Video: Why? Part 2 - Ryan Leech

 i agree my man. I believe whole heartedly that Gwin is following the same path. He is one of the most humble guys out there even when he is dominating the world cup circuit. Its exciting to see people with such talent have such integrity.

 Ryan Leech, if you can hear me, what sort of tubes do you run, and tire PSI do you use? What is the difference with trials wheel set ups on 26 and what do you do specifically?

Also, Ryan, in a way, did you just admit to being a man that cries basically? Cuz that's pretty manly and very respectable. The whole regretting doing the most insane stunts that you did, even though public wants the sport to "progress" is something that I have always pondered myself (considering that my whole family has said to me, "Those skiers who huck off 200 ft cliffs have IQ's equivalent to their shoe size," - roughly quoted from that Warren Miller movie.)

Thanks for this video.

Moderate hucking is obviously important though. Adrenaline is more healthy than people give credit to.

 I agree, moderate hucking and adrenaline is a good thing!

Regarding the regret, that's a tricky topic because hindsight is always 20/20...Some of the riskier moves I did when my motivation was pure I don't regret, but when other influences such as fame, money, and reputation come in to play in those risk decisions then it can be regrettable, making that distinction isn't a clean thing though, because as a pro your whole career is wrapped up in these pressures. This is why I'm calling for more introspection and why I became a coach for athletes in this domain. Check out that linked article for my further thoughts on this topic....and regarding tires, kenda stickies 2.35, approx 40psi, and 26" wheels are just so versatile for trials and street. Cheers!

 Thanks Mr. Leech, I'm honored both to be able to talk to you, and that you responded so quickly!

One last thing, do you use standard tubes? The guys at my Local Bike Shop said that trials riders use thorn resistant tubes, because of their durability... they also weigh more than my tire. It's been quite a noticeable sacrifice from the extra light tubes that I am used to.

 DOES ANYBODY KNOW THIS SONG?

 Rarely do you get an athlete (let alone human being) who is as articulate and aware as Ryan. The way he conducts himself shows me that humility and confidence are not mutually exclusive. Always pleased to see introspection combined with a strong physical lifestyle. It reinforces my belief that mind and body fitness can lead to good things. Take one away and you're missing an opportunity to grow. Keep on doing what you're doing Ryan.

 Thanks conv3rt. Take one away and not only you're missing an opportunity to grow, but there is likely some form of pain to go along with it, whether an unnecessary crash, lack of satisfaction and enjoyment from your ride and being in nature, burnout...etc etc. I appreciate the thoughtful comment!

 Very perceptive. This comment was repeating in my head today and turned out to be very relevant, timely, and a nudge in a better direction. Many thanks.

 Hey Ryan, just a quick question on about that trail you rode in the end. Did your gears get jammed on it?

 Thanks for picking up on that jcklondon, well said...

 I would actually pay for a decent production of this

 Macaskill always said that Martyn Ashton, Ryan Leech and Chris Akrigg were the persons who gave him all his inspiration. Jeff Lenosky is probably on this list too...

 Wow, I remember that event! My buddies name is Robin Coope....good memories! They must have been roach pads back then?!

 I'm pretty sure they were Roach pads... Do you still ride with Robin?

 I do remember Alex, tell him I say hi, glad you guys are still riding and having fun with the sport of trials!! Thanks KleinGuyGA.

 Thank you dxfox for the kind comment...politics could be in my future, the thought has crossed my mind, but not anytime soon, there is a lot I want to contribute as a Professional Integral Coach working with other athletes and professionals around some of the issues I touched on in this video and explore deeper in the linked article. Thanks again!

 Hahaa, thanks Lehel-NS, and I agree on the whole life thing. I do actually have a project in mind, not exactly a book, but something like that...stay tuned;-)

 I agree! Also, his tutorial video helped me out immensely

 rode my trial bike for 6 years. i just bought a trail bike because of a big trial bike crash. i tought it would be boring but i must admit, i freaking love trail biking ! its different yes, but so fun !

 Yeah! ..just as i imagined. I hope you fully recover from your injury and have a blast every time you hit the trails. And i guess that all the skills that you`ve gained on a trial bike can`t do no harm when you`re riding a nice singletrail.

 exactly. i would probably say that i have more balance than a normal trail rider

 It's pretty easy to bend a disc riding trials.

 i rode 2 disc for my trial bike (for 6 years). never had any problem. its all about preferences

 A hydraulic rim brake essentially provides the stopping power of a 26" disc... but there is almost NO modulation; either brakes on or off - which is desired in trials.

 ^^^ That is not actually true, I run hydraulic rim brakes and I can achieve a feathering of my brake, it is just more difficult than with a disc brake.

 A couple of reasons:

* Discs on a 26 feel nasty, the amount of rim flex about the hub really doesn't feel positive at all( on the rear mainly). In comparison, when you are braking on the rim's surface this effect is negated.

* Discs tend to get quite easily contaminated... and on stock (26") trials bikes ( largely because of the above reason ) not many frames have disc mounts.

* Most natural / competition orientated mods ( 20" ) trials bike use front and rear disc though.

* In order to get comparable power to a magura hs or similar, a large rotor is needed ( relative to wheel size ) with a disc adding quite a lot of weight.

* maguras are a lot easier to set-up, and only recently have disc brakes become powerful enough for trials in my opinion ( Avid BB7, Hope mono trials and shimano saints -- to name a couple of popular choices )

 exactly. i had 2 bb7 on my trial bike and it was wonderful !