Tom_C
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Posts posted by Tom_C
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I have done both, I sold the bmx............theres your answer.
7 years ago I saw trials, so thats what I got into and I love it. Maybe if I had seen bmx 7 years ago, I would have gotten into that instead.
I found it hard to ride both sports, bmx is soo different to comp trials. One problem I had was that I was just really scared of falling on the bmx.
I also didnt like the weight, and all the sharp sticky out bits like pegs and pedals, they would always get me.
Another thing I didnt like was the brakes, I spent loads on the best calipers, pads, cables, rims and it was still crap, I just cant trust a bike with crap brakes.
even though I was crap (another reason I didnt enjoy it as much) I never really tried dangerouse stuff, but I always came home hurt after riding it. I just got fed up of it and gave up.
so I recken trials is easier to pick up and ride, there are more places to ride, its more fun and more satisfying
Maybe BMX would be more satisfying if you had stuck with it and got to a high level as you are at Trials Ali? I think BMX is definately harder because you can't half arse tricks or jumps etc. Hard to explain. Both are fun, I think both have awesome people that ride it that can have a laugh, although I think Trials is a younger riders sport at the mo.
Tom
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:- Makes me want to ride, Good job Nick.
Tom
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Actually while we are kinda on the subject has anyone seen the Mosh Bikes wood effect components? It was in RIDE a month ago.
They are awesome
Yeah they look mint, but I don't think we can get Mosh components over here because there is no U.K distributor.
Anyway back to main topic, I prefer the clean lines/looks of a bmx, and my 24" looks pretty similar I suppose, no bright silver parts or a long stem etc.
Tom
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About those Specialized Roller Pro Tyres- They're quite light but I also think they're pretty shit to be honest. I've been riding for about 3 years and had 1 pinch, then I get my 24, last December with that tyre and I've had 6 in the last 6 months and I hardly even ride! They also seem to wear down really quickly.
If Mavic made they're Ex721 in 24" and Michelin finally realised how big 4X Racing is and started making Hot S, Comp 24's in 24" all would be well!
Edit: Updated the FAQ properly now, only problem is going to be finding some of the rims or tyres in the U.K.
Tom (Y)
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I watched both the Federal and T1 premieres at the Backyard Jam in Derby and both were excellent, I've since bought the Federal dvd and watched it to death but it.s well put together.
The T1, You get what you get' dvd is more of a film in comparison to alot of the bmx dvds out there, but is still alot of fun to watch. My favourite DVD at the moment is Wethepeople, ETC, awesome team, well edited and just perfect if you need some inspiration before a ride.
Tom
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Well I'm glad you liked the vid, I use both feet forward for different things or if I want to make small stuff more interesting. I don't really do fast stuff on my trials bike, I save it for the BMX I suppose. Anyway, next vid will be alot better, probs at the end of the summer. :)
Tom :P
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Thanks Tic for putting it up, thanks to everyone that filmed. Locations= Gillingham :)" , Reading including hedge lol, Oxford, Cardiff, Salisbury and Yeovil.
Tom :D
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I think it's hard to choose, I love my 24" for trials but I hate trying to ride BMX sort of stuff on it as it feels weak and bulky. All my local friends ride BMX and take the piss for riding trials all the time, but when I go on rides to Reading, Oxford etc I usually have a laugh.
Both my bikes are pretty mint but I feel more comfortable on my BMX, its just I'm slightly better at trials/flatland so it feels like I'm not progressing at either type of riding sometimes. Trials riders are pretty friendly because it's such a small sport but I just can't be arsed to learn to sidehop and backwheel all the time because I get bored.
Maybe I'm just a crap rider but I reckon you either have it or you don't. E.g If your good at trials then you'll probably be good at BMX as well (Edd Tongue, Akkrigg etc). I don't think I've 'got it' but I'll carry on trying learn to air a ramp lol. If you can ride both well, then you're either unemployed, been riding for ages or just talented.
Tom :lol:
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I thought TM1 was mint Jonny, if people don't like the video because it's not "serious" enough or because its not full of riders that ride comps every week then make your own! And as for saying people in there don't have 'real talent', Wheeler, Timbo, Goddard, Elliot, Andy P etc etc I thought they were/ are pretty amazing?
Just wait for Nick Goddards new video = :blink:
Tom :'(
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But highly amusing, probably because I'm tired though.
Just make an effort to seem interested in what they are saying to you, if you think she's a pretty cool then it's probably worth hooking up with her, if she's a brainless moron just give her your friends number Mwa ha ha (unlucky 'Pete').
