View Full Version : The MTB thread
speedplay
19-06-11, 09:32 PM
Been a while since I have posted on here but do read through from time to time.
I decided to start riding again more seriously this year when work allows and have been given this to play with :-
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/photo-7.jpg
Initial thoughts are:-
Turns quick....really quick :)
Suspention is as plush as any of my old suspention bikes bar my old LTS (I'll always regret selling it).
Drive chain is all shimano so no suprises with the quality there but the avid juicy3 discs are cack.
Hardly any feel and dont stop anywhere near as good as the 15 year old maguras on my other bikes!
I have been given it to use for the year so may do some updates from time to time.
Looks like I'm now a 2 Kona, 2 GT, 3 Cannondale and 2 Mongoose household!
I just need the time to ride them now but being honest, think the zaskars and the super V will have to stay in retirement:(
maviczap
20-06-11, 07:33 AM
Looks like I'm now a 2 Kona, 2 GT, 3 Cannondale and 2 Mongoose household!
I just need the time to ride them now but being honest, think the zaskars and the super V will have to stay in retirement:(
I am from the 'Too many bicycles' squad and you are way over your quota :p
You need to get have a clear out and give one to me ;)
I will have £150 of finest Halfrauds vouchers to give you, to ease your pain, and as compo for reducing your quota :grin:
speedplay
20-06-11, 06:54 PM
I am from the 'Too many bicycles' squad and you are way over your quota :p
You need to get have a clear out and give one to me ;)
I will have £150 of finest Halfrauds vouchers to give you, to ease your pain, and as compo for reducing your quota :grin:
If you need a mountain bike sometime, I'm sure I'll have one or two you can choose from:)
I'm looking at building up my old race bike too but need the graphics copied before it gets a respray.http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/13072007200_small_145.jpg
Its going pearl white and the judy sl upfront are being done to match.
The maguras are being refinished (maybe white maybe fluro yellow again) and the rest of it is still pretty minto:)
19.5 lbs as she stands there in the pic :D I could go lighter but being honest, its verging on too light as it is.
maviczap
20-06-11, 07:03 PM
If you need a mountain bike sometime, I'm sure I'll have one or two you can choose from:)
I'm looking at building up my old race bike too but need the graphics copied before it gets a respray.http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/13072007200_small_145.jpg
Its going pearl white and the judy sl upfront are being done to match.
The maguras are being refinished (maybe white maybe fluro yellow again) and the rest of it is still pretty minto:)
19.5 lbs as she stands there in the pic :D I could go lighter but being honest, its verging on too light as it is.
Old school MTB porn
Lovin them wheels
Gonna blow my load at Halfrauds mate, although I'm sure that any of your bikes would do just as well as a new one, cheers for the offer
speedplay
20-06-11, 07:16 PM
I've got a few toys....
Theres a mint still in the box '96 zaskar frame in the attic, a couple of mongoose frames, an RTS team a Kona Hahanna I built from a parts bin another brand new set of spins, a tioga disc drive waiting to be built up somewhere too...as well as loads of other bits I cant bear to part with.
All relics from my racing days:(
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/26012008075_medium_149.jpg
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/02052007122_medium_188.jpg
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/10042008136_medium_579.jpg
and the one I'll always regret selling....
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/ebaylts_medium_106.jpg
maviczap
20-06-11, 08:04 PM
Me likey
http://www.retrobike.co.uk/forum/files/02052007122_medium_188.jpg
speedplay
20-06-11, 08:36 PM
!999 Kona chute without a mark on it.
Paint is still as fresh as the day I was given it :)
Sadly cracked the race face cranks years ago though.
Its currently sporting a set of 130mm bomber z1 forks and some heavier wheels to go with them :)
always a had a soft spot for konas and orange frames.. I've got a cindercone and currently riding a four.
My retro bike is a 2000 specialized sworks with manitou mars forks :)
yorkie_chris
22-06-11, 06:35 PM
So that little 5mi bimble to sort my brain out after work was fun. I will leave you all to guess how I gained about a square yard of nettle rash and mud in my ear.
Luckypants
22-06-11, 09:18 PM
Just back from a little blast around LLandegla. Took us about an hour and a half, even with some faffing and gossiping. :D Managed not to crash, but had a go! Bonus, the centre had a BBQ going and so had dinner there as well, I just might get into this MTB mid-week game!
christopher
22-06-11, 09:28 PM
Was that the black or red run Mike?
My MTB'ing isn't going so well since I posted (a long time ago) in here. Bike is great but I need to get out on it more. Went through a phase of going to Llandegla most weekends but now the weather is better (sort of!) I've slackened off and am spending more time on SV.
