Sam Blenkinsop Signs With Crestline Bike Co.

Jan 20, 2023 at 8:57
by Crestline Bikes  

PRESS RELEASE: Crestline Bike Co. & Cascade Components

As I'm sure you can imagine, we have been frothing over this news here at Crestline Bike Co. and Cascade Components for the last little while. We are happy to officially welcome Sam Blenkinsop to the Crestline family!

Sam has a number of races on the cards and the stoke is high knowing that we will be an integral part of supporting him in achieving his racing goals this year. Blenki will be racing the Crestline RS 205 VHP at all the DH events he competes in and if he does make it to any EDR rounds, he will configure the rig appropriately. As some of you already know, Cascade Components has been refining a link that will reduce the travel to 180mm and you can then throw a single crown fork, 12spd drive train and AXS dropper post on the bike no worries.

Blenki will also be training on, and potentially sneaking a race or two in, aboard the brand new, Bosch powered Crestline RS 7550 eMTB. Cascade components and Crestline will be working closely with Sam, and if need be, utilizing all the options the RS 205 VHP has to offer to make sure we get the bike absolutely dialed for the stylish southern sheep to hang off of.

In the interest of attempting to avoid the status quo for the types of athlete quotes used when announcing new partnerships, here are two, unsolicited, word for word text messages that were sent from Sam to Troydon. The 1st one around the time when Sam received the initial DH frame. The 2nd, after Sam had some time to throw a leg over it and give it a run. We have to agree with Sam, it's going to be a good year!

"Man, I don't think I've been this excited about a new bike in a long time" - Blenki pre ride
"F*#k, bike is sick, it's going to be a good year" - Blenki post ride



Some detail shots of the Crestline RS 205 VHP DH frame and a few snaps of the recently announced eMTB's

Sam is working on an official release to fill you all in on exactly what he has planned for 2023 and everyone else he will be working with. We can't wait to see him out on the bikes and wish him all the best for this forthcoming race season.

The races Blenki plans to participate in are:

• 2023 UCI DH MTB World Cup Series
• 2023 UCI DH MTB World Champs
• 2023 Crankworx World Tour
• Select 2023 UCI Enduro World Cup races
• NZ National DH Cup Series
• NZ National Championships
• Red Bull Hardline


Find out more about the Crestline Bikes that Sam will be riding this year here - RS 205 VHP DH the RS 7550 eeb or the RS 5075 eeb.

See you at the races!



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122 Comments

  • 158 7
 Imagine he beats Greg Minaar on that rejected V10 prototype at some point this year? Man, that'd be rich.
  • 5 0
 that made me giggle lol
  • 1 0
 lmao
  • 5 25
flag rick26 (Jan 20, 2023 at 10:27) (Below Threshold)
 SC must be starting to sweat a bit, should've kept paying that VPP patent!
  • 33 0
 @rick26: their patent expired because they reached the end of the patent term not because they chose not to renew it
  • 77 4
 Pumped!!! we will be supplying Blinky with cranks and chains this season!
  • 56 6
 Ngl, forgot you made those products
  • 6 2
 @bxxer-rider: while pretty low key I’ve loved their gradient cranks. Super easy to change chainline and modular.
  • 2 1
 @bxxer-rider: Their SL-K cranks are pretty great.
  • 7 2
 @FSA-MTB appreciate you guys. My stem and cranks are/have been FSA for the last 15 years...never an issue. (a couple different bikes.)
  • 8 1
 @preach: yeah, nothing wrong with FSA.
  • 8 31
flag bonfire (Jan 20, 2023 at 16:14) (Below Threshold)
 @BenPea: false.

in every shop I’ve worked at, we have called them Fail Straight Away, so many janky products, and awful OE stuff.
  • 25 1
 @bonfire: really,
Just a “false”!
Some people’s kids are wild.
FSA makes some pretty good stuff, it’s not supper flashy, they’re not out there yelling all about it, just quietly getting it done making decent stuff, that most ISO’s us could ride all day long.

