MUST WATCH: Brett Rheeder Creates Endless Flow in 'Continuum'

Dec 3, 2021 at 11:35
by SHIMANO  


Everything is connected. Each ride is an extension of the one before. Each reentry is a transition to the next launch. Each experience builds on one another toward a flow state of endless progression. Only the settings and perspectives change along this continuum.

In this film by Brett Rheeder and Harrison Mendel, the sequence of individual movements are all linked together as a cohesive collection, with each maneuver unique yet forming a coherent visual journey across ever-changing landscapes by maintaining a locked perspective.

Creating this visual trick of relentless flow and seamless transitions from one scene to the next was a technical challenge for both rider and cinematographer, and it required intense planning and dedication from the entire team to work through these problems. Anchoring the point of view to bring the audience along on Brett’s journey as everything else moves seamlessly along the continuum.

bigquotesThere were so many times where our brains were about to explode trying to think about what the next location would be and how the angle of the previous trail would line up with the next one. A very complex operation, but I’m happy we got it done and that it turned out the way it did. Thank you to Shimano for believing in my creativity and everyone else who was involved in making this come full circle — you know who you are!Brett Rheeder


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Author Info:
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Member since Apr 7, 2000
87 articles

123 Comments
  • 310 0
 What an absolute masterpiece on all fronts! Blown away by this one.
  • 42 0
 Coming from you, Scott, that means a lot. Cheers!
  • 3 0
 Filming, editing, riding, locations - perfetto. Fuhhmazing!
  • 6 0
 Sorry where did you say these photos were taken... Heaven?!
  • 17 0
 Seriously. This is the new bar for bike action filming. This isn't well done, it's near perfect
  • 1 0
 Perfectly said
  • 3 1
 Wait, was Brett riding in the Metaverse?
Mind blown!
  • 94 10
 Perhaps an unpopular opinion here but I think the photos are far more impressive than the video. Not saying the video was bad by any means but my god those pictures are captivating! Good job boys!
  • 15 1
 Seriously, where can i get the full-res of these. needs some new wallpaper backgrounds...
  • 8 0
 @travisrexmiller: The 3-Can with the mountains in the background is the perfect balance of art, biking, and Canada. Its just satisfying and sooooo sick.
  • 2 0
 I came here to say exactly this... GOOD LORD the photos are good!
  • 45 0
 It seems like the "photo of the year" selection has been published a bit earlier... (of course, the video is amazing as well.)
  • 16 0
 Absolutely incredible!!! Great job to all involved. One of the major reasons I love this is the one scene, one camera approach rather than the one jump/corner, four cameras, change shots four times through a jump/corner and distract the hell out of the viewer approach. The style of this video let's the viewer get into the rhythm and flow of the biker. So epic! Best video in a long while!
  • 15 2
 No cheesy comments...that was epic. Wow. Be safe be well, Incognito Robin
  • 11 3
 Everything about this video was steezy as hell. Everything from the white shoes and socks, to the filming, to the riding... Thanks Brett Rheeder for making the best mtb video I've ever seen
  • 10 0
 the pictures alone are a masterpiece
  • 9 0
 Does anyone else notice he swapped forks?
  • 4 0
 Yea, what's up with the 1/2 dual crown fork?
  • 3 0
 @mikeyb76: Intend Bandit. Nice little bit of kit.
  • 4 0
 Fox moved all the freeriders to Marzocchi, he went his own way and was trying different suspension manufacturers.
  • 4 0
 "Everything is connected. Each ride is an extension of the one before. Each reentry is a transition to the next launch. Each experience builds on one another toward a flow state of endless progression. Only the settings and perspectives change along this continuum."

