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Pinkbike Welcomes Richard Cunningham

by Julian Coffey
Apr 7, 2011 at 0:25

Pinkbike.com, the world's most highly trafficked online MTB news and media source, announced today the hiring of Richard Cunningham, one of the sport's most recognized print journalists, to its editorial staff. RC will help spearhead Pinkbike's campaign to restructure the website’s massive visual and editorial presence on the web into the industry's go-to media source for all things mountain bike.

RC by Hylands
RC by Hylands

"Cunningham's initial role will be to sink his technical and historical perspective into Pinkbike’s editorial." says Pinkbike publisher Julian Coffey. “PB riders kill it on everything from local and world-class DH tracks, sick big mountain lines, North Shore skinnies, bike park slaying, DJ and street to the most epic trail sorties imaginable. We listen very closely to our community and there is a unanimous cry for more and more tech focused content.”

Cunningham gets familiar with the Tech Tuesday set-up
Cunningham gets familiar with the Tech Tuesday set-up

"Over the past few years, I was sourcing much of my key information online. I realized, why am I reading the news when I should be helping create it?” said Cunningham. "I have always liked Pinkbike because it is so raw - such urgent enthusiasm for anything remotely related to mountain bikes. I left MBA because I wanted to be with people who were making something happen. I felt that the magazine was losing contact with riders and the soul of the sport. Pinkbike is a huge melting pot of ideas and opinions, and already it feels like home. It’s a bit scary for an ex-print editor to be in direct contact with over 1.5 million users, but it's the good kind of scary."

Richard Cunningham literally grew up with the sport of mountain biking—a pioneer bike builder and designer, he founded Mantis Bicycle Co. in the early '80s, and was instrumental in bringing the dual-suspension trail bike into reality.

Mantis Pro Floater - circa 1992
Mantis Pro Floater - circa 1992

RC was inducted into the MTB Hall of Fame in 1995 for technical achievement. He then made the transition into journalism, taking the helm as editor of Mountain Bike Action Magazine where his technical insight helped foster innovations that poured into the market during the industry's most prolific period of invention.

RC and Tippie - Two Hall Of Famers out shredding in the snow on Seymour
RC and Tippie - Two Hall Of Famers out shredding in the snow on Seymour

Cunningham is based in Southern California. When he’s not writing, riding and testing, he can be found on his SoCal ranch. RC is often seen flying his WWI Fokker Eindecker-inspired airplane, a machine hand-built by the man himself.

"Lucky Dog" buzzing the airfield - hand built by Richard - Gar Travis photo

He can be reached at rc@pinkbike.com. Click here to check out RC’s first Tech Tuesday, and here to view his profile.
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160 Comments

  • + 27
flag southbayFRA (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:26)
 Totally epic...I remember reading the "Ask R.C." column in MBA on the reg as a youngster. Pinkbike is gonna dominate MTB media. Hey R.C.!! You never got back to me about my question regarding the effects of glass beading or media blasting my aluminum frame to prep it for powdercoat!!!
  • + 9
flag meathooker (Apr 7, 2011 at 5:46)
 Me too! RC always had good stuff in mtb action, glad to see him make the move to pb
  • + 7
flag isaacds Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 5:49)
 I wrote you 5 times RC. it hurts, but I'm willing to put that behind. I'm impressed with the ever-increasing legitimacy of the people PB has on board.
  • + 2
flag geoffwarburton (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:16)
 I sandblasted mine and it turned out just fine, powder coating is the shit.
  • - 5
flag grandmastere (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:20) (Below Threshold) show comment
 I once read an article in MBA by RC in in which he suggested that a 'rad' trick to learn would be to drop 2 gears and speed by your buddy on a climb. I think that was the last time I bought that magazine. Hopefully he has expanded his narrow view world of MTB to include DH/FR as legitimate disciplines.

Also, I remember RC being one of the people at MBA pushing the term 'black diamond riding' in place of 'freeriding'. What a joke. Is that what we have to look forward to here?

E
  • + 5
flag isaacds Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:42)
 well, did you try it? maybe your friends would have thought you were super cool! haha.
  • + 6
flag larock Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 9:44)
 Great addition to the team! RC will no doubt add a wealth of knowledge to the site. I had no idea he was such a jack of all trades!
  • + 28
flag RichardCunningham Mod (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:42)
 @grandmastere

