In this episode of the Recon Podcast, Nic Bean and Allan Cooke sit down to talk all things US Open of Downhill, from the massive(?) payout and standout performances, to what made this year’s event such a statement for North American racing.They also look ahead to the Lake Placid World Cup, sharing thoughts on what to expect from the course, who’s looking fast right now, and how the new U.S. rounds could reshape the future of the sport.Plus, some open talk about what’s happening in the MTB industry — rider moves, brand strategies, content trends, and where things might be heading as 2026 starts to take shape.🎙️ Hosts: Nic Bean & Allan Cooke
Kyle Strait shares some of his wildest memories from Red Bull Rampage. From unforgettable runs to near disasters, he recounts what it’s really like to ride and survive one of mountain biking’s most extreme events. Pure behind-the-scenes storytelling from a Rampage legend.Full podcast is here: https://youtu.be/p_U6zxz5cyE
Kyle Strait reflects on whether the risk of riding Red Bull Rampage is truly worth it. He talks about the highs of stomping a dream run, the financial and physical risks involved, and how the event has evolved over the years. A raw and honest take on what it really costs to chase glory at Rampage.Full podcast is here: https://youtu.be/p_U6zxz5cyE
Nic Bean and Kyle Strait break down how new riders find their way into Red Bull Rampage. Kyle explains how years of digging and building give rookies an edge, why past qualification systems didn’t always work, and the pressure of riding in such a strict format. He also shares his thoughts on feeder events, the need for a junior Rampage, and how the current system still feels inconsistent.Full podcast is here: https://youtu.be/p_U6zxz5cyE
Kyle Strait opens up about the hidden challenges riders face at Red Bull Rampage. He shares how much riders actually invest just to compete, why builders are their lifeline, and how the financial side of Rampage doesn’t always add up. A rare, honest look behind the scenes of the biggest freeride event in the world.Full podcast is here: https://youtu.be/p_U6zxz5cyE
Kyle Strait has seen it all.In this clip, Nic Bean sits down with the only rider to compete in every Red Bull Rampage, from its raw, rowdy beginnings to today’s sculpted super lines.They dive into how the event has evolved:from small dig crews to full build teams,from pick-and-ride lines to massive pre-sculpted features,from dry desert days to water trucks and rest days.But with all that progress… comes some tough questions.Are we moving away from freeride’s roots?Has Rampage become more about big tricks on big booters — and less about reading the mountain?Or is this just the natural evolution of the sport?Watch the full clip and decide for yourself.Full episode here: https://youtu.be/p_U6zxz5cyE
Nic Bean heads down to Strait Acres to sit down with legendary freerider Kyle Strait for a raw, honest conversation that you won’t hear anywhere else. They talk all things Red Bull Rampage, from the wildest behind-the-scenes moments to the scariest features he’s ever ridden, and why Kyle won’t be competing in Rampage 2025.This one goes deep. Kyle opens up about his career highs, brutal injuries, and what it’s really like to ride the gnarliest event in MTB. They get into the stuff you’d never know as a spectator, the unspoken rules, the pressure, the politics, and how the sport has changed over the years.Whether you’re a diehard fan or just want a peek behind the curtain of one of MTB’s biggest legends, this episode hits different.
Allan and Nic dive into one of the most annoying problems in mountain biking: headset creaks. From the classic quick fixes to the long-term solutions, they swap stories, compare what’s worked (and what hasn’t), and get into the details of how to finally silence that dreaded noise for good and improve bearing longevity. Whether it’s about grease, torque settings, upgrading parts, to design, this clip is a mix of practical tips and real rider experiences that every mountain biker can relate to.
Nic and Allan pull out the crystal ball and dive into what the bike industry really needs—both from the perspective of riders and as people with years of firsthand experience. With plenty of stories, insights, and unfiltered opinions, this episode takes a hard look at where the industry is headed, what’s holding it back, and how it can better serve the riders who keep it alive.
