Ask Me Anything: Aaron Gwin - Watch the Recap

Apr 22, 2017 at 3:57
by Pinkbike Staff  






Seemingly from nowhere, Aaron Gwin shot to stardom in the downhill world. Growing up in California his background in BMX and Motocross gave him the foundations he needed when racing downhill, but it was ultimately his determination to succeed that got him to where he is today. In 2008 at the age of 20 he started racing downhill, and since then he's become four-time DH World Cup champion, securing victories with huge time margins and against all odds. Have any burning questions for Gwin? You will have the chance to ask him later today from 11:15 AM PST, as Aaron and his mechanic, John Hall will be joining us LIVE on the Pinkbike Facebook page to answer all of your questions.

How ‘Ask Me Anything' Works:

Starting at 11:15 AM PST/7:15 PM BST on Saturday, 22 April Gwin will begin to answer your questions below this article. Join us live on Facebook as Aaron Gwin and his mechanic, John Hall have a crack at answering them. Everyone who posts a question, large or small, will be taken seriously. To make the process as efficient as possible, try to follow these simple guidelines:

Keep your questions relevant.

Stay focused. Try to keep your questions on one topic if possible. You can always ask about another item later.

• Try to keep your questions to about 100 words.

Ask Us Anything is a service to PB readers who are seeking helpful information, not a forum to broadcast opinions or grievances. If you do have a negative issue that you want to ask about, no worries, just keep your complaints relevant and in the context of a question so that it can be addressed in a productive manner.

Use propping to acknowledge good—or not so good—questions. Bump them up or down to where they belong.

Aaron Gwin
YT Mob Interview

Aaron Gwin rides up with filmer John Lawlor and mechanic John Hall ready to set the American soil alight for the second fastest time of the day just 0.7 off the back.
 Ale Di Lullo

Mark your calendars—the conversation starts at 11.15 AM Pacific Time / 6:15 PM British Time on Saturday, 22 April.

Other time zones:
• 2:15 PM EST (New York)
• 7:15 PM BST (London)
• 8:15 PM CET (Paris)
• 8:15PM SAST (Cape Town)
• 4:15 AM AEST (Sydney, Aus)

Join us live on Facebook and get your questions in ready for 11:15am PST today!


MENTIONS: @YTIndustries



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191 Comments
  • 90 5
 Whats your thoughts on 29er DH bikes?
  • 42 3
 Are you disappointed in the continual move from gnarly natural tracks to more tame bike park tracks in UCI DH?
  • 22 2
 Lourdes, Fort Bill, Leogang, Andorra, Mt Saint Anne, Val de Sole.....all pretty fucking gnarly in my eyes.
  • 12 4
 No Leogang @freeriderob
  • 4 1
 @torero: m.youtube.com/watch?v=7unZ2N1BJRw

Doesn't look that smooth to me!