OUCH! You make me want to cry... For the record, I never pushed the "black diamond" thing--you can blame that editorial nightmare on another editor over there. The way I see it is that the pioneers who invent a sport have the right to name it--like surfing or BMX. If freeriders wanted to be called "freeriders," it's not my right to argue, because I wasn't there when it went down.
  • + 1
flag drewstinky (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:27)
 super slack oldschool xc bike!
  • + 3
flag thrice (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:24)
 Same here. I used to always read the "Ask R.C." section of MTB Action, as well as his other articles on suspension and rides. I submittted a couple of questions his way back in the day but they never got printed, I guess my country was not part of the magazines demographic. This without a doubt will raise Pink Bikes credibility. I am definetly excited about this addition and I'm looking forward to future articles. Props to Pinkbike for this addition, and props to R.C. for seeing the potential in this opportunity.
  • + 3
flag mountguitars (Apr 7, 2011 at 18:37)
 i've heard some other bad articles that RC churned out when he was in MBA. him leaving MBA made a lot of sense. reading some info on RC here in pinkbike, makes me think that whatever not so good article churned out at MBA by RC could have been done by MBA to sell publicity. now that RC is here at PB (where i rarely see any BS), it would be good to hear from the man himself.
  • + 3
flag crs-one (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:28)
 Glad RC is gone from MBA and on pinkbike. Anything that'll drive that homophobic corporation (MBA's publisher) into the ground, good by me.
  • + 3
flag poozank (Apr 7, 2011 at 20:33)
 RC has been tarnished for me by the shitty rag that is Mountain Bike Fiction
  • + 4
flag foghorn1 (Apr 7, 2011 at 21:47)
 Rc, it sure did sound like the black diamond thing was your agenda back then, and it was relentless enough to make me stop buying mba. You can have the benefit of the doubt though, and I retract my other comment. Welcome to PB.
  • - 6
flag Dirt-Gash (Apr 10, 2011 at 21:09) (Below Threshold) show comment
 So what RC is saying is that as the EDITOR of MBA,he had no control over the term Black Diamond, or all the years of dissing freeride/downhill bikes since their conception? Wow what a great editor! Is this the kind of editor PB wants..What a f*cking douche bag the both of you are. Oh by the way RC how was surfing the Tsunami? Was it Black Diamond? Go f*ck yourself a*shole.
  • + 4
flag frijolemoreno (Apr 11, 2011 at 11:05)
 @Dirt-Gash
why the hate? people polity reigns over semantics. your swearing is classless

@foghorn1
huge props for retracting your suspicions and welcoming RC; I respect that.

@ freeriders in general
I won't use the term black diamond ever again (not sure if I've ever used it to begin with). Can someone explain why it is so offensive?

@everyone
Petty squabbles between different mountain bike disciplines can stop...XC race, freeride, DH, slopstyle, DJ, and trail can all respect and learn from and inspire each other...I think we should direct our jibes at roadies and golfers...
  • + 1
flag isaacds Mod Plus (Apr 11, 2011 at 11:29)
 what an odd series of replies this has generated...
  • + 3
flag mountguitars (Apr 11, 2011 at 20:27)
 hey, i ride road bikes too. i use it for training. some pros do it as well. so don't hate road bikers please.
  • + 4
flag frijolemoreno (Apr 11, 2011 at 22:23)
 ps i own a road bike, too...but I don't go around admitting it on public forums Smile
[Reply]
  • + 19
flag foghorn1 (Apr 7, 2011 at 5:53)
 I welcome Mr Cunningham as long as he doesn't utter the words "black diamond riding" or "black diamond rider" or "black diamond bike"
  • + 1
flag nato (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:16)
 My bike is double black diamond rated, super gnar core. Hahah!
  • + 1
flag gnarbar (Apr 8, 2011 at 8:35)
 those triple black diamond trails are super gnarred kore
  • + 1
flag neondion (Apr 9, 2011 at 6:44)
 my bike is black...
[Reply]
  • + 16
flag erlkonig (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:21)
 Welcome to Pinkbike RC! Certainly one of the most respected voices in mountain biking. However...when I saw this article I got a little sick to my stomach. A lot of the bike mags, but particularly MBA, seemed to deviate from reporting and advice into this weird Guru complex, where they seemed more interested in telling people what they should and shouldn't do on a bike, what products they were 'supposed' to be using and so forth. Pinkbike came along, and it was such a welcome alternative to that mentality, more democratic, and more accepting of the idea that its readers did all kinds of different things when they got on their bikes. Maybe that annoying dictatorial bent to bike journalism so prevalent in the print mags is what has some Pinkbike readers cringing. Richard will bring a ton of knowledge, insight and his impressive intuitive understanding of physics to what we read on here everyday, and that can't be bad. I just hope Pinkbike doesn't turn into the place where we go to get browbeaten into all riding the same bike. Sorry for the rant.
  • + 8
flag JulianCoffey Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:48)
 Rest assured that RC is here to create a solid technical backbone in a very objective way. He is not on board to instill or perpetuate an archaic print magazine mandate that caters to an elite few manufacturers. We're definitely not about to throw away 10+ years of PB community development and tradition in order to emulate a business model that is clearly defunct.
  • + 2
flag erlkonig (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:49)
 Yay, and thanks.
  • + 5
flag swearmouth (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:26)
 Picked up the latest issue of MBA a week ago, and you're very much right. Articles about why downhill bikes need to be confined to specific trails and riding areas, articles telling you how long your components are supposed to last (which is something that while correct based on what manufacturers will state, isn't neccesarily true), an article on that electric motor for dh bikes mounted on a kona that I saw on here a while ago, saying its absolutely terrible and no real mtbiker should use it. Theres a place for opinions (thats why people read BSNYC), but at the same time MBA is in no position to make judgement on anyone. They have a very old school mindset, and seem to regard gravity riding of any kind as not "true" mountain biking. The magazine itself looks extremely outdated, both the layout and the articles themselves, especially when compared to competitors like Decline.
  • + 1
flag mountguitars (Apr 7, 2011 at 18:40)
 erlkonig, nice points you raised there. we have the same ideas/concern. props to you for posting.
  • + 1
flag bkbroiler (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:02)
 Welcome RC, I came into the sport at a time when MBA was the only info I could get. I now have three "Rad" bikes, Thank you
[Reply]
  • + 16
flag davidstuartkelly (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:26)
 Loved reading his section in MBA, Pinkbike gets another legend!!!.
  • + 9
flag jaketinnelly (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:32)
 Welcome, Mr Cunningham Smile
  • + 7
flag rstwosix (Apr 7, 2011 at 4:58)
 Welcome indeed!
[Reply]
  • + 8
flag Dirt-Gash (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:38)
 Awesome news...now we can look forward to all DH and FR bikes being re-labeled as Black Diamond bikes, mega Santa Cruz bike reviews, and really just a bunch of gibberish. Always smart to hire the editor from the worst rated most biased mountain bike magazine out there. Good job PB! At least Ride Monkey was smart when they teamed with Bike magazine.
  • + 1
flag IanHylands Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 9:00)
 Umm, I think you're referring to MBA, not RC here. A lot of people seem to be confusing that for some reason...
  • + 10
flag dwdw (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:08)
 People are commenting on someone who had a major influence on MBA, and now, as a colleague of yours, will undoubtedly have an influence on Pinkbike. I'm not the slightest bit confused.
  • + 9
flag grandmastere (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:59)
 Exactly as dwdw said. I understand that PB would like to 'crack down' on the immature trash talk, but it has to be obvious in this case that some intelligent people over the age of 15 are weighing in and it's not all positive. Rather than run around correcting peoples opinions, perhaps the PB crew could take some of it as constructive feedback? Suggesting that there is a misperception about RC is wrong-after all perception IS perception (there is no misperception). Attempting to re-write history does not work in this case, some here lived through the RC 'black diamond' days, and have the back issues as reminders.


