LOCALS: Martin Lang

In our new weekly feature, we are getting out and about on the trails to meet everyday locals and find out a bit more about them and their bikes.

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Name: Martin Lang
Age: 37
Location: Exeter
Bike: Commencal Meta 4x

Where are your local trails?
My local trails are up at Haldon predominantly. There's lots up here and when you ride regularly you learn where all the cheeky little shortcuts and hidden runs are.

How often do you ride?
At this time of the year weather permitting a couple of times a week but thats not really working out at the moment with this lovely British summer.

What types of riding do you normally do?
Normally all mountain trail riding. I do a little bit of downhill but i don't consider myself good enough at it to be called a downhiller though.

Talk us through your bike?
This one here is my sort of play bike. Its at home on the red and blue trails up here at Haldon. Its got fox F120 forks up front. 10 speed Shimano XT transmission, got the dropper post on there. Maxxis tyres, a Minnion on the front and an Ardent on the rear rolling on some Hope Hoops wheels.

What's your favourite part on the bike?
My favourite part is my dropper seat post, on a trail bike I would never be without one now. It's really changed the way I ride.

Next upgrade planned for the bike?
I don't know actually... I wouldn't mind a slightly burlier front end, something with 36mm stanchions but in an ideal world I don't want any more travel. I don't think it would compliment the frame. Its quite a chunky bike as it is, so it might be a good idea to keep the weight down a little bit! Its something I will have a think about but I don't if i will actually see it through.

What other bikes do you own?
I own a Specialized Demo 8 and a Boardman team hardtail.