Every cumb is connected to the next cumb, when your cumbing, your cumbing.
  • 5 0
 photos above the lake look like Kamloops? I think he also shot n this location about 5-6 years ago on a property in Cherry Creek above Tobiano.
  • 4 1
 unfortunately all of the photos (if you click through to the PB photo page for each one) have an obviously incorrect location of "Irvine, California, United States"
  • 2 0
 It's the same zone semenuk filmed at for his film...there's some footage in his barred for life show too. You can see them from the highway
  • 8 0
 Distracted by the forks!
  • 3 0
 Was it the best bike video of all time? It catches the same transcendent note as Life Cycles but in 2 minutes. That it each ride is an extension of the one before. Nevermind if you are ripping as Brett Rheeder here or are just some casual mtb lover. So stunning, so fluid and so calm yet powerful. Damn..
  • 6 0
 Rad edit, Brett kills it!!
  • 4 0
 Amazing execution. OK as a self confessed nerd, I need a behind the scenes video to see how they did it! Camera telemetry data taken to each location!?
  • 2 0
 Beta has a full BTS rundown with Rheeder and Harrison here: www.betamtb.com/culture/behind-the-scenes-brett-rheeders-continuum (currently not paywalled, but YMMV)
  • 1 0
 @a-mc: Thank you for the link! I was wondering the same thing!
  • 2 0
 Love this video! This style of video really emphasizes how steady Brett's head is when he rides. Watch again and marvel at how his bike and body move all over the place, but his head and eyes are so steady and laser-focused.
  • 1 0
 Loved it. Beautiful. Just curious; on the tail whip 180° I thought Brett was using a freecoaster, but the I could hear freehub afterwards? Is it just a case off added freehub audio in post, or do free coasters make noise now?
  • 1 0
 Everything about this was flawless. This is a masterpiece! Massive congratulations to Brett on his insanely precise and stylish riding and props to Harrison on the videographer.
  • 1 0
 When a 2 minute segment makes you drop your jaw in awe and at the same time makes your heart ache to get out and ride... well, that's just perfection. Hats off to Rheeder and crew
  • 4 0
 Effortless as usual. This DJ line im Pemby is amazing Props Rheeder
  • 6 3
 Woah. Probably the first video ever that captures the feeling of riding. Amazing.
  • 4 0
 Up next in the News. Kid from Ontario Does good.
  • 4 0
 I think Flow has just been redefined here.
  • 2 2
 Echo all the other comments here, that was unbelievable, can't think of a better edit I've seen.

Gotta add: I know that not all MTB edits use drones, but I think drone videography has had a huge impact on MTB vids in general. There are so many elements of MTB that you just can't capture with a static camera.
  • 11 0
 this was all cable cam
  • 1 0
 @ischiller: I was thinking it was a cable cam based on the tree shots, but didnt see a cable.

some of those are drones though arent they? and they used a similar truck camera setup for some shots too?
  • 17 0
 @Mrtonyd: No drones were used! Every shot in the video is on a cable cam. Thanks for the kind words.
  • 7 0
 @hmendel: Harry strapped himself into a jet pack and flew. The real trick was holding focus AND operating the jet pack. Joking. Incredible work Harrison.
  • 2 2
 @hmendel: Oops, my bad, I assumed it was drones, never even heard of cable cams!
  • 3 0
 A bit better than the pink bike academy social media videos. Awesome pics and video.
  • 1 0
 I will be amazed on exactly the same level by this film if there was rider with my shitty skills. These shots are so perfectly planned… I have no words. Perfection.
  • 2 0
 VOY
The vision, cinematography, riding, and editing were all perfect. I can’t get over those cuts/transitions!
  • 3 1
 VOY The audio was also really good! Appreciated the minimalist approach that made the experience really immersive.
  • 1 0
 Quite possibly the best and most beautiful mountain bike video I have ever seen. I was disappointed at the end just because it was over.
  • 3 0
 Wow...that was a stunner.
  • 4 1
 thanks for all my new wallpapers

