(...)
The industry standard tests biggest problem is that they dont mount the fork in a headset, they clamp the steerer directly. This is absolutely ridiculous and makes the test almost completely worthless. Since we started testing this way several MTB companies have followed suit and now test using a proper headset mounting.
(...)
I would say there is one factor that is about 100x times more ridiculous than 'unreal industry standards'
It is.... to allow outsourcing R&D guys, engineers, agents, official EN testing center engineers - seting up your babies, your products, allowing them to install products into jigs before starting the test. Most of them never rode a bike. If they rode a bike, they never jumped. If they jumped, than maybe the curb, they never rode real BMX.
Of course you can prepare detailed guides about setting up position, angle, tightening torque for your tested products, sketches, drawings, video-guides, anything you want. But there are 10x more setups and cases possible with testing machine elements / jigs than with your products itself. Comparing bars of different width would you setup up them with same width or same distance from the bar ends? Both could be ok depends what you plan to compare/test.
Then easier one, but not always - setting up the machine program itself. I saw so many screw-ups.
I saw so many RIDICULOUS testing done. E.g. comparison fatigue test of saddle+seatpost set of two brands. But the setup, jigs used, and especially the way they bolted saddle + post togeother was so ridiculous, screwed up, upside down. You could immediatelly notice that certified testing center personal never rode ANY bike. They were under influence of HEAVY DRUGS, Im sure.
I think that if you are not there (in Taiwan or somewhere) playing with your babies and competiton products - the test does not count! Only testing done 'inhouse' make sens in long-term.
G: any comments on the different frequence ?
The dude that sets everything up for the Odyssey Stampy tests is a BMXer. He isn't a jumper, I guess you could say. But more of a modern day street dude. And even though it doesn't make a lick of difference, he shreds hard. He works for Odyssey/Full Factory family. So you could sort of say the testing
IS done in house. And he 110% knows his way around a BMX bike and how to properly put it together. Not too many BMX brands can say this about having an employee in Taiwan 365 days a year.
Also, he doesn't do drugs. I offered him some of mine and he declined with a smile. Does smoke hella cigs though.