Opening Day Survey 2023: What People Are Riding at the Whistler Bike Park

May 22, 2023 at 13:02

by Dario DiGiulio

2023 OPENING DAY SURVEY

It's been unseasonably hot and dry up here in the Pacific Northwest, and although that doesn't bode too well for the dirt conditions this summer it did bring one nice thing: a beautiful opening day for the Whistler Bike Park. Trails were snow-free and even a bit dusty in some areas, the lines were sunny, and the skies were blue. Underneath all that sun were a whole lot of people on bikes, so our Pinkbike Census Bureau representative posted up in the gondola line to ask 100 of those people about their bike park setups. Below you'll find the results of that highly methodical research, as well as the data from years past.

There are some interesting trends that are starting to track, as well as some upsets to some otherwise consistent bikes and components. Dig into the numbers and see just how things are shaping up in 2023.

84% MALE - 16% FEMALE

Opening Day 2023:

Male 84%
Female 16%

Opening Day 2022:

Male 74%
Female 26%

Opening Day 2021:

Male 76.85%
Female 23.15%

Opening Day 2020:

Male 74.23%
Female 25.77%

It's worth pointing out that a possible driver for the lower number of women this year might be due to the RideLab festival that was taking place in Squamish all week. Though it finished up the day before Whismas, it's possible a lot of attendees stuck around the Squamish area instead of heading north.

WHEEL SIZE

Wheel Size Opening Day 2023:

27.5 inch 47%
29 inch 29%
Mullet 29/27.5 22%
26 inch 2%

Wheel Size Opening Day 2022:

27.5 inch 52%
29 inch 39%
Mullet 29/27.5 10%
26 inch 1%

Wheel Size Opening Day 2021:

27.5 inch 67.36%
29 inch 27.37%
26 inch 2.11%
Mullet 29/27.5 2.11%
Mullet 27.5/26 1.05%

Wheel Size Opening Day 2020:

27.5 inch 55.91%
29 inch 26.88%
26 inch 12.90%
20 inch 3.23%
Mullet 1.08%

Linear chart of wheel size use over time.

78% FLATS

22% CLIPLESS

Opening Day 2023:

Flats 78%
Clipless 22%

Opening Day 2022:

Flats 71%
Clipless 29%

Opening Day 2021:

Flats 84.21%
Clipless 15.79%

Opening Day 2020:

Flats 65.82%
Clipless 34.18%

FRAMES

Frames Opening Day 2023

Santa Cruz V10 8%
Transition Patrol 6%
Norco Aurum 6%
Commencal Supreme 5%
Commencal Meta AM 5%
Scott Gambler 4%
Commencal Clash 4%
Specialized Demo 4%
Santa Cruz Nomad 3%
Norco Range 3%
Norco Sight 3%
Transition TR11 3%
Giant Reign 2%
Santa Cruz Megatower 2%
Norco Shore 2%
Specialized Enduro 2%
Transition Spire 2%
Kona Process 153 2%
Rocky Mountain Slayer 2%
Commencal Furious 2%
GT Fury 2%
Forbidden Dreadnought 2%
Trek Session 2%
Canyon Sender 2%
Pivot Mach 5.5 1%
Trek Remedy 1%
Transition Sentinel 1%
Transition Scout 1%
Mondraker Superfoxy 1%
Specialized Status 160 1%
Norco Fluid 1%
GT Force 1%
GT Sanction 1%
YT Capra 1%
Ghost Riot 1%
Trek Fuel EX 1%
Evil Wreckoning 1%
Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 1%
Canfield Jedi 1%
Trek Slash 1%
Commencal SX 1%
Devinci Wilson 1%
Raaw Madonna 1%
Kona Operator 1%
Evil Insurgent 1%
Chromag Stylus 1%
Zerode G3 1%
Prime Rocket 1%

Frames Opening Day 2022

Norco Aurum 10%
Trek Session 7%
Canyon Sender 4%
Commencal Supreme DH 4%
Norco Sight 4%
Santa Cruz Bronson 4%
Specialized Enduro 4%
Commencal Clash 3%
Norco Fluid 3%
Santa Cruz V10 3%
YT Capra 3%
Commencal Meta 2%
Devinci Spartan 2%
Giant Glory 2%
Knolly Delirium 2%
Pivot Firebird 2%
Raaw DH 2%
Rocky Mountain Altitude 2%
Rocky Mountain Slayer 2%
Santa Cruz Nomad 2%
Scott Ransom 2%
Specialized Demo 2%
Trek Slash 2%
YT Tues 2%
Antidote Darkmatter 1%
Canyon Spectral 1%
Chromag Minor Threat 1%
Commencal Furious 1%
Commencal Supreme 20'" 1%
Devinci Wilson 1%
Evil Wreckoning 1%
Forbidden Dreadnaught 1%
Giant Reign 1%
Giant Trance 1%
GT Fury 1%
Intense M29 1%
Kona Operator 1%
Liv Hail 1%
Rocky Mountain Maiden 1%
Rocky Mountain Pipeline 1%
Santacruz Megatower 1%
Scott Gambler 1%
Transition 11 1%
Transition Patrol 1%
Trek Fuel Ex 1%
Trek Remedy 1%
We Are One Arrival 1%
Yeti SB150 1%
Zerode Katipo 1%

Frames Opening Day 2021

Giant Reign 6.32%
Norco Range 6.32%
Norco Aurum 5.26%
Commencal Furious 4.21%
Commencal Supreme 4.21%
GT Fury 4.21%
Kona Process 4.21%
Rocky Mountain Slayer 4.21%
Commencal Meta 3.16%
Giant Glory 3.16%
GT Force Commencal Meta 3.16%
Santa Cruz V10 3.16%
Specialized Stumpjumper 3.16%
Trek Remedy 3.16%
Trek Session 3.16%
Commencal Clash 2.11%
Devinci Wilson 2.11%
Knolly Warden 2.11%
Kona Operator 2.11%
Liv Hail 2.11%
Santa Cruz Nomad 2.11%
Scott Gambler 2.11%
Specialized Enduro 2.11%
Trek Slash 2.11%
YT Tues 2.11%
Zerode G2 2.11%
Canyon Sender 1.05%
Giant Trance 1.05%
Juliana Strega 1.05%
Norco Shore 1.05%
Norco Sight 1.05%
Pivot Mach 6 1.05%
Rocky Mountain Altitude 1.05%
Santa Cruz Bronson 1.05%
Specialized Demo 1.05%
Specialized Status 1.05%
Transition Spur 1.05%
Transition TR500 1.05%
Yeti SB150 1.05%
Yeti SB165 1.05%
YT Capra 1.05%

Frames Opening Day 2020

Specialized Demo 9.77%
GT Fury 6.02%
Giant Glory 4.14%
Trek Remedy 3.38%
YT Tues 3.01%
Commencal Supreme 3.01%
Norco Range 3.01%
Rocky Mountain Slayer 3.01%
Santa Cruz Nomad 3.01%
Commencal Meta 3.01%
Santa Cruz V10 2.63%
Rocky Mountain Maiden 2.63%
Trek Session 2.26%
Norco Aurum 2.26%
Specialized Enduro 2.26%
Commencal Furious 2.26%
Giant Reign 2.26%
Norco HSP 2.26%
YT Capra 2.26%
Transition Patrol 1.88%
Devinci Wilson 1.88%
Rocky Mountain Altitude 1.88%
Rocky Mountain Flatline 1.88%
Intense M16 1.50%
Trek Slash 1.50%
Kona Operator 1.50%
Scott Gambler 1.50%
Canyon Sender 1.50%
Liv Hail 1.50%
Norco Sight 1.50%
Specialized Stumpjumper 1.13%
Commencal Meta AM 1.13%
Yeti SB 150 1.13%
Yeti SB5 1.13%
Devinci Spartan 0.75%
Pivot Pheonix 0.75%
Transition Sentinel 0.75%
Yeti SB 165 0.75%
Scott Ransom 0.75%
GT Force 0.75%
Santacruz Megatower 0.75%
Santacruz 5010 0.75%
Transition TR 500 0.75%
Kona Process 0.75%
Cube Stereo 0.75%
Pivot Firebird 0.75%
Giant Trance 0.38%
GT Sanction 0.38%
Knolly Podium 0.38%
Transition TR 450 0.38%
Cove STD 0.38%
Orbea 0.38%
Knolly Delerium 0.38%
Nuke Proof 0.38%
Knolly Warden 0.38%
Yeti SB6 0.38%
RAAW Madonna 0.38%
Scott Spark 0.38%
Rocky Mountain Element 0.38%
Scott Genius 0.38%
Intense Tracer 0.38%
Banchee Scream 0.38%

Linear chart of frame brand popularity over time.

