Must Watch: Bryn Atkinson in 'Gold Standard'

Sep 13, 2022 at 14:46
by Norco Bicycles  

There are some things you can always rely on in the Pacific Northwest. The sun will rise and set every day (even if you can’t see it), the weather’ll be predictably unpredictable, and when Bryn Atkinson gets behind a project, it’s gonna be a banger.

It’s not in Bryn’s nature to half-ass anything. Every detail of a project is considered to elevate it to the next level. The choice of trail. The crew. The shots. Getting the bike just right. And he’s just got a way about his riding that no other rider can match – with style and speed that drop your jaw to the floor whatever the framerate.

So, sit back, grab a drink and behold the new Gold Standard, forged by the imagination of Bryn Atkinson.

Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith
Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith
Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith
Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith
Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith

Photo by Anthony Smith

Credits
Photography by Anthony Smith
Directed by Clay Porter
Cinematography by Clay Porter
FPV Drone by Ross Has A Drone
Drone by Jonathan Chandler
Edited by Clay Porter
Post Production Audio by Keith White Audio

See the Range at www.norco.com/bikes/mountain/enduro/range/

Author Info:
norcobicycles avatar

Member since Feb 11, 2000
123 articles
Must Read This Week
Final Results from the Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
79996 views
Review: How Canyon's KIS Could Change Mountain Biking, and Why It Probably Won't
59190 views
28 Handlebar & Stem Setups of Enduro World Cup Riders
45424 views
Kona Announces New Aluminum Process X
43180 views
Bike Check: Gee Atherton's AM.170
42041 views
Tech Randoms: Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
37332 views
Flat Pedals Still Win Medals, Consistent Top Performers & More Things We Learned from the Châtel EDR World Cup 2023
34248 views
Review: TranzX EDP01 Wireless Electronic Dropper Post
30304 views

162 Comments
  • 182 28
 Hm. Cool bike, great rider, nice looking trails, generally like the use of classical music...but all together, man I was just not a fan of this edit. It felt twitchy and chaotic. Can't like 'em all I guess.
  • 48 8
 Captured the on-the-edge feeling of anxiety you get racing a stage blind. Glad to see a different style of edit that captured a unique feeling so well.
  • 40 1
 It has a bit of a "Liam Neeson jumps over a fence" vibe.
  • 31 1
 @toast2266 i'm relieved that there are others expressing this opinion; i saw this cause it had "must watch" and i felt a little bit like i was taking crazy pills. the editing is so much flashier than the riding.
  • 32 0
 I just woke up with puke all over me.. What happened?
  • 55 4
 The super quick cuts and weird spinning camera shots made me feel nauseous. I didn't even finish the video. Too bad because I have loved watching Bryn's videos in the past.
  • 4 13
flag leem1212 (Sep 14, 2022 at 17:12) (Below Threshold)
 @IF-OBA-WILLS-IT: agreed. seems like the 'must watch' applies more to marketing than to rider talent.
  • 12 0
 Totally agree. I cannot stand tight shots and quick cuts. You can’t see or appreciate what’s going on at all.
  • 9 3
 @juicebanger completely the reverse for me. Thought the bike looked hideous but such a brilliant pairing of music and riding. I thought the editing matched the music very well too.
  • 17 0
 First time i dont finish à "must watch"
  • 4 7
 @IF-OBA-WILLS-IT: ok, I wanna see your less flashier edited video with just a bit better riding. Waiting....
  • 13 1
 The video is basically the same as the last Bryn edit. Too much video crap, drone movement, and the scene changes were way to quick. You can't even appreciate the riding because I feel like I'm watching the video while having a seizure or a heart attack. I didn't even finish watching the video, which is a shame because Bryn's riding is a joy to watch.

