Rider Profile: Alex Gross

Birth Date:
05.08.1984

Home Town:
Poole

Home park/trail:
Poole street/Park

Bike:
DB Bandito

Can you remember when riding stopped becoming a hobby but a way of life?
When I started really. When you're like 16 and you can get around on a bike, you have so much freedom and just add super amped stunts into the mix! Radcore!

How did you first get hooked up with Diamondback?
Sent a video to DB when they were looking for a team and they liked what they saw and took me on. Probably a bit harder now as there's so many more riders all looking for the same thing.

What does riding for Diamondback mean to you?
Dunno really, only brand I've ridden for and can't really imagine riding for anyone else cos the bikes are quality and the peeps behind it are savage awesome! Mad Eye Mike the drinking supremo!

Tell us about your bike setup
Pretty street at the mo, but with sus up front for stair drops and the like. Single speed with micro drive, 26” hoops with pretty slick tyres, short bars and plastic pedals. Rear disc for the rear anchor works a charm! Dead simple and quiet.

Riding has given you the opportunity to travel and ride some great places, which has been the most memorable?
Probably my America 2010 trip, two months of travelling and riding around – most of – the states! Met so many cool people and rode some amazing spots! Interbike in Vegas was insane, and the Diamondback party shut that place down!

What do you think is the most ground-breaking moment in MTB since you've been riding?
It's impossible to choose any one moment. Was it the first proper disc brake, first proper street tyres, first flip on an MTB! I think every time anyone progresses or does something they're stoked on, that for me is groundbreaking – just have fun, life's too short!

Who do you respect in MTB?
To be honest, I don't criticise what anyone does, okay they might look stinky in the air or land something bad, so really respect to anyone who rides and keeps the sport alive. However my all time fave riders are Matt Beringer and Aaron Chase – doing different and interesting stuff.

What has been your scariest moment full stop on a bike?
Ha, every time I nose into the downside of a double, hate that!

What have you got planned for this season?
Make loads of videos and get some quality shots. Got a GoPro HD now yoo!

Any words of wisdom?
Wear a lid, you only get one head. Standard response much!

Shout outs and hook ups?
Yo to all the DB crew, both UK and US! Jamie Taylor and the Spank crew. Joe Prisel and the awesome guys at Rays Bike parks. Oh and me dad for getting me riding. Everyone else can get stuffed!*

*may contain traces of lie