The MTB thread

[G]

Is the cannondale / was the zaskar lacquered... I've never seen a polished bike that didn't need re-polishing after most rides particularly muddy wet sandy rides... looks good though :p

[speedplay]

Zaskar wasn't lacquered just ball burnished so I just went for the same this time round.
I grew up mountain biking back in Devon (barnstaple) so as you can imagine, the trails were fairly sandy being right on the coast...
I had an option of clear lacquer but lacquer chips and peels away.
Another finish they do is clear anodizing (as well as other colours) but they couldn't guarantee that the welds wouldn't come out a different colour due to impurities.

[northwind]

It's ages since I posted a random video... This is a wee clip I did over the easter weekend, usually everything I record is from the chest mount so nice to have a little variety I reckon. It's a little dull, but it's short ;)

http://vimeo.com/40123120?utm_source=internal&utm_medium=email&utm_content=cliptranscoded&utm_campaign=adminclip

Me on the hardtail, my mate Dave on the orange Heckler and Chris on the Anthem. He gave us all a scare on saturday and took a header off kirroughtree black, ended up having to cut the ride short but he got back on the next day hence looking a little tense ;) We made it to Drumlanrig on friday, Kirroughtree on saturday, Mabie on sunday and a wee visit back to Kirroughtree on the way home to take in some stuff we missed. Good times!

[maviczap]

Currently looking like this:-
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/photo-25.jpg


Gagging for Llandegla next weekend now :)

That is a good polish job

Won't be going to Llangegla for a while, I broke myself last time, took ages to get better again :(

Need to get my road fitness back, as I've lost a fair bit since my off

[speedplay]

You had an off at degla?
What did I miss?

[maviczap]

Fell off at the start of the black run on the boardwalk

http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=174348&highlight=welsh+weekend&page=12

An awkward fall, not once but twice.:(

At my age it takes a long time for injuries to sort themselves out. :(

[G]

So what are peoples experiences of Chain Reaction Cycles? I've read lots of warning but chose to give them a chance for the first time yesterday...

Ordered;

3 pairs of Hope pads
2 Maxxis tyres

All Showing as in stock.

I then paid extra for the parcelforce before 12 express delivery.

I noticed my order was still processing this morning so gave them a call, apparently my order does not exist... BUT the money has been taken and I got an confirmation email ;)

No Explanation, they will investigate and call me before the end of the day. I find taking your money, including extra for specific delivery service, then claiming the order doesn't exist very poor service personnaly.

I probably should have listened to the warnings.

Order from your local Evans Cycles in future, they will price match CRC, and at least you have someone to moan to.

[maviczap]

Always used Wiggle or Merlin cycles, with no problem, can't comment about CRC.

One other EBAY shop I've used quite a few times is Absolute cycles, stuff usually arrives thee next day. Although if you're shopping for a specific item, they probably don't sell it, but the do sell a lot of popular manufacturers item.

I bought a pair of Shimano Ultegra road wheels, and I couldn''t match their price anywhere.

[speedplay]

Ive used chain reaction before as they used to be one of the cheapest about.
No problems with them at all.
I see they have gone into motocross now too so may be doing some more shopping with them :)

I was in Manchester on Monday and have been looking for some new Lycra shorts (I know you guys have mixed feelings about Lycra!) and was advised to pop over to decathlon.
I was a bit dubious but for the price of their kit, I'm really pleased with them.
I was after some three quarter and some normal shorts both under thirty quid each with a decent amount of padding, good fit, decent grippers and the three quarters were bibs too:)
Well worth a look if you haven't seen them before.

[maviczap]

The cheapo Decathlon stuff isn't worth buying, as the padding isn't that great, although fine for turbo sessions. But this is the £15 Bib shorts, the slightly more expensive stuff looks ok.

I do have a great fleece windproof fronted riding jacket from there, which is warm for 4 seasons riding, and a great cut, no bagginess. Only downside to it, is that it's all black, not great for road riding, but fine off road.

[speedplay]

Their really cheap stuff wasnt worth looking at, you are right.
No leg grippers for a start.
The bibs I got were 27.99 reduced from 35 and the shorts were 21.
If I get a couple of months out them I'll be happy.
Just had to clear out a load of my old shorts as they were getting a little indecent!
Going a bit thin in places (the shorts, not me!).

