The Scot started riding BMX at the age of ten. His speciality: street and park. A few years ago, the Specialized rider switched to mountain biking and amazed the scene with his lively style.
CONTENTS:
Kriss Kyle in conversation with FREERIDE editor Laurin Lehner - Interview
Some say that BMXers are the more creative mountain bikers. Do you agree?
I've heard that too, but I don't see it that way. There are too many creative mountain bikers who don't come from BMX. Look at Brandon Semenuk. For me, he's probably the most creative biker ever. People probably think that we BMXers read the terrain differently. We have a special eye and see lines and stunts that mountain bikers don't see. Maybe that's what has a refreshing effect on many people.
Can you explain this in concrete terms?
I see ramps and landings everywhere. No matter where I am. I can't switch it off. Linesickness! A car journey through a foreign city or a visit to a shopping centre becomes an adventure. All these impressions spark my imagination and I start daydreaming. In one sentence:
We BMXers have the view! And not just off-road, but everywhere.
You are a professional street and park BMXer. You only got on a mountain bike a few years ago. Are you bored of BMXing?
No, not at all. Maybe it comes across as if I only mountain bike, but in reality I spend just as much time on my BMX.
There is a theory that you can only become really good at something if you concentrate on it.
I don't believe in that. Above all, it's important not to lose the fun of it. Mountain biking feels fresh to me and helps me to broaden my horizons. When I get back on the BMX after a few days on the bike, it feels fresh. The variety pushes me instead of holding me back. I know bikers who lose the fun of their sport because they always do the same thing. That certainly doesn't happen to me.
What appeals to you about mountain biking?
I love new things and the challenge of learning again. Tricks on a mountain bike are so much harder than on a small BMX. I also like the aspect of being out in nature. Mostly alone, away from the cities. In the indoor skate hall, on the other hand, there's a lot of hustle and bustle, and with street BMXing you're out and about in the city. That means lots of traffic, lots of people and annoying security guys who tell you that you're not allowed to ride here. Nevertheless, I would never want to do without BMXing.
It seems as if there are only BMXers who switch to mountain bikes. Like Brad Simms or Christian Rigal, for example. Hardly any mountain bikers ride BMX, do they?
That's right. I can only guess why that is. BMXing is hard on the bones. Especially if you're over 30 years old, you feel the lack of suspension. Mountain biking, on the other hand, is good for the body. Yes, it's like wellness (laughs). That's just one reason, of course. I've been telling BMXers for a long time: get a mountain bike, I tell them. It was the same with Brad, he was curious and asked me what it was like. Now you see him doing crazy stunts on a mountain bike. The guy has so much pop in his legs, it's sick. He can do crazy stunts with a lot of airtime. Christian has been around forever, maybe he wanted to try something new.
Do you see any differences in the scene - or do BMXers tick in a similar way to bikers?
"The vibe is different among mountain bikers. They drink water, say hello, talk small and wear freshly laundered clothes."
(Laughs) I recently discussed this with my friends. They are two different worlds. BMXers are usually lepers who drink beer and smoke weed. If you're new to a spot, hardly anyone talks to you, instead you get a grim look. The vibe is different among mountain bikers. They drink water, say hello, small talk, wear freshly laundered clothes and ask you if you need help when you're on the side of the trail.
Oh come on, as if nobody wants to talk to you!
Well, people know me by now, even far away from the skate parks where I'm travelling. Nevertheless, there's this vibe - maybe you could even compare it to surfers - the locals don't like seeing new people at the spot either.
Crazy, how do you explain the difference?
Phew, maybe because BMXers are always chased away when they slide over banisters in the city. Just like skateboarders. Who knows, maybe this has pushed BMXers into the role of outlaws. Maybe they basically feel left out. I can't tell you. I feel comfortable in both scenes, but now I like the open MTB scene more.
Is it true that you dropped out of school at the age of 14 to live in a skate park?