Anyway, disregard Leogang if you like, the world cups are NOT getting easy/bike park style.
  • 37 1
 Hello Aaron, if you were riding purely for fun and not competing, would your bike setup be much different from where it is now? If so, how? Thank you.
  • 41 5
 Peanut butter: crunchy or smooth?
  • 3 3
 Good one! +1
  • 4 2
 Gotta be crunchy
  • 1 2
 Make my day
  • 38 10
 Your faith is clearly very important to you, whilst there is a large portion of the PB audience who, shall we say, have a different view - does it ever get frustrating to have everyone be so negative about your faith?
  • 21 7
 Also, whilst reading your recent interview/small biography (which was awesome btw!), I was hoping to learn about when you became a Christian. Were your parents Christian and He's always been a part of your life? Or you found Him later in life?
Thanks and hope u have a great 2017 season!
  • 8 20
flag nvranka (Apr 22, 2017 at 12:49) (Below Threshold)
 Whilst....lol.
  • 28 1
 You are known to run a lot harder suspension than the rest of the field at WCs, where did this spring from and how is it you've found so much dominance in doing so while others have struggled?
  • 7 0
 "Everybody thinks that Aaron's suspension is notoriously stiff, and at one point back in the day, it was, comparatively to everybody else. Realistically he is in the range of everybody else nowadays but everyone still thinks it's stiffer."
m.pinkbike.com/news/aaron-gwin's-winning-yt-tues-lourdes-dh-world-cup-2016.html
  • 27 2
 Can you tell Waki to take a week off?Wink
  • 23 0
 Of all the WC DH tracks, are there any specific sections that standout as being the most challenging?
  • 27 6
 You won a downhill cup chainless, do you plan to do the same thing on a road bike pro tour someday?
  • 22 2
 Hi Aaron, why do you choose to race without a neck brace? Cheers to another great year. I'm pulling for you!
  • 18 48
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 10:18) (Below Threshold)
 pulling what ha ha ha ha
  • 15 0
 Have you modified your suspension settings as technology has progressed?Have you changed anything based on testing against the clock , over your "feel" preferences?
(Yes, this is actually intersesting to me)
  • 19 0
 How much do you bench?
  • 17 0
 If you rode a non-stop DH track, which body part would start to hurt first?
  • 18 2
 If you and nicolas vouilloz raced against each other in your primes, what advantage would you have over each other?
  • 15 2
 Aaron -
Thank you for being an outstanding role model on and off the bike. It is super cool to see a man of faith not being shy about who he is while being at the top of his game. Do you ever feel the pressure of being a role model and do you feel that you are held to a different standard because of your faith?
Be blessed!
  • 19 2
 Pinapple on pizza?
  • 16 2
 How many off the bike training hours do you put in per week? And does training consist of?