I'd guess this is an attempt to accumulate some industry contacts (and advertising dollars) which is of course understandable, however, I can't help but feel like this is a bit of a sell-out move. I hope I am wrong, but I never got the impression that RC was particularly in tune with what's going on in the forests of BC, but rather resisted the movement entirely and pushed the agenda that if it didn't happen in California it didn't happen (or that if it wasn't invented in Marin county, it wasn't real or or worth the ink). Pinkbike has always been more about showing poeple where the sport has organically grown to, and RC/MBA always tried to steer the sport by telling people what is right or wrong (or even what to call it-and RC was involved with this). This doesn't seem like a great fit to me, but I guess time will tell.
  • + 5
flag Dirt-Gash (Apr 8, 2011 at 21:10)
 I can only comment on what RC did with MBA and interviews of the past I have read. Many interviews where RC was 100% against Freeriders/DH'ers, er excuse me...black diamond riders. Multiple times stating they would be the ones to end mountain biking, and they should only ride at bike parks. So now this guy will be helping PB...good luck! Don't be surprised to start seeing less gravity oriented articles, and more on XC.
  • + 4
flag Dirt-Gash (Apr 8, 2011 at 21:47)
 And for those that don't believe me, or think I am a troll. Pick up the recent copy of MBA. RC and MBA would like bike companies to rivet head badges on DH bikes stating " for closed course racing or designated downhill trail use only"

Good job and good luck to PB and RC.
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag subslick (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:28)
 My first MTBike was designed by RC, a Nishiki Alien
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag GarytheDestroyer (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:25)
 No doubt he has serious credentials and I respect him in his realm but as many times as I have read him dis and cry about careless riders for "Skidding their tire" I just don't know how well he will fit into the Pinkbike picture.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag mtbfunfunfun (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:23)
 MBA has frequently carried _terrible technical riding advice_ for the years that I've seen it. The equipment reviews and discussions, while often insipid, are usually not just wrong like their riding advice frequently is--but they are not very good. MBA feels like they are campaigning for 29-inch-wheels in a way that (maybe it's just me...) is irritating. I find this news disheartening because of these associations.

MBA seems like a lame, corporate Dirtrag. Both publications from which PB is a _welcome escape_.