Antidote Darkmatter - photos Satchel Cronk

FORKS

Forks Opening Day 2023:

Fox 40 23%
Fox 38 18%
RockShox Boxxer 15%
RockShox Zeb 11%
Fox 36 8%
RockShox Lyrik 7%
Marzocchi Bomber 58 2%
Ohlins DH38 2%
RockShox Pike 2%
Manitou Machete 1%
Ride1Up Prodigy (?) 1%
Ohlins RXF 36 1%
Formula Selva 1%
RockShox Recon 1%
Fox 34 1%
Formula Nero 1%
Cane Creek Helm 1%
Suntour Aion 1%
DVO Diamond 1%
Manitou Mezzer 1%

Forks Opening Day 2022:

Fox 40 27%
RockShox Boxxer 24%
Fox 38 14%
Fox 36 13%
RockShox Lyrik 6%
RockShox Zeb 6%
Marzocchi Bomber 58 2%
DVO Onyx 1%
EXT ERA 1%
Marzocchi 380 1%
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 1%
Ohlins RXF 36 1%
Ohlins DH 38 1%
RockShox Yari 1%
SR Suntour Rux 1%

Forks Opening Day 2021:

RockShox Boxxer 25.26%
RockShox Lyrik 17.89%
Fox 36 16.84%
Fox 40 14.74%
RockShox Yari 8.42%
Fox 38 6.32%
RockShox Pike 3.16%
Marzocchi Bomber 2.11%
RockShox Zeb 2.11%
Fox 34 1.05%
RockShox SID 1.05%
RockShox Totem 1.05%

Forks Opening Day 2020:

RockShox Boxxer 19.80%
RockShox Lyrik 17.82%
Fox 36 16.83%
RockShox Pike 6.93%
Fox 40 6.93%
Fox 34 4.95%
RockShox Yari 3.96%
Marzocchi 58 2.97%
Fox 49 1.98%
Fox 38 1.98%
DVO Diamond 1.98%
Marzocchi Z1 1.98%
Marzocchi Monster T 1.98%
SR Suntour 1.98%
X Fusion 1.98%
RockShox Totem 0.99%
RockShox Sektor 0.99%
DVO Emereld 0.99%
DVO Onyx 0.99%
Manitou Dorado 0.99%
Marzocchi 66 0.99%

Forks Opening Day 2019:

RockShox BoXXer 36.07%
Fox 40 15.57%
Fox 36 14.75%
RockShox Lyrik 12.30%
RockShox Pike 3.28%
RockShox BoXXer w/ Ohlins 0.82%
DVO Diamond 0.82%
DVO Onyx 0.82%
Fox 34 0.82%
Manitou Dorado 0.82%
Marzocchi 66 0.82%
Yari 0.82%

Linear chart of fork model popularity over time.

SHOCKS

Shocks Opening Day 2023:

Fox DHX2 21%
RockShox Super Deluxe 16%
RockShox Super Deluxe Coil 16%
Fox Float X2 13%
Fox Float X 6%
Fox Float DPX2 5%
Ohlins TTX22 4%
RockShox Vivid 2%
XFusion O2 2%
DVO Topaz 2%
Marzocchi Bomber CR 2%
EXT Arma 2%
RockShox Deluxe Re:Activ 1%
RockShox Monarch 1%
Formula MOD 1%
Cane Creek DB Coil 1%
DVO Jade X 1%
RockShox Kage 1%
EXT Storia 1%
Nothing 1%

Shocks Opening Day 2022:

RockShox Super Deluxe Coil 23%
Fox Float X2 22%
Fox DHX2 20%
RockShox Super Deluxe 11%
EXT Storia 4%
Fox Float DPX2 4%
Cane Creek DB coil 3%
Fox Float X 3%
RockShox Vivid 3%
Marzocchi Bomber CR 2%
Ohlins TTX22 2%
RockShox Monarch 2%
DVO Jade 1%

Shocks Opening Day 2021:

RockShox Super Deluxe 22.11%
Fox DHX2 17.89%
RockShox Vivid Coil 13.68%
Fox Float X2 7.37%
RockShox Deluxe 6.32%
RockShox Super Deluxe Coil 6.32%
Fox X2 3.16%
DVO Jade 2.11%
Fox Float 2.11%
Marzocchi Bomber CR 2.11%
RockShox Monarch 2.11%
RockShox Monarch Plus 2.11%
RockShox Vivid Air 2.11%
Cane Creek DB Air 1.05%
Float X2 1.05%
Fox DHX 1.05%
Fox Float X 1.05%
Fox RC2 1.05%
Fox Van RC 1.05%
Marzocchi MOTO C2R 1.05%
Ohlins TTX22 Coil 1.05%
Rock Shox Kage RC Coil 1.05%
RockShox SidLuxe 1.05%

Shocks Opening Day 2020:

Fox DHX2 12.68%
Fox Float X2 9.86%
RockShox Monarch Plus 8.45%
RockShox Vivid Coil 8.45%
RockShox Super Deluxe 8.45%
RockShox Monarch 5.63%
Fox Van RC 5.63%
Fox Float 5.63%
X Fusion Air 5.63%
RockShox Deluxe 4.23%
RockShox Vivid Air 2.82%
RockShox Super Deluxe Coil 2.82%
Fox RC2 2.82%
Fox DPX2 2.82%
DVO Air 2.82%
BOS 2.82%
Fox Nude 1.41%
Ohlins TTX22M 1.41%
Marzocchi Coil 1.41%
DVO Coil 1.41%
X Fusion Coil 1.41%
Cane Creek DB 1.41%

Linear chart of shock model popularity over time.

BRAKES

Brakes Opening Day 2023:

SRAM Code 26%
Shimano Saint 15%
TRP 13%
Shimano XT 9%
SRAM Guide 7%
Shimano Deore 5%
Magura MT7 5%
Hope Tech 4%
SRAM G2 4%
Formula Cura 3%
Shimano Zee 2%
Shimano SLX 2%
Radic Kaha 1%
Tektro Non-Series 1%
Avid Code 1%
Hayes Dominion A4 1%
Shimano MT420 1%

Brakes Opening Day 2022:

SRAM Code 39%
Shimano XT 10%
Shimano Saint 9%
SRAM Guide 8%
Magura MT7 6%
Shimano Non-Series 6%
Shimano Deore 5%
Shimano XTR 5%
TRP Quadiem 4%
TRP DH-R 3%
Shimano Zee 2%
SRAM G2 2%
Hope Tech Pro 4 1%

Brakes Opening Day 2021:

SRAM Code 31.91%
SRAM Guide 21.28%
Shimano Saint 12.77%
Shimano Non Series 7.45%
Shimano Zee 7.45%
TRP 4.23%
Shimano SLX 3.19%
Shimano XT 3.19%
Formula Cura 4 2.13%
Hope Tech 2.13%
Shimano XTR 1.06%
Avid Code 1.06%
Avid Elixir 1.06%
SRAM G2 1.06%

Brakes Opening Day 2020:

SRAM Code 26.14%
SRAM Guide 22.73%
Shimano Saint 10.23%
Shimano XT 9.09%
Shimano Non Series 7.95%
Shimano SLX 6.82%
Shimano Zee 3.41%
Shimano XTR 3.41%
Hope 3.41%
TRP 3.41%
Avid Juicy 2.27%
Magura 1.14%

Of the SRAM Codes in the survey, the model breakdown was as such: 53% RSC, 7% RS, 37% R, and 3% Avid.

Linear chart of brake model popularity over time.