@norcobicycles you need a new video person. And this is definitely not a must watch.
  • 4 0
 @whoozh: agree. this does not meet the must watch standard.
  • 3 0
 I know what you mean, I'm normally a huge fan of Clay Porter too - he's one of the OG mtb filmmakers. I totally get that creatives evolve/refine their craft over time (I'm a graphic designer myself so I can't talk), but I sorta wish I could've seen this done in the style he started with in the 2000's that just gets you pumped up to go and ride. Take this classic Sam Hill section from F1RST: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S_7Nv1Hc-U&;
  • 3 0
 Yep. Gets a "thanks, I hate it" from me. Bryn rules, and those trails look fun as hell. But man, my brain hurts after that frenetic editing.s
  • 1 0
 Real is real
  • 107 0
 Make soil wet again
  • 1 0
 Lets go Joe Dirt!
  • 13 0
 You guys have soil?
  • 1 0
 WA needs more soil and less sand.
  • 1 0
 This video is making me w.... ant to go ride.
  • 111 10
 Sorry, but this does not earn a "Must Watch" badge. Surely Bryn rides incredibly, but that twitchy way of filming and editing does not allow one to enjoy the riding. It is just impossible to focus and process whats going on before the next cut/transition. Personally, I hope that such "style of editing" will go out of fashion soon. With todays incredible video quality, longer and slower (but not-slo-mo) sequences are much more pleasing to the eye and let you notice all the incredible details of riding and the surroundings. Just my 5 cents.
  • 19 28
flag taskmgr (Sep 14, 2022 at 14:26) (Below Threshold)
 imo better than 5 remy matalereieier edit links from youtube everyday
  • 14 0
 Agree, not a must watch, the Scott video posted today at Chatel's Bike park with Antoine Buffart flying the drone IS a must watch (and not labeled as such), but this just hurt my head.
  • 9 7
 I won't disagree that there were some unnecessary jump cuts with a bit of possibly b roll in there, but there were also several brilliant shots that capture speed in the signature clay porter style at it's best that every other mtb filmmaker has tried to emulate for the last 20 years... So that, IMHO, is why it's a must watch
  • 1 0
 great video.... but much better Byrn videos out there. Found myself thinking the exact same thing "I want to see the whole turn!"
  • 1 0
 Yup@Dicko22:
  • 1 0
 @Dicko22: Thanks for the heads up. That video was sick!
  • 69 0
 The chain is silver, drama
  • 1 0
 Also, somebody find a way to manufacture this guy some gold tires, stat!
  • 1 2
 @big-red: I was actually surprised there isn’t any gold overspray from the rattle can on the tires. That’s what the rest of the bike looks like to me. I was waiting to see the paint start shaving off some of the other moving parts.
  • 62 0
 My head hurts
  • 48 10
 I love Bryn, he rips...but that was terrible to watch. Not into that type of filming, just equals a headache. That sort of hype camera-ing on a guy who's riding doesn't need the hype up. Too bad
  • 2 0
 I often get nauseous from whippy filmed vids. This one, however, was beautiful. It fits more of the filmmaking category than video edit. It echoes some of the better scenes filmed in movies over the past 10 years. So well done.
  • 35 0
 So sick!! What an absolute cornering genius.
  • 2 0
 Bryn rides a big bike like it’s short travel trail bike! Love the style.
  • 33 3
 Definitely the best 2:39 minutes I spent today.
Nice work to all involved.
  • 11 3
 I agree. It was a stella edit - but I’m also not at all surprised that it’s getting heat on pinkbike.
The primary difference is that this edit is thematically driven, not content-driven. Our projected experience (of being able to ride like Bryn…) is expressed through the music (notice how the tempo is connected with the corners…). The narrative arch of the edit was driven by the music, which drove the style of each scene. For instance, watch the connection of the music to the tires + loam in the left hand, slowmo through the berm.
The compilation is an edit that transports you to a feeling (centered on cycling) but isn’t meant to be a master class in *awesome moves dude*.
As mountain biking attracts (retains: Clay Porter) more world-class talent, then this will become the gold standard (ahem) of top-class clips.
(I also love we’ve finally found a way to make gold stanchions complement a bike…)
Bring it on.
  • 4 0
 @mwysel: I agree. I was absolutely glued to this, and I usually stop halfway through a lot of other edits. Not for everyone, but I'm super into this style.
  • 30 1
 "I love Golddddddd" ~Goldmember~
  • 2 0
 I used to have a gold bike like that. The guy I sold it to named it goldmember.
  • 3 0
 "Gold is best!" -Raffi
  • 14 0
 Bike gives me the vibe of one that was stolen, and the thief rattlecanned the whole thing including stanchions, haha
  • 6 0
 The shmell of it, the taste of it, the texture…
  • 20 0
 Violins give me anxiety
  • 5 1
 Emotional violins is never OK.
  • 21 0
 Highly strung ?
  • 1 3
 You give me anxiety
  • 11 0
 Why don't Mennonites go to the symphony?
Too much sax and violins.
  • 2 1
 Try living with a kid learning to play the violin! At least she is one who isn't that keen to practise it. And I'm the Dad who doesn't encourage her to practise. lets go ride...
  • 1 0
 Then come to my therapy of 2h only violin Ecstatic dance sesh...
  • 1 0
 @PauRexs: I'll politely decline
  • 2 0
 @AndrewHornor: I have Mennonite relatives and that said with a menno accent is soooo funny!
  • 1 0
 @Dicko22: The best thing to ever happen to kids learning to play the violin is the approach that doesn't let them touch a bow until their fingering is good. The old approach of letting them screech their way through is enough to get your neighbours to sell their homes.
  • 19 0
 A couple cuts to many for my taste, but brilliant riding nonetheless.
  • 2 1
 so I wasn't the only one who saw that and brilliant, yes
  • 18 1
 While I think the comment section of Pinkbike can generally be pretty harsh, in this case, I think you need to listen to the people. This fast cut stuff is just too much.
  • 13 0
 Totally get what several are saying about the cuts. The beauty of Bryn's riding is the way he connects each move so fluidly and the quick cuts take away from it. Still a stunning edit though and I can't think of any other rider I would rather watch on a bike.
  • 17 1
 For the first time ever, 2 separate fox products have the same gold color on them. Bravo, Fox!
  • 14 1
 Such a good rider and we didn’t get to see him. Couldn’t watch it all. Can’t focus on anything
  • 12 0
 I need to work on my cornering.
  • 9 0
 We need a Bryn and Blinki video. Both of them just destroying corners and insane bike handling. Putting this put out in the universe to make it happen. @norcobicycles
  • 10 3
 Not as bad as quarterpoint but still awful. I cant understand how the ridiculous upside down shots and close-up slow mo of the fork crown add anything to the video. Less is more
  • 12 4
 This is the first bike that actually looks better with kashima. Great to see Clay Porter back in mtb too.
  • 7 1
 not on par with other 'must watch' vids. loved the fast paced music but matching shots were poor and too quick. not that spectacular riding/terrain either -good, mind. just not must watch status.
  • 10 1
 Great music choice but the bike looks ugly
  • 8 0
 What about physics though?
  • 7 0
 Me at the cash in Home Depot buying all of their gold Tremclad paint " this is going to be epic AF man "
  • 3 0
 Old hotrodders use to make fun of the lowriders from Pacoima Los Angeles (Ritchey Valens/La Bomba era); They called gold spray paint "Pacoima Gold Plating" and chrome spray paint was "Pacoima Chrome".