Pretty much. I was just starting high school and all my friends were losing interest in BMX riding. I, on the other hand, had nothing else on my mind. So at weekends I travelled to the Unit 23 skatepark, three and a half hours away by train, near Glasgow. At first it was just for the weekend, but later I extended it at will, and at some point I didn't go back at all. My parents were desperate, but thought I was staying with a friend. In reality, I was now living in the skatepark, sleeping on a sofa, living on sweets and sneaking through even darker areas of Glasgow at night with dark figures.
Did you live in a BMX hall as a teenager?
Yes, I'm telling you, it was arse cold and spooky too. I kept hearing noises at night and I was scared. At some point, the skate hall owner offered other lost souls the chance to spend the night in the hall. At last I was no longer alone and no longer had to be afraid at night. In the end, there were twelve of us boys living in the hall. That went on for eight years. BMXing during the day, going out at night, no school.
Wow, what a story!
Oh yes, those were wild times. I'm glad I made the leap into the professional business. I wouldn't know what else to do. I have no training whatsoever.
On your Insta account, you can usually be seen riding alone in the forest. Would you describe yourself as a loner?
This is more due to the fact that there is no MTB scene where I live. I have a buddy who goes on trail rides with me, but I'm usually out on my own and take my dogs with me. Then we ride through the forest together until it gets dark and we ride home completely soaked in mud (laughs). If I do feel like company, I get in the car for two hours and drive north to meet up with Danny MacAskill and Duncan Shaw. It's always great fun and inspiring. What Danny does on his bike is crazy, even with an e-bike he manages to pull off the most complex tricks.
Kriss Kyle's Insta-world
Which mountain bikers are your favourite to watch?
Probably Brandon Semenuk. He is almost perfect. Also Danny MacAskill and I love watching the trail robbers from the 50to01 crew. They basically do what I do here in the forest. Rémy Métailler is also great to watch. I particularly like the spots where he bikes. Where does he find these crazy places?
Do these guys inspire you when you come up with new video ideas?
No, I tend to be inspired by other sports. Motocross, snowboarding or skateboarding - I watched the film "Art of Flight" dozens of times. Snowboard films are underrated - I particularly like the way they're edited.
How do you come up with ideas for a particular stunt?
Brage Vestavik once said that he has the best ideas when he's lying in bed and chilling. Haha, yes, chilling on the couch. I often felt the same way. Then I record it on the iPad and send it to my trail builders. It's crazy anyway, sometimes I feel like biking takes up too much space in my head. Every now and then I have to force myself not to think about BMXing or mountain biking.
Your clip OUT OF SEASON would have had X Games real potential. Are you interested in this video competition format?
Are you joking? It's my absolute dream to be allowed to take part here. The X-Games-Real are the best competition format in freestyle. Because it's not just about one or two runs that last 60 seconds. It's about much more, namely getting close to perfection. It's not just about your performance on the bike, but also about creativity. From you, the trail builders and the filmer. In the end, you have a masterpiece. For us BMXers, the X-Games-Real format has been around for a long time. However, I heard that the mountain bikers got the most clicks when they debuted in 2021. It's strange that the organisers decided against a 2022 edition.
Who was your favourite in 2021?
Brage! The style, the stunts, the sinister setup and the music - simply awesome! And above all: different!
What other competitions do you follow?
I hardly ever watch BMX competitions any more. I watch Downhill World Cupswhich Hardline of course, too. And the Rampage! I've even been there. I'm telling you, it's much bigger than it seems in the livestream. You're standing at the edge of a jump and looking for the landing. At some point you find it - a small dot several floors down. Sick! Respect to the guys who take off. I've never seen anything so sick.
Would you dare to take part here?
Phew, I wouldn't want to turn down the opportunity. But I would dig a completely different line into the slope. A line that suits my riding style. That's the great thing about the Rampage - you can create your own descent. Danny MacAskill I could also imagine it at the Rampage.
You want to see Danny MacAskill at the Rampage?
Believe me, this guy has what it takes. He's got big stepdowns and big jumps. He would also bring a whole new style to the game. I'm sure it would be an asset to the event. Fabio Wibmer would also be interesting to see. Don't underestimate these guys just because they are usually out and about on their trial bikes.
