Steve Smith On Evil Bikes

Nov 25, 2008
by Jordan Holmes  
Source: Evil Bikes and words by Thomas Vanderham

On behalf of Evil Bikes I am stoked to announce the signing of World Cup downhill racer Steve Smith. I first started hearing Steve’s name about 4 or 5 years ago when I was still racing BC and Canada Cups. It was always murmured along with phrases like “the next big Canadian racer” and “has the potential to do well at a world cup level”. This year Steve took big steps to reaching that potential with a break out season, which saw him claim the US Open title, post a 10th place finish at the Andorra world cup, and debut in the film Seasons. As a fellow rider I am excited to have Stevie as a teammate, we have always had a great time hanging together and I like the confident approach he brings to his riding. The generally soft spoken 18 year old usually lets his riding do the talking but I forced him to sit down and answer some questions so that all of you could get to know him better.Stevie, congratulations on your new deal with Evil Bikes. First off, you are from Cassidy, a small town on Vancouver Island, BC. How did you first get into mountain biking?

I started on a bmx doing some races here and there. Then a guy from my local bike shop got me a North Shore Extreme video and I was pumped. I started riding on the mountains and was instantly hooked on how much more terrain I could access. I started taking it seriously after my first race, the BC Cup finals in Hemlock. I won the under 15 category and my time was 2nd in the pro class.

What do you do in Cassidy other than ride your bike?

Not much I ride my bike a lot. I guess when I’m not I go fishing, ride a bit of moto, and maybe even hit the driving range. Cassidy is pretty mellow.

Do you have a specific off-season training regime?

Yes, last winter Red Bull hooked me up with a trainer and a strict program. I’m in the gym 6 days a week mixed in with a bit XC riding.

I hear that you are a wizard on your Blackberry, how many text messages would you say you send a month?

Ahh, probably a couple thousand, I don’t know exactly but it’s a lot.

What is your go-to Subway order?

Haha, I alternate between two subs for the last eight years. Roast Chicken or Italian BMT both on Honey Oat bread, with lots of chipotle sauce, and all the veggies. I’d say I eat Subway four times week.

What are your thoughts on skin suits?

Oh man they are the worst things ever. I only wear one at worlds because you sort of have to, but I get out of it as soon as I can.

This year you were featured in the film Seasons and really were a standout story with your mom shuttling you in the Tracker. People all over the world became familiar with you for the first time, have you noticed any increased attention?

Ya actually, crazy amounts. I had a lot of people recognizing me at events and Id say I get 15 friend requests on facebook everyday. I really enjoy it, its cool to see how many young kids are into the sport these days.

Speaking of the Tracker I hear it has now been retired, what happened?

Touchy subject, we wont go into it.

What is the biggest thing you learned from your first full year racing as a pro?

I’d say I got a lot more comfortable at big races. The experience was huge. I also saw good results from the work I put in during the offseason; you really get out what you put in.

Tell us why you decided to ride for Evil?

A lot of reasons. I am really stoked to ride a good bike so working with Dave Weagle is a big motivation. Gabe Fox is also someone that I’ve been working with for 5 years, and he’s helped me out a lot. I also liked the feel of the company; it’s a small group with a family atmosphere,
so I think it’s a good fit for me.

What are your goals for next year and beyond?

Id like to podium at world cup races. I’m going to work hard in the off-season to try avoid injuries, and of course have fun!

Anyone you would like to thank?

Everyone that has gotten me to this point. Red Bull, Gabe Fox, Matty my mechanic, and of course my Mom for the shuttles.

In 2009 Stevie will once again be racing the full world cup circuit, as well as the US Open, Canadian Nationals, and Crankworks. His new ride will be the Revolt, the first downhill bike from Evil, featuring the DELTA System by Dave Weagle. For updates on Stevie and Evil Bikes, visit evil-bikes.com

