I don't understand Loose Riders. Anti-mainstream themes in their comms but then they schlepp off the rack catalogue merch shamelessly... are profits distributed to clubs? Do funds go to trails? Seems like a lot of buzzwords for what is essentially a clothing company pretending to be something else.
Profits appear to go to whoever is running each “chapter” and it seems to be up to them to distribute it as they please. Some chapters seem to be run local riding clubs others by individuals. It seems the profits of the organisation go into sponsoring riders and building trails in places such as Chatél. It does seem however like most of the sponsored riders are just the friends of the organisation.
Maybe you’re over thinking it. I think of it as an important example of how fun bikes can be without the latest tech, wagon wheels or stressing over timed runs. That stuff doesn’t appeal to most people so I think their content is super valuable to the sport. Kids will be digging this stuff up again in 5 yrs because it will still be relevant. So what’s wrong with riding bikes and selling merch?
@emptybe-er: nothing wrong with riding bikes and selling merch... just curious what makes them any different than any other MTB clothing company they're claiming to not be like. I've their site as thoroughly as I can, just seems like a clothing company with club affiliation trying to be appear "core" but not doing anything differently than other brands.
@pourquois-pas: I would say their edits differ in that they focus on riding just about anywhere on anything. No fancy tech or resorts needed. For that reason, I think their edits appeal to the broadest audience and actually inspire that audience to go dig and session and progress. Some don’t get it and can’t tell the difference between how they ride and the riding in a random team edit or seth’s bike hacks, but I’d say most do. Can’t appeal to everyone!