also, best bike video... ever?
  • 2 0
 Super good riding, filming and editing!!! reminds me a bit of some of the New Balance/Joe Pease skate edits.
  • 2 0
 That gallery of photos is one of the best I've ever seen from an mtb shoot. Unreal.
  • 1 0
 Masterpiece! For me, this video shows essence of mountainbiking. This art showing real life, that you can watch over and over again. Thank you!
  • 2 0
 Didn’t someone die on the wood to wood step down in the picture? There was a super old vid on here that scarred me
  • 1 0
 Just here to say that photo of him upside down with wheels perfectly parallel to the lake shore wins the PB photo of the year. Don't even bother to ru the contest.
  • 1 0
 In this digital age it is hard for me to keep my attention focused on anything for more than a minute. This video actually made me do it for 2 minutes.
  • 1 0
 Cinematography and editing was perfect, this are some very well thought out shots and location. And the riding was Brett Rheeder.
  • 1 0
 If I were to explain MTB to someone who hadn’t heard of it before, this is exactly what I’d show them. Great job Brett and Shimano this is really amazing!
  • 2 0
 That was amazing, whole team crushed it!
  • 2 0
 Now tell me this wasn't some impressive s**t !!!
  • 2 0
 So sick, absolutely beautiful transitions.
  • 7 0
 that fakie transition was mint
  • 2 0
 Congrats Harrison, Rheeder, and everyone involved. Incredible.
  • 1 0
 All those amazing cable cam shots and incredible locations Beautiful work all around!
  • 1 0
 absolutely stunning. I only wish there had been one more mid-trick transition (mid flip-whip??)
  • 1 0
 not gonna lie - that is the kinda video that makes you hop on your bike then realize you suck
  • 2 0
 this just shows that all treks look the same. Is he sponsored by intend?
  • 1 0
 It did look like an upside down fork at the beginning, didn't it?
  • 1 0
 Best mtb film I’ve ever watch. Beautiful cinematography, editing and of course, riding.
  • 1 0
 That was absurd. My brain is still having a difficult time processing it….
  • 2 0
 This man doesn't have a suspension sponsor...... Wut?
  • 1 0
 Ok I’m going to say it…..Brett has better style the Brandon. Both amazing but Brett is just soooo smooth. Sick.
  • 1 1
 Dang, just dang.

Also, his bikes are super sick. How bad are the people at Fox wishing they hadn’t tried to force Marzocchi on him right about now?
  • 1 0
 It's absolutely bonkers how closely Brett's style matches in the first two pictures. Overall impressive stuff.
  • 2 0
 so dope on all levels ! love it .
  • 1 0
 The illusion of effortlessness requires you to watch this more than once to appreciate it. Really cool
  • 1 0
 WOW everything about that video was incredible!
  • 1 0
 Easily my favorite edit of the year
  • 1 0
 Thank you to all involved for creating something so amazing!
  • 2 0
 masterpiece
  • 2 0
 Awesome
  • 2 0
 Pure art!
  • 2 0
 I love this
  • 1 0
 Nice and sleazy does it everytime!!!
  • 4 2
 Best edit of the year!!
  • 1 0
 Well this is really freaking good
  • 1 0
 Impressive output on all fronts!
  • 1 0
 The dirt jumps with mountains in the background, such a beautiful shot
  • 1 0
 Great concept and execution!
  • 1 0
 Video of the year and photos of the year?

I’m gonna go ride my bike now
  • 1 0
 One of the best edits of all time. Unreal
  • 1 0
 Christmas came early! Thanks to all involved in that camera work...dang!
  • 1 0
 shame about the editing quality ;-)
  • 1 0
 The editing on this thing.... damn dude. So good.
  • 1 0
 Natural or man made, every frame of that was sublime as a mofo
  • 1 0
 Unreal still shots! I can't even pick a favourite. Well done
  • 1 0
 K that was straight up amazing
  • 1 0
 Poor guy, can't even afford new pants.
  • 1 0
 What an absolute mind bending masterclass of riding and filming. Holy crap
  • 1 0
 That was Incredible. Great friggin work Brett and crew
  • 1 0
 Thank Brett and co that was a pleasure to watch!
  • 1 0
 That was soo well done. Thanks for the great watch!
  • 2 0
 your move, Semenuk.
  • 1 0
 Never watched something that was so easy to watch. Good angles
  • 1 0
 A few POTY contenders right there
  • 1 0
 Wait.... 180 tailwhip at speed?
  • 2 1
 Perfect.
  • 1 0
 Smoooodh !
  • 1 0
 That was bad ass
  • 1 0
 Quality on all fronts!
  • 1 0
 really really sick
  • 1 0
 Well damn!
  • 1 0
 we need an mtb SOTY
  • 1 1
 Every time you write MUFT WOCTH on a video, I don't want to watch it.
  • 1 0
 Absolutely KILLER edit!
  • 1 0
 Endless flow
  • 1 0
 Absolute perfection
  • 1 0
 insane







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