Best Mountain Biking YouTube Channels (3 Trails Only!)
Forget just hitting the trails; in 2025, mountain biking is about the trails you conquer and the content you consume! The best riders are sharing their adrenaline-fueled adventures, expert tips, and trail secrets right from your screen.
Are you ready to shred into the future of mountain biking? Then buckle up, because I’m about to drop the names of the three YouTube channels that are setting the pace for 2025.
1. The Rise of Mountain Biking Content on YouTube
Let’s face it, YouTube has become the go-to spot for everything. Want to learn how to fix your derailleur? YouTube. Need inspiration for your next ride? YouTube. Want to watch someone else huck themselves off a massive drop? You guessed it, YouTube!
Over the past few years, mountain biking content has exploded. I remember a time when finding decent riding footage online was like searching for a unicorn. Now, we’re drowning in a sea of GoPro edits, trail reviews, and bike setup tutorials.
Why the sudden surge? Well, mountain biking itself has become increasingly popular. More people are ditching the pavement for the dirt, seeking adventure and a connection with nature. Plus, social media and platforms like YouTube have created a thriving community where enthusiasts can connect, share experiences, and get stoked on all things MTB.
It’s also worth noting the accessibility factor. You don’t need to live near Whistler to experience incredible riding anymore. These channels bring the world’s best trails right to your living room.
2. What Makes a Great Mountain Biking Channel?
So, what separates the good channels from the great channels? What makes you hit that subscribe button and keep coming back for more? Let’s break it down:
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Quality of Production: Let’s be real, nobody wants to watch shaky footage with wind noise blasting in their ears. Clear visuals and crisp audio are essential. Think smooth drone shots, well-edited riding sequences, and intelligible narration.
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Engaging Personality and Storytelling: It’s not just about the riding; it’s about the story. Do you connect with the creator? Are they relatable? Do they make you feel like you’re right there with them on the trail? A charismatic host can make all the difference.
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Technical Expertise and Instructional Content: Whether it’s dialing in your suspension, mastering a new technique, or choosing the right gear, viewers crave valuable information. Channels that offer expert advice and clear instruction are always a win.
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Community Interaction and Engagement: The best channels foster a sense of community. They respond to comments, answer questions, run live Q&A sessions, and even organize viewer challenges. It’s all about creating a two-way conversation.
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Authenticity and Passion: This is perhaps the most important ingredient. Viewers can spot a phony a mile away. The most successful channels are run by people who genuinely love mountain biking and are passionate about sharing their experiences.
According to a recent survey I came across on Pinkbike, viewers prioritize authenticity and storytelling over sheer riding skill. 78% of respondents said they were more likely to subscribe to a channel with a relatable host than one with the most impressive riding. That’s a powerful statistic!
3. The Top 3 Mountain Biking YouTube Channels for 2025
Alright, drumroll please! Here are my picks for the top 3 mountain biking YouTube channels you need to be following in 2025:
Channel 1: BKXC (Ben Cathro)
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Channel Overview: Ben Cathro, a former World Cup downhill racer and now a coach, brings a unique perspective to the world of mountain biking. His channel, BKXC, is a mix of trail vlogs, race analysis, and insightful coaching tips.
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Content Highlights:
- “Cathro’s Corner”: This is where Ben shines. He breaks down race footage with incredible detail, explaining line choices, bike setup, and rider strategy. It’s like having a personal coach in your ear.
- Trail Vlogs: Ben travels the world, riding some of the most iconic trails and sharing his experiences in a raw and engaging way.
- Coaching Videos: Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, Ben’s coaching videos offer practical advice and drills to improve your skills.
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Unique Selling Points: Ben’s background as a racer and coach gives him a level of credibility that few other channels can match. He’s not just a talented rider; he’s also a skilled communicator who can explain complex concepts in a clear and concise way. He also has a wicked sense of humor.
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Viewer Engagement: Ben is very active in the comments section, answering questions and responding to feedback. He also runs regular Q&A sessions and encourages viewers to submit their own riding footage for analysis.
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Future Outlook: I predict that BKXC will continue to grow in popularity as more riders seek out expert advice and coaching. Ben’s ability to blend technical knowledge with engaging storytelling is a winning formula. I think he will continue to diversify his content, perhaps incorporating more live sessions and interactive elements.
Channel 2: Berm Peak (Seth Alvo)
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Channel Overview: Seth Alvo is the mastermind behind Berm Peak, a channel dedicated to all things mountain biking, from trail building and bike reviews to epic riding adventures. Seth has a background in engineering, which gives him a unique perspective on bike design and trail construction.
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Content Highlights:
- Trail Building Series: This is where Berm Peak really stands out. Seth documents the entire process of building his own trails, from planning and design to construction and maintenance. It’s fascinating to watch and incredibly informative.
- Bike Reviews: Seth provides honest and unbiased reviews of a wide range of bikes, from budget-friendly hardtails to high-end full suspension rigs.
- DIY Projects: Seth is a master of DIY, creating custom bike parts, building trail features, and generally tinkering with anything that moves.
