I rode a ton when I was in my teens and twenties then stopped for eight years. I got back into it because I remembered how much fun it was. I'll never land a quad whip and that's fine. I think there are a lot of folks out there like me. BMX has to be attainable.
The older guy thing needs to be marketed a bit more in my opinion, seems like the later 30s and 40s buy a ton of stuff, I seem to never get the opportunity to do just that, show them that you still can be 43 and a dad with a job and love to shred!!
The bmx industry seemed to focus so heavily on street since thecomeup. There has been a massive amount of progression as a result. But.... Being outside in the dirt, making spots, riding skateparks, going fast - a lot of the stuff that attracted us to bmx as kids has been removed for some reason. Mountainbiking has now taken the entirety of that share of riding. Its strange, because it's clear in every pros "all street" videos that they learned it all in parks. Often the best street riders have a background in racing / transition riding. There is a reason for that. If I was ten years old now, and I saw somebody doing a technical move on a rail, I wouldn't get it. But when I see mountainbikers at darkest going massive, I would absolutely be more attracted.
Living in utah past couple years ive noticed its pretty dead for community. Social media puts this pressure to look cool and we forget to just enjoy the ride! Well said sir. Interested to see this over the next year or so
Such a good topic to talk about. Feel like theres so many things BMX can take from the skateboard industry. Only tough thing is barrier to entry is super high vs skateboarding cuz of price. Think revamping the business model would be dope but super difficult.
Well said. Problem is most companies are so insanely cheap and simply don't want to invest in themselves. They're all stuck in a box and do the same thing, then wonder why shit ain't selling..
Here at World Deece we like to teach kids how low the barrier of entry into BMX is… that all you need to do is go to plaza and have a garbage fire. That’s it. Marketing solved.
Yeah proper business is targeted and structured and you gotta understand sales and what markets you have a chance in converting into sales. Like all these ipad kids could be converted into riders if companies properly paint the picture and lifestyle and value of beginning that journey. You have to sell the idea
I think BMX needs to be fun again. Riders and companies seem to forget that. At the end of the day it’s a bunch of men and women messing about on kids bikes. BMX needs to attract people who want to just have fun. Think of when Hoffman was in his prime and in Jackass movies. Miranda and his games. If you look at MTB, it’s also turned elitist with the cost of entry through the roof. Legends like Sam Pilgrim attract views from thousands of non bikers by focusing on the fun of cycling. He is enthusiastic about bikes if they are high end or from Walmart. So people need to stop looking down their noses at budget bikes and new riders and encourage them to just get out and have fun. I wonder how many new riders have been put off by riders telling them how crap their new Walmart or SportsDirect BMX is? Even worse, you have a bike like that and a pro does a TH-cam video trashing your Walmart bike for entertainment. A good alternative to this are channels like wolftick videos that make positive and fun budget videos. I’m in m 50’s now and still ride, the difference these days is that when I was a kid we just used to ride for the fun of it.
That's real talk about the elitism in BMX. My first BMX bike was a flea market 20-inch that I was beyond happy to get, and I jumped the hell out of it at our local greenbelt jumps. My dad eventually upgraded me to "name" brand bikes when he saw I loved riding, but I might not have made it that far if I was bombarded with media trashing my low end entry bike and talking sh*t on it. We really don't need that kind of attitude in BMX, especially now, but unfortunately, those types of people will always be around doing their counterproductive crap.
I think Nathan Williams brand “Help” does a great job at appealing to non-bmx and bmx riders at the same time. I get asked a lot where I got my Burn Slow hoody from by random people who don’t even bmx or skate. I think having bridges between the gap/demographic is crucial to getting more people riding.
We need Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 1&2 remastered. Add some new riders and brands. Make the bikes customizable so people can build their in game bike and ride it in real life.
Bmx is already the cheapest and most accessible cycling genre. Marketing products different isn't gonna make big changes. Bmx technology doesn't really have anywhere to go from here either. Bikes now are crazy light and durable. A $500 complete is better than a $1000 built bike from 20 years ago. Building places to ride and community organizing is what paved the way for all the major brands in the first place.