The Norco has Pacoima Gold all over it, looks like a lowrider bike I had as a kid, I dig it!!!
  • 4 0
 Editor ruined this one for me, Bryn rides beautifully, and the editor made a mess out of it, or maybe it was what the client ordered from the production team, this deserves a re-edit, trail, riding and filming looks good enough. please do a re-edited version with less quick cuts. thanks
  • 8 0
 Corner god.
  • 1 0
 yet the first picture shows there is a fine line between looking incredibly stylish and looking like you've lost control!
  • 4 0
 I'm Sorry, but I feel like I just watched a video, through the eye's of a Crack Addict. I Love watching Bryn ride. He rides like he's got hell on his tail, but with grace. But this was not fun to watch.
  • 5 0
 I agree, not a must watch. Too twitchy and after watching I feel dizzy not itching to ride.
  • 5 0
 And I thought the ugliest bike ever was the golden Pole. We have a winner here. The riding is brilliant
  • 2 0
 Reminded me of the recent Kade / Semenuk clip. And I didn’t like that either. For me, the super quick cuts and tight shots take away from the riding, not add to it. I prefer it when the camera is more zoomed out and you can see what the whole bike and rider are doing. Bryn smashes corners like few others, and I just want to see it all!
  • 7 6
 Love watching Bryn ride! Form always looks perfect. Bellingham is located in a temperate rain forest. Very predictable and fairly consistent. May seem unpredictable to locals, however is some of the more predictable weather in the country. The Midwest is where weather is more unpredictable.
  • 5 2
 "well, actually..."
  • 5 1
 @Gristle: Didn’t have that negative vibe to it though. You would understand if coming from Midwest weather. 100 degrees one day, 70 the next, hailing and 40 the next, sunny and 95 with 100% humidity the next, etc.

