RECON MTB Podcast

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.