Car park open till 9pm Mon-Thurs (it's summer hours). Cafe is 5.30pm except on Wednesdays when it's 8.30pm for the BBQ. May see you there at some point!
Luckypants
22-06-11, 10:03 PM
Black run Chris, except for that up and down faffy bit near the end.
I really want a downhill bike now...
http://www.vimeo.com/23498839
http://vimeo.com/23492252
xXBADGERXx
26-06-11, 02:25 PM
Why ? , you can`t even stay on a normal one without turning yourself into Bacon ;)
Why ? , you can`t even stay on a normal one without turning yourself into Bacon ;)
Looks fun. Of course I know I don't have the skill, conviction and lack of fear to nail those routes. :P
northwind
26-06-11, 03:18 PM
But I bet you can pedal-flip just as well as that guy, that's the first step.
Drew Carey
26-06-11, 08:57 PM
Bike serviced.......fully cleaned and fettled.....next weekend - 35miles of fun. Woop.
Not ridden for 6 or so weeks - so unfit - time to get back on it like a car bonnet.
Luckypants
27-06-11, 06:58 AM
FFS! Cleaning a full-sus bike is a right pita! 2.5 hours to clean the Trek last night, but it is not pristine by any stretch... All those nooks and crannies on the suspension parts :(
Luckypants
27-06-11, 10:34 AM
errr yeah, so bike cleaning gurus, what do you do to clean a suspension bike? Jet Wash the worst off? Sponge? How to clean all the little nooks?
Mike - I use this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Muc-Off-8-In-One-Bike-Cleaning-Kit/dp/B000NNSXIU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1309177663&sr=8-1) kit - jetwash, spray with muc off, agitate with brushes, rinse off.
Drew Carey
27-06-11, 12:30 PM
Yesterday took me just under 2 hours.....which consisted of the following -
1. Remove chain.
2. Remove Deraileur Cogs.
3. Remove Bash Ring and Top Chain ring.
4. Remove Wheels.
5. Spray Remaining bike with my leftover motorbike cleaning spray.
6. Whilst spray is doing its thing, use Parafin to clean Chain, pulley wheels, chainring, bash guard. (Yes was being careful with the bearings etc).
7. Clean Parafin off the above. Re-grease Pulleys.
8. Back to frame - re-spray once more with cleaner, then go over with sponges and brushes. Rinse bike down.
9. Whilst bike is drying in sun - use WD40 on a rag to clean rims and hubs (having removed the brake discs!!!).
10. Reconnect chainring, pulleys, chain, bashringa and then wheels.
11. Finally, clean rag, spot of WD40 - wipe down the frame and forks. Apply chain lube and gently wipe fork staanchions and shock with teflon lubricant.
Job jobbed.
Owenski
27-06-11, 01:02 PM
How do!
Mike routine for the DH was:
Jet wash to rinse,
Spray patio cleaner all over (yup I do mean patio cleaner) using one of those hand pump machines.
Go make Brew,
Attach brush end to jet wash and add washing up liquid into hopper,
Drink Brew,
Scrub bike, inside outside all the way around side with jet wash and soapy brush.
Un-hook soap and put lance on jet wash
stand back and rinse.
Can of WD-40 or similar approved with straw in end, get right in and jet blast out the grit.
Lube where needed and done.
Total time, never more than 45min inc 15min brew.
Had that bike 18months rode all year and regular, inc a 2week trips to the alps riding every day and barely had to replace anything other than tyres and pads.
errr yeah, so bike cleaning gurus, what do you do to clean a suspension bike? Jet Wash the worst off? Sponge? How to clean all the little nooks?
I do the following
Hose pipe to wash worst off as I don't want to regrease every bearing.
Clean the chain with a chain cleaning kit and paraffin
Use same kit as MattSV
Spray with Muc-off
Brushes and sponges with water and dirt removing shampoo to help remove anything the spray missed.
Rinse.
Dry.
Apply the silicone Bike Spray to the frame using a microfibre cloth to stop dirt sticking next time.
Lube chain.
northwind
27-06-11, 04:44 PM
errr yeah, so bike cleaning gurus, what do you do to clean a suspension bike? Jet Wash the worst off? Sponge? How to clean all the little nooks?
First, I let the mud dry. Then, I get my 99p Tesco dishwashing brush and flail wildly at the mud for a couple of minutes til most of it's dropped off. Then I wipe the fork and shock inners down with a cloth, spray them with silicon spray or fork oil, bump them, clean the black ring off, repeat til there's no more black ring. Et voila, as clean as it gets in my garage and takes about 4 minutes :cool:
Luckypants
28-06-11, 08:05 AM
Hmmm so you are all saying that basically it is a faff - except for Northy :cool: I may use Northy's technique in future. Just as a comparison, road bike was cleaned to higher standard than the MTB in 30 minutes... (and the road bike had been off road :oops: )
Drew Carey
28-06-11, 09:12 AM
It is a faff, but I quite enjoy doing so, as gives a chance to inspect everything on the bike and to know in advance when stuff is getting stressed or on the way out.
