Ben Boyko - 2010 Update

Jan 21, 2010
by Jonathan Desrosiers  
I have been filming and riding with Ben for a long time now . Recently after a long day of sledding in the Squamish backcountry, we were talking about if any of his sponsors where changing for 2010. He replied that he was no longer on the Norco factory team or with Adidas clothing. I would think that there would be many ways that Ben could go about finding new sponsors as he has a long time presence in the MTB scene.

I've put together some footage from my Ben Boyko Archives (2002-2007) for you all to enjoy,
photo

Here are 2 videos that I pulled out from the achieves of Ben Boyko (from 2002 to 2007). These shots were pulled from " Unknown soldiers" & "Vicious Circle", including Ben's first mountain bike film segment appearance.

Views: 7,867    Faves: 54    Comments: 12


Views: 7,802    Faves: 43    Comments: 6


Boyko's resume goes a long way; everything from building famous bike stunts and lines featured in films and magazine covers, all the way to winning 1st place in the Crankworx Whistler slopestyle event.
The Vancouver local has many film appearances in pretty much every major mountain bike movie series in recent years (Kranked, NWD, Barred for life and the upcoming Anthill/Follow me). Ben has been on five magazine covers since 2007 as well as hundreds of pages of magazine articles and photo galleries in countless magazines world wide.

Ben is currently seeking a new bike partnership for the upcoming 2010 season.

You can reach the Gravity, Mavic and Rockstar Energy drink rider via facebook for more information or email him at benboyko01@hotmail.com.

photo


Posted In:
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Author Info:
bpvideo avatar

Member since May 9, 2007
6 articles

100 Comments
  • 17 2
 No doubt about his skills with a bike and a chainsaw... It's obviously something else keeping him from getting a ride...
  • 37 17
 perhaps that he is a bit of a douche?
  • 13 12
 ^^ agreed
  • 6 18
flag rideonjon (Jan 21, 2010 at 7:30) (Below Threshold)
 again with this BS ^^^ douches
  • 14 7
 if you've ever met him you'd know he's not the friendliest pro rider, I can see why Norco dropped him, he won't even have a conversation with groms lol
  • 10 4
 Seemed like a cool dude to me!
  • 3 3
 Maybe he lightened up a bit in the past few years
  • 7 10
 he fucking rips but also heard hes a big dick, companies dont put up with that bullshit
  • 14 0
 Weird what you said guys I spend 4 days with him In France on a Red bull contest and he was nice and he even helped us to build the course shared some beers and had fun even if his luggage showed up 2 days after his arrival. He 's not a crazy fashion and punk rock rider but he s a real rider building his own stunt that somethings you don't see often. I just wish him to find sponsors soon and keep ripping!!!
  • 7 0
 Never met the guy, but whether he's nice or not, he can sure as hell ride a bike...
  • 1 1
 thats why i said he rips cause hes so sick
  • 1 0
 he did win crankworx, but most of spectators including us were baffled by the judges high score for an average but sketchy run with a 360 at the end.
  • 2 0
 Maybe norco just didnt have the cash? Its not like they went out and signed a different big name. He also has missed alot of big competitions this year and last. Why does it have to be such a personal thing with all you people.
  • 14 2
 Blk Mrkt, ridin a Mob and a Killswitch, Im callin it! Actually Im suggesting it! Who cares if he doesnt talk to the Groms, Groms suck, there just small adults who don't dig and have'nt formed a single decent idea.
  • 11 2
 And for all those assuming this happened because of HIM, think again. The economy has sucked for the last 14 months and so have big-bike sales. Just look at all the specials you can get on 2008 and 2009 FS bikes right now. Sales are down and the budgets for teams have shrunk. Maybe they didn't even want to let him go......
  • 4 1
 Well said.
  • 2 6
flag gregstevenson (Jan 22, 2010 at 12:59) (Below Threshold)
 Thats completly wrong.
  • 2 1
 Is it completly wrnog? Prvoe it.
  • 1 5
flag gregstevenson (Jan 22, 2010 at 15:12) (Below Threshold)
 Theres no need to argue, i just know things you never will.
  • 6 2
 Hah hah hah! Uh-huh. Well, first and foremost it's nice to see your spelling has improved since your last post, even if your punctuation hasn't.

Second, I said "maybe" at the end of my statement. I didn't declare anything as fact. It does takes two to tango.

