The MTB thread

[AndyBrad]

ok tora or recon spring fork?

looking at a special rockhopper sl 2010 is 50 quid cheaper witht he tora and had plenty of use the 2011 is brand new with the recon?

[Drew Carey]

The extra £50 is well worth IMHO - I have owned the Tora fork and was not that impressed with it - but I have heard good things about the Recon. Plus..........the rest of the components on the bike would have taken less of a beating.

[speedplay]

I've used the recon forks on the rz120 I had for a bit.
They are not a bad budget fork, pretty reliable and once you
get used to them, quite predictable too.

[speedyctr]

Anyone here do any moutain biking at night?

[speedplay]

Yup.

[speedyctr]

I hadn't been for a while but had a really good ride in Delamere last night, about 10miles. There was about 15 of us so a good group.
What lights do you have? I have Hope vison 2's.

[speedplay]

I love riding in delamere.
Used to take the ex's dogs running with me round there :)

[Viney]

Anyone got some Electo Terra 2 Evo lights? Any good?

[G]

The extra £50 is well worth IMHO

Using that logic I ended up with a bike worth WAY to much money lol...

SL, SLX is worth the extra... yeah but XT is more reliable, so thats worth it... hmmm but XTR is only a little bit more :twisted:

[speedyctr]

Speedplay - Where are you based? I saw your post about J & S new site near delamere but your location says Northampton? Some great (short) technical descents there, also credit to the trail builders there great sections keep popping up. (until forestry chop it all down)

Viney - I have tried a couple and i think i have tried them. they were not bad but obviously not the brightest. They seem to only fit to handlebars so no option to helmet mount. I went with Hope for the name and customer service. I tried a mates set last night he got off ebay about £80 Magic shine MJ-872. I had these on the bars and mine on helmet.

[Drew Carey]

Using that logic I ended up with a bike worth WAY to much money lol...

SL, SLX is worth the extra... yeah but XT is more reliable, so thats worth it... hmmm but XTR is only a little bit more :twisted:

Haha.....I agree, I often have the same thoughts when buying bits etc......takes some restraint otherwise it gets silly (well.....sillier than the amount I've already spent anyway).

But for Andy buying a second hand bike - If it was a choice of a used 2010, with Tora's and groupset that had been used a lot......versus a relatively un-used bike with Recons - I would pay the £50 extra for the unused one.

The Tora's etc could probably do with a full service etc thus negating the £50 saving....IMO.

[speedplay]

I am in Northampton but spend quite a bit of time in the northwich area.
Got to know the area quite well too.
You know J&S have acquired the old camping shop on the main road as their new showroom?

[Venom]

I hadn't been for a while but had a really good ride in Delamere last night, about 10miles. There was about 15 of us so a good group.
What lights do you have? I have Hope vison 2's.

Hope have excellent customer service. Fixed my Vision 4s for no charge and shipped back to me 2 days after sending them off to them.

I also have a USE joystick helmet light.

[AndyBrad]

Hi guys, swapped my gt zinc for this today. A specialized rockhopper sl comp. It's a bit too big tbh at 17" nut it will do. Happy days

Just wondering its got avid jucy 3 sl's as the brakes but I've got a set of hope mono minis in the cellar. Would these be a good upgrade? Or are they best off providing beer money via eBay ?

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[AndyBrad]

And any idea what these things are for?

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[speedplay]

And any idea what these things are for?

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Lol, people still use them?!
And good luck with the avid juicy 3, the ones that came stock on the dale were total cack!

[maviczap]

And any idea what these things are for?

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They are toe clips and associated straps, which attach to the pedals. Once strapped in you can't get out easily.

Do not use on the bike, but the straps come in handy for lots of other things.

[AndyBrad]

Lol, people still use them?!
And good luck with the avid juicy 3, the ones that came stock on the dale were total cack!

On the dale?

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[maviczap]

Cannondale

[AndyBrad]

So you think sticking the hope's on would be better?

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[Drew Carey]

Ive got Juicy 3 SLs on both bikes and TBH have had no issues with either.....they stop me.....so good enough for me! ;-)

[speedplay]

Drew, I just felt that there was no real feel to them and they get hot and fade really quick.
I prefer hope to them, hell i'd go as far as saying I prefer my old magura rim brakes to them!

[Drew Carey]

Lol.....i have heard they are pants, just so far ive not had issues. I tend to use the front little and just tether tha rear to adjust my speed if needed.

