TrashZen

I am ok at trying mods, they are fun, but swapping my stock for another stock usually don't work, 'cause I am really comfy with my setting now. I usually find other's bars too low.

Yep, the knee in the stem is painful. Solution, kneepads (I have given up this kind of stupid hit) But feeling all weird, that's more like you've mashed yourself and you know it's not going to look good (aprehension and adrenaline more than actual pain ). I usually float in a second state and try to forget it the time to ride back home to look at the injury. Then sit down or relax on your back. I felt bad when I looked at my open chin... before the 6 stiches.

What if these big companies came to trials too early and were deceived? Because they make so much more money with mainstream bikes, even making money with trials would be considered a loss (compared to dedicating all their ressources to selling even more mainstream bikes instead of developing and selling few trials bikes). Actually, the bigger the company, the more likely it is to think that way. Whereas smaller companies will take any profit, even from niche markets. Hence, I don't agree with your argument. Many more trials specific brands appeared and are doing a much better job. But, yeah, if trials was growing much bigger, maybe the big companies would give it another go.

I totally agree. So many times you see these kids completely hypnotised and surely they will want to try if you explain them, rather than make it look impossible. Comps are good to keep the level up and surely this is where the people in the know will appreciate more the technicity of trials, the balance and precision that big-move street trials typically lacks (I said typically). If you think about it, comps are never really the place for promotion (in any sport that doesn't receive huge media coverage), but setting up demos is really the big thing to do (in the past I did a few either grafted onto public family events organised by city councils, or even indoor some sports' shops). That reminds me that I should try to organize one in Cambridge (the council organize plenty of events all year long) These have much more visibility than comps because they become part of a whole family day-out experience rather than an exclusive sports-event. And this leaves plenty of room for contact with passers-by. Actually, onlookers will dare more ask about the sport in a demo, because of the official-event atmosphere, compared to street trials where people shy away from asking any questions when faced with a group of riders (street vandals that cannot be taken seriously ) I still believe trials is growing a lot (see the cheer numbers of manufacturers involved)

Nah, that's your own perception, nobody else would think that. It took me several near miss to the head to wear my first helmet. I wear a cheap no-brand piss pot (14 quid), though it's really too hot in there. But I am not completely convinced with foam-only very light helmets ('cause I would have to replace it too often ).

I reckon you guys from the TF and section 7 could find an agreement to have a special thread dedicated and managed by section 7 (like with a moderator status), then, we would have the best of both worlds. After all, true that the forum part was not so prolific , but the articles were really good. Or maybe there is some politics involved that makes this simple move impossible 'cause without a special access, even good articles would get lost in the hundreds of threads... hence, a different section is needed to have them stand out.

You probably don't commit enough to it. If you want to land to front wheel, you must really throw your body forwards. Check some explanations on this page Hope it helps

Yep, just be firm. For the how-much-it-cost question, I usually say, it's not for sale. If they insist I say I built it up and there is no price tag because the bike isn't sold in shops anyway. If someone was really trying to bully you and take the bike, either use the bike as a bat and smash everything flat around you (it works wonders if you hold it firmly by the stem and seat down tube). If you don't like the use of force, just let them take it away, and has soon as they start pedaling away, just run after and catch back the rear tyre. hold it up (the guy crashes immediately over the bars and you have plenty of time to leave). I usually ride away rather than wait for provocation.

I guess Sam from drop bike showed you some of the spots too (there are like 3 endless zones of rocks as sea defences) Cesar and Dani went training there sometimes. Next time you go, let me know, I am sure some of the locals would like to join some of your riding sessions. The risk when riding before complete recovery, is that if you crash, you can make it worse and anihilate the time spent not riding to recover. So even, when feeling nearly ok, I'd rather wait a few extra days than ride to soon.

That was really excellent . Will send you some clips if I am unlucky to get some footage for these videos. Will check in my archives. It's a good reminder of all the things that can go wrong... Nice editing. The electric box explosion is surreal.

Yeah physio worked for me after some nasty crashes on the back, the guy would find loads of blocked articulations and put me back in shape. Better heal properly, rather than risk spiralling injuries. But frustration is there . So do you ride softly in the mean time or just exercice or what? I saw some pics on trialnoir, about your days in Barcelona, looks like you had found the good spots

Ouch you never know when it is the right time to stop. I hope all of you guys get better. So far on average, trials has done more good than harm to me, but then, I sometimes ask myself, what will be the next bad crash? and should I learn from these??? It's only after a recent injury that I get to think again seriously.

Could do that , then talk about our veteran injuries, recovery tips, hair loss problems etc..

Yeah.. that's something I ought to do... work out a bit in the mean time Anyway, recover well. After too weeks, I can nearly walk normally but not stomp.

Well I just thought, reading another thread about a thorn ligament, who else is currently taking a forced break from the bike? (I am because of a sprung ankle ) What are you doing in the meantime to alleviate your exasperation/frustration/rage/boredom (tick what applies ) I am doing more web-related stuff, cooking nice meals for the miss, sorting out the mess in my place etc... fine tuning the bike for my first ride after recovery ...

Hey, I think there are two issues: Weither the sponsor is a distributor or a manufacturer. If he is a manufacturer, then it doesn't really matter where you recommend to get the parts from, because at the end of the day, they are all going to be sourced from the manufacturer. If the sponsor is a distributor, then, I guess it makes sense to recommend them if they have the part in stock (it is that extra help from networking, like you tend to recommend a friend rather than a stranger) But, personally, I only give my opinion on parts I have ridden, and more importantly, if I am asked. And again, if you are into politics and don't listen to the answer, the question is pointless. When asking about the rating of components, I like to receive fair neutral advice, that gives you that nice sensation of real choice (beyond the catalogue of one sponsor). Politics or slagging off other products won't convince me, it's just too sectarian to be helpful. As proven over and over again, in many other sports too, your good riding, attitude or exposure is the most important factor.

Yep, if you start tagging public furniture with tar (it's not really a nice colourful substance is it?), how are we gonna blame the skaters for the odd scratch and broken furniture ?? As other said, improve your smoothness and control.

Really power sidehops there ... just don't know where you guys get that energy from (with pouring rain)

It looks like the passers-by in the background, just walked away when you crashed... Pretty mindless and irresponsible (probably they were thinking the same of you )

Bloody scary I jumped off my seat when you plunged... you were lucky not to break your wrists

Hey Chimpy!!! That was some really cool video editing... This must take ages....It was nice to see Fab and Denis, Max etc... pulling some nice lines. Keep it up

I just sprang my left ankle on a stupid dab yesterday. Dunno if I'll be able to ride by next WE

It would have to be a city on the seaside, with plenty of landscape and rocks... else, we would all get clogged up on the same lines, in limited urban zones and fighting our space with pedestrians ... Maybe somewhere like Porthcawl or the like... less simple than London, but probably better for a massive ride.

It's been ages since I rode in London, nice gathering, will definitely come on the 23rd ( shiny weather permitting) Also, Olly, Wing, John, Simon, join in, it'll be fun (I can have 30% off for the train for 3 people with me). C'mon girls

Nah.. you don't wanna ride bmx John, you know you don't Will you let me your bike on the skatepark?