Also, unless you're "Steak-Sauce" or Ben, you'll never know everything about what happened. Or does Norco have AGM's about the hiring and firing of their team members now?

As for the industry, 12-plus months ago many companies including Norco marked UP the cost of their bikes to their dealers, due mostly to things beyond their control (labor costs, currency fluctuation, raw material costs and availability). Then they advertised on their own websites new consumer pricing that was/is merely percentage points above the dealer's cost. Then they offered a "credit" of sorts back to the dealer for a portion of the lost margin. Combine that with the fact that the majority of these clearout bikes are dual-suspension and mostly longer travel, not only am I right, I'm completely right.

Having said all that, please feel free to expand on your statement,"Thats completly wrong." I'm happy to learn how I'm wrong and learn something.
  • 3 3
 Oh damn, I know how I'm wrong, a spelling error! - hahahahahaa!
  • 3 2
 Well the fact that you spent the majority of your 2 posts making fun of my grammar clearly shows you're a very mature individual and are just another know it all on pinkbike tossing around facts that have no regard to this situation at all. Your 20 years of extra wisdom are best spent somewhere else than on a post of something you have nothing but an "opinion" about and no actual facts. I'm not about to sit here and beak off about this, Bens a great guy and an amazing rider and will have no problem moving on I'm sure.

Feel free to reply and make another immature post and throw a pile of economical crap that everyone already knows about and another round of bad grammar jokes at me just for kicks. But if that's the real age on your profile then I'm hoping you'll have grown up in this one day and leave this alone unless you want to get one last jab in there and show your friends you just won a cool internet argument.

Happy trails.
  • 2 2
 "Bens a great guy and an amazing rider and will have no problem moving on I'm sure. " - Agreed, absolutely!

Hey, I'm just laughing at yet another example of people who have opinions but lack the ability to spell and form proper sentences, just like I did in my second to last post making fun of myself for a spelling error. As for backing up what I say, working with and talking to bicycle dealers who sell Norco is part of what I do. Everything I said in the 4th paragraph two posts back is fact.

My main reason for originally responding to you was because of your very first statement. You clearly don't think the state of the industry or global economy could have anything to do with the state of bicycle team rosters. Or did I misunderstand you?
  • 3 1
 Maybe your talents would be more suited in the classroom of a grade 10 english class than lecturing people about their grammer and spelling on pinkbike. Or be stock broker with your masterful ecomic knowlege. but at the end of the day you know as much as every one here.
  • 3 2
 Ooops. I forgot to capitalize my last statement.
  • 2 2
 Indeed.
  • 11 2
 Do your homework, Boyko is one of the biggest contributors to MTB, he actually goes out scouts and builds his own unique trails and djs, he has amazing style and oozes talent most people only dream of. When he comes to the local bike park he's very casual, doesn't show off or brag, and is very down to earth. The handful of times I've seen him he always says hi. I asked if I could try out his new Empire and he handed it to me , no questions asked. He's not a dick, as iv'e heard from alot of people, he's just quiet and subdued and alot of people interpret that as attitude. Your problem, not his!
  • 6 0
 See, those that have met Ben, know when others have his back. I got Ben's back, even with all the negativity flowing here it still doesn't deter how I think of him. I've met him and he's just a normal human being. Glad there's a few people willing to say 'good things' about him- cheers.
  • 7 0
 I agree with both of you. I know Ben as well, he is quiet, casual and somewhat introverted, not what I expected from a pro rider. It's a shame that his real personality is overshadowed by the high school mentality that since he didn't open up, give me hugs, and party hard with me on the first meeting.
  • 12 1
 I can't imagine him being without a bike sponsor for more than a few days.
  • 10 0
 wow i am shocked... Ben Boyko, with no sponsors? how could this happen..
  • 6 10
flag artbarn (Jan 21, 2010 at 14:31) (Below Threshold)
 It dose not matter how good you are if your a asshole...
  • 4 0
 He's not an asshole. He gave me some coupons for free food at dennys
  • 1 0
 @luckynugget:
lol coupons
  • 1 0
 @artbarn:
he is an a hole. went to byng high with him. was bully and racist towards asians
  • 9 2
 For all those that say "they've heard" that ben is a dick/douche. Get real, Ben is down to earth, super nice, and way more dedicated then most of the slopestyle riders out there.
  • 6 6
 Dedicated he is, but I have also heard he is a dick/douche. Literally, I have heard him. He is not a nice guy, he needs to cool his shit and remember that he represents the companies and doesn't just ride their bikes. I was very disappointed after meeting him and more than a few occasions.