Think if I had a proper bike stand I could halve the time it took........as I spent most of my time faffing about removing bits etc!! lol
Luckypants
28-06-11, 09:30 AM
A heads up to anyone who fancies a trip to Wales for a not too challenging ride. Sunday 31st July is the Cyffylliog Charity Bike ride. 3 routes on offer through Mynydd Hireathog and Clocaenog Forest, 21km (family), 30km and 47km. Entry Fee is £10 Adult, 16 and under £5, under 6 free and Families £20.
I'm offering accommodation to any orgers who fancy making a weekend of it. I'll also ride with you and act as a guide so it can be combined with a day riding Penmachno, Marin, Coed-y-Brenin or LLandegla trail centres or just a good old fashioned ride over mountains on bridleways from my house. For the more downhill oriented folks, Foel Gasnach is just up the road only 20 minutes ride. The village pub is open again, so evenings are taken care of.
The only stipulation I'll make of people coming to stay is they do the charity ride and spend money in the pub :D
JamesMio
28-06-11, 09:42 AM
Mornin' Or'jers... could I please pick your brains for a moment?
Avid Juicy disc brakes, how the feck do I adjust the span on the levers? Their stopping power is great, but by the time I've got them to bite, the levers are crushing my other knuckles.
I can't see any obvious way of adjusting them, is it a case of getting them bled?!
Cheers
JM
Drew Carey
28-06-11, 10:20 AM
Hi mate.....sounds like your brakes need a good service and bleeding.
I have a set of Avid Juicy 3's and Avid Juicy 3 SL's.....in both cases, if I was grabbing enough to get the levers against my knuckles.....then the whole of my 16.5 stone weight would be flying over the handlebars into trees!!!! lol.
The Elixir's etc have adjustable levers I believe.....but as far as I know, not the Juicy's - unless someone know's differently.
luke_hunter
28-06-11, 11:51 AM
Avid Juicy disc brakes, how the feck do I adjust the span on the levers?
They have reach adjustment AFAIK but I don't like doing that to my brakes as I then have to stretch my fingers out further! Probably be better off bleeding them in the long term. Although if they are anything like my Code 5's they will be a pain in the ****!
Speaking of which my MTB needs some attention having been neglected so I could pay for my motorbike license and testing etc.
Avid Juicy disc brakes, how the feck do I adjust the span on the levers?
Not 100% on this as I haven't done it myself but there's an allen key screw on the levers near the pivot, (Well there is on my Juicy Threes).
It does sound like you should bleed your brakes though with their bleed kit. Quick fix, tie a zip tie around your lever and leave overnight. That should help temporarily.
A heads up to anyone who fancies a trip to Wales for a not too challenging ride. Sunday 31st July is the Cyffylliog Charity Bike ride. 3 routes on offer through Mynydd Hireathog and Clocaenog Forest, 21km (family), 30km and 47km. Entry Fee is £10 Adult, 16 and under £5, under 6 free and Families £20.
I'm offering accommodation to any orgers who fancy making a weekend of it. I'll also ride with you and act as a guide so it can be combined with a day riding Penmachno, Marin, Coed-y-Brenin or LLandegla trail centres or just a good old fashioned ride over mountains on bridleways from my house. For the more downhill oriented folks, Foel Gasnach is just up the road only 20 minutes ride. The village pub is open again, so evenings are taken care of.
The only stipulation I'll make of people coming to stay is they do the charity ride and spend money in the pub :D
Sounds interesting, I might be able to go. Which distance, I think Family 21k ride.
Luckypants
29-06-11, 08:28 AM
The 21km is intended for kiddies and is mainly fire-road and back lanes. I'd be more inclined to do the 30km with an option to continue onto the 47km if feeling frisky. 30km is only 19 miles and the 47km less than 25 miles. :D I know you did the 25km on the Ruthin Merida, but this course is a lot less strenuous.
PS You on for the Ruthin Merida again this year?
Lol, so a quick ride and back to the pub is out of the question?
Yep, I have the Ruthin Merida pencilled in. Doing the Marshbrook one this weekend, might drop down from 50k to 25k as I've done no training.
I did drop down to 25k, the sun made it slow going and I only averaged 6-7kph at the 13k split. I sped up after 20k and hit 44kph on the downhill, doh.