They do the job for now, but will at somepoint in far future will be swapped out.......but like the rear shock, will only be swapped out whe fubard.

[AndyBrad]

right had a run out on it this weekend and it is absolutly amasing bike. love it! however ive got a bit of a problem. Its too big. rididnt it around it feels the perfect size but when i get both feet on the flat im splitting my nuts :( im 5"6' with a 30 in inside leg so would have thought a 17" frame would have been fine. especially as the 18" gt was fine. I guess the only option is to sell it on? is there usually such a discrepancy in frame sizes?

gutted

[Paul the 6th]

Or lean to one side when stopped like on motorbike? Is this with saddle set in the right place?

[AndyBrad]

Yea thats the other option but wonderd what peoples thoughts on that were?

Means tring to find a 15 frame which done seem to exist on ebay :(

[Drew Carey]

Andy, I can't stand on the floor when sat on the saddle......as I have the seatpost at a height that provides good pedalling without cramping the knees......or do you mean that you can't stand over the toptube?!?!

Edit - as per the below a 17 should be fine.

http://www.evanscycles.com/product_document/file/75b/e6a/2de/39/specialized-hardrock-sizing-chart.pdf

[AndyBrad]

top tube!

saddle is significatly higher than top tube to allow it to be comfortable. probably by 5"

[Drew Carey]

Then I would suggest what Paul said, one foot on one pedal and lean bike whilst standing on the floor with the other foot........the problem is, if you were to go down a size, the bike would become more cramped.

The only time it should ever be an issue is if you are having a rest and stopping......its your call but you may well lose money by selling it and buying another......the top tube height on another will probably be very little difference. The standover height of the medium is 29.88inches.....so next size down would be an inch different......is one inch enough to make it easier.....not sure. Bare in mind that by going a size down would also make the bike more cramped overall also - you may also reach the limit of where the seatpost can go to without having to buy a new seatpost!

What shoes you wearing? I know it sounds daft.....but if you are wearing thin soled trainers - can I suggest some proper cycle shoes or even hiking boots (loads of people I know ride in them)......the extra sole could help a little.

Your call......you need to be comfy.......if you are not then can't see any other choice really.

PS - the reason the 18.5inch GT was more comfy is that it has a lower standover height.....28.94 for the 18.5inch....only just smaller though.

[maviczap]

right had a run out on it this weekend and it is absolutly amasing bike. love it! however ive got a bit of a problem. Its too big. rididnt it around it feels the perfect size but when i get both feet on the flat im splitting my nuts :( im 5"6' with a 30 in inside leg so would have thought a 17" frame would have been fine. especially as the 18" gt was fine. I guess the only option is to sell it on? is there usually such a discrepancy in frame sizes?

gutted

Do you mean you're splitting your nuts whilst sitting on the saddle or off the saddle?

If its whilst sitting on the saddle, then this is because the bottom bracket is higher for better ground clearance.

I noticed this between my old school Raleigh and my new Voodoo, even though the frame size is correct.

Frame geometry has changed to give better clearance so you don't bash your chainrings so easily.

I just hop off the saddle on my Voodoo, but I could do with the same dropper seat post that Drew's got, as its flippin hard to get behind the saddle & get the weight over the back wheel.

Its all down to changes in frame design IMHO

[AndyBrad]

Cheers drew. I'll try and get a couple of miles on it this week ( max I've road is a couple his knows how ill fair with 30!!) and see where i stand ( so to speak) it is a lush bike tho.

That saddle is like a razorblade! Feels like I've been punted up the ass this morning



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[Paul the 6th]

+1 for cycling shoes Andy, rock hard soles which don't flex when pedalling and generally a tougher construction all round.

And as for the saddle, try getting some padded liner shorts, they give a bit more protection while you're breaking your sit bones in - it will hurt for a few days after a long ride, then after some more miles it will only hurt for a day after, then eventually your sit bones will have adapted to the saddle & it won't hurt anymore. I felt like I had been bummed by an elephant after I took my specialized out for the first time.. Now it feels more like a midget has punched me, only hurts for about 20 mins after riding & then I forget about it

[Drew Carey]

Cheers drew. I'll try and get a couple of miles on it this week ( max I've road is a couple his knows how ill fair with 30!!) and see where i stand ( so to speak) it is a lush bike tho.