Thanks!
  • 15 1
 Who's taking the title this year.....Dungey or Tomac?
  • 4 0
 I was going to ask this.... I want Tomac. But I think Dungey has got it together now. I hope Tomac doesn't crash. When people ride crazy fast. They crash. Roczen, Tomac crazy fast but the crashes they have are crazy too.
  • 1 0
 @ridegiantbikes31: hope so! Then he rolls into the outdoor flat out again. Minus the crash.
  • 3 0
 Im rooting for the Dunge. One last title before his contract with KTM expires and he retires.
  • 10 0
 How close are you with the group of guys that your racing week after week? Also, where does the inspiration come from to go faster in the finals after completing a seemingly "perfect" run?
  • 13 0
 What's the best bike hack you/John have come up with?
  • 36 29
 How does bike racing fit into your life as a Christian? More specifically, how do you theologically square your self-focused, highly competitive and (seemingly) selfish racing career with a faith that preaches selfless, giving, servant-like behavior?
  • 16 63
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 10:17) (Below Threshold)
 how can he believe in such nonsense and expect to be taken seriously lol
  • 13 6
 Have you been taken hostage? Is this a cry for help? Or, is this just your average intrafaith hate?
What even happened to your team, bro?
  • 16 38
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 10:45) (Below Threshold)
 its not hate. it was a serious question. would you take an adult seriously if they believed in santa clause and fairies?
  • 13 3
 @poah: I was addressing the Robot. Your question was rude and completely inappropriate for the situation but the Robot's question is rude, inappropriate to the situation AND hypocritical.
  • 13 11
 @poah: So you're comparing Christianity- thousands and thousands of years of persecution, relentless slaughter, unending hatred, and much more absolutely insane adversity- to the tooth fairy?
  • 24 25
 in that both are fictional nonsense yes
  • 14 17
 @poah: why is Christianity nonsense?
  • 33 32
 because its not true, full of non facts, sexism, homophobia and immorality
  • 15 25
flag Husker2112 (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:12) (Below Threshold)
 @poah: thats just your opinion. Thats like if I say you're an idiot, because you're an idiot
  • 17 21
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:17) (Below Threshold)
 my reply is based on fact, calling me an idiot is just baseless name calling.
  • 24 0
 @ripdogg1 Not a joke, not meant to be rude. Believe it or not I'm also Christian. I'm asking because this is a question I've wrestled with a lot, and it's something I've wanted to ask Aaron for a long time. I'm guessing this is something he's given some thought to.
  • 10 17
flag Husker2112 (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:22) (Below Threshold)
 @poah: saying that Christianity is nonsense because its full of non facts is an opinion. You're not an idiot, but if you were, i would call you one based on fact
  • 24 24
 Christianity is full of fiction. Just take Easter there, Jesus died then came alive 3 days later and acended into heaven and you're telling me that's not nonsense?
  • 10 16
flag Husker2112 (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:29) (Below Threshold)
 @poah: yup. Its a faith
  • 26 0
 BREAKING NEWS : Aaron Gwin joins TEAM ROBOT to race DH WC on a 29er fat-Ebike from Ellsworth (team manager : Peter Verdone), with crankbrothers pedals and wheels, vittoria tyres, Lazer Helmet, Stupid 900mm flat handlebar, full list of sponsors coming soon
  • 17 19
 @poah: on the other hand, take evolution. It completely contradicts the 2nd law of thermodynamics, yet millions and millions of people take it as fact
  • 2 3
 @zede: yeah and they're gonna ride DNM suspension
  • 9 19
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:48) (Below Threshold)
 You're an idiot and that's based on fact
  • 4 11
flag Husker2112 (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:51) (Below Threshold)
 @poah: lol. I make a legit point and you go full name calling baby
  • 9 19
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 11:56) (Below Threshold)
 You've said that Jesus rising from the grave and ascending into heaven is not nonsense and you're claiming not to be an idiot. That just leaves ignorance or insanity that you suffer from. People take evolution as fact due to the significant amount of scientific evidence that proves it.
  • 10 14
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 12:03) (Below Threshold)
 @Husker2112: and your understanding of thermodynamics is flawed
  • 31 4
 @poah: I don't believe in Christianity, but that doesn't mean I'm out here calling people idiots who believe in it. If you don't have anything positive to say then stop with the hate. I'd much rather be a Christian than someone who hates on people for being christian. Be positive and have fun dude Smile
  • 8 20
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 12:22) (Below Threshold)
 I'm not hating anyone and i don't care if you want to believe in religion either but you keep it to yourself.
  • 16 8
 @poah: "keep it to yourself" yet you started this by blatantly saying that Christianity is nonsense
  • 6 16
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 12:43) (Below Threshold)
 It was part of a question not just a random statement.
  • 4 2
 @Husker2112: stay classy PB
  • 5 5
 @poah: whahtever you say dude
  • 4 12
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 13:19) (Below Threshold)
 It's right there in B&W above you.
  • 5 4
 @poah: bro I'm determined to have the last word here
  • 20 3
 @poah: Atheists like you do my absolute head in. And I'm a non-believer myself. One of the things that pisses me off about religion is how some try to ram it down the throats of non-believers, and here you are doing the exact same thing. Wise up.
  • 8 13
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 13:45) (Below Threshold)
 you must be reading a different thread.
  • 8 6
 @TEAM-ROBOT: I believe it. I was a fan and sorry to see you drop off the face of the Earth. I guess the question just came off as hostile and self serving. Honestly, do you think god cares about a person's job? He's got AIDS and cancer and starvation to give out to kids.
  • 2 1
 OMG, guys. You gotta take the good with the bad.
  • 3 3
 you guys are douchebags. Dont you have homework to do?
  • 5 5
 @ripdogg1: God also helped him find the perfect land for his house too
  • 5 5
 These comments aren't even on the subject, but since we're here... Evolution is believed on by faith, therefore it is a religion in itself. Everybody has a religion in someway. Don't blast someone else if they don't believe like you
  • 7 11
flag poah (Apr 22, 2017 at 22:16) (Below Threshold)
 @LukeDKlassen: your a moron lol. Evolution is fact based on evidence while religion is based on a complete lack of critical thinking.

