Finished: Chris Akrigg Ask Me Anything

Dec 3, 2018 at 14:51
by Pinkbike Staff  

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ASK ME ANYTHING
Chris Akrigg
Professional Mountain Biker


Update from Chris Akrigg, 12pm PST: Thanks for all the questions guys, sorry I wasn't able to get to all of them. I'm off to ride bikes now, but I'll try to stop by again later to follow up on a few more.

Six-time British bike trials champ Chris Akrigg may be one of the best trials riders in the world, but you can't pigeonhole him just that one discipline. Over the years, Chris Akrigg has made a name for himself with his self-made video projects featuring bikes of all types and wheel sizes. Creative, confident, calculated - give him any bike and he has the ability to awe.

With the release of his new film 'From There to Here', we thought it would be a perfect opportunity for you to ask him your questions.

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How ‘Ask Us Anything' Works:

Starting at 10:00 AM PDT/6:00 PM BST on December 3rd you can type your questions for Chris Akrigg into the comment box below this article and he'll have a crack at answering them. Sometimes your answer will pop up in a few seconds; others may take a few minutes while Chris works his way through questions that are popping up. Everyone who posts a question, large or small, will be taken seriously.

To make this go as smoothly as possible, try to follow these guidelines:

• Keep your questions relevant
• Stay focused and 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 an 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 and bump them up or down to where they belong

Other time zones:
• 1:00 PM EST (New York)
• 6:00 PM BST (London)
• 7:00 PM CET (Paris)
• 7:00 PM SAST (Cape Town)
• 3:00 AM AEST (Sydney, Australia)

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MENTIONS: @mongoosebikes


Author Info:
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Member since Jul 22, 2013
3,446 articles
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152 Comments
  • 34 0
 Huge fan! What gets you inspired to keep pushing yourself? Are your inspirations more from other sports or other riders?
  • 24 2
 Always thought the world of Chris. He seems different from a lot of other pro’s. Maybe I’m wrong but his attitude strikes me as being from a guy pursuing his craft, not chasing sponsorships.

Anyways love ya my man, glad you recovered from your crash.
  • 3 0
 Yup same. Wish I could think of something to ask him. I grew up riding trials and he was and still is a huge inspiration. Such a powerful guy on the bike, amazing to watch.
  • 22 0
 When will the mothership be back to pick you up?
  • 13 0
 I was thinking that exact question!
  • 17 2
 Not a question, just wanted to say that your vids are inspiring! For quite a long time I used to watch "A Hill In Spain" before every ride to get my mind in the zone!

I've loved every one of them since - keep it up!
  • 6 0
 Thanks a lot
  • 15 2
 Out of the variety of bikes you've filmed yourself riding, which has been your favourite so far and why?
  • 5 0
 Tricky questions as every bike I’ve filmed on has its own set of pros and cons. It used to be my trials bike but now my favourite bike to film on is my teocalli as you can pretty much ride anything on that beast.
  • 2 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: In regards to the Teocalli, how do you set it up to be more trials friendly for you? Longer stem, more rise, smaller frame? (etc)
  • 1 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: no question, just keep doing what you're doing. Actually do you give lessons ? lol
  • 2 0
 see below
  • 1 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: Thanks, appreciate the answer! And yeah, *you* can ride anything on it, no doubt haha Wink Cheers man
  • 12 2
 How do you set up your suspension on your trail bike when you do those crazy stunts? Do you change settings a lot?

High pressure on air springs and normal compression damping?
Or normal pressures but a lot of damping..?
Rebound..?