DERAILLEURS

Derailleurs Opening Day 2023:

SRAM GX DH 17%
SRAM GX Eagle 17%
Shimano XT 12s 13%
SRAM XO DH 10%
Shimano Saint 8%
SRAM XO1 Eagle 4%
SRAM SX Eagle 4%
SRAM GX 11s 4%
SRAM AXS 4%
Singlespeed 3%
SRAM XX1 Eagle 2%
SRAM NX Eagle 2%
Shimano Deore 12s 2%
Shimano Zee 2%
Shimano XTR 12s 1%
SRAM Force AXS 1%
Chainless 1%
Shimano XTR 11s 1%
Shimano XT 11s 1%
Pinion C1.6 1%

Derailleurs Opening Day 2022:

SRAM X01 DH 15%
SRAM GX DH 14%
SRAM GX Eagle 14%
SRAM X01 Eagle 14%
Shimano Saint 11%
Shimano XT 9%
Single Speed 5%
Shimano XTR 4%
Shimano Zee 3%
Chainless 2%
SRAM NX Eagle 2%
Gearbox 1%
Shimano SLX 1%
SRAM X01 Eagle AXS 1%
SRAM X5 1%
SRAM X7 1%
SRAM X9 1%
TRP DH 1%

Derailleurs Opening Day 2021:

SRAM GX 40%
SRAM XO 9.47%
Shimano XT 8.42%
SRAM XO1 6.32%
Shimano SLX 5.26%
Singlespeed 5.26%
SRAM NX 5.26%
Shimano Zee 4.21%
Shimano Deore 3.16%
Shimano Saint 2.11%
SRAM X7 2.11%
SRAM X9 2.11%
SRAM XX1 2.11%
Shimano XTR 1.05%
SRAM N9 1.05%
SRAM SX 1.05%
SRAM X5 1.05%

Derailleurs Opening Day 2020:

SRAM GX 35.85%
SRAM NX 11.32%
SRAM X0 11.32%
Shimano Zee 7.55%
SRAM X01 6.60%
Shimano Saint 5.66%
Shimano XT 4.72%
Shimano Deore 3.77%
SRAM X7 2.83%
Single Speed 2.83%
SRAM X9 1.89%
Shimano SLX 1.89%
SRAM X5 0.94%
Shimano XTR 0.94%
Black Box 0.94%
Box One 0.94%

DT Swiss FR 541 Rim Photo Kifcat Shaperideshoot

RIMS

Rims Opening Day 2023:

DT Swiss 35%
Raceface 9%
We Are One 7%
Chromag 6%
Bontrager 5%
e*thirteen 5%
Spank 5%
Unbranded/Mystery 4%
NOBL 3%
Reserve 3%
Roval 3%
Stans 3%
Alexrims 2%
WTB 2%
Shimano 1%
ENVE 1%
Kore 1%
Sun Ringle 1%
Crank Brothers 1%
Novatec 1%
Nukeproof 1%
Industry Nine 1%
Syncros 1%

Rims Opening Day 2022:

DT Swiss 24%
E Thirteen 9%
Bontrager 7%
Raceface 7%
Spank 7%
Stans 7%
We Are One 7%
WTB 6%
Industry Nine 4%
Giant 3%
Roval 3%
Unbranded 3%
Alex Rims 2%
Chromag 2%
Mavic 2%
Reserve 2%
Crankbrothers 1%
Enve 1%
Novatec 1%
Ride Alpha 1%
Sun Ringle 1%

Rims Opening Day 2021:

DT Swiss 25.26%
ethirteen 16.32%
Giant 9.47%
Race Face 8.95%
Bontrager 8.42%
Spank 5.79%
Roval 5.26%
Stans 3.68%
Chromag 3.16%
Sunringle 3.16%
We Are One 3.16%
WTB 2.11%
Easton 1.05%
Alex 1.05%
Hope 1.05%
NOBL 1.05%
NOX 1.05%

Rims Opening Day 2020:

DT Swiss 26.32%
WTB 10.53%
E13 7.89%
Race Face 6.58%
Mavic 6.58%
Specialized Roval 5.26%
Spank 5.26%
Stans 5.26%
Sun Ringle 3.95%
Bontrager 2.63%
Easton 2.63%
Alex Rims 2.63%
We Are One 2.63%
Reynolds 2.63%
Chromag 2.63%
Santa Cruz 1.32%
Syncros 1.32%
Zipp 1.32%
Crank Brothers 1.32%
Industry Nine 1.32%

Linear chart of rim brand popularity over time.

TIRES

Front Tires Opening Day 2023:

Maxxis Assegai 56%
Maxxis DHF 21%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 7%
Continental Kryptotal FR 5%
Specialized Butcher 3%
Maxxis DHR 2%
Maxxis Dissector 1%
VEE Crown Gem 1%
Specialized Eliminator 1%
Continental Der Kaiser 1%
Versus 1%

Rear Tires Opening Day 2023:

Maxxis DHR 45%
Maxxis Assegai 13%
Maxxis DHF 13%
Schwalbe Big Betty 7%
Maxxis Dissector 6%
Continental Kryptotal RE 4%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 3%
Specialized Butcher 2%
VEE Crown Gem 1%
Specialized Eliminator 1%
Versus 1%
Schwalbe Hans Dampf 1%
Delium 1%
Maxxis Aggressor 1%

Front Tires Opening Day 2022:

Maxxis Assegai 46%
Maxxis Minion DHF 23%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 7%
Maxxis Minion DHR 2 4%
Michelin DH 22 3%
Specialized Butcher 3%
e*thirteen LG1 2%
Maxxis High Roller 2 2%
WTB Vigilante 2%
Bontrager G5 1%
Bontrager XR5 1%
Continental Baron 1%
Maxxis Ardent 1%
Maxxis Shorty 1%
Onza Porcupine 1%
Specialized Cannibal 1%
WTB Trail Boss 1%

Rear Tires Opening Day 2022:

Maxxis Minion DHR 2 36%
Maxxis Minion DHF 15%
Maxxis Assegai 10%
Maxxis Dissector 8%
Maxxis High Roller 2 5%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 5%
Schwalbe Big Betty 4%
Specialized Butcher 4%
Michelin DH 22 3%
e*thirteen LG1 2%
Michelin DH 34 2%
WTB Trail Boss 2%
Bontrager G5 1%
Maxxis Aggressor 1%
Onza Porcupine 1%
WTB Vigilante 1%

Tires Opening Day 2021:

Maxxis Assegai 22.63%
Maxxis Minion DHF 17.37%
Maxxis Minion DHRII 17.89%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 8.42%
Specialized Butcher 5.79%
Maxxis Minion DHR 4.21%
Bontrager G5 3.16%
Maxxis High Roller II 3.16%
Continental Der Kaiser 2.11%
e*thirteen LG1 2.11%
Maxxis High Roller 2.11%
Bontrager G4 1.58%
Bontrager SE5 1.05%
Bontrager XR5 1.05%
Maxxis Dissector 1.05%
Michelin DH22 1.05%
Michelin Wild Enduro 1.05%
Bontrager SE4 0.53%
Maxxis Aggressor 0.53%
Maxxis Shorty 0.53%
Schwalbe Big Betty 0.53%
Schwalbe Dirty Dan 0.53%
Specialized Eliminator 0.53%
Vee Tire Gravity Co 0.53%
WTB Vigilante 0.53%

Front Tires Opening Day 2020:

Maxxis Minion DHF 46.60%
Maxxis Assegai 18.45%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 4.85%
Specialized Butcher 4.85%
Maxxis Minion DHR2 2.91%
Continental 2.91%
Michelin 2.91%
Maxxis High Roller 2 1.94%
Schwalbe Hans Dampf 1.94%
Schwalbe Nobby Nic 1.94%
e*thirteen LG1 1.94%
Bontrager G5 1.94%
Bontrager G4 1.94%
WTB 1.94%
Onza 1.94%
Schwalbe Black Jack 0.97%

Rear Tires Opening Day 2020:

Maxxis Minion DHR2 32.56%
Maxxis Minion DHF 16.28%
Maxxis High Roller 2 9.30%
Schwalbe Magic Mary 6.98%
Maxxis Minion DHR 4.65%
Specialized Butcher 4.65%
Maxxis Assegai 3.49%
Vee Tyre Co 3.49%
Schwalbe Muddy Mary 2.33%
Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.33%
Bontrager SE4 2.33%
e*thirteen LG1 2.33%
Kenda 2.33%
Maxxis Disector 1.16%
Schwalbe Nobby Nic 1.16%
Bontrager G4 1.16%
Onza 1.16%
Goodyear Escape 1.16%
Continental 1.16%

Logarithmic chart of tire popularity over the past 4 years.