False, friggin nerve of some people,

False
  • 5 0
 Yeah man FSA you’re doing so well by being low-key and no nonsense.
Everything I’ve ever owned if yours has been rock solid.
  • 1 0
 @bxxer-rider: lol
  • 2 0
 @chubby5000: We appreciate the love
  • 49 1
 We tried to link these pinkbike articles in the post but the links were removed.
For info on the DH bike, Matt Beer did a first ride review you can find by clicking here - RS 205 VHP
For info on the recently announced ebikes check here - RS 7550 and RS 5075
  • 35 0
 WC DH Sponsorship works. I didn't know (or remember) about crestline before today. There is so many brands now that I probably did not retain it. But now I will know: Crestline is Blenki's ride, because I will always know who Sam is.
  • 3 0
 @crestline good luck for the season, you’ll be watched close with Blenki riding for you
  • 2 0
 Your bikes look sik! Hope to see and read more about them soon
  • 33 0
 Stoked he's got a ride
  • 22 0
 As long as Blenki has a ride and is on the circuit, we are stoked!
  • 19 0
 Never heard of that brand before but they look niiiice!
First objective: brand exposure. Success.
Stoked for Blenki. Always delightful to watch.
  • 10 0
 That's pretty sweet. Hopefully we'll get to see a crestline on the broadcast
  • 3 0
 As his primary sponsor is Crestline forking over the costs of entering WCDH for him? That seems like a pretty steep cost for a small brand, but maybe Blenki is their bid at gaining some mainstream traction.
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: given that Blenki isn't on a "team" per se, maybe he only has to pay individual rider fees? That would only be €150 per race.
  • 7 1
 @juicebanger: I think he might be considering setting up an OnlyFans account for that....XD
  • 9 0
 Perfect match, most stylish rider on the most stylish frame. Can't wait to see Blinky air pedaling over jumps on a Crestline!
  • 4 0
 It's a double steez burger
  • 1 0
 TRUE! Lets get that rig on the podium Sam!!
  • 6 0
 seen a frame up close in a shop, it’s a beefy frame (thicc walls), the hardware looks the part (fasteners/bolts/bearing shields) and the cnc from cascade components is beautiful work, inside the left chainstay area it says “here for the hot laps”(I thought that was cool) Glad things are going good for them in the sense of this expansion, and we finally going to see it at WC circuit with non other than a motherF*ing G of the sport. making a vision/dream come to fruition. It’s inspiring and motivating. Best of luck, and to anyone reading this, keep sending it.
  • 4 0
 @crestline - no problem with your pricing over here. I just want a size run once you have the funds to justify more molds. 440 reach with +/- 10mm reach adjust cups please.

And keep the adjustable CS length as is so we can run longer or shorter rear ends regardless of the size.

Beautiful bike.
  • 16 0
 If the bike becomes popular enough to justify the expense of long term molds, we'd love to find ourselves in a position to do this in the future!
  • 2 0
 That would be a wonderful bike
  • 4 0
 It's the 2nd round of the NZ DH Nationals here in Christchurch this weekend so itching to see this in the flesh and on track!
  • 1 0
 Epic bike I tell you!!
  • 6 0
 Crestline makes some sweet bikes
  • 2 0
 Looks like an expensive season (but a great one). Looks like he’ll be hitting more DH events than the last few seasons tup
Are the expenses (entry’s, flights, accommodation etc) going to be shared by Crestline, various smaller sponsors & Blenki himself? Genuinely curious as the expenses must add up very easily & rapidly…
  • 2 5
 Seeing as the Norco team didn't really cover many expenses it's probably pretty safe to assume that Blenki himself is footing the bill for the season. Crestline is an absolutely tiny tiny brand and would no way be able to cover any expenses except for the free bike frame they are giving. My best guess would be some sort of trust fund Blenki gets.
  • 1 6
flag DGWW (Jan 21, 2023 at 5:36) (Below Threshold)
 @deco1: any evidence that he's a trust fund racer ? This sport seems awash with trust fund manchildren
  • 3 0
 @DGWW: Why does someone have to be a 'Manchild' just because they have a whole lot of money behind them, pretty childish statement if you ask me.
  • 1 3
 @DGWW: It's pretty obvious, isn't it? His calendar includes a full DH season, EWS rounds, crankworx events and hardline, to even get to all these events with your bike is crazy expensive lets alone accom, entry and other costs.
Crestline bikes is a tiny tiny essentially hobby company, it really doesn't need be said that they are obviously giving nothing more than a free frame, maybe 2! So, the money has to be coming from Blenki himself.

