Interview

What bike do you ride?

At present I'm riding a KOT MS2 with twin Hope Trials Discs.

Describe your bike setup.

Everything has to be light on my bike, I’m a light rider so I can get away with it. The way I see it, is you're having to carry this velo about with you all the time so why make things hard for yourself? I run single speed (so no comps for me) and a Kool light chain - it's strong but lighter than the standard one.

I have built my wheel with titanium spokes, which before you go looking for, they unfortunately stopped making a few years ago. I use latex inner tubes and run the front really hard (about 50psi) so it can cope with the ‘G’ turns I do.

What is your favourite move?

It would have to be my front wheel moves, they have become some what of a signature move now, with my 'G' turns and front wheel roll backs.

Who has influenced your riding the most?

I think I must subconsciously pick up on various different kinds of riding styles but I do try and avoid watching lots of people and videos from fear of just copying, when I can develop my own flair.

How would define your riding style?

It's cross between street and demo riding - there used to be a bit of a comp rider in me but as I haven’t done any of them for about 5 years now, I think it has left me.

What first got you into trials?

I used to race road, track, mountain bikes and cyclo cross. I found that in the cyclo cross there were a lot of step ups (logs etc.) to get over that required getting off the bike to get over and over time I perfected the ability to jump or hook over these object and found there was a sport dedicated to just this - trials.

How often do you go riding?

Time permitting, on average I tend to ride about 3 times a week.

Does bad weather put you off?

The wet would be the main put off, so would a strong cross wind. They can be nasty when back-hopping across a few rails.

Have you had any major injuries?

I have managed to get away lightly I feel over the years that I have been riding. I have had the odd broken finger and toe, numerous dislocations (in the knees mainly) and broke two ribs falling back from a drop once.

The worst injury I have had that affected my riding was a back problem with a nerve as it took just over 10 months to subside - all because I didn’t warm up properly before riding!

Where do you see your riding going?

I'm not to bothered about going bigger (that seems to be what eveyone wants to do), just to get smoother and come up with some new moves!

Have you got any random tips or advice for new trials riders?

Walthamstow Stadium. Sunday 4:30, "Lucky Dog"