Tom (Y)
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Hi there,
Is anyone going to be riding Oxford on Sunday or even Reading? Peter Haydon and me were thinking of going up there in the morning until late afternoon just for a laugh. I haven't ridden for ages so I'm probs going to be crap but should be fun.
Tom (Y)
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It's nice to read an Adult conversation here for once (although I'm hardly ever on here). I'm not going to bore you with my opinions on Labour and the Lib Dems as they've pretty much been said. One funny thing though-
the Monster Raving Loony Party, there proposals are:
To rename 10 Downing Street to 10/6 Downing Street,
To invite Europe to join the Pound as a single currency,
To issue a 99p coin to save on change,
Tax credits to be paid to nice people, there will be a total barstad tax for everyone else,
We feel that a £57,000 a year salary is quite ample for the average person to survive on and that the £118,000 expenses that MP’s also manage to wangle is far too much. The expenses money will in future be distributed to the poor and needy so that they can waste it instead,
Any Home Secretary claiming to have more children than necessary will be made to run the House Of Commons Crèche,
Any cabinet minister found telling lies will be shot across the English Channel in a high velocity circus cannon to save time and first class travel expenses. Top British engineers will be employed to plot the correct trajectory. A European funded net will be set up strategically in front of the European parliament so that when the errant MP hits it, he or she will bounce through the second floor window where they will be handed champagne and canapé at a reception hosted by Leon Brittan and Peter Mandelson,
In the interests of fair education policy, under a loony government all children will automatically be given full marks in their exams.
Bright pupils will be provided with dimmer switches to prevent them distracting the rest of the class.
SAT’s tests will be abolished and replaced by Gordon Ramsey style cookery lessons and Rolf Harris art classes.
All children will be given two birthdays like the Queen.
Any child who is cleverer than their teacher will be allowed to take over the class and the teacher will stand at the back with a dunce’s hat on. He or she will then be on half pay until he or she has learnt enough to regain the upper ground. This is our policy for child empowerment.
The number 13 will be abolished due to its longstanding unpopularity. The bus to Acton North will now not have a number on it but not much else will be affected. Therefore if you see a bus with no number on it, it will be going to Acton North. Please remember this for future reference.
Policies for students:
Eton and Oxford will be relocated to Blackpool and Bognor Regis leaving the other Universities with a chance of a bigger intake.
All students will be awarded The Louis Pasteur degree for the scientific research into the growth of mould.
We intend to make free university tuition available to all students named Grant.
Any student who says the word “Like” when not grammatically called for, as in, “Hey, I’m .. Like, going down the… like, pub”, or, “I was, like, don’t do that” will be made to go and stay with George Bush for a week in order to discourage them from other stupid ‘Americanisms’.
Pram lanes will be created in all shopping centres.
4 wheel drive vehicles will only be allowed to drive off road, therefore stopping mothers picking up their children from school in them when they only live 100 yards down the road. They will also be wrapped in bubble wrap to make them safer.
All trains will be fitted with an automatic braking system that will function as soon as it sees red; this will include people who have been completely enraged by having to stand waiting on a platform for 3 hours.
Rather than to attempt re-opening disused railway lines we will put sound systems every 500 yards along the disused tracks which will play sound effects of old steam trains to keep railway loonies happy. When they choose to walk along the old railways nostalgically, men will be employed to throw buckets of soot over them every so often.
Drivers will be allowed to drive over roundabouts when there’s nothing about. This will make driving through Milton Keynes much more fun.
All speed cameras will be abolished and replaced by a new device fitted to your cars which will automatically slow down to the speed limit when driven though an infra-red beam. This will also apply to police cars; their device will be set to 5 mph though built up areas.
Traffic wardens will be re-named Dick Turpin because, let’s face it, it’s daylight robbery.
Any kerbs that are caught crawling will be arrested and the council will be fined £100.000 pounds.
All police will be made to say HELLO, HELLO, HELLO when making an arrest, this will treble the police force.
All fast food will be clearly labelled “May contain traces of real food”.
To solve the increasing obesity problem and global warming, all TVs and home computers must be run only by exercycle generators. A phase-in period of this major remedy will be allowed - maybe 5 to 5m minutes.
Any politician wanting to start a war will be shipped off to the country in question with a bag of conkers. They can then conker the country themselves.
To keep up with the present government we promise to introduce many policies that have not been thought through properly, purely for cheap votes.
These include:
Making everyone a lottery winner
Providing beer for school children
Giving everyone a quid who votes for us
If only it was that simple, lol, (Y)
Tom
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I really like this film, It's probably because I'm easily satisfied by films if you have to use your brain a little. If you think this film is a little weird, try Donnie Darko=awesome film if you're in ther mood. On another note if you want a crap film try Love Actually. ;)
Tom
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BMX is gonna be awesome!! Corey Nastazio! Plus some decent trails maybe for once. Take your bike Bongo- the course is absolutely crazy.