[maviczap]

Yep, if they were reduced from £35 then that's good, puts them in the same price range as Wiggle's DHB stuff, which is also very good. I just find the way the DHB panels are made up a bit weird, but can't fault the seat pads at all.

Another good buy at Decathlon are the technical t shirts that are sold in the running bit, great for wearing under a jersey, keeps you warm & wicks away the sweat, and only about £4 a shirt. Not to be confused with the cotton ones in the same row.

I wear them at work and at home as well. Not quite as thick as the Berghaus version I've got, but a 1/3 of the price

[speedplay]

The rear shock turned up today... :)

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/03c799e7.jpg

It's been built up with all the kit I had on it before bar the cables etc
New chain and sprockets tomorrow and I'm going to slip in some new brake pads later now that I've found the new ones I had here :)

Bit bling for me really as in quite shy and retiring...

[maviczap]

gorgeous!:thumbsup:

























The bike that is :p;)

[1210tech]

yeah, looking good speedplay 8)

I could never get my head round the Lefty forks though, bit disconcerting like, they look wicked though

[speedplay]

gorgeous!:thumbsup:







And the bike :p;)

:)

[northwind]

That's mint, love it... You weren't tempted to do the cranks too?

[xXBADGERXx]

great looking Polish job that , I would be tempted to put some Copter tape on the underside of the Downtube to stop the frame ringing when the front tyre flicks up stones and stuff . I had a bare frame a while back and it was a godsend .

CRC ... never had a problem with them in over 5 years , Wiggle I had one mishap with and they sorted it out within a day so still happy to use them . After snapping my Cotic Hemlock frame and not being happy with their response I took the decision not to buy from them again or take part in an offer they made me . It just wasn`t good enough . I have sorted a deal out with somebody and if it comes to fruition then I may be hitting the trails again in the next 3 weeks :)

[speedplay]

That's mint, love it... You weren't tempted to do the cranks too?


Not until now....@&£?!....

[G]

CRC ... never had a problem with them in over 5 years , Wiggle I had one mishap with and they sorted it out within a day so still happy to use them . After snapping my Cotic Hemlock frame and not being happy with their response I took the decision not to buy from them again or take part in an offer they made me . It just wasn`t good enough . I have sorted a deal out with somebody and if it comes to fruition then I may be hitting the trails again in the next 3 weeks :)

Turned out 4 of the 5 items I ordered were not in stock, despite the site still saying instock... Well actually they named it no 'pickable'... but they wouldnt be available for 'picking' for another 10 days.

As I wanted to fit the tyres before my bob campbell training weekend I cancelled the order and will hopefully pick up some from tweeks cycles or one planet on the way... will be a bit of a faff but I least I know they have them in stock.

[xXBADGERXx]

Hmmm seems they are coming across a tad shady recently then .

[northwind]

Lots of moaning about CRC on teh webs... Mostly about the express service not expressing. Paypal payment seems to slow things down too. Some stock control trouble as well... But still, they're cheap and generally OK.

Badger, what happened with the Hemlock? Last I heard you were having some sort of dropout issue, you borked it completely?

[xXBADGERXx]

Badger, what happened with the Hemlock? Last I heard you were having some sort of dropout issue, you borked it completely?

Spiral fracture on the seatpost tube , starts about 2" above the BB and runs up into the weld for the Shock Bracket

[xXBADGERXx]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/xXBADGERXx/2011-09-15183749.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/xXBADGERXx/2011-09-15183833.jpg

[northwind]

Woah! Never seen one break there before... What was the response then?

Oh and also, do you still have the bits ;)

[xXBADGERXx]

"Send us £250 and the front triangle and we will send you an Ex-Demo one"


Errr ..... FOXTROT OSCAR was my reply .

Yes I do still have the bits :)

[maviczap]

That's mint, love it... You weren't tempted to do the cranks too?

That could be a step tooo far, the black cranks balance the colours quite nicely IMHO

[northwind]

Hmm. They could have done better but to be fair, they don't have any obligation either. They've sorted me out twice now despite having no warranty but I suppose a new mainframe is a bigger deal...

(They were spot on last time- I phoned them up and said "Uh, I just broke my trail bike on the worldcup downhill at fort william, can I buy a replacement part?" and they said "Nope, have one for free".)

[Venom]

So what are peoples experiences of Chain Reaction Cycles?