Sorry RC, this does not seem like a good fit to me.
  • + 2
flag erlkonig (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:55)
 In his defense, we don't KNOW that stuff came from Richard. It could have come down from the publishers. I remember reading a 1986 article in MBA (way before RC) that droned on for two pages about why having cantilever brakes on your seatstays was so horrible, and you should have under-the-chainstay U-brakes, and then reading the exact opposite article in the same mag one year later about why U-brakes were so stupid and everyone should get a new bike again. Dirt Rag was a great alternative until they turned into the 650 fixie North American hand-made beard show!
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag lalodh (Apr 8, 2011 at 7:53)
 I hope he remebers that this is not a publication for xc people and that the great majority of participants in PB are young wild riders. I recognize his expertise and respect it but as an old man that I am too, he hast to evolve and forget the past.

Long live the DH

Cheers
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag dylandoe (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:39)
 Something that I've suspected over the years, and now it's confirmed...Mountian biking promotes fuller, thicker hair!

Welcome Richard, and your intelligent views and opinions. Viva La Old Guys!!
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag craigstr (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:46)
 MB Action really went downhill the last couple of years, all its reviews were sponsorship based, you had to read bewteen the liones to get the real info on a bike. Lets hope that stays with MBA and doesnt come to PinkBike!
  • + 2
flag dazem (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:03)
 lol substitute MBA for PB.....same deal,
  • + 2
flag isaacds Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:26)
 I too don't buy mba anymore, back in the hayday of it's legitimacy RC was the real deal. MBA is all adverts, and pictures. the reviews aren't as on the mark as they used to be. mountain flyer is a real read with great articles, craigstr, you should check that out, it's a rocky mountain local mag. It's the only mtb publication I buy...
  • + 8
flag mxnate (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:17)
 Just wait next week PB will have a 29er dirt jump shoot out and an article titled "which bike to buy?" where they compare entry level 20" Bmx bikes to $10,000 Downhill bikes and help you make the tough decision.
  • + 2
flag dwdw (Apr 7, 2011 at 9:27)
 I use to lust after the Mantis bikes. Props to RC for being a bike pioneer. But I fear this is only going to serve to drag Pinkbike further into a source of commercial advertising.
  • + 2
flag dirtbagluvin (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:39)
 Yeah....but.....I identify with BIKE a LOT more than MBA, but the first twenty F'N five pages of the last issue were ads and the like. WTF?!!!!
  • + 3
flag isaacds Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:39)
 that's great man, to each their own. but it's not a trash mba article, it's a welcome RC to pb article. well done.
  • + 1
flag mxnate (Apr 8, 2011 at 6:40)
 RC has been Mba for as long as anyone can remember, do you really think the Man is different from the magazine he's been creating. You cant take the magazine out of the man because you take the man out of magazine. Just go to vitalmtb.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag neimbc (Apr 7, 2011 at 4:46)
 I bought MBA for years, but they never evloved much out of their racer boy xc lycra ways. I hope he doesn't just try to sell everything that advertises on PB like MBA does.
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag sexley (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:19)
 With all these recent staffing acquisitions I really hope Pink Bike does not introduce a user fee in the near future to offset the payroll!
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag Stampers (Apr 7, 2011 at 4:25)
 A great strategic move by RC. Print magazines are getting more and more antiquated going the same route as newspapers. I can read through a mag in one throne room sitting and then I'm left the rest of the month waiting for the next installment. Pinkbike I visit everyday and there's always something new...not to mention the video aspect.

Funny how Sterling is now on Pinkbike too. Seems like people are jumping the print ship before it sinks along with their jobs...

Very smart RC....very smart.
  • - 1
flag oodboo (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:26)
 You say that just before pinkbike goes to print. I think they're just building their staff base ready for the print edition.
  • + 4
flag Stampers (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:08)
 I guess you're a little slow on the April Fools ....lol
  • + 1
flag oodboo (Apr 8, 2011 at 1:56)
 It seems I am... Redface
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag AirborneBicycles (Apr 9, 2011 at 13:42)
 Thanks for the feedback, guys.Perhaps I can clarify some things..

1. Airborne likes RC. Have for years.
2. Airborne likes PB. Ditto.
3. We make entry-level "serious" (by which we mean they'll actually do XC or Trail or DH or whatever) bikes from $400-$1500.
4. We advertise in PB (which we did before we knew about the RC connection) because we think some PB riders might be interested in our products, either for themselves as an addition to their quiver, or for a friend getting into the sport.