Tom :sleeping:
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First weeknd of August? I thought we were still in March lol. I'll come the week after the first weekend of April. The bling bling Pashley needs a rest from sandy trails . I'll check back, would be cool though, Rowly, Sameer, Matt and I expect Timbo would come out if its a Sunday. See what happens.
Tom
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I think that the System of a Down song "toxicity" worked pretty well for the Trialskings vid, its fast and goes well with that aggressive riding style, so maybe them for that style of riding.
I'm not a big fan of hip hop but I really like The Roots and Dilated Peoples, so if you're smooth, or are doing relaxed moves then maybe that could work.
I think watching BMX/ whatever vids can help to allow you to see what works as well. For example in the wethepeople vid E.T.C look out for Will Jacksons section and Tobias Wicke, awesome riding with suitable music. Also just listen to a wide range of music to help you gather an image what would work well with the video you want to make.
P.S Sorry to be a geek lol, I haven't made a vid yet but when I do, I have the perfect song, not that I'm going to tell you what it is :(
Tom :blink:
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Thats quite a late start to a comp! If I can stay my mates in Cardiff then i might go. MTBs in a skatepark; PAH! ^_^"
Tom
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Ok, after my crap post again I'll try and be helpful:
Micro Gearing: Some of you may have wandered why BMX chainrings, drivers have got smaller but still seem to be a decent ratio. Pretty simply, The best gear ratio for BMX is based around the original 44t on the sprocket ( chain ring) and a 16t frewheel on the back. 44 divided by 16 =2.75. After a while manufacturers realised that the same ratio could be achieved simply by reducing the size of the driver on the rear which in turn would shrink the appropiate sprocket size and lose a few links of the chain.
Which gives us 36-13 the smallest ratio you can achieve with a simple freewheel (Oddyssey's new 13t one). The ratio remains almost at 2.75 (2.76 to be exact).
Anyway if you want to lighten your wallet you can now buy decent cassette hubs from the likes of Profile, Oddyssey, Proper, Demolition etc. Theyve brought down the size of the driver through, 12t, 11t, 10t and now 9t. Giving you 33-12 (2.75 r),
30-11 (2.72), 28-10 (2.8-my current and favourite gearing) and the tiny 25-9 (2.77), with only Profile making 9t drivers for their own and Oddyssey hubs for around 60 quid.
Brake Set-Up: BMX's do have decent brakes just a large amount of riders can't be arsed to spend money/time setting them up properly. Firstly a decent lever that you like (not essential), a DECENT outer and inner cable, Put shit loads of Finish Line, 2 in 1 general bike lubricant down the cable! I'm the only trials rider I know with a really smooth V brake just from dripping oil through the outer cable until it's dripping through the end!
Secondly your going to need a decent rim surface, make sure your rim is clean, and if you can afford it, chrome rims work amazingly well or the new rip off Odyyssey Elektra black chrome surface (only 90 pounds!).
Thirdly, Pads: Oddyssey 1x2 or 2x4 pads work well, similarly any decent V brake pads work well if your u brake has the right mount system.
And finally make sure the actual brake is well lubed, not loose or tight, just right-so you can move the arms with your hands easily. I use an Oddyssey evolver which costs about 25 pounds and now comes in Red and Blue as well as Black. AD 990's are great as well. New Fly brake looks good, better if your brake mounts are on the chain stays. And the Revenge industries brake looks ok but expensive.
Well if you read all that I'm impressed, alternatively look for Ride BMX mag UK tech articles in the mag or online somewhere-all you'll ever need to know about BMX bikes!
Tom :rolleyes:
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hmmm, trying to think of any problems I've had.
Ordering: Always specify every tiny detail of the part you want, I got a few parts that came in wrong sizes. The best bikeshop i dealt with were CYCLONE from Essex, really friendly on the phone and pretty helpful whcih is what you want really for a mailorder shop.
Just because it's light, doesn't mean it's any good.
Oh and a big bitch about bmx:
Ride mag, great magazine, really well put together, nice photos, write ups etc BUT, new parts, new product=light=must be good! Nice review, (see Ti spokes this months issue) Small, delusional kid writes into Ride asking how light can a BMX get, Get's verbally mouthed off! If you don't believe me then read through all the back issues and tell me when they've said "lite" is bad...
And 'Rider Owned Products';
S & M , Federal, Standard good. ORCHID shoes cost more than Etnies look shite. Well sorry to moan, but hey.
Tom
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I know there is only a minority of Trials riders that use 24" wheels but I wanted to get a decent list off all the rims and tyres available as obviously there is only a relatively small choice compared to 26".