They're okay, I've ordered quite a lot of discounted stuff from them over the years including a bike. Only issue I've had is that my last order arrived with the right shorts but a different customer's invoice. That'll be a breach of privacy then and some woman will probably know my clothing size and address too...

I normally support my LBS when I need consumables and spares and anything that catches my eye there.

[speedplay]

Llandegla this weekend is awesome.
There was a little bit of rain on saturday but the trails were in great condition.
A few wet patches here and there but nothing to spoil the riding.
In the open climb at the start there were even a few patches of ice so took it steady first time round.
Started wih a warm up blue run, onto the red second time and then black runs after.
The cannondale is as always faultless.
Tracks really well and handles everything thrown at it really well.
I remembered why I fell in love with this bike again this weekend :)
The polish job has done really well too.
Last time I rode this bike, it still had the Matt paint finish on it and the mud stuck really well to it.
Now it's polished, mud and water runs straight off and keeps clean, less mud is less weight, wear and tear etc.
Fitness is coming on leaps and bounds now too although the burger before the black run was maybe a bad idea...
Really enjoying getting out and about again and even thinking of racing cross country again. :)
Polish finish is fine too, few blemishes here and there mainly from the car rack but wiped it over with a little autoglym and everything is fine again.

[christopher]

A long shot, on behalf of a friend. With a budget of around £300 does anyone have any ideas for something that could be use for both light trails (to give an example the blue/red route at Llandegla at most I'd imagine) but which could also have a baby seat attached to it for general flat grassy/path country park use etc.

Not against buying used if there's a few that could be considered but over budget and looking out for one on eBay/Gumtree instead.

[xXBADGERXx]

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/mountain-bike--specialized-hardrock-sport-disc-2011-model/100452775

[G]

Went on a bespoke campbell coaching course this weekend in preparation for an alps trip, can't recommend it enough.

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/303387_10150731354139837_502519836_9155800_8373416 67_n.jpg

My cornering, jumping and drop off improved loads, ironed out loads of bad habits that would have ended up hurting me.

On the Sunday we went to foel gasnach for some proper steep uplift assisted downhill fun, some pretty intense stuff leaving DMC with a suspected broken hand after the first run down.

[maviczap]

I would have either broken my bike, me or both

GWS DMC

[Whitty]

Don't know if this lot any use to anyone
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff466/Whitty3372/IMAG0018.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff466/Whitty3372/IMAG0015.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff466/Whitty3372/IMAG0014.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff466/Whitty3372/IMAG0009.jpg
http://i1237.photobucket.com/albums/ff466/Whitty3372/IMAG0011.jpg
The rims are in excellent condition but rear hub bearings are u/s I pressure washed it after a few rides to clean chain area! Doh. Rims are wtb all mountain disc only. Hubs are shimano. Front feels fine. The specialized chunder downhill (2.3s)tyres are hardly used. The wtb raptor ones (2.24s) are one from rear is part worn but other like new. You could split and eBay it all or rep rear and sell on but I can't be bothered! I only want £20 for the lot but its collect only I am afraid.

[maviczap]

If you could box them up, I'd arrange a courier to collect them from where's convenient for you?

[Whitty]

I'll give a bit to see if anyone local wants em. Problem with pickup is stupid shifts I work.

[maviczap]

No problem

[speedplay]

If you could box them up, I'd arrange a courier to collect them from where's convenient for you?


Pikey....




Although, did think this myself!

had my eyes on the specialized tyres but think they would be too wide for me :(

[Luckypants]

On the Sunday we went to foel gasnach for some proper steep uplift assisted downhill fun, some pretty intense stuff leaving DMC with a suspected broken hand after the first run down.Literally 2 miles up the road from my house! You could have at least stopped in the pub to buy me a pint on the way past! :D

[G]

Dave spent the morning driving around bored after injuring himself while we carried on playing, he did mention you were local, surprised he didn't pop in lol

Lovely area by the way, you lucky bugger.

[Luckypants]

I obviously smell....

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2

[northwind]

Right, so... New rear mech, new chainrings, new chain, new cables, straightened rear hanger, adjusted front mech. If this thing doesn't shift well tomorrow, I'm going to set it on fire.