Nic Bean and Charlie Murray get real about the hidden side of racing life. From constant travel and jet lag to the pressure of back-to-back events, they unpack why the pro dream isn’t always what it seems—and why balance matters as much as results.Full episode here: https://youtu.be/69CU_l4wupA
What happens when the wrong tool is brought to the biggest stage? Charlie Murray tells Nic the wild story of lining up at the Enduro World Cup on an "trail" bike, what it taught him about adaptability, and how much equipment really matters at the highest levelFull episode here: https://youtu.be/69CU_l4wupA
Charlie Murray shares his perspective on enduro’s place in mountain biking and why the discipline deserves more recognition. He and Nic dig into how enduro reflects the riding most people actually do, and the frustration of seeing it overshadowed on the world stage.Full episode here: https://youtu.be/69CU_l4wupA
In this episode, Nic Bean sits down with Enduro World Cup standout Charlie Murray to dive into life as a professional mountain bike racer. From dialing in bike setup to navigating the highs and lows of a long season, Charlie shares the trials, tribulations, and triumphs that come with competing at the top of the sport. The conversation covers the grind of worldwide travel, the mental battles behind the races, and what it really takes to push through challenges and chase results on the global stage.
Nic dives into the story behind Theory Racing, the independent Enduro World Cup team he built from scratch. From developing young talent like Bailey Christie to supporting Julie DuPont’s top-5 chase, they discuss the challenges of running a privateer squad—and why Enduro needs teams like this to survive.Here is the full episode: https://youtu.be/xGJ5M8NSVv4
Adrian and Nic discuss Henry Quinney’s surprising departure from Pinkbike to launch Quarter HP, his new high-end bike review channel. They break down why this move matters—will independent reviews shake up the industry? Plus, they analyze his first videos, the "mystery rider" bit, and whether this could change how we judge bikes forever.Full episode link here: https://youtu.be/xGJ5M8NSVv4
Is downhill MTB really more dangerous than road cycling? Nic and Adrian debate Tom Pidcock’s controversial take, comparing crashes, skill levels, and the mental game in both sports. From peloton pileups to Hardline’s insane drops—which discipline demands more from its riders?Here is the full episode: https://youtu.be/xGJ5M8NSVv4
Adrian and Nic break down the biggest moments from Red Bull Hardline 2025, including Asa Vermette’s insane run and Louise Ferguson’s historic finish. They also discuss Jackson Goldstone’s absence—was skipping Hardline the right call? Plus, Henry Quinney’s new bike review channel, the debate over MTB vs. road racing danger, and an inside look at Nic’s Theory Racing Enduro team.
Nic Bean and Allan Cooke kick things off with Vincent Tupin’s massive crash in Switzerland—an unreal freeride line that pushed the limits of bike and body. They break down what went wrong, how gnarly the risk is getting in freeride MTB, and what this kind of riding means for the sport’s future.Here is the full episode: https://youtu.be/DcoaJGBUNHUHuge credit and kudos to Vincent Tupin and his filmer Fast Fokus. They are legends.
Vinny T Sends It, YT Restructures, and the DH Battle Heats Up | ReconMTB PodcastNic Bean and Allan Cooke are back to break down one of the wildest sends of the year—Vincent Tupin’s jaw-dropping 122-foot drop—and what it says about the progression (and risk) in freeride MTB (and equipment?). The crew dives into the current state of the mountain bike industry, YT’s recent restructuring, and the financial turbulence hitting brands across the board. They don’t hold back on what the industry needs to do better.Then it’s onto World Cup DH: the Jackson vs. Loic rivalry, the fallout from Andorra, and what’s on the line heading into Les Gets and the rest of the season.Another heavy-hitting ReconMTB episode—raw, honest, and fully tapped in.
From racing the Enduro World Series to going viral bombing San Francisco’s steepest hills, Teddy Hayden shares his wild ride—both on the bike and behind the scenes. He opens up about building Cyclo, the struggles of Strava policing, suspension setups, e-bikes, and what it’s really like creating MTB content in the city. Then the tables turn, and Teddy flips the script—grilling Recon’s own Nick Bean in a surprise role reversal.
