Video: Chris Akrigg Tackles Super Tech Climbs on his eMTB

Dec 13, 2021 at 15:57
by GT Bicycles  

Chris E-krigg is at it again. Last year, Chris Akrigg made us re-think what was possible on an eMTB with his 'Full Force' edit, and now he's back at it, tackling impossible climbs with ease and riding features that only make sense to Chris. Sit back, hit play, and get ready for an onslaught of ebike insanity!

bigquotesI've always enjoyed riding different bikes and seeing what's possible. I come from a Motorcycle Trials background, so I guess my riding always has an element of that in, no more so than this edit I guess, Alot of the locations are places I've rode Moto Trials at in the past.I love riding the Ebike, I think since the first edit I did, I've really got to grips with how that power can be put down it's not just a case of turning it up to full boost and riding it up crazy stuff without breaking a sweat, far from it!! I just hope it comes across how hard, steep and slippery some of that terrain is!

I hope people enjoy the edit as much as I enjoyed riding (some) of the lines. Looking forward to getting out of the country next time to see what we can find whatever bike that may be on... stay safe kiddies!—Chris Akrigg


Location: Mostly North Wales and Yorkshire
Film/Edit: Will Evans

Author Info:
GTBicycles avatar

Member since Apr 2, 2013
265 articles
Must Read This Week
Kona Bicycles' Parent Company Appoints New CFO, Intends to Sell Brand
64668 views
Downhill Bikes of Sea Otter - Part 1
46863 views
Brian's Randoms from Sea Otter 2024
44734 views
Randoms Round 3: Dario's Treasures
44575 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in 10 DAYS!
39760 views
Randoms Round 1 - Sea Otter 2024
38237 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Araxá XC World Cup 2024
38169 views
Spotted: Frameworks Racing DH Bike with Electronic Fox Shock & Unreleased Enve Rims
37307 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

113 Comments
  • 81 1
 Just complete absurdity, e-bike or not. Hats off!
  • 9 0
 yeah, his ability to absolutely place both his wheels at will is mindblowing.
  • 16 1
 This guy still blows my mind and honestly so stoked to see him with great sponsors now after so many years w/ mongoose-- he well deserves it.
  • 3 0
 Yea this is pretty incredible
  • 5 0
 Should be a must watch
  • 2 0
 @diggerandrider: I was literally thinking the same thing about mongoose. haha But goes to show, if you know how to ride it doesn't matter what bike you're on.
  • 5 0
 Chris Akrigg edits are hands down my favorite. The brute strength needed to ride how he does is wild too watch. If you havent seen his older edits go to YouTube and watch them. Especially the fixes edits.
  • 1 1
 You don’t even ride
  • 1 0
 a lot of people can shred down but this guy shreds up
  • 1 0
 Looks more an e-man to me, than an e-bike.
  • 2 0
 Chris continually redefines "riding" a bicycle. Legendary skills, Thank you for bringing this to us!
  • 42 1
 I imagine a conversation between Chris and the cameraman goes something like this

"Lol, Thats not the trail Chris, thats a creek."

"Wanna bet?"

"(sigh) No, I'll get my boots on"
  • 10 0
 Can't complain about e-bike accelerated trail damage when you don’t ride any trails whatsoever. Smart move.
  • 39 6
 53 year olds with beards and beer guts all over the world feeling really good about their eBike purchases right now
  • 15 2
 Being almost 53, that makes me laugh. No E for me though. Not yet.
  • 2 27
flag jamesbrant (Dec 14, 2021 at 9:58) (Below Threshold)
 @IamZOSO: nice virtue signal mate.
  • 16 0
 @jamesbrant: that does not come close come close to being a case of virtue signalling (if it was going to be classed as anything by a person who uses trite, juvenile phrases, it would be a humblebrag). Virtue signalling would be something like “being almost 53, no E for me because of the environmental impacts.”

