Korbinian Engstler - SUNLIGHT Adventure Crew (INT)

He’s one of the best tricksters in the bike circus, known for his smooth style and crazy rides. And he loves to do it in the most beautiful places in the world.

Korbinian Engstler is an incredible mountain biker, a member of the SUNLIGHT Adventure Crew – and more than that: he’s a friend – and a neighbor.

Korbi, you've been connected with SUNLIGHT for so long – what makes our relationship special for you?

Korbi: It just feels like family when I walk into your building. That’s certainly special. But what’s also important to me is your openness. You’re spontaneous and uncomplicated, and for me, that captures the spirit of adventure. I would struggle if everything was calculated or even staged. I come up with suggestions and you go: cool, we’re in.

I would never work with someone if I didn't sense that vibe

It seems generally that you're not just making deals but building a family of sponsors around you – plus: we have overlapping partners…

Korbi: Yes, Maloja has been my kit sponsor from the start, and their energy pretty much mirrors what I experience with you. And we’re also both connected to the BIKE REPUBLIC SÖLDEN. I would never work with someone if I didn’t sense that vibe. I don’t want to just “fulfill the assignment”. I want to collaborate, I want to create something cool, get creative, tell stories. That’s even the case with Paulaner. They’re a big corporation, but the contact is still super cool and personal.

What fuels your adventurous spirit?

Korbi: It really blossomed in the last two years. Sure, I’ve long had that craving to travel and explore, but it was drowned by the pandemic. I also didn’t have the team around me yet. Then the friendship developed with Dave, my filmmaker, and Janik, the photographer. The three of us together are the Adventure Crew. Iceland, Canada, Namibia. We’ve been on the road a lot.

Why do we do what we do? Why not?!

What do you love about traveling?

Korbi: I crave for those experiences. That’s essentially the underlining question our film Why Not? Why do we go out there, why are we drawn to these places? It’s not necessarily the destination itself. The nature is amazing, of course, but it’s the moments you share with friends – and also with strangers. Our guide in Namibia, Dunno, was so emotionally involved, it was incredible. He was totally stoked when we rode the sand dune. That’s what makes it unique and special.

You’ve seen the most epic, exotic places. What are you excited to see next?

Korbi: Europe. Everything that’s more accessible. I’m really keen to just drive to Lake Garda or the Dolomites again. I find flying stressful. It’s so awesome being independent with the SUNLIGHT. I like it when we can decide ourselves what to do when where.

What are your must-haves on board?

Korbi: A cable reel and a fridge full of Paulaner Spezi, because you can only get it in Germany. And hey, that was the case even before they became my sponsor.

What’s your recommendation for people who would love to start biking but don't really know how and where?

Korbi: First of all: you don’t need 100 bikes. Not even 10. I bought a used enduro bike and took it everywhere: the pump track, dirt jumping, on the trails. Do you need the carbon wheels? Do you need the high-end components? Just get a bike and do everything your surroundings offer.

And how does one become such a stylish rider?

Korbi: Early on, someone told me: ‘relax,loosen up.’ So I did. I shook my body before the jump, I loosened my grip on the handlebars a bit – and it worked. Let go of the pressure, don’t be so tense. Just enjoy yourself; that’s the key, and it leads to the best results.