Seven Questions with Warren Kniss
We've gotten to know Warren over the past six years, and he’s truly one of the nicest, most genuine, and humble people out there. All of that is just the cherry on top of what he can do on a bike. As folks around here like to say — and as his good friend Jubal Davis often puts it — “Warren is your favorite rider’s favorite rider.”
Warren made his official Yeti debut in 2019 after participating in the SB140 launch video and has since been a core part of our brand. He began with the Yeti / FOX Devo Team in 2020, traveling both domestically and internationally in search of podiums. He maintained his school, work, training, and racing schedule while on the Yeti Team, all while showcasing his undeniable racing craft. Ultimately, school took priority, and Kniss transitioned from racer to ambassador. He has been keeping busy since with projects like ‘Of Ten Thousand,’ ‘B +W // 001', ‘B+W // 002’, SB140 and SB135 launches, with more in the works.
We visited Warren on his home trails in Santa Cruz, California, and caught up with what he has been up to lately.
It has been three years since you last raced. What have you been up to since then?
- The last few years have been just as busy but in a different way. I buckled down and finished college which I was super stoked on. I’ve also been filming various projects for companies that support me. It’s been super cool working with friends to create videos and pieces that represent not only my style of riding but how products go hand in hand with how those projects turn out. I’ve transitioned well into being a media rider, and it’s been working out super well so far.
Do you miss racing, and how has your relationship with riding bikes changed?
- I miss racing all the time, and to be honest, it was hard to stop. I’m still just as competitive, but now it’s between me and pushing myself outside my comfort level in front of the camera. My relationship with bikes is stronger than ever because I’m riding because it’s what I want to do. No obligations. When you’re in the grind of training, it’s not always fun to go out and stress about the next race weekend. With that being said, I didn’t start riding bikes in pursuit of racing, and I’m not going to stop because of it either.
How has your riding evolved outside of racing?
- These days, I would like to think I’m more freeride-oriented just because I want to ride all types of bikes everywhere. I am not necessarily constrained to the freeride discipline, but I am now open to doing any type of rides or trips, whereas I was pretty tied to enduro while racing in years past. In terms of style, I like to just flow and make riding feel sick—which wasn’t always the case when racing.
What other hobbies have you been getting into?
- I’ve been into golf lately, and it’s super fun to work on improving and competing with yourself. It’s something that I didn’t do as a kid - it’s cool being bad and something and learning again. I still love riding moto (racing occasionally) and this last winter I started skiing again. Been super into skiing now because when I was racing I never wanted to tear up my knees during the off season and be out before anything started. Too many hobbies, not enough time!
What is an average day for you?
- An average day is waking up early for work to run heavy equipment, then heading home for a run or a ride with friends. Livin' the dream, haha!
What is on heavy rotation in your playlist?
- I’m so scattered it’s crazy. My top 5 right now gotta be Title Fight, 2hollis, The Story So Far, Yin Yin, and BADBADNOTGOOD.
What is something about you that people wouldn’t expect?
- People may not know this, but I have been driving an off-road race car for a few years. I’ll likely post some of that on my Instagram soonish, so keep tabs!