Hope this helps.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag bikes4kids (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:52)
 You could have RC do a piece on the evolution of riding in Moab. I rode it for the first time twenty years ago after the first worlds in Durango in 1990. At the time all those miles/kilos of jeep trails seemed like heaven in red dirt, but only enough to have us return one more in 1995. Somehow it wasn’t as much fun as all the single track we had found in other parts of the world, we had no desire to return. However two weeks ago we returned as part of our thirteen year old sons right of passage into becoming a “Mountain Biker.” To hell with a tattoo, brand, or circumcision there are just certain places you have to go, and trails you have to ride, before you can call yourself a MAN or a WOman. Moab is one of those places, but wow what a change. There has to be a least five tour companies doing shuttles, there’s a paved bike bath to get you safely to rides outside of town. But mostly there is great single track that never existed before, and they are putting in even more. The Rim trail now starts, and finishes with bike only single track, and Dead Horse Park has a great flowing 9 mile loop of single track. Gemini bridges has miles of single track to get you off the dusty roads. It’s worth the trip again, and I’m sure RC could light a fire under riders to make the trip.
By the way my 13 year old kicked my ass on Rim, Slickrock, and everywhere else we road. Experience may be good for something, but it doesn’t replace having the balls to take a chance and risk crashing just because you love to ride, not walk.
Richard has the balls, and is obviously taking a chance and risking crashing, just to share his love of MTB with all of us. Welcome RC.
  • + 1
flag gnarbar (Apr 7, 2011 at 16:31)
 I rode Moab back in 1973 when I was six, on a unicycle, one legged, on a day when I was poorly with a tummy upset.........get over yourself eh
  • + 3
flag bikes4kids (Apr 7, 2011 at 20:59)
 Wow you were really ahead of your time. You really should have had a seat on your unicycle as it seems that you still have the mast stuck up your .................................
  • + 1
flag gnarbar (Apr 7, 2011 at 21:06)
 ha..... total humour bypass, sorry man the internet failed me but tbh I've never ridden Moab and probably won't ever get the chance to, and yet I'm pretty hardcore, yeah, but each to their own. chill man, there's amazing riding of all sorts everywhere.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dobermanntrials (Apr 10, 2011 at 11:43)
 Looks like Richard has his work cut out for him if he hopes to dispel the pre-concieved notions of the anti-MBA crowd.

Print magazines are notoriously biased and revenue-driven. How can one be expected to produce objective journalism in that kind of environment?

How about giving this guy a chance to speak for himself; perhaps for the first time?
[Reply]
  • + 6
flag bballboy388 (Apr 7, 2011 at 21:55)
 http://www.ridemonkey.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-69424.html
  • + 1
flag Kitejumping (Apr 8, 2011 at 18:21)
 YEAH, putting an 888 on a p3 is great for throwing tail whips! Maybe things were different in 2003?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag dhreno (Apr 8, 2011 at 16:46)
 Hey PB wants to make MONEY - that's why they hired RC! You're talking about the guy that put Santa Cruz bikes on the map and pumped up a lot of other brands too.

He's gotta ranch outside of LA and a plane - he's doing something right!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag b1rdie (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:16)
 Welcome RC, I found some of your writing in MBA to be the most inspiring to go riding, like that of choosing a ride with your dog rather then test dirve a new bike, and that of a girl you met on a climb, and so many others, like it much better than the ask RC. Write on man!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag Froto (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:53)
 I don't know man, IMO the jury is still out on this one! We will have to wait and see the direction PB goes with the addition of RC. I think a better question would be, if RC attracts Airborne Bicycles (whom appears to be a big RC supporter), is PB sure that they brought the right man on for the job? In my opinion PB and Airborne Bicycles don't cater to the same demographics/market. Is PB going to loose its flavor? Time will tell
  • + 1
flag dwdw (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:18)
 from user AirborneBicycles

"Further to the credibility issue, we speak from experience that Richard is THE editor every product manager in the industry respects, even if they don't always agree with him."
  • + 1
flag jerryhazard (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:07)
 What demographic market to do think they cater to? Pinkbike, RC, and Airborne? Just curious. We all ride bikes...
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag mxnate (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:34)
 Old Balls. Does that mean Pinkbike will now have the flashy and not at all pretentious flavor of Mountain bike adolescent? Yeah.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jerryhazard (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:18)
 Have to admit, the didn't seem like a match at first, but...

I do remember reading a short editorial he wrote, talking about getting on a dh bike or a freeride bike, and hitting 4 foot drops or something, sorry my memory is a bit foggy, but I was like, what's this 40 year old dude doing - riding drops and stuff at his age?

I just turned 43, and ride my "big bike" 75% more than my "little bike"...

RC was the ONLY reason I picked up MBA at all. I'd ready his editorial page, and ask RC, and put it right back down. The Mantis - green with chrome elevated chainstays - I lusted after that bike so bad (ended up with an Alpine Stars because that's all I could afford!)...

