Interview with Korbi Engstler
FREERIDE: Korbi, it seems like your life has nothing but highlights. New sponsors, growing follower numbers. Do you ever have anything to moan about?
Korbi Engstler: As we all know, there's something to complain about at every level. But basically you're right, my life is great.
And if you do moan?
Then about the fact that there are no real trails where I live. And about unpleasant compulsory appointments. I'm a people pleaser. I simply can't turn down requests. But I'd rather pursue my projects. I'm planning a film project, for example. I want to travel to Iceland, Namibia and Canada with my team. The end result will be a 50-minute documentary film. Instead of pure action, it's about friendship, my clique and biking, of course.
And yet mini edits full of action are your recipe for success.
First and foremost the successful concept of Insta and Tiktok - but also my success, that's true. Our project should be different. I'm a fan of the old bike films. I already had a lot of film ideas, and my team and I want to realise them now. At some point, we'll have had enough of the mini shred clips, won't we? I think the trend is going back. People want to see people and hear real stories.
What makes you think that?
Enter gravel biking on YouTube and you'll see documentaries with loads of clicks and positive comments.
About challenges and teamwork
In our interview two years ago, you wanted to unite the German MTB greats in a joint film project. That seems more promising to me.
I had the idea, but I rejected it. Also because everyone in the German scene is cooking their own soup. There are a lot of sensitivities. At least that's my impression. It's different with the Canadians or the English. You notice that at festivals, where all the MTB stars from Canada or England sit together. The Germans and Austrians sit scattered around with their crews.
You're also a guy who likes to hang out with his team.
That's true, at least privately. But when it comes to joint projects, I'm open and willing. Because everyone benefits from that.
What is the biggest challenge in your job?
I have to reinvent myself every day and produce content that my followers like. If you take a longer break, the algorithms on Insta, YouTube and Tiktok will punish you mercilessly and your reach will drop.
Do you have to make everything up?
I also take inspiration from my friends. Basically, I take half an hour every day, scrolling through Tiktok and Insta looking for ideas. It's about seeing what resonates with people.
Kilian Bron, Kriss Kyle, Elias Schwärzler and most recently you - they were all in Cappadocia. Where is the line between inspiration and copying?
I don't think you can call it a copy, but rather an inspiration. Even if it's always the same location, it's still filmed differently, with a different motif and a different style.
Content for the future
Over half a million people follow you on social media channels. Why are you so popular with people?
I'm not particularly good at anything, but I can do a bit of everything. I'm not an extreme trickster, I'm not particularly fast, but I can ride the trail in style and I'm authentic. I think a lot of people can identify with that.
Keyword tricks: What tricks are on your to-do list?
Sure, I'd be tempted to pull a flatspin. But I don't seem to want it enough. Otherwise I wouldn't have to do anything other than try one flatspin after another into the airbag. In general, I quickly lose interest in learning tricks and prefer to go biking. The fascination doesn't really open up to me. Triple barspins? I don't get anything out of that.
Aggressive trail biking is in vogue and is also your riding style. What's next?
I think that will last for a while yet. But I've already had my fill in places. I'm also getting tired of all this braaape. Especially when people do it with too little air in their tyres. So lame! I'd rather ride a bend properly, it's really fun! I also like technical sections that have to be mastered slowly. There are trails like this on Lake Garda, where it's all about not putting your foot down.
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New dream sponsor
Paulaner Spezi recently became your helmet sponsor. How did this come about and wouldn't a Red Bull helmet have been more appealing?
I would never have got the Red Bull helmet, my skills aren't good enough for that. It also wouldn't have suited me and my way of biking. The deal with Paulaner Spezi is a much better fit. It's my absolute dream sponsor, because I've been drinking and loving Spezi since I was a child. I'm also the first athlete of this kind with Paulaner Spezi - that's an honour. It's a dream come true. Another one is a FREERIDE cover, by the way. Did you get my pictures, is there anything possible?
More about Korbi Engstler
About the bike influencer...
The Allgäu native (25, Team Ghost) from Wangen started biking at the age of eleven. Crime scene: Wangen, at the dirt spot of local hero Guido Tschugg. Korbi also bought his first mountain bike (Ghost Cagua) from Guido, second-hand for 1400 euros. Almost a decade later, Korbi is sponsored by the brand and is one of the most popular bike influencers in Germany. Over half a million people follow him on social media.
Laurin Lehner
Editor
