Look, anyone can write a letter to us and ask for a bike. In some cases, we seek other people out and give them bikes. But what is it that makes a rider stand out? What do we look for in a sponsored athlete? Please for an instant try not to include the Santa Cruz Syndicate riders in this equation. If you were to ask “What makes a Santa Cruz Syndicate rider?” the answer would most likely be “Mad downhill skills, must be 6′3″, preferably with an accent from Britain or one of the colonies.” But there’s more to the roving band of Santa Cruz brand ambassadors than just our high profile megathletes (megathletes – I just made that word up). A whole lot more. We’ve got endurance XC racers, we’ve got crispy big-mountain riders, we’ve got young up and coming slopestylers, women who can rip the legs clean off most guys, dancing circus bears, a blind downhiller, and the grumpiest bald all-rounder in the world. And then there’s Chris Duncan.

So, just what does it take to be a Santa Cruz Free Agent? Well, athletic talent is a good start. But in this modern age, charisma and the ability to reach out to others is also important. As is the ability to broadcast oneself without us having to drag said athlete screaming and kicking to the keyboard. And, to hit that final high note and get in Roskopp’s good graces, it helps to be kinda crazy.

Now go get yerself some Chris Duncan Clothing!