Phatmike

Just to echo what's been said - metal backings make a huge difference. Any flex in your brake (be it backings, clamps, booster, frame or rim) means deformation - so energy is going into bending (and heating) the component in question, rather than in stopping the wheel from turning round. There's really no need for plastic backings in today's world of high speed internet and 3D TV. They should be bound to the past!

Haha, yes - but I'm sure there're a lot of people who didn't know the comp was on who'd be interested. Hopefully everyone can all have a wicked ride in Bristol Saturday, then come to one of the best places to ride trials for a fun comp on the Sunday. Do it Matt! We need more girls getting involved.

There's a comp on at hook woods in surrey on Sunday - which will be awesome! There'll likely be a lot of riders there, and it's an amazing venue. Jus' saaayin..

Never had it, but used to have a 'looping out on a moped' dream quite often. I wonder if there'll be a 'balancing on the backwheel before a sidehop' dream next?

I'm definitely coming on the Saturday for sure! Don't forget the British National round is on at Hook Woods on Sunday the 12th, and it will be great if all you guys go too. If anyone wants a lift ther from Bristol, on the Saturday night to camp out at Hook Woods, I should have space for 2 maybe 3 guys in my car with me.. Sounds like it'll be a belter of a weekend

This.

Deffo on my old laptops which got stolen, G. I remember making that into a background for someone on here, will have a gander for it online.

how much do i owe you Al?

I'm game for this from London through till Portsmouth. Seats available in the Phatmobile, but not to just anybody..

Riding oxford tomorrow (Sunday)

So they had an epic tribute to a sporting legend, bringing in another current legend in for good measure. The world's best off road car in an epic race. The world's fastest car setting a new WR. Two of Hollywood's cheesiest sorry, greatest stars, each setting and smashing a new lap record... C'mon.. The episodes haven't been great at all this series, then they just plonk all this stuff in one mega hour to make up for it and keep us all in love with the show.

What an idea, sounds MAD

Good variety of moves there, clearly picked them up nicely. You might want to practice exercising more control over the bike, as well as pushing how far/high you're going. Try bending your arms more when back hopping, and have a go at more precise, technical moves too.

Really good job Alex, bet it feels great to have it finished. What's next?

Awful news, I'm sure the thoughts and best wishes from the whole community will go out to him and his family. Hope you're ok Gav.

Aran you've always had an uncanny knack of taking people into your world, this vid was no exception! Looked like a lot of fun - complete freedom One hell of a lot of driving to boot. Keep it up dude, I'll be looking forward to coming out there in the not too distant future.

Beautiful scenery and filming, really excellent stuff. Pure beasty riding too.

Really looking forward to this - sounds such an awesome event. To all the riders that were disappointed that Koxx Days wasn't as it should've been (at buthiers with big camp fires), this sounds like it could be all we'd hoped for and a lot more.

As a point, the setup of the brake will have much more to do than the pads themselves. Pads can perform and sound so different with different frames/rims/boosters/grinds etc etc. I prefer a brake as quiet as possible (used to love it as loud as possible back in the day though!), as you probably agree it just makes riding seem a bit smoother & refined! Stiffer frames and boosters will help here, as the flex and vibration (read: noise) are minimised. Slightly less sharp grinds will also reduce the vibrations, whilst the lack of bite/grab can be compensated for with a stiffer set up and even a longer lever blade giving you more power and control over the brake, effectively making it more modular but still with that definitive lock! On the contrary, harsh, sharp grinds and less stiff setups are more likely to have higher bite and noise, with the expense of a bit of holding power, but have the benefit of more confidence in wet weather conditions. Hope this helps,

Doesn't look that big

Fantastic job by the both of you! Wicked camerawork J. Some smooth riding there Jack, get those frontflips landed

Or better yet - send over an email to mike@phatworks.co.uk

Hey Sam, I don't sell Phat pads in plastic backings, as generally they perform so much better in aluminium ones (although Pauly tells me his are working very well..) Get in touch if you'd like some material or full pads. Mike.

Bit gutted I'm not going to make this, but I'm just about to go to bed and then be up at 8 to carry on with a big project for a Monday hand in. Hope it all goes smoothly, bash some Addingham rocks for me!