new team rider

Getting to know Aimee Fuller

Interview with the Olympic slopestyle snowboarder

Olympian and polymath of action sports Aimee Fuller is the latest recruit to the TSG team, representing our helmets and protection on her boards, bike and wherever else she might be sending it.

words & photos DANNY BURROWS

SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Olympic slopestyle snowboarder and proud owner of the title “first woman to stick a double in competition” Aimee Fuller is the latest recruit to the TSG team, and is now an ambassador for our helmets and protection. She is a true polymath of action sports, who kicked off her life of rushes on skis and a MX bike and progressed into snowboarding on the sunny climbs of Bromley dry ski slope.

With two cracks at the Olympics and a host of podium trinkets under her belt she has now added being a Yoga teacher to her accolades and is wetting her toes in the world of TV presenting. So when we caught up with her in June, 2021, and she was about to foil board down the river Thames we were not at all surprised…

Watch the e-foil video on instagram

For a campaign with her sponsor TAG Heuer Aimee efolied on river Thames, here in front of the Palace of Westminster. (photo: TAG Heuer)

It sounds like your love of action sports started at a young age: Can you describe your experience before you found snowboarding? Did you come from a sporty family?

I did. So, I started skiing on the dry slope at the age of four, in Bromley. At the same time, my dad bought a quad bike for the back garden but it wasn’t fast enough to keep up with the boys at the track so he traded it in for a 50cc motorbike when I was 6. The combo of gymnastics, and reading lines and transitions of a motocross track really helped.

What was the scene like on Bromley Dry Slope? What was it that convinced you that snowboarding was your next trick?

I remember seeing a snowboarder go from the top of the dry slope to the bottom, aired over the roller, and I remember thinking it looked fun and wanted to try it. At the time, they didn’t have snowboards small enough so I first tried it when I was eight on a trip to visit my cousins in Canada.
Bromley Dry Slope had an ace vibe, it was a supportive community club and some decent skiers came out of there. When I was 12 I moved to the USA and lived there for three and a half years. We snowboarded at Whitetail with friends from school and this is where my passion for the sport really developed. I loved the freedom, the blank canvas for creativity.

There are no mountains in the UK, so Aimee started skiing at Bromley Dry Slope.

What is the story with Mt. Hood, your sixteenth birthday and the legend Erin Comstock?

I went to Mt. Hood for my 16th birthday, right before we moved back to the UK. It was literally the dream, a snowboarding camp for a whole week in the summer, and I was coached by Erin Comstock. I idolised her, and even went and bought the same clothes as her from Roxy after the camp! She recommended me to Roxy as she was impressed with my riding. Post Mt Hood, I started school back in the UK and thought my dreams of snowboarding regularly where over. But it was then that I had the magic phone call from the Roxy European Team manager, all thanks to Erin. It changed my life!

Your first wins at Pleasure Jam must have been a massive boost? Did you have an end goal in your mind at this time?

Ah, Pleasure Jam! The glory days, I loved that course, and I had a lot of confidence there. I’ll never forget my first winning run which became a staple in my Olympic qualifying. Cab underflip, back 7, back rodeo. To win back to back, 2 years on the trot, at the start of the season, always gave me a huge boost going into winter.

You have been to the Olympics twice now – can you describe the experience of competing in one of the most watched sporting events in the world?

It’s surreal. At the start it feels like any other contest, you’re still competing and riding with your mates you’ve been touring with on the circuit for years. However, it is different; it puts our sport on the world stage, and the impact it can have on the sport and on your life is huge. It’s the biggest sporting event in the world and to be a part of it and be a part of your National team, wearing the flag, is truly special.

Can you describe the process you went through to land the double?

I remember thinking, one is easy so the only way forward is two. I knew it hadn’t been done in competition, so I was on my own little mission to make my mark in the history books of snowboarding. Looking back at it now, I sometimes think, I should have spent more time going upside down twice. It was a bit wild though!

Whatever board Aimee puts under her feet, she rocks it!

What are goals for snowboarding in the next five years?

Enjoy the mountains through different mediums and I am really excited to explore different terrain on a splitboard, for that cardio rush and the reward of earning your turns. Plus riding powder is the best feeling in the world!

Like all snowboarders you’ve taken your fair share of slams – what protective gear do you recommend riders to wear on the hill?

Always a helmet. It’s a no brainer.The Vertice is my first choice, as it is lightweight, and moulds to my head perfectly. Feeling like a part of me, it gives me confidence on the mountain, whether I’m having fun in the park with my mates, or exploring backcountry terrain.

Aimee currently uses the following TSG helmets:

evolution solid color

evolution

59.95 €

vertice wmn solid color

vertice wmn

119.95 €

What does a sponsorship deal with TSG, from the perspective of protection, bring to your multi-sport lifestyle?

For me to know my head and my body is covered when I push myself to new limits across disciplines gives me the confidence I need when exploring uncharted territory! It’s an honour to work with a brand that is steeped in the history of protection. Knowing that I am working with the best, makes me perform my best and makes me feel safe. Protection allows me to focus on the fun stuff, which is creative freedom in my performance.