You’re welcome.
  • 28 4
 IMO Akrigg is far too underrated when compared to MacAskill. His trials moves are executed with more explosiveness and fluidity. MacAskill is just nuts with higher risk taking; with that it's more entertaining to watch Akrigg !
  • 6 0
 Fully agree on Akrigg skills and his underrating, but disagree about MacAskill.
MacAskill is an incredible street/trial rider, he is amazingly precise and powerful. He might be not as powerful and precise as Jack Carthy or another competition trial rider, but he is ahead of most street/trial riders (Ali C., Duncan Shaw, Fabio Wibmer).
MacAskill and Akrigg have two different styles and I really appreciate both.

I think MacAskill received more credits because he basically changed how to ride street/trial by incorporating BMX moves (e.g. tailwhip)
  • 1 0
 I love both of their very different styles, couldn't rate one above the other. DM's videos are better I think because they are more thoughtfully edited and complete as video clips, and he can make such difficult moves look so easy and fluid. With CA, I really enjoy how he integrates the trials into natural riding, and he packs so many great and original little moves into these rides you have to watch it many times. Also, in this edit, he really makes nice use of what the motor can add.
  • 1 4
 @labourde: Danny got more views because he's on popular bike brand. While Chris, he's on unpopular bike brand (if not most hated brand) for years.
  • 2 0
 @indobiker: I think you have it mixed up. The bikes get more views because of the riders, not the other way around. The production and promotion team that sponsors pay for make a big difference though.
  • 2 0
 I think one of the other differences is that many of Chris's moves require a little more riding knowledge to appreciate how difficult they are. Going up the streambed is a perfect example (and something he's done in some other vids without a motor)... there's not as much of a danger or wow factor as some of Danny's tricks, but it is still absurdly difficult.
  • 24 0
 Chris Akrigg going full Salmon again
  • 17 3
 I don't think he is riding his ebike the way most people who have ebikes are riding them.


Also, am I the only one think it is bonkers that he is not wearing knee pads?
  • 33 0
 I don't think anyone rides any bike like Chris
  • 1 2
 You don't think
  • 3 13
flag lacuna (Dec 14, 2021 at 7:31) (Below Threshold)
 He isn't wearing any pads... I've had plenty crashes in my 30+ years of riding but never hit my knees. Don't know how people end up going down on their knees, surely your brain always chucks you an arm first?
  • 6 0
 @lacuna: I managed to find a rock with my knee buried in the snow years ago on a downhill (riding way too fast for the slick conditions)...fortunately, I had a pair of Kyle Straits on and only did minor damage. I have no doubts unprotected I could have easily shattered a knee cap. Knee pads on ever since, even if lightweight ones for easy rides.
  • 1 0
 @ReformedRoadie: fair enough
  • 2 0
 @kanioni: Agreed. I doubt I could ride my old Montesa trials bike on a 10th of the places he's been. After about 30 seconds you'd wonder where he went.
  • 10 0
 Well guys they did it. An awesome climbing-focused shredit. It's like will never be matched. Further proof that every Akrigg edit is an absolute must watch.
  • 2 0
 Chris has been one of my favourite riders since I saw him at Bike 98 in the NEC. Everyone else was doing backhops in skinsuits and he was going fast and blasting everything in sight. So much style at a time when trials looked pretty awful.
  • 4 0
 With all of the awesome videos on the internet today, Chris' are some of the only ones that I watch multiple times, sometimes years later too.
  • 2 0
 Basically, the Ebike is using Akrigg as a motor. My god, what a beast of a rider! Gets me stoked every time he drops an edit, from klunky old brakeless fixies to modern e bikes. No rider on earth is as diversified as this bloke.
  • 1 0
 Bike 99 at the NEC.. on his Pace trials bike, it was very clear to me Akrigg had something special compared to the usual names back then. Nothing he did seemed like an effort (which probably doesn't work in a spectacle / show setting) He hopped onto something bar height from stationary and it looked like he teleported there.

