Laura Slavin doing her classic whip.
Laura Slavin

Laura
Slavin

RACER/FREERIDE

Laura picked up a flat bar hybrid in the Spring of 2013 intending to get some exercise while commuting to work. That one, seemingly insignificant decision would be the major influencing factor in nearly every decision made thereafter and would drive her life into uncharted waters. The commuter bike turned into a mountain bike, which turned into a mountain bike race, and eventually lining up with UCI Elites. It turned into a career as an endurance sports coach, becoming a small business opener, riding spots in mtb edits, and being the first girl to hit the biggest freeride line Gravity Logic ever built. Essentially, that first bike was a gateway to untold happiness via a ride-driven life. Laura continues to push her limits as an athlete, ever exploring new avenues to grow within the sport and pursue new two-wheeled adventures.

Yeti bike of choice - why?
ARC! I literally use this bike for everything: it's my mountain bike, road bike, gravel bike, and adventure bike all in one. It's light enough to take QOMs on road climbs and win XC races while still being capable of confidently ripping burly descents. I can even hit jump lines & pump tracks on it!
What is your first memory on a bike?
Since I started cycling to commute: one of my first times riding to work, I had just put clipless pedals on my bike and I rolled up to a stop light at a heavily trafficked intersection and proceeded to just fall over in front of everyone because I didn't really know how to clip out yet. Funny memory looking back but at the time I was absolutely mortified!
Best feeling on a bike?
I think the most incredible part of bikes is that there's not just one best feeling, but countless best feelings: The feeling of finishing a really hard race, the feeling of almost crashing but saving it, the feeling of hitting a new feature and nailing it, the feeling of sprinting, reaching the top of a long climb, when training clicks into place and you feel 'on form' ... they all hold equal space in my heart.
What is your biggest source of inspiration outside of mountain biking? Why?
My mom: as a multi-time cancer survivor, she's had to go through more than any person ever should, and not only has she never given up, she's remained positive and kind and gracious to everyone she comes in contact with along the way. When I'm fighting through pain on the bike, I think of how hard she's fought, and it gives me strength to keep going.
A word of advice to the groms
Don't get lost in the internet sauce, don't forget to actually enjoy the ride ;)
Speed or Style?
One isn't complete without the other ;)
Top 3 riding destinations?
Whistler area of BC -- but make sure you go out of the bike park, too!Utterly incredible... Sedona AZ area -- just an absolute vibe. The scenery, the light, the trails, 10/10. Pisgah, NCarea -- some of the most epic east coast riding out there, and tons of it.

Accolades:

  • 2 time XC State Champion
  • DH National Champion
Laura Slavin
Laura Slavin
Laura Slavin airing out a jump line.
Laura Slavin showing her speed and style
Laura Slavin racing the DH at Sea Otter
Laura Slavin racing the DH at Sea Otter 2019
Laura Slavin on a wall ride
Laura Slavin sending the RedBull drop and Mountain Creek
Laura Slavin lifting for another lap
Laura Slavin on a large dirt to dirt jump
Laura Slavin taking a break

Laura’s Kit

Laura Slavin's 2020 SB140
Laura Slavin's SB140
Laura Slavin's SB140 with Wutang flare
Laura Slavin SB140 drivetrain
Laura Slavin's SB140
Laura Slavin's SB140

Kit Details

I wanted to put together a bike that was capable of handling the biggest park hits I could throw at it but still light and nimble enough for someone my size to flick around with ease. This bike is everything I’ve always wanted!

  • Frame: SB140 / XS, Turq Series

  • Shock: DVO Topaz T3Air, 140mm
  • Fork: DVO Diamond Boost, 160mm Travel

  • Crankset: Shimano XTR 165mm

  • Drivetrain: Shimano XTR 12-speed
  • Brakes: Shimano XTR M9120

  • Wheelset: Industry Nine Trail 270

  • Tires: Kenda Nevegal 2 Pro EMC

  • Headset: Cane Creek
  • Stem: DEITY Copperhead 50mm

  • Bars: DEITY Speedway 30mm Rise

  • Grips: DEITY Knuckleduster / Shaolin Yellow
  • 
Seatpost: PNW Components Bachelor W/ Loam Lever

  • Saddle: DEITY Speedtrap / Stealth

  • Pedals: DEITY TMAC / Platinum