The rumours of him being a dick are there for a reason...
  • 9 3
 That's funny! I've heard that said about other riders as well. Maybe he wasn't nice to you because he didn't like you. Maybe Ben was disappointed to have to meet you on more than one occasion.
  • 5 8
 Maybe you are a 40 year old man arguing with and 19 year old over the internet. Funny thing is, I know who you are. If you aren't Ben, get off the keyboard and stop typing, because you don't know the situation we were in. Thanks buddayy.
  • 6 1
 I'm not arguing. I just find it funny that you refer to Ben as a douche. I'm not portraying myself as Ben either, I don't know where you got that idea.
  • 5 0
 I agree with bicyclerocker & all the rest of you upthere that give him good props . Ben is down to earth and funny as shit!
  • 2 5
 Douche was your word, not mine. I do not find him a nice guy, and after my incident with him, I found out he has many other incidents with other people. I am not bashing him, all I am saying is Norco is a company for the all round rider, kids, families, etc. I don't think he's the guy to fill that spot to represent such a company. I don't know your connection to him, maybe you are best friends and know he has a good side too...but when you are an idol to a community such as this, you need to be a role model. He was not.
  • 5 2
 I don't really have any connection to him. I think he's a great rider, and I support him because he's from BC. I chimed in because for one :of what I percieved as him basicly getting kicked when he's down.And for two: ...ah forget it!
Ben will be back! I'm gonna go watch Kranked 6 Progression right now!!
  • 2 1
 Personally, I agree. I think he is a great rider. I love that he is a BC local too, so I wish him luck in the industry and hope he makes a sick comeback. I just really hope his comeback comes with a big smile..
  • 1 0
 @coca:
went to highschool with this guy at lord byng in vancouver. he wasnt a nice and a bully.
  • 9 1
 he's no longer with norco??
  • 4 1
 soooooo siiickBig Grin Big Grin
  • 37 14
 Maybe he will get a sponsor that makes good bikes??
  • 7 5
 blk mrkt.....
  • 4 0
 signing back with cove would be sweet in my opinion
  • 3 0
 theres a lot of new talent around to choose from...
  • 6 0
 Not sure about his personality, but he is a pioneer. One of the best riders out there.
  • 3 0
 Today it's hard to consider MTB as a job. Are you a pro rider with 2 bikes, some T-shirts, and a lot of stickers ? No !!! Many companies take young guns, give them some products and say "you're a pro rider now". The world crisis ? This crisis is a capatalist excuse to explote the riders more and more. Ben is not a prostitute, he's an amazing rider and a good guy.
  • 5 0
 A bit o that goin around yep
  • 6 1
 the first vid is so awesomely old school, real NWD 2-3 feeling. Im sure he'll find a sponsor pretty quick.
  • 3 0
 I've seen about 7 of Boykos stunts around where I live, and they make me want to go ride. Nice guy also. Met him lots of times. Wish I had his riding resume. Ben, If you build it, they will come.
  • 7 1
 fuckin sick double drop! I jizzed when i saw it
  • 4 1
 norco ...wot you thinkin lettin this boy go ? no doubting the guys skills so its a puzzle why he has no ride . sometimes a season out just to ride with friends and chill is all you need .
  • 1 0
 Ben is a great rider,i totally agree with Bansheeair,he may just be a shy dude on the first few instances folk meet him,I dont think it gives people the right to judge him as a person,judge him on his riding,which is awesome.
  • 2 0
 that was my thinking on it, often shy people come off as dicks when they aren't, and that just drives them back further into thier shells. I have never met Ben so I can't say good otr bad about him, but I have talked to Ryan, Darcy, and Jay Hoots and they had nothing but praise for thier team mate.
I also think that he was let go/left norco because of sales too. I work in a shop and sales last year were rough because of the 10-15% increase in pricing and just the poor global economy. People were holding on to thier money just incase things went bad. Norco alread has one of the most respected names in cycling with Ryan Leeche, extremelty skilled, promotes riding, and reps the company well. you could't meet a nicer guy. They also have Darcy and Jay Hoots, there is the back bone of the norco team. Three people that are pumped to ride and even more pumped to get other people riding.
I thing Ben is an inspiring rider, but his lack of the spot light may have be his down fall on the norco team be it from injury or lack of team support Ben is one of the greats in the sport and we will see him ride for someone in the near future.