Thats because it is, bikes are an expensive and let's be honest a damn small one. These brands that riders are being sponsored by are maybe giving free (at most), I reckon mostly discounted gear. So, the money to travel the world for guys who aren't sat the top has to be coming from somewhere.
  • 3 1
 @inside-plus: Spoken like a true trust fund baby
  • 1 4
 @inside-plus: True, but I think were people get annoyed is the lack of transparency. Like c'mon it's obvious that Crestline bikes, a brand I've never heard of until now, who have 5k Instagram followers and are essentially just a hobby business aren't footing the bill for a rider to travel around the world, whilst paying him a generous salary.
  • 1 0
 @deco1:
Serious question: how does this matter? Or perhaps more to the point, what really matters, marketing or engineering?
  • 1 0
 @Euripides-Iripadem: Not sure what you mean, but I'm not saying that Crestline bikes are bad, I've never ridden one so I wouldn't know - From there website I think they actually look good (Again I wouldn't know).
I'm just saying that there about 10 times smaller than a small brand like Evolve bikes that no one has ever heard of, so there is no way they can afford to pay someone to travel the world doing races, let alone pay them a salary to do it.
  • 2 0
 @deco1: you’re making some assumptions that aren’t true. It’s not your business how much anyone is getting compensated unless they choose to tell you.
  • 2 0
 @deco1:
What end does your desired transparency serve? Why should it matter to me whether or how Blenkinsop is compensated by Crestline? I'm eager to see what both of them are able to accomplish regardless of their contractual language.
  • 1 0
 @inside-plus: they don't have to be. Im saying it's awash with wealth (like golf , polo , car racing etc) But really don't think its outrageous to call it like it is. I've met more wealthy "adventure sports" man children than I can count here in BC.
  • 1 0
 @Euripides-Iripadem: from my perspective, it matters because the industry loves to sell the Idea of an attainable , fun , free & exciting experience to the consumer. (Skiing is an even worse culprit) Which is totally unattainable for the average person. Take a look at skateboarding - most skate culture is raw & real by comparison. Most pro skaters aren't well funded , don't have insurance & the culture they produce is as real & relatable as it gets.
  • 5 0
 Blenki's doing Hardline, nice!
  • 1 0
 So happy for Blinki to have this ride. I look forward to seeing him put this bike on the podium here at Crankworks Rotorua and I'm sure at many more events. The setup options on this frame seem very versatile and keen to see how it goes in enduro....as im looking to upgrade from my 2010 GT Sanction
  • 3 0
 Yesss!!! Nice move Blenki! So stoked for Crestline and the guys behind the scene there
  • 3 0
 So pumped for this colab, the best rider on some sharp looking bikes. Now we just need them for sale in NZ!
  • 5 0
 There are already a few in NZ! Hit us up. We will ship to you guys
  • 3 0
 They are! Mine has been at the painters for a month now, being built next week. I tell you, Blenki is bang on with his comments!! Seriously impressed with the first impressions of the RS205
  • 3 0
 such a great choice Troydan. Now just get Byrne Atkinson on one and you will have the two most fun riders to watch.
  • 3 0
 Yesss!!! Stoked to see Crestline making big moves and progressing the sport.
  • 1 0
 this is soo rad. hands down my fav racer and rider and on a niche little obscure and awesome sick sooooper sick very cool bike is even more rad. i cant wait to see ho it goes and also maybe even get a frame...
  • 2 0
 Blenky has been killing it for years - so excited to see another DH brand on the circuit! I will be excited to see it in person at Snowshoe
  • 3 0
 Very happy to see blenki with a ride, well deserved
  • 2 0
 Super pumped for Sam--looks like an amazing bike. Look forward to seeing it on the WC circuit.
  • 3 0
 Doesn't this bike look super similar to the norco he was riding?
  • 6 0
 With how refined mountain bikes have become, at this point they really do all often look similar, but the suspension platform on the RS 205 is vastly different to his previous bike!
  • 4 0
 @crestline: feel free to send me one so I can test it out and learn all about it through first hand experience!
  • 3 0
 Stoked Blenki got a ride. But super stoked to see him out at Hardline!
  • 1 0
 Super stoked to see him at Hardline too! That's gonna be insane Big Grin \m/
  • 1 0
 Great move by crestline, Sam is one of the best riders to watch. I really like the bikes but the price in Europe is insane. Anyway great move and great bike!!!
  • 2 0
 What a great matchup! Super excited to see what 2023 brings for both parties.
  • 2 0
 So many upstart bike companies stepping up with support this year - great to see.
  • 1 0
 Been frothing over this frame since the photos of it were released last summer. It's gonna be a sick bike, and to see E.T. himself on it will be even sicker \m/.
  • 2 0
 love they made the DH bike available first instead of the trail or enduro bike. bring the big guns first ALWAYS!! :-)
  • 2 0
 YAAAASS!!! Blinky's got a ride! ET's forEVER!!
  • 3 0
 Nathaniel Smenkinsop
  • 1 0
 If the bike is any near as good at performing as the cascade link on my Nomad it’s a winner
  • 1 0
 Never heard that of crestline until now! Gotta love when great riders ride for smaller brands. More of this!
  • 2 4
 In all honesty how does a brand like fezzari offer affordable carbon frame only for under $2700 and this company over $3400, like seriously is the carbon different? Or let’s say a complete bike like YT carbon is $3600 and this is like $7000 I know components are factors, but how are other direct brands reaching low numbers?
  • 5 1
 Think of a frame as a vehicle to hang parts/components on. Larger companies get better deals with Shimano/sram/etc on all the components which allows them to charge less while maintaining profit margins. As Crestline grows and makes larger orders with the component companies, they’ll get better prices and will be either able to charge less or have better margins.
  • 2 0
 I guess we'll find out how well these bikes pedal in the air!
  • 2 0
 Say what now?
  • 2 3
 So do we get any 3rd party companies to make links to “improve” the performance or are you going to release your own link later on?
  • 1 0
 The link is already made by Cascade Components I believe. Maybe they will have some other options?
  • 13 0
 At least with us you'll get options! And not just get stuck with one stock link. So yes, we will release our own variations as we test more links and travel settings and options for different riding styles in the future. And if some other 3rd party makes a link that works well for certain people, good on them. We want everyone riding our bikes to be happy and if a link does that for someone, that's sick in our books cause ultimately that just means they'll be out riding our bikes more and having more fun!
  • 1 4
 @crestline: i was being sarcastic
  • 1 2
 ..
  • 2 0
 @Corkster9: Kinda hard to tell on pinkbike since you get some serious winner comments, but it was the perfect opportunity to let people know there will be more links so we figured why not!
  • 1 0
 @crestline: I am just looking for that elusive 69% progression link. I have heard that any further than that things tend to get a little turned around.
  • 1 0
 @crestline: ain't that the truth . It's interesting that out on the trail most riders seem like decent people but behind a keyboard, watch out.
  • 1 0
 Awesome, good stuff Crestline and Blenky.
  • 1 0
 tell me MORE about Trucks!!
  • 2 0
 Blimey phwenkinbloop
  • 1 1
 Woah, who saw this coming!? Thats rad. Get it Blenki
  • 1 0
 sick
  • 2 3
 They have an Enduro or Trail bike? Or is it just DH and E?
  • 10 2
 Read the article.
  • 2 0
 "Blenki will be racing the Crestline RS 205 VHP at all the DH events he competes in and if he does make it to any EDR rounds, he will configure the rig appropriately."

