Heels above the handlebars
BIKE: Lukas, which trick do you enjoy the most?
Lukas Knopf: The Heel Clicker. It comes from motocross: you tap your heels together above the handlebars. It’s quite old-school, but it makes an impression – probably also because hardly anyone does it anymore.
Did you used to ride motocross?
No. Only on the PlayStation. Then there were old films, Metal Mulisha and all that madness. I always thought that was cool. Besides, I like doing things that not everyone does.
What was the highlight of your slopestyle career?
The District Ride 2022 in Nuremberg. I can’t remember whether I came eighth, ninth or tenth. But I rode really well, and I was really pleased with myself. I would have liked to have picked up another two or three points from the judges. But never mind: riders count differently to judges.
And what about the audience?
Unbelievable. Noise and excitement after every bend. You never forget something like that.
The algorithm rewards perseverance
Which video got your YouTube channel off the ground?
An early tutorial in which I explained six bike tricks. At the same time, I was documenting my first competitions in America. This combination suddenly worked. The channel grew rapidly.
The secret to success?
Keep at it. Videos go viral time and time again, but you can’t just sit around waiting for that to happen. What makes the difference is carrying on even after that.
You took part in the City Downhill in Stuttgart. What particularly impressed you about the Cerro Abajo in Swabia?
The sea of people. At the top, you set off with hardly anyone watching. Then you shoot out of the course – and suddenly a wall of noise hits you. Under your helmet and whilst you’re focused on the race, everything sounds a bit muffled. But you can’t block out that energy.
Which obstacle did you find easiest?
The road gap from the bridge and the steps that followed were brilliant. My favourite, though, was the jump behind the chicane. That’s where I managed to pull off a Suicide No Hand. It suited me perfectly – and there were loads of spectators there.
Were you just there for a laugh?
Well, yes. I didn’t want to take a starting place away from a young downhill rider. Luckily, lots of young German riders were allowed to compete. But I’ve got a taste for it now.
What do you need to work on?
Above all, it’s down to the choice of line. In the video analysis, you can see how experienced downhill riders approach the bend differently, come out of it more nimbly and get back up to speed sooner. That’s when the athlete in me speaks up: I want to learn that.
Style beats spectacle
Which bike edit gives you goosebumps?
Brandon Semenuk’s films. His more recent work has a stronger freeride influence, yet he still incorporates tricks – and everything has that unmistakable style. Parallel III That’s another one.
Who are your top three style icons?
Emil Moser is a German newcomer who rides really well. He’s one to watch. Then there’s Brandon Semenuk, because he combines tricks and style like no other. And Kade Edwards: fast on the downhill, playful on the bike, and brilliant at tricks. But naming just three is actually unfair. There are an incredible number of good riders.
And what’s your most surprising hobby?
I make kefir every morning. Nutrition is important to me, especially the microbiome and gut health. Others scroll through Instagram in the morning. I look after microorganisms.
Whatever’s lying about gets used in training
How do you keep fit?
With consistency. Every morning I do 50 push-ups and some mobility exercises to get my body going. At home, I train with kettlebells and on the pull-up bar.
What’s your best training tip?
Position the equipment so that you can’t avoid using it. If you have to fetch the kettlebell from the cellar, it’ll stay there. If the pull-up bar is hanging in the doorframe and the yoga mat is on the floor, you’ll automatically do more.
Laziness is often just a matter of how things are organised.
Which TV series has really gripped you recently?
The Walking Dead. Zombies and horror aren’t really my thing. It took me a while to get into it, but then the series had me hooked. My other half and I devoured the whole thing.
When was the last time you had a good laugh whilst out on your bike?
Yesterday on the Hot Shots run in Leogang. A mate jumped right at the far left into a separate landing area. I just followed him. Moments like that are why I ride.
A Day with Ken Roczen
Which sports star would you swap places with for a day?
Actually, I’m quite happy being myself. But if I could choose for just one day, I’d pick Ken Roczen. I’d be interested to find out what his training is like, what routines he follows, and what it feels like to ride at his pace on a motocross track.
And after that?
I’d probably be completely devastated.
How do you wind down after all the hustle and bustle, filming and competitions?
It’s quite simple: going for a walk in the woods with my better half and my little son. Then curling up on the sofa and watching a TV series. It doesn’t get much more peaceful than that – and that’s exactly why it works.
Who is Lukas Knopf?
Lukas Knopf, born in 1996, is a professional mountain biker, content creator and self-made entrepreneur from the Chemnitz area. He got his first dirt jump bike at the age of twelve and later went on to compete in international slopestyle and freeride contests. His achievements include podium finishes on the FMB World Tour and a fourth-place finish at Crankworx in Rotorua. Knopf became known far beyond the competitive scene through bike videos on his YouTube channel: Dirt jumping, downhill, freeride – as long as it’s creative. In 2018, he also founded the bike and streetwear brand The Motion Brand. His motto aptly sums up his career and riding style: “Life’s short – stunt it!”
Dimitri Lehner
Editor