Every day, there’s an endless onslaught of new bike videos. My poor, overstimulated brain now has the attention span of a gerbil and I can barely remember what I watched 10 minutes ago. Occasionally though, a video manages to stick. Whether it’s amazing riding, stunning visuals, or a heartfelt story, it stirs something within me, and days, weeks, or even months later, I’ll think back to it and smile.
With the end of the year approaching, I figured this would be a good time to look back at these awesome videos. The bike geeks here at The Pro’s Closet nominated some of their favorites, and now we’re sharing them with you. So sit back, relax, and watch our list of the best bike videos of 2021.
Best Cycling Adventures
Rapha Gone Racing - The Alt Tour
Nominated by: Luke Hall - Receiving Coordinator
Lachlan Morton is one of our favorite riders and several of us here at TPC followed Lachy’s GPS dot as he rode every stage and transfer of the 2021 Tour de France in support of World Bicycle Relief. It’s an ambitious challenge, and I loved watching his mind and body unravel.
Thereabouts 3: Discovering Colombia
Nominated by: Billy Finlay - Master Technician
Another Lachy video? We just can’t get enough of this guy! “Thereabouts 3” covers his two week tour through Colombia, a country many of us know too little about. It was inspiring enough that our Master Technician, Billy, actually booked a trip to Colombia after watching.
Best Social Commentary
The Long Traverse
Nominated by: Dani Smith - Customer Experience Representative
“The Long Traverse” is about an 80-mile ride through California’s Los Padres national forest, but it’s really about the history of the landscape and our place within it. For anyone living and riding in the West, this matters, as we grapple with climate change and the reality of constant forest fires.
All Bodies on Bikes
Nominated by: John Watson - Director, Content and Special Projects
Kailey Kornhauser and Marley Blonsky are on a mission to make cycling more inclusive by changing the idea that people in larger bodies can't ride bikes. We love the work Marley Blonsky is doing so much, she’s actually one of our ambassadors!
The Invisible 65,000
Nominated by: Matthew Ankeny - Director, Brand & Content Marketing
Many cyclists worry about e-bikes ruining cycling but are unaware of the struggles of delivery workers who rely on these bikes for their jobs. You can also learn more about this story in New York magazine.
Best Cycling Documentaries
Long Live Chainsaw | The Stevie Smith Legacy
Nominated by: Dylan Cabral - Customer Experience Representative
Want to see a room full of burly mountain bikers bawling like babies? Just go to a showing of "Long Live Chainsaw." It documents the rise of downhill champion and mountain bike legend, Stevie Smith, who passed unexpectedly in 2016. Only the trailer is on YouTube but the film can be purchased here.
World’s Most Dangerous Roads | Burundi - The Racing Cyclists
Nominated by: Zach Weiss - Reactive Purchasing Associate
In Burundi, bike couriers are a vital part of the economy, transporting massive loads cross-country at race speeds. It’s one of the most dangerous jobs, and the riders who do it are both inspiring and completely mad.
Best Professional Bike Racing
De Ronde 104 - Behind The Scenes
Nominated by: Sean ‘Sully’ Sullivan - TradeUP Program Coordinator
A great look back at the 2020 edition of the Tour of Flanders, one of the best in recent memory. It was full of drama, and it gave cycling fans the showdown they’d all been waiting for between cyclocross stars Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert.
Best Shred-it
Brett Rheeder - Continuum
Nominated by: Bruce Lin - Writer
I’ve watched this edit over 100 times at this point. It’s short, sweet, and absolutely stunning. Rheeder has often ridden in the shadow of fellow Canadian, Brandon Semenuk, but in “Continuum” I think he shines brighter than any other rider this year. (Brage Vestavik's gnarly Real MTB 2021 edit deserves an honorable mention too.)
Best Visuals
Follow the Light
Nominated by: Bruce Lin - Writer
Every one of Kilian Bron’s edits is a spectacle, but he really outdid himself with “Follow the Light.” Guided by light, he rips across a mesmerizing Turkish landscape filled with Middle Eastern architecture, crazy sunsets, and strange natural features.
Best Rider Interview
Riding Fixed, Up Mountains, With Pros. - Ep. 14: Oatman w/ Leo Rodgers
Nominated by: Josh Weinberg - Editor
Leo Rodgers lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, but turned it into an opportunity to inspire others. He's a Paralympic medalist and total badass, now competing against two-legged cyclists in the most grueling gravel events. Watch him ride a fixie uphill and learn what makes him tick.
Best Educational Video
Most People Don't Know How Bikes Work
Nominated by: Quentin Whitfield - TPC Customer Associate
Count me among “most people” because I thought that bicycles stayed upright due to gyroscopic forces from the wheels. Leave it to Veritasium, one of YouTube’s best educational channels, to teach me why I’m wrong.
Best Shorts
When You’re Deep Into The Relationship
Nominated by: Maggie John - Customer Experience Manager
Katie Burrell (@katieburrelltv) describes herself as an actor and “professional leisure athlete.” She’s also a spy because she’s obviously been watching my wife and me while we ride and recording our conversations. This video is way too real, and way too funny.
Crust Scapegoat Honest Review
Nominated by: Dan Hanafin - Creative Director
@bikepackingsucks produces “honest reviews,” like this “review” for the Crust Bikes Scapegoat. I don’t know if it’s comedy or art. All I know is that it’s hilarious and I can’t look away. With trippy music, surreal narration, and some pretty good riding, it belongs on Adult Swim.
Best TPC Videos
Did you know The Pro’s Closet has a YouTube channel too? We’re constantly posting new videos, so if you love bikes as much as us, be sure to check them out and subscribe! Here are some of my favorites from this year.
New Skids on the Block
Mountain biking’s early pioneers pushed the limits off-road on coaster brake cruiser bikes known as “Klunkers.” Our team at The Radavist took a pair of bone stock State Bicycle Co. cruisers and some 8mm film out to relive the glory days.
Beija Flor | Ambassador Series
The Pro’s Closet has a bevy of amazing ambassadors and we’re excited to feature each and every one. As someone whose family has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Beija Flor’s story hit me especially hard.
Riding in NYC: Central Park Raccoons | Bicycle Kingdom Ep.1
I’m loving our new Bicycle Kingdom series, featuring riders in New York City. It’s a completely different scene from what I’m used to here in the West, and it actually makes me want to visit the big city and ride the streets.
Do you agree with this list? What were your favorite videos of 2021? Let me know in the comments!