That saddle is like a razorblade! Feels like I've been punted up the ass this morning

If you have £20 notes knocking around, ebay for "Charge Spoon"......its widely regarded (for the price) as one of the best saddles you can get. I have one on both my bikes and have just ordered one for Lily's bike build. So much comfier than any of the spesh ones I have used.

And as you say, get more miles on it and alter how you stop / start etc and you will soon get the hang of it.

I just hop off the saddle on my Voodoo, but I could do with the same dropper seat post that Drew's got, as its flippin hard to get behind the saddle & get the weight over the back wheel.

Best £250 I have spent on my bike so far :D......a lot of money though for what they are.....but being able to adjust on the fly is brill......especially when like you say getting weight over the back wheel.

Up until now I have either had to risk a testes / saddle interface.....or......pogo on the front fork as too much weight over front wheel.

[AndyBrad]

Lol I feel your pain, how far do you go out for ?

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[Drew Carey]

And as for the saddle, try getting some padded liner shorts.

+1,000,000 never cycle without padded shorts IMHO. They can be had from Decathlon cheap enough or from numerous places online.

[maviczap]

.or......pogo on the front fork as too much weight over front wheel.

Yep, which probably contributed to my off on the boardwalk & nearly gave me a nasty moment coming off that high boardwalk where Mark head butted his handlebars. :(

[Drew Carey]

Lol I feel your pain, how far do you go out for ?

Longest I have done was Sherwood Pines on a Friday for 10.5 miles (as did the 8 mile loop plus a bit).

Then on the Saturday did Dalby which was about 23miles with some bike part bits in.

So in total about 33.5 miles.....with my saddle and decent padded shorts I had no issues with rubbing etc. Just couldn't walk as had legs like jelly. ;-)

usually we tend to do Llandegla or Cannock etc.....so anywhere between 10-15 miles is normal.

[maviczap]

+1,000,000 never cycle without padded shorts IMHO. They can be had from Decathlon cheap enough or from numerous places online.

The Decathlon pad isn't as good as some, but they are cheap.

Wiggles own brand DHB is good and the gel pad is really comfy. If you don't want to buy the lycra shorts, then just buy a pair if these.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pro-padded-undershorts/

They do make a big difference

[Drew Carey]

Pfft roadies and your Lyy......cccrrr.....aaaa.....eugggghhhhh - I can't even bring myself to say the word!!! lol :D

I wear the Endura Humvee and love them, comfy, loads of pockets, really good padding.......only downside.....expensive.

[maviczap]

Ha ha its only cos you're jealous of our svelte bodies ;)

[Drew Carey]

Ha ha its only cos you're jealous of our svelte bodies ;)

:smt078

Lycra has no place on the trail....end of!!! :-D

[Luckypants]

So what do you wear under your baggies Drew? :smt110

[Drew Carey]

Thats not the point....as no-one has to see it!!! :D

Thats like me walking up to a stranger and asking if they go commando, wear briefs or boxers!!! lol :D

[maviczap]

So what do you wear under your baggies Drew? :smt110

Thats not the point....as no-one has to see it!!! :D

Thats like me walking up to a stranger and asking if they go commando, wear briefs or boxers!!! lol :D

Ah so you're a secret lycra fetishist er :p

[Venom]

On the punted up the ass padded debate.

I use the Endura Hummvee 3/4 with clickfast padded lycra inner liner shorts in winter or riding with friends.

In the summer amongst strangers or alone I've been on 55km rides wearing just these cool tight MT500 shorts. edit: and a XC top, etc.

http://www.ratrace.com/images/Endura%20MT500%20short.jpg?width=800

and my saddle is tiny

http://www.biketiresdirect.com/productimages/images450/figxb2-1.jpg

[speedplay]

I still use Lycra on the trail...
Yes it feels nice but it's more about being comfortable and not getting baggies caught on the saddle and trees etc.

[Luckypants]

On the punted up the ass padded debate.

I use the Endura Hummvee 3/4 with clickfast padded lycra inner liner shorts in winter or riding with friends.

I use the Humvee shorts and the pad in the click-fast inner-shorts is a bit uncomfortable. I noticed a lot of folks last weekend wearing bib shorts under their baggies, I think that is the way forward...

[DMC]

I still use Lycra on the trail... Yes it feels nice :albino:

That needs to be moved to the Dogging Thread!!!

[Venom]

I use the Humvee shorts and the pad in the click-fast inner-shorts is a bit uncomfortable. I noticed a lot of folks last weekend wearing bib shorts under their baggies, I think that is the way forward...