Do you have any advice for snowboarders who want to push their limits riding to the point of turning pro?

My biggest advice would be to enjoy it. It goes fast, focus on the now, and enjoy the ride. Don’t neglect the small details, ride switch, ride in bad conditions and have fun.

And finally, what are your plans for the coming season.

My plans are to ride some backcountry, host a yoga snowboarding retreat to share my love of riding and movement and hopefully head out to work on the Olympic Games! It’s coming round fast!

Check out Aimee’s Rider Page now

team rider video

Every Day Is A Good Day To Have A Bike Day

Timo’s therapy tip: grab your bike!

Feeling grumpy or being in a bad mood from your everyday duties? TSG’s BMX and mountain biking legend Timo Pritzel recommends to grab your bike, because every day is a good day to ride a bike!

photos & video – HANS FRIEDRICH

SEPTBEMER 10, 2021

Bad-tempered from too much paperwork, daily dramas or global negative news? No doubt we’ve all been there, but Timo Pritzel has found a solution for himself:

Grab your bike!

Timo is a BMX and mountain biking legend and also a yoga teacher. He thinks:

Every day is a good day to ride a bike!

For Timos mountain biking is as a form of mediation:

“The monkey in your head can finally shut up. You live in the moment. And only that counts. Keep an eye on every stone and root during your ride and breathe deeply and consciously. Don’t be afraid to keep reminding yourself of this.

Dirt Biker Timo Pritzel jumping over kickers.

“Use the valuable time and nature around you to clear your mind and to actively experience your life.”

“But be careful, you can also use sport the wrong way! Don’t turn your ride into a stressful battle round in the forest without seeing nature and without taking the time to really be in the moment. After the ride, treat yourself with some stretching or just look into the horizon and be grateful.”

“Spending time with kids gets me right into the moment and I forget the time or my to-do list! That is energy and time well used!”

Timo points out that it is also great to spend time with kids and be there in the moment 100%, not checking emails or messages in between. And if you can combine both biking and spending time with kids and sharing your joy it gets even better.

After a bike ride, most of the problems feel lighter

“It just feels so much better to have your lungs free and breathe deeply after a bike ride in nature than to cramp your shoulders and neck and scroll on your cell phone,” says Timo.

Every day is a good day to have a bike day

Free your lungs and breathe deeply! Biking helps Timo to calm down and take it easy.

“Especially when you have an inner storm that is raging, it is important to take your time! After a bike ride, most of the problems are suddenly no longer that bad or you can look at them differently and find solutions.

So don’t wait for you to have a vacation at some point and ride the perfect A-Line in Whistler, but use the valuable time and nature around you to clear your mind – and to actively experience your life.”

We think Timo is totally right!

Every day is a good day to have a bike day.

No more excuses.

Read now our story about what mountain biking really is about for Timo

new product

The Rise of The Sentinel

Next Level DH Mountain Bike Helmet Design with Stephane Dion

We are super stoked to announce the release of our new mountain bike full-face helmet. Want to know how the design came about? Product designer Stephane reveals everything here.

AUGUST 4, 2021

The Sentinel is TSG’s newest full-face helmet, built for next level downhill mountain biking and jump sessions. Sleek, super vented and offering maximum protection in all conditions it was created in collaboration with one of the industries most legendary designers, Stephane Dion.

So who better to share the helmet’s back story than Stephane himself.

The designer in his working environment.

I. The Helmet Guy

Stephane’s relationship with TSG was a coincidence, starting with a chance exchange of ideas at the 2019 Milan Motorcycle Expo about a DH skate helmet. “We left it there,” explains Stephane, one of the most experienced helmet designers in the industry”, and only talked again as the pandemic was taking hold of the world about a totally new project for a downhill bike helmet.” As the old axiom goes, every cloud has a silver lining, and with Stephane in lockdown and a snowmobile helmet project on ice, he had the opportunity to get busy on what would become TSG’s newest MTB DH helmet, the Sentinel.

I wanted to create a style

that was dynamic

Stephane has been designing helmets for over 25 years but mainly for power sports like snowmobile, street and MX bikes and even skydiving helmets. He is also really into FMX and enduro motorcycles, with one of his sons racing 450 MX and competing in DH mountain bike, he also knows a thing or two about downhill bike helmet design.

Stephane checks the best peak position.

II. Following a typical German Swiss product design philosophy

“First I had to immerse myself in the downhill bike world to see what the competition was up to,” explains Stephane of his process. “TSG have Swiss, German roots so I wanted to create a style that was dynamic and fast looking but also expressed technicality and functionality typical of German and Swiss engineering.”

a typical German Swiss

product design philosophy

One of the key characteristics that the Sentinel should have was durable, “again a typical German Swiss product design philosophy,” Stephane says. “We also needed to get the proportions spot on: The chin bar not to far out; the correct amount of Goggle space in the eye port area; the perfect peak position and collapsible features to help reduce breakage in crashes.”

Detail view of the front chin bar ventilation.

