Why did you choose this particular frame fork set up?
I’ve always wanted an S&M frame from when I first got back into riding in the mid school period but couldn’t afford one.
After snapping my 2 previous frames within a couple of years, I really needed to splash out on a quality USA made frame which should last.
I love everything thing about Credence and Matty Aquizap’s ‘Black Magic’ looked perfect. Matty’s riding is amazing, on trails he goes higher than any one and the black paint has a subtle metallic bling in it, I was sold.
The Odyssey R32 forks are bomb proof with a lifetime warranty, so why bother with any others.
What sort of riding does your F+F set up suit?
It’s actually a trails frame but it suits my ‘fast and very loose’ style around bowls and quarters. It’s got a really relaxed head tube angle of 74 degrees, so it’s not twitchy and a long back end (14.75“) which isn’t great for my manuals but it’s stopped me from looping out many times, on a shorter frame I’d have definitely ended up on my arse. You have to get your priorities right.
With the whole bike being so long it isn’t really made for spinning but I actually like the fact it spins slow on 540 tyre taps, it gives me more time to squeeze a trick in.
I’m only a little dude, sometimes when Im editing clips, it looks like I’m on a 22” wheel bike but it feels really stable in the air and I took to it instantly.
I don’t get hung up on geometry because I’ve always adapted to whatever bike I’m riding. More than anything I just wanted a solid frame that rides and looks cool.
What’s the steering set up like (i.e. Stem, Bar rake, Bar height etc)
Recently I got some 9.25” S&M Credence XL bars in Chrome which again are big, but I figured you get more leverage with big bars and room to crank a turndown in. I went for chrome because they don’t show up scratches and are very shiny but S&M have recently stopped producing chrome parts as the process poisons the environment, so it was a case of getting them now or never.
The Credence turtle neck stem looks supper strong, it’s so chunky. In around 2001 when I’d just started back riding again, I was jumping a volcano on my 1985 Haro Master 2, as I pulled back my stem snapped clean off, I went back and my bike just dropped, thought I was a gonna.
Which parts of your set up are “Old man friendly”?
My S&M Coxie Director’s seat, is like an old soft arm chair, its saved my bits quite a few times on heavy landings and it’s actually comfy when you sit on it.
I run a taller seat post than anyone over the age 30, so I can get my foot on it when doing decades.
Bigger bars are also better on my old back.
Brand loyalty. What makes you run the brands you use?
Almost all brands I use have been around for over 20 years(S&M, Odyssey, Profile, G Sport, Fly), all tried and tested. They consistently make great products that are strong, work well and they often sponsor riders and events that I like and respect. If we can’t support them, who will!
The newest brand that I love is Relic, all their stuff looks cool, I’ll definitely be up for getting some more in the future.
Is there a part of your set up that’s stayed fairly consistent with over the years?
Only my Titanium “Loophole” pegs. I’ve been running them for almost 20 years and don’t plan on ever changing them.
When I got back into riding for the 3rd time about 7 years ago I only brought cheap 2nd hand bikes usually from people that had given up, my bike looked awful but about 2 1/2 years ago I got fed up with constantly breaking old parts and started building my dream bike that I now ride. I love it.
Is there one that has changed?
Everything is getting bigger, including my sprocket.
Now I just replace inner tubes, cables, grips and tyres.
How has your perfect set up changed throughout the BMX eras?
In the past it’s never been perfect. In the 80’s everything constantly failed and the mid school bikes weighed a ton. The new bikes just work.
Any custom made or custom mods on your bike?
No need, plus I haven’t got the time, skill, tools or patience. I’d rather be riding than tinkering with me bike, I’m useless at fixing it.
If I need anything stressful fitting like a chain or crank I just take it to Gav at Mode in Derby. He’s a bike wizard, any doubts check out his beard.
Set Up
Frame
S&M Credence Black Magic 21”
Fork
Odyssey R32 (a friend for life)
Bars
S&M Credence XL 9.25 (big and old man back friendly)
Stem
S&M Credence Turtle neck
Grips
Cult AK (thick and soft to absorb impacts with great grip)
Seat
S&M Coxie Director seat
Seat post
S&M Long Johnson pivotal
Seat Clamp
Pedals
Fly Ruben Alloy
Cranks
Odyssey Thunderbolt 175
Sprocket
Relic Rotax – Clint Reynolds 28t
Chain
Odyssey bluebird grey
Tires
Fly Ruben Rampera 2.35 with around 70psi in front 80psi in rear
Front Wheel
G sport Ribcage rim in chrome, BSD double butted spokes, Profile Mini hub.
Rear Wheel
G sport Ribcage rim in chrome(this rim has been used and abused but it’s still round plus chrome grips great on your brakes)BSD double butted spokes, Profile Mini hub 9 tooth( 2 1/2 years old with no issues)
Front Brake
NA
Back Brake
Odyssey Evo 2 polished, Odyssey A brake pads. Odyssey slic linear cable.
Levers
Odyssey monolever – Medium size
Gyro
Pegs
Loophole – Titanium