Photo by jpilot.pinkbike.com/

Author Info:
spoiledgoods avatar

Member since Mar 20, 2000
624 articles

78 Comments
  • 5 0
 Cove has no money!!!
  • 2 0
 Good Canadian kid. Can't wait till he's standing on top of the box at world cup events!
  • 3 2
 Great for Steveie Smith, bad for Cove Bike... They just can't fast talent signed up.
  • 3 2
 ugh, bad typing... They can't keep fast talent signed up
  • 1 0
 They could have, however in the interview it says that Gabe has left Cove for Evil, and Gabe basically gave Steve his wings, so Steve was loyal and followed him.
  • 1 1
 good for evil bad for cove, to be honest i was a little bit dissapointed when i saw this. im sure he is going to have a awsome season though in 2009, looking forward to it!
  • 1 0
 Cant wait to see him killing it in races with Evil. Canadian boys gotta get their names out in the big league!
  • 2 0
 YES! Two of my favorite rider on the same team! Good to see that!
  • 1 0
 i just read this interview on nsmb.com
  • 1 0
 great skills and style, wish you big things in 2009.
  • 1 0
 steve smith is fucking awsome
  • 3 3
 fuck all you negative fucks im stoked to be on evil, this new bike is going to dominate
  • 0 0
 As well you should be man! I'm just as excited to get a look at the finished bike and we're tryin to get them for retail in our store next summer...fingers crossed.
  • 0 0
 yea steve you cant be talking like that or evil will drop you
  • 0 0
 steves a super solid rider, from what ive seen Evil made some solid frames, good luck Steve.
  • 1 0
 Steve Smith is dangerous.
  • 1 0
 dam...... the cove shocker is the shit
  • 2 2
 i think he should have stuck on cove. evil bikes look kinda hack
  • 2 0
 R U insane! Dave Weagle designs only the most Innovative bikes on the market!
  • 2 1
 i didnt say they wernt good. they just look hack
  • 0 0
 i think evil bikes have got the license for dw-link with turner?am i wrong
  • 1 0
 Evil has worked in conjunction with Dave Weagle, the owner, and creator of the DW Link. Evil actually uses a Delta system, which Dave also developed.
  • 6 5
 souns sick
  • 11 0
 Island boy! Vancouver island is the best
  • 2 0
 so sick. steves an awesome rider.
  • 3 0
 Good luck steve on the evils.
  • 2 1
 I still wanna see a real pic of one of these built up cuz they look nice!
  • 4 0
 I would like to have a mom like he have. And for sure some nice trail near of my house Smile
  • 4 0
 haha, his birthday came up under my notifications today on facebook lol
  • 1 16
flag goldenmediagroup (Nov 25, 2008 at 19:50) (Below Threshold)
 whats with everyone goin to evil now ive never even heard of them?
  • 1 0
 oh baby
  • 1 0
 awsome
  • 0 0
 lets see some real pics of the bike!!! i cant wait any longer!
  • 0 0
 Gonna have too. My understanding is there is not a built bike yet. It is still pre-proto.
  • 0 0
 EVIL crushes ALL mwahahahahahahahah!!!!
  • 0 0
 sweet
  • 0 0
 THATS MY PHOTO HAHAHAHA
  • 0 0
 oops caps
  • 0 0
 Thanks for taking the great picture!
  • 0 0
 haha your welcome, I hope you've check out my other ones of riders at crankworx, i got a good one of cedric gracia and he even put it on his own website, i met him and i showed him the pic and he loved it so he told me to send it haha
  • 0 2
 noooooooooooooooo steven no!!
why he left cove why(more mony hahaha).
evil have dh bike?
  • 3 3
 why not cove?
  • 3 2
 I agree why not Cove?
  • 2 5
 i love you steave your my idol but im not sure about this whole evil thing its just gunna be very different! not the same steave smith
  • 1 1
 C'mon man, you sound like your in a soap opera.... Evil is pure innovation and Steve will take it to the next level!
  • 2 1
 kind of like no one can see hill on a specialized right?.. who gives a f*ck what bike he rides. let's care about the results he puts out.
  • 2 5
 Booo! I work for Cove USA and this news is terrible!! Have fun testing bikes for 2 years before anything gets to the market......
  • 2 0
 Tell those guys up in Canada to get their act together and maybe pay their athletes something.... then maybe they'll be able to keep their talent!
  • 1 1
 I hear ya. At least the loyal Cove riders know the truth. I'm sad ever since Gule left.....I'm under the impression Gabe is at Evil from reading this........I wonder what's going on up North.
  • 0 1
 I LOVE STEVE SMITH!
  • 9 11
 he would win more on cove evil biks suck
  • 3 9
flag mattbeer (Nov 25, 2008 at 18:21) (Below Threshold)
 the cove is a great bike but outdated.
  • 2 4
 The Shocker is an awesome ride, but the guys at Cove don't know how to run a company.
  • 4 2
 Ballaholic!! Evil makes some of the BEST bikes....Oh wait your too young to have heard of them.
  • 1 1
 Yeah,
Ballaholic, the new Evil bike is AMAZING looking, and they are working with Dave Weagle (DW-Link) to help build a race ready bike.
The new Evil bike will be revolutionary.
  • 0 2
 haha to young? ive been arouns longre than you think dickwad
he still would of done better on cove trust me.
i heard this news before any of you fags on the internet so i think i know a bit more than you asswhipes
  • 0 0
 Trust you... like you would have an inkling of an idea. Thread closed!
  • 0 1
 Sweet
  • 0 2
 what bike would he be riding with evil?
  • 3 0
 "His new ride will be the Revolt, the first downhill bike from Evil, featuring the DELTA System by Dave Weagle. For updates on Stevie and Evil Bikes, visit evil-bikes.com"

In case you didnt see that...
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