10 Questions with
Felix Schimmer.

Privateer of Fun.

There’s something refreshing about a rider who just gets it. Felix Schimmer isn’t out here chasing likes - he’s chasing good times, clean lines, and the occasional sketchy send. The young German Enduro racer has been turning heads on HUNT Wheels since last year and recently made the switch to our mountain bike brand Privateer, dialing in the perfect setup to match his no-compromise riding style.

But who is Felix when he’s not kitted up and pinned between the tape? We sat down for a proper chat, just some real talk with a rider who’s as grounded as he is fast.

1. Felix, when did you first get hooked on bikes - and what made you stick around for the wild ride?

I've been riding bikes in the woods with my parents since I was tall enough for 24" wheels. I got into more enduro-style riding rather unexpectedly when a neighbor invited me to join him at a small downhill camp at the local bike park when I was around 15. Around the same time, I met one of my best friends in the local woods for the first time. He took me to some real trails and eventually became something of a mentor to me.

A year later, we went back to the same camp, and that’s when the idea of racing really started to take root. Another year after that, things truly started rolling!

2. You recently jumped on a Privateer - what’s the vibe been like riding it in the wild?

It felt instantly familiar from the very first ride. There was no need to spend hours wrenching or fine-tuning - just pull it out of the box and hit the trails. On the first descent, I already felt confident enough to go full speed. The bike does exactly what you want it to do - and it wants to go fast. You get this sense that everything just works. You can throw it into rough sections without a second thought. It’s kind of like a tough-built rally car - made to take a beating and keep charging forward.

3.What’s the one trail that always puts a grin on your face, no matter what?

If I had to pick just one, it would probably be H-Trail in Finale Ligure. It’s got everything - high-speed sections, rough bits, great corners, and a few fun gaps that keep things exciting. That said, you really can’t go wrong with a good loamer either. And there’s nothing like nailing a sketchy highline - getting it just right always feels amazing.

4. Every rider’s got their weird pre-ride ritual or superstition - what’s yours?

On race day, I always eat the same breakfast - oats, every time. And I have to wear socks with just the right thickness; if they’re off even a little, my shoes feel weird. Funnily enough, on training days I don’t care at all - total opposite!

Right before I drop into a stage, I always take a deep breath, make sure my goggles are sitting perfectly on my face, and give my brake levers a little flick. It’s a small routine, but it gets me locked in.

5. You’ve been rolling on HUNT wheels for a year now - what do they let you do that you couldn’t before?

Honestly, they give me a whole new level of confidence - especially in rough sections. I don’t have to stress about messing up a line because I know the wheels will have my back. One of the biggest game-changers has been being able to drop the pressure a bit more on super wet race days without worrying about dinging my rims. The durability is seriously next-level.

6. If your riding style were a movie genre, what would it be - and why?

That’s a tough one for me, since I’m not really a big movie or series kind of guy. I wouldn’t say my riding style is particularly spectacular or loose; it’s more controlled and clean. If I had to pick a genre, maybe it would be a documentary - nothing flashy, but focused and steady, with a clear purpose, I really don’t know haha!

7. Let’s stir the pot: tubeless or tubes, and why is the other one dead wrong?

All the way tubeless - no question. Honestly, I don’t see a single good reason to still ride tubes on any kind of bike. Tubeless has saved my day more times than I can count, especially on long road rides where a flat could’ve meant walking home for hours - or freezing out there on a winter night.

For enduro, I’m fully Team Tubeless with DH tyres and inserts. The last time I tried running light tyres, I flatted on the first run. Imagine how bad it would’ve been with tubes... nope, never going back.

Only on my cheap old city bike I ride to university… but it´s currently out of order – because of a flat tube…

8. What’s something people would never guess about you from your riding photos or race results?

I’d say most people in the bike bubble have no idea that I played the trumpet for twelve years. I was part of several orchestras and my school’s big band for a long time. I also played electric bass on the side. Music used to be a big part of my life - but to be honest, I haven’t touched either instrument in the past two years!

9. When you’re not shredding trails or wrenching on bikes, where do we find you?

In winter, definitely skiing. Since I started studying, I’ve been lucky enough to go ski touring either early in the morning or after classes - something I really enjoyed this past off season. Outside of that, I like meeting up with friends whenever we’re all home at the same time. And when that’s not possible, we’ll sometimes jump online and play a few games together.

10. Finish this sentence: “If I weren’t a mountain biker, I’d probably be…”

…spending all my time skiing in the winter - if only I didn’t live in one of the flatter parts of Germany! In another life, maybe I was born in the Alps and spent my winters shredding slopes and going on countless ski tours. Otherwise, I’ve always dreamed of riding moto. That’s been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. Would love to have mx or a supersport bike.

Watch this space.

Felix is one of those riders who brings good energy wherever he rolls in. Focused without being flashy, and fast without taking himself too seriously - that’s exactly why we’re stoked to have him in the HUNT and Privateer family.

Got a race coming up? Keep an eye on the results sheet - you’ll probably see the name Schimmer.