TIRE SETUP

Tire Setup Opening Day 2023:

Tubeless 76%
Tubes 16%
Mixed 8%

Inserts 35.5%
No Inserts 64.5%

Tire Setup Opening Day 2022:

Tubeless 79%
Tubes 16%
Mixed 5%

Tire Setup Opening Day 2021:

Tubeless 54.74%
Tubes 33.68%
Mixed 11.58%

Tire Setup Opening Day 2020:

Tubeless 33.93%
Tubes 66.07%

Linear chart of tubeless use over time.

HELMETS

Helmets Opening Day 2023:

TLD 33%
Fox 23%
Bell 10%
Giro 6%
POC 5%
100% 4%
Leatt 3%
Kali 3%
Specialized 3%
Fly 2%
IXS 2%
Smith 2%
Bluegrass 2%
7IDP 1%
661 1%

Helmets Opening Day 2022:

TLD 31%
Fox 28%
Bell 7%
IXS 6%
POC 6%
Leatt 5%
100% 3%
Giro 3%
7idp 2%
Kali 2%
Smith 2%
Bluegrass 1%
Fly 1%
Shift 1%
Shred 1%
Specialized 1%

Helmets Opening Day 2021:

TLD 26.32%
Fox 23.16%
100% 10.53%
IXS 6.32%
POC 6.32%
Smith 6.32%
Bell 5.26%
Kali 3.16%
661 2.11%
Giro 2.11%
Leatt 2.11%
Specialized 2.11%
Protec 1.05%
Scott 1.05%
Suomy 1.05%
Urge 1.05%

Helmets Opening Day 2020:

Troy Lee Designs 33.33%
Fox 16.67%
Bell 12.22%
Poc 8.89%
Giro 7.78%
100% 7.78%
IXS 4.44%
Specialized 3.33%
661 1.11%
Leatt 1.11%
ONE 1.11%
7IDP 1.11%
Blue Grass 1.11%

Linear chart of helmet popularity over time.

NECK BRACES

Neck Braces Opening Day 2023

No 95%
Yes 5%

Neck Braces Opening Day 2022

No 98%
Yes 2%

Neck Braces Opening Day 2021

No 88.42%
Yes 11.58%

Neck Braces Opening Day 2020

No 78.57%
Yes 21.43%

Linear chart of neck brace usage over time.

PADS & PROTECTION

Pads and protections Opening Day 2023:

Fox 32%
TLD 15%
POC 8%
Leatt 7%
Nothing 6%
Raceface 5%
Chromag 5%
7IDP 4%
IXS 4%
Space Brace 3%
Dakine 3%
"I don't know" 3%
G-Form 2%
Scott 2%
661 2%
Rapha 1%
100% 1%
Ion 1%

Pads and protections Opening Day 2022:

Fox 30%
Chromag 13%
TLD 11%
Raceface 9%
Leatt 6%
IXS 4%
POC 4%
G-Form 3%
Ion 3%
100% 2%
7idp 2%
Dakine 2%
No Pads 2%
Nukeproof 2%
ALK13 1%
Alpinestars 1%
Dainese 1%
"Elbow Pads on the Knees" 1%
"I don't know what I'm wearing" 1%
Rapha 1%
Scott 1%

Pads and protections Opening Day 2021:

Fox 22.35%
POC 16.47%
Race Face 12.94%
Dakine 9.41%
Chromag 8.24%
TLD 3.53%
Ion 2.35%
IXS 14.12%
7idp 2.35%
NF 2.35%
661 1.18%
Dainese 1.18%
G-Form 1.18%
Leatt 1.18%
Sweet Protection 1.18%

Pads and protections Opening Day 2020:

Fox 27.78%
ISX 13.89%
Race Face 13.89%
Troy Lee Designs 11.11%
Leatt 8.33%
None 8.33%
POC 5.56%
661 5.56%
Dakine 2.78%
G-Form 2.78%

Linear chart of pad popularity over time.

More from Opening Day:
Video: 4 Unique Bikes From Whistler Opening Day
Photo Epic: Whistler Bike Park Opening Weekend 2023
Video: The Ultimate Guide to Whistler Bike Park 2023

Previous "What People are Riding" surveys:
Opening Day 2022
Opening Day 2021
Opening Day 2020
Opening Day 2019
Opening Day 2018
Opening Day 2016
Opening Day 2015

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214 Comments

305 2

AndrewHornor (May 22, 2023 at 15:48)

The mullets seem to be driving the ladies away. Disappointing, but numbers don't lie.

72 1

Ski-Jerry-13 (May 22, 2023 at 16:50)

If you ever want lots of compliments from dudes only, get a mullet.

11 2

Balgaroth (May 23, 2023 at 1:17)

Since Ladies are only gone this year and mullet has been growing steadily for the whole time frame I would be looking at abrupt growth in number from 2022 to 2023. As such it has to be Continental tires and Transition bikes that are driving the ladies away ! Basically Henry is the culprit !

vhdh666 (May 23, 2023 at 2:54)

this post is epice mate!

adrennan (May 23, 2023 at 6:41)

I blame the headset routing.

EuroinSF (May 23, 2023 at 9:15)

@Ski-Jerry-13: Even more so with the mullets/stache combo!

germinois (May 26, 2023 at 20:21)

@Ski-Jerry-13:

217 1

jonbrady85 (May 22, 2023 at 13:37)

"Elbow Pads on the Knees" 1%
"I don't know what I'm wearing" 1%

I have a feeling this is the same person

36 0

Td5819 (May 22, 2023 at 13:57)

This a gear and bike check that needs to be done.

35 0

toast2266 (May 22, 2023 at 14:10)

I'd bet elbow pads on knees person is approximately 6 years old.

40 0

korev (May 22, 2023 at 14:18)

@Td5819: It's only on a kneed to know basis

stormracing (May 22, 2023 at 14:21)

@toast2266: can confirm I did that at some point

13 1

mi-bike (May 22, 2023 at 14:53)

@korev: Seeing a missed pun like that is pure agoknee for me.

noplacelikeloam (May 22, 2023 at 15:27)

I want what they are having

nickfranko (May 22, 2023 at 20:22)

Some people have legs that are too small for leg pads. I have also seen a female rider who had knee pads and elbow pads below that to act as shin protection

ethanrevitch (May 22, 2023 at 20:51)

@stormracing: same.

pakleni (May 22, 2023 at 23:14)

@toast2266: Had a problem finding knee pads for my 5 yo skinny son and tried my elbow XL pads. It was possible but still too tight

korev (May 22, 2023 at 23:55)

@pakleni: Bring him to the pub with us, we can soon fatten him up!

captainderp (May 23, 2023 at 6:42)

@toast2266: i still do this for my kids, 6 and 8

pakleni (May 23, 2023 at 9:11)

@captainderp: IXS knee pads in KM and KL sizes are great and should fit good

EuroinSF (May 23, 2023 at 9:14)

@nickfranko: She can always can get kiddo pads. I'd be a smidge concerned if her legs and arms are smaller than those of my 5 year old.

85 0

extremetothemax (May 22, 2023 at 13:37)

No p-values? How can I know if these trends are statistically significant?

16 0

Mtn-Goat-13 (May 22, 2023 at 13:51)

Ya beat me to it but since there's no hypothesis to validate, its just empirical data presented as-is so...ya know, even more fun. I was curious to know the total number of riders sampled though - if it was complete or just a subset....

korev (May 22, 2023 at 14:15)

A P value of less than filling a litre isn't worth doing...

30 0

geephlow (May 22, 2023 at 18:12)

Who cares about your p-value!? 26" is up 100% from last year! That's a trend, amirite...?

nickfranko (May 22, 2023 at 20:22)

@korev: p-value*

Mtn-Goat-13 (May 24, 2023 at 11:42)

@geephlow: No one does, we're all shit shitting around, but 26'' being up 100% is perfectly fine. I would've hypothesized 94% but without the number of riders... no way to know. Nor do I actually give a f*ck.

53 0

Leven (May 22, 2023 at 14:17)

Who is the guy on a sram force axs bike?

