Sean Tompson, aka Microwave, does things a little differently to most. He lives in a van, he reads the news for Ride UK in our monthly NFTV videos, he does some interesting and quite wacky tricks… Loves a candy bar. In fact, he’s probably partly responsible for some old school tricks not quite becoming extinct here in the UK.
We decided to continue our Staff Bike Checks with Sean, since he’s become part of the fabric of Ride UK in the past few months. Let’s have it.
Photos by Martin Grainger
– Tell us about this bike. What are you most stoked on?
Probably the frame. It’s the longest top tube I’ve ever run at 21.5” and it just feels amazing. I usually get bored of a frame after a year or so and get a new one. I’ve had this one for about 18 months and I’m still loving everything about it.
– Is it all fresh or are there some older bits on here?
Every part is a different age. The freshest thing is probably the tyres. I managed to get my hands on a sample set of Kieran Reilly’s new signature tyre he is bringing out with Tall Order, I’m real stoked on how they ride. The oldest part is probably the forks. I must have had them for at least 4 years now.
– How old is this bike now?
The majority of this bike is within a year old. Some of the parts have stood up to the test of time though.
– Where have you been riding on it so far?
Nowhere abroad or particularly exciting sadly, for obvious reasons. It’s been getting a lot of use on some of the south coast bowls since I moved to Hastings a few months ago.
– What’s been your fav spot to ride on this bike?
My favourite spot to ride on any bike will always be Woodyard. That’s no different for this one.
– Any plans on where to ride next? Is there anywhere you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t yet?
If travel is possible I’d love to get a Europe road trip going this summer. Possibly make it over to Cali as well, I’ve always wanted to get out there.
– Any shoutouts?
Bas Keep for giving me my fix of Tall Order bits whenever I’m in need.
Matt Harris for always being down for a BMX roadtrip whenever a motive is found.
Frame: Tall Order 315 V1 21.5tt
Bars: Haro Kneesaver inspired one offs made by Limit Fabrications. 8.7 rise, 28.5 wide
Forks: Odyssey R32
Grips: Tall Order catch grey
Stem: Tall Order
Wheels: Tall Order Dynamic
Tyres: Tall Order Kieran signatures
Seat: Tall Order Mid
Cranks: Odyssey Thunderbolt 175mm
Sprocket: Tall Order Logo 31 tooth
Chain: Tall Order 510
Pedals: Tall Order x Unite metal pedals
Helmet: Bell Full 9 carbon fibre
Shoes: Vans half cabs or Sk8 His, depends on how strong my ankles are feeling, haha
Gloves: I hate riding in gloves, but I found an old pair of Bicycle Union Love Hates at my mum’s that I have used a few times over winter when the cold was too much though.
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