asking about his personal life… Just whether he still works at pink bike or not, will he continue hosting the podcast and write articles. I don't even need an explanation of his vanishing for the last 6 to 7 weeks. None of this has anything to do with his personal life – this is 100% his work persona
  • 5 0
 Great episode, just as I'm sitting at home freaking out about the state of mountain bike clothing lol. Am I the only big-legged person who feels like mountain bike pants are far too tight these days?
  • 2 0
 All MTB clothing is designed for the skinny people. If you have beefy legs or a dad bod you just have to accept not everything will hang right or will be tight where it shouldn't be and will cost a fortune in the process.
  • 5 0
 And so short! If I wanted my ankles to be uncovered, I’d wear shorts. Dammit pants, you had one simple job
  • 7 0
 Levy come back, you can blame it all on me.
  • 2 0
 Levy come back
  • 3 0
 Cause I was wrong, and I just can't live without you
  • 6 0
 Speaking of roadie clothing utility, why don't any companies make MTB jerseys with rear pockets?
  • 2 0
 I have a pair of Specialized SWAT bib shorts that are worn under bike shorts and shirt with pockets. I use them for my bigger rides. Pockets on a loose fitting jersey would just annoy the hell out of me.
  • 2 0
 @JSTootell: For some reason I don't love bibs, but maybe I should try those. I agree baggy shirts with rear pockets wouldn't work but something in-between would be nice. Baggy enough that it doesn't look so stupid with MTB shorts and knee pads?
  • 1 0
 Freehubmag did a flannelshirt a few years ago with a rearpocket. It was awesome
  • 4 0
 Because a loose cut jersey with stuff in the back pockets just swings around and annoys you. They’re out there, they just don’t make sense. Cargo bibs are where it’s at. I haven’t been able to go back to anything else for the last 8 years after specialized made their SWAT bibs. Luckily Spec isn’t the only option anymore.
  • 2 0
 Ketl Mtn bib with pockets that go over you shorts…
  • 1 0
 Might as just wear a road jersey under a baggy jersey for the same utility
  • 3 0
 Merino wool wherever possible. The problem with the shirts is either too light and see through 100/150 or too heavy 200/250 weight and starts to pool the sweat. Also tears easily on trees and could use more stitching and technical seams. That being said, I wear it and abuse it, doesn't smell and basically cant wear plastic anymore. Also merino socks, there is no other option.
  • 2 0
 Hundy on this. Mons Royale kit is so good. Their windproof tarn shift long sleeve single layer top is super handy on cold days, and the icon is a classic; perfect fits and don’t need to wash em after every ride.
  • 4 1
 Needed a female on this podcast. Women's clothing is totally different. Failure on the representation PB. Tsk Tsk.

Best women's tech t's and jerseys: Dharco. Very comfortable, breathable, lightweight, fun colors and designs, great company to support. Their new tech t's are my new favorite thing- wear them even in the gm.
Best women's shorts: Sombrio. Comfortable, durable, great material and fit. Just enough pockets, but not too many.
Best helmets: IXS. Both full face and half shell. Comfortable, great look, interesting colors, great venting.
Gloves: Dakine. Offers a wide array of options from minimalistic to lost of padding, depending on what you want.
Packs: Dakine. Backpack or waist pack- both are well designed, very durable, great styling, sufficient pocket count. Phone pockets could be a bit bigger.
Pads- Dakine and Sombrio are both great. Comfortable, nice fit and adjustability, clean look.
Shoes: Five/Ten. Remember when they designed with Teva? Miss those shoes. They were the best!!!

Honorable mentions: Dakine- nice material/fit, but the colors of the womens jerseys are getting weird/ugly. TL Designs- can run a bit small, but nice cuts and colors. Raceface- great cuts, but materials can be a bit thick, so maybe more of cooler weather use stuff.
PNW components- they are on to something. tried their stuff after the PB review a few weeks ago. Tech t's are a very comfortable material and great cut but run a little small. Colors could use a little help. Shorts are comfortable.

Disagree with the Pit Viper opinion. They embrace the satire of mtn biking seriousness, but take the satire soo far it is nothing but annoying. People who wear their stuff are usually the biggest self-entitled a**holes on the trail. Ew. Reminds me of people who say crap about you and then say "just joking" when you know they really aren't joking.

*I am not sponsored by anyone, I just love good gear.
  • 2 0
 Meh. I felt like this episode was a bit elitist. Don’t make people feel bad about what they wear out on the trails. It just discourages them and makes the sport seem too clicks. Encourage everyone regardless of what they wear if you want to grow the sport and gain mainstream adoption which will result in more money being put into the sport.
  • 5 0
 "Fashion is something so ugly it has to be changed every fifteen minutes." - Senser

youtu.be/G3-TCUhQfiY?t=157
  • 1 0
 That's a paraphrased Oscar Wilde quote, from an essay titled 'Oscar Wilde on Dress'.
  • 1 0
 @Tanglefist: yes, Oscar Wilde as told by a 90’s UK rap-rock band Big Grin

