/// STRENGTH IN NUMBERS FREE ONLINE PREMIERE           

O'Neal Officially Welcomes Greg Minnaar

by Iris LeBerg
Dec 26, 2011 at 23:39


3 Time World Cup Champion Greg Minnaar will be the new face of O'Neal!

After a week of wild speculation & and hundreds of emails guessing who will be the new DH Superstar in O'Neal clothing it´s official: South African Greg Minnaar will be representing the Californian clothing and protection specialist O'Neal!

The rims, the tires, his saddle and Greg´s big feet were obviously already enough for readers to recognize the new "SANTA" Cruz rider on board.

Iris Kuckelberg, Head of Marketing, explains the move: "At O'Neal, we have a long heritage in the motocross industry, and the last couple of years we've been working steadily on our mountain bike collection. O'Neal is one of the very few family-run businesses that can compete on a high level. As a company, O'Neal embodies the spirit of our founder Jim O'Neal, and Greg Minnaar seems to be the perfect match for that."

"To us Greg is not only a champion on the track but also deep inside", says Iris Kuckelberg. "He simply reflects all our values like authenticity, persistence, strength & real passion. We did some projects together at the very start of his career and we are really happy to have him back in the team now. Together we hope we can give all riders, who share our love with the sport, something back from our experience and our vision."

Iris adds, "We know we might not be the biggest player on the MTB market yet, but we are very proud of our independence and of our dedication to the sport. Developing and designing apparel and protective equipement is more than just our company profile. For the crew and the athletes, it´s a mission statement."

Check out what Greg has to say in his video:

You need to upgrade your Flash Player
Click here to install it
Must Read This Week

68 Comments

  • + 40
flag NoahColorado (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:03)
 His shins healed nicely from the last pic....
  • + 2
flag Andy17 (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:31)
 Great spot!
  • + 3
flag lewisstp (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:59)
 really didnt see this coming!!!!!! such an ace rider! good luckSmile
  • + 30
flag KennyKillsIt (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:35)
 ironically he wasn't wearing any knee protection in the vid
  • + 6
flag Orsumness (Dec 27, 2011 at 13:52)
 He's already starting to not like the O'Neill stuff.....
  • + 2
flag KennyKillsIt (Dec 27, 2011 at 14:53)
 Lol I thought the same!
  • + 3
flag Jacko6793 (Dec 27, 2011 at 15:09)
 its the same picture as before just photoshopped if you put them side by side youll beleive me
  • + 3
flag joaopena (Dec 27, 2011 at 15:29)
 still prefering alpinestares dude ! Smile
  • + 4
flag KennyKillsIt (Dec 27, 2011 at 15:32)
 Same bro! I ride Astars any day
  • + 2
flag paulwootton77 (Dec 27, 2011 at 16:05)
 the 5.10 logos are also gone on the other pictures http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/7510101/

as if they thought that would fool us!
  • + 1
flag KennyKillsIt (Dec 27, 2011 at 16:13)
 lol you rguys
  • + 0
flag bearbundy (Dec 27, 2011 at 17:01)
 alpinestars are heaps better, but errrrr didnt he say that he's working on his own line of protective gear maybe thats why no shin pads. when you watch a video u should listen to what the mans got to say.
  • + 1
flag yeagerrr (Dec 27, 2011 at 22:32)
 Are those new 5.10 minaar shoes i see?
  • + 1
flag Jacko6793 (Dec 28, 2011 at 2:51)
 good spot paulwooton
  • + 1
flag duncanp (Dec 28, 2011 at 3:30)
 The shoes are 5.10 Scofflaws
[Reply]
  • + 9
flag Idaho (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:51)
 Odd how his promo video doesn't show him wearing the knee pads at all. He is only wearing them in the cover photo.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag GingaCal (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:59)
 I knew he would keep his OGK sponsorship!

