rathergoodpie

Absolutely loved that mate. Really chilled out, smooth, great editing. This is so inspiring, makes me wanna get out and just play around. You make huge stuff look totally effortless. Loved it. Rob

Old, but still going! Rob

Anyone fancy a ride somewhere in Shropshire! Im in Shrewsbury, but if anyone knows of any good spots elsewhere then shout. Cheers Rob

Ace video man. The new rig seems to suit you really well. As I've always said you are getting ludicrously smooth, its awesome to see how far you've come since our first rides. You have inspired me to go out for a ride when I finish work! Defo have to catch up in Falmouth when I'm down next week, doesn't look like i'll be bringing the bike though. boo! Keep up the good work and see you soon! Rob

Sunday?

yesssssss. Made it into a video. A big fat close up of my face. oh yeah. anyone get any footage of Ashton riding my bike? or me? Rob

Apparently this made Ashton's day! Certainly made mine!! Ace to see him loving the old school! Thoroughly nice chap. Have to say riding this antique made it the most enjoyable, if a little challenging, rides I have been on recently. Certainly starting to get my bunnyhops back! Rob

Will be tagging along with bigman. Looking forward to it!

Pretty cool pics man. Was an awesome ride if a little chilly, rock hurling was fun... damn that infernal bubble! Some of those lines are just silly.

Cheers for the comments guys, just out of interest, is anyone else riding this frame? What sort of setups are others going for?

Yeah czar was the long version. Feels just as stable on the back wheel, but much less cumbersome. You can really place the back wheel where you want it.

RIDDEN FIRST IMPRESSIONS Just been out for a quick ride, and thought i'd give a quick review. This is comparable to my previous ride, a 07 czar... Front end - Echo SL Forks Firstly, compared to the fatty forks on my czar, running a 205mm disc, the front end on the Echo feels super light and responsive. Whether that is because the front end is a little higher, or the fact that the front end IS actually lighter im not sure, but it has certainly made a massive difference. Also the move from disc back to maggie has been a positive one, I'm of the thinking now that the weight gain to modulation ratio is leaning me back towards rim brakes on the front (so long as you can put up with the squealing). The bike now manuals and bunnyhops significantly better, and the front wheel feels pin point accurate for placing. Its also a slightly less hunched riding position, which is obviously more comfortable. General Riding I was genuinely surprised how 'flicky' this bike feels for such a long frame. I would honestly say its not far off the ride of an Ashton, which for a comp frame, is pretty impressive. I put this down to the weight. It is Ridiculously light. Again, this might be down to the lightening of the front end, but it certainly rides naturally (that is to say it feels good as soon as you jump on it). On the back wheel its solid as anything, and the geo feels spot on. The frame is also surprisingly stiff, but i wouldn't want to run the back brake without a booster. The urban 4 bolt I'm using does the job well, without adding much weight (which, to be honest, is the main point of this frame). Extras Although its obviously hard to tell from a single ride, both myself and Bigma have been impressed with the little touches on this frame; the hub tension bolts are rock solid and easy to use, as well as being fine (so far) with a quick release (most riders will probably choose to run bolts). One disappointment I have found is that the frame cable ties are a little cheap (one has snapped off already), its a shame they didn't introduce internal routing, but this is a small complaint against an otherwise excellent frame. My only other complaint would be that the echo frame graphics are a little unadventurous compared to other offerings (maybe its because I'm a graphic designer!) as companies like koxx / monty make a great deal more effort to 'snazz up' their frames. The stickers are however, on top of the paint (which is an excellent finish btw) so can be easily removed/replaced. Overview Overall, when you consider this is a £400 frame setup, you get a great deal for your money (i know this is more than previous echos) when compared to similar setups from Koxx ect. In terms of the styling I personally love it, as its going back to the simple lines of bikes like the es4 / original levelboss but I know this wont be to everyones tastes. Personally i think that too many frames are over-designed (i'll let the Boxx off cause its so friggin' sexy). Basically if you want a cheap(ish) comp frame, that is 'flickable' enough for street stuff but looks quite understated you definitely wont be disappointed. I can safely say i havn't been as comfortable on a bike since riding my echo urban back in 2003. and how i miss that bike... Hope this was helpful to anyone thinking of buying. Any questions just give me a shout. Cheers Rob

running 20-18, but Bigman has milled the bash so that might look smaller than standard. But yeah, sprocket does look massive!

Well, its been a while coming, but I finally decided to get my arse in gear and buy a frame that didn't already have a crack in it. Massive thanks to Tartybikes and Bigman. Hope you like. Pictures below (in Bigman's Post) Ps now have a set of VGC black fattys for sale

I don't know about anyone else (maybe i'm just getting old) but I used to love going to comps its just I rarely find the time to get out on the bike let alone organise comps. Seems that the average age at comps is probably what 18-19? If that. Kinda college-uni years. For me full time employment has zapped my time to practice - therefore making me more apprehensive about my level of riding/competing. I remember when I was doing the Southwest series in '04 i was still one of the more 'senior' riders there and I was only 21! So maybe its an age trend thing? - back when trials was taking off (i'm talking when the Martin's were first in MBUK/chainspotting etc.) Trials was this new exciting thing, as riders of that generation progressed it was natural for them to progress into comps. Maybe trials is just in a natural 'lull' (i think that moutain biking in general is in decline compared to the late 90's early 00's), many of the jump spots near me that used to be rammed in the summer with college/school kids don't seem to be used half as much anymore. Im sure it will pick up again in the next generation of riders though. Thats my 10p's worth, apologies if it sounds like the ramblings of a bitter old man! Rob

Finally! Its looking really nice man. See what people mean about the stem, looks uber flat. Glad to see that its gone to a good home though! Nice Build! Rob

Bigman's with the rear disk gets my vote. mmmmmm. niiice

No can do, Im at work during the week. Have to make it another time. Hope you have fun. Make the next one at a weekend yeah? Rob

I am an oldskooler! Heres a vid of me riding when i was at college in 1999-2000. I kinda preferred my riding style back then thinking about it! Hope you like. Rob Trials-Forum Video -> Full View • Download • Upload