The next line of the song “But style is something versatile, and in the way you move and in the way you smile” kinda paraphrases the rest of the essay.
  • 3 0
 I ride in golf shirts. I like the fabric blends, the style and the collared neck for sun protection. Don't worry, they're just as overprices as mountain bike shirts.
  • 1 0
 I'd hardly say that for riding bicycles that true "fashion" is a serious thing but there's def'ly style. Shockingly - no mention of the PB Racing team jerseys - totally baller. I don't wear a ton of bike gear off the bike but that one def gets some play here & there in low-key situations.
  • 1 0
 @henryquinney You're doing such a good job as the podcast host lately. In general the format seems to work really well with the three of you. The connection you guys got makes for really enjoyable conversation. Nice balance of kinda-normal-but-slightly-eclectic. Keep up the good work Smile

Re. bike clothing: I don't get it. Why do these clothing companies all think we all want to dress like factory-sponsored pro MX racers? What's with all the flashy and gaudy designs and outrageously loud colours? Keep your neon colours and just give me a jersey and some pants in some nice earthy tones or even just everything in all flat black like Fox Racing. I don't want to stand out for having the most obnoxiously textmarker yellow coloured pants.

Re. idioms and codified language: That example about someone politely and indirectly declining an invitation to get coffee and the German person not understanding the meaning of the codified answer was a poor choice. We literally use idioms and codified language like that all the time when speaking our own language. There's just this misunderstanding that stems from the fact that many of us are only able to speak English on a somewhat basic level and thus might not immediately pick up on foreign idioms. But, like, it's not that we are just too dense to understand them.
  • 4 0
 "SAVE LEVY" T shirt run is needed
  • 2 0
 Best fashion trend is the “on a field trip from old folks home look” ie. black socks pulled up to knees, long shorts and clunky shoes.
  • 2 1
 For the record: White Line is silly and you shouldn't waste your time. Been there, done that. Nothing technically difficult, and not overly scary either. But great for the socials I guess.
  • 1 0
 Henry — I don’t think you’re eccentric or odd at all. Most of the time, I think, “Oh good. I’m not the only one who thinks that. Maybe I’m not insane after all!”
  • 1 0
 Whats happening with people riding with tech bibs like pants material but made as a bib ??? It's not at all good looking, change my mind.
  • 1 0
 THANK YOU FOR BRINGING UP THE FIT OF MTB CLOTHING. What do you do if you have a big booty? Go up in size and they're too big everywhere else.
  • 4 0
 No t-swift?
  • 3 0
 I wonder if Levy is under DIA currently looking for the lizard people?
  • 5 2
 Dario!! GREAT music suggestion!
  • 1 0
 Gotta put on your Full face, massive backpack, and XC shoes for some reason to go be to cool to say hi to anyone while riding your local green and blue trails.
  • 1 0
 That’s me!
  • 3 0
 Cross Couture? Down Couture? Haute Couture Country?
  • 2 0
 Hot Cooter Country
  • 4 5
 Dharco is an Australian brand that seem to have take the MTB fashion to another level. Brands like Rapha etc just seem to be following a trend Suprised they were not mentioned considering they sponsor Pinkbike racing, have opened a store in Squamish and seem to be on the up and up. Small brand punching above their weight
  • 3 0
 I like Dharco’s stuff. Don’t care for the goofball party thing they released yesterday.
  • 1 0
 As a Kiwi I find their branding way over the top. It screams “Aussie Aussie Aussie” at me, and yeah, nah. Not keen.
  • 3 0
 I thought it was a good listen. Well done, fellas!
  • 3 0
 Come back Levy. Let’s get back to biking
  • 3 0
 Is Mike Levy still employed at Pinkbike?
  • 1 0
 I would like to hear about Henry's ride from one end of NZ to the other, probably a good yarn. Maybe a future podcast topic on big epic rides and what went right or wrong.
  • 1 0
 Its fashionable and cool to hate fashion and say it is uncool. Utility is so fashionable at the moment.
  • 1 0
 Shorts with pockets...yea. Cargo shorts....neh
  • 2 1
 Blah. Go back to all bike content. If I wanted to hear a podcast about fashion and music I'd look up the kar-trashians.
  • 3 0
 Where's Levy?
  • 2 1
 Enduro: let's ride shittier bikes on the same trails with less protection!

DH: ya, ok bud
  • 1 0
 Good mixture of stuff. Glad I’m not the only one that can’t wear merino.
  • 2 0
 Bibs under cargos and a old tee shirt, surely I'm not the only one....
  • 1 0
 Kaz, you have to check out the version of birthday with the Jesus and Mary chain. Its intense
  • 1 0
 Actually it’s called Christmas Eve by the sugarcubes
  • 2 0
 Goggles and a half shell.. enduro power!
  • 1 0
 Like that was like painful ,like you know really like painful like.
  • 1 0
 No Henry it got worse bud when Swobo died!
  • 1 0
 Dario Calling the VX1000 a GX100 made my day Smile
  • 1 0
 Man, I thought I liked weird music...
  • 1 0
 This was the most hipster PB podcast to date.
  • 1 0
 Love me my detachable helmet!
  • 1 0
 I just want to see this video of Spitz dunking on Remy and Yoann.
  • 1 0
 Organ Trail
  • 1 0
 Where’s Waldo?
  • 1 1
 Really enjoyed the informal conversation and great music suggestion!
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