There are carbon fiber road frames half the price of S&M frame. And they only gonna be cheaper compared to the steel. BMX technology is way behind. And i cant agree that todays bikes ale more durable compared to midschool monsters from 20 years ago. STA 500 lasted 2 years while 2003 DK Dayton still holds and i do ride it. Imagine 2,5 kg carbon fiber frame wraped in fome and PVC armor. That could last forever!
@pinkmadcow you're not wrong. I do think that's a little apples-to-oranges. A high quality, entry level road race bike still starts at $800 and only goes up. But yes manufacturing in general. The next leap in manufacturing isn't going to be what anyone is asking for. High quality bikes aren't going to get cheaper. But mediocre ones will. Huge brands and direct to consumer sites are going to price out more and more brands with average stuff for cheaper than anybody can compete with. Look back to the 90s mtb craze. Tons of small boutique companies evaporated when shimano made a cheaper option.
You couldn't be more wrong, modern completes are 100% LESSER than older customs or even older completes! Fit doesn't even offer a full cromo complete anymore! Older hardware is in fact better than alot of modern stuff! My 05 Pantera is better quality than the highest end complete of today!
We’re in an era of “making the least effort and getting maximum results” mentality. BMX is exactly the opposite of all that. You need to work your ass off to be able to even do most basic tricks. Plus the entry cost is way more expensive than buying a scooter, or skateboard. I’m 39 and ai just recently picked up a bike after like a 20 year hiatus. I wanted to buy a really good bike so I went full custom. $1800 . That’s a lot of money, at least for me… a really good skateboard would cost you what? $250 bucks max?
BMX is simply too hard for kids today. They quit scooters and skateboard the first time they get a bit hurt. Seen loads try BMX and give up almost instantly when they realise it's difficult and you will get hurt. I'll not rant and yell at clouds but have seen over and over again the last 10 years. Might just be here in Sweden though.
I personally have never had any issues with people not accepting me or seen any real "gate keeping" in BMX, I mean sure there are a few brand snobs. I have seen alot of people just giving up on riding because people just lose interest because they have no real motivation to just ride!
I watch this whole video a 1:50 hour. It's funny cuz Chris Cannon contradict himself how pros are only thinking about themselves and fellow bmxers and they need to market more to the people that are thinking about getting into it. But then says if he see one more video of San Marcos bike park then he's going to blow up or what ever. Well thanks to the city's actually building these parks nowadays it is getting more people involved. And that's why these mountain bike companies are selling the hell out of DJ and mountain bikes their providers are actually going to these places like San Marcos pump tracks and riding and talking to these potential riders. Unlike BMXers. So if these BMX companies were smart going to these places and riding and maybe talk to people and promote BMX bikes and parts just a thought lol
One of the biggest "marketing" issues is that in these videos we watch we hardly ever know any of the parts or brands they are riding. We don't get any idea what the parts are so we have no motivation to buy those parts! Another problem with marketing is building hype for a shit product and leads to disappointment and people giving up on BMX because of it!
BMX is not a sport. Its an art. Riding skill is a tool for self expression. You cant make good art with skill alone and you dont need much of it. The most skilled bass players of all time are known only to a fraction of music historians whille everyone knows Sid Vicious. Imagine music being a sport. Imagine everyone trying to play the most dificult chords the fastest all in exotic timing. And to show whos the best they all have to do the same thing. Whats better nothing- cancan or superman-fingerflip? Hard to tell. What about double tailwhip and triple tailwhip? The more styles are represented the more people can feel included. Also if you want to just show off your skills you cant make a good video. Drinking burning liquor in slow motion is not that hard but way cooler than bouble flair. Why todays BMX videos look like souless caorporate promotion materials? You show this to kids and are suprised that they are not stoked? Show them "Ride on", "Albert street", "Criminal mischief" or "LSD riders". Recently i took some skatepark kids for looting. We needed wood to build a bank. They loved it. Kids love crime and shenanigans. BMX videos have to show the freedom and fun.
