Bike Check: Liam Phillips's new custom GT

Mar 23, 2016

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 17294 times

Liam began cycling in 1994 when he was just five years old and in 1999 he had already won his first European BMX Championship title. - See more at: http://www.liamphillips65.com/about/about-liam#sthash.LhiNiIVG.dpuf

Current UCI BMX SX World Cup champion Liam Phillips will not be racing at the first UCI BMX SX World Cup race in Santiago del Estero this upcoming weekend. After spending time at the World's track in Colombia and testing the Olympic track in Rio de Janeiro, the Brit has headed home to prepare for Manchester. Liam made a change in bikes for 2016 and is back riding for GT Bicycles. His custom ride is now finished and full of Renthal parts (sprocket, bars, grips), Tioga tires and titanium and carbon bits and bobs left and right. We fired over some questions to Sir Liam about his new change to GT.

Why did you choose Aluminium over Carbon on your new ride?
Liam: I've used Aluminium for 20+ years. This close to Rio, I wasn't willing to experiment with a carbon frame. I haven't completely written it off in my mind for the future, but right now I'm happy to stick with what I know!

GT has some trick stuff going on in their frames. What has benefitted you so far?
Liam: The dropout is without doubt one of the best parts I've ever used! For years, I've changed my gearing, got my chain tension just how I like it and as soon as I do a start or put any power down, my wheel would move forward. I know loads of riders that will relate to this! But the GT dropout is so solid, I don't have that problem. Plus, the vertical dropout allows you to take your wheel off to fix anything, put it back on and not have to change your chain alignment or tension.

How does it feel to ride for the yellow and blue again?
Liam: Awesome! GT is such an iconic brand. I grew up idolising the GT Europe team (with you being TM!) and things have never really changed in my mind. GT is BMX as far as I'm concerned.

Who laces your wheels? Any certain pattern going on with the spokes?
Liam: I build my own wheels actually! I taught myself via YouTube when I was 17/18. Straight lace front, 4 X back. In fact, I do everything on my bike! It's something I really enjoy. I love attention to detail and having small custom/personal touches. Team GB are really lucky to have a top mechanic on hand at all the races moving forward now though. Alan Williams has spent the past 4 years at Team Sky but is now the BMX lead mechanic which is awesome!

You've been using Renthal parts on your bikes. Some British pride right there?
Liam: Of course. They build everything in house just a few miles from my house! I've worked with the guys since 2010 and spent the first 12 months making sure the bars were just right. Throughout all of 2015, I used prototype 'Ultra Tacky' grips. They'd send them to me, I'd use them and report back. They would then change the compound based on the feedback until they were perfect! Now, the 'Ultra Tacky' Grips are available to buy... I only use parts on my bike that I truly believe in (I pay for some of them!) But with Renthal, I know they go above and beyond to produce the best product for the rider.

What's the gameplan for 2016?
Liam: Continue to work hard, take one race at a time & have fun! The same as every year.

Thanks to: Firstly, I'd like to thank GT. I couldn't be happier with the partnership! And then everyone else in my corner; my sponsors, Grant White & a small group of good guys at British Cycling, my girlfriend, family, friends and my team mates. Those guys make every day in the gym or on the track a lot of fun! Cheers Bart.