RECON MTB Podcast

Nic Bean sits down with MTB legend Cam Zink for a deep dive into the life of one of freeride’s most iconic riders—known for world-record flips, rider-built events, founding bike brands, and a style that changed the sport.They cover everything from the story behind the record-breaking backflip and creating The Zink Invitational, to the inside scoop on Rampage, judging, and how freeride has evolved. Cam also shares the origins of Sensus Grips and Zink Bikes, and why he stepped into the business side of MTB.From fatherhood and legacy to what keeps him hungry after decades in the game, this is Cam Zink—unfiltered.If you’re into MTB, entrepreneurship, or stories about pushing the edge of what’s possible—this one hits different.

In this episode, Nic and Allan talk about the return of UCI World Cup downhill to American soil. The 2025 Downhill World Cup Season was an exciting one, and it could be the start of a multi year expansion for the sport. With that, Juniors will be aging up, taking on the current top pros. They get into the details Juniors VS. Elites, best locations for more World Cups, and more. Enjoy!

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.