My Riding Background
I picked up mountain biking at age ten and have been riding consistently ever since. Over 15 years on trails, I have ridden hardtails, full-suspension bikes, and everything in between.
I have spent time on technical singletrack, XC trails, and everything from smooth dirt to loose rock.
Mountain biking is not a hobby I picked up recently and started writing about. It is something that has been part of my life for a long time.
In late 2017, I started writing and researching professionally, I worked as a freelance writer and researcher for clients across multiple industries.
That background gave me the discipline to research thoroughly, write clearly, and separate useful information from marketing noise, In 2024, I combined my riding experience with my writing background and launched Mountain Bike Insider.
Why You Can Trust What I Write
Mountain Bike Insider is built on three things: personal riding experience, direct hands-on testing, and an active community of real riders.
I own and ride mountain bikes and components, when I write about something from personal experience, I say so.
When I do not own a specific bike or component, I say that too. I do not pretend to have ridden everything. What I do instead is tap into my community.
I run active communities on Facebook and Threads where riders discuss bikes, components, trails, and real-world riding conditions.
When I am researching a bike or a part I do not personally own, I talk to riders in my community who do.
I ask about their actual experience, what they like, what breaks, what they would change. That community input shapes what I write and keeps my recommendations honest.
How I Research and Write
Every piece of content on Mountain Bike Insider goes through the same process. I start with what I know from riding, I compare that against manufacturer specs and published data.
I look at what real riders report in forums, communities, and reviews, then cross-check that with my own community before I write.
I do not write to fill a content calendar, I write to answer questions that riders actually have, with information that is actually useful.
If the honest answer to a question is “it depends,” I say that and explain what it depends on, If a product has a clear weakness, I include it. If a popular recommendation is overrated, I write that.
I also want to be clear about affiliate links. Some links on Mountain Bike Insider are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission if you buy through them. This does not affect my recommendations.
What Mountain Bike Insider Covers
- Mountain bike reviews and comparisons across all price ranges and categories
- Gear and component buying guides with real-world performance context
- Trail guides and destination reviews for riders planning trips
- Riding skills and technique for beginners through advanced riders
- Safety, maintenance, and pre-ride preparation
- Training and fitness content built around actual riding demands
- Honest answers to the questions riders search for every day
Get in Touch
If you have a question, a topic you want covered, or just want to talk mountain biking, you can reach me through the Contact page. I also share content and talk bikes regularly in my Facebook and Threads communities. Come join the conversation.
