Ali C

I prefer stock, Mods feel too much like kids bikes to me

not a mong just every time I read the topic title I think it's a picture of a twisted Marino (like Damon Watson's)

well I am not sure, but I would say most people pushing themselves see crashes similar to yours often. Last week both Mark and myself were rolling around on the floor (ohh err)

agree about the ligament injury, I have done it twice now, pretty painful and a loong time not riding! I am fairly lucky though, the first time I did it I knew I had done something bad and got in touch with Physio, he put my ankle in a cast and once out felt pretty good (apart from being week in that foot/leg for a while). The 2nd time I did it I only thought I had twisted it (my pain receptors were apparently damaged from the first time) so carried on riding, but over 3 weeks later (at the big London ride actually) it began to get too painful to ride. I visited physio again and he said it had snapped again, only this time it had begun to heal and set the ligament in the wrong place. After a bit of thought, I decided to have it re-snapped and set in cast again so it was strong in the future. Lets just say, having someone wrench your foot around with no anesthetic until the ligament(s) snapped was the worst pain I have ever had, I went into total shock and couldn't talk for half an hour because I was shaking too much. But it's been over a year now and my ankle feels pretty good again, I don't notice it at all when riding, though sometimes I like to wear a brace if I am trying something new. Now to find some wood to touch. So yeah, if you have a choice, break a bone rather than a ligament! I also had a bad injury about 9 years ago when my chain snapped dropping off a small rock, I landed straight on my nuts on the stem! They swelled up to near orange size and I had to go to hospital to have ultra-sound scans on them. Fortunately for me they were only bruised (badly mind) but for about 2-3 weeks after I couldn't stand up for more than half an hour as the weight of them would cause a lot of pain.

you need to accept criticism and be aware that crash was pretty tame

I am curious about the name? When someone mentions twisting and bike frames, I automatically think of a broken twisted frame. Bike looks ace, not sure on the name.

if it's the powder (the best form) then get a plastic container (not an old takaway rice tray as I found out) and fill with hot water (the hotter the stronger the reaction). Find an old toothbrush and apply to frame, wait a few moments and you'll see the frame reacting. Leave for as long as you dare and wash off with cold water.

looks nice You know higher bb is better though

just you wait....just you wait. In related news (by related, I mean I want to comment on your exact comment above which is related quite a lot). I found Vans to be too thin, I could feel the edges of the pedal on my foot, this made my feet cramp a little, but also took away my confidence cos I was scared of jumping off the bike and hurting my feet. Plus the grip is shocking in the wet as my shins would show you.

he would have cleaned up if he was wearing jeans and a tee

mine were like that to begin with, pretty scary at times, but now they are worn to the pedals and allow some movement. I am very tempted by the new Dirtbags Fiveten are making.

smooth, those 3s were so nice!

I use mine (five10 freeriders) for everyday use and I have had them 6-7 months and there is loads of life left in them yet (plus they are simply the grippiest shoe you can get, once worn in though, they become a little easier to get the feet off the pedals)

"I am not that grumpy!" Bonus points for who know who said that.

looking good Sean! Loving your riding and congrats on the helmet!

narr, I find Mark's pair very grippy indeed. the only issue with them is they make a noise similar to a small mammal in pain when spun at the correct speed.

my only issue with DMR pedals is how small they are. the actual platform you stand on is noticeably smaller than any other pedal, plus they are quite thick so they are easier to roll and shin yourself than a thinner pedal is.

the figure of 10-20g rings a bell (dependent on wheel size)

yep, deffo their fault

more than the drunks?

no lol

the point your head Edit: wait, that's too negative........I am afraid old chap you have missed the point. It is an entirely different situation calling on different techniques to traverse down said rock pile.

I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it… Voltaire

Odd, I always thought he was missing the fun. To me he always takes it too seriously, going into the meaning of life the universe and everything and how it's connected to his riding. I guess people find fun in different ways (look at TGS riders) and some people are more spiritual than others, just not my cup of tea really.