Aye, the pad is a bit loose on the Endura clothing, I somehow get it caught on the tip of my saddle when shifting off the saddle. The padding is alright though.

My recent purchase of roadie Campag bib shorts opened my eyes to how tight and comfortable pads can be on the posterior.

The 3/4s rub on my knees anyway so I should go with just bib shorts? Bit of leg shaving as well?

[AndyBrad]

hmm, didnt have you mtbers fown as gayers? or have i just not had my eyes opened so to speak :)

[speedplay]

Have been using bib shorts for years.
Comfier than normal shorts as they stay in place better.
Not great to use with a camel back as its not the easiest to stop for a pee...

[AndyBrad]

Have been using bib shorts for years.
Comfier than normal shorts as they stay in place better.
Not great to use with a camel back as its not the easiest to stop for a pee...


thats no good for my 15min bladder then! :D

[maviczap]

I wore these the other weekend

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-pace-roubaix-padded-34-bib-tight/

Comfy, no chaffing :p pad stays where its meant to

And they've got a zip to make peeing a bit easier :D

Might be a bit too warm once the weather improves :rolleyes:

[AndyBrad]

ok next couple of questions.

1. how much do you think a set of hope mono mini brakes are worth? just calipers rebuilt with new pistons and seals and leavers+piping?

2. the rubber on my new bike is specialized captain control. ive got a continental vapour 2.1 and mountain king 2.0 in the cellar. are these a worthwhile swap? or have i to give them away at work?

[Venom]

ok next couple of questions.

1. how much do you think a set of hope mono mini brakes are worth? just calipers rebuilt with new pistons and seals and leavers+piping?

2. the rubber on my new bike is specialized captain control. ive got a continental vapour 2.1 and mountain king 2.0 in the cellar. are these a worthwhile swap? or have i to give them away at work?

I'd prefer the Continentals although Specialized do make decent tyres. Mountain Kings are OE on some high spec bikes anyway. Also swap Juicy 3 brakes on your bike for the Hope brakes before you decide which to sell. You'd probably like them more.

[speedplay]

Just swapped out a pair of 2.3 contis for some 2.0 specialized on the dale.
I love cont tyres in general but the 2.3 were just too big for all round riding.

[christopher]

Not sure if anyone will have already seen this... but wow.

1q3LV2yyzJg
http://youtu.be/1q3LV2yyzJg

[Tom_the_great]

just WTF !!! done well to stay on there like !

[G]

Bought another new MTB... After building my full suspension up to be a heavy AllMountain bike for the passportes du soliel I suddenly realised riding a 14kg+ bike the 75km of the Manx end2end race would be near on impossible (for me) so I started looking for a light, fast and competitive hardtail.

Looked at load of used bikes and they were all hammered, or a bit dodgy, and I didnt want to buy a knackered or nicked bike.

Ended up going for a Reaction GTC SL... weighs just over 10kg and is super fast. I went out for a quick country lane / xc ride to get used to SPDs and averaged 14mph without any real hassle.

SPDs are fecking amazing too, I love being able to use the power of the upstroke when climbing, although my legs didn't this morning.

Hopefully entering some of the local evening time trial events at sherwood pines too.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/524476_10150688183319837_502519836_9001119_4274653 67_n.jpg

[Mr Speirs]

How much did you pay for that G? Im on the look out for a MTB. Not keen on a full suspension. Something like this would suit me better.

[Mr Speirs]

Whoa!! Quick google fu and I've just had an anal prolapse!!

[G]

Aye you don't need something like that just for bimbling about on... But then if you start riding and get hooked you don't want to buy a sub £1000 bike that will fall apart if you do more than 5 miles a week on it.

I used to ride loads and bought an £780 cube when I started again, within 6 weeks the frame was bent and the rest of it was falling apart.

Buy yourself a bike and come for a ride with DMC and I, you'll be hooked.

[Winder]

Finally found the pump track at swinley forest! Woo hoo

[Venom]

Finally found the pump track at swinley forest! Woo hoo

Where?

This isn't my map btw. I wouldn't have a clue where these trails headed let alone have the inclination to mark them down. Warning: Huge map.
http://www.nostra-casa.co.uk/images/swinleysingletrack.jpg

[Winder]

I'll have to look on the map and work it out. I marked it on my Garmin forerunner but not sure if it marks it on a map when you plug it in to the laptop. I'll try it tonight

[Mr Speirs]

So I'm planning to buy a MTB. Mainly to keep my fitness levels up and cycle round the woods with the dog.

