Video: Chris Akrigg Off Mongoose After 12 Years

Dec 26, 2019
by James Smurthwaite  

bigquotesSo the cat is out of the bag! After twelve years of riding for Mongoose the time has come for me to move on! I couldn’t of imagined when I signed on the dotted line all them years ago what a journey I was about to go on, and that I’d be still be doing it twelve years down the line!

It felt only right to sign off with a megamix of some of my favourite videos that I’ve done over the last twelve years ( over forty it turns out!) When I pulled out all of my old hard drives to put this video together it made me realise just how must fun I’ve had and all of the places I’ve been lucky enough to get to over the years. I’d like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to Mongoose and all of the awesome people that I’ve had the pleasure of working with over the years there. It’s a bit cliche to say but they have been like a second family to me and without there support and the trust and freedom they’ve given me I wouldn’t have been able to produce the videos that I love to do!

Moving on from Mongoose has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but I felt it was time! Hope you enjoy the video as much as I’ve enjoyed making them. The last twelve years with Mongoose have been amazing, thanks guys. Stay tuned for the next chapter…
Chris Akrigg


Press Release

Mongoose, a brand of Dorel Industries, Inc, is honored to have been represented by the legendary mountain bike rider Chris Akrigg for the past 12 years. From abandoned warehouses to the countryside of northern England, Chris has crafted his unique style and ability to ride any and all terrain. Sharing his bike-handling skills with the world through his creative video edits, Akrigg has become a household name throughout the bike community.

“It’s been awesome getting to hang out with Chris over the years and really get to see how he operates. The fact that he can pick up any bike, from trials to mountain bikes and even 16-inch BMX bikes and make videos that leave everyone in disbelief is incredible,” commented Leigh Ramsdell, Mongoose Team Manager. “The guy provides constant entertainment on and off a bike,” he added.

Beginning his career as a trials competitor, Chris quickly learned how to maneuver the bike in a way that other people could only dream of. Pairing his bike skills with his love for making videos, Chris began editing highlight reels of his favorite tricks. Those videos caught the attention of the Mongoose team and they knew Chris needed to be riding a ‘Goose!

“Beyond being an incredible ambassador of the brand, it’s been fun to watch Chris inspire athletes of all ages to do more with their bikes. As a friend, I’m excited to see what the next chapter holds for Akrigg,” said Dave Duecker, VP Product Development.

Akrigg’s hard work and dedication will remain part of the rich Mongoose heritage. The collaboration with Chris has redefined what brand partnerships can look like and how they can impact the sport of cycling. As the brand turns its focus to the future, they will continue to seek out and support athletes who are blazing their own path forward.

"It’s hard to believe it’s been 12 years since I first signed for Mongoose,” said Akrigg. “It’s been an amazing journey!”

“I'm super proud and honored to have represented such a historic brand and privileged to have had the opportunities and support that has come with that,” he continued. “I'd like to take this opportunity to say a massive thanks to everyone that has been a part of my time with Mongoose, you've all had a part to play in helping me grow not only as a rider but also as a person. This wasn't an easy decision to make, but I feel like it’s time to move onto the next chapter. Thanks for the awesome memories."