I can't do similar tricks, so I can't even think how should I set up my suspension to a) even think of doing something similar and b) how the bike would survive such tricks... Big Grin
  • 4 0
 Second. How do you huck to flat without breaking shit?
  • 6 0
 Over your riding career, how many frames have you cracked / snapped at the disc tab mounts?
  • 10 0
 When I first started riding suspension bikes I tended to just lock everything thing out, it was sort of a running joke. Now I just have a pretty standard set up probably a little harder than a normal rider, the only time I put air spacers or ramp things up is if I’m struggling with a super tech line, something I’ll ramp rebound up if I’m doing a big drop
  • 13 0
 Hey everyone thanks a lot and I’m sorry if I didn’t answer your question. Hope you enjoy the movie
  • 14 2
 how are the knees holdin' up?
  • 7 0
 Pretty good, better that I would expect from all the bails I’ve had.
  • 12 1
 How do you get past the fear of crashing?
  • 19 0
 You don’t, you just don’t think about it, be confident in your abilities
  • 12 2
 Saw you with Ruben Alcantera on insta. How RAD is that?
  • 6 0
 Legends.
  • 10 0
 He’s my hero! So lucky to call him my mate now, he’s such a rad dude.
  • 8 1
 How often do you find yourself on Mongoose's BMX bikes and/or hanging out with the guys they sponsor in that discipline? The company seems to be trying to rebound there with some insane value offerings
  • 4 0
 Not as often as I’d like, I know all the bmx lads and when I get the chance it good to catch up. But I am currently hanging out with the main man leigh ramsdale
  • 1 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: Thanks for the reply! It's been really interesting seeing some BMX guys getting into mountain biking and killing it (Dan Paley in the last 50:01 segment for instance). I was curious about mountain bike guys trying it out (esp. trials guys).
  • 8 0
 Can you get Ali C, Duncan, and Danny Mac together and go film an epic game of bike? I'd love to see them try your lines and vice-versa!
  • 4 0
 Where do you get your drive? Do you have a crew of super strong riders or coaches off camera to push you to the level that you've achieved or were you somehow crazy enough to spend 5 hours by yourself for weeks at a time on the same 3 rocks?
  • 10 0
 Always been pretty self motivating to be honest. My Motivation has changed over the years, firstly it was to get good results in trials comps and now it’s to push myself to Make cool videos. I don’t need anyone barking at me, I’m my biggest motivator.
  • 8 1
 Do you ever just ride without throwing trials moves in?
  • 10 0
 No! I really do try sometimes to, it’s that ingrained in my riding.
  • 8 1
 Ever raced an enduro? A DH race? Maxiavalanche?
  • 4 0
 Hey Jeff,Chris has raced the Megavalanche at least twice,one year breaking his saddle,the other ending a very respectable 59th. Oddly enough,that was the best result at the Mega for one certain Danny Macaskill!!
  • 2 0
 @nozes: Ah right on! That's a super good finish!
  • 11 5
 Hi Chris, Where does your immense power come from? Just riding? Gym? Sprints? Track?
  • 17 0
 Just ride my bike, never really trained and I think it’s sometimes not how much power you have it’s how you use it
  • 3 2
 @ChrisAkrigg: thanks! Cheers!
  • 2 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: I don't think this is the answer he was expecting or hoping for...
  • 1 0
 @ReformedRoadie: I consider myself quite open minded. As long as side leg raises, forward facing dogs and 3h at 120-140 BPM aren’t involved...
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: #weakglutemed
  • 1 0
 @MAtechshit: #stronggluten
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: ha, pretty sure it's downward facing dog, unless you're doing some other sorta shit.
  • 1 0
 @ColquhounerHooner: activating gluteus medius lateralis, stretching the fascia, da faaaasciaaaa. Luke, I am your faaaasciaaa!
  • 7 1
 What made you get into trials in the first place?
  • 3 0
 My dad was a motorcycle trials rider, it was in my blood I guess.
  • 5 1
 Hi Chris! Love your videos and they are inspirational. My question: Do you think you would ever give "lessons" or riding clinics?

Cheers
  • 9 0
 Thanks. I have, and enjoyed it. Haven’t got anything planed but something I mite look into in the future. I have my hands full teaching my wife atm!
  • 14 1
 2 Weeks Later: "Chris Akrigg unexpectedly retires from mountain biking"
  • 2 0
 Do you think the riding styles you have pioneered, blurring the lines between street and mtb out on the trail, are coming more into the main stream? A lot of kids these days trying to jib everything in sight?