III. Weight and ventilation are top priority

The helmet would also have to be easy of getting in and out of and hit the set 1150g weight target, as although the ‘pedal to the metal’ part of downhill biking only happens in short spurts a rider ends up wearing their helmet for hours which is a burden on neck. “The weight of the helmet is sitting on the highest point of the body and on hard breaking down steep inclines it takes very little to flip,” adds Stephane. “Every ounce saved helps keep the back wheel on the ground and so the top of priority is weight in every helmet I design.”

Ventilation was also a top priority: “For a helmet with this much coverage the air circulation – even at low speed – has to be on point, so the helmet has an elaborate channelling system with multiple ram air and exhaust vents front side back and top,” Stephane explains.

Details rear view of the Sentinel Helmet.

IV. Thinking environmental

TSG also had an environmental target to fulfil and therefore an injection shell made from ABS material was decided on, as these materials can be recycled simply by placing them in the correct bin. Also, although the topcoat of an injected shell helmet uses chemicals paints and clear coats by avoiding epoxy primers it saves on processes that are harmful to the environment.

The outer shell is made of ABS what is less harmful to the environment than fiberglass.

V. The Sentinel ticks all the boxes

Stephane describes himself as a “the helmet guy”, who at 53 years old still practices helmet design in an old school way. In his own words he takes responsibility for every stage of a helmets design, from concept and styling to production and brings in the best of the best, like in CAD, to help to make the process perfect. Stephane also believes that having a relationship with a factory is a key to the success of his methods: “The Sentinel is in the very capable hands of a small factory who do only high-end quality projects and I have my coffee mug with my name on it hanging there with the rest of the employees.”

2021 color range of the Sentinel helmet.

To wrap up Stephane says, “TSG wanted to offer a high-end downhill helmet at an affordable price and they have achieved it hands down”. Check out the Sentinel, available in satin black, satin red, satin olive, and satin grey, on the RideTSG.com and at all good bike shops. And the next time you’re pointing a bike downhill, shoot Stephane a virtual high-five for the Sentinel that’s keeping your head in one piece!

Thanks Stephane!

Shop the Sentinel now

sentinel solid color

sentinel

199.95 €

sentinel solid color

sentinel

199.95 €

sentinel solid color

sentinel

199.95 €

sentinel solid color

sentinel

199.95 €

Rider Documentary

Tall Poppy

A skater’s story

Brand new feature documentary starring our skateboard team rider Poppy Starr Olsen who is representing Australia in the Tokyo Olympics.

Now on iTunes

JULY 7, 2021

Poppy Starr Olsen is Australia’s number one Park Skateboarder. At age 16 she was the first Australian female skateboarder to be invited to compete in the X Games. Officially ranked world number 4 female park skateboarder, Poppy will make history again by being the first and only female to represent Australia in the Tokyo Olympics in Women’s Park Skateboarding, held on 3rd August 2021.

My crazy, wild, beautiful life so far

Poppy has been riding with TSG helmets and protection gear since she was a little girl. We are super proud of what she has achieved and excited that there is now a documentary about her and her career. It is extremely worth watching because Poppy is a very special person. Find out more about her and what gear she rocks in on her TSG Team Page.

“My crazy, wild, beautiful life so far.. it’s a little weird (having a film made about you) but I hope it helps others know that they’re not alone and it’s not always as easy as it looks on the outside.”, states Poppy Starr Olsen.

About the Film Tall Poppy

A girl who just loved to skate from the age of eight, Poppy Starr Olsen became the number one female bowl skater in Australia at 14 and went on to take out bronze at the X Games at 17. The same year, skateboarding was announced as an official sport category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Now faced with the opportunity to represent Australia on the world stage Poppy grapples with the transition from skater to athlete and the pressure of competition mounts in a way it has never done before. A coming of age story told over 12 years, TALL POPPY: A SKATER’S STORY documents Poppy’s journey intimately as she navigates the uncomfortable idea of what it means to be a competitive athlete, the complexities of a relationship with a mum turned manager and finding her place in a male-dominated industry.

Enjoy the trailer.

Watch the full documentary TALL POPPY now on iTunes

team rider video

Jose Cedano’s new video

Finest BMX export from Chile

In his new video, Jose Cedano shows his fullest devotion to BMX in all its creativity.

photos JOSÉ TOMÁS PINO BURGOS

JULY 2, 2021

Jose lives for BMX. Ever since he learned to peddle he has strived to be a better rider and his unfaltering ambition has transformed him from local hero to international star.

Santiago’s unique vibes and riding conditions shaped both his style and his mindset of learning control first and tricks second. The process has given him a distinctive, precise riding style that has marked him out from the rest.

Jose Cedano with a flair and coming out with a 180 barspin. Style!

Jose is sponsored by our TSG distributor in Chile. But before Covid-19 restrictions brought our world to a standstill, Jose travelled a lot to live his passion for BMX to the fullest. So when Jose was out in the world, we helped him out when he needed new gear. That’s how a friendship via email and Instagram has developed.

We have great respect for Jose’s strong determination and his unspeakable talent on the bike. By supporting his new video we want to express exactly this appreciation.

Jose Ceadano’s first full length video was filmed for the past 12 month in Santiago, Chile and in California, USA.

Filmed and edited by Juani Zurita.