Had an epic crash about 20m from the finish, there was a bit of a technical singletrack descent at the bottom of a hill and a caution sign. I missed the entry as my mind was half-thinking the saddle was too high. Found myself on the floor, bike on it's nose resting against a small tree, right in front of the spectators. lol
Sooo... 10 speed has been around for a while, is it a unnecessary gimmick or worth upgrading from 9 speed?
barwel1992
18-07-11, 06:38 AM
i think the only benefit would be to some one like me with a single front chain ring other than that i dont see the point as you could just gear the bike correct for your riding on the front 3 chin rings i mean who uses 1st (largest) gear and the smallest front chain ring ? waste of time
Drew Carey
18-07-11, 07:47 AM
Sooo... 10 speed has been around for a while, is it a unnecessary gimmick or worth upgrading from 9 speed?
Like Mr Barwell, I think they are worth it for those using a single up front - but would also add for those using a double up front.
But other than that, I don't see any point really. Do we all use the full gear range from high to low?? Doubt it.
But - if you fancy having the latest x10 then why not.......as we all know, most of the bits people upgrade on MTB's tend to be about Weight Saving / Bling etc.....very few tend to replace things because the old dosn't work anymore - myself included!! :D
Luckypants
18-07-11, 08:32 AM
Sooo... 10 speed has been around for a while, is it a unnecessary gimmick or worth upgrading from 9 speed?
I wouldn't change over for any benefit, it's purely a gimmick IMO. The crux is the range of sprockets on the rear, most 9 and 10 speeds have same big and little cog, so no advantage.
Luckypants
18-07-11, 08:33 AM
A heads up to anyone who fancies a trip to Wales for a not too challenging ride. Sunday 31st July is the Cyffylliog Charity Bike ride. 3 routes on offer through Mynydd Hireathog and Clocaenog Forest, 21km (family), 30km and 47km. Entry Fee is £10 Adult, 16 and under £5, under 6 free and Families £20.
I'm offering accommodation to any orgers who fancy making a weekend of it. I'll also ride with you and act as a guide so it can be combined with a day riding Penmachno, Marin, Coed-y-Brenin or LLandegla trail centres or just a good old fashioned ride over mountains on bridleways from my house. For the more downhill oriented folks, Foel Gasnach is just up the road only 20 minutes ride. The village pub is open again, so evenings are taken care of.
The only stipulation I'll make of people coming to stay is they do the charity ride and spend money in the pub :D
Just bumping this as this is only a fortnight away.
Thought so. I have a triple on the front and never ride up hills anyway. Too much effort. lol
I'll do the charity ride, LP.
Another question...
Anyone experimented with crank lengths? Apparently according to a bit of googling, my 175mm cranks are approximately 10mm too long.
http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/cranks.html
http://bicyclecranklength.blogspot.com/
northwind
18-07-11, 04:46 PM
Another question...
Anyone experimented with crank lengths? Apparently according to a bit of googling, my 175mm cranks are approximately 10mm too long.
I've got a couple of different lengths, can't tell any difference... Think I've got a 165, a 170 and 2 175s. But could be wrong...
barwel1992
19-07-11, 06:44 AM
supposedly the longer the crank the easier to pedal but cant say iv had any problems with my 160 shimano saint although the lack of chain rings up front make hills interesting any way
the other thing to think about is when riding trails the longer the crank the easier to catch pedal's thats why ive all ways gone with the shortest
any suggestions on bike racks? seen some on ebay like this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/UNIVERSAL-2-BICYCLE-CARRIER-CAR-RACK-BIKE-CYCLE-TOWBAR-/130513343642?pt=UK_Sports_Leisure_Cycling_Bags_Pan niers_SR&hash=item1e6333949a)
are they any good as I don't want to spend a lot of money
northwind
21-07-11, 08:55 PM
Aargh... In 12 hours, I go and pick up a hire van, then I fill it with bikes, then I drive to Fort William for a couple of test rides, then on saturday I do this:
http://vimeo.com/16658004
"The Nevis Range Downhill course is a full-on, flat-out, no-compromise charge down the face of Aonach Mor, the 9th highest mountain in the UK. A succession of big jumps and bumps, berms, drop-offs, rock slabs and technical natural sections provide plenty of challenges for the riders, all the way from the top gondola station (at 655m) to the magnificent finish section above the Nevis Range car park.
As one of the longest and most physically demanding courses on the international mountain bike race circuit, riders of this grueling event will need physical strength, quick reflexes, superb bike control and an unerring eye for the right line as they speed down the 2.82km track. They will also need huge amounts of stamina in order to ride the track as many times as
possible in six hours!"
Which, ah ha ha, means I'm racing against Guy Martin. I'm sure it'll be fine. I'll let you know on sunday if I ain't dead.
