Meet Sam Shaw: Designer, Rider, and Co-Founder of Could Be Keen
If you’ve been out at Bike Glendhu recently, you’ve probably seen Sam Shaw. Maybe you caught his designs on Bike Glendhu threads like the Future Shredder onesie, or perhaps you recognized his face from the latest Bike Glendhu t-shirt shoot. But Sam isn’t just a graphic designer extraordinaire—he’s also a gravel rider, mountain biker, and founder of Could Be Keen, a social gravel riding club that’s all about good vibes on two wheels. Let’s dive into Sam’s biking story.
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Hailing from the lush trails of Rotorua, Sam’s love affair with mountain biking started back in 2006. He was 14 years old when the downhill world champs rolled into town, and he got hooked watching the pros fly down the trails. “My parents biked a lot too, and I’d tag along after school,” Sam recalls. “We had this big crew of kids who’d spend hours at the dirt jumps and BMX track.”
Picture a teenage Sam, pedaling around Rotorua with his mates, fueled by snacks and pure adrenaline—those were the days.
THE LIFE BALANCE OF MTB
For Sam, mountain biking isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to balance life. “It helps me create a good, healthy work-life balance,” he says. As a graphic designer juggling creativity and deadlines, getting out on the trails keeps his mind fresh and his spirit stoked.
HEROES OF THE TRAIL
Who inspires Sam? “Everyone that enjoys themselves,” he says. Simple, but perfect. In a world of metrics and competition, Sam’s all about the joy of the ride and the shared stoke of the biking community.
TECH, FLOW, OR EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN?
Sam’s answer to the eternal question: tech or flow? “Everything,” he says with a grin. For him, the magic lies in the mix—those rides that challenge your skills while keeping things smooth and fun.
THE CURRENT LINEUP
This year, Sam’s rolling on some serious rigs:
- Specialized Epic WC for those trail sessions.
- Specialized Tarmac for the asphalt.
- Specialized Crux for the gravel.
He’s clearly got his bases covered.
PRO TIPS FOR NEW RIDERS
Sam’s advice for anyone just starting out: “Take it slow; there’s no rush.” It’s sage wisdom in a sport where it’s easy to get caught up chasing KOMs or sending every feature on the trail.
VELO SNACK ATTACK
When it’s time to refuel, Sam’s got a go-to order at Velo Café: a long black with cream. Sometimes simple really is the best.
FAVOURITE TRICK?
Once upon a time, Sam was pulling backflips like a boss. These days? “Retired from that,” he laughs. Still, that’s a pretty rad entry for the biking résumé.
TRAIL LOVE AT BIKE GLENDHU
When asked to name his favorite trail at Bike Glendhu, Sam’s answer says it all: “All of them, thanks.” It’s clear he’s a fan of the whole park, from the techy descents to the flowy corners.
WHY SAM SHAW IS ONE TO WATCH
Whether he’s designing iconic Bike Glendhu gear, organizing Could Be Keen rides, or shredding trails on his Smuggler, Sam Shaw is a guy who’s deeply woven into the biking world. His passion for two wheels and his laid-back approach to life remind us all to enjoy the ride—wherever it takes us.
So next time you’re at Bike Glendhu, keep an eye out for Sam. He’s probably out there somewhere, cruising the trails, sipping a long black, or brainstorming his next rad design. ✌️