Checking the footage.

“One of the greatest stories of this video is the opening clip. My filmer Juani was supposed to catch a plane back to Chile in two days, but I knew I had to have this clip. So we drove approx 4h from Tehachapi to San Diego, got there at 11pm, slept, got up at 7am, recorded the clip and drove straight back so Juani could pack everything and catch the flight.”

Check out Jose Cedano’s Team Page.

Team rider interview

To The Max And Back

Riding The 2020 Storm With Max Fredriksson

Riding bikes has been one thing that we could all do during lockdown and TSG MTB rider Max Fredriksson has been riding the storm to the max. Catch up with Max right here and look out for him at a track near you as we all get back to a new normal!

words by DANNY BURROW

JUNE 10, 2021

Riding bikes has been one thing that we could all do during lockdown and TSG MTB rider Max Fredriksson has been riding the storm to the max, from a 7th place at a crowdless Crankworx in Innsbruck and putting out an epic 2020 roundup edit to releasing his new S21 TSG MF1 Apparel line.

Catch up with Max right here and look out for him at a track near you as we all get back to a new normal! To the Max and back!

I always try to bring some positives out of setbacks

Max is super stoked about his new custom painted helmets.

Although we were all locked down, it looks like you took full advantage of being home. Can you tell us a bit about your experience over these weird times?

Yeah, I always try to bring some positives out of setbacks and I really tried to use the time at home as productively as I could. I’ve been riding after hours all winter long for training and now that spring has come around I’ve been building nonstop at my compound to make it perfect. The weather holds us back a bit but we’re doing our best to ride and have as much fun as possible!

How is the bike scene in Sweden? Are there a lot of kids sending it?

It is so cool to see the whole scene grow in Sweden and the kids are absolutely sending it. It feels like the numbers are growing all the time and I’ve noticed it way more ever since my YouTube channel started growing. They are so involved and stoked on riding, so everything evolves together!

Max Fredriksson Mountain biker and friends

Boys and toys – Always having a fun time!

We see you’ve also been busy building in the compound: How beneficially is this to your skill set? And is there a feature in there that you are particularly stoked on?

Almost all my “free time” goes into the compound and I love it, even though it’s heavy and painful sometimes haha! I like to change it up all the time, but this year we’ve rebuilt the whole small line to make it more creative. I love the little booner log we made!

mountain bike rider in winter snow Max Fredriksson

Testing his new Cannondale bikes. Photos by Andreas Karlsson.

Also seems like you have spent your time getting buff: Can you tell us about your coaching regime and how it helps you?

I’ve been working out with a coach who is a bike rider himself and rides both dirt and freeride, so he really understands the way my body needs to perform and hold up. We’ve worked all winter on upping my max strength with heavy lifting. And also a lot of one minute high-intensity intervals to reach max pulse but still maintain quality in the repetitions. It’s the same as a slopestyle run with high pulse intervals and if your body doesn’t have the capacity to perform you’ll zone out and crash. That’s how I broke my arm in 2018. I zoned out and didn’t have the power to do a banger on the last jump.

You got to ride a few socially distanced contests like Audi Nines and the session in Are: How did these compare to contests in normal times?

It was actually sick! I’m there to ride bikes and perform. It takes away all the surrounding distractions which allows me to just focus on riding and making something great happen! I sure miss a huge crowd screaming your name while riding but as I said earlier I try to look at all angles positively.

In this video Max presents you the massive freeride line at Audi Nines:

You also scored a 7th place at Crankworx Austria: You must have been stoked with your riding?

Yes, I am! I know for a fact that I had more to give that day, but for me it was more about landing a run and being healthy than stepping up on the podium! The podium is still in my sights and Innsbruck was just a step in the right direction.

What happened in the finals? Watch it now:

You also have some pretty cool signature stuff out with TSG at the moment: Can you talk us through your MF1 Line?

TSG was my first ever pro sponsor

TSG was my first ever pro sponsor so I’m actually beyond stoked on being able to work closely with them to come up with such cool things as my own signature line! My MF1 line is inspired by earthly colours and since beige is one of my favorite colors, I thought it would be awesome to try to mix that in!

Max wanted beige for his new MF1 bike jersey. Turned out to be really nice!

And the slam section of your Perspective video is enough to make your toes curl – you must have been pretty stoked to be wearing your TSG protect?

Yeah, we have a squad of wild friends that love to come up with some crazy stuff together, so protection is key for us! We all wear TSG helmets and protection which have helped us through so often! Not sure if my knees and shins would be intact without the TSG Temper… hahaha!

In our “What I Ride” Video Serie Max explains shows you what he likes at the Knee-Shinguard Temper A

And lastly, lockdown looks like it might have an end soon: Any plans for bike trips on the horizon?

Other than competing again and some video projects I want to meet some fans! A road trip from Crankworx to home would be dope! Do some meet ups and session with friends and fans!