Same design as mine, using straps to secure it onto a hatchback car. Make sure the contact point on the rear windscreen has enough padding/rubber to prevent it cracking the glass, which I've heard happens. They're pretty ok but not the most secure way of carrying a bike unless you have loads of straps to tie the bike down to the rack.
northwind
21-07-11, 09:11 PM
I've used a couple of those, mostly it's a gigantic pain in the bum securely mounting the bikes, and most cars that have used them seem to end up with assorted scratches and such on the back.
I've got a couple of Thule roofracks which are great, but not cheap (I took the approach that if a few of us go away for the weekend there's thousands of pounds of bike attached to the car so I budgeted a bit more)
I'll give it a try! Can't go wrong for £20
I have a £10 off £75 e-voucher code for chain reaction cycles. Anyone who wants it should PM me as I'm not looking to buy anything within 2 weeks.
northwind
24-07-11, 03:56 PM
Not dead. Phew!
<edit>
Ha, I beat Guy Martin :) Get in!
maviczap
24-07-11, 05:10 PM
Not dead. Phew!
<edit>
Ha, I beat Guy Martin :) Get in!
When where & how :)
northwind
24-07-11, 05:48 PM
He was racing for Orange yesterday... He ended up somewhere down in the 100s I think.
Here he is on his way to a proper kicking:
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150247010526167&set=a.10150247002991167.319781.53663356166&type=1&theater
"Oh god, that Northwind's going to beat me, I'd better fake a mechanical!"
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150247004996167&set=o.10418679022&type=1&theater
Which makes me the John McGuiness of SV650.org :mrgreen:
(OK, joking aside apparently he knackered 2 rear wheels and had to pull out about 2/3ds of the way through the 6 hours, he posted a couple of seriously fast times. I just kept posting slow ones, but kept it up all day. Tortoise and hare...)
Well done Northy!
After a bit of umming of arring, I got new lighter 165mm cranks fitted. Much easier to pedal and I shaved off 18.5 minutes from a couple days ago riding 50km on the same flat cycle route. Need to test them on some hilly singletrack though.
JamesMio
25-07-11, 06:00 PM
I'm a bugger for smashing my pedals into rocks / roots etc - wondering whether a set of shorter cranks would be worthwhile..?
Have you noticed any need to readjust your riding style Ven?
I'm a bugger for smashing my pedals into rocks / roots etc - wondering whether a set of shorter cranks would be worthwhile..?
Have you noticed any need to readjust your riding style Ven?
I've only been out on them once and that was just the area of the bike shop. I've never had problems grounding out my pedals off road as my bottom bracket is quite high on my bike and I try to get the pedals horizontal. The only thing I've really noticed that compared with 2 days ago I can use the higher gears without struggling to spin. Seat post went up a bit higher to compensate for the shorter cranks.
maviczap
27-07-11, 11:27 AM
Just ordered my new MTB.
Didn't get the Carrara Fury in the end as there weren't any 2010 models in stock anywhere near me. The 2011 model has had components downgraded to meet that price point.
Didn't get the Boardman Comp 2010 comp either, same problem
Had to use Halfrauds as my beloved employer gave me £150 in voucher for 25 years hard labour.
So popped in yesterday to have a gander and see if there were any bargains, looked at the new 2011 boardmans and they are nice, old 2008 Carrara Fury on offer for £350, but only one left was far too small.
So looked at some of the others Voodoo Hoodo at £499 in the shop, similar spec to Fury & Comp, but Halfrauds man says they are one line above the Carrara's now.
So went online to check availablity of Fury's & Boardmans, none of what I wanted. But Voodoo Hoodoo online special this week £449! Plus I had a promotional code from Halfrauds for another 10% off, so £405.
Minus £150 from my vouchers = £255!!!! I have to pay :cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
I know its not top end, but it's better than what I've got and it'll do for now at that price!
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_78 6865_categoryId_165499_langId_-1?cm_sp=Intelligent_Offer-_-Product_Details_Zone_1-_-Blank&iozone=PDPz1
JamesMio
27-07-11, 12:48 PM
Aluminium Frame
Hydraulic disc brakes
Air sprung forks...
All good so far! Looks like any cost-saving has been done around the group set, which is no big deal as these can always be upgraded or replaced as/when you need to.
Nice bike fella - enjoy!
I'm off to hit Winlatter tonight, that's such a good trail centre!
Twed650
27-07-11, 01:09 PM
some nice beasts you have here guys and you's do some crazy stuff!
i live next to one of the 7 stanes tracks that's dotted around south scotland and have just gotten back into MTB after not doing it for a few years, and this is my weapon of choice...
http://i250.photobucket.com/albums/gg276/twed206/Photo14-06-2011213554.jpg
haro escape 8.3. quite an old bike now but brilliant for what i want to do on it! :)
maviczap
27-07-11, 02:03 PM
Aluminium Frame
Hydraulic disc brakes
Air sprung forks...