Budget would be around the 600-800 mark and tbh I have no idea what the hells going on with MTB's.

Help me out....what would you buy?

[speedplay]

Help me out....what would you buy?


I'd buy light and strong.

You may just have to settle for strong...;)

[northwind]

Most likely something from Halfords or Decathlon though worth looking elsewhere.

Used to be, the answer would be a Carrera Fury from Halfords, simple as that. But it's not quite as good any more, it's still worth looking at but not as simple a choice, the wheels and forks got downgraded :( Boardman and Voodoo from Halfords also good, check them out... But this:

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/81-2011-id_8168695.html

Seems fantastic for £500 and leaves you some change for decent pedals and tyres. The wheels are a bit cheap and the fork is basic but you could easily spend £750+ from a "proper bike shop" and get equivalent wheels and forks and a worse drivetrain. I've not actually ridden one- the old model I rode was pretty different- but the spec is hard to beat. Shame they don't do a slightly higher quality model though.

[speedplay]

I was over in leisurelakes dropping off my lefty for service the other week and they have got some great deals on some really nice pre owned stuff.
The cannondale splice 29er was lovely :)

Boardman is always a pretty good shout these days.

Do you want full suspention or a hard tail?

[Mr Speirs]

Leisurelake? That in daventry? Couldn't see much on the website. Might head over there and take a gander.

Decided on a hard tail i think. Mainly becuase full suspensions were too much.

Was having a look at pitsfordcycles online too. They stock Specialized, Giant and Trek.

Northwind that one you linked looks good. The only thing I've picked up on really is to avoid the Suntour forks?? I'm yet to find one without those forks but the one you've linked has the Rock Shox. Are they going to be compromising else where to spec those forks?

[speedplay]

Leisurelakes are in Daventry mate, tucked behind Maccy D's.

As much as I dont like using them, they do have some good bits and pieces.

Theres a red cube carbon hard tail that is simply beautiful in there pre owned, was thinking about picking it up for myself but cant justify a grand on another bike (already have 5...)

[Winder]

Get yourself a nice CUBE acid or a Specialized rock hopper for £800 mark. Both hard tails but with good frames, think they both run 100mm travel rock shox dart but can't be sure without having a look.
Used can be a bargin but if (as you said in your previous post) you don't have a clue you could end up with a dog.

Go to a local Evans and ride around on things under a grand until you find what you like then go buy it online from someone else for a lot lot less. Evans are a rip off.

[Mr Speirs]

So how does the Rockrider 8.1 compare to either of these?

http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product.aspx?n=orangeg2hardtailmountainbike2012&id=17946
http://www.drakescycles.co.uk/products.php?show=2536

Is it simply price or is there a difference in spec that makes the extra money worthwhile?

Cube acid or Rockhopper you say? Will hae a looksee now

[Mr Speirs]

This is appealing. Although again it's a big jump from the £500 Rockrider.
http://www.leisurelakesbikes.com/product/cubeattentionhardtailmountainbike2012.aspx?&id=17451

[speedplay]

The first link you posted are two very different bikes in terms of how they will feel.
Ones steel and ones alu.

[speedplay]

Chris, I'm going over to leisure lakes next week to collect my rear shock and lefty.
Want to come and try a few?

[Mr Speirs]

Yeah I might do. Depends on time and day really. When were you planning on going?

[speedplay]

Probably Saturday but if your free in the week, l fit in around you.
Got a call on Monday saying they were starting the service and it will be back this week.

[Mr Speirs]

Saturday as in 2 days or next week on saturday?

[Venom]

I'll have to look on the map and work it out. I marked it on my Garmin forerunner but not sure if it marks it on a map when you plug it in to the laptop. I'll try it tonight

Cool, ta.


I'd buy light and strong.

You may just have to settle for strong...;)

I think it was Bontrager that said "Strong. Light. Cheap. Pick two."

[speedplay]

Didn't say cheap;)

[northwind]

Northwind that one you linked looks good. The only thing I've picked up on really is to avoid the Suntour forks?? I'm yet to find one without those forks but the one you've linked has the Rock Shox. Are they going to be compromising else where to spec those forks?

Not really that simple... Suntour get slagged off because they do make some rubbish forks, but, they're not all bad. Whereas Rockshox make some brilliant forks and so people forget that they also make some crap.

