Video: Avid Chasing Trail - Kenny Smith

Jun 26, 2013
by SRAM  
Views: 127,613    Faves: 2,012    Comments: 60


By Kenny's own estimation, a lack of fear is both his biggest strength and his biggest weakness. There have been times when he has paid the price—but that drive to push things further makes him one of the most electrifying riders to watch. On his home trails in Whistler, British Columbia, he loves inventing creative new ways to ride the same trails.

Kenny is particular about how his brakes perform. He has to be. To pull this off, it takes trust—in himself and in his equipment. When he’s teetering on the edge of a cliff and getting ready to drop a new line, he knows exactly how his Avid brakes will perform. Powerful, smooth, trustworthy.

www.sram.com/avid

Author Info:
SramMedia avatar

Member since Apr 1, 2011
178 articles

126 Comments
  • 131 1
 Why's he sponsored by avid? The dude obviously doesn't use his brakes.....ripping awesome
  • 29 1
 Trail: chased
Brakes: untouched
Kenny: tottaly pinned
  • 17 24
flag Stathamt (Jun 26, 2013 at 8:12) (Below Threshold)
 tbf i heard a slight grasp of the brakes @ 37 seconds, nonetheless he clearly doesn't use them a lot, awesome riding and that gap at the end was awesome
  • 188 67
 that's exactly why he is sponsored by avid. if he ever actually used them, he'd know how bad they suck
  • 82 33
 @regdunlop38: that's unfair, I'm quite happy with my Avid brakes and even switched back to Avid from Shimano. I'm so tired of this avid-bashing, most of the companies out there make good brakes and it's down to the rider to chose what to ride. I tried Shimano even though I didn't have any trouble with my old Avid brakes, but I didn't like the feel of them and went back to Avid. But yes, Shimano brakes also work.

I also don't understand why you've got positive props, I that's pretty poor from the community!
  • 31 4
 @regdunlop38: No way, the new Code are bomber. I'll take XT over Elixir/XX on my trail bike, but Codes are an awesome DH brake.
  • 29 13
 And I would take ZEE by far over code
  • 6 31
flag FunnBOB (Jun 26, 2013 at 13:23) (Below Threshold)
 The little chirp you hear now and then, is merely a tiny bird rigged to that gorgeous devinci carbon..
  • 11 4
 Gweggy Avid brakes have had well known reliability issues. Yes the high end brakes can be good. I own a set of Codes and they work well. I prefer my Saints and the Avids's currently sit on my workbench. The Saint brake is more powerful and makes less noise. Better feel... the Codes would heat up under heavy use and start to get spongey.
  • 27 1
 @FunnBOB he's riding a specialized demo, not a devinci
  • 8 2
 If wer on the topic of avid brakes......hasnt gwin switched from shimano to avid.......maybe something to do with his brake failure on shimano before ;-)
  • 7 0
 I have a pair of X0 brakes, and they work really fine, but only for a couple of month, these pair of sh*ts needs a lot of maintenance
  • 8 0
 I like mineral oil, it's easier to work with thus Shimano and Magura for me.
  • 4 0
 i agree, i have elixer 5s's and they need a tone of matinance
  • 3 1
 I've never had any problems with avid... I use them alot more then Kenny does and can't complain!
  • 5 1
 welp, i dont mean to brag but i love my bb 5's, ran saints but needed more power. super easy to bleed and great modulation.
  • 4 3
 Dan you are a moron. You are comparing mechanical to hydraulic brakes. And shimano owns avid anyday. Avid is shit.
  • 1 0
 @darkstar63: I never had any issues with Avid and the pair of Saints I had had a damaged sealing. When I sent it to Shimano I didn't hear anything from it for 2 Month, then they sent the front brake back and when I asked about my rear brake they denied I sent it to them even though I had a bill and everything. So in the end I was lucky because the shop where I bought them sent me a new pair and said they would fight it out with Shimano!
My new X0 brakes also came with a damaged sealing (that was the only two times that happened to me ^^) , they replaced it in 5 days, but the new X0 didn't have any pad contact, so I asked if I could have the 2012 model again... well in the end they gave me the all new X0 Trail! Which actually is the best brake I ever owned.