All good so far! Looks like any cost-saving has been done around the group set, which is no big deal as these can always be upgraded or replaced as/when you need to.
!
Yep, and the groupset will work fine out of the box and get upgraded as and when.
Although my Handsome Dog frame is nice and light, I couldn't have upgraded all the parts to bring it up to the same spec as this one for £255.
So goodbye V brakes and crappy forks :smt072
For anyone looking for a rear mech, I have just had an email:-
Shimano XT rear mechs at cost - £45.00 (http://www.cycleworld.co.uk/category/194/Derailleur_Rear)
Local shop to me, good bunch of guys, and also do mail order ;-)
Drew Carey
05-09-11, 05:24 PM
Howdy all......
Its been a while since we have had any posts in here....
So.......does anyone fancy a possible ride somewhere on either the 22nd or 23rd of October (preferebly 22nd). Know its early days.....but Lily is off to Londinium for a course that weekend.
I was thinking of seeing if anyone fancied going up and spending a day at Cannock chase? Or could head off into Wales. I am more than happy to put people up at our place (just south of Birmingham), so would then be a 35min trip to Cannock.
Let me know if any of you are free or fancy it.
Cheers
Drew
maviczap
05-09-11, 05:38 PM
Wrong weekend for a test of my new MTB, as I'm working and can't take any more weekends off :(
But I'm up for a MTB weekend at some point
I'm up for a bit of MTB action that weekend (subject to sign off from SWMBO)- possibly worth starting a new thread so it doesn't get lost???
Drew Carey
05-09-11, 07:51 PM
I'm up for a bit of MTB action that weekend (subject to sign off from SWMBO)- possibly worth starting a new thread so it doesn't get lost???
Good thinking batman....I will make it so.
Drew Carey
05-09-11, 08:06 PM
Done............
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?p=2598863#post2598863
Now all you regulars...I best get a yes from you!!! lol.
stolen MTB - keep your eyes peeled
http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/9253996.Police_appeal_for_stolen_mountain_bike_in_ Wallasey/?ref=eb
Ive found a 2009 Carrera Fury brand new for £431, but its 200 miles round trip! Worth it?
Drew Carey
23-09-11, 07:05 PM
Anyone in West Mids area fancies a MTB outing tomorrow? DMC and I are thinking of going off somewhere.
Thinking of getting another MTB after not having one for nearly 18 months. We're lucky around here in that Guisborough, Hamsterley and Dalby are all within an hours drive. We've got the NY Moors for XC too. Looking at the following bikes:
Boardman Pro HT - £860 with Discounts http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_77 7785_langId_-1_categoryId_165499
Cube Ltd Race - £800 with discounts
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=57169
Cube Ltd Pro 29 - £949
http://www.bikelab.co.uk/5191/products/cube_ltd_pro_29_mountain_bike_2012.aspx
We've also got Giant/Scott/Trek/Canondale/Marin/Orange/Specialized/Orbea all on the doorstep but I havent really seen much in their ranges at that price bracket which matches the Cube & Boardmans on spec. I never anticipated looking at this price range as I thought about £500 max but after having a ride on the Boardman, those Reba's are special. Id rather have the equipment that encourages me to ride than giving me an excuse to do something else.
Am I overlooking anything? As you can see, I've looked only at Hardtails due to the price.
maviczap
25-09-11, 05:11 PM
If you're keen on the Boardman and buy from Halfords, then register the credit card you're going to use, with Quidco, to get a further discount, well you'll get cashback from Quidco
You'll get 3% cashback
http://www.quidco.com/halfords/
Drew Carey
27-09-11, 09:30 PM
Howdy all, anyone off to the cycle show this weekend?
heads up for aldi cycling gear in today http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week39Thursday11.htm?WT.z_src=main
Anyone advise whether I should go for a trail orientated 120mm travel bike or a more XC orientated 100mm travel? Its all down to the Boardman Pro/Cube Ltd Race at the mo, both under £900 too. Mainly for trail centre work with some stuff on the NYM.
Luckypants
04-10-11, 08:11 AM
I had a similar question when looking for my bike last year, I really wanted a Trek EX8 with 120mm suspension but couldn't find one in the sales, so ended up with the Top Fuel 8 with 100mm suspension. So far I have not found the limits of the bike - but I'm not that great at off-road riding. At Dalby forest it is completely at home, even on the black trails. IMO if you are coming from a hardtail 100mm will be fine, better even as there is less travel to feel 'weird' as you get used to it! :D
Drew Carey
04-10-11, 08:56 AM
Agree with Luckypants......100 in the hands of most of us will be more than enough......
