Profile... Chris Smith
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Introduction...
Driven by an interminable desire to ride the unrideable, whether that presents itself as an urban challenge or big mountain assault, Chris is one of the UK’s most progressive MTB freeriders.
Inspired by a childhood of avidly following MTB magazines and videos, Chris flirted with every MTB discipline including racing, downhill and 4X before settling on the freeride side of the track; a varied introduction that has bestowed upon Chris enviable bike control and an ability to tackle anything.
Expect Chris to continue his domination at the forefront of MTB freeriding and build on his already impressive 9 front covers, 7 video sections and haul of contest victories, in addition to appearances at the Nissan Demo’s, Animal Bike Tour and the MTB UK Urban Tour.
Career Highlights:
9 front covers.
1st place Pro King of Dirt, NASS 2008.
1st place King of Dirt, Bike Show 2007.
Over 400 pages of coverage.
Favourite Quote:
“Bones will heal, scars will fade.”
Mountainbiker Questionnaire
Where did you grow up?
I lived in Warminster,Wiltshire when i grew up to about aged 4,Since then i have lived in Frome,Somerset and would not really want to live anywhere else.
How old where you when you first began riding?
I started out when i was 4 or 5 on a small bike with stabilisers,then pretty much rode every style of mountain biking up to where we are today.
What/ Who got you into it?
Just being able to do a sport that is acessible straight out of my front door.
What sort of riding do you mostly do?
I try to mix up my styles of riding,Keeps me fresh.
Which competitions do you compete in? (i.e. which series or specific events?)
I compete in Freeride and Dirt Jumps across the world
What bikes do you ride & how do you set them up for different situations? (i.e. downhill, hardtail, full suspension, cross country, bmx..
I ride a full on downhill bike for some of the big drops and when things get on the large side of things,i run that bike pretty soft and set up like a downhill bike as i also ride a lot of downhill on that bike too.I also run a small travel bike it has 5 inches travel and is set up pretty stiff it\'s like a jump bike with a bit of suspension.I also have my jump bike which is a hardtail and is set up single speed and stiff suspension forks
Clip Pedals or Flats?
Flats for everything!
Any unusual bike set up techniques?
I run two brakes on my jump bike,mostly for tech front wheel tricks.
Where do you mostly ride?
I tend to ride fairly local as i have amazing riding on my doorstep,disused quarries etc,
Where are the best places you have ever ridden?
probably Utah was an amazing place to ride and scenery was amazing too!
How many years have you been competing?
12 years
What was your favourite trip and why?
I think a recent austrailia trip was one of my favourites,We met up with loads of the top austrailian riders and rode some amazing places,all finished off with a scuba trip on the Great Barrier Reef.
Most memorable event?
Turning my childhood Dream into reality when i became Professional.
What do you love about mountain biking?
I just love being outside and active,And also challenging myself and overcoming fears and some of the big adrenaline rushes!
What is your goal within mountain biking?
Just to Keep pushing things forward and progressing without getting hurt.
What style of best describes your riding (include a couple if you want)?
I get satisfied from all aspects of riding be it landing a huge Drop,or a New dirt jump trick it\'s all good to me.
What aspect of mountain biking gives you the most satisfaction (downhill, freeride kickers, cross-country, competitions, trails, etc
I get satisfied from all aspects of riding be it landing a huge Drop,or a New dirt jump trick it\'s all good to me.
Favourite Trick?
360 tailwhips
What is you scariest mountain biking moment?
Falling 50 feet into a gulley when a gap step down went a bit wrong!
What is your worst injury?
Wedge Fracture of 2 lower Vertabrae and smashing my ankle to bits at the same time.
What is your top safety tips when mountain biking?
Just progress slowly and make sure everything is as safe as it possibly can be.
Give some advice:
Crashing is a fine art and definetely one worth learning if you are going to be pushing yourself hard,we all crash it\'s part of the game,you just got to get back up and have another go!
General Questionnaire
What are your other interests?
Moto x
ODI
HaloGiant BikesFormulaEastonDuffs FootwearDeityCrud 