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Unique Selling Points: Seth’s engineering background and DIY spirit set him apart from other mountain biking channels. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and experiment with new ideas. Plus, his trail building series is a truly unique and valuable resource for anyone interested in creating their own riding spots.
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Viewer Engagement: Seth actively encourages viewers to get involved in his trail building projects, organizing volunteer days and soliciting feedback on his designs. He also runs regular contests and giveaways to reward his loyal subscribers.
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Future Outlook: I see Berm Peak continuing to expand its trail building content, perhaps even branching out into larger-scale projects. Seth’s DIY approach and engineering expertise will continue to resonate with viewers who are looking for practical advice and inspiration. I think he will incorporate more drone footage and cinematic shots into his videos to enhance the visual appeal.
Channel 3: Skills with Phil (Phil Kmetz)
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Channel Overview: Phil Kmetz, the man behind Skills with Phil, is a certified mountain bike instructor who is passionate about helping riders of all levels improve their skills. His channel is packed with clear, concise, and easy-to-follow tutorials on everything from basic bike handling to advanced techniques.
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Content Highlights:
- Skills Tutorials: This is the bread and butter of Skills with Phil. Phil breaks down complex techniques into simple steps, making them accessible to riders of all abilities.
- Bike Setup Guides: Phil provides detailed guides on how to properly set up your bike for optimal performance, covering everything from suspension tuning to cockpit adjustments.
- Trail Etiquette Tips: Phil emphasizes the importance of responsible riding and provides valuable tips on how to be a good steward of the trails.
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Unique Selling Points: Phil’s background as a certified instructor gives him a deep understanding of how people learn. He’s able to explain concepts in a way that is both informative and engaging, making his tutorials incredibly effective. Plus, his focus on fundamental skills makes his channel a valuable resource for beginners.
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Viewer Engagement: Phil is very responsive to viewer questions and requests, often creating new tutorials based on subscriber feedback. He also runs regular live Q&A sessions and offers online coaching services.
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Future Outlook: I believe that Skills with Phil will continue to grow as more riders seek out professional instruction. Phil’s clear and concise teaching style, combined with his focus on fundamental skills, will make his channel a go-to resource for riders of all levels. I can see him expanding his online coaching offerings and perhaps even creating a series of in-person clinics.
4. The Impact of Technology on Mountain Biking Content
Technology has completely transformed the way we experience mountain biking, both on and off the trail. And that includes the content we consume.
Remember the days of grainy GoPro footage? Now, we have access to stunning 4K videos shot with high-end cameras, drones, and even 360-degree rigs.
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Drones: Drones have revolutionized the way we capture riding footage. They provide breathtaking aerial perspectives that were previously impossible to achieve. Think sweeping shots of riders carving through pristine landscapes.
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360-Degree Cameras: These cameras allow viewers to immerse themselves in the riding experience like never before. You can pan around the scene and see the trail from every angle.
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Live Streaming: Live streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Live have enabled riders to share their adventures in real-time. Viewers can interact with the rider, ask questions, and feel like they’re right there on the trail.
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Virtual Reality: VR technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to completely revolutionize the way we experience mountain biking content. Imagine strapping on a VR headset and feeling like you’re actually riding down a technical trail.
I recently read an article on Outside Online about the increasing use of AI in video editing. The article predicted that by 2025, AI-powered tools will be able to automatically edit riding footage, add music, and even create compelling narratives. This could make it easier than ever for anyone to create high-quality mountain biking content.
5. The Future of Mountain Biking Content Creation
So, what does the future hold for mountain biking content creation? Here are a few trends that I think we’ll see in the coming years:
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Short-Form Video: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels have popularized short-form video content. I expect to see more mountain biking channels experimenting with this format, creating bite-sized videos that are perfect for sharing on social media.
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Live Rides: Imagine tuning in to watch your favorite rider tackle a challenging trail in real-time. I think we’ll see more channels offering live rides, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the thrills and challenges of mountain biking.
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Interactive Content: I expect to see more channels incorporating interactive elements into their videos, such as polls, quizzes, and challenges. This will help to keep viewers engaged and foster a stronger sense of community.
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Personalized Content: As AI technology advances, I think we’ll see more personalized content recommendations. YouTube will be able to suggest videos based on your riding style, skill level, and interests.
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Sustainability Focused Content: With growing awareness of climate change, content focused on sustainable riding practices, trail maintenance, and responsible land use will become increasingly important and popular.
I also think we’ll see more collaborations between mountain biking channels and other outdoor brands. This could lead to new and exciting content formats, such as sponsored trail builds, gear giveaways, and joint riding adventures.
Conclusion
The mountain biking community on YouTube is booming and evolving at an incredible pace. The channels I’ve highlighted are just a few examples of the amazing content that is being created every day.
In 2025, the world of mountain biking will not just be about the trails you ride, but the content you consume.
So, I encourage you to subscribe to these channels, engage with the content, and become part of a vibrant and passionate biking community that continues to grow in 2025 and beyond. The future of mountain biking is here, and it’s waiting for you on YouTube. Now go ride!