Loving the e-bike stuff, but I'd love to see Akrigg on a brakeless LaBomba
  • 2 0
 Chris is unreal. He makes some completely absurd lines look so easy. So much talent. Also, is this why there's such a shortage of chains? Chris must go thru chains and drive trains so fast.
  • 5 0
 undoubtedly the best e-bike ad I've ever seen
  • 3 0
 Front wheel roosting, Chris! Great flow and the usual horrible lines no one else wants to do. Continue to stand on your own. Trial Noir for life.
  • 3 0
 Whose idea was it to give him more power? Akrigg naturally has more power than any trail rider alive. Bravo Chris you're one of a kind!
  • 1 0
 Like everyone else, I'm amazed by the riding. Pure insanity...

But what about the fact that he seems to be running about 5psi and smashing those wheels into every sharp edge in sight, with no discernible damage to the rim or tires?
  • 2 0
 "I just hope it comes across how hard, steep and slippery some of that terrain is!" —Chris Akrigg

You rode up a stream!! Rest assured, because it absolutely, most definitely came across that way.
  • 4 0
 Does anyone not like watching Chris Akrigg…
  • 5 0
 That dude is a wizard!
  • 2 0
 Impressive, appears to have 100% of torque available with no backlash. To be fair his skill may be making the bike look good.
  • 2 0
 properly impressive to watch. i notice on Jack Carthy' has started using his for a similar type of riding, would be cool to see them ride together
  • 1 0
 Just noticed Harry Potter in the background!!! That was utterly incredible, probably the most out there as one of the most progressive riders of all time. Redbull gives you wings.... its ok, Chris doesn't need wings!
  • 1 0
 There was this one time I tried to bunny hop a little log. I failed. Nevermind this. That off camber scrubby side slope thingy is just nuts.
  • 3 0
 I never question clicking on an Akrigg video. No questions asked!
  • 4 0
 SO MANY WTF MOMENTS !!
  • 3 0
 Nearly 8 minutes of Akrigg. We are blessed!
  • 3 0
 Dam it Chris, you just made ebikes cool.
  • 2 0
 Pinkbike wouldn't even consider this for the impossible climb. Akrigg makes it look like a fireroad
  • 2 0
 Absolutely the most creative riding I've seen in a while! Chris kills it with style.
  • 5 2
 This is what E-bikes are for
  • 2 1
 That's not how you ride an ebike!? I thought you were meant to fumble around telling everyone else 'what you need is one of these'.
  • 2 0
 Pssshhh, I can do that on my Yeti SB100 if I knew it wouldn't get scratched.
  • 1 0
 a Moto-trial movie on pinkbike, well thats something new :-)
e-bike jokes aside, this is spectacular riding! As always from Chris :-)
  • 2 0
 Yes, James Welsh is back! Long live Techno. Also, this was mind-blowing. Great Job Chris. Love your edits!
  • 2 0
 Cool video, but just makes me want to ride a moto trials bike not an ebike. That bit up the river just looks exhausting.
  • 2 0
 Just a dad on his ebike. Lemmy!
  • 1 0
 The robot apocalypse are going to have to take him out from the air cos they’re never gettin that fella on the ground
  • 2 0
 Anyone know what the song is?
  • 2 0
 Not sure which song, but the artist has a health list of options to listen to.
Apologies if this doesn't link, I'm not a fan of these long AF urls