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115 Comments
  • 132 0
 IS ANYBODY GOING TO BE RIDING FOR ANYBODY IN 2020???
  • 79 1
 Everybody’s going to be riding for FUN in 2020!!
  • 59 30
 Finally! Hopefully Chris can now ride a proper bike.
  • 1 1
 Hmmmmm thats a good question
  • 32 1
 @Scottybike36: I'm sure he never begrudged his pay cheque, all expenses travel and the freedom Mongoose gave him over 12 years, to stay that long can only mean it was both financially and emotionally beneficial.
  • 8 28
flag Scottybike36 (Dec 26, 2019 at 10:55) (Below Threshold)
 @Gavalar66: No doubt his bills were paid. Their bikes are still sh*t tho and I reckon he won’t be too upset on that front.
  • 7 1
 Everyone is going to be riding for Trek just to stop the PB comments of "It looks like a Session."
  • 19 1
 I’ll be riding for myself in 2020
  • 7 1
 @Scottybike36: how's a proper bike looks like? Having two wheels? Or with popular brand printed on its frame?
  • 1 1
 @vjunior21: Look like a Slash!!
  • 6 2
 @Scottybike36: I guess we’re all pretending mongoose make good bikes now.
  • 2 0
 Your mom's gonna ride for me. Loooz brah
  • 6 0
 I’m hoping someone shows up at a WC event in a kit like Ricky Bobby that just says “ME” on the front.
  • 7 1
 @Scottybike36: Apparently these "non-proper" bikes can survive the huck to flat test...
  • 3 0
 @mi-bike: The company is actually FUNN™
  • 3 0
 @Scottybike36: Shame on you Scotty Boy! i sure hope some poor youngster that maybe just received a Mongoose for Christmas doesn't read your comment!
  • 45 6
 now thats a farewell video! i will take chris over danny allday everyday! keep up your insane work mr akrigg whatever bike might be under your control in 2020
  • 39 0
 Danny, Chris, Fabio, I like them all. They are all mind blowing riders compared to us mere mortals.
  • 27 1
 He needs to be on a MTB brand that is actually focused on the MTB space. Dude has crazy skills and the Mongoose thing seemed an odd fit.
  • 24 0
 Kudos to Mongoose for supporting him, but I hope he ends up on a brand where we'll see more of his riding and talents...the dude flat out kills it in every edit he puts out.
  • 7 6
 Judging from his videos for Mongoose where rode all kinds of bikes (thankfully never an e-bike) in all kinds of terrain, he could easily sign for a Road/CX brand and do some MTB videos on the side.
  • 8 3
 @mi-bike: maybe he's leaving cos Mongoose don't have an e-bike. Expect the worst nowadays.
  • 2 2
 Who are mongoose?
  • 2 1
 @enduroNZ: do you know internet?
  • 1 2
 Thing is he doesn't compete at any events so any brand that takes him on will have to be happy with an edit once a year for promotion.
While I would pay hm to ride my bikes as he's such a talent, I'm not sure anyone that wants increased sales is looking at him like $$$.
  • 6 0
 @bigburd: one edit a year? Did you miss this:

“a megamix of some of my favourite videos that I’ve done over the last twelve years (over forty it turns out!)”
  • 27 0
 He's the only reason I knew that Mongoose still made anything other than Wal-Mart bikes.
  • 16 0
 I heard a whisper at a Christmas party in Barnsley the other day, I don’t know how accurate it was.
Chris is going to be heading up a new GoPro team, with support from Madison and in an amazing blast from the past, PACE frames!
I guess we will all find out the details, or indeed the truth of that, next week!
  • 8 0
 This seems detailed enough to be convincing.
  • 2 0
 Pace! I was thinking about then the other day along with their super cool forks!
  • 4 0
 @JDFF: nah, too polished, too idealistic. And everyone at that party was shitfaced.
  • 2 0
 @BenPea: that last part is 100% accu-rat
  • 16 0
 Next step... Diamondback! Haha! But really, as much sarcasm as there is in calling out another old school BMX brand that used to shred but sold out, that Mission Carbon is pretty sick. Thanks for all the epic vids Chris!
  • 17 0
 Chris Akrigg is an incredibly entertaining rider and videographer. Thanks for the nice long edit! I'll be looking forward to seeing where you go in the future. Best of luck!
  • 15 0
 Unbelievable talent, so natural style
  • 8 0
 and so aggressive
  • 9 0
 Surely a future MTB hall of famer?
He's so legit

Guarantee he inspired some of the newer gen riders/cintent producers (Wibmer et al).
  • 1 0
 He is a legend already, with a ticket any mtb hall of fame in his pocket.
  • 6 0
 Haven´t voted in Pinkbike Video of the Year Awards, because it was worthless without Chris!
Loved the last years of his development, especially his own way of fluently climbing and trail riding(not like Jeff Lenosky´s bike-hopping)!
Good luck with your next bike brand!
  • 6 0
 Is Mongoose bad? The fact is Chris rides the Mongoose for 12 years. I bought Teocali after watched A Hill in Spain - later I found that it was Nugget. I think judging a brand is stupid. So Chris, whatever your bike keep making great vids and inspiring people!
  • 7 2
 I don’t think anybody knows that Mongoose overseas (comment aimed at Americans) is as legitimate as like, Canyon. Only the American market knows mongoose as garbage (generally speaking). Log on to their UK site, they have some pretty gnarly spec’d bikes ridden by some pros.

