Mac89

I have a set of Tech4 V4’s and a 5 year old set of Tech3 V4’s. I think a lot of people who previously tried Hope brakes and didn’t like them would be surprised by how much better they are now. More powerful, much lighter feel (the Tech3’s could get really bad for arm pump) and a little more “snappy” without sacrificing modulation. They feel “intuitive”, which sounds like linguistic wankery, but it’s the best way to describe how they perform on-trail. It’s easy to feel where you are in the stroke, when the wheels are about to lock up etc. You don’t get that snappy bite you get with some brakes when giving them a test squeeze in the car park - I think that puts a lot of people off - but they never feel spongey or vague while riding. Perhaps the best thing about them is that every single part is available as a spare and likely will be until the heat death of the universe.

Very sad and no doubt extremely stressful for all involved but I'm sure these guys will come back strong. The bikes are too good not to succeed. Wishing everyone involved all the best for the future.

Really tough one for him. He’s been riding (a bit) less wild since the move to Mondraker, which is great for picking up more consistent results but maybe just blunts his edge slightly. Was looking more like his younger wilder self during his run and then…well. All about finding that balance I guess. Obviously easier said than done but he’s got plenty of years to figure it out. Exciting times in DH with all these amazing youngsters.

To shreds you say?

Incredible photos. Big up to those guys for all their work. It puts everything into perspective way better than video. Rampage may not be a freeride competition anymore but that isn't slopestyle. Bit more respect is in order I think.

Bren was riding a different competition to everyone else, and the fact he won the people’s vote by a huge margin says a lot. Rampage is dead. Time for someone else to pick up the freeride mantle. I have nothing but respect and admiration for the other riders but I can’t relate to it on any level. It’s like watching Evel Knievel jump the Grand Canyon. Cool, but it doesn’t make me want to pick up my bike and go ride. All the runs just blur into one.

Hope Cam is ok. He had a huge crash the other day and it looked like he injured his foot. Crazy guy.

People love to complain about commentary I guess, but shout out to Andrew Neethling on the BBC for "oh he's gone down like a homesick mole!"

It's grey, cold, piss wet and windy, or as the Welsh like to call it "summer".