Sponge

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That was inevitable.

I like the Rockman Aurem, but my one and only quirk with them is the lack of 'solid' chainstay yokes. Actually, recently, almost all new mod frames have come with exceedingly 'cheap' looking chainstay yokes. Just look at all the current Bionic and Zhi frames and compare them to when the first gen Zhi ZM1 (which was based straight off the 2005 YZ Python) Also, the current 2009 Python, comparing the chainstay yokes of 2007, 2006, 2005, and heck, even 2004! Worst to date, If the Aurem had a decent solid chainstay yoke (forged, CNC'd, anything is fine) that looked nice, simple, and sophisticated whilst offering a stiffer drive and greater durability against slipped hops; then I'd be damn tempted. Adam, if you could pass this onto the head honchos over at Rock, then that'd be awesome. Maybe it's a little late to change the first batches now, but at least in future the next batches can have this improvement. I am sure this would attract more buyers too. EDIT: On topic: Dave, the GU ST I had measured out to be 1035mm. The Paper measurements are just simple specs. It all depends on the fork you use and how far back in the dropout you set your axle. It's only cramped if you're used to riding Pythons like I was. Otherwise it's an amazing frame

His English was actually pretty good considering he's overseas. Better than the vast majority of scumbags in this country if we're going to be realistic

The new forks are hard anodized too, from the feel of them. Which is a fair bit lighter than the powdercoated black of old

Since the Profile and CK BMX hubs we use on trials bikes are female axles (i.e. it's a screw-in bolt that acts as the supporting axle in the dropouts instead of a regular hollow one-piece axle), surely it's mechanically more beneficial to use hardened steel bolts in this case? Titanium is known to be a bit flexy, and whilst it's alright for stuff like headset preload and stem bolts; won't it be inferior to a steel bolt in this case? Since afterall these are what are acting as THE axle in the rear dropouts. Just a thought, though some people may not notice the extra flex of ti.

Muel, and those who asked: It's the new 108ep Worldcat freewheel, I believe? I saw pictures of it on Fatihbike.cn not long ago. The Americans have had those in stock for a while, maybe it's worth asking OTN for the lowdown on these. For BMXs, we just buy an individual halflink and no more needs to be said. However since trials is a lot more drivetrain-dependent, it's a risk. Why not just run a halflink for a little while, a few days. Let the rest of the chain bed in and stretch, and then when you get fed up of the halflink just replace it with a normal link. Then since the chain's stretched already, it'll be better edit: if it's a KMC kool chain, they do stretch quite a bit during the bedding in process

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I jest

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The 05/06 Echo Teams: Long: 1030mm wheelbase, +55mm bb height, 362mm chainstays. I don't know the head angle though. ^that was the paper measurement anyway.

I don't usually post on here anymore, but I had to for this! It's probably one of the first bikes I've really liked the look of, in god knows how long. Nice job, perhaps we'll go ride some time! I live in Esher, along with a few others in neighbouring towns. Croydon ain't too far!

John, wasn't there a small period when Tartybikes stocked those Inspired forks a little while back? Came in white or black, straight blades, with 26in fork geo? Did something turn out bad about them eventually? Seems they were quietly taken off the market.

There is culture in BMX, which isn't really something that trials has, if I'm going to be honest. I totally understand the thing about 'big air' action sports vs. techy stuff; like the Ashton backflip vs sidehops/gaps/tech. It's kinda like that for us B-Boys; people immediately ask us to do either: headspin, or backflip. Pretty gay isn't it? Considering backflips are aerial *tricks* that aren't even an element of B-boying(Ok, fine... "breakdancing" for you commerical fags. It's still the wrong name for the dance). Yet... people still go nuts at a shitty generic backflip and don't give much credit to the ridiculously hard technical style sets a lot of the B-Boys are pumping out these days. Popularity with the general public is a powerful powerful tool for any sport. Sadly, it is standard human nature to go 'OMGZZZ' when they see some super speedy adrenaline pumped high-risk action move. Ordinary people can't appreciate the subtleties of most sports, that's the sad reality. The only true way to appreciate a sport is to do it yourself and understand what goes on inside it. Spectating as a third-party can only take you so far... On the note of 24in riding. Yes, it's hella stella impressive. I can't do that... However, as Mark pointed out, people do treat it like the Second Coming; like the Messiah has come. I think Danny himself would happily admit that his style is *hugely* influenced by BMX; with some trials flavour. It's borrowing from another sport, essentially.... BMX... Techncially, what Danny is doing isn't really even trials. It's a mishmash, that is impressive; but again it is not a totally new thing. Same with Akrigg; these dudes borrowed a huge amount of stuff from a rival bike sport to achieve their unique status in trials. But, this must be said: 24in trials/bmx hybrid riding is still *nowhere* near as flowsome and creative as *real* BMX. 24" is watered down BMX mashed into trials. I don't mean it in a derogatory way, but it's truth. There's plenty of examples of sports borrowing from other sports. The more it gets passed through, the more watered down it gets. Go compare a regular parkour dude's backflips to a gymnast's backflips. 24" really isn't the second coming however dope it is. If you really love that kind of riding, then go watch more BMX dvds.

Joe actually organised it, Jack helped spread the word though as a more familiar trials-forum face. I wish I'd gone, stupid morning chapel at school..

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S'good, you should've gone for clear purple though! I like your front brake and stem

Crack is right across the *middle of the weld, rare sight, and seems an indicator of pretty shoddy weld quality, the blob reinforces that theory.

I do like the shape of the mods. But, few quirks: lack of solid chainstay yokes, and stamped out front patch of the headtube isn't too attractive

Isn't this the same one Joe Hodges organised months back, and had it up on Facebook? I'll be there too of course, flatlanding and filming!