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Click the picture to see all of the photos from the Vital BMX Ben Wallace Bike Check.

Photos and text by DJBMXMC

Name: Ben Wallace
Age: 21
Years riding: 7
Where do you live: Bournemouth with my chick, Amy
Current sponsors: Haro, Primo and Orchid
Influences:
Watching X Games 2000 and seeing Dave Mirra and Nyquist ride—that was it for me. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do.

What’s the dilly Ben? You’ve been injured for a few months now and recently had surgery. How did it go and what was it for?
I had an operation two weeks ago after breaking my scaphoid back in September ‘07. After riding the last few Dew Tour stops with it broken, I kind of wrecked it more resulting in this operation. They took a bone graft from my hip and screwed it into my wrist. All went okay, but it’s all a bit swollen and sore still. I’ve got like four weeks left in my cast and then hopefully I will be back on my bike.

How long will you be off your bike?
Hopefully no longer than five weeks, but who knows because I’m going crazy not being able to ride!

You are going on the next Local Exposure tour at the end of April. How do you think that’s going to be?
I think it’s going to be amazing, I can’t wait to go tour America and get back into the swing of things and riding again. Who better to do it with than some of the best riders out there?

You were recently moved from the UK/European Haro team up to the full US Pro team. How did that feel?
To be fair I can’t really comment. I have always been treated amazing by Haro and it’s just a privilidge to be put on to the US team.

You did well in a few stops of last year’s Dew Tour. What are your plans for 2008?
To go back and do as many stops as possible and maybe even compete in dirt.

Is it true you were once a karting champion?
Yeah, I was the fu**ing best [laughs].

Tell us a bit about that.
I started when I was eight and had to stop at 15 because of the cost. I won three championships and lost one race due to the car breaking down [laughs]. So Mirra, when I feel like getting my rally on in a few years, you just best watch out ‘cause I’ll be lined up next to ya!!

Anyone you want to thank or shout out?
Yeah, Thanks to Tony D & Haro for looking after me, Baz Keep for hooking me up with Seventies. Also the Seventies guys for sorting out all my Orchid and Primo stuff. Pete Hawkins for getting me started in the beginning, DJ for helping me manage my shit, and of course Amy coz she is the bomb! Thanks!

Frame: Haro Convert
Fork: Primo Kamakarzi
Cranks: Primo hollow bite
Chainring: Primo
Chain: KMC
Front hub: Primo N4
Rear hub: Proper cassette
Front rim: Primo Balance
Rear rim: Primo Balance
Spokes: Primo
Tyres: KHE Mack 2 (dirt front street back)
Bars: Macneil XLT
Stem: Superstar
Grips: Primo
Lever(s): Odyssey small lever
Brake(s): Odyssey Module 2
Detangler: Snafu
Seat: Primo
Post: Primo
Seat clamp: Haro
Pegs: Macneil ti
Headset: FSA
Any extras: Ti crank spindle, ti rear axle, and hub guard
Modifications: Couple of secret holes to help with the weight!