Check out all MF1 Styles and his favourite knee guard

knee-shinguard temper A 2.0

134.95 €

Team rider interview

Downhill Fast – Only Just Catching Up With Kevin Reimer

News from TSG’s downhill skateboarder

TSG caught up with downhill skateboarder Kevin Reimer to find out how he’s getting on, what plans he has for the future and milk him for some top tips on how to point it like a pro.

words by DANNY BURROW

MAY 25TH, 2021

TSG downhill skater Kevin Reimer has made a career of going downhill fast and has a closet full of awards to prove it, including two World Championship crowns. But in 2019, while out on the hills in his adopted home of California a freak accident led to a severed ACL and meniscus and a year on the sidelines.

I’m hungry to be back out there again but in a lighter weight role

As he nears the end of the road to full recovery TSG caught up with him to find out how he’s getting on, what plans he has for the future and milk him for some top tips on how to point it like a pro.

Helmets and pads on? Let’s go downhill with Kevin ‘K-Rimes’ Reimer…

Downhill skating is a crazy discipline of board riding and the consequences of slamming at speed are pretty big?

Downhill skating is indeed a wild discipline or niche of skateboarding, but in some ways it’s actually safer than street or bowl skating. It’s a two-dimensional form of skateboarding largely without airtime (unless you make a mistake anyhow) and thus it is rare to have direct impact into the ground. On the other hand road rash is ultra common and it can be extensive.

What TSG gear do you use to minimise your chance of injury?

When I’m out skating on the hills there are some crucial pieces of gear that I simply will not skate without. Number one is my TSG Kraken helmet – it’s comfortable, it fits my big head, and I’ve now cracked two EPS liners and suffered no consequences. The next is the only kneepad designed for downhill skating, which is the TSG DHP. The wrap-around puck protects the side of the calf when you fall; a common place to crash especially while learning. The next thing is TSG Crash Shorts, which are a recent addition to my safety gear collection and I’m never going back to skating without. It has been awesome to take a hip fall and have no bruising or road rash.

When I am going for top speed, racing, or skating over 50mph I opt to use the TSG PASS helmet, which is by far the best full face as well as being the safest on the market.

In this video Kevin explains you the Kneepad Sk8 DHP’s:

Can you tell us about your most recent slam and the consequences?

My most recent slam was extremely unexpected and quite honestly a total freak accident. I was casually skating down a canyon in Malibu with a group of other riders and coming to a stop at a common meeting place. I looked behind me and the nearest skater was pretty far behind me, I put up my hand to signal I was going to stop and then WHAM, the skater behind me crashed into my leg as I jumped off my board. It was clear something was wrong immediately and I couldn’t get up or feel stable on it. I was pretty sure it was my ACL being torn, and I wasn’t wrong. It ended up a fully torn ACL ligament and torn meniscus.

Taking the curve in full perfection.

What has been your journey of recovery?

The recovery journey for an ACL is long and arduous, and slowed down even more by having a meniscus tear. My surgery was on October 9th and today, April 14^th, I still don’t feel confident doing everything. It is the type of recovery that generally takes a whole year so I’m patient. I started off with 6 weeks of pre-hab to get my flexibility back and strengthen it up and I think it was worth the effort. Now I’m going to physio two to three times a week and hitting the gym while also working hard in the garden, which has been great for me.

What are your plans for when you’re back on board and downhilling?

Getting back to skateboarding is high on my priority list, but I am not trying to rush it. COVID gave me an optimal window to recover and not really miss out on too much of life or skating since no one was really piling into cars or holding events. My goal is to get back to freeride skating and being a part of the community. I haven’t felt the urge to race and feel that if you’re not on the track to really push it, it’s not the best venue for downhill skaters. There are so many quality freeride events and other ways for me to be present and I’m hungry to be back out there again but in a lighter weight role and without being so attached to the racing scene.

old one from a downhill race back in the days.

Can you give some advice to kids who are thinking about getting into downhill?

Downhill skateboarding involves speed and any time there is speed, there is danger. The number one thing for kids who are getting into it is, LEARN TO BRAKE BEFORE YOU GO DOWN HILL! A fast rolling skateboard on any hill will get up to speed easily and you need to be able to stop. When I was 14, there wasn’t any information online and I couldn’t find videos that explained how to stop and I ended up getting hit by a car and breaking my wrist. Now there are so many videos, tutorials and stuff. Do your reading and video watching and get the essentials down before hitting the hills. And DON’T FORGET YOUR HELMET!

What are the essentials that they will need for starting out?

Luckily downhill skating doesn’t require much. A longboard with soft wheels (or street skate with hard wheels also works for learning); gloves with a puck; a helmet; and any level of pads you’re comfortable with wearing. I recommend kneepads and elbow pads if you don’t have much skating experience.

Watch why Kevin Reimer rides with the TSG Kraken Helmet:

What video projects are you working on?

Lately due to my knee I haven’t been able to walk around while carrying camera gear and haven’t wanted to risk dropping it or tripping. I’m starting to get strong enough to feel comfortable getting out and about with my gear and plan to film a video showing off the TSG PASS and its features as well as some How To videos for Powell-Peralta. People are stocked on using our Snake wheel to learn, so it’s time to offer some new material.

You have been instrumental in the progression of downhill trucks, decks and wheels – What are you working on at the minute?