Actually there is a test from a German magazine in a professional testlab that shows that the Code is quite a bit more powerful than the Saint! The Saint feels more powerful because it bites so hard, but it isn't.
  • 2 0
 never had a problem with avid...still, im more concerned, as u guys probs should be, on how hes possibly able to be so much faster than me in slo motion.... Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @ Gweggy - and btw this is in no way argumentitive, I do not hate the new Avid code. I in fact really like them that's why I have not sold them and they sit atop my bench. They will find a home on of my bikes eventually. However, I have run both those and Saint (M810) and prefer the Saints. Now in my personal experience, racing on both, the Saint was more consistantly powerful. Key word prob being consistant. The Codes' were powerful but I had issues with the feel of the Code on long runs. They also made a hell of a lot of noise in the wet. If on a dyno they are more powerful, well I respect and believe that. But in real world conditions the Saint became the more trusted and at least to my hand more powerful brake. I also prefer the modulation, at least for a DH rig. Some like the more progressive Code, but for me, I found the on/off switch feel of the Saint (with practice can be expertly modulated) to be ideal for a DH racing. It should also be said that it was a seized piston two days before a DH race that prompted my purchase of the Saints. Bleeding Shimano brakes is also a breeze (should you ever need to) Wink
  • 1 1
 I had avid xo, they were great until I broke the mounts last fall. Then I got the xo trail brakes, these are awesome. So much power, great modulation, and zero issues right out of the box.
  • 1 0
 @funOB you stupid buddy? at 1:57-2:00 you can full see the specialized symbol on the front of the bike and at 1:19 and many other places seems like you didnt even see the video at all and that you dont know bikes at all..
  • 1 0
 @dmadness facepalm. thats all.
  • 1 0
 Stupid autocorrect!
  • 1 0
 @scarletmeista

That's why Gwin will never win!!
  • 1 0
 @mate1998

Dont be so stupid you fool. Loads of elites ride avid, danny hart, sam hill, steve smith. They are not your stock avid brake like everybody on here is bitching about. They are blackbox, hence why we cant really compare to WC riders and the components they run. Just remember, riders are within 10ths of a second of each other to get the top spot.......I think its down to skill and who uses theyre brakes less not more.......numpty!!!!
  • 1 0
 I have used quite a lot of brakes, from shimano slx over xt to saint and from avid elexir CR to codes, I currently have a pair of XO trails build on my enduro race bike and they are the best brakes I've had so far.
Word is, shimano(and mineral oil brakes in general) are by far the easiest to bleed.
That the avid brakes need more service is also true but the service you get from them is really good.
It does in fact come down to the rider, both systems work well but you'll have to work out which works best for you...

