Austin, Founder

Developing new products and finding ways to improve our customer's experience out on the trail with better gear. I love getting feedback and suggestions from our customers on what they're looking for in MTB apparel and doing something about it!

The first bike I can really remember was a Mongoose mountain bike when I was about 14 or 15. My main memories about it are swapping the rigid fork for a suspension fork and deciding to test the brakes out by grabbing a fistful of front brake, quickly throwing me over the handlebars into my parent's asphalt driveway...

It's a hard choice with two of the best trails systems right in our backyard, but there's just something a little magical about Pisgah National Forest for me!

I'd have to say the new Tech Lite summer gloves. It gets pretty swampy here with the summer humidity, and the ventilation on these has solved a lot of sweaty hand grip and comfort issues for me.

Out adventuring, camping, paddleboarding, and exploring the mountains with Andrea and our three kids.

Andrea, Custom + Wholesale Manager

Our customers! As the Custom and Wholesale Program Manager, I love collaborating with all kinds of different MTB groups and businesses to come up with unique custom apparel for their organization. Of course, there's nothing better than hearing how much they love the final product.

A pink and white Huffy with streamers and a pink bell. Some of my favorite early memories are riding around my grandparent's driveway on that bike with my cousins.

DuPont State Forest

It's tough to pick just one, but I'd have to say our 3/4 sleeve Raglan shirt. You can find me in one a few days a week year-round as it's a perfect weight and super comfortable.

When I'm not working, you'll probably find me living the mom life, practicing yoga, or off on an adventure with Austin and our three kids. We love camping, hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, and exploring the beautiful Western NC mountains and surrounding towns.

Rachel, Brand Development Manager

Being part of a company with a "give back" mindset and, most importantly, being supported by a team of passionate, kind people.

She was a beauty! I wish I could remember what bike it was in Haro's 1980's lineup, but all I remember is it was sweet! And I spent many hours cruising and building jumps in the neighborhood while sporting my oversized New Kids On The Block tee.

18 Road in Fruita, Colorado Honeybee Canyon + Ridgeline loop in Tucson, Arizona (for amazing scenery). I have too many, but these are the two trails and trail systems I'll always return to.

I have a pair of gloves for every season in multiple designs, so I basically have too many... Hats, jackets, flannels, jerseys, socks, and tees... This question is too hard... Because I love it all.

Spending time with my wife Liz and our dog Lucy, enjoying the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Joe, Ambassador Director + Market Development

Improving lives by riding bikes is my passion and mission. I've witnessed the many benefits to be had from consistenly being on the bike. At COGNATIVE, that mission is at the forefront of the brand, and I couldn't be happier to be aligned with the Crew.

My '89 Mountain Goat 'Escape Goat was my first "time to get it!" bike. Won my first MTB race on that sweet rig. It's still hanging in my shed.

Usually the trail I'm on but I'm drawn to techy trails that hold my attention and make me hang on!

The Guide Shorts are my go too when talking about COGNATIVE. I've
worn every brand under the sun; they move with me and virtually
disappear like a lycra road kit. 

Throwing clay, adventuring in our Sportsmobile, camping, paddle boarding, and exploring the mountains with my amazing wife and daughter.

Yuri, Operations Team

Being on the ground floor with a company that I get to grow with. The family-friendly atmosphere, sense of community and being part of a “team,” and the flexibility and support that I get so that I can still guide AND pick my son up from school on time!

A red Schwinn cruiser!

Millstone Trails outside of Barre and Graniteville, Vermont.

The Tech Tank Top, regardless of my physique... And my Fracture Tech Lite Summer Gloves. I didn’t think I’d like the yellow as much as I do, and I like both of them way more than I thought I would initially.

EXPLORING. Period. End of story.

Rob, Operations Team

I really enjoy the people I work with. I really feel like I'm part of a team, and I think it's the first time I've ever really felt that way. And I also really enjoy being a part of the mountain bike community; even though it's a behind-the-scenes contribution, it fits my personality perfectly.

My first bike was a BMX-style Huffy. It was black and had a coaster brake--that's all I remember, Haha. And I rode the wheels off that thing all over my neighborhood growing up.

It's a toss-up between Long Branch and Trace ridge here in Pisgah or North Mills, respectively. I've loved those two trails since I first rode them over 20 years ago (yikes--I can't be that old)

I really like all our raglan t-shirts, no good reason, just really comfy, and all the colors match what I wear. Oh, and that maroon fade shirt is AWESOME. I also like any of the standard-issue 2.0 gloves; they are super comfy and durable.

Hanging with my family or playing drums! Shameless plug for my band SHUN.