Off to Pitmedden on Sunday for a new race event, Muckmedden... Sort of a cross between these modern gravity enduros and a more traditional XC race, in that it's supposed to be technically bad-assed yet also quite fitness based- timed climbs etc. Should be interesting, though the mud tyres have had to go on for it... What's everyone else up to?

[speedplay]

Meeting DMC at cannock for a bit of a ride.
Hoping that the weather holds out as its actually sunny here at the moment :O

[Drew Carey]

Sorry I had to Cancel Rob, wish was going for the bimble with you lads. Hope you have a good un.

[speedplay]

No problem drew.
DMC explained that you have real trouble getting out of bed at the weekend unless it's for a cooked breakfast and that you don't go riding in the wet incase your bike gets dirty... ;)
Just kidding mate, these things happen but you did miss a nice ride, I wasn't on best form and decided that a right bolock/back of seat interface may be a great way of stopping me from
having kids...
Ten minutes later when I could breathe again, we bimbled on.
The trails are fairly cut up and I've not seen many trail centers with jumps mid berm... Lol
Bike wash courtesy of DMC mobile power wash and she came up nice and shiny again.
Shame my shower hasn't come up as clean though...
It's only an hour from here so will be meeting up again there soonish.
Gonna drag speirs and his fat ass round there sometime too.

[Mr Speirs]

What are you staring at my ass for?
I'd love to go do that sometime. Next weekend is no good for me though. Got a gig on Saturday and Sunday I'm going to the BTCC at thruxton.

[Specialone]

It's only an hour from here so will be meeting up again there soonish.
Gonna drag speirs and his fat ass round there sometime too.


I'd come sometime with you guys but i can only just manage the 7 mile dog at cannock.

[speedplay]

What are you staring at my ass for?


It's massive and easy to make sore....

Some poor excuse...

I was going to give you a call to see if you were up for the ride this morning.
Come on out fella!

[JamesMio]

Off to smash the new section at Mabie tomorrow me thinks, the new Descender Bender middle bit is fantastic fun!

Still having major chain issues, new chain, cassette and middle ring all about 200 miles ago and yet I still managed to snap the chain 4 times at Dalbeattie two weeks ago.

Wonder if I could slap a motorcycle chain on and have done?!

[Drew Carey]

Cheers Rob, the old man is ok luckily.....but its a wake up call.

I had a bollock / saddle interface at Llandegla off the drop at the big boardwalk......no feet on peddles......resulted in a bent seatpost cause of my nuts!!!

Let me know when going back......will deffo attend next time.....and yes, DMC is partly right......i need a big brekkie to get me fueled up. Lol

[speedplay]

Im thinking next weekend drew...

Glad everything turned out ok. :)

[northwind]

Off to smash the new section at Mabie tomorrow me thinks, the new Descender Bender middle bit is fantastic fun!

Berms the size of houses!

[AndyBrad]

Hope you can help guys, I've Sheared the bolt that holds the derailleur on to the frame. Any idea where I can get a new one from asap?



Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[Drew Carey]

Im thinking next weekend drew...

next weekend is doable pal.

Andy - the only place I can think that you will get one is a Spesh dealer. I am not sure if they are a standard fit.

[maviczap]

Just kidding mate, these things happen but you did miss a nice ride, I wasn't on best form and decided that a right bolock/back of seat interface may be a great way of stopping me from
having kids...
Ten minutes later when I could breathe again, we bimbled on.



I had a bollock / saddle interface at Llandegla off the drop at the big boardwalk......no feet on peddles......resulted in a bent seatpost cause of my nuts!!!

Let me know when going back......will deffo attend next time.....and yes, DMC is partly right......i need a big brekkie to get me fueled up. Lol

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has mishaps at Llandegla :)

Hope you're under carriages are feeling better soon ;)

[northwind]

Hope you can help guys, I've Sheared the bolt that holds the derailleur on to the frame. Any idea where I can get a new one from asap?

Looks like it might be a chainring bolt?

[speedplay]

Looks like it might be a chainring bolt?

Probably is.
They get used in all sorts of pivots and for drop out bolts too.

[AndyBrad]

Yup it was :)

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[Drew Carey]

Howdy guys, can you help me out as all the different type of headsets are baffling. Have bought a Giant XTC 1 frame for a song and its being built as a bike for Lily.

The only downside, i am missing the top cap and the crown race for the headset. Can anyone tell me if its possible to buy them seperately? Or am i going to have to stump up spondoolies to replace it entirely?