You follow World Cups and the Rampage, as a BMXer you should be more into slopestyle, right?
Not necessarily, but I do watch it from time to time. If I had to decide whether to take part in the District Ride or the Rampage, I'd go for the Rampage.
Is slopestyle boring for you BMXers because you incorporate even more rotations and tricks into your flight phase anyway?
Are you dreaming? Slopestyle is much more progressive than BMXing. I don't know anyone who rocks and dominates the BMX scene like a Emil Johansson.
What's on the to-do list for 2023?
If everything goes well, we'll finish shooting my biggest Red Bull project on the BMX. I want to explore Switzerland on my mountain bike for another video project. And for my Youtube channel I search for spots in Europe by throwing a dart blindfolded.
36 questions in the speed interview with Kriss Kyle
- What was your biggest test of courage? The jump from the helicopter onto the roof of the Burj al-Arab Hotel.
- What have you missed in life so far? No, I took advantage of every opportunity.
- Your current motto? Lets fucking GO!
- What can't you do? Dancing.
- Where do you get stuck when you flick through the TV programme? Trash TV - my wife hates my choice of programmes, haha!
- Which fact about you surprises you? I got my first tattoo when I was twelve. Sorry, Mum!
- What challenges you? When stunts start to seem unfeasible.
- Best sport, apart from biking? Surfing, skating, FMX, snowboarding.
- Which athletes impress you? Nyjah Huston (skateboard) and Axell Hodges (motocross).
- What gives you nightmares? Too much cheese gives me nightmares. Seriously!
- Which habit should you stop? Listening to people who tell me that something doesn't work.
- What is a challenge for you? Leaving my dogs behind when travelling.
- What makes you aggressive? Hunger.
- Which phrase do you use too often? OH HELL YEAHH!
- What do you spend a lot of money on? For my dogs.
- If you could travel back in time, which era would you choose? The 80s. The music, the style - great!
- Your dream job alongside that of a bike pro? Pro surfer.
- Where would you like to have a second home? Madeira.
- What do you want to be reborn as? As a Labrador.
- Which magazines are next to your bed? FREERIDE, Cranked Mag, MBUK, old Ride UK and DIG BMX.
- Your favourite film? Dumb and Dumber.
- Which sport don't you want to learn? Cricket.
- Which dream have you already put aside? None.
- Best trick? Flair!
- The craziest stunt you've ever seen? Kieran Reilly's triple flair. Insane!
- What's annoying about living in Scotland? The weather.
- What's nice about living in Scotland? Everything except the weather.
- What makes you laugh? My buddies.
- Your favourite app: Insta.
- Style is for you ... Being one with the bike and expressing yourself in this way.
- England is for you ... I prefer Scotland.
- A big bike is for you ... Something I've never tried before.
- The FMB World Tour is for you ... Impressive!
- Tattoos are for you ... A good storyteller.
- Sexiest woman alive is for you ... My wife. I still can't believe I got such a woman.
- Gravel bikes are for you ... Rather boring.
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Voices on Kriss Kyle
Marcus Cole, photographer and buddy:
"Kriss is one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He's on the road 24/7 and he's relentless in everything he does. No matter how tricky a stunt is, he never gives up. Apart from that, he constantly forgets to charge his batteries for his e-gear and e-telescopic support. It doesn't bother him, he rides up steep ramps even with a high gear and lowered Vario support. Kriss is a good guy and I can't thank him enough for everything he's done for me!"
"Kriss is an enigma. He does his own thing. As far as I know, he left school at the age of 14 to live in a skatepark. I think he rides on his own a lot. Every now and then he comes up to us and we go for a spin together."
"I've never met Kriss, but I watch his videos. I like his BMX style on the mountain bike."
"Many people's styles stagnate, but Kriss is constantly evolving. His work ethic is just as admirable. He loves dogs, which I also find likeable."
"I don't know Kriss personally, but I've been following him on social media for ages. I like the fact that he got on a mountain bike a few years ago. The style is unique. In reality, though, I envy him more for his Mercedes G-Class than his style, ha ha!"
Laurin Lehner
Editor