If Fit is trash so is almost everything else made in Taiwan because it’s made in the exact same place by the exact same people using the exact same materials and the exact same technology. How has the quality of S&M dropped? Have anything to specifically point out or are you just a hater?
@@Brant_Moore Kink makes full cromo completes with sealed double walls for the same price Fit sells hi-10 trash! You know it, I know it! Mongoose makes better products than any complete Fit!
@@Brant_Moore When Dennis Enarson calls me a Hater, I'll be worried, but who are you again? How many x-games have you won or even competed in? I mean, you have NO street cred, you aren't an OG rider. I was shredding the streets and trails while you were still a cream-pie in your mama! So trust me CHILD, I know BMX and bikes! So you can take that hostility and "hater" shit somewhere else! Just learn to take honest real criticism better so you don't look like a shill clown!
@@Brant_Moore I'll also know if you delete my comments and I'll make sure to point it out! You still riding that stock fit complete huh boy? I wanna see some more videos of you doing what you do on that bike! Put your fucking money where your mouth is. I wanna SEE YOU RIDE A STOCK FIT COMPLETE for real real! Come on, if the bike is so great it can handle it right? Those single walls and 8 spline crank will be fine right?
I rode a ton when I was in my teens and twenties then stopped for eight years. I got back into it because I remembered how much fun it was. I'll never land a quad whip and that's fine. I think there are a lot of folks out there like me. BMX has to be attainable.
I got a buddy who just started in his 50s. BMX is for all ages and all levels.
This feels like an important conversation, thanks for doing it.
Oh I love the idea of making the tiny ramp obstacles for people to try out. That sounds fun for anyone, including me!
The older guy thing needs to be marketed a bit more in my opinion, seems like the later 30s and 40s buy a ton of stuff, I seem to never get the opportunity to do just that, show them that you still can be 43 and a dad with a job and love to shred!!
The bmx industry seemed to focus so heavily on street since thecomeup. There has been a massive amount of progression as a result. But.... Being outside in the dirt, making spots, riding skateparks, going fast - a lot of the stuff that attracted us to bmx as kids has been removed for some reason. Mountainbiking has now taken the entirety of that share of riding. Its strange, because it's clear in every pros "all street" videos that they learned it all in parks. Often the best street riders have a background in racing / transition riding. There is a reason for that.
If I was ten years old now, and I saw somebody doing a technical move on a rail, I wouldn't get it. But when I see mountainbikers at darkest going massive, I would absolutely be more attracted.
Living in utah past couple years ive noticed its pretty dead for community. Social media puts this pressure to look cool and we forget to just enjoy the ride! Well said sir. Interested to see this over the next year or so
Such a good topic to talk about. Feel like theres so many things BMX can take from the skateboard industry. Only tough thing is barrier to entry is super high vs skateboarding cuz of price. Think revamping the business model would be dope but super difficult.
Well said. Problem is most companies are so insanely cheap and simply don't want to invest in themselves. They're all stuck in a box and do the same thing, then wonder why shit ain't selling..
stoked on what you are doing and the topics you're discussing on your page Brant! We'd be hyped to come talk sometime if you're up to it!
Thank you!
Let’s do the damn thing already! Haha
I feel like the best marketing we have right now is the guys going to do shows at shcools and Nitro Circus.
Without a doubt!!!
Here at World Deece we like to teach kids how low the barrier of entry into BMX is… that all you need to do is go to plaza and have a garbage fire. That’s it. Marketing solved.
How you gonna get that message in front of those kids?