open.spotify.com/artist/5t9EvjWdf5D0cx2uPij25Q?si=j7A5rBBZRbC3KO-yuEDmGg
  • 2 0
 That shale looks like so much fun to ride
  • 5 2
 E-bike sales going up...
  • 1 0
 Hi Chris, can you do all your stuff but if you don't mind can you add 10kg to the bike thx
  • 2 0
 nice, looks like a Beta or Gasgas ad!
  • 2 0
 NASA should send Chris on Mars , he can ride any terrain !
  • 1 0
 Nooo. Not until they find a way to bring him back too
  • 1 0
 @ak-77: Luckily Matt Damon knows how to get back!
  • 2 2
 One of the first eBike videos where the bike isn't just making pedaling easier. A lot of thought in to "what can I do on this bike that I can't on a non-pedal assist bike".
  • 2 0
 Makes me wanna go CLIMB!!!! I love Chris Akrigg edits
  • 3 0
 making ebikes cool again
  • 2 0
 The first thing I've seen that actually makes me want an ebike
  • 5 4
 Anti-ebike PBers are now thinking, "Wow, I think I want an ebike, now". Lol.
  • 9 6
 No, not really. Ebikes are still a wretched abomination. Chris is an amazing rider whose talent transcends any type of vessel he may choose.
  • 3 1
 @Kvision: Ebikes have value. I have been mountain biking for a long, long time. Riding 2-4 days a week, however this past year, I developed an overuse knee injury. My amount of miles and vertical elevation has cut in half. My leg is a little better, but only about 60-70%. I'm definitely looking at ebikes. I would much rather a non-ebike, but it beats the alternative which is not riding.
  • 3 0
 @tacklingdummy: Exactly - this is what these type of things are for, they are assistive technology, and that usually means they allow those that can't do things .. to do them. e-bikes are assistive and as such can help those that can't, they should not be used for getting more more more more for less.
  • 1 0
 @tacklingdummy: Sure they have value, and yes I do truly support folks using them who are established bikers and perhaps coming back from injury. However there is a vast chasm between that type of user and what I would argue is the problematic majority of folks whose introduction into the mtb world is through a motorized bike. They tend to approach the trails (at least in my area) with less respect and understanding for the unique experience that they're engaging in, and I feel like it bastardizes the process that should be learned organically by riding a bike without pedal assist. Either way I know it's a tired argument that I'm just stubbornly fixed to one side of, but I do appreciate your perspective. Wishing you a quick recovery and hopefully a return to a normal bike.
  • 2 0
 This guy is why I can't get a replacement derailleur at the moment.
  • 2 0
 this guy must be strong as an ox to ride like this.
  • 1 0
 akrigg is an ox
  • 2 0
 Love an Akrigg video! Bike sounds like its falling apart though
  • 1 0
 Chris is and has been for years one of the most versatile bike riders. This is further proof, awesome stuff.
  • 2 0
 Along with Kirt Voreis, for me, the most talented BIKE riders
  • 2 0
 This guy has to be one of my favourites to watch. Skills for days
  • 1 0
 holy shit I love chris akrigg!! also always love the tracks out of his DJ guy. What a unit
  • 2 0
 bloody legend!
  • 1 0
 His core strength is too strong, and he exists like a God.
  • 1 0
 dude covers his brakes on the way up !!
  • 2 0
 You'll find you have to do this for traction. I still appreciate your joke..
  • 2 0
 Absolute machine
  • 1 0
 Chris has more torque than the bike for sure!
  • 3 0
 Dude is a beast
youtu.be/_NMyaXG17Wg
  • 1 1
 Pretty bummed I didn't win those i9 wheels. This video does help though. Thanks Chris!!!
  • 1 0
 Nice, must have a BMX background.
  • 2 0
 moto trials since very young
  • 2 1
 Chris is a bike-sogynist, he makes any bike he rides his b!tch !!
  • 2 0
 Unreal lad! Great edit
  • 1 0
 He just created an entirely new event that I would pay money to watch
  • 1 0
 non stop ebike trials, would love to see this as a competitive sport
  • 1 0
 Next field test: Akrigg on the (im)possible climb
  • 1 0
 Would be interested to know how many chains were used in this edit.
  • 1 0
 ...that bike probably weighs 48+lbs. Just amazing riding...epic.
  • 1 0
 „No bikes were harmed in the making of this video.“
  • 1 0
 this is so stupid, why not just use a throttle?
  • 1 0
 Pinky bike gem
  • 1 0
 nice.
  • 1 2
 An ebike edit worth rewatching !! Yeeehar amazing
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.040348
Mobile Version of Website