30 0

Padded (May 22, 2023 at 14:49)

Darth Vader

Brosol (May 22, 2023 at 15:09)

Was wondering what kind of sorcery set up they were running…

31 0

BigShralp (May 22, 2023 at 15:34)

Mike Levy

spaced (May 22, 2023 at 16:05)

Maybe some old guy remembering the days you ran road casettes and derails for weight and low profile? Now it makes no sense but it did back in the day. Not sure about Force but you could kinda make a Sram Rival work with X.0 Shifters and it was lighter than X.0 Derail at around 2011.

23 0

Ryan2949 (May 22, 2023 at 18:00)

This actually makes sense. Mtb axs shifter, force axs derailleur and cassette = wireless DH Drivetrain

Sweatypants (May 22, 2023 at 18:23)

@spaced: SRAM Red 9-speed was a good cassette range for DH with a short cage X.0 derailleur/shifter. I ran that setup for like 5 years on a DH bike from like 2013 to 2018. Those Gen 1 X.0 derailleurs with the carbon cage were bulletproof and so crisp. We've lost our way...

mfoga (May 22, 2023 at 19:57)

Same guy with no rear shock.

ttaipina (May 23, 2023 at 1:25)

@Brosol: Easy.... Force deraileur, with normal AXS controler, and road 12v speed cassete?!

danstonQ (May 23, 2023 at 3:52)

Missing the one who was on a Shimano Altus last year or years before.

OskarStaudte (May 23, 2023 at 6:43)

Maybe used as a wireless dh drivetrain?

leviatanouroboro (May 23, 2023 at 11:49)

This is exactly how semenuk rode a custom short cage axs at rampage.

49 8

PhillipJ (May 22, 2023 at 16:29)

How do they manage all the dead bodies from SRAM Code users? I have it on the best authority (i.e. other Pinkers) that they don't work any should be used to weight my bin liners.

8 18

ruckuswithani (May 22, 2023 at 17:51) (Below Threshold)

Exactly! I've noticed all the DH and enduro pros who ride for sram only win when the shimano, magura, trp, hayes and formula riders crashed out.
Side note, why do Pinkbikers worship Rockshox but hate Sram?

12 1

nickfranko (May 22, 2023 at 20:24)

You're right, I remember I bought a bike with SRAM Codes and they tried shivving me on the trail. Can't believe anyone uses them

bashhard (May 23, 2023 at 7:04)

What about the Sram Guide users then?

st-alfie (May 23, 2023 at 8:31)

@bashhard: there is a good chance the guide users won't survive the day.

14 1

thenotoriousmic (May 23, 2023 at 9:22)

@ruckuswithani: it’s not the brakes it’s always rider error. Instead of saying they’re not very good or don’t know how to work on their bike. There’s probably more codes in circulation than every other bike put together despite generally costing more. They’ve probably won more WC’s and EWS than any other brake too but they’re not good enough for some random dribbler off the pinkbike comments section. Makes sense.

ruckuswithani (May 23, 2023 at 11:28)

@thenotoriousmic: Complete agree. If there's one thing Pinkbikers struggle with too, it's obvious sarcasm haha

iduckett (May 25, 2023 at 19:36)

@bashhard: God forbid… LEVEL T
**shiver**

29 0

speedyharmony (May 22, 2023 at 15:28)

What happened to the neck brace? Did everyone just stop having neck/spinal injuries? Why did everyone slowly stop wearing them?

tbubier (May 22, 2023 at 18:51)

I'd also like to know. At one point it seemed like they were everywhere now you'd be pretty hard pressed to find one on a busy weekend.

15 0

j-t-g (May 22, 2023 at 19:20)

Marketing effort then Less marketing effort now

bbachmei (May 22, 2023 at 19:41)

Some people think neck braces compromise your position on the bike, specifically Ryan Hughes

26 0

naptime (May 22, 2023 at 21:11)

Fashion, simple as that. Monkey see monkey do (or doesn't do in this case)

2 10

jrocksdh (May 22, 2023 at 22:32) (Below Threshold)

I'd suggest bikes and trails are less sketchy-skills are up.

JudgeJor (May 23, 2023 at 0:06)

Probably out of fashion. I would really like to wear mine and it's okay-ish for park riding where you are more upright. BUT if I want to get aggressive, elbows out, and keep the head up, I can't.

casualcyclist (May 23, 2023 at 0:58)

The bikes got so much better & safer. You don't need it anymore. It's like you don't wear helmets in race cars anymore...oh wait...

//IronyOff

Balgaroth (May 23, 2023 at 1:24)

Proper position and mobility allows you to not crash (or at least crash less) and neck braces negatively impact both of these variables. It is better to reduce the number of crash all together rather than increasing your risk of crashing but reducing one very specific potential injury. That's why people keep wearing protection that don't impact their position and mobility despite no marketing push, trend and such.

naptime (May 23, 2023 at 1:56)

@Balgaroth: If a neck brace inhibits mobility... it's not set up correctly.
Unless youre a free rider hitting back flips on the regular

GZMS (May 23, 2023 at 8:48)

Maybe during rona times people were more concerned with safety

jrocksdh (May 23, 2023 at 8:59)

@casualcyclist: well ya the geo and suspension has really put riders into a safer place when the front end dips abruptly. Add the fact that there's been another decade of progression of skill.
The kids have the skills that many of us didnt have until young adults.
Some surfers wear helmets, most dont.

Lookinforit (May 23, 2023 at 14:41)

I believe it to be because of the modern geometry trends.

If the bike is longer, the rider is more "stretched out" and their torso is more parallel to the ground. This causes the rider to be "looking up" more, and this can sometimes be interfered with when wearing a neck brace.

Older bikes tended to have a more upright geometry, and this allowed the rider's neck to stay straighter and thus be less affected by a neck brace.

But this is only a theory.

27 1

jezso (May 22, 2023 at 13:40)

Please make a full bike and gear check with the folks answering “I don’t know”, for any of these questions.

28 1

JSpeedy (May 22, 2023 at 14:30)

% internal headset routing?

45 0

noplacelikeloam (May 22, 2023 at 15:27)

Dont.

stephenzkie (May 23, 2023 at 9:24)

probably hanged on the spot

29 4

BenLow2019 (May 22, 2023 at 13:46)

26 isn't dead!

65 0

vinay (May 22, 2023 at 13:54)

The number of people on 26" wheeled bikes doubled in one year. Another six years from now, more than 100% will be on 26" wheeled bikes.

18 0

atourgates (May 22, 2023 at 14:21)

@vinay: The numbers don't lie.

krankin (May 22, 2023 at 18:37)

Yup. My 12 yo rides a 26

Mtbdialed (May 22, 2023 at 19:29)

@vinay: there is a simpson bit about this and disco records.....so you know....

the simpsons did it first.

Lagr1980 (May 22, 2023 at 19:32)

and michelin tires out of stock ey ?

nickfranko (May 22, 2023 at 20:25)

26 was never dead: it just isn't used on most trail bikes. This isn't really a place for trail bike and the extra strength of the 26 is super-beneficial, as-is the ability to get a relatively cheap 26er DH bike for bashing around on DH trails

vinay (May 23, 2023 at 0:22)

@Mtbdialed: Oh yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if at least half of my comments on here can be linked to The Simpsons, South Park, Family Guy or another popular animation. I haven't seen many of those, let alone memorize them. But as they say, great minds think alike.

26" rims, tires and inserts will continue to be available. And whoever assembles a bike is free to install them, especially on trail bikes actually. I noticed that someone elses 27.5x2.2 tire (something from Schwalbe, installed and inflated) is pretty much the same diameter as my Conti Trail King 26x2.4 (on a rim with 29mm inner width). So it seems to me like if you have an XC, DC or trail bike with 27.5" wheels, you could just as well run 26". I don't think it matters that much.

fattyheadshok (May 24, 2023 at 16:28)

I’m still in the 26” category. I’m riding a 2013 Orange Alpine with an angled headset. I’m only 5’7” tall and have short arms and legs. I find the smaller wheels to be more comfortable. I really wish just one company would make a modern Geo 26” bike. I bet it would be a blast to ride.

vinay (May 24, 2023 at 23:56)

@fattyheadshok: My BTR is from 2018 but they can still make it whichever way you want. Curtis also offers 26" frames but no full suspension 26" specific models. As I mentioned above though, I wonder how much off a 27.5" wheeled bike would be with 26" wheels installed, especially if it was designed around narrower 27.5" tires (like the 27.5x2.2 I mentioned). And if full 26" doesn't work, maybe only 26" in the back? I can't think of a brand that currently offers a modern off the shelf 26" specific frame (as both BTR and Curtis build to order). I discussed with Cy back when Cotic had their regular Flare and Rocket (27.5" specific) frames and had build options with 2.2" wide tires and indeed you'd be fine with 26x2.4 tires. Maybe this goes for the Orange Five Evo too, you could ask.