We’re about to release a brand new ultra premium soft wheel formula that is like nothing else I’ve ridden, it’s called Powell-Peralta Dragonskin. On the other side of things I’ve been working on re-releasing some of Aera Trucks‘ most favourite models and we did a 10-year anniversary re-run of the Aera K3. I’m planning to get an order in for more K4 trucks and will get the new P2 slalom style truck out as well. It’s an amazing year for product sales.

can you spot the skateboarder? Kevin rushing down in Santa Barbara, California.

What are your top 5 spots for downhilling that are a must hit up post lockdown?

I can’t name all the names specifically in the interest of protecting the spots but some of my most favourite areas to skate are:

Malibu, CALIFORNIA, USA
Canary Islands, SPAIN
French Alps, FRANCE
West Vancouver, CANADA
Asheville, NORTH CAROLINA USA

Kevin Reimer rides safe with the following TSG Gear

kraken solid color

kraken

89.95 €

kneepad sk8 DHP's

129.95 €

crash pant A

114.95 €

Explore now all TSG products for skateboarding

New 2021 products

TOP 8 BIKE PROTECTION

Recommended by the TSG Team and Staff

We asked our team riders what their top 8 new TSG products are this season. Keep on reading to find out.

words by DANNY BURROW – photos DOMINIK BOSSHARD & CHRISTOPH BREINER & NATALIE STOCKER

APRIL 28. 2021

2021 is the year to go biking, whether you’re getting out for your daily lockdown burn, commuting to work, busting air in rhythm sections or letting off steam on single track.

For this reason the team at TSG asked our bike pros and staffers to work up a list of 8 must-have 2021 products that you shouldn’t get in the saddle without. Here’s what we came up with.

Hannes Klausner is excited about the new season.

1. Catchy Glove

Swiss American biker Chris Räber, who rides for our MTB national team, brought the idea of a super slim, fitted glove with grippy palms to the TSG table. “Wearing gloves always felt kind of weird to me since I have huge, thin hands and very long fingers,” recounts Chris. So for years Chris rode without gloves.

In response TSG created the Catchy Glove, a supremely snug, comfortable, access-all-areas glove with a sticky palm and index, forefinger grips for exact control over brakes and bars. Chris now has a glove that stretches to fit his hands and avoids crumpling on the grips. And it has zonal grip for a precision ride. “I am so stoked on the Catchy Glove,“ Chris says, “I won’t ride without them.”

The new Catchy Glove fits like a second skin.

2. Tahoe Zip A and Tahoe Cap A

You don’t win a rack of top 10s on the world tour and get elected Red Bull Rookie of the year without taking some tumbles. Perhaps that’s why Lucas Huppert is so stoked on the original Tahoe A Kneeguard, Kneeguard Tahoe Zip A and Tahoe Cap A, with its outer plastic cap: “The Tahoe is my absolute favourite knee pad,” says Lucas, amped that it now comes with a zipper.

Now I don’t even have to take off my shoes

Featuring Tahoe performance with the benefit of a zip for easy on and off.

Lucas is also stoked on the stretch neoprene sleeve of the pad with its tear-resistant nylon, which is super comfortable and secure. It keeps the double layer knee protection – a conformable inner ACF impact-foam soft cup and flexible plastic cap under the tear-resistant nylon – in place even through slides. It’s lightweight construction and inherent comfort make it perfect for all-mountain, dirt and park riding. And as Lucas points out, “now I don’t even have to take off my shoes to put on my protectors! Thanks TSG.”

Find out more about our Amplified Soft-shell Design that is used in the Tahoe Zip A

The Tahoe Cap A features an ACF foam inner cap with a flexible injection-molded outer cap. This is the right choice for all riders that prefer a plastic outer shell.

bike protection TSG Kneeguard Tahoe Cap A

Lucas is putting on and testing the new Tahoe Cap A with a flexible outer cap.

3. Ankle Support 2.0 with new lacing system

Daniel Wedemeijer sends it for the TSG global BMX team and is more than familiar with the bite of pedals on his bony ankles. For this reason his top protection pick for 2021 is the Ankle Support 2.0, whose supportive and protective features have spared him torsional twists, knocks and bruising for years. The new 2.0 version now comes with a super easy lace free strap-in system.

protection I’ve been dreaming of

“The Ankle Support 2.0 is the protection I’ve been dreaming of,” reckons Daniel, who is stoked on the supportive arch, breathable 3D mesh tongue and new fast lacing system: “The strapping system made my life a whole lot easier”, he jokes. No more hassle with laces for Daniel when strapping in for a ride.

TSG ankle support 2.0 protection for mountain biking and bmx

Daniel is stoked about the new easy lacing of the Ankle Support 2.0. You just need to pull instead of binding the straps.

4. Wrist Brace

Not keen on slams, Daniel also picked out the Wrist Brace, to add to his selection of prime 2021 products: “Sometimes a wrong landing can cause a heavy impact on my wrists,” our global team ripper says. “And the wrist brace allows me to keep riding even after these hard hits!”

The Wrist Brace is a one-size-fits-all wrist protector that as well as providing some support and comfort make for unrestricted rider grip. It features a lightweight breathable chassis and a secure Velcro strap closure for easy wearability. Time to hit the track Daniel!