I have no religion
  • 2 2
 @poah: while I agree with you that religion is a load of baloney, evolution is not a fact.
  • 4 6
 @jaame: evolution is fact, it is undeniable.
  • 2 4
 @LukeDKlassen: you should check your vocabulary, faith have nothing to do with science. Evolution is the theory that fits best a sum of facts and evidence. There is no faith behind, you either agree that this theory explains the best all the facts/evidence given by experiments and investigation or you disagree and come up with something better. Religions are based on beliefs (not facts/evidence), so you need faith in these beliefs.
  • 4 1
 @poah: You are absolutely wrong about that. Look on the internet if you don't believe me. Science does not prove theories. It supports them or disproves them.
  • 4 1
 @zede: Evolution is NOT science. Science is things we can see, test, and demonstrate. Evolution is a theory. It has never been proven... You should private message me, cause this is a subject that always interests me.
  • 3 3
 @jaame: science proves or disproves an hypothesis, a theory is fact.
  • 3 5
 @LukeDKlassen: evolution has been proved beyond doubt. We can see the results on it in both fossil records and actual changes within our lifetime.
  • 2 2
 @poah: evolution hasn't been proved by anyone, it's (arguably) the best and most logical theory there is but by no means has it been confirmed or proved to be true. And before you assume otherwise, I do believe that we evolved so I'm not against the idea, just trying to help you understand Smile
  • 3 4
 @poah: If you're ​talking about the geological column, it only exists in school books, it isn't found anywhere else in this world. Look it up.
The only thing you can prove with fossils is that they lived at one point, you can't prove they had offspring. And you sure can't prove they had different offspring... Species can adapt to their environment, that is true. A saltwater fish can become a freshwater fish. A high altitude cow can adjust to low altitude. That's science. A fish can grow an extra fin or eye, that's science.
But it cannot grow a leg, or a wing. That's evolution.
A cow can be born with an extra ear, eye, or leg, that's science.
But it can never grow a wing or a fin. That's evolution.
  • 3 3
 Anyway, back on subject. Aaron, wishing you well in the coming season...
To everyone else, Get Out And Ride! It's a beautiful world. May your bike and yourself stay healthy Wink
  • 2 3
 (Addition to the long comment:
It has to already exist in the DNA. It cannot change the DNA. It can only modify what already exists...)
  • 1 1
 I know this is a day late, but I wanted to pint something out. This is the kind of BS that starts wars in the world. What ever happened to live and let live. People live their lives, religious or not. It's totally irrelevant. What point is there in questioning ones morals and placing judgement when these people who caused no harm whatsoever to anybody else? I personally think that questioning ones faith and actions based on that faith crosses the line exponentially. I personally don't follow any religion, but I certainly have no right to judge anybody based on theirs.
  • 3 0
 @Fundamentalist: if you want to start a war because someone told you not to confuse beliefs and facts, you have serious brain issues.
  • 3 4
 @LukeDKlassen: you don't actually understand what evolution is.

@Joebohobo: oh but it has. the easiest way to prove it is by comparing the DNA of chimps to humans.

