Bike Check interview: Prototype test rider Wouter Segers (BEL)

Sep 24, 2020

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 4078 times

Name: Wouter Segers
Sponsors: TVE sport, JEE-O, Meybo Bikes, Shimano Benelux, Renthal cycling, 6D helmets, fisthandwear Europe.
Mechanic: Jan Segers

When's the last time you took your bike to the track?
Wouter Segers: Actually yesterday in the morning, I had a track session where we should have our nationals in a few weeks time.

Have you missed riding your bike during the Covid-19 situation?
Wouter Segers: In the beginning it a was struggling with a small injury so I couldn’t ride my bike anyway, but after a few weeks of lockdown I think every BMX rider wanted to go back to the track as soon as possible. So yeah I missed riding my bike a lot during those days!

Are you often picked to try out new parts for the team?
Wouter Segers: Most of the time my dad is the one who comes with the new parts so then I am the obvious choice I guess. But I really like to do that kind of testing so I don’t mind being the first, and I

trust him 100% so if he says that the part is good to go, then I’ll just send it!

You've been trying the triple clamp forks on your BMX bike. What are your thoughts?
Wouter Segers: At first I was a little sceptic about it, because it looks totaly different than what we are used to. But after a few test sessions I was really happy with how it felt and handled on the track. It’s for sure stronger than the “standard” setup and the stiffness you gain is impressive!

Do you closely work with your dad on the prototype parts or is it mainly his gig?
Wouter Segers: If I have to put it in percentage I would say 80/20, 80 being my dad of course. The idea most of the time comes from his side, but in the process of designing and manufacturing I can be a good help inbetween the training sessions.

How often do you take your bike apart to re-grease everything?
Wouter Segers: Depends on how much we have to fly to travel to races, because then I re-grease most of the parts. But let’s say that we do it thoroughly 2 times a season, when we build the bike for the first time, and just before the Championship races.

Something's loose on your bike. Does that bug you so much that you have to fix it right away?
Wouter Segers: I check my bike regularly when cleaning so normally nothing comes loose during practice or races, but when it does I will fix it ASAP.

What is the geometry and length of your race frame. Do you know without looking it up?
Wouter Segers: I’m riding a XXXL Fixed rear end MEYBO HXS frame, top tube is 23 inch and my rear end is 400mm. I asked my dad just to be sure, but I can confirm that I was correct!

Do you ride with flat pedals when you're just messing about or are you always clipped in?
Wouter Segers: I do some flat pedal sessions from time to time, it’s fun to switch it up sometimes!

Are you picky about how much your bike weighs?
Wouter Segers: Not really, it is what it is, if it is too heavy I will complain but it's not my goal to beat David Graf.

Do you like bike maintenance including the cleaning?
Wouter Segers: I don’t like going to a training with a dirty bike. And I don’t mind the cleaning, it’s kind of relaxing. A clean bike is a fast bike!

What's a bike part you change on the regular?
Wouter Segers: Most of my bike will last for a full season, but I do change my clip pedals 2/3 times a year. Clipping out is something you want to avoid during a race.

Please take us through your parts list:

Frame – XXXL Meybo HSX
Fork – Custum made triple clamp forks
Bars - Renthal
Grips – Honda race bike grips
Stem - Custom
Headset – SD components
Brake lever - Custom
Brake - Custom
Cranks – Shimano DXR
Pedals – Shimano DXR
Sprocket - Renthal
BB – Integraded in frame
Chain - KMC
Seat - BOX
Seatpost - BOX
Seatpost clamp – SD components
Front hub – SDx components
Rear hub – SDx sniper
Front rim – SD components
Rear rim – SD components
Spokes – Double butted
Tires – Swalbe KOJAC 1x35
Tubes – SD components lightweight
Chain tensioners - Custom
Number plate – 15