Also - crestlinebikes.com/product-category/bikes
  • 3 4
 @k2theg: LOL, I did, only saw 180 in the works. Was wondering if I missed other articles about future bikes for them. Guess some people still need their morning coffee around here.
  • 10 0
 @SCCC120: We designed the bike so that you can move the idler pulley placement down to improve pedaling. There is enough clearance to run a 12spd setup. Cascade has some links in the works that we've been testing that reduce the rear travel to 180mm. We have been testing and riding one with a 180mm fork while using a 5mm reach adjust headset that has an external 10mm lower cup. The external lower cup ads stack and this means you A/C measurement is then the same as a 190mm single crown fork which is actually pretty much the same as a dual crown 200. This is how you preserve the geo and just like that you have a burly enduro setup! *It should be noted that you have to run a wireless dropper post!
  • 1 3
 @k2theg: To be fair the press release is formatted pretty poorly, the break between "he will configure the rig appropriately." and the next paragraph is terrible. Took me a second read to understand they were connected.
  • 4 0
 @macaroni69: Sorry, we did not have a break there in our submission but seems like it was edited by the prior to the post. Glad you figured it out though!
  • 1 0
 @crestline: nice info, thank you very much!
  • 1 0
 @SCCC120: You're welcome!
  • 3 0
 @crestline: "but seems like it was edited by the prior to the post" - the irony.
  • 1 3
 Is it me or is that head tube deformed?
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