LOCALS - James Payne: Carbon Devinci Wilson SL

Our popular LOCALS feature is back, and first up we catch up with James Payne from Exeter in Devon, with his sweet Carbon Devinci Wilson SL. Come check it out!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Name: James Payne
Location: Exeter
Job: Studying a Foundation Degree in Outdoor Adventure at Exeter College.
Bike: Carbon Devinci Wilson SL

How long have you been riding?
I started riding back in 2008 on a Specialized Rockhopper Disc, then over the years I have gradually upgraded my bikes through a Giant Faith II, Trek Session 8, Santa Cruz V10 Carbon, and to now on my Carbon Devinci Wilson and Riding for Kustom Bikes. So in total about 5 years from the start.

How often do you ride?
I ride as often as I can. Mainly on a Sunday as it's my only free day off the week. But once I get a car I'm going to be out a hell of a lot more!

What bike are you currently riding and talk us through your set up?
My Current bike is a 2013 Carbon Devinci Wilson SL. I've got all the standard bits on this bike apart from my bling Hope pedals and the Marzocchi 888 evo forks. I chose the 888's over the boxer world cups which come standard as I believe that they are just better forks, apart from the extra weight. I cannot say enough good things about those forks, + they look fantastic! The Wilson itself is simply the best bike I've ever ridden. It's so composed, soaks up every bump and feels bottomless. The carbon makes the whole thing stiff and the short rear end makes it superb at whipping through tight bends and getting the wheelies on after! The whole bike weighs in at 38lbs.

What's your favourite part on your bike?
Other than the amazing frame, my favourite part has got to be the forks. Those 888's are incredible. So supple in the low speed and really ramp up well with hard hits. Superb forks at a competitive price that also look the business.

What other bikes do you own?
My only other bike I own is the new Ragley Marley Hardtail. Before that I had a Dartmoor Hornet in red which was stolen!

What types of riding do you normally do?
My main type of riding is Downhill. I race downhill and do as many as I can get to, riding for Kustom Bikes. I do some occasional XC when I have the time, but also like to have a play on some dirt jumps and the occasional trip to the skatepark.

What was the last new bit of gear on your bike?
The last thing I did to my bike was put a firm spring in the forks. This stopped me bottoming out and allowed me to really hit stuff hard.

What are your local trails?
My local trails are at Cafeside. I build up there on a weekly basis with all the other guys and help to get some more rad lines in. Other than that I try to get around the SW to places like Gawton and Triscombe.

Cheers James

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