I however went for a 150mm travel bike......main reasons, I prefer the slacker geometry and I am also extremly ham fisted......if there are big rocks, I tend to just ramp through them and drop off them without being very "kind" to the bike, so felt the extra bounce would be beneficial.
To be honest I think it is down to personal preference, main thing, ride both if you can and see which feels better. Secondly, have a think about how smooth you are and whether you may "like" to try some more severe stuff in the future - if so then 120 may be a worthwhile shout.
Looking at the specs.....both the Boardman and Cube look good, one plus on the Cube is the Fox forks.......however the Reba 120's are very good. The boardman has Sram X9 2X10. The Cube has Shimano's variant.....the Cube also appears to have a semi decent wheelset included.
I know that doesn't help, as both have elements that are as good as, if not better than the other.
However, I cannot stress highly enough that you need to ideally try them. If it was me, I would take a serious look at the Boardman MTB FS 2011. £999 for a full sus, with Rockshox Sektor 130mm forks. The groupset drops to Sram X7, but I've not had an issues with my X7 stuff so far (except when I have damaged it lol). Yes the travel is now 130mm, but the bike will go anywhere. Just a thought.
I was thinking Hardtail as its light, and most of my mates are on them. The Reba's on the boardman are dual air whereas the Fox on the Cube is solo air.
Unfortunately cant try them as Halfords dont do tests (although I did ride it around the rear yard for about 5 mins - hardly a test) and the Cube is the last one in the shop so ex-display but not ex-demo. Tough call really but I am looking at 2 well specced bikes with good discounts (14% on the Boardman and about 25% on the Cube)..
Rob
I do not think you will be disappointed with either of them, they are both well specced bikes. Which one looks the tartiest ;-)
I already had a hardtail (Scott Comp Racing) , so I went for the Boardman Full Suspension - love it, and now only use the hardtail for bumming around on if I go camping.
I have a Cube Acid at the moment, it was at the cheaper range of hardtails at £729. I've had it 6 weeks and the paint has rubbed off the frame in places and front outer chain ring is pretty much ready for replacement. It's going in for it's first free service on Friday and I'm hoping they will at least replace the chain ring under warranty as its now stupidly thin and missing quite a few teeth.
I finally stumped up the cash and ordered a 2012 Orange Five Pro today, it's going to be a long wait for that as the forks are delayed:(
Went for quite a few upgrades to...
Custom Colour Neon Yellow :D Ha mucho brightness
Factory RP23 Kashima rear shock
Maxle Swingarm
32 Float 140 Factory Fit RLC Kashima front shock
Hope Tech M4 brakes
Hope ZS Tapered headset
Hope Stainless Steel Bottom Bracket
RockShox Reverb seat post
Thomson X4 stem
Easton Haven Carbon bars
Fizik Gobi XM seat
The rest is standard spec, can't wait its going to be a beast. Probably going to keep the Cube for fannying about on an fitness.
Drew Carey
05-10-11, 12:34 PM
I finally stumped up the cash and ordered a 2012 Orange Five Pro today, it's going to be a long wait for that as the forks are delayed:(
Went for quite a few upgrades to...
Custom Colour Neon Yellow :D Ha mucho brightness
Factory RP23 Kashima rear shock
Maxle Swingarm
32 Float 140 Factory Fit RLC Kashima front shock
Hope Tech M4 brakes
Hope ZS Tapered headset
Hope Stainless Steel Bottom Bracket
RockShox Reverb seat post
Thomson X4 stem
Easton Haven Carbon bars
Fizik Gobi XM seat
The rest is standard spec, can't wait its going to be a beast. Probably going to keep the Cube for fannying about on an fitness.
Jealous...me....never......................MUCH
Hopefully will get a chance to see it on one the rides soon with DMC.
It's going to be at least 3 weeks for the forks apparently so I'll be on the Cube at sherwood pines next Friday... I've booked next week off to decorate to make sure I could get to pines on the Friday lol.
Annoyingly my riding buddy cames off pretty badly a couple of weeks ago at Pines so any rides you have planned that you don't mind a tag along let me know. I fancy heading back to Llandelga as soon as I get my new bike.
Some amusing photos...
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301042_10150336697874837_502519836_7769428_4729754 42_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303779_10150336698184837_502519836_7769430_1156984 150_n.jpg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/301984_10150336698434837_502519836_7769432_9918267 66_n.jpg
Drew Carey
05-10-11, 01:18 PM
Ouch....thats looks painful......
The next ride that is planned is the one on the weekend of the 22nd which you already mentioned you would probably do along with your GF - Cannock Chase & then Wyre on Sunday for anyone that fancies it.