The wrist brace helps stabilise your wrist.

5. Pepper Helmet

Our ex-designer Jordi Torres was an essential member of the TSG and well versed in all things biking. Jordi’s pick from the TSG 21 product stable is the Pepper Helmet. A piece of kit he says he won’t leave home without: “From my local trails and bike park to bike packing and commuting, it consistently delivers.” The helmet has a super safe triple-frame construction, held in place with TSG’s Dial Fit and Tuned Fit Systems, and sport-focused 20 vent system to keep Jordi cool even when the going gets hot.

“The Pepper surprised me ever since our first ride out: It looks great, sits properly on my head, is easy to adjust and really well ventilated. “And the adjustable visor also deserves special mention,” he adds for good measure. “You gotta try it out!”

Triple frame construction for E-Bike certified safety.

6. MTB Crash Pant A

Ruedi is the founder of TSG, and his pick of the 2021 pack is the MTB Crash Pant. The pant combines a lightweight chamois to reduce chaffing and for saddle comfort with a full protection inner, including ACF foam thigh, hip and tailbone pads that absorb 95% of an impact’s energy.

“I love simple ideas,” says Ruedi, “they are always the best.” He goes on to say, “layering up for weather conditions is really smart but layering up for comfort and protection is a no-brainer.” And the Coolmax chamois crotch gusset means you can cut out a layer of protection – Lucky Ruedi!

MTB Crash Pant A bike protection with Chamois

All-around padding with the MTB Crash Pant A.

7. Seek FR Helmet

The Junior Seek FR is arguably the most versatile bike helmet ever. No surprise that TSG now also introduces it in adult sizes. Nadja, TSG’s head of marketing, picked it as her bike product of 2021: “The Junior version of the Seek FR, which we launched last season, was such a great success that adults asked us to produce a larger version specifically for them.”

The cool thing about the Seek FR is you can remove the face guard for climbs and cruising and simply bolt it on when the going gets tough. “It is also made of ABS which makes it way stronger than regular bike in-mold helmets,” adds Nadja, before going into one about its 17 vent cooling configuration, removable visor and precision Micro-Dial Fit System. Now Nadja can rock the same lid as her kids!

Seek FR Mountain Bike Helmet with removable chin part

The Seek FR with removable chin guard in adult sizes.

boy with full-face helmet. TSG Seek Youth FR with removable chin part

The Seek Youth FR fits kids with head circumferences from 52-54 cm.

8. Chatter Helmet

Ruedi, being the boss of TSG, got to pick a second product out of the 2021 line to include in his list of must-haves; the all-rounder mountainbike helmet, The Chatter. “I picked the Chatter because on the one hand it appeals to a more price-sensitive group and on the other fills the size gaps that our Scope helmet can’t serve”. “Plus,” he adds, “it’s equipped with a 15 vent cooling configuration, adjustable visor, and a slam-proof full wrap, in-mold construction with adjustable dial fit system and customisable padding.”

In short the Chatter is equally at home burning through the city as it is on leg burning enduro rides. A proper go-anywhere-do-anything lid for everyone, not only Ruedi.

Starting at a retail price of 84.95 €.

What is your favourite new TSG bike protection product?

kneeguard tahoe zip A

114.95 €

kneeguard tahoe cap A

129.95 €

ankle support 2.0

74.95 €

wrist brace

39.95 €

pepper solid color

pepper

119.95 €

mtb crash pant A

124.95 €

seek FR graphic design

seek FR

89.95 €

chatter solid color

chatter

94.95 €

Back to all TSG stories and news

new snowboard video

Two Olympic champions light up the halfpipe

Gian Simmen & Iouri Podladtchikov present their illumination project

The halfpipe of Grindelwald-First was illuminated with impressive projections after dark while the two snowboarders Gian Simmen and Iouri Podladtchikov performed their spectacular tricks.

photos by DAVID BIRRI

MARCH 31, 2021

The two Olympic snowboard champions and TSG team riders Iouri Podladtchikov and Gian Simmen joined forces for an extraordinary project: The 100 metre long and 5.5 metre high halfpipe in Grindelwald-First was illuminated with impressive light projections while they performed their runs.

Spectacular tricks under changing light conditions

Light it up

The halfpipe was illuminated with moving projections after dark. So Gian and Iouri could show an impressive spectacle in front of the majestic Eiger north face.

This was an extra challenge, because they not only had to concentrate on their run and the tricks, but also cope with the changing light conditions.

The result blurs the four elements and the line between dream and reality.

Gian Simmen and Iouri Podladtchikov light up the halfpipe

2 partners in crime when it comes to snowboarding and always up for sensational projects.

light up the halfpipe Iouri Podladtchikov Gian Simmen

Style with perfection, fully illuminated.

“The illumination of a halfpipe is an enormous challenge, as the moving projections are not projected onto a straight surface but into a curve,” says Jann Schoch, project manager at the Event- & Rental Service Kilchenmann AG.

Iouri with a super high BS Air in a purple setting.

