Alex Dark

Thought the frame could do with a freshen up for 2024. Really happy with the colour, used some funky 2k aerosol lacquer on this too that seems to have come out really well. reworked the carbon frame protectors, skinned them again in plain black carbon instead of the green I had previously.

I really like these bikes, geo sounds really nice and they look solid.

I’ve never ridden a seated bike for any period of time… but i switch from mod to stock fairly regularly now. Main thing I’ve found is trying to make sure the contact points are as similar as possible, bar tape against foam grips, caged and flat pedals plus bar angle / geo.

I used to do this on my wellgo mg1s. found I got better grip by cutting out the centre of the pedal to make them more concave though.

Anything 2005-2008 deng id say. I’d be looking at an Adamant A1 or Echo Control for sheer strength.

Mod or stock ? To be honest there’s not much that’s very strong anymore, especially if you prefer pogo to seated trials. inspired’s range seem solid, I’ve only heard good things about carbon maestros and crewkerz last at least a year or two before they crack.

It was indeed! Had to get that cameo in 😉

Thanks man 👌 hopefully get some stunting done next year together

Only thing I find really difficult is judging where the rear wheel is on gaps to front…. Mod I end up too much on the pinch and end up nosediving slightly ha

Finally got around to putting all the clips I’ve gathered on the Medium Jealous into an edit. Long live tgs 👌 YouTube Link

I’ve started to ride 20 and 26. Main thing I have an issue is when to lift up for backwheeling / tapping and where the pinch point is on a rear wheel gap. Definitely think it helps your riding overall using two wheel sizes.

Full build jealousy now is 8.65kg. With some modifications and choosy part selection sub 8kg may be possible.

Thanks man, much appreciated 👌 still enjoying it!

Youtube Got around to making a full video on the Carbon K1. Only 20” I’ve ever really got on with and hopefully that shows ☺️

The trialtech rims are stiffer and stronger than the hashtags, likely supply issues.

The don’t have alloy pistons in.

Muc off wet lube ( chain oil ) is what I’ve always used.

I’ve had loads of 26 rims over the past 10 years or so …. Tryall , echo , onza , trialtech, atomz etc. Trialtech are probably the strongest , and stiffest. Only slight downfall is that the sidewalls dent easier than most , however I think This has been sorted with the material of the newest iteration. I’ve done the biggest drop gaps I’ve ever done on these rims and they don’t really flat spot like others do.

Bought a second hand Clean K1 carbon 20” the other day for a bit of a change up… repaired a cracked chainstay , gave it a spray and a new steering setup.

This thing is rad, loads of fun to ride, nowhere near as heavy as you'd expect and feels really dialled. Great to see someone doing something different ! Massive props for building this from scratch.

I used to use radial for rim brake , but now 2x. 3x if disc application.

Fairly sure you’ll need a 128mm ISIS bb. Trialtech is a pretty decent option. As for freewheels , echo SL are probably the best screw on option. Around 4x more engagement than an ACS claw , stronger , less likely to skip and no falling off lockring issues ☺️

I’m sure Euan can tell you a fair amount about them , as can Shaun Goddard as he stocked a lot of their kit. Decent bikes by all accounts , I can’t ride sofa bikes so I’m not one to judge but they’ve been around long to have a fairly good reputation.

I would personally only be replacing chains and brake pads on a periodical basis. Rotors should not be cracking , especially with the force a BB5 and a new rider can exert on them. Anything aluminium can and will fatigue, the most likely culprits in my experience being very old magura slaves , forks ( normally magura mount ) handlebars and crank arms. This is usually fairly rare though. Nearly all riders change most of their bike if not their whole bike every 2 / 3 years or so , so most of this risk is negated. That being said intelligent ( higher end and not too worn out ) component choice can mean a bike can reliable beyond this while just replacing consumables ( like chains , pads etc )

I've meant to make a bleed hose, but seem to have got away with just bleeding bottom up and letting the water run out of the lever for the past 3 years.