matt5311

You sure? from factory it had a 1187mm wheelbase

Id take up harvesting people's data so I could sell it for profit.

2012 flying potato cam to make you sea sick is is the least of our worries.

For those echoing the counter arguments of growing pains for professionalism. In theory, Discovery’s approach could elevate downhill mountain biking into a polished, profitable global sport. But in reality, they’ve misunderstood the core culture, underestimated the importance of accessibility, and overestimated the mainstream appeal of downhill racing without grassroots support. Here’s how that disconnect between theory and reality plays out: 1. Community vs. Commercialization Theory: Fans will pay for a better product. Reality: MTB fans are deeply tied to the culture, not casual viewers. When the product isn’t better—and they now have to pay for it—they leave. The sport doesn’t have the volume of fans to sustain this model yet. 2. Quality of Broadcast Theory: Professional networks bring higher production values. Reality: Discovery’s coverage has been worse than Red Bull's. Key runs missed, awkward camera angles, and lackluster commentary have driven passionate fans away. Production quality is not keeping pace with the higher cost. 3. Audience Growth Theory: Being on a major network increases exposure. Reality: Paywalls and weak promotion mean fewer people are watching. MTB isn’t “discovered” by flipping through channels like football or cycling. It’s discovered by sharing epic moments—and now those moments are locked behind a subscription. 4. Athlete Visibility and Sponsorship Theory: Centralized coverage = better branding and sponsor value. Reality: Riders have less exposure than they did under Red Bull’s free model. That makes it harder for them to attract sponsors, especially in regions where the coverage is barely accessible or poorly marketed. --- Bottom line: Discovery tried to apply a top-down commercial model to a grassroots-driven sport. The theory looked good on paper—but without understanding what made DHI special (raw storytelling, community access, free sharing of highlights), the result is a sanitized, inaccessible version of something that once felt wild and alive.

Cba explaining myself so I'll let chat GPT do it for me. As of 2025, the state of downhill mountain bike (DHI) coverage has left a significant portion of the community disappointed and frustrated. The shift to Discovery Sports' control, with its paywalled coverage model and poorly executed broadcast production, has alienated core fans and severely limited the sport’s growth potential. Cost Barrier and Accessibility A major hurdle is the cost. Discovery’s pay-to-watch platform has introduced a steep price for access to live downhill racing, deterring both new viewers and longtime fans. Mountain biking already faces a high participation cost in terms of equipment and travel—adding a financial barrier just to watch the sport further narrows the audience. This creates a paradox where the sport becomes more exclusive at a time when it desperately needs wider exposure to grow. Broadcast Quality and Commentary Beyond the paywall, the quality of the coverage has taken a clear step backward. Poor camera placements, missed key race moments, and a general lack of narrative energy have made the broadcasts feel disconnected from the raw intensity of downhill racing. Commentary has often lacked technical insight or emotional storytelling—with the notable exception of Aaron Gwin, whose credibility and perspective as a former elite racer bring a layer of depth and relatability. But one strong analyst cannot carry an entire broadcast when the rest of the production is subpar. Knock-On Effect on Investment and Growth This erosion of viewer engagement directly impacts investment. Brands are less inclined to sponsor athletes or events when the audience is shrinking. Young talent receives less exposure, resulting in fewer opportunities and a weakening pipeline for the next generation. Race organizers may face increased difficulty securing funding, leading to fewer events, lower prize money, and stagnation in course innovation or safety improvements. Discovery’s Impact on the Sport’s Trajectory Discovery’s acquisition promised professionalism and global exposure, but it has instead fragmented the sport's fanbase. By prioritizing monetization over accessibility and authentic storytelling, they’ve set the sport back years. Where once there was momentum from Red Bull’s free, high-quality coverage—characterized by dynamic visuals, exciting commentary, and viral moments—now there is frustration, low viewership, and a lack of mainstream relevance. Conclusion Downhill mountain biking thrives on adrenaline, community, and connection to the outdoors. Discovery’s approach has dimmed all three. Without course correction—either through more accessible coverage, better storytelling, or greater involvement of core MTB voices—this could mark a lost era for a sport that was poised for breakout success.

@watchmen: I completely agree that ric is a much better interviewer. It's where he's most appreciated