  • 4 0
 Nah Cool editing, cool biking, cool songs (this thing is rare>Wink So it is a cool thing. Thats all i can say Razz .
  • 5 0
 wow even in 02 he was awsome better than most riders now
  • 2 1
 i wonder whos going to sponser him next he goes a few diffrent styles of riding so the company cant be a strict dj bike company or somthing like that.hell be picked up pritty damn fast though.
  • 3 0
 I would love to see Ben enter a couple comps this year and win...with or without a ride.
  • 1 1
 Its a bit of a risk to compete without a contract though. Just like in any sport lots of athletes dont want to take the chance because if they get injured then whos going to sign them?
  • 2 0
 i just realized the last photo is a double drop. i was so impressed when i thought it was one big drop onto the steepest wood landing i've ever seen. haha
  • 4 4
 I have met him once at Crankworks and spoke with him on the internet via email. I was not impressed at all with his attitude at the time, and I came away thinking he was not very nice at the time. That's just my experience I think there is better, younger talent out there that can represent the brand better anyways.
  • 6 2
 Does anyone else find this article comes across as a bit... desperate?
  • 3 2
 Ya, you usually get desperate when you know nothing is coming your way and your on your last bag of ichiban
  • 5 1
 The guy rips!
  • 2 0
 wow that last photo is intense
  • 1 1
 I see him going on Specialized or Kona. I'm sure he is very confident in getting a sponsor as everyone cans see he as an amazing talent
  • 2 1
 neither specialized or Kona is going to pick him up with the big names they already sponsor.
  • 3 1
 Have you seen him ride any company would pick him up he is a big name type his name in goggle he has a lot of pages on there this does seem desperate to be on the home page but some companeys may not know he is not with norco right now you will see him back with a sponsor in no time give it a bit and right hear on PB home page it will read Ben boyko picked up buy _____
just wait and the guy is not a dick just because when you are training to be the best you can you are not talking to all the 15 year old kids asking you. can you do this ?or can you show me how ? or some thing stupid just keep the well I herd crap to your self the guy is good and a sweet rider
  • 4 2
 ive never met Ben but i ride with a guy called Ben and he is ok !
  • 2 0
 Adidas? Wasn't he sponsored by Sombrio?
  • 1 0
 He was, prior to Adidas on Sombrio.
  • 2 0
 He's going to ride for Cove in 2010 Big Grin
  • 1 0
 yeah i just checked out his facebook profile cove for 2010!!!
  • 6 5
 You couldn't find a bigger bag of tricks, even at costco.
  • 5 4
 But you can find a bigger bag of tricks on every rider that competes at that level
  • 1 0
 does anyone have a video of the last photo? it looks insane.
  • 1 0
 there is fotage at the end of the first vidio, looks like sea to sky hyway
  • 1 0
 There will be a PR soon making it more known to everyone not on Facebook.
  • 8 7
 Norco is being straight RIDICULOUS
  • 3 3
 Norco is a joke, they have a rider who finally competes for first in every competition and they let him go.
  • 2 3
 He didn't podium at any major event all year. I've been around him at the booths at Sea Otter and he seemed nice enough, but like someone said, the rumors are there for a reason.
  • 1 0
 I think he was injured, shoulder or something, so I've heard.
  • 2 1
 It's too bad we don't see him riding more. He's amazing on a bike.
  • 1 0
 that last picture is epic
  • 6 8
 NOrco can not afford him Smile
  • 16 3
 Norco wants to have a good reputation, he doesn't give them that...
  • 1 0
 why do you think that?
  • 8 1
 they want guys like Ryan Leech who commit to more than just riding there bicycles
  • 2 1
 Is that hillarious! Unbelievable!
  • 2 4
 Who can they afford?
Who can give Norco a better reputation?
I want names!
  • 3 3
 Argue all you want. I have met him, he isn't the best representative. I guess everyone gets different impressions.
  • 4 4
 Norco has Sam Dueck now. who has all the tricks ben does (probably more) and he actually shows up aht events and does consistantly well ( at least for his freshman year). and all that costs norco is a couple bikes instead of paying a rider who was almost invisable because he couldnt stay healthy.
  • 8 3
 That's all they givin these days... Two bikes?? What happens if they both break?
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