I think he'll bring a lot more to the table than the whippersnappers want to admit Wink
Welcome to PB, RC - It will be cool to see how Pinkbike grows...
  • + 1
flag zorba73 (Apr 7, 2011 at 18:04)
 I don't want it to grow. I want it to stay the same. You know what happens when companies get big. But that's just the sound of inevitability.
  • + 1
flag jerryhazard (Apr 8, 2011 at 12:28)
 Mmmm... I didn't mean "grow" as in expand in size, I meant sort of maturing, evolving... Nothing stays the same forever. But still, I get your point and somewhat agree, don't like the idea of GiantPinkBike either.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag moutnbiker (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:46)
 Nicely Done PB!! I Highly respect RC and all the advice he had given me in "Ask RC". I have learned many new things from him over the years to help me be a better rider. Again, GREAT pick up PB!!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag neimbc (Apr 8, 2011 at 18:22)
 RC was hired to appease and attract the weight watching gram counting xc guys. And as an added bonus, maybe the "April Fools" joke about the print mag was just testing the waters to gauge interest - and now you've got the print boy himself here. Connection?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag spaced (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:48)
 I'm going to hold my breath on him but most tech savy? Why not get a modern bike engineer like dirtmag did? I didn't find the mba articles that inventive and some of the ask RC answers left me baffled. I really hope he can bring more to pinkbike than "buy a SC Heckler"
  • + 5
flag snide (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:48)
 Yea I agree. I was reading RC in early 90's, and it feels like he's stuck in that era. Doesn't seem like a great Pinkbike fit to me. I will give the benefit of the doubt and hope he proves me wrong.
  • + 2
flag spaced (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:07)
 It depends what they want from him but Tire pressure and such can be given by any Pro/Cat1 racer. He'd probably want less money too Wink
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bikes4kids (Apr 7, 2011 at 13:51)
 MBA was "the" magazine that defined the early days of our sport, and Richard brought amazing knowledge and a clear love of riding, when he replaced Zap. Just as our bikes and sport have evolved over the years so has the way we communicate, dead is month old reporting in the paper press. What isn't dead is the veterans of Mountain Biking’s love for all things two wheeled, and their passion to share the thrills with others. No matter what we call the emotions that come from riding a bike or what titles we use from "free riding" to "black diamond" what we can all agree on is that it feels so damn good. Richard's articles over the years have always been that it feels so fine to ride, and to encourage us all to get out there and ride.
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  • + 1
flag drake88 (Apr 7, 2011 at 15:03)
 WOW! this is huge new for me! Have really missed the "Ask RC" column in MBA the last few years. I totally look forward to reading what you write for Pinkbike. And don't be afraid to ruffle a few "freeride" feathers, there are lots of riders reading this website who ride all kinds of mountain bikes... some of us even ENJOY to pedal our bikes. haha Welcome aboard RC!
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  • + 1
flag jimzworld1 (Apr 8, 2011 at 10:44)
 Are they gonna try to change the terms "freeriding" and "downhill" to a general term "black diamond" here on PB now? Found his old mag a bit of a rag due in large part to an arrogance about biking in general. Hope he's gotten over his feeling of self-importance...PB is too good for that kind of attitude!
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  • + 1
flag obee1 Plus (Apr 10, 2011 at 16:28)
 woah WOAH! i might be old, and so is morbetta, but don't you associate me to lycra or XC riding ever again. i live and ride in the rocky mountains on all the trails in alberta and BC that you english types only dream of, or watch in freeride dvd's. and i am the "original userbase" this website started off, which coincidently, was right here. and i have probably been making fun of people in lycra for longer then you have been out of diapers.
PB grommatron disclaimer- everything i have said here is true, but don't take it too seriously and get all pissy. but, i have been riding and building trails for a long long time, and have been making fun of plum smugglers the whole time.
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  • + 1
flag jaybird951 (Apr 8, 2011 at 17:01)
 as far as I am concerned, riding a bike should not be as complicated as a hammerschmidt...the hammerschmidt is garbage..

So PB was hired to explain to the riding community why us youngbloods should badge their bicycles so other trail riders dont get confused as to what type of rider they are encountering on their local trails (as if a spandex wearer would not be able to distinguish themselves from freeriders by the difference in the outfit worn on any given day) and to enlighten us on the hidden and mysterious instructions of installing a Hammercrapper (excuse me, I meant Hammerschmidt, but whatever they sound similar and are worth the same to me)....

"come on fellows ask any of the "young bloods" if they know how a Truvativ Hammerschmidt works or if they can even afford one, then you´ll understand why PB hired RC" - if it wasnt for money bags old tarts like yall, these kids may be able to afford these new toys in todays world....thanks...
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  • + 1
flag Mellowkat (Apr 8, 2011 at 7:32)
 Congrats PB
My favorite part of MBA has always been the editorials, especially RCs. Unfortunately MBA has never been really run by its editors. Ever notice how all the Hi-Torque mags look the same?
Welcome to the internet RC. Looking forward to your input here.
JM
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  • + 1
flag OldskoolMTB (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:42)
 I remember reading Richards articles way back when in Bicycling magazine, then when he transitioned over to MBA. There was always good content to his articles, and I look forward to his contributions here on PB.

As for certain terms and monikers... it's just like every article you might read in a magazine, newspaper or leaflet... you simply need to ignore the sections that don't apply to you, and absorb all the info that does... sift through the chaff to get to the juicy parts, so to speak.
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  • + 1
flag dowst (Apr 8, 2011 at 14:33)
 Anyone willing to associate themselves with as large of an ass-rag as MBA (and for as long as this dope "R.C." has), is an enormous twatwaffle and should be relegated to twatwaffle-esqe magazines and media outlets (like MBA).