Also how many pounds of aluminium do you think you scraped off your various frames on the Millstone Grit of yorkshire?!
  • 3 0
 Never really thought about it I’ve just always done my own thing, but everybody’s influenced by something even if they don’t think so.

Probably a lot lad!
  • 2 0
 Chris, you are my fav rider, in a crowded field of staggeringly talented pro riders. your skills, your creativity both on the bike and film making production are awe inspiring.

another question about equipment: are you particular about rear hubs, pedals and shoes? some mtb's agonize over this stuff and are not doing anything like you are on a bike. do you have special hubs or really high engagement? do you ever break them? anything about the foot to hub interface is welcome. and thanks for the entertainment and inspiration over the years, may you have many more.
  • 3 0
 Cheers. I think when I was riding comp trials I was more anal about bike set up but I’ve never been over the top, like you say some people spend way to much time over thinking bike set up when they could be out riding, if rather be out riding
  • 2 0
 I've always had so much respect not only for your unique riding style, but also the way that you also did so much of the film work yourself. How has that changed and how do you think the future will be in that regard? Also, do you have more plans for collaborations with Martin Aston or McAskill?
  • 12 0
 Thanks. Using filmers just takes so much stress out of video production, they do there job and I can do mine better, but I still have a massive amount of input into how things are shoot. I want to do a self shot project again soon though. Danny and myself have spoken about doing something, who knows what will happen!
  • 1 0
 Hey Chris! one of my favorite riders. Always wanted to get into trials but think i can only fund one bike and your one of the inspirations that show you can do amazing things on a trail bike. What should i be looking at to start my way into the world of trails. Just want to be able to have some more fun on the trails
  • 2 0
 Go out and just play about there are no rules, I use my trail bike for everything one day I’ll ride tech some( skills day) then next day I’ll just go for a xc style ride, key for me is just mix it up
  • 1 0
 Hi Chris,
in your first clips you used to ride with a cap, what I didn´t really understand because of the stunts you did already back then.
When and why did you change to helmets?

on another note: Of all your movies - 5 I like the most! Smile

cheers
  • 8 0
 Can’t remember when I stated wearing a helmet but I’d never touch my bike without one now and looking back I was stupid but it just what we did back then. Cheers five is one of my favourites to.
  • 8 1
 @ChrisAkrigg: When's the last time you saw a helmet save someone's head from being smashed?
  • 15 0
 That would be yesterday when you were trying to keep up with me! Ha ha @danielsapp:
  • 1 0
 Nice to see Hawzee and Ed Tongue in that film of yours. Seen Ed in a few BMX edits over the years, not seen Hawzee at all. Saw an interview with Hawzee where he said that you an Ed got him out riding.

Do these guys ride much anymore?
  • 1 0
 Hey Chris Smile
Fan of you since 2010.
I ride on 6 inch travel bike , i don't ride somthing else.
Can i rechive trial technic with them? Or i must buy a trial bike?
Do you have any advice how to get start ? ( i got a bunny hop, wheeli, manual , endo and 180.)
  • 1 0
 First of all been a huge fan since you were first featured in MBUK decades ago.
Love you way you mix it up, everything from cobblestone road racing to DH.
Anyway, I know you love Malaga but have you ever tried the rest of Spain?
My mates and I would be happy to show you around the mountains north of Madrid if you haven't been there already.
Check out La Pedriza if you fancy riding even more rock than you're used to!
www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiB-pnVlIffAhUFhxoKHQP5CM0QjRx6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fes.123rf.com%2Fphoto_50567636_paisaje-rocoso-del-parque-regional-la-pedriza-en-el-interior-de-la-sierra-de-guadarrama-madrid-espa%25C3%25B1a-n.html&psig=AOvVaw04-ewA65wr3gryXwv67vc4&ust=1544046763548645
  • 2 0
 Chris, you look brutal on hardware. Do you have any preferred components, or being from Yorkshire, not mind as long as it's free! Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Not as brutal as you think, I’m normally pretty light on parts. Currently on Shimano components and love em. And yes coming from Yorkshire the free bit pretty cool to!!
  • 3 0
 Hi Chris, do you and the wife want to come over for dinner? I'll make your favorite dish.
  • 14 0
 Ate you a serial killer? And be honest with your answer, ha ha
  • 4 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: Haha, nope! Just a fan!
  • 2 0
 How do chris I wonder what extra training you do off the bike strength cardio etc. You have some immense power moves it can't be from just loads of riding?
  • 2 0
 Any plans for more brakeless trials edits? For anyone who hasn't seen them go give the old videos a watch, seriously impressive stuff!
  • 1 0
 Are there any plans to release that video you did in Wales, the water one? I saw it before it was taken down, it was amazing!