I should point out you are actually trying to tell a scientist that evolution is not real lol
  • 1 0
 as a follower of jesus myself i have wonder the very same question. gwin himself siad he was not associated with any church. the church claims we cant be saved unless we follow certain rules in order to control us. but jesus died for our sins witch gives us freedom. its said all sins have their pleasures except envy so instead of judging gwins life we should be happy that gwin and team robot are saved.
  • 6 0
 I know you'r not big into gluten but do you occasionaly eat cake, If so then what's your favourite type? Also, since heavier things go downhill easier, but your still trying to make your bikes lighter, so before a WC run would you rather eat a cake to gain weight or go for a 5 mile run to loose weight? Hopefuly you see then logic in my question! Thanks.
  • 9 0
 Have you ever actually bought a DH bike, as I know you were very swift from "borrowed bike" to pro?
  • 6 0
 I see alot of Pros preferring Aluminum bars over carbon. It appears your one of them. Why Aluminum over carbon, and do you prefer 31.8 or 35? You seem to be somebody who is more meticulous about your component choices, so I would assume you might have more insight into the topic.
  • 9 0
 Do you miss riding the Yeti 303?
  • 5 1
 Aaron, World Champs is a one off race that doesn't say much about your abilities beyond how you performed that day however, the title is pretty rad and dudes break themselves off to win it. What are your thoughts on World Champs and how does it factor into your season/career goals?
BTW, my whole family loves to watch you race and we're pulling for you every race! Good luck this year!!!
  • 5 1
 How many of my questions will you answer? Haha, last one, do you plan on switching to enduro in a few years, like Sam Hill did? It seems like a lot of veteran dh racers are switching to enduro, do you think you'll jump on that bandwagon?
  • 9 1
 How annoying is it when people call Motocross Moto?
  • 7 0
 Who would win a fight between Sam Dale and Gee Atherton? No weapons.
  • 4 0
 If you had to bet $1000 on who you thought was going to win the world cup overall at the end of the year, and you couldn't pick yourself, who would it be?
  • 7 1
 why facebook? it's so bad
  • 4 1
 Hi Aaron, what was your first thought when you won Leogang chainless? PS. it was the best and most unbelievable run of all the time. Hope you´ll kill it this season, good luck Smile
  • 6 1
 If their was one place in the US that you would like to host a World Cup where would it be?
  • 3 1
 As an elite athlete in mountain biking how do you perceive celebrity compared to those in other sports. Is it a best of both worlds sort of things where you can walk down the street without getting hounded for pictures/autographs but at an mtb event you're a legend?
  • 3 0
 What's your take on the current world cup schedule? Do you think it should be longer with more races? And are there any particular tracks you´d like to be a part of the series?
  • 3 0
 Have any tips for improving turning skills? whenever I wash out going around a turn I lose my front wheel first. what are the proper techniques for drifting around turns?
  • 3 1
 I've heard that a happy rider is a fast rider and that when we are stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol, which hinders performance. Agree? Either way, what do you do to stay happy or joyful on the circuit?
  • 4 1
 Fastest you've driven the GT3? And you know they're doing a manual option in the new one right? That's worth doing European delivery...
  • 4 0
 How heavy was your 2016 UCI world championship YT Tues?

Up to 2 decimals accuracy would be wonderful.

Just curious! XD
  • 3 0
 What is the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome to get where you are now?
  • 4 1
 If you had to pick one course or venue to add to this years world cup schedule.. what would it be and why?
  • 1 1
 Aaron - your clearly been focused for a while on making a career out of downhill and the progression with sponsors is evident. But how do you see the longevity of it, are you thinking in your head 'I have this many years where I can be at the top' or what is the mentality? Must be hard having a career where you only have a certain number of years to succeed at the top- hats off to you for your current and future success mate
  • 1 0
 Hi Aaron, do you think downhill is progressing in its professionalism as a sport? What do you think needs to happen for the sport and its athletes to get to the next step of professionalism (and what is the next step?)
  • 2 0
 Hey Gwinny, what pizzeria do u order those gluten free pizza from and can u promise me you'll do one enduro this year? ????????
  • 2 0
 Hey Aaron..I got no question. I just wish you the best and I hope you win World Champs this year. I can feel it. Can you feel it?? (Oh wait that's a question!)
  • 3 3
 Aaron, what's worse- the arm pump from Val Di Sol or the pump you get from bouldering at the climbing gym? What grade routes are you climbing at the gym? Also, nice forearms, bro. I bet your grip strength is mega.
  • 5 2
 Are you Gwin it to win it?
  • 3 1
 If you had to ride in one place for the rest of your life where would it be?
  • 2 1
 I've sen you order gluten-free pizza. Is gluten something you always keep out of your diet because of an allergy/intolerance or do you feel you perform better without it?
  • 3 2
 John, what does it feel like when you see Gwin have a mechanical on the course and how does a given mechanical affect your routine or bike prep in the future?
  • 4 0
 Why are there no answers
  • 1 0
 Do you pray before a race run and more specifically did you pray (maybe just a shock prayer) the moment your chain broke in Leogang? Blessings
  • 4 2
 Hey Aaron, are you going to watch A Bigger Slice of British Pie?
  • 1 0
 Everybody should Smile
  • 2 0
 Best/ funniest time when you were a kid?
  • 6 4
 Any tips for an aspiring 16 year old dh racer?
  • 2 1
 Hey, Aaron! Do you think that it would be more challenging for the wc to have more than 7 races?
  • 2 1
 How do you feel the geometry on downhill could improve in the future, at your level or for casual?
  • 3 2
 Hey Aaron! Just wanted to wish you a fun, successful, and satisfying WC season! God bless ya!
  • 1 0
 What are your views on preserving mountain bike culture​ while still growing the sport and making it more accessible?
  • 2 0
 What's the worst crash you've ever had?
  • 1 1
 1) What was/is your method for learning proper riding technique?
2) Do you like chicken wings? What's your favorite sauce? Cheers, keep inspiring!
  • 2 0
 In the weight room, what do you do to get faster on the bike?
  • 4 3
 Do you think that a building can collapse if an airplane hits it?