Rockshox' bottom end ones- XC28 and Dart 1- are very poor, don't settle for anything this bad in your price range (there will be loads, companies put them on middle-range bikes because they know people will say "Ooh, Rockshox" even though these ones are rubbish). Likewise Suntour's XCM and XCT.

One step up are things like the Suntour XCR and Rockshox Dart 2. Still quite bad. You can do better- they work OK but they can be shortlived, my XCRs were pretty nice til they filled with mud.

Then it gets more complicated because Rockshox' names are baffling and Suntour get inconsistent. But the Suntour Epicon and Raidon are decent forks, as is the Rockshox Recon and Tora... TBH they're the least I would settle for, if I were you. You might see some Marzocchis but they're too confusing to get into ;)

But even with, say, the Recon there's about 5 different versions, the most basic ones are alright (Turnkey or TK, like on that Decathlon, or 302 on the Orange) and the best ones are pretty nice (Motion Control ones)

[northwind]

OK so... The Orange Pure is alright, but the frame is pretty damn heavy as is the fork. Even with the discount it's too pricey- lots of the bit are kind of bottom shelf- but there's nothing very wrong with it, good honest bike, sturdy but very heavy. Bandit 600 ;) That sale's only got big uns though.

The Orange G2 is a ridiculous ripoff. Orange trade quite heavily on their name tbh, nobody would buy it if it said Carrera on the side even if it cost £500.

Cube do a weird thing with their lower priced models, which is they make them quite nice but fit terrible forks which totally sabotage them. I wouldn't. Quite a lot of the build is worse than the Rockrider but it's a lovely frame on the Cube.

The Rockhopper's just too expensive tbh. Nothing terribly wrong with it, you could recommend the Expert if it was about 25% cheaper maybe.

So that's the slagging done... Here's some good things:

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_77 7747_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab2
This one's better than any of the others you posted- decent forks, and cheaper, good overall kit choice.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_78 6809_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab2
Very similiar to the Boardman but a bit sturdier (and heavier). Probably a less good allround bike but better for harder use.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_77 7757_langId_-1_categoryId_165499#tab1
There's nothing wrong with this at all-just about every component is better quality than the Rockrider, apart from the fork which is just OK. A very good bike.

TBH all these are decent bikes, you can get a lot for your money if you're careful. Only downside of Halfords is that the shop mechanics can be, er, erratic.

[rob13]

Can I recommend Genesis? I have the Core 40 2011 but there are some nice bits of kit there, and its a British brand

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/mountain/core/core-26-3

[AndyBrad]

hi folks cn i get some advice please?

Ive just got myself some majicshine copies off eBay for 30quid. Initial impressions were good with a good beam and good intensity. Howeverthey only seem to last for 45 mins constant use. I found this out testing themalong the side of a local river the other day and nearly came a cropper.



Can you suggest any way of a)improving them and b) somethingelse of similar price that might last a couple of hours?

[Mr Speirs]

Went into Halfords to look at the Boardman Comp today. Looks nice, think I might go for that. Will give it a couple of days and see if something else crops up but leaning towards the boardman at the minute.

[Venom]

hi folks cn i get some advice please?

Ive just got myself some majicshine copies off eBay for 30quid. Initial impressions were good with a good beam and good intensity. Howeverthey only seem to last for 45 mins constant use. I found this out testing themalong the side of a local river the other day and nearly came a cropper.



Can you suggest any way of a)improving them and b) somethingelse of similar price that might last a couple of hours?


Possibly an AA battery operated Cree LED torch like the Fenix. Otherwise you're getting into expensive territory for the well known branded stuff like Hope, U.S.E., etc.

If they have an intensity setting like most mountain bike lights then I'd run them lower whenever possible.

[G]

Went into Halfords to look at the Boardman Comp today. Looks nice, think I might go for that. Will give it a couple of days and see if something else crops up but leaning towards the boardman at the minute.


Do it, then nip to cannock and you'll be hooked :p

[Mr Speirs]

Went in to halfords to have a chat about the bike, was actually going to buy it but the knowledge..or lack off had me turning on my heels and walking out!! Couldn't believe it. I didn't expect much you know as it's halfords but jeez!!

There was 3 of them...none of them could offer any advice on what size bike I needed let alone tell me what size the bike I was sitting on!! Even after measuring it they still weren't sure.

