Skill or Magic?

[SportSawyer]

Some incredible trials practice by Toni Bou, reigning World Champion:

http://www.photobysergio.fr/video-toni-bou-piera.html

Note the upshift (probably to third gear) while hopping on the rear wheel at 7:30.

 

[pELYgroso]

wow, that's freaking impressive.

 

[Gravy]

very cool!

but the dude needs to invest in some larger pants...

 

[YOUKNOW]

Looked like he was running 1 psi in his tires! I would hate to be his mechanic, how many rims does he lace up every week?

 

[SportSawyer]

Looked like he was running 1 psi in his tires! I would hate to be his mechanic, how many rims does he lace up every week?

Standard rear tire air pressure is 4 psig. I'd guess he's running pretty close to that for the dry conditions. For very slippery conditions, riders may drop to 3 psig or less. Trials bikes use tubeless rear tires. The rear tire he's using is a 2-ply Michelin X-Light radial with a very soft compound. It's amazing how well they grip.

Wheel failures are very rare in competition, and I doubt his mechanic does much more than checking the spoke tension regularly, and truing the wheels from time to time.

The factory Montesa 4RT he's riding is rumored to be under 150 lbs, which makes it comparable to the lighter 2-strokes.

 

[Spork]

I'm voting Magic...