25 1

TranceAllez (May 22, 2023 at 13:52)

F to the guy running non-series Tektro brakes. See you in hospital

21 0

rojo-1 (May 22, 2023 at 15:36)

DT Swiss should be pretty happy

10 0

yonibois (May 22, 2023 at 22:45)

and Mavic blew it sometime in the last 10 years.

stephenzkie (May 23, 2023 at 9:26)

@yonibois: proprietary spokes is probably the main turnoff for mavics

dariodigiulio (May 23, 2023 at 9:30)

@yonibois: Saw one set on the hill all day.

18 1

mobber7127 (May 22, 2023 at 14:51)

All that I see is that 26” wheels increased by 100% since last year #26aintdead

13 0

tylerwedman (May 22, 2023 at 13:47)

I would be more interested in how many people change components from stock set up to something else. That would really show useful info if most everyone is just running stock those numbers don’t mean much

13 0

abhorred (May 22, 2023 at 22:21)

Super Monster forks and Norco A-Line frames not included in results despite verifiable proof of usage. Flawed data. Please re-run study and submit for review.

boostmaster (May 23, 2023 at 9:52)

Ya they never surveyed me! I wonder if they do that study in the first hour when the line up was longest, I got there a tad late.

12 0

bigtim (May 22, 2023 at 14:30)

Next year can someone please turn up with flat pedal on the left, clip in on the right on their recumbent and wearing a watermelon as a helmet? Please.

21 0

singletrackjamaica (May 22, 2023 at 15:03)

What? So Kirt Voreis wasn't there for opening day?

22 7

mtb-scotland (May 22, 2023 at 15:01)

yeah Fuck you 29ers

GZMS (May 23, 2023 at 8:58)

No fck u, dolphin

14 1

bentterz (May 22, 2023 at 15:43)

Bit of a cock-fest this year

13 0

nickfranko (May 22, 2023 at 20:26)

And 100% of those Fox X2 were mixing oil and air

12 0

dytrdr6 (May 22, 2023 at 13:42)

In other words, I have a very unpopular bike

13 1

stalkinghorse (May 22, 2023 at 16:14)

Prayers up for the guys on Avids and Tektros.

13 2

zmums (May 22, 2023 at 13:53)

26 is lingering in the air like old knee pad stench

VtVolk (May 22, 2023 at 14:12)

Like last year's sealant splatters

21 0

Fix-the-Spade (May 22, 2023 at 15:19)

100% increase since last year, the comeback's on baby!

TheR (May 22, 2023 at 16:29)

I was going to ask — holding steady at 2 percent for the last couple years. I wonder at what point people will pull the plug and we can declare it dead. Then again, I admire these peoples’ no-quit attitude in a way.

naptime (May 22, 2023 at 21:12)

29 is dead

Jordansemailaddress (May 23, 2023 at 3:48)

@TheR: It’s likely a kids bike. Plenty of high end bikes for 10-12yr olds out there with 26” wheels.

10 2

plyawn (May 22, 2023 at 14:18)

Tire Setup:
Mixed 8%

so almost 10% were setup as tubeless lat ast season, cut a sidewall or other non-plugable scenario, threw a tube into the goop and are still riding it? Done that for several seasons!

vinay (May 23, 2023 at 2:34)

Or people ride the ProCore insert in one tire only.

iduckett (May 22, 2023 at 14:04)

Dang, shoutout Kona Process 153. Level with the S Enduro and Megatower AND Slayer? I guess Henry’s review did the trick

P.S. I know this means nothing.

TheR (May 22, 2023 at 16:27)

The Process 153 is the best bike I’ve ever ridden. I have the pre-Alhongaaaaaaa model, though. I’ll be switching to something else next year, but it will be hard to beat.

iduckett (May 22, 2023 at 17:07)

@TheR: HAH - I have the Alhonga model minus the Alhongas - and in Yellow . It def shreds, especially in Henry approach of a full coil setup.

TheR (May 22, 2023 at 17:54)

@iduckett: I was thinking of setting mine up with a coil and maybe a cascade link. I have a 2019 carbon model. I think the newer ones like yours have a little bit more aggressive geometry, but mine is fun and poppy.

iduckett (May 23, 2023 at 5:54)

@TheR: Noice! I think we've had this conversation before

. The SLED is def my style of bike, but poppy and fun are good too! I'm looking forward to when/if cascade makes a link for the 21+ 153s.

stormracing (May 22, 2023 at 14:23)

1% rocking the Radic Kahas. Excited to see some reviews on those brakes! So far I’ve read multiple places that folks enjoy them equally as much as their trickstuff brakes but for half the costs

fakeendurobro (May 22, 2023 at 13:45)

i know its an mtb blog but some data visualization youtube videos might be a good idea

mi-bike (May 22, 2023 at 14:28)

Plenty of charts (data visualisations).

bikeracer28 (May 22, 2023 at 18:37)

Linear chart of neck brace use… with logarithmic y-axis? Hmm…

EnduRowan (May 23, 2023 at 12:04)

At least there were no pie charts this time.

Meganstuart1 (May 22, 2023 at 14:15)

You really telling me that for the last few years no one has been riding a propain at whistler!

spaced (May 22, 2023 at 16:07)

no one they asked, people for sure do

AndrewHornor (May 22, 2023 at 16:09)

I saw a propain at Whistler last summer; it stood out so much I had to chat up the owner. He was from UK. The brand has had no presence over here until recently

nozes (May 22, 2023 at 16:51)

Not on the opening day,it seems.

rrolly (May 23, 2023 at 7:11)

I'm more confused that someone was riding a Rocky Thunderbolt in the park. Nice bike, but yikes.

AndrewHornor (May 23, 2023 at 10:29)

@rrolly: I think they're ok, seen plenty of kids on xc hardtails there (including my 2005 self)

leelau (May 23, 2023 at 16:32)

@rrolly: ha that was me on the Thunderbolt. I didn't get a chance to prep my Firebird for park or even for riding as have been skiing right to the end. Went for a ride on some Whistler North trails, finished up and then went over to the park. Was surprised to walk right on.

Kept it simple and chill and stuck to B-Line, HoChiMinh, CIU, Hod, then the old classic Del Boca Vista. Did not die; did not break the bike. Helps a lot that there's a stunning lack of brake bumps.

noplacelikeloam (May 22, 2023 at 15:25)

So if I add up the fox 40 and the boxxer numbers and assume that is the all the DH bikes, just goes to show the DH bike market is in sharp decline.

10 1

chagel (May 22, 2023 at 18:24)

Really good point. I added up Dual and Single crown numbers for each year. 2022 is a bit of an outlier. Otherwise you can see a steady decline in dual crown forks.

Year Dual Single
2019 53 34
2020 45 54
2021 42 57
2022 57 43
2023 40 59

And yes, apparently only about 85% of bikes had forks in 2019. Around 15% unicycles. More than I expected!

Biffard (May 22, 2023 at 17:55)

It’s probably just me but I can’t get over how Code brakes are lumped together but XT, SLX, and Deore are counted separately.

dariodigiulio (May 23, 2023 at 9:24)

Of CODEs in Survey:

-RSC 53%
-RS 7%
-R 37%
-AVID 3%

casualcyclist (May 22, 2023 at 18:30)

Next year I'll make sure, I'll get 50 female riders to line up, when the Pinkbike Census Bureau representative shows up, to boost that number on those highly accurate statistics

Neth009 (May 22, 2023 at 13:36)

I love the stats.

iiman (May 22, 2023 at 14:19)

69% riding a 27.5" rear wheel, because fun size

wcmitch (May 22, 2023 at 15:12)

I think more dads are wearing neck braces at Duthy any given weekend

10 0

noplacelikeloam (May 22, 2023 at 15:25)

Kids will do that to you.

spaced (May 22, 2023 at 16:08)

@noplacelikeloam: risk a broken collarbone ?

