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Lars Sternberg

@larsnbars

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Dad, husband, son, brother, biker. Owner of FlowCraftMTB.

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2002 - I had quit my job as an automotive technician at Phil Smart Mercedes Benz in Seattle. My buddy Cory was letting me stay in his apartment for free, while I chased my dream of becoming a Pro Mountain Biker. My bedroom was a pantry in his kitchen which was just big enough for a single mattress. Living the dream.

This video was created using VHS technology. My friend Joe shot and edited this for me over the ‘03 season, and made some tapes for me. In September I was asked by the kind folks at K2 to help Mark Landsaat drive the K2 truck and trailer full of bikes from Seattle to Las Vegas. In exchange for this and working the K2 Outdoor Demo booth for 3 days, I’d be given hotel room floor space to sleep on and an entry pass for the Indoor show to try and get sponsored. I was flat broke, and had no money in my pocket. Poaching meals when I could.

I was completely unaware, but video was transitioning to DVD format at this time, and there was one booth in the show that had a single unit TV/VHS player to play their own marketing materials. I walked the floor for the entirety of Interbike, bringing anyone from any company I could convince to follow me to that booth. I’d eject whatever they had playing in this TV, and insert my little Red VHS tape show whoever I brought there.

I drove home in the K2 demo truck with a Manitou suspension sponsorship and a promise of 20 free tires from Jim Wannamaker at Kenda Tires.

I had made it, haha. It was such a sick and memorable experience. I’ll never forget it. Bikes are a source. They’ve given me my life, and I’m eternally grateful. I hope you enjoy a blast from the past. This was an epic era in Mountain Biking.

Adam, thanks for giving me a pathway into MTB. And thanks for hanging onto this one VHS tape for 22 years.

@greene_adam , @huckeraj and Matt at GHY, the whole Speed Metal DH team, Joe, and all the Seattle OG’s, thank you all! by @larsnbars

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a year ago

Does something about your bike feel slightly off and can’t quite work out what it is? Struggling to get the pop you need when jumping? Does your bike feel dead? Or does something feel majorly wrong?

Hi and welcome to FlowCraft MTB and thanks for stopping by.

‘ From first rides, the most fun, or fastest laps — making bikes work better for you.’

My name is Lars - @larsnbars . I have 30 years experience as a professional mountain biker, product tester and developer. Over the past three decades I’ve had the fortunate opportunity to learn from some of the most respected product developers and tuners in the world.

In this time I’ve used this knowledge to help advance mountain bike geometry, develop a multitude of products within the industry, and pass on my experience to guide elite athletes and friends with their bike setup. Through FlowCraftMTB, my mission is to share this wealth of knowledge with you to help you get the most out of your bike.

My specialty is translating complicated technology and settings, to relatable real world terms.

Every service offered can be customized for you via in-person or on-trail sessions, virtual consultations, or phone calls. From 30 minute phone calls to problem solve something simple, to multiple hour 1 on 1 or group trailside sessions. A rider of any age or skill level can benefit from a personalized setup, from beginner rider to elite athlete.

-Professional suspension setup and education
-Complete bike setup and optimization just for you
-Unbiased consultation and guidance for future product purchasing decisions
-Bike sizing and fit recommendations
-Trail guiding

And anything in between. If you, or someone you know would like to unlock your bike’s potential, get in touch now!

Cheers!

PC: @parisgore by @larsnbars

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a year ago

I had an overwhelming urge to get out for a big ole’ pedal this morning. Just a need to get out there.

It wasn’t until I was an hour or so in that I realized it’s almost a year to the day that I fully ruptured my Achilles. A few months before that I was in such poor physical condition I could barely pedal to the trailhead from home.

Sometimes you’ve got to bottom out before a new growth cycle emerges. It might not be one single thing that you do, or choice that you make that makes a positive difference in life. But that’s how it starts, I’m guessing more often than not.

It can feel insurmountable to steer the ship when the wheel feels heavy. One move the right direction can unleash the floodgates.

Feels good to have a tank to empty again. And to be back in time for school pickup.

Happy weekend 🙌🏼 by @larsnbars

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5 months ago

I wrote an article about a new bike that launched today over on @vitalmtb. I was really hoping my preferred seat angle would distract some negative commenters about a new suspension layout. Hard to tell if successful yet.

First proper review for me. Goals were to be as objective and honest as possible, feel pretty good about that.

Getting to meet Ben and Tobin along the way was an unexpected treat.

TLDR: We had fun, and bikes are still neat. by @larsnbars

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5 months ago

March 31, 2012. We (the locs and regulars) held a going away final shuttle day at the North Fork. It was real wet, as you can see. And I had already had my fill so I opted to drive and take photos; on an actual camera!

Time is a funny thing, I remember all of these faces, but have forgotten some names. Man, those days were epic. So many good days shared with friends. And oh, the stories…

The TZ & EB one really sum it up. What a time to be alive. by @larsnbars

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7 months ago

Kelend’s doing Kelefari tings.

@insta360_bike by @larsnbars

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8 months ago

Quick commute to LA for some @flowcraftmtb work with @brakingbumps @mt_rides @hatcha_wentz @jefe.el.jefe.71.

Quick overnight on the way south with @laskalind and Nisene tour.

3 solid days on Telonics and Crestline, and my first ride on the @frameworkbikes loaner. What a sick bike 🤘🏼. A super productive and meaningful setup camp with the crew.

Visits with @todd_toth and @bike.robertson.matt.

Quick hang and rip wirh @nathan_riddler in Ashland just after the rain.

Last stop with @matthewslaven in PDX and beat the rain at Rocky Point.

7 days out and back, and squeezed every bit out of it. Lotta bikes these days, the cup is full 🙌🏼. by @larsnbars

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8 months ago

Who is @larsnbars talking about?

New bikes: unaffiliated #podcast is up.

🤖 by @larsnbars

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9 months ago

Here’s to more of this in the future. Wishing everyone out there the best year ever. If we all keep looking forward and upward, we can bring each other up. Jah bless ❤️ by @larsnbars

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10 months ago

Hey fam!

I wanted to take a moment and say thank you, and warmest wishes going into the new year. This one is pretty special for me. It has been a monumental year with lots of positive changes. I went for a quick solo pedal this am, first time I’ve done that in a long time. While reflecting, I found myself thinking about how thankful I am for all of you. The support I’ve had from my community the past 6 moths has been revelatory.

Today my chosen route took me through a bit of logging where I had to hike and navigate through the thinned forest in deep mud, slash, and waste. I had the epiphany of how symbolic it was to my past few years. I was deeply depressed and felt lost. I knew that there was a way out somewhere through the trees, I just couldn’t quite see it yet.

Ultimately my bike brought me out the other side. Along with my bike is the family that comes with it. Thank you all for the support, to anyone I’ve had conversations with, who’s sent supportive messages, or any random positive comment. Every single interaction has boosted me. Thank you.

Much love 🙌🏼 by @larsnbars

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10 months ago

Today was one of those days that keep you going through winter. Pure magic. by @larsnbars

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10 months ago

Recent thanks ❤️🙌🏼 by @larsnbars

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a year ago