Seriously, PB, harden the f*ck up.
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  • + 1
flag hotrodlincoln (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:26)
 I've been reading MBAction since 1990. I've enjoyed RC's writings. It was those writings that kept me coming back to that magazine. Life handed me two kids, two cars, a house and a busy job so there was no time for biking. I was disappointed to find RC no longer involved with the magazine my wife just picked up on Friday. I googled to see what had happened to good ol' RC. I find it curious that I did that today. So now I just find out that RC has joined Pinkbike. I think that is pretty good news.

I wish you the best of luck RC. Pinkbike is a fantastic MTB resource and I feel your contributions will be valued many.
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  • + 1
flag toddonbike (Apr 9, 2011 at 17:29)
 Looks like PB is going though some changes... hope this doesn't mean it's going to morph into some corporate ass kissing I'll write good things about your bike if you advertise with me and I can't find the good stuff because it's buried under all this commercial bullshit glossy magazine that is only good for looking at while I take a dump.
  • + 1
flag Matt-W (Apr 10, 2011 at 2:17)
 i dunno, so many of the main page articles are just press releases from companies. pretty boring tbh.
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  • + 1
flag dxfox (Apr 8, 2011 at 2:16)
 i've been a regular buyer of mtb action for many years,
I always considered R,C, as a very knowledge mtb guy.
i stopped buying mtb action cause they've gone full xc.
Honestly wish the best to R.C. with pinkbike.
Sure a good move for both.
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  • + 0
flag panzer103 (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:33)
 Mountain Bike Action gets slammed regularly and I dont understand why. They have some of the best bike tests, stories and general layout yet still they catch flak. I think that (hope anyway) RC will add some, I dont know, flair or actual mountain biking to PinkBIke. It going to be great
  • + 1
flag poozank (Apr 7, 2011 at 20:38)
 sorry propped that up on accident MBA is sponsorship reviews and crappy photography and design
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  • + 1
flag newfdh (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:54)
 Cool, RC has been a literary icon in MTB since the early 90's. I remember him writing the first big breakthrough article about riding the shore with Dangerous Dan and Wade Simmons. PB has been stepin it up! Props!
  • + 3
flag RichardCunningham Mod (Apr 8, 2011 at 2:00)
 HAHA! I got so schooled that day. I showed up with an AMP B5 with a 125mm stem, flat bars and bar ends. We rode the North Shore from dawn to dusk. I remember falling and getting up--ride and repeat.
  • + 1
flag neimbc (Apr 8, 2011 at 8:19)
 Nice to see you actually comment on some of the comments! It'll keep you ligit and relevent.
  • + 1
flag newfdh (Apr 8, 2011 at 19:55)
 Hahahaha Yeah RC I remember well you describing the carnage.
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  • + 3
flag dazem (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:00)
 Assimilate or Die, Resistance is Futile! PB is the black hole that will eventually swallow the entire free cycling world...
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  • + 1
flag bullcrew (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:42)
 Kind of an Odd choice, but seems PB wants to go more mainstream and or tap into the contacts or strengthen the core of the site with his addition...
either way congrats to both PB and RC...
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  • + 1
flag Honus (Apr 8, 2011 at 16:29)
 Welcome Richard! I'll be curious to see what you have to inject into the site- I'm sure it will be awesome. Sweet pic of the Pro Floater- I remember lusting after that bike back when I was at Onza in the early 90's.
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  • + 1
flag mitcht (Apr 7, 2011 at 16:57)
 I enjoyed reading the "Ask RC" section in MBA... It was one of the reasons I held an MBA subscription for many years. Hopefully he can influence the next generation of riders, and gain some traction with some of these users.
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  • + 1
flag AirborneBicycles (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:13)
 Further to the credibility issue, we speak from experience that Richard is THE editor every product manager in the industry respects, even if they don't always agree with him.
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  • + 1
flag SeanC1 (Apr 8, 2011 at 10:59)
 Welcome to RC.

When are the forums going to be changed from DH, All-Mountain, and XC, to Black Diamond, Blue Square, and Green Circle?
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  • + 3
flag deadatbirth (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:38)
 Mountain Bike Fiction to Pinkbike Fiction?
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  • + 3
flag Daveneef (Apr 7, 2011 at 2:35)
 Nice an old Dutch airplane.
  • + 1
flag Worm-Burner (Apr 7, 2011 at 3:23)
 surely you meant 'Deutsch'...?
  • + 1
flag domster (Apr 7, 2011 at 4:31)
 No, he means [designed by] Dutch. Wiki Wink
  • + 1
flag Daveneef (Apr 8, 2011 at 7:20)
 Yes sorry my bad, its indeed a airplane the Dutch have made.
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  • + 2
flag Lorien (Apr 7, 2011 at 21:33)
 well things just keep getting interestinger and interestinger in the world of MTB...
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  • + 1
flag chefbiker (Apr 8, 2011 at 6:01)
 Oh well old guys like downhill and shore too....better him than that bozo zap, never could get into the south la bs he loaded on everyone...so glad to see him go
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  • + 1
flag Nobble (Apr 7, 2011 at 23:09)
 a great addition to pinkbike