Yeah proper business is targeted and structured and you gotta understand sales and what markets you have a chance in converting into sales. Like all these ipad kids could be converted into riders if companies properly paint the picture and lifestyle and value of beginning that journey. You have to sell the idea
I think BMX needs to be fun again. Riders and companies seem to forget that. At the end of the day it’s a bunch of men and women messing about on kids bikes. BMX needs to attract people who want to just have fun. Think of when Hoffman was in his prime and in Jackass movies. Miranda and his games. If you look at MTB, it’s also turned elitist with the cost of entry through the roof. Legends like Sam Pilgrim attract views from thousands of non bikers by focusing on the fun of cycling. He is enthusiastic about bikes if they are high end or from Walmart. So people need to stop looking down their noses at budget bikes and new riders and encourage them to just get out and have fun. I wonder how many new riders have been put off by riders telling them how crap their new Walmart or SportsDirect BMX is? Even worse, you have a bike like that and a pro does a TH-cam video trashing your Walmart bike for entertainment. A good alternative to this are channels like wolftick videos that make positive and fun budget videos. I’m in m 50’s now and still ride, the difference these days is that when I was a kid we just used to ride for the fun of it.
Or at least do the serious stuff and also show how fun it is too. It doesn’t all have to be super serious gnarly all the time
That's real talk about the elitism in BMX. My first BMX bike was a flea market 20-inch that I was beyond happy to get, and I jumped the hell out of it at our local greenbelt jumps. My dad eventually upgraded me to "name" brand bikes when he saw I loved riding, but I might not have made it that far if I was bombarded with media trashing my low end entry bike and talking sh*t on it. We really don't need that kind of attitude in BMX, especially now, but unfortunately, those types of people will always be around doing their counterproductive crap.
I think Nathan Williams brand “Help” does a great job at appealing to non-bmx and bmx riders at the same time. I get asked a lot where I got my Burn Slow hoody from by random people who don’t even bmx or skate. I think having bridges between the gap/demographic is crucial to getting more people riding.
Marketing major here 🙋♂️ someone get me a job in the industry!
We need Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 1&2 remastered. Add some new riders and brands. Make the bikes customizable so people can build their in game bike and ride it in real life.
BMX streets is kinda like that and has a ton of different playable riders, but people outside or bmx need to catch on to it
Bmx is already the cheapest and most accessible cycling genre. Marketing products different isn't gonna make big changes. Bmx technology doesn't really have anywhere to go from here either. Bikes now are crazy light and durable. A $500 complete is better than a $1000 built bike from 20 years ago. Building places to ride and community organizing is what paved the way for all the major brands in the first place.
There are carbon fiber road frames half the price of S&M frame. And they only gonna be cheaper compared to the steel. BMX technology is way behind. And i cant agree that todays bikes ale more durable compared to midschool monsters from 20 years ago. STA 500 lasted 2 years while 2003 DK Dayton still holds and i do ride it. Imagine 2,5 kg carbon fiber frame wraped in fome and PVC armor. That could last forever!
@pinkmadcow you're not wrong. I do think that's a little apples-to-oranges. A high quality, entry level road race bike still starts at $800 and only goes up. But yes manufacturing in general. The next leap in manufacturing isn't going to be what anyone is asking for. High quality bikes aren't going to get cheaper. But mediocre ones will. Huge brands and direct to consumer sites are going to price out more and more brands with average stuff for cheaper than anybody can compete with. Look back to the 90s mtb craze. Tons of small boutique companies evaporated when shimano made a cheaper option.
You couldn't be more wrong, modern completes are 100% LESSER than older customs or even older completes! Fit doesn't even offer a full cromo complete anymore! Older hardware is in fact better than alot of modern stuff! My 05 Pantera is better quality than the highest end complete of today!
We’re in an era of “making the least effort and getting maximum results” mentality. BMX is exactly the opposite of all that. You need to work your ass off to be able to even do most basic tricks. Plus the entry cost is way more expensive than buying a scooter, or skateboard. I’m 39 and ai just recently picked up a bike after like a 20 year hiatus. I wanted to buy a really good bike so I went full custom. $1800 . That’s a lot of money, at least for me… a really good skateboard would cost you what? $250 bucks max?
Dude, awesome hat hair-do....