As far as i can tell its. A semi integrated?!? Bit lost me. Lol

Pics of the headset here;

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/7180/dsc0065vr.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/829/dsc0065vr.jpg/)
http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/3991/dsc0069rdq.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/850/dsc0069rdq.jpg/)

[speedplay]

Looks semi integrated.
I bought a new one for my gt at the great expense of 16.99

Leisure lakes.

[Drew Carey]

Looks semi integrated.
I bought a new one for my gt at the great expense of 16.99

Leisure lakes.

Cheers mate, thought it was, just looked on leisure lakes site and cant see any without going up past 40 notes. What make is the one you got?

[maviczap]

Like he said

Cheap enough to buy a complete headset, as its semi integrated might pay to have someone press it into the headtube properly, but not a difficult job

[Drew Carey]

Okies.....will take it to local lbs then and just get them to put a new one in.....will wait till I purchase the forks and will get that sorted at sametime.

Cheers all, just wasnt sure if i could cheat and just get a topcap / crown race.

[maviczap]

Cheers all, just wasnt sure if i could cheat and just get a topcap / crown race.

Can't think of any headsets that are sold like that, road or MTB

If you could find the same make and model, that would work.

2nd hand one off Evilbay, would save you some pennies, or buy a new one of same make and model & save the bits you don't use for spares

[Mr Speirs]

Went out today for a ride to have a play round some trails near me. Had a laugh but would probably need to get someone to show me round. There were some jumps but avoided the big ones for now. It was a bit muddy and the bike was sliding around a bit do ended up heading out and did a few miles.

Ended up doing nearly 12 miles and 1.35miles of ascent.

[speedplay]

Drew, I asked I store and they got my headset in.
Wasn't anything special, just an fsa one for a spare bike.
Hope do separates (mix and match) to allow for the ever increasing types of headset out there but that's going to cost more than 16 quid!
It's easy enough to pop in new headsets yourself too :)

[speedplay]

Nice going Chris :)
Shame you're not free this weekend for cannock.

[Drew Carey]

Rob.......I am going to give Cannock a miss this weekend. Firstly, a mate from work went there yesterday afternoon......he said the track is far far worse cause of the heavy rain - secondly, forecast is for this to conitnue till end of the weekend.

Personally I am not a fan of riding in a quagmire that requires double the energy and is much less fun on the downhill bits.

[G]

Nice going Chris :)
Shame you're not free this weekend for cannock.

Rob.......I am going to give Cannock a miss this weekend. Firstly, a mate from work went there yesterday afternoon......he said the track is far far worse cause of the heavy rain - secondly, forecast is for this to conitnue till end of the weekend.

Personally I am not a fan of riding in a quagmire that requires double the energy and is much less fun on the downhill bits.

That's why you should stop doing busy compacted sand / mud pansy trail centres and come ride the rocks of the Peak District ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_fOH0ixYec

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=7sQSkZ5LWb4&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHOtk6G9CAw&feature=related

Just rocks... no mud... and proper downhill.

There's plenty of wet day routes to keep you off mud free ;)

[Drew Carey]

Lol.......but Cannock is so close!!! :D

Peaks do look nice though.

[G]

MTBing is about adventure, about being in the middle nowhere, miles from the nearest road... where no one can be arsed to go.

Stuck... fixing puncture...

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/522731_10150684451704837_502519836_8986043_1455140 273_n.jpg

****, No that wasnt it... it was riding beautiful trail that isn't filled with hundreds of weekend warriors tearing it up

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/525555_10150684450004837_502519836_8986036_1944672 847_n.jpg

[northwind]

MTBing is about whatever you want it to be about.

[Winder]

Except snooker, mountain biking can't be about snooker. That would be silly

[speedplay]

I've done weekends away, finding my own routes etc over ten years ago...
When I started mountain biking in about 1990, there were no other options, you had to do it all yourself.
It's not a new thing to go out in the wilds, self sufficient, carrying your own kit and having to look after yourself but sometimes, its just good to go to a centre where you know the route is waymarked, you can just ride and know that you are not going to meet a knob coming along the trail towards you with dogs off the leads and snapping at your heels or a dirtbike (I'm guilty here) doing 60 straight past you on a climb etc.
Bike parks have opened up the sport to many more people and made it a much more accessible sport.
There is a place for everyone in the sport and some prefer to load their bikes onto the car, ride the trail and go home again without the extra involved in a cross country trek in the wilds.