Gian followed up with a huge FS Air.

light up the halfpipe Iouri Podladtchikov

Iouri is surfing the wave with a BS Indy.

A gigantic project

“A gigantic project!” says Gian Simmen happily. “And extremely tricky! You start in the dark, then you have to orientate yourself despite the projection, the headlights blind you from behind and right after you land in the dark again.”

It took an extremely long time from the idea to the realisation, because all conditions had to be perfect. They needed an empty moon, 2.5 tons of material had to be brought up the mountain, the weather had to play along and the pipe had to be perfect.

The result is just stunning!

Gian with another FS Air above this magic wall.

Iouri is carving outta space.

Back to all TSG stories and news

team rider interview

Watching Sam Pilgrim – A Life On Film

Sam Pilgrim chats lockdown, airbags, Audi Nines and the TSG SP 5 Line.

We were lucky to catch Sam at home during lockdown to quiz him on socially distanced bike missions, having a blast with airbags and portable ramps and to tell us more about the latest TSG SP 5 Line.

words by DANNY BURROWS

MARCH 26, 2021

If you’re into mountain biking then Sam Pilgrim should need little introduction. However, if somehow you’ve never met the toothless bike wonder from Colchester here is his bio in brief: He started biking at 14; Did super good at contests; loves MTB more than a dog on heat; has made some of the most watched riding videos on the web; and takes sending it to never before thought of heights.

Sam is the guy you want to hang with

From Audi Nines to long jump contests with inner tubes full of water Sam is the guy you want to hang with on two wheels!

TSG was luck to catch him at home during lockdown to quiz him on socially distanced bike missions, having a blast with airbags and portable ramps and to tell us more about the latest TSG SP 5 Line.

Check it out.

First off, thanks for keeping us entertained throughout lockdown? How much fun have you had?

Lockdown has ended up being really fun because luckily mountain biking was totally allowed throughout so I’ve been able to have fun and stay active the whole time!

We are loving you van full of ramps and packable airbag. That MTB Hopper Ramps and Airbag hook-up is epic!

Yeah this is so incredibly fun and I can now never moan that I don’t have a place to ride because I have so many new options with these ramps and the new airbag. The Hopper ramps can totally transform boring spots into super fun and trickable zones, I love it!

This is how to build your own fun setup with ramps and airbag.

The empty streets and urban spots must have allowed you to hit spots that you never expect to be able to?

It’s definitely been emptier on the roads with less cars but there has actually been way more people out walking and cycling so I have actually noticed more people in locations they normally wouldn’t be at. It doesn’t stop the fun though; it just means I have to wait longer until the coast is clear!

Shredding the bike park in Cornwall.

Also looks like you sent it after the first lockdown with trips to Bike Park Wales and much more?

Yeah we had a nice break in between lockdowns where I was able to get out to Morzine, in France, and shred some real downhill tracks. We also had some great adventures in the UK at Bike Park Wales and surf trips in Devon. The weather was also pretty amazing last year!

It doesn’t matter on what Sam is riding or surfing, he is always ripping it.

How was the Audi Nines too?

This event is always a pleasure to be at and the organisation did such a great job at making sure everyone was tested correctly and getting everyone riding on the sickest jumps ever!

Watch Sam’s video RIDING HUGE JUMPS ON MY DOWNHILL BIKE – AUDI NINES FREERIDE LINE

Photographer Klaus Polzer took this amazing shot at Audi Nines 2021.

Sam, have you missed being out on the road?

Yes I love flying around and visiting new places, shredding sick riding spots and meeting my friends from all around the world. So I’ve definitely missed it, but when it opens back up again, it’ll feel even better!

Have the travel restrictions made you be more creative? Given you a new appreciation of your home spots?

I’ve always loved my home spots and lockdown has just given me an excuse to ride them way more!

While we are on the here and now can you tell us some stuff about your latest SP 5 line with TSG?

I love bold colours and comfy riding apparel and together with TSG we created just that! The shirt is made of a moisture wicking material, which keeps me dry even when its mega hot, and the goggle cleaner hidden in the shirt is an epic bonus that I use more than I thought I would! The technical shorts are mega comfy and stylish so I feel good shredding the trails!

Performance packed into a colourful design: The new SP 5 Line.

What is the pieces of TSG kit that you won’t get in the saddle without?

If I’m riding my dirt jump bike then I’ll be rocking the TSG Evolution helmet that has been a firm favourite of mine for over 15 years. It’s comfy, stylish, and lightweight, which makes it the perfect helmet for throwing down tricks in.

When I ride my E-bike and enduro I like to wear the TSG Scope helmet, which is mega stylish, and with endless airflow it keeps my temperature at a good level while shredding through the woods or urban environments! Of course both helmets have saved my brain on numerous occasions and that’s why I couldn’t ride without them!

Sam wears the Scope helmet on his enduro.

And the Evolution helmet on his dirt bike.

And finally, where are you going to take us on your first How I See It when we get out of lockdown?

Hmm, I’m thinking about Miami, what do you think?

Stay up to speed with all Sam’s adventures on his YouTube channel where he’ll give you a running commentary on being stoked on life and check out his brand new signature line right here