The Trickstuff St. Nick MTB ride
Ho ho ho, Trickstuff invited us to their annual St. Nick MTB ride and we were pumped to go! Read on for more and get the .gpx files so you can also ride it
Every year, Trickstuff, the high-end German component manufacturer, organises a St. Nick MTB ride on the first advent with partners and friends of the brand. The idea behind it is to check out the trails around Freiburg in southern Germany and do so in a relaxed setting with only one goal in mind, fun. When we got our invitation this year, we were super excited to take part.
High-end manufacturing in the suburbs
Trickstuff is most known for the lightest MTB disc brakes on the market. Weighing in at 316g the Piccola brakes are sleek and provide stopping power that I have rarely ever felt before. Of course, they have their price, but when your think of the craftsmanship involved, it is definitely justified. Hidden away in the suburbs of Freiburg-Merzhausen, the brakes are assembled right at the Trickstuff headquarters.
The Piccola only weighs 316 g per set!
Klaus explaining the test procedures.
Trickstuff's seatpost clamp is known as "Gandhi."
The 'Office.'
On our way!
With the bikes packed in the bc van, Rainer, a colleague of mine, and I made our way to Merzhausen. As soon as we arrived, Klaus the CEO, greeted us and showed us around. The office space had already been transformed with beer garden tables and benches into the perfect place to eat and drink after the ride. Klaus also gave us a quick tour of the production and test facilities and if you want to know more about them, check out another one of our blogs.
Bike bling everywhere
Even though snow had fallen and the temperature was sub-zero, the Freiburg MTB scene showed up in full force. Everywhere we looked there were unbelievable custom bikes with prototype parts and rare components. Klaus was also riding a new carbon brake lever on his Trickstuff brakes. For those who are into new bike tech, this was the place to be.
Now that is one pretty stem.
With a carbon lever, things get even lighter.
"Made in Freiburg by Trickstuff."
Time to ride!
Right around 12 pm, we put on our St. Nick hats and beards and we mounted our bikes. We started off riding asphalt up Mt. Kybfelsen where the trails begin. After the asphalt ended, we climbed 450 vertical metres on double track with beautiful views the whole way up.
Up the trail we go.
Beauty and snow.
Let's go Santa!
Klaus had two different trails for us to choose from. The first was the Canadian Trail, named after the Canadian trail builders who designed it, and the second being the “Blaue Raute” or blue diamond, which was less technically challenging, but had just as much flow. Rainer decided to take on the Canadian Trail and I went for the “Blaue Raute.”
Beards always grow this time of year.
Rainer at the start of the Canadian Trail.
Canadian Trail
From Rainer:
“The Canadian Trail is a well built and clean downhill track that descends roughly 450 vertical metres. There are plenty of berms, jumps and rock gardens that keep you on your toes. I rode this trail about a month ago when it was dry, but with snow and ice it was important take the foot off the gas. I decided to follow the local riders, who chose clean lines and the perfect speed to come down. The trial was perfect for my Liteville 301 Mk14 Enduro bike and I had a great time shredding!”
Blaue Raute
First and foremost, the “Blaue Raute” trail is shared with hikers and bikers alike. It is full of flow and is perfect for beginners. However, there are enough roots and small rock gardens to satisfy the experience mountain biker as well. Dropping roughly 400 vertical metres, I had a great time weaving through the singletrack on a Liteville 101. I can definitely recommend this trail.
bc's 20 year anniversary beer!
Cheers after a great ride!
Decked out.
After the ride
At the bottom of the trails, the two groups met up and rode back to the Trickstuff HQ. There we ate Klaus’s pumpkin soup and enjoyed a few of bc’s 20 year anniversary beers. Hot spiced wine was also served to help warm up our cold bones. A big thank you to Trickstuff for the invite. We had a great time and look forward to next year!