The answer is no
  • 1 1
 My son and I ran into Aaron on our local trail earlier in the week. Kind of a cool deal to run into one of the best out there!
  • 2 0
 can you beat my strava time on espresso on mount fromme
  • 1 0
 Hahaha good one!
  • 2 2
 Hey, Aaron! What would be your single biggest piece of advice for any aspiring mountain bike racer?
  • 1 0
 How often do you crash when training downhill?
  • 1 0
 how big of a factor is your diet to your fitness?
  • 1 2
 You said many times one of you weaknesses is ice cream. What's your favorite flavour or combo of flavours? Do you have to abstain during the season due your training diet?
  • 2 1
 Whats your take on the e bike craze ?
  • 3 2
 How do you see the place that women occupy in the sport?
  • 3 3
 There you have it. Gwin thinks e bikes are cool. Fun > suffering! Ok internet, time to shit your pants.
  • 1 0
 I don't like climbing, but I have to do it to get to the top of a dh, if ebikes let me get to the top faster so I can get more runs in... feck yes. Thank you.
  • 1 1
 will they upload this afterwards? can't watch it on mobile (I don't have fb)
  • 1 0
 nothing to ask man, just best of luck! you are already a legend.
  • 1 0
 Are you going to run any EWS race in the future?
  • 1 0
 Aaron, you run foam tire inserts all the time?
  • 1 0
 How will Downhill bike look 10 years from now?
  • 1 0
 Is your gingerness a factor in winning WC?
  • 1 0
 Specialized or Trek? Which bike was faster?
  • 1 0
 omg when did this get so weird????
  • 2 1
 Do you see yourself staying in California, if so why?
  • 1 0
 Gwinnerr man....beer, wine, or rebull?
  • 1 0
 @poah: Fact? Explain the big bang using facts.
  • 1 0
 Who is your favorite legend (retired and/or still racing)?
  • 1 0
 Stars wars or Lord of the rings
  • 1 0
 Notice he did never answer anywone ahahah #rideyourf*ckingbike
  • 1 0
 Where can I buy a YT race jersey?
  • 1 0
 How often do you crash?
  • 4 4
 Have you watched 'A larger slice of pie'? Good innit!?
  • 3 4
 What hairstyle are you most embarrassed of having at some point in your life?
  • 2 2
 Who do you predict will win womens DH championship this year?
  • 1 2
 In all your years riding bikes what is the worst type of animal excrement you have ever accidentally ridden through?
  • 2 2
 What do you say about Ken Roczen?
  • 1 1
 favorite non riding place that isn't home
  • 1 1
 will you visit Bikepark Osternohe this year?
  • 1 1
 How much air have you got with your raptor?
  • 7 7
 There is zero scientific evidence for evolution
  • 3 0
 Haha is this a question?
  • 3 1
 @alexhyland: He's just trying to make sure that no one will pay attention to him for the rest of his life.
  • 2 2
 DNA of all organisms form a perfect family tree.
  • 1 0
 ¿Sabes español?
  • 1 0
 Boobs or ass ?
  • 3 4
 What do you think of boost hub spacing ?
  • 2 3
 no wrist pain or just ignore the pain from such hard suspension setup ??
  • 1 2
 Have you ever had a MTB session in an airport?
  • 1 1
 In and Out or 5 Guys?
  • 1 2
 FOX 40 ressort ou air, les deux ??
  • 1 2
 answer is no, you cannot. you are slow
  • 2 5
 Are you going to do any EWS races this year?
  • 2 4
 Chicken or beef?
  • 1 4
 Would you like to win a race without a tire?
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