In any case, Akrigg is hands down the most skilled rider to throw his leg over a bike. Excited to see where he lands next.
  • 8 0
 Mongoose aren't seen as a serious MTB brand here in the UK. Any kudos they do have has probably been brought mostly by Chris.
  • 3 0
 @Linkpin: their BMX range was pretty rad back in 1991. I always wanted one but ended up with a GT and then a Haro.
  • 1 0
 Gnarly bikes ridden by pros? Nope... you can't even get hold of any of their top end bikes in the UK, or you couldn't the last time I checked.
  • 4 0
 I Imagine mongoose's offer to Chris was "You can do anything you want, any time you want, with any number of free mongoose bikes. On as unlimited a budget as mongoose can afford." That's what the goose can afford to Chris.
I remember working at a Performance (back when those existed) watching my first Chris Akrigg video thinking "I know that bike sucks ass, we have one on the floor...."
I'll be interested to see who he'll be riding for next. What a beast.
  • 7 0
 More skill and balls than the last 360 days of PB videos.
  • 6 0
 One of the most talented riders ive ever seen, wherever he goes i hope we see more of him
  • 3 0
 the main lesson here is that skill and confidence are far more important than the bike. no matter what he’s riding next year the thing driving his success will be his unbelievable ability and creativity, not some suspension design.
  • 5 0
 Can @mikelevy do a Humbled episode with Akrigg? Please?
This was basically a compilation of all my favorite videos ever. Unbelievable. Pure. Understated. Talent.
  • 3 0
 His videos are always a MUST WATCH! Usually I watch them a few times. He has a lot of offer and I hope he picks up a new brand he believes in and that allow him to put out more content.
  • 3 0
 What he rides is irrelevant. He can do just about anything on just about any bike. Talented beyond words. One of the few riders I could watch all day without getting bored. Seems to be a really nice bloke too.
  • 4 0
 Good luck Chirs on your next chapter. You have been amazing to watch and cannot wait to see more!
  • 1 0
 Kind of a newb to this scene so Chris Akrigg is a new name for me. I know, late to the party. His power he puts through the pedals is just astounding to me. He looks like he can pedal through 4 feet of quicksand. Keeps solid momentum through the rivers and creeks, up those super steep hills. Gnarly rider.
  • 4 0
 'In The Rough' is one of my all time favorite vids, incredible tech climbing... good luck Chris!!
  • 5 0
 Leaving Mongoose to work full time as Mike Levy's stunt double...
  • 4 0
 It is not about the bike, it is more about the rider! He sherds on any bike under any circumstances! Nice mixtape
  • 2 0
 thats what the guy selling 2018 GT bikes told me
  • 2 0
 All the best Chris, love your work. Any bike that can survive what you put it through is worth owning. I was gutted when you broke your leg but you turned it around and came back swinging, Respect!
  • 2 0
 I planned on watching 2 minutes worth but couldn't help but watch the entire 17. What a rider. Akrigg has sooooo much power and rediculous skills to boot. Eminently more watchable than Danny MacAskill's stuff, imo. S-I-C-K!
  • 1 0
 Mongoose, Schwinn, Iron Horse....how the mighty have fallen. Throw in Airwalk shoes and Vision Street Wear in the mix as well. Heck, even Brian Lopes used to race for Mongoose back in the day. But who knows, even todays big brand names might end up as another off the shelf Walmart offer in the future. What uncertain times we live in...
  • 5 1
 All classics. Top 50 of the last decade could be 10 x Akrigg.
  • 5 0
 Best video of 2019
  • 1 0
 Whatever he ends up on I'm sure Chris will be riding it with his own unique style and vision. Undoubtedly one of the most entertaing, skillful riders we have ever seen.
  • 2 0
 That best of video is really something. Good luck with your next move Chris
  • 3 1
 I wonder if Mongoose has to free up some budget space for all the shitty youtubers they sponsor now.
  • 3 0
 Going back to Pace cycles.
  • 2 0
 "You gnarly f*@ker!" - crew comment says it all. Kudos to Mongoose for their 12yr commitment.
  • 2 0
 I hope he signs for Liverpool and gets the pay packet he deserves for a season.
  • 1 0
 Favorite rider since the "five" edit.
Congrats Chris on mastering the StokeSkillStrengthStyleCreativity
And showing what's possible on 2 wheels.
  • 3 0
 Well then....
  • 1 0
 Ya... I know what video i am watching before a ride now. Good on you Chris.
  • 1 1
 My favorite trials rider by far! I wonder what kind of "downcountry" bike video he'll make next.........................Good luck Chris!!!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Everyone must watch the brakeless video.