PS: yes avids can be pretty noisy but putting in different pads will cange that, in case you care about the noise while ripping trails (I don't, just ride)
  • 1 0
 Im talking horrible gobbling, organics and semi's. The organics were quieter but wore out in about two runs. Like I said, Avid makes a good brake and in recent years their high end offerings have gotten quite good. I still just prefer Shimano.
  • 42 0
 The paint job on this demo is gorgeous !
  • 7 1
 I must concur. Orange on black Boxxer sets it off. All Kenny needed was a matching kit.
  • 1 0
 The white spokes really set it off for me. But that black Boxxer looks great.
  • 22 1
 If I saw him flying down the trail while I was taking a water break I would feel so slow I would have to walk the rest
  • 14 0
 flying is a pretty accurate desciption
  • 3 0
 That actually happened to me while I was filming on Schleyer! All I saw was an orange blur...
  • 9 1
 Loved this! The narrative, riding, filming/editing and haunting Bonobo's song all together create a solid video!
  • 9 3
 I pulled this up and the video has 666 views which is pretty awesome considering how Kenny's riding makes it seem like he is beating up the devil and all of Kenny's edits typically use Slayer and other awesome metal
  • 6 0
 Nice work Kenny and crew but im sticking with my SHIMANO brakes Big Grin
  • 3 0
 This happened with Radioactive RedBull media house uses it, Now Bonobo, Klara is going to be abused just as much! All this yet i hope these great artists get more airplay, not overplay.
  • 2 0
 I wanted to use that song for a video, well I guess that's not an option anymore ^^
  • 2 0
 ^^^ Haha same here
  • 1 0
 I have Saint's on my Demo, and Avid's on everything else I ride. If.."a lot of maintenance" is a brake bleed (Avids need one before you can ever ride them) then I guess they do require a lot of maintenance. Quit whining and use what you like. No big deal. Ride on!
  • 6 1
 Rock shox please please release those black gold boxer forks .......
  • 5 1
 you can buy those in germany
  • 2 1
 Not really...
  • 1 0
 not the whole boxxer but the...... dont know how you call it. the tube where "boxxer" is written on
  • 1 0
 The stanchions? (The legs that slide into the lowers)
  • 1 0
 yes stanchions, but they cost about 300 €
  • 1 0
 Its funny that everyone sh!t talks brakes...thats because they all suck. All work fine for the first half season then they require maintance witch most riders neglect, resulting in failure at the riders expense. Why cant they last longer like moto? Tell me you bleed your brakes and replace pads on your mx bike every six months. Heres a hint, use brass fittings instead of alumnium.
  • 4 0
 He rides like a Gazzelle.
  • 3 0
 Always wonder what that gap off the berm on Heart of Darkness would be like everytime I roll through.
  • 1 0
 None of them were even close to the quad on a-line or doing the insane tables double on crank it up. the last one looked very built up but he missed the landing they cleared lol.
  • 3 0
 Kenny smith is a shredder n half, but wheres the slayer!
  • 2 0
 Like a bit of Bonobo mixed in with bikes, can't imagine Kenny approved it for use though.....
  • 2 0
 Well I've got a bunch of new lines on Schleyer to work on now. Thanks Kenny!
  • 3 2
 That was really good . I like the way he lets the front and rear sus do the work . That show full trust in bike and the way it's setup .
  • 4 2
 By the looks of the edit, his brakes don't work, because he's absolutely flying!!
  • 3 2
 Well they are Avids...
  • 4 1
 would be even sicker with some SLAYER !
  • 1 0
 he's just one of those dudes like, every time i open up a video link of his, i know i'm gonna be impressed. just attacks trails so damn hard in every single video.
  • 3 1
 holy shit!! kenny smith is such a legend!!
  • 5 0
 Kenny Smith is a badass on a dh bike!
  • 2 0
 I want to go to Whistler !
  • 1 0
 get in line!
  • 1 0
 get in a line.
  • 4 6
 I saw from Pinkbike's facebook saying Kenny Smith so I clicked on the link right away expecting gnar riding plus the usual adrenaline pumping music. IMO Kenny Smith vid + metal. The mellow music used here tamed the aggression Frown
  • 4 4
 I was expecting negative props already and alas here they come Smile I don't care, it's like Kovaric's video in slow mo. It wouldn't fit it so IMO Kenny Smith vid + metal and Chris Kovaric + normal riding speed and metal Smile Don't get me wrong though, I like chill music too but they have their place!
