Wise Words is our interview series talking to some of mountain biking’s most switched on people.
We’ll ask our short list of questions to a heap of influential, inspiring and outspoken people that we feel are driving the direction of mountain biking today. Some will make you think, some will make you laugh, some will be plain dumb, some will inspire you to better yourself and your riding. We hope!
Wise Words this week comes to you from Mr. Matt Cipes.
Matt Cipes is the man behind the bikes when it comes to all things Marin and MTB. As Senior Product Manager, it’s up to ‘Cippy’ to make sure the idea goes from concept to reality. Whether it’s on or off the bike, you’ll likely have trouble keeping up.
How would your closest riding buddies describe you to someone who has never met you?
Cip is always down for a good time, either on or off the trail.
What thing or things have you bought in the last year that had the biggest effect on your life as a mountain biker / cyclist / person that works in the bike industry?
I would have to say a hot tub, as I get older it helps recovery and relaxation. That and a subscription to a yoga app to keep me flexible. When the injuries stack up, preventative maintenance is key.
What unusual habits do you have as a bike rider?
When in doubt, air it out. I like to jump around and let the rear end get a little sideways.
What piece of advice do you think every mountain bike rider should hear? And what piece should they ignore?
Advice to take, always set suspension sag correctly. Advice to ignore, pasta makes you fasta. It really does not and there is better stuff to eat before a big ride or race.
If you could go back and re-ride one day from your life so far, where/what/when/who would it be? Would you change anything?
Nope, no regrets or do-overs.
What have you wasted the most time on in your life as a rider or bike industry career that you wished you’d given up years ago?
I’ve wasted far too much time on double and triple (chain)rings. It’s been a while since we have had to deal with them, which is great.
How do you motivate yourself when you’re struggling or lacking inspiration?
Go ride.
What single and specific thing about riding bicycles do you gain the most happiness from?
That has changed over the years, first it was just finishing a big ride or clearing a tech section, then it changed to smashing the perfect race run, now it’s all about good times with friends in the woods. It’s really the simple things.
What single thing would you like to erase from cycling history from the last year?
I really can’t think of much that I would erase, if anything I wish we just had more places to ride bikes closer to major populations. We need more parks and places to be outside on bikes. Everyone would benefit from that
What single thing would you like to make happen in the cycling world in the next year?
I want more people to just go ride their bike, by Marin offering high performance to value I hope that Marin can play a part in that.
Who else should we ask these questions to?
I would like to hear what Jamie Edwards has to say…