Thanks!!!
The best marketing BMX ever had was Scene chicks. Now there's less Scene chicks so there is less marketing.
Hahaha yes
BMX is simply too hard for kids today. They quit scooters and skateboard the first time they get a bit hurt. Seen loads try BMX and give up almost instantly when they realise it's difficult and you will get hurt. I'll not rant and yell at clouds but have seen over and over again the last 10 years. Might just be here in Sweden though.
lol your spot on cuzz
I personally have never had any issues with people not accepting me or seen any real "gate keeping" in BMX, I mean sure there are a few brand snobs. I have seen alot of people just giving up on riding because people just lose interest because they have no real motivation to just ride!
I watch this whole video a 1:50 hour. It's funny cuz Chris Cannon contradict himself how pros are only thinking about themselves and fellow bmxers and they need to market more to the people that are thinking about getting into it. But then says if he see one more video of San Marcos bike park then he's going to blow up or what ever. Well thanks to the city's actually building these parks nowadays it is getting more people involved. And that's why these mountain bike companies are selling the hell out of DJ and mountain bikes their providers are actually going to these places like San Marcos pump tracks and riding and talking to these potential riders. Unlike BMXers. So if these BMX companies were smart going to these places and riding and maybe talk to people and promote BMX bikes and parts just a thought lol
One of the biggest "marketing" issues is that in these videos we watch we hardly ever know any of the parts or brands they are riding. We don't get any idea what the parts are so we have no motivation to buy those parts! Another problem with marketing is building hype for a shit product and leads to disappointment and people giving up on BMX because of it!
BMX is not a sport. Its an art. Riding skill is a tool for self expression. You cant make good art with skill alone and you dont need much of it. The most skilled bass players of all time are known only to a fraction of music historians whille everyone knows Sid Vicious. Imagine music being a sport. Imagine everyone trying to play the most dificult chords the fastest all in exotic timing. And to show whos the best they all have to do the same thing. Whats better nothing- cancan or superman-fingerflip? Hard to tell. What about double tailwhip and triple tailwhip? The more styles are represented the more people can feel included. Also if you want to just show off your skills you cant make a good video. Drinking burning liquor in slow motion is not that hard but way cooler than bouble flair. Why todays BMX videos look like souless caorporate promotion materials? You show this to kids and are suprised that they are not stoked? Show them "Ride on", "Albert street", "Criminal mischief" or "LSD riders". Recently i took some skatepark kids for looting. We needed wood to build a bank. They loved it. Kids love crime and shenanigans. BMX videos have to show the freedom and fun.
I agree, BMX has lost it's cultural significance. I don't see BMX in tv or movies or media at all anymore!
Chris is a big part of what is ruining BMX right now! Fit is trash and even the quality of S&M has dropped big time!
If Fit is trash so is almost everything else made in Taiwan because it’s made in the exact same place by the exact same people using the exact same materials and the exact same technology.
How has the quality of S&M dropped? Have anything to specifically point out or are you just a hater?
@@Brant_Moore Kink makes full cromo completes with sealed double walls for the same price Fit sells hi-10 trash! You know it, I know it! Mongoose makes better products than any complete Fit!
@@Brant_Moore When Dennis Enarson calls me a Hater, I'll be worried, but who are you again? How many x-games have you won or even competed in? I mean, you have NO street cred, you aren't an OG rider. I was shredding the streets and trails while you were still a cream-pie in your mama! So trust me CHILD, I know BMX and bikes! So you can take that hostility and "hater" shit somewhere else! Just learn to take honest real criticism better so you don't look like a shill clown!
@@Brant_Moore I'll also know if you delete my comments and I'll make sure to point it out! You still riding that stock fit complete huh boy? I wanna see some more videos of you doing what you do on that bike! Put your fucking money where your mouth is. I wanna SEE YOU RIDE A STOCK FIT COMPLETE for real real! Come on, if the bike is so great it can handle it right? Those single walls and 8 spline crank will be fine right?