Love your videos! Keep up the fantastic and exciting work!
  • 1 0
 I remember saw him on the MBUK magazine some years ago with another great rider (that I forgot the name now,but will check it out in the magazine)doing a race against an 4x4 car ,keep it up ,and stay the way you are
  • 6 4
 How would you say to get noticed in the mountain biking world and industry?
  • 1 3
 Let your riding do the talking
  • 3 0
 Wear a wig
  • 12 1
 Standard answer I know but you just have to do your own thing, no rules with that stuff. Does help to be good looking like me though, ha ha
  • 3 1
 When will we see you on a trials bike again? I know you had one stolen not too long ago.
  • 5 0
 Not sure, I keep think about doing a edit but something else alway comes in the way. It will happen though
  • 1 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: I can't wait. And thanks for all the content you've already given us over the years.
  • 3 0
 What is your bread and butter job (if not riding your bike)?
  • 9 0
 I’m lucky enough that riding bikes has been my full time job for the last ten years
  • 1 0
 Would you make video with your old bikes? Said, the Nugget or previous Teocali..to be honest I really wanna see you back with those bikes..
  • 1 0
 What do you do the rest of the year? Only seem to see maybe 1 or 2 videos in a year, do you race or do shows or something? Or do you have a real day job too?
  • 1 0
 What is the trick or feature you've done that scared you the most?

Part 2) How do you talk yourself into doing things that you're scared by?
  • 3 0
 The triple death drop that’s featured in the video is up there! That was pretty Heavy for the reasons I talked about!
Normally it’s just a confidence thing, as long as you believe you can do it it generally works out, for the most part
  • 2 1
 Hey just wondering how you first got sponsored because I’m a kid and thinking about my future and I really like mountain biking
  • 1 0
 Hi Chris, which of your films do you like best?

My favourite so far is A Hill in Spain, absolutely blew my mind when I first saw it
  • 3 0
 Hard question but Five always make me smile, but as it lies was one of the hardest riding wise.
  • 2 0
 What do you think you would be doing right now if you have never loved riding bikes?
  • 1 0
 What is your favourite riding spot in GB and if you could be a pro in any other discipline of biking what would you choose and why?

Cheers!
  • 4 0
 Are you a wizard?
  • 1 0
 Just came here to say that Akrigg is one of the top if not the top guy to watch and a top guy for inspiration! Wife and I always eagerly wait for your new vids to watch.
  • 3 0
 Remember that one time...
  • 1 0
 I watched "From There To Here" and loved it! When you competed, did you like the modified trials bikes more or the stock ones?
  • 1 0
 No question, just wanted to say that Chris is by far one of my favorite riders to watch. Your videos are the goods. Don't slow down anytime soon. Cheers!
  • 1 0
 How has your riding evolved with your age? Is there stuff you wouldn't do anymore or (as I suspect) do you think you're only getting better?
  • 1 0
 Hi! Chris, this days I´ve been watching your videos at the workshop!! Could I ride with you next time you come to barcelona?
Greetings!!
  • 1 0
 What is the most difficult "stunt" you have ever tried?