m.youtube.com/watch?v=yxbHWKfTLTo
  • 2 0
 That guy can ride anything on anywhere.
  • 2 0
 In my opinion one of the most underrated dudes out there!
  • 1 0
 Incredible bike skills coupled with some original creativity makes Chris Akrigg one of the most amazing riders to watch!
  • 1 0
 Watching Chris Akrigg’s videos always makes me want to ride! Best of luck to him in his future endeavors.
  • 1 0
 That is an awesome vid. Thanks Mongoose for supporting him all these years!
  • 1 0
 What a mix, enjoyed every second of it!
  • 1 0
 15:40 should’ve been the sign off clip ????
  • 1 0
 The shenanigans without a lid is lunacy... I'd be afraid in full DH amour.
  • 2 0
 The be(a)st.
  • 2 2
 any of you bashing mongoose bikes...have you ever ridden one the higher end bikes?
  • 3 1
 No because they flood the market with high tensile death traps that would sink an oil tanker and I won’t give my money to a company who thinks that’s acceptable. What’s all this white knight rubbish?
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: The box store stuff is assembled like sh$t either by the store or the person who buys it and that is why it fails. yes its crap parts as well but most people who buy one aren't riding like you or I. Now back to main question have you ever ridden one of the higher end bikes? People just say they are shit but have never even ridden one just seen that walmart sells mongoose, so the brand must be crap. The shop I work in we sell mongoose bmx bikes and of the sub $300 bmx bikes, they are the best riding and priced.
  • 1 0
 @Adhdj: I don’t care how good their high end bikes are. Until they clean up their act and stop selling stuff that’s at best not fit for purpose and at worse dangerous they won’t be getting my money. Actually won’t ever get my money but you get the point.
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: when you hate something, you'll gonna hate everything related to that something. Everything looks bad for you. But that's normal. And maybe you know something that most people don't know why mongoose should be hated. Again, that's normal.
  • 1 0
 Hands down my favourite vid of the year!
  • 1 0
 The guy is a genius on bike to be able to create those tricks. Insanity.
  • 1 0
 going to santacruz with Danny
  • 1 0
 or commencal following DJ Brandt
  • 1 0
 So Rad! Best of luck in the future.
  • 1 0
 First Cannondale now Mongoose...Sinking ship...
  • 1 0
 Akrigg signs with Balfa! Balfa make huge comeback!
  • 1 0
 Muted the sound pretty quickly. Great video. Shite soundtrack.
  • 1 0
 Andreu leaves YT and in comes Chris
  • 1 0
 Don't know why he'd choose to leave Mongoose, but that's awesome footage.
  • 1 0
 Director's note: *Every bike was hurt while filming this movie
  • 1 0
 Skills? Just a few, would like to see Chris do an EWS or 2.
  • 1 0
 the geeza is a wizard ,period!
  • 1 0
 best thing ever for mongoose is now gone.
  • 3 4
 Thank god he’s off mongoose

Haven’t seen a good bike from them since the 89s
  • 1 0
 Moving to Haro, I guess?
  • 1 0
 What insane talent.
  • 1 0
 Moving to Colnago!!
  • 1 0
 New Hyper Team Rider
  • 1 0
 Lagenda!
  • 1 0
 AKRIGG YOU BEAST
  • 1 0
 mindblowing!!
  • 1 0
 what a video!
  • 1 0
 Move to onza maybe?
  • 1 0
 The wizard of jank
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