Moved to this area partly for predictable weather. Was between 70-80 degrees everyday of the summer, now it’s getting ready to rain for months straight. Perspective my friend.
  • 4 0
 @dualsuspensiondave: I upvoted your first comment before I teased you. You're absolutely right about the weather stuff.
Not sure if you watch The Office but you were being an Oscar. And that's okay. We love Oscar. That's where "well actually" is from.
  • 1 0
 @Gristle: Glad to hear it was endearing. I know who Oscar is haha. Still didn’t mean it like that, as it’s a different tone all together. I mess with my wife for saying, “actually “ all the time haha.

Interesting being an outsider rolling into a bubble like Bellingham. Very cool place and lifestyle. Cheers!
  • 5 0
 Someone needs to contact @trailclones about the Chef's Table soundtracks.
  • 5 1
 Wow these trails look really cool! Does anyone know which network on trailforks it is?
  • 11 2
 I think this is all shot at Galbraith!
  • 11 1
 a mix between Galbraith and sandy ridge
  • 3 0
 @forevertwosix: sandy?
  • 40 0
 I believe this is in the Bentonville Arkansas area
  • 3 0
 @megasuperdude: where else but the MTB capital of the world!
  • 4 0
 Awesome! Bryn has some of the nicest cornering in the game! Makes me want to go ride!
  • 3 0
 this feels like clay porter taking advantage of bryn atkinson for his application to direct the next jason bourne movie.
how is he still making bike videos?!?
  • 1 0
 I loved everything about this one!
I know a lot of people will not be a fan of the cuts / music / etc and I wouldn't watch a full hour of this, but the way it's done, the riding, the editing, the music and how all elements complement each other, is just very refreshing to watch and keeps you on your toes throughout.
Great job to all involved!
  • 4 0
 All I can think about is The Chef’s Table
  • 1 1
 I know, he served up a tasty edit there! Usually not a fan of classical music but the violins went well with that footage.
  • 2 0
 Nice riding from Bryn as always, gold bike needed a gold chain, how could they miss that?
also, what do we reckon this will hit for views? im gonna guess, 2500, any takers?
  • 1 0
 It's already at 2050 views and the planet has just woken up.
  • 4 0
 I'm glad I don't epilepsy!
  • 2 2
 I get the annoyance with choppy, close in cinematography. The gimmick ruined a couple of Jason Bourne movies and normally I can't stand it. This 'Gold Standard' is the only time I have seen it work. The editing matches the cadence of the riding and they don't get lazy with fuzzy focus or short depth of field. This is both good camera work and good editing. Especially the sequences from behind. Some of that must be with a drone, which points to brilliant piloting.
  • 2 0
 I could watch Bryn cornering all day, but I couldn't see him corner in this video, as I had to close my eyes because of motion sickniss....
  • 2 0
 Honestly I hate it. You can't see what is going on or focus on anything. Also there is no storytelling or anything, just dramatic?
  • 1 0
 There's never gonna be a Bryn video that's not a "must watch". The way this guy can make a bike dance through a set of tight corners is almost unparalleled. Also, Vivaldi. Man, what a banger.
  • 2 0
 Love the choice of frenetic editing to match one of the most famous frenetic classical movements. The result is not for everyone, but I think the execution was nailed.
  • 2 0
 Lot of people are hating on this, but I really enjoyed it. Maybe it’s because I have the attention span of a goldfish, so the quick cuts kept it interesting. Sick vid!
  • 1 0
 Bryn is one of my favourite riders to watch, however I didn’t enjoy the camera moving so much, really took away from the riding imo! beautiful bike, unreal riding, beautiful scenery nonetheless
  • 4 0
 Bryn riding in G Minor.
  • 3 0
 That was dope! Love the classical music.
  • 2 0
 Bryn Atkinson cornering for an entire edit....what an underwhelming surprise haha