Rims:
Mavic-XY rim 31mm wide, 490gm, 36h, Good luck finding one,
Arrow Racing-DHX, 749 gr, 37mm wide, small braking surface.
Arrow Racing-XCL, 449gr, 27mm wide, 25.4 braking surface.
Arrow Racing-FRX, 540gr, 27mm wide, think they're disc only.
Halos- (any kind) Really heavy, strong rim, SAS, Freedom and Combat. AVOID
Tioga-Factory DH, 545gr, eyeletted, 35mm (see Rich 4130's post about them)
Sun-Rhyno Lite XL-500gr, welded and eyeletted, good rim+
Single Track rim-strong, sketchy on details.+ Sun Double Wide-ugly, 47mm wide, Very Heavy+ Sun Mammoth, again heavy and not that strong!
DMR-Deevee rim, disc or non disc versions available, 32mm wide, strong, 640gr, pinned, eyeletted.
Atomlab-Trailpimp- 810gr!, 34mm, 32 or 36h, 32mm braking surface, black
Atomlab-GI Street; 787gr, 32mm, 36h, 24.5mm braking surface, black
Atomlab-GI Dirt; 620gr, 32 or 36h, gun metal grey,
Atomlab-Trailpimp DHR; 650gr, 32 or 36h, 29mm braking surface, black
Alex DX32, Nice pinned rim, used for 24seven wheelsets.
Planet X-BMF, wide rim, very strong, pinned.
Tyres:
Arrow Racing-Launch,24 x 2.35 850gm,
Arrow Racing-Blitz, 24 x 2.35 750gm 60tpi mediumwall
Halo-Choir Boy/Choir Boy Lite: 2.3 width, good rear tyre, 940gr, 17.99
DMR-Moto: Dirt/Street tyre, weak sidewalls, better ran at high pressures. 2.2 width,980gr (ish)
DMR Moto Digger-Square profile, 2.3 width, quite light 800gr, 14.99
Tioga- New Blue Dragon, 4X tyre although looks promising, 2.1, 690gr
Tioga-Comp 3; 2.1, 720gr.
Tioga-Comp X tyre, 2.1, 66tpi, 14.99,
Primo Dirt Monster-2.2, similar to Moto, BMX tradeoff tyre.
Maxxis-High Roller, 2.5/ 2.70, sounds like a good rear tyre choice, 22-24.99
Maxxis-Maxx Daddy/Holy Roller, 1.85, 640 gr, cheap.
IRC Kujo Tyre,2.35/ 3.0, heavy, strong sidewalls.
Kenda Blue Groove Stick-E 24x2.50 Wire 1140g £26.99
Nokian Gazzaloddi, 2.6/3.0, 1400gr, 65tpi, nice square profile tyre, 33.99!
Specialized-Roller Pro 2.5, quite light for size, v grippy
Intense: Downhill FRO Sticky Rubber, 2.35. (FRO=For Race Only so don't expect them to last)
Schwalbe-Al Mighty, 2.35, light, Kris Leeson likes these,
Tubes:
Nokian DH, thick as Fcuk, 350gr, about 6 quid.
Raleigh/taiwanese cheap, light, does the job, cheap.
Or you can use BMX tubes and just stretch them when putting the tube over the rim; worked for my front 26" wheel!
Spokes:
Billys- Halo spokes, 25p each
Custom Riders do loads of spokes.
Thanks to Rich4130 and everyone else for their help! Any other options please list them.
Cheers,
Tom
"guess Who™"
in Chit Chat
Posted · Edited by Tom_Leeson
Way back in the first page of all this crap someone said about how Harry Potter's voice changed half way through the film. A few years ago when I was in Westminster with a friend, his 11 year old cousin claimed that one of his school friends (at a very respectable public school apparently) voiced over for Radcliffe for the rest of the entire film, or was asked to? I can't prove this is true but crazy if it is.
I like Harry Potter, I think its well written and its nice to just switch off to and read when it's raining or something. ( For all you haters).
I find J.K Rowling pretty annoying after an interview with her on BBC2, she was talking about how all the ideas, characters, phrases etc are all made up from her imagination and that she hasn't taken any inspriration from similar themed books, media etc = BOLLOCKS! Unicorns, Avada Kerdavra and millions of other examples that everyone has heard of through stories and films. Obviously J.K Rowling is so intelligent she doesn't need to plaigerise anything out there.
Plus, Back the damn topic, kind of, if she killed off Dumbledore just because the actor in the movie remake died :S , and the hype of "a major character dies', Harry Potter should be a f**king soap opera not a series of books.
Tom
Edit: Spellcheck is stupid sometimes.