MBA must be getting desperate now, I've received like two extra copies "in case you forgot to resubscribe" lol
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  • + 1
flag prana425 (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:43)
 How RAD is this? The guru himself, with all his knowledge, and years in the biz...coming to PB! I'm truly excited. Hoping to see a weekly story/segment kinda like "Ask RC".
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  • - 1
flag NomadNinja (Apr 7, 2011 at 17:24)
 YES. RC the man! I was bummed when he left MBA without a word, started a thread on another forum and found out I'm not the only one wondering. My MBA subscription ran out and I've been draggin' my feet on renewing. Now, I'll be on Pinkbike more often. Good to see you back in action RC!!!!
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  • + 1
flag SailorRipley (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:11)
 Hey Mr. Cunningham,
Welcome home... I know this will be a magical fit for both you and Pinkbike... By the way Mrs. Ripley the Derby Queen says, Hi!"
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  • + 1
flag recklessness (Apr 8, 2011 at 17:06)
 Holy crap, I may actually learn something useful on Pinkbike now. (I hope).
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  • + 2
flag mikeserafin (Apr 7, 2011 at 7:42)
 PB just keeps making smart moves here...
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  • + 1
flag MattHoffman (Apr 9, 2011 at 10:47)
 Welcome to the crew RC,
'been listening to your words of wisdom since '01
Keep it up bro!
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  • + 1
flag deadbeat-son (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:46)
 Sweet addition to the staff, now if you can just pry Rob Story away from Outside, your takeover will be complete.
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  • + 2
flag Fontoker666 (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:46)
 Im sure this is another April fools joke by PB...Or is it!
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  • + 1
flag pedalhound (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:27)
 Wow this is big news, I used to lust after Mantis bikes back in the day....good job PB.
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  • + 2
flag shishka (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:58)
 Yo rich can I borrow $20?
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  • + 1
flag neto (Apr 7, 2011 at 22:49)
 Great addition to the field. Miss reading ask RC..now I dont have to.
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  • + 1
flag therealintensecycles (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:50)
 Congrats RC and Congrats PinkBike.
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  • + 1
flag galliwasp (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:47)
 Congratulations, Richard.
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  • + 1
flag arquitetodh (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:16)
 I'm a MBAction reader and welcome RC to PB!!
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  • + 1
flag downhillnews (Apr 7, 2011 at 4:27)
 Tell him I want one of his late 80's HT's to commute on.
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  • + 1
flag Bikedude666 (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:48)
 Sweet! Can't wait to see more RC content!!
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  • + 1
flag KonaTrevor (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:02)
 Oh great, Mt. Bike fiction here we come.
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  • + 1
flag elbry (Apr 7, 2011 at 14:06)
 he was the best thing about MBA, cool to have him on pb
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  • + 1
flag k2dan (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:44)
 very happy hes here, he knows is stuff ,welcome too pb
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  • + 1
flag ruggeddave (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:23)
 looks like the sort of man who would fly a plane.
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  • + 1
flag laxxman (Apr 7, 2011 at 18:38)
 tippie has a big head! haha, welcome to PB!
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  • + 1
flag jordo1993 (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:33)
 welcome pal Smile
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  • - 1
flag matteoganora (Apr 7, 2011 at 3:48)
 Wow! amazing news, RC is probably the best bike journalist of all times!
Welcome!
  • + 8
flag spaced (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:43)
 Seriously? Read something other than MBA Wink
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  • + 1
flag audioshnoll (Apr 7, 2011 at 6:48)
 Make yourself at home!
  • + 3
flag AirborneBicycles (Apr 7, 2011 at 8:10)
 Richard rocks...some of us have been working with him since the early '80's(!) and he is hands-down the most respected, tech-savvy guy in the journo side of business. Amazing coup landing him at Pinkbike. Congratulations to you both!
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  • + 1
flag Shibuyakid (Apr 7, 2011 at 3:36)
 EPIC!
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  • + 1
flag om1wan (Apr 7, 2011 at 3:35)
 Welcome to PB
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  • + 1
flag warganicc Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 3:26)
 nice
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  • + 1
flag oneghost (Apr 7, 2011 at 10:17)
 My man!
  • + 1
flag t3rry Mod Plus (Apr 7, 2011 at 12:55)
 thumbs up
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  • + 1
flag arider (Apr 7, 2011 at 20:48)
 Very cool.
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  • + 1
flag singletrailrider (Apr 7, 2011 at 22:35)
 Welcome home, Richard.
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  • + 1
flag nato (Apr 7, 2011 at 19:17)
 Welcome RC!!
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  • + 1
flag steezysam (Apr 7, 2011 at 18:56)
 staffin up...
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  • + 1
flag DaPeach (Apr 7, 2011 at 11:31)
 Sit on it.
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