Galen, his dad, was a pioneer in East Coast mountain biking. Many believe that he was born into the 66 cm lifestyle. Chris Van Dine has been riding mountain bikes since 1988, and is now focusing on downhill since 2000. It seems like CVDs life is complete circle, as he grew up in Cannondale Country.
Van Dine says that I have been riding or chasing Cannondales since the beginning. While many fads have passed since then, Cannondale remains a true innovator. They don’t cut corners. The technology and size of the factory’s E.S.A.L. was amazing to me. It is a testing facility. It is the largest bike manufacturer’s facility, and the result is a U.S.-made frame that I am confident will perform. It is refreshing to see a company who gives back to our sport and sends a team to the World Cup. This is R&D at its best.
Van Dine is perhaps most well-known for his first barrel roll and 2nd place in the U.S. National Downhill Championships. He was also the top North American rider at the 2004 World Downhill Championships. He will join a new Cannondale team that is stocking talent every week, starting in 2006.
Don Hampton, of DH Productions, is also the manager of Cannondales freeride group. He says that CVD is one those rare men who can be both a master and a jack when it comes to the sport.
When Van Dine was asked about his riding style, he replied that he is most influenced by his snowboard brethren. Van Dine smiles and says that he gets a lot from his snowboarding brethren, as well as a bit from Bruce Lee.
Van Dine is able to add a Cannondale judge to his 66 cm martial art quiver. The Cannondale Judge is already tuned to his specifications with 22 cm of plush, staged transport, Thru-12 swingarm, and bombproof construction.
Van Dine is also sponsored Fox Suspension.