10 0

wburnes (May 22, 2023 at 17:41)

@spaced: better than a broken neck

Eviljarv (May 22, 2023 at 18:34)

@spaced: hmmmmm let me see, broken bone or spinal injury.... Tough choice I guess

tomfoolerybackground (May 22, 2023 at 18:50)

@Eviljarv: have broken vertebrae in my neck and back. 0/10 would not recommend.

noplacelikeloam (May 22, 2023 at 23:08)

@spaced: Make you realize that maybe risking excessive injury for a sport is kind of selfish when there are little ones looking up at you and expecting you to be around. Its not just about you anymore.

porkchopsandwich (May 23, 2023 at 6:55)

@tomfoolerybackground: Is this a double negative? Im confused.

tomfoolerybackground (May 23, 2023 at 7:16)

@porkchopsandwich: That syntax is why I try not to send work emails after 8:00 PM. I don’t not recommend not breaking vertebrae. Better?

Mtbdialed (May 22, 2023 at 19:32)

I just love that one of the bikes in these pictures, the exact bike, is currently in my shop.

can't wait to shred it and see if it lives up to the hype! I am not sure how, but Matt Beer appears to have solidly knocked an I9 FRONT wheel out of true. LMAO. Thanks for the work Matt!!

it will also be making a comeback to WBP for a few days in July!

jalopyj (May 22, 2023 at 19:55)

What are people running in terms of protection at the bike park? I’ve got a pair of lightweight “trail” knee and elbow pads and wondering if I should step I up the level of protection for bike park days for heavier duty pads.

rrolly (May 23, 2023 at 7:10)

Definitely. I just took a spill a couple of days ago in my fox/race face trail pads. It was a reminder for me that when the speeds and sends are up, these comfy pads would not help me keep riding for the rest of the day if I took a spill.

MT36 (May 25, 2023 at 8:00)

There are a lot of light trail knee pads out there that are really just glorified rash guards.

uphill-blues (May 22, 2023 at 16:20)

Frames seem to be half DH and half Enduro for 2023. And almost half are older bikes if they're full 27.5 wheels. What a short life that wheelsize lived.

sam418 (May 23, 2023 at 7:44)

Not sure about the veracity of this survey. I was there at the opening with my Devinci Chainsaw with Michelin tire and I don't see it on the result.

VtVolk (May 24, 2023 at 15:58)

Were you wearing camo, by chance?

mikeyfresh1990 (May 22, 2023 at 15:46)

Forks: Monster T 1%

HeatedRotor (May 22, 2023 at 16:29)

is the lower female turn out because of the declining Cycling market at the moment?

sfarnum (May 23, 2023 at 12:53)

Why would this impact women disproportionately?

calzonesarelove (May 22, 2023 at 16:55)

We won't let 27.5 die!

Soulrebel (May 24, 2023 at 12:49)

Preach brother! Death to 29.

dazzyb (May 22, 2023 at 21:46)

I think Pinkbike should build up a giveaway bike each year using the most popular components from each list.

intelligent-goldfish (May 23, 2023 at 7:18)

Charity raffle idea: PB builds up a bike using the weirdest mix of components from this survey and auctions it off with a trip to Whistler.

I'm still waiting to see the Force AXS build.

Spiral23 (May 23, 2023 at 4:58)

Shootout to fella on Chromag Hardtail!

nevertoofast (May 23, 2023 at 6:29)

another 1% realized the bike park/big wheel combo sucks ass. 26 lives and thrives

Howieday91 (May 23, 2023 at 11:12)

Fox Float X2 13% - Should have done a end of day report with them to see how many of them failed after one day.

MX298 (May 23, 2023 at 11:22)

2023 no yeti's. . . . . . . ha ha

ntns (May 22, 2023 at 13:38)

I want to see some of those 1% Pinion C1.6 bikes.

maybenotaprofile (May 22, 2023 at 16:01)

You'll probably see some (or one) Zerode G3...

mi-bike (May 22, 2023 at 14:27)

No Pads and Protections ain't dead. Yet.

noplacelikeloam (May 22, 2023 at 15:26)

Nope, just the people that think that way are dying. Darwinism.

oceanforsurf (May 22, 2023 at 15:18)

Dats a lotta mullets. And data.

rcrocha (May 22, 2023 at 15:28)

I want to know front and rear travel that people are using. I could look it up but too many bikes.

boozed (May 22, 2023 at 16:33)

Log scale certainly makes the charts interesting to interpret.

Linc (May 22, 2023 at 17:14)

Am I reading this right that the decrease in 26" in 2020/21 correlated with an almost equal increase in 27.5" . Makes sense.

orbiep (May 22, 2023 at 18:03)

Good to see TRP brakes getting the recognition they deserve.

JoshCB (May 23, 2023 at 2:07)

Well by the look of the queues, nobody's really riding anything.

Bitelio (May 23, 2023 at 5:13)

29ers are dying then?

NRZ (May 23, 2023 at 6:23)

A couple data points I'd like to see added. Coil vs air rear shocks and carbon vs aluminum rims.

cwatt (May 23, 2023 at 9:31)

Wheel size graph is incorrect for 26”.

Qweegybo (May 23, 2023 at 11:08)

Love seeing these metrix thank you for posting, great job... 1 Canfield, gotta love it

combfilter (May 23, 2023 at 14:16)

TRP Making it's way on the podium in the braking category...Nice Work TRP.

DGUSMC (May 22, 2023 at 13:51)

Glad I bought Transition stock.

dirtpedaler (May 22, 2023 at 17:02)

Saw a lot of Patrols last year.

TimnberG (May 22, 2023 at 14:21)

Maybe some joey interviews next year

mikeyfresh1990 (May 22, 2023 at 15:42)

26 is flat lining... Clear! ZAP! Its not responding!!

shwinn8 (May 22, 2023 at 17:51)

Soon enough my restoMod Straight 8 will make an appearance

CarbonShmarbon (May 22, 2023 at 18:14)

Some lucky duck got their hands on a Zerode G3 already!

Kango (May 22, 2023 at 18:41)

Interesting to see that not many people wear Smith helmets.

madmon (May 22, 2023 at 19:01)

what about cable tourism?

noahdylandavis (May 22, 2023 at 20:06)

I know there was a bunch of kids on 24" bikes though.....

Tigergoosebumps (May 22, 2023 at 22:45)

Turner dhr rip.

Tmntnshit (May 23, 2023 at 0:13)

My takeaway is most people ride their bikes with the stock crap instead of spending unholy anounts of cash for truly high performance bikes. Hmm... rent, or brakes and shocks that actually work right.....

iamamodel (May 23, 2023 at 1:32)

Helmets
100% 4%

So 4% were from 100%? That makes 96%. Winner.

avcb (May 23, 2023 at 7:14)

26" and mullet line charts are mixed up. 2020 data point should be swapped

ridetorqued (May 23, 2023 at 7:37)

26” making a comeback! Haha it never left in my world though.

chapwes (May 24, 2023 at 6:43)

Shout out to the 1% riding a chromag stylus

skyroach (May 25, 2023 at 13:31)

How many riders wearing spandex on opening day?

SoftSoilSampler (May 22, 2023 at 16:15)

So rad.

barbarosza (May 22, 2023 at 18:24)

TLD FTW yeah

pinkbert (May 22, 2023 at 23:41)

60% of people running tubes in 2020? Seems way high. Unless it had to do with covid + noobs that didn’t inow any better.

jespinal (May 23, 2023 at 3:57)

Sample size?

kingbike2 (May 23, 2023 at 12:49)

Why no Transmission drivetrains?

Below threshold threads are hidden

RevedOut (May 22, 2023 at 18:01)

Yes Whistler is amazing, blah blah blah. Same blah blah article as last year. PLEASE, choose a different park for once.

Snowshoe opened this past weekend. Not sure why PB didn’t write one of these articles for them? It’s not like they host a World Cup or anything.

blinglespeed (May 22, 2023 at 18:27)

I think that’s the point. The data changes from year to year. Hard to track in a brand new place across a continent from HQ?

coast2coast-4 (May 22, 2023 at 19:39)

I think it helps that Whistler is in PB's backyard.

peytodog (May 23, 2023 at 8:01)

Pinkbike still does not realize that Whistler is not the in Pacific Northwest. That's an American term for Washington/Oregon, not Southern BC.

