Pivot Factory Racing rider Ed Masters stops for 5 minutes to tell us how he keeps things fun – and why he thinks you should too.
Tell us who you are, what you do and why we should go for a bike ride with you…
My name is Ed Masters, I’m a 30 year old going on 13 and I ride bikes. You shouldn’t need a reason to come on a ride with me but if you do I can promise non stop action, explosions, gambling, fast bikes, cars, and naked women/men.
What has been your best memory or achievement from the last year?
Favourite memory from the last year would probably be hiring a limo in Innsbruck and dressing like absolute idiots for the Crankworx opening party.
You crash your bike and can only salvage one thing from it – what would it be and why?
Probably my spare tube, C02 and tool. Mainly because I was always the guy who would never have these and now I do, I’m pretty proud of them haha.
What makes the perfect ride?
3 B’s. Good buddies, a bit of blood, and most importantly beer to finish.
Everyone wants to improve, right? What would you like to do better?
I never really feel that comfortable on super steep race tracks, so I’d like to improve on that aspect of riding.
Which component do you break and/or swap the most?
Chain guides for sure!
What’s your top tech tip for getting the most out of your bike?
Look after it, stay on top of general maintenance and your bike will love you back.
Tubeless inserts, just tubeless, or hella tough tyres?
I only ever use DH compound Maxxis tires, and most of the time I race and ride with a Cush Core insert in the rear. Tubeless all day, Peaty’s sealant takes care of that!
What is your tip to becoming a better mountain biker?
If you’re not having fun, change things up until you are. Seriously though, you didn’t start riding because it was serious so don’t let it start being serious now.
What one innovation has made mountain bikes better, and why?
Dropper posts, they basically started the enduro trend and have made everyone better and fitter because of it.
If you got stuck in a lift, which team mate would you hope was with you and why?
I’m always with Bernard and Matt so I’ll mix it up and go with Emilie [Siegenthaler]. She’s fun to hang out with, always answers our stupid questions and has a good sense of humour.
What music have you got on repeat at the moment?
Fleetwood Mac
What the worst thing about being a pro rider?!
Covid-19 right now. Other than that, I don’t like to pin point bad stuff cos its my dream job and I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.
Who do you admire most in the mountain bike world?
I really admire Ratboy and the 50:01 crew, they’ve gone about things their own way, cut their own path and are inspiring more kids to get out and ride than anyone else out there.
What are you doing to keep yourself busy while COVID-19 is keeping you home?
Today I’m going to try building some saw horses. Little projects like this have me ticking along.