I do both so can appreciate both perspectives.

And Drew, don't worry, I'll catch up with you sometime when the sun is out and the trails are smooth...;)



Bikes still shiny even after a load of wet and sandy/muddy/rocky rides...:)

[G]

Furry muff ;-) personally the same route more than once a month bores the pants out of me, and it limits your potential riding opportunities if it puts you of because it's rained and a little muddy. Plenty of other options out there not far from brum.

[speedplay]

Ive only done cannock once...

[Drew Carey]

I can see the appeal of riding more wild and natural routes etc.....but for me, like Speedplay says I prefer trail centres where I can pitch up on a waymarked route, don't have to think about where I am going, just focus on the obstacles etc, there are big man made jumps etc that I enjoy as well as boardwalks

Plus, the knowledge that if I get into trouble there is almost a 100% chance someone will be around to help.

All about personal choice.....much in the same way as Curvy or Pointy!!! :D

[1210tech]

personally the same route more than once a month bores the pants out of me

gotta agree with that, and not being fit adds another perspective for me. especially when I have ridden a trail once and can remember all the up hill bits that I had to get off and push kinda gets in my head and kills my motivation, thats why I like riding trails that I've never been to before, the unknown is a breath of fresh air

[speedplay]

gotta agree with that, and not being fit adds another perspective for me. especially when I have ridden a trail once and can remember all the up hill bits that I had to get off and push kinda gets in my head and kills my motivation, thats why I like riding trails that I've never been to before, the unknown is a breath of fresh air

You can also use the trails that beat you last time to measure how you are progressing fitness wise too though.

[1210tech]

You can also use the trails that beat you last time to measure how you are progressing fitness wise too though.

hmmm, yeah, not too bothered about that really, just enjoy being out on the trails reliving my youth :)

[speedplay]

Do you take Phil along with you do it feels like riding with your dad...?

[1210tech]

Do you take Phil along with you do it feels like riding with your dad...?

ha, yeah! pmsl! but its more like grandad & dad rather than father & son ;)

[northwind]

It's just like the difference between a trackday and a really good road tbh

[G]

Good comparison 8-)

[Paul the 6th]

sup gangsta's going to do the mastiles lane on the yorkshire dales tomorrow

will report back with pics & ride report :) any tips? Got 3 litres of water in my camel back, some torq gels, some flapjack and usual spares (inner tube, 3 x tyre irons, patches)... Gonna get some extra water to take with us. Not a very big route but should be fun :)

http://www.mtbdales.com/dales_route_guides.php?catid=7

[xXBADGERXx]

Way too much water man , you should have enough in the Camelback for an epic route with 3 litres . My advice is to start hydrating the day before , don`t bother with gel sachets and crap , they are only gonna do you any good AFTER the ride , in which case it is just as beneficial to stop off for a nice bit of cake and a brew on the way home , you earned it .

[1210tech]

mmmmmmm, cake! thats another good reason to ride at centres with cafe facilities ;)

[northwind]

A gel can be a good backup for if you run out of energy, they're a quick strong boost. But they don't last long and they can kick off an insulin crash if you're really lucky, which you do not want (your body produces a jolt of insulin to deal with the sugar rush, then the sugar goes away but the insulin doesn't, and you end up hypoglycaemic).

Better to eat well before, and if you want, snack on something sensible like flapjacks or similiar as you go. If you want a wee sweet boost, jelly babies are good- one or two from time to time is better than a massive gel shot once. All my riding is powered by rice crispie squares and haribos, I should get sponsorship.

And yeah, Badger's spot on, that's a lot of water. Only time i've needed more than 3 litres for a ride was when we were in france, and that was massive, long days in the baking sun. (my normal camelbak's 2 litres and I don't generally fill it full)

[xXBADGERXx]

Exactly Northy , eat the correct food before the route and have a few goodies to hand . I like the good old fashioned Malt Loaf ..... although they can get a tad "Squeeky" to eat in very cold weather :)

[Paul the 6th]

cheers guys, only reason I say I'm taking a lot of water is because at dalby when we did the red route (80% of it) my camelbak was empty at the 15 mile mark (3L) and I started to panic. I normally drink 2-3 litres of water a day anyway so I vowed I'd always have spare next time I'm riding on trails/in the wild. So 3l camelbak and then 2 x 750ml sports bottles, so I can have bottles in the car afterwards. Quite happy to carry the extra weight/volume even if it means there's some left at the end.