Other than that, think Dave and I will be doing quite a few over the winter....fancy going to Llandegla again also.
Can anyone shed any light on an Orange Evo 4? I've seen one for sale, but I cant find any reviews...
Ouch....thats looks painful......
The next ride that is planned is the one on the weekend of the 22nd which you already mentioned you would probably do along with your GF - Cannock Chase & then Wyre on Sunday for anyone that fancies it.
Other than that, think Dave and I will be doing quite a few over the winter....fancy going to Llandegla again also.
Let me know when you are thinking of LLandegla again - I loved that last time :cool:
Need a new bottom bracket! Hollowtech = non-serviceable... :-(
Drew Carey
15-10-11, 06:07 PM
Let me know when you are thinking of LLandegla again - I loved that last time :cool:
Will have a good chin wag about that next weekend.....most deffo something that needs sorting.
Drew Carey
16-10-11, 10:08 PM
Can categorically state Dalby is one of the best and deffo the toughest trail i have done. Threw up at approx 14 miles.....but made the 22 miles so was chuffed.
Wouldnt have got round if DMC and G hadnt spurred me on. Cheers lads.
Anyone into their Orange bikes? I've seen an Orange Evo for sale but dont know anything/cant find anything out about them! Its the Evo 4 which I believe is a few years old but its had Reba RLs, XT groupset & Raceface crankset fitted. No idea about the wheels though.
Gave up on the Orange as it was a 2004 bike which I thought was pretty expensive for £400. I'm instead looking at the Cube Ltd Race '11 which is on offer at a shade under £900. Anyone got a Cube?!
Drew Carey
19-10-11, 05:03 PM
G has one, but it has just gone back for a supposed bent frame.......but I have heard nothing bad about tham at all.
Which one? My mates Carbon ended up with a crack in it but the shop sorted it all out.
Its a toss up between the Boardman Pro HT and the Cube LTD Race. As good as the Boardman is, I'm a bit put off by the 2x10 setup
Drew Carey
19-10-11, 05:51 PM
Everyone i know who has had a 2X10 raves about it, easier to use and less weight.
The boardmans are well specd for the price.
Which one? My mates Carbon ended up with a crack in it but the shop sorted it all out.
Its a toss up between the Boardman Pro HT and the Cube LTD Race. As good as the Boardman is, I'm a bit put off by the 2x10 setup
Mine is a 2011 Cube Acid, they think it may be either bent dropouts, or misaligned dropouts. It's still with the shop and no nearer being sorted :(
On the upside I picked up my new bike today, muhaha, it's sexy, been messing around all day setting up the sag and suspension settings for tomorrow :D:D:D
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/298804_10150357111644837_502519836_7876774_1381166 082_n.jpg
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/301019_10150357157039837_502519836_7876994_1120465 497_n.jpg
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/301687_10150357158549837_502519836_7876996_7461540 02_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/293447_10150357159384837_502519836_7876998_1558608 522_n.jpg
Now that is one sexy futher mucker.
I'll have my shock pump tomorrow if it needs any tweaking...
News on the Cube is that the frame is 100% bent, and they can't figure how its happened.
So a new frame is being sent from Cube in Germany... Result!:thumright:
No news on timescales though :(
Drew Carey
25-10-11, 04:11 PM
Why are you bothered?!?!?! You have a mint Orange bike to be riding on in the meantime!!! lol :D
I still like riding the hardtail for general fitness and short blasts, they are quicker around pines as well when trying to beat my times.
DMC and I are planning to go to Llandelga on Saturday if anyone fancies it.
http://www.coedllandegla.com/ (http://www.coedllandegla.com/)
Aiming to be there as 09:00 when the gates open, potentially aiming to get around the red with black additions twice, but may end up doing the full loop once with a bit of practice time on the skills area afterwards. We'll play it by ear.
Any takers? Everybody is more than welcome, it's not particularly difficult just fast and flowing and no one will be left behind.
Mr Speirs
28-10-11, 07:49 AM
Holy **** balls G!! That orange bike is more expensive than most SVs!!! You are mental!
JamesMio
28-10-11, 09:31 AM
Holy **** balls G!! That orange bike is more expensive than most SVs!!! You are mental!
See, I kinda struggle with that (a lot!) too. I even spent my youth working part time in a local bike shop and STILL can't get my head around how/why (some) bikes with no engines cost more than (some) bikes WITH engines.
Much as I completely get 'why' spending more on a mountain bike will get you better / lighter parts etc - I still struggle with the fact that I paid about £1200 for a 5 year old Husky dirt bike, which is just as well sprung etc as a good mountain bike, but yet also comes with an engine in it.
Maaaa'd!
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