  • 2 1
 The key is to watch it sober ;-) For me one of the best edits I've ever seen. Too many cuts? Maybe... But the composition with music, Bryn's speed all worked just perfect.
  • 1 0
 Incredible riding. But I was the half video long shocked by this colour. The III Presto of Summer by Vivaldi fits surprisingly well
  • 1 0
 This made me smile! I see a lot of complaints about the filming and editing but I think they complement the music perfectly and the final product is just amazing
  • 1 0
 Riding and photography looked amazing but the editing made me motion sick, couldn’t get through it - so must NOT watch in my case.
  • 1 0
 Shucks, everyone will wanna fully gold bike now... plus some travelcalm tablets. Sick riding again from Bryn, and 'sick' edit too.. .
  • 3 0
 Bryn never disappoints
  • 1 0
 i think he wears the new bell 10 helmet, that will come some day. Classic! Ha
  • 1 0
 Who else is dizzy now? Bryn can you slow down so we can keep up watching......?
  • 2 0
 Askrigg couldn't get a must watch?
  • 2 0
 Akrigg*
  • 3 2
 Choosing Vivaldi's Four Seasons as a soundtrack was a bold move, but it works for me. Great filming and editing!
  • 2 0
 looks like a session and Brett
  • 2 0
 95% of that gave me anxiety
  • 2 0
 awesome riding, but man this edit is dizzying!!!!
  • 2 0
 Seizure has entered the chat>>
  • 2 0
 Stay gold Pony boy, stay gold...
  • 1 0
 There are some things you can always rely on, like drone pilots over ruining epic riding.
  • 2 0
 Just had an epileptic fit.Sueing for sure.
  • 1 0
 50 shades of Kashima. Just love how the coating on my shock unmatches my dropper.
  • 1 0
 I see his lady got a drone. Nice
  • 1 0
 Another golden scandi symphony orchestrated by "Maestro Bryn."
  • 1 0
 When he was done did he put this bike on the Kashima-coated bike rack?
  • 1 0
 So that's what a full Kashima bike looks like...
  • 1 0
 Is this a sign Norco will finally make an Aurum in gold?
  • 1 0
 Never thought I'd hear Vivaldi on PB. Bravo.
  • 1 0
 Shweeeet baby yeeesus gold flows fast, goddumm.
  • 1 0
 More like: Bronze Standard
  • 1 1
 I really liked that. That's some creative video making, and man Bryn's style is awesome.
  • 1 0
 Is there any significance to the white armband not mentioned?
  • 1 0
 Bryn has always been a fav. Status maintained.
  • 1 0
 Must Watch?
More like "Can't Watch". I tried... twice.
  • 1 0
 Certainly got the Midas touch. “All that turns to gold turns to….”
  • 1 0
 Music choice was surprising, yet it fits perfectly.
  • 1 0
 The new Gold standard of puke.
  • 1 0
 Bike reminds me of that Mr. Gold lego character.
  • 1 0
 euhh.... weird. Raw self filmed would have been so much better.
  • 1 0
 I'm glad somebody is still rocking rock shox psylos.
  • 1 0
 Absolutely amazing rider, but that video was painful
  • 1 0
 Take the camera off that bloke. Cooked edit
  • 1 1
 The real question is: What trail is that?
  • 3 0
 Show me the Horse off the Ridge in South Hills
  • 1 1
 I literally watched this at .5X speed
  • 1 0
 Gold spokes???
  • 1 0
 Kashima everything.
  • 1 0
 Dramamine!
  • 1 0
 soiled myself
  • 1 0
 (i feel) So Sick!
  • 1 0
 no gold chain?
  • 1 0
 Sick edit, sick riding
  • 1 0
 So sick, well done team.
  • 1 0
 Dam, love this
  • 1 0
 The tune slaps hard.
  • 1 0
 Great one
  • 12 15
 I've heard of slowing videos down to make them look cool but speeding them up is just silly
  • 2 1
 Not sure why you are getting downvoted. Few sequences seriously looked like they were sped up. I think we should call the Speed Police to investigate. Otherwise, innocent until proven guilty ;-)
  • 3 0
 @pbuser27288: remember when PB got bought, I think they said the possibility of test labs and stuff coming soon, maybe this will include a speed analyzer for videos. #investment





Copyright © 2000 - 2023. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv56 0.034409
Mobile Version of Website