Good move though, I hope they can come up with some cool Mountain Bike specific gear.
[Reply]
  • + 4
flag Elspecialized (Dec 27, 2011 at 16:13)
 I see he was riding Hummingbird trail in Simi Valley. Fun trail but not not worthy of Gregs skills...
[Reply]
  • + 5
flag epavichthesavage (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:50)
 Just like Velma from Scooby doo, I knew it all along
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag ldhbaker (Dec 27, 2011 at 14:58)
 "Wild speculation"... sure. I get promotion and all, but that seems a little over-the-top. I'm happy for O'neal, though. It'll be good for them to get a top rider on their roster.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag skizofreniamag (Dec 27, 2011 at 14:35)
 new 5.10 minnar in the photo?? in the video the existent minnar but those in the photo look more casual
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag neimbc (Dec 27, 2011 at 15:36)
 I hope he never needs to make use of the protective stuff much! Three years now playing brides maid on the WC - '12 for the cake!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag socalshreder (Dec 27, 2011 at 20:00)
 It annoys me he wasnt wearing knee pads. I heard Mr. Minnaar is really good on an dualsport moto.
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag wjgillis Plus (Dec 27, 2011 at 11:57)
 what'd I tell yah!? But anyways, congrats Mr. Minnaar!
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mcarswell (Dec 27, 2011 at 17:02)
 called it where do i pick up
my gloves ??
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag urbancamel (Dec 27, 2011 at 13:09)
 Awesome, can't wait to see him at Fort Bill next year with his new gear on.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag skizofreniamag (Dec 27, 2011 at 14:36)
 new 5.10 minnar in the photo?? in the video the existent minnar but those in the photo look more casual
  • + 2
flag tavaenga (Dec 27, 2011 at 22:21)
 they look like the new five ten scofflaw... http://fiveten.com/products/footwear-detail/10923-scofflaw
[Reply]
  • + 3
flag yeahbro (Dec 27, 2011 at 8:56)
 knew it! Smile
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Oscarmonk (Dec 30, 2011 at 2:57)
 anyone else know that santacruz syndicate are on fox shox and shimano next year?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bizutch (Dec 28, 2011 at 12:07)
 None of that kit or those pads are on the US site. Is there an Oneal Europe thing?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag freerideglory (Dec 27, 2011 at 12:41)
 When will the winner be announced?
[Reply]
  • + 2
flag mr-sick-malad (Dec 27, 2011 at 14:05)
 when do i get my gloves
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag DHONA4DAY (Dec 27, 2011 at 12:54)
 I noticed that his shins are healed up. Photoshop?
  • + 2
flag surgesunday (Dec 27, 2011 at 13:50)
 What happen to his shins?
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag beeboo (Dec 27, 2011 at 23:48)
 I did not see this coming!
[Reply]
  • + 0
flag IllestT (Dec 28, 2011 at 8:15)
 I hope his signature kit/protection has better designs that the O'Neal/Gracia stuff. That stuff is NASTY
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag PatMan69 (Dec 29, 2011 at 8:41)
 Ok O'Neal hand over my new gloves Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bebemonk4ever (Dec 27, 2011 at 11:38)
 well didnt see that coming...
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag machaut (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:41)
 I guess AlpineStars has room for one more guy. Hint hint nudge nudge guys
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag marlon-d (Dec 27, 2011 at 23:03)
 Too well kept looking. he needs to grease up again.
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Bikerhasi (Jan 2, 2012 at 13:15)
 That Kit looks ugly
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag Rockurshoxoff95 (Dec 27, 2011 at 16:59)
 Wow !!!!!! Sick !
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag voltagerider Plus (Dec 27, 2011 at 12:39)
 sick colors
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag qman11 (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:10)
 well that'll be sick!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jdotr (Dec 27, 2011 at 8:55)
 good move i reckon!
  • + 1
flag meathooker (Dec 27, 2011 at 8:56)
 yes it is!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag bigbluebike (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:36)
 That kit looks awesome!
  • + 1
flag Oscarmonk (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:35)
 Big Grin
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag jason745 (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:57)
 Hummingbird?
  • + 1
flag Gibbons757 (Dec 27, 2011 at 11:50)
 If you mean the trail, I was thinking the same trail cause it is so familiar looking
  • + 1
flag Broso (Dec 27, 2011 at 15:48)
 Looks like Simi to me...Guessing that's where the O'Niel HQ is.
  • + 1
flag qwiksand99 (Dec 27, 2011 at 23:51)
 yeah the HQ is right off of First St,
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag lanes (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:46)
 Called it!
[Reply]
  • + 1
flag BarmyBikerJoe (Dec 27, 2011 at 10:51)
 didn't expect that
[Reply]
  • - 1
flag pinner15 (Dec 27, 2011 at 9:02)
 well good sponswrer
[Reply]
Below threshold threads are hidden

Post a Comment



You must login to Pinkbike.
Don't have an account? Sign up

Join Pinkbike  Login
Copyright © 2000 - 2012. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.055980