  • 2 1
 Well, with this type of video, there can't really be metal music. He's talking the whole time and fast, loud metal music would just be too much and ruin it.
  • 1 0
 Well they can tone it down with the talking parts but oh well. When I say metal none of that trendy core type crap one can typically find at hot topic.
  • 1 0
 Best footage of Whistler I've probably ever seen, and Kenny is a fucking sick rider.
  • 4 3
 What a f'n manimal!!!! Straight G on dat demo! YEA smith sick ridin as ALWAYS
  • 18 1
 i'm sorry, what...?
  • 1 0
 yes he is a mammal as well as an animal, nice wombo
  • 2 0
 great to watch a creative rider's lines.
  • 1 0
 this Song again ? I thought "The naked and the Famous" was the most played Video Soundtrack
  • 2 1
 Those forks looked sweet nice and plush, just got rid of my shite Fox 32 CTDs and ordered a set of 2014 revs OH YEAH!!!!
  • 1 0
 Fool! Should wait for new pikes.
  • 1 0
 They only come in a tapered head tube so I had to get the revs or I would have got the Pikes, in fact I was going to get them and was fucking choked when I saw the steerer size. I have had revelations before and they are a sweet fork, I just wish I had bought a mojo sl-r instead of an sl then I could have got the Pikes.
  • 1 0
 I still say his greatest feat was the insane cliff roll in Moab a few years back, it is beyond words!
  • 1 0
 was there ever a video of it? i saw the adds in magazines but never footage
  • 1 0
 oh i'll just gap that section instead of riding it....Kenny Smith is a legend
  • 1 0
 Smooth and fast... this guy is a treat to watch. I'd love to ride like that!
  • 1 0
 This dude is perfect rider ! Fly and fly ;d
  • 1 0
 i would like to see him race a world cup, he is always pinned!
  • 2 1
 Great vid, love my Avid Code R's, great brakes.
  • 1 0
 That bike looks awesome and want a video.
  • 1 0
 the guy is is what landings
  • 1 0
 well we all have no chance of winning now ah well
  • 1 0
 great video !! rider and perfect trails !
  • 1 0
 Simply amazing. Probably the best whistler technical video.
  • 1 0
 No metal in a kenny smith video? come on
  • 1 0
 Anyone know what wheel set he's running?
  • 1 0
 he would want hope that his breaks dont break while riding...
  • 1 0
 Kenny videos need heavy metal!!!!
  • 2 1
 Such shredding, I think I need a break.. Smile
  • 2 0
 ..
  • 1 0
 sick
  • 1 0
 what wheels does he use, is it me or does he have like 10 spokes ?
  • 2 0
 no he rides black and white spokes and in the video you only see the white ones ! also had that problem, looking at it
  • 1 0
 different colours
shot 3:04
  • 1 0
 it is you. he just has some different coloured ones to give it some flair. check the beginning of the vid when he is pushing his bike.
  • 1 0
 Kenny smith is awesome and can shred like nobody's business!
  • 1 1
 'I need a brake that will slow me down'- looks like your brakes ain't working to me!!!
  • 1 0
 Well shit, I never saw THAT line on crank it up........
  • 1 0
 I have rolled all those rock faces. Smith launches all the rock faces!
  • 2 1
 Amazing Riding and great filming.............wow!!
  • 1 0
 Damn Ken Smith I want your life/bike and probably girl..
  • 1 0
 That's sick!! Kenny Smith! An absolute shredder!
  • 1 0
 When I grow up I want to be Kenny Smith!
  • 1 0
 Awesome drift @ 2:23 is awesome!
  • 1 0
 the older avids are alright, but the newer ones... thats another story
  • 1 0
 And yeah I know nobody asked me
  • 1 0
 Bad Ass !!
  • 1 2
 There's a reason all dirt bikes don't use mineral oil and only use dot fluid.
  • 1 0
 dirt bike =/= mountain bike

i wish people would stop comparing the two together, im sick and tired of reading about moto stuff when i come here.

dirt bikes have far more mass and travel a lot faster.. it should be fairly obvious that the brakes on a dirt bike are going to be more powerful and arent going to be the same as a bicycle.
  • 2 1
 Like them funky lines!
  • 1 0
 I WISH I WAS KENNY SMITH
  • 2 3
 Yo, you're using Avids so be prepared for death or serious injury. But this is the world quietest bike.
  • 1 0
 Nice video!
  • 1 1
 awesome vid and style, but not quite chasing trail if you ask me...
  • 2 5
 this video definitely shows that , you can ride a demo and being fast. so the question is, what Aaron gwin is doing ??!!
  • 2 1
 So you're saying Gwin isn't fast?
  • 1 1
 oh geeeeze
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