Review by Jax Anderson
Grab a copy from your local shop or a digital version of Still United right here.
You can read more about the filming process here.
So with a review coming out over 3 months after the date of the DVD dropping in this ridiculously fast paced media world we live in, the question stands – is it still worth watching if you have yet to had the opportunity?
In two simple words- fuck yes!
In my opinion United Bike Co is one of those companies who are doing a pretty damn good job in BMX at the moment and have been for the last 10 years. With the current United crew stacked with heavy hitters such as Jeff Kocsis, Christian Rigal, Geoff Slattery, Corey Martinez, Alex Valentino and Nathan Williams (who all have full sections throughout the dvd of course), you kind of knew going in what to expect, yet I feel each person definitely had a few clips that left you surprised and wanting more, possibly the best test of whether or not it’s an amazing, or average DVD.
The filming and editing was handled by Peter Adams and in my opinion he did not disappoint whatsoever. Nothing ground breaking or unexpected, but it was filmed and put together in a manner that will stand the test of time.
Opening the DVD up was United’s newest pro (I think), Jeff Kocsis.
I wasn’t overly familiar with Jeff’s riding before this section; minus a web edit or two over the years but this section really showcased Jeff’s talents.
From the outset it’s clear that Jeff with his 2 pegs and cassette has the ability to choose the right tricks for the right spots; some more jibby than others but he definitely isn’t scared to send it on some of the burlier set-ups when the time arises. Jeff’s ender was one that really impressed me and one that I would feel confident saying hasn’t been done before – keep an eye out for it!
Next up is a heavy hitter we should all be familiar with after his United web edits and epic MARKIT Section and that is Christian Rigal. Before Adam’s decided we’d be ready to witness Christian’s best section to date, we are presented with a funny introduction from good mate and BMX legend-to-be (if not already there), Dennis Enarson. I won’t go too much into the details and I know some people weren’t too fond of this intro but personally, a little bit of humor and light hearted fun in BMX never goes astray, it’s why we started riding in the first place isn’t it, to have some damn fun?
Anyway, Rigal truly used his Still United section to proclaim himself as the rail set-up King! There were tricks and rails used in this section that no one else would even consider trying, just think 180 Double Peg to Backwards Rollercoaster down what I believe has to be at least 20 stairs. Mix that with one of, if not the biggest and fastest double pegs to gaps you’ll ever see and you know you’ve got a section that will be stained in your mind for years to come.
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Moving into the first friend’s section, we are given great riding throughout but the two biggest stand-outs for me were Tom Deville from France who I’d love to see more from and also Harry Mills-Wakely. Honestly, if Harry stays with United long enough for their next DVD, he will definitely be capable of a full and stand out section if United provides Harry the opportunity!
Next up is the shredder that is Geoff Slattery. While Geoff had 2 pegs on his bike in some parts, I don’t think he used them in one clip. Geoff put together a great section from start to finish and his ender brought it all together with great spot usage while being too burly for most!
Following G-Slatts was a section I know everyone was awaiting – Corey Martinez! Corey has been putting out solid sections for longer than a lot of people have even been riding and if this happens to be Corey’s last DVD section, I believe he could walk away with his head held high. Adam’s song choice on this one may be questionable as it didn’t necessarily fit with the rest of the DVD but the riding sure did and it could be seen as his best section, there is even an NBD or two in his part not to be missed.
After the carnage that Martinez delivered to street spots worldwide, we are presented with one last mixed section whose standouts were Dan Boiski with an effortless style with great spot usage and Australia’s own Jack Birtles and Tyson Jones-Peni who I would’ve happily welcomed a few more clips from!
Getting towards the end we are blessed with the second last section from the most stylish French-man out there, Alex Valentino. While there was some insane crashes to be seen first up, the section came alive pretty quickly and it’s clear Valentino achieved what he wanted with this section with another NBD ender that I don’t think we’ll see replicated anytime soon.
And last but not least, the section that every person was eagerly waiting for in Strictly that day – Nathan Williams. After witnessing some of the most brutal crashes I’ve ever seen, (I think we need to send Nathan a helmet ASAP) the section is opened with a line that surely took hours, yet he made it look like a first attempt and while we all know Nathan is the man of switch (see: opposite) tricks, this section showcased it more than ever on the biggest set-ups around that would even leave Garrett Reynolds in absolute awe.
Finally, Nathan’s ender was presented without music which I think was a smart move on Adam’s part and really magnified how damn large it was, even if Nathan made it look like it was done off a 2 foot ledge.
In the end, as the credits roll you’ll be sitting there satisfied knowing you just watched some of the best BMX riding you’ll ever see go down presented in a flawless manner.
Well done to United, well done to every rider involved and well done to Adam’s for making sure it looked good for everyone to witness and find inspiration from.
Still United is available from your best local BMX shop or from United directly for digital download – don’t sleep on it because 3 months is already far too long!
Grab a copy of Still United at your local shop or a digital download right here.
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