Is the lifestyle of a rider a big factor in wether you like them or not?

[Moto-X Alex]

Some say that the "bad boy" image of freestyle negatively impacts the riders ability to be perceived as real athletes. Is the lifestyle of an FMX rider important in terms of wether you like them or not? Do you like a Deegan over a Pastrana because you like the Mulisha thing, or vice versa- would you like a Pastrana over a Deegan for the opposite reason? Do you really try to base your opinion on a riders abilities rather than their opinions and expressiveness, or is character and showmanship a big factor?

[FullThrottleSMP]

I think the lifestyle plays a little bit of a role of me liking some riders. I'm more into guys like Deegan, Twitch, Evans, etc. Don't get me wrong, the 'nice guys' (Pastrana, Adams, Miller) can ride like no other! I'll never bag on those guys ability to ride! But the way the guys in the Mulisha and the other 'rock stars' of FMX portray themselves, it looks like they are havin fun 24/7....yes it can be taken to extremes too (riots??) ..ok im starting to babble, so ill just answer the question and get out...I judge the riders mainly by riding skill, but the lifestyle they portray also plays a role in me liking them.....make sense??

[SickSpikez]

:mad: Heck, I dont care if a rider wears a pocket protector while they're riding and quotes socrates, if theyve got some sick crazy talent, then I give the utmost props to them. Now, If I had to choose somebody to hang out with, then yeah, it matters then. Carey Hart is my boy, because he is one crazy S.O.B., and he tries stuff that nobody else thinks about.

[crustyfmx250]

exactly! every1 is always bashing deegan cos of his attitude, but all i look at is riding style an skill

[Canucklehead]

Doesnt matter too much to me... i agree that it might play a bit at times... like when Link walks around fingering the crowd... thats just annoying.... but overall ..... its all the talent.... thats where its at....

[Guy]

I dont care what people do on there own time as long as they ride and bust hot tricks thats what its all about!

[FreeToAir]

This question/poll is a bit one sided. There should be another question "Does the bad side aspect of a rider put you off" ?

Talent to me is the most important aspect of any sport, still if you have a shyt attitude, finger the crowd etc, or carry on like the mulisha, then I could care less for you, leaves me wanting you to case the next landing, or screw up the next jump. Yeah, have a good time, an edgy attitude is cool, but straight out bullshyte does the sport no good.

Mad Mike jones, i have seen him in action, comes accross as a good all round guy, very cool attitude. :cool:

[SoCalCRrider868]

Attitude doesnt really affect my opinion. Most people bash deegan because of his attitude. I like the whole "take over the world" attitude, but only if you can back it up. I bash on deegan because of his style, i dont like the way he jumps and i dont think he has the skill of other riders. I bash pastrana too, hes got the goodguy attitude, but i dont like his style in the air, hes too lanky. so what im sayin, is that i dont care bout lifestyle. just about style and skills