OlSkoolJake (May 23, 2023 at 8:42)

As an islander of the last 4 decades... I can assure you the term "pacific northwest or pnw" gets tossed around these parts quite loosely on the regular... Them folk below the 48th like to think they are PNW... But we literally live on an island in the PNW.

freeridejerk888 (May 22, 2023 at 13:53)

This is pretty funny ass on multiple people with an Onyx door crowns on opening day if that’s not there? Did you just take a quick look and five minutes in the line?

2 16

johnnyrox (May 22, 2023 at 19:42)

Shits given 0%
How this affects how I ride my bike 0%
How this affects how I purchase bike stuff 0%

13 1

Saucycheese (May 22, 2023 at 22:40)

How much attention you seek online for validation: 100%

1 15

wyorider (May 22, 2023 at 14:01)

Sausage festival. Bunch of dudes on old DH rigs. Fits.

wyorider (May 23, 2023 at 17:42)

I huwt some feewings thewe…..It’s okay widdle bwosephs-you’we stiwww weally weally waddd!!

5 24

eugenux (May 22, 2023 at 14:41)

150% unpopular opinion but I am amazed at ppl riding 27.5" wheeled bikes and code brakes. Ok, for the frames.. I can understand as all of them, new, basically got 50% more expensive and if your 3-4 year old bike is still running and no money for a new one in sight, any bike is better than no bike... but code brakes... ffs!

Poachninja (May 22, 2023 at 15:11)

Definitely an unpopular opinion, as the 29er never managed to overtake the 27.5 in popularity in the bike park and now is in decline with the rapid uptake of mullets, according to these survey results. Looking at the popular frames, it doesn't only suggest older legacy 27.5 inch bikes, as the most popular frames are those still available in 27.5 or mullet in 2023 (V10, Patrol, Supreme, etc). I don't know if you've been to whistler, but a lot of the riders are optimizing for throwing whips over gaps, not racing down jank. Even the tech lines in Whistler flow.

As for Codes, I actually prefer them as that is what I got used to first, like most people I know. I started mountain biking in a bike park, though, and most of the rentals one starts on or ex rentals one first buys tend to come with SRAMs. Why? Because of the ease of flipping them over for overseas riders from countries that ride right-hand-front. As such, you tend to see a LOT of SRAM brakes around bike parks, especially Whistler.

IsaacWislon82 (May 22, 2023 at 15:45)

@Poachninja: Yea codes are really fine, especially if you are good at bleeding brakes. As for people who wish their codes had more power, I think a lot of people would be pleasantly surprised at how good codes with 220mm rotors are

10 0

AndrewHornor (May 22, 2023 at 16:05)

No wandering bite point, rebuild parts available, I'll take reliability + repairability over maximum power any day and as noted, just bump up the rotors if needed

el-nombre (May 23, 2023 at 2:49)

Admittedly I am looking at getting a new bike, but my current 2016 bike still works fine. You're acting as if a bike can't possibly last more than 2 years.

eugenux (May 23, 2023 at 6:25)

@el-nombre: I did change bikes once every two years(even faster, at some point) in the 9-10 years; the current one has the geometry that honestly cannot age in the same way a 2015-2016 geometry aged now.
If I would get an ebike, then, I would also probably change it at every two years, as their geo and especially tech develops so fast, two years later, a new bike becomes a *previous generation*.
As for the brakes... every sram I ever tested was weak; currently using a shigura set-up with 220mm front rotor.

skimtb1 (May 23, 2023 at 7:53)

@Poachninja:

Every single competitor makes a better brake than SRAM at every single price point. Codes are bad brakes. Simple as that. If you think they're good, you're either a bad rider, ride small vertical, or ride gentle terrain (or any combination thereof)

thenotoriousmic (May 23, 2023 at 10:14)

@skimtb1: if you struggle to maintain or ride any modern brake you’re a bad rider and mechanic. Codes are good enough to win countless World Cup racers in the hands world fastest rides at race pace or win 25 minute EWS stages but they’re not good enough for some random dribbler of pinkbike? Doesn’t sound right does it? I’d suggest learning to ride and investing in a tool kit.

skimtb1 (May 23, 2023 at 11:46)

@thenotoriousmic:

Correct - They are not good enough for me and my whole crew. That being said, we're all good riders operating in big, steep terrain... Sure, I could probably make due & survive a season on a set of Codes, but why survive when I could thrive? I'm not getting a paycheque from SRAM... And since I'm forking out my own hard-earned cash, I might as well spend it on a superior product. Luckily, it's not hard to find a superior product, as literally every single competitor makes one relative to the Code.

Of course a rider like Vergier or Brosnan can win on a set of Codes - It's friggin' Loris Vergier! But as a random pinkbike dribbler, I need every advantage I can get, of which, Codes provide zero.

thenotoriousmic (May 23, 2023 at 13:38)

@skimtb1: You’re talking out of your arse mate, they’ve been proven at the highest level repeatedly. I’d happily ride any brake from any of the usual suspects, even tektro and Hayes are delivering these days. You are using metallic pads aren’t you? Most brakes fail pretty quickly if you’re brake dragging or riding trails where you have to brake all the way down with organics. Brake pads make the biggest difference these days.

skimtb1 (May 23, 2023 at 14:01)

@thenotoriousmic:

Metallic pads on 220's only.

Shimano, Magura, Hope, TRP, & Hayes not only make better products at the equivalent price points to SRAM (eg Saint vs Code RSC), but in some cases even leapfrog SRAM at the budget pricepoints. I'd take a Deore or MT-5 any day of the week over a crap Code RSC.

The only redeeming trait of Codes is that there are plenty of SRAM-bot plebs willing to buy them, which makes for a relatively smooth process to strip them off and replace with something proper.

Poachninja (May 23, 2023 at 16:47)

@skimtb1: I freely admit that I am a middle aged hack. However, I am heavily involved in the local mtb community as a coach, a trail digger and a director on the board of my local society and, as such, am acquainted with a lot of extremely talented riders, and quite a few of them ride Code's without complaint, or obvious detriment to their accomplishments. In fact, the better the rider, the less the obsession with the subtle nuances between different gear characteristics, I find. And this is just it, the differences are not as extreme as you suggest. That an expert rider, as I am sure you and your crew are, would be significantly limited by using one brand's top brake over another, seems unlikely. That a crew of very good mountain bikers have convinced themselves of the importance of some current prevailing opinion, does sound quite likely.

thenotoriousmic (May 23, 2023 at 17:51)

@skimtb1: lol stop it. You’re posting this nonsense in public.

skimtb1 (May 23, 2023 at 18:47)

@thenotoriousmic:

heaven forbid one idiot goad another idiot into an inane argument in a downvoted PB comment thread!

By the way, just tore some code rsc's off the wifey's DH bike. Replaced them with Saints. I'll give you a good deal on them. Check out my buy and sell!

thenotoriousmic (May 23, 2023 at 22:23)

@skimtb1: Sounds about right for you. Trade one of the better options from the current crop of brakes with one of the worst from 10 years ago. Have you just been ruining saints all this time and haven’t ever ridden anything else and don’t know how dated they’ve become?

skimtb1 (May 24, 2023 at 5:36)

@thenotoriousmic:

In the past ten years have ridden the Saints, XT's, old Codes, new Codes, MT7's, old Tech 4's, new tech 4's and TRP's. All were good except for the old Tech 4's and both iterations of the Codes (none had enough power). I'm currently running Saint or XT on my bikes for simplicity of spares and maintenance. And because they work really really well - Power, consistency, and direct power delivery. Modulation at the expense of power is for punters in gentle terrain.

IsaacWislon82 (May 24, 2023 at 8:08)

@Poachninja: "In fact, the better the rider, the less the obsession with the subtle nuances between different gear characteristics"

I 100% back this up. A few years ago I used to need a great setup to ride hard. Now that I am a better rider I can hop on friends bikes, rental bikes, demo bikes whatever and get along with it pretty quickly. I'm still a little picky with my setup preference but nothing like I used to be when I wasn't as good a rider.

thenotoriousmic (May 25, 2023 at 1:10)

@skimtb1: My code’s definitely have more power than my XT’s but they both have plenty of power the biggest difference is modulation. You’ve got more control with codes so you can brake on steeper slippery terrain more effectively. XT / XTR 4 pots are a massive improvement over saints which have too much power and no modulation. Not ideal for riding steep slippery terrain with brakes that operate like light switches.