I've got my heart set on the Boardman but will either buy it online and build it myself or try and find one elsewhere. Not letting those monkeys anywhere near a bike.

[Specialone]

Went in to halfords to have a chat about the bike, was actually going to buy it but the knowledge..or lack off had me turning on my heels and walking out!! Couldn't believe it. I didn't expect much you know as it's halfords but jeez!!

There was 3 of them...none of them could offer any advice on what size bike I needed let alone tell me what size the bike I was sitting on!! Even after measuring it they still weren't sure.

I've got my heart set on the Boardman but will either buy it online and build it myself or try and find one elsewhere. Not letting those monkeys anywhere near a bike.

I've got a boardman hardtail and I think it's ace, I'm not as speedy as the rest on here but go at a fair whack downhill if I've not collapsed from the climb.

It's easily coped with my 16 stones landing from jumps etc with no damage thus far, my only regret is i didn't buy a full suspension version.

[stewie]

Went in to halfords to have a chat about the bike, was actually going to buy it but the knowledge..or lack off had me turning on my heels and walking out!! Couldn't believe it. I didn't expect much you know as it's halfords but jeez!!

There was 3 of them...none of them could offer any advice on what size bike I needed let alone tell me what size the bike I was sitting on!! Even after measuring it they still weren't sure.

I've got my heart set on the Boardman but will either buy it online and build it myself or try and find one elsewhere. Not letting those monkeys anywhere near a bike.
They don't do themselves any favours do they ? although I have heard that Boardman bikes are supposed to be only sold by trained halford techs, that could be bogus tbh, I bought a bottle cage off them the other week, it lasted maybe 15 miles of road riding before splitting a weld, cba to take it back in all honesty, good luck with it

[Mr Speirs]

I think someones trying to tell me something!
Trying to buy it online but the system knackered I think. Keeps emptying my basket when I press checkout!! What's going on!

[northwind]

I got my Voodoo built up by the Halfords mechanic, more or less out of curiosity :grin: But he did a bang-up job to be fair. My local one's always had good staff but the next nearest one's awful, seems like the same staff as the boy-racer section.

Can you suggest any way of a)improving them and b) somethingelse of similar price that might last a couple of hours?

Which ones did you get?

[Mr Speirs]

Well, managed to buy it, turns out It get built at the shop any way haha. Oh well, it's going to get a thorough check before I take it from them on Monday.
Anything I need to check specifically to make sure it's right?

[maviczap]

Well, managed to buy it, turns out It get built at the shop any way haha. Oh well, it's going to get a thorough check before I take it from them on Monday.
Anything I need to check specifically to make sure it's right?

Don't count on it being ready on Monday, depends how busy they are and if they've got your size in stock.

I bought mine on-line and got a phone call the next day to say they couldn't do it by the day I'd said I'd like it.

I couldn't fault my Voodoo, and when I went to Halfrauds to see the bikes, the assistants were ok, but I won't call them knowledgeable.

I did give it a severe test at Llangollen in Feb and nothing broke or stopped working, except me :crutches::crutches:

[G]

To be fair, halfords on an evening will be manned by 16 year old school kids, not anyone that knows about bikes.

I've had the pleasure of working in two separate halfords and the decent bike techs worked Monday to Friday 9 - 5, never evenings, and very rarely weekends.

A decent bike tech doesn't necessarily mean the person that builds your bike, pretty much any numpty built them out of the box when I worked there, it is straight forwards though with little you can do wrong.

[maviczap]

To be fair, halfords on an evening will be manned by 16 year old school kids, not anyone that knows about bikes.

I've had the pleasure of working in two separate halfords and the decent bike techs worked Monday to Friday 9 - 5, never evenings, and very rarely weekends.

A decent bike tech doesn't necessarily mean the person that builds your bike, pretty much any numpty built them out of the box when I worked there, it is straight forwards though with little you can do wrong.

Yep, take bike out of box, fit wheels & pedals. Orientate handlebars in the right direction, tighten bolts. Job done :rolleyes:

[Mr Speirs]

Well according to the Boardman bumph my bike will be built by a specially trained Bicycle Technician...haha yeah we'll see.

[maviczap]

Still, its a good bike to start off with, i only bought my Voodoo because they had a deal on it at the time, otherwise it would have been a Boardman

[Mr Speirs]

Yeah, I wanted to get something serious but not too serious. I thought if i spent a tiny bit of money I'd get bored of riding a **** of ****e, so this seemed like the best for me.