So, not necessarily the most scariest, but technically most difficult...
  • 2 1
 During a rage outburst whilst doing a trick, have you ever broken more than one frame?
  • 7 0
 Not even broke one.
  • 2 1
 What's your favorite riding area outside of the UK that you'd like to visit or have been to?
  • 7 0
 Places on my hit list are Canada and South Africa. Favourite place so far is Malaga
  • 1 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: I have to agree with the Canada bit for sure! Keep shredding man!
  • 1 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: Come to South Africa!
  • 2 0
 Nothing to ask, just wanted to say; keep beeing awesome!
  • 5 0
 Cheers lad
  • 2 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: cheers!!
  • 1 0
 Do you still ride along cliffs?

And second, how does it feel being living legend?
  • 1 0
 How do you personally control your nerves/fear when the risk is high on a big stunt?
  • 1 0
 Which scene from your vids was the most difficult to pull off/ took the most takes?
  • 1 0
 Is doing trails riding on a trail bike just a handicap or does it have some upside?
  • 1 1
 @ChrisAkrigg what is your prefered chainstay length on a FS, if not a precise number; short regular or long?

Same question for reach.

Cheers
  • 1 0
 @mogoosebikes Do you think opening a mongoose-- non wal-mart bike shop would be profitable?
  • 2 0
 How much time do you spend on a bike on any given day?
  • 1 0
 Who’s your favorite person to ride with?

What person do you want to ride with but haven’t before?
  • 1 0
 Do you have any numbers on your power? Seeing some of those outrageous hill climbs you do I'd be interested to know Watts.
  • 1 0
 skill! and better still you ride a "normal" branded bike, mongoose must love it! 5 is my fave vid!
  • 1 0
 no question here! Just wanted to say I'm enjoying every ride you do. A big fan here.
  • 8 7
 Why do you stick with Mongoose?
  • 2 0
 I was wondering the same thing. It does not seem that rider and sponsor keep things going for so long. There were likely other offers. What kept this one together?
  • 19 0
 Mongoose give me fredom to do my own thing and be me and have support me for a lot of years
  • 3 3
 First saw your video in 2009 and loved it! Please do a video with Danny MacAskill and Fabio Wibmer!
  • 11 0
 Danny and myself have spoken about doing something one day, who knows what and when that will be
  • 2 0
 @ChrisAkrigg: Please play a game of BIKE with Danny.
  • 1 0
 How do you ride like that?
  • 5 0
 Practice practice practice
  • 1 0
 Do you do anything in the gym to improve balance on the bike?
  • 10 0
 What’s a gym? I just ride to be honest
  • 1 0
 What music you listening to at the moment?
  • 1 0
 Outside of trials, what is your favorite type of riding?
  • 1 0
 We ever going to see a Akrigg / Danny vid? That would be all time to see.
  • 1 0
 do you goals for the year or just go with the flow
  • 1 0
 do you set goals....whoops
  • 1 0
 How many bikes have you totalled from launching them? Haha
  • 1 0
 Cup of tea or pint of beer?
  • 1 0
 As a kid how did you learn to get where you are today?
  • 1 0
 You like bacon for breakfast, and if so, how often?
  • 1 0
 why shame us all??? Smile
  • 1 1
 What was your favourite ( push bike trials ) bike ever ridden?
  • 9 10
 Have you ever seen another rider on a Mongoose on the trail?
  • 2 3
 Man..what's your bike? Could you ride like Chris with your bike and make a good edit?
  • 3 0
 have you ever seen a mongoose on the trail? not the bike. a mongoose.
  • 2 0
 @underhawk: marmot, bobcat, brown and black bear, Lynx, great horned owl, rattlesnakes.....never a mongoose.
  • 5 0
 I’ve seen a few of them wild creatures out there!
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