Eaten really well today and drank lots, plenty of healthy carbs, gonna get off to bed in a min. Never tried torq gels before but decided to buy some whilst at evans cycles yesterday; the guy in the shop said "as soon as you feel like you need an energy boost, take one with a good drink of water.. if you wait till you're really knackered then it'll take about 20 mins for the gel to be absorbed by which time you'll be buggered"

Thought they were worth trying but got flapjacks & chocolate cornflake cluster things. Gonna take a decent sandwich with me as well so it's not sugary chocolate snacks all day. Should be a nice steady day out I hope, taking my mate with me; he's never done proper trail riding and is borrowing his dad's full suspension £150 halfords type bike, but should be a good day out for the boys :D

[Paul the 6th]

Exactly Northy , eat the correct food before the route and have a few goodies to hand . I like the good old fashioned Malt Loaf ..... although they can get a tad "Squeeky" to eat in very cold weather :)

went mental on malt loaf 2 weeks ago, now I can't eat it without getting rockin' indigestion :(

[xXBADGERXx]

There is an equation for water which I think equated as "For every Half Hour of hard exercise , a litre of water is to be consumed" . Now they classed hard exercise as "breathing so hard you cannot talk" . Now on rides I don`t think we actually get that bad as a rule . I take a sip on the "little and often" premise . I start drinking before I think I need it as if you are getting a dry mouth then it is already too late . I have a 3 litre Deuter pack in my Karrimor and that has sufficed for some 30 mile epics and only just ... and they were hard going as well . So hydrating before and having some spare in the car is a good idea , if you feel the need to carry a bit more then do so mate as you know yourself better than anyone but don`t over carry for the sake of it . As far as gels go , yeah they can be handy , but it is more important to prep for rides with hydration and food beforehand , and use a little confidance booster along the way :)

[Paul the 6th]

Cool beans cheers man, need to get my fitness up a bit more & then get on some org MTb weekends. Will report back with pics & info tomorra

[xXBADGERXx]

Well , I`ll let you all know now , I am back on the trails as of next weekend , secured a deal on a 2006 Specialized Enduro and I am picking it up when I pop down to London next weekend . The road cycling on the Cyclocross has been fun , but not a patch when it comes to cranking yourself up an ascent and then throwing yourself down . I should be back on Saturday night and might try and sling a visit to Llandegla in on the Sunday to see how the bike performs compared to my old Patriot and the Hemlock

[andyb]

Hi guys, quick bit of advice. I've just got myself a pair of Stans Crest rims but my current tyres, Kenda Nevegals, are an absolute bugger to get on, I can't get the rear on at all! Has anyone any experience of these rims or similar? Looking around it seems that some tyres just don't fit these rims for love nor money but having just got a set of Rebas as well I don't think I can push my luck with the boss and spend yet more money on the bike and get another set of tyres! It seems that 2011 Schwalabe tyres fit ok but 2012 tyres are slightly smaller making them a sod to fit!

I'm seriously thinking of sending them back and getting a set of Mavics!

[northwind]

Are they wire-bead Nevegals or folding? Folding ones ought to go on pretty easily, tbh it's all just technique but tubeless rims do tend to be a wee bit tighter than standard rims so it's technique you might not have needed before.

But all it really comes down to is making sure that the tyre is down in the well of the rim, rather than on the bead- that's what gives you the slack.

(Stans Flows and Nevegal 2.35s here but I've mounted them to Crests too)

[xXBADGERXx]

Slather them in diluted Fairy Liquid and try and pop them on ?

[andyb]

Cheers guys, they're the folding ones so no probs with wire beads. I've watched a few videos on how to put them on properly and I'm going to get some astans yellow tape as the superstar stuff makes it difficult to get the bead in the centre well......I think!

I'm a bit hesitant about using fairy to get them on as I'd be stuffed when out if I got a flat unless I carry a bottle around with me :) if all else fails I'll give the fairy a go though. Will update tomorrow with either smiles or foul language.....

[xXBADGERXx]

Hmmm , think I`ll stick with tubes