The MTB thread

[1210tech]

You guys secretly meet up on ps3?
I feel left out.

Not really secret, more of a gang bang with fruity, specialone, taz daz, little luca.... the list goes on ;)

[speedplay]

If anyone wants a giggle and has a spare pair of size 10 spd shoes for Binky tomorrow, I won't mind him crashing a few times...

[Drew Carey]

Lol......that would be hilarious.....but cant help.

[speedplay]

I'm gutted I'm one size smaller as have a couple of pairs.
Opened up a brand new pair that's been in the box ready to use and they're a size smaller than I take.
Bugger.

[maviczap]

Not that much...!
But he does secretly want to see me in lycra...

Drew is a secret lycra fetishist ;)

[Drew Carey]

Whoahhhhhhhh. I am bloody well not! Just dont get why people cant wear a pair of baggies over it! Lol

[andyb]

Looking forward to this too, would it take long to setup an air shock if I got there a bit earlier and someone has a shock pump that wouldn't mind setting them up for me? Yet another thing to add the the long list of tools I need!

Hopefully I have everything else, just to check I have spare inner tube, tyre levers, water, food, helmet, gloves and an unsuitable waterproof.....

Finally a MASSIVE thanks to Maviczap as the chainring bolts arrived today, rear mech mounted now.

PS I have a black Passat estate.

[Drew Carey]

Take few seconds to setup shock an i will have mine as im sure will others.

[andyb]

Take few seconds to setup shock an i will have mine as im sure will others.

Cheers, sort to be such a scrounger :D oh and I meant to put Forks not a bloody shock!

[Drew Carey]

Forks easy too.

[speedplay]

Ive got a shock pump going with me as well as track pump etc.

Just finished changing brake pads on the dale so should be interesting if its wet.
I'm picking up Binky at 10:20 from Bassetts pole so should be there on time ish.
Have warned Binky about my saddle too....

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/428fe2c8.jpg

Spare old skool xc bounce for binky to fall off...

[speedplay]

Drew is a secret lycra fetishist ;)

Whoahhhhhhhh. I Love the look of it, specially on fit young men;)


Perv

[maviczap]

I had to watch out, in February, as I was in Roubaix lycra tights, even though he was saying how he didn't get lycra, everyone knew his secret ;)

[maviczap]

Ive got a shock pump going with me as well as track pump etc.

Just finished changing brake pads on the dale so should be interesting if its wet.
I'm picking up Binky at 10:20 from Bassetts pole so should be there on time ish.
Have warned Binky about my saddle too....

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/428fe2c8.jpg

Spare old skool xc bounce for binky to fall off...

Still lush for old school

[speedplay]

Bet he uses fitness as an excuse to sit at the back behind the boys in Lycra MZ ;)

The gt is full xt apart from the hope front hub and xtr front mech.
Still quite comfy specially with the extra bounce up front.
I've got the same set up on my kona hard tail too :)
I love those old hydraulic rim brakes :)

[Paul the 6th]

Nice ride for Binky there rob. I've found the CF film for ya, what bike can ya bring for me? :razz:

[speedplay]

Paul, you are a star!

I've got one or two other toys here but have a feeling you would prefer the ktm for the uphills...

Settle the bill with tea and cake?

[Paul the 6th]

Lol carrot cake will do buddy :)

[speedplay]

Done :)

Always thought the stories about you being cheap were lies...

[speedplay]

I'm awake and the sun is out too!!
Woohoo!!!

[1210tech]

:) it's a bit chilly though

[speedplay]

But not raining.

[JamesMio]

Ok, so I've managed to pick up a nice Trek 6300 hardtail at a bargainous price, and would quite like to upgrade the forms from the Rockshox Darts that are on there.

Can't afford to go mental on them, but I'm pretty much convinced that they'll be a worthy investment. So where do I start?! I find Rockshox range utterly confusing, Fox not much better. I've read good things about Rebas, not sure what else to keep an eye on EBay for.

Any suggestions Org?

[G]

Gutted I missed this lol, especially with the Binkmeister in attendance :-(

[Paul the 6th]

Paul & drew back to marlbrook safely... Today's rideout data: http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/pC-5rSkRAco

Thanks for a cracking day out guys, had a good giggle & lots of cramp (even started to get cramp in my face towards the end!). Pics & vids will be on when I get home tomorra :D

James - think someone will be along shortly to advise :)

[Drew Carey]

Sat on Sofa and dead. Plus breathing like an old man...but cracking day, nice to see old faces and nice to meet Andy and Ian. Cheers guys, looking forward to next one.

[maviczap]

Perhaps I can make Cannock sometime, so long as it doesn't have any boardwalks.

[andyb]

Sat on Sofa and dead. Plus breathing like an old man...but cracking day, nice to see old faces and nice to meet Andy and Ian. Cheers guys, looking forward to next one.

Just sat on the sofa too while Jess is hovering! My rear end feels like I've spent the day at a Catholic boarding school:-(

Great day though but Rob you really need to work on your fitness so you can keep up next time :D

James - I got a set of Rebas on my bike and thought they were great today, can't see why you'd want more at my level, they were about £300 from Merlin cycles.

[lily]

I've heard all about rob, his **** and his amazing thighs from Paul.......



I think he has a man crush!

[G]

What were the conditions like at Cannock, was it muddy / boggy? Tempted to go tomorrow but not if it's a mess.

[Drew Carey]

It was actually no different than normal. The only bad bit is the bit that was taped off.......but still fun.

[speedplay]

I'm home.
Stopped off in cov on the way through for a pint with a mate on the way home.
Bikes are unpacked and currently sitting in the living room waiting to be cleaned.
Had an absolutely great day today guys.
Thanks for all the laughs :)
Comes to something when even complete strangers on the trail are laughing with (not at) us!
Was great to see drew and Paul again can't believe it's been since the mess rideout!
Andy and Ian, was nice to meet you guys at last.
Lily, I know Paul has a thing for me, even slapped my ar$e as I passed him once too!!
Binky, it's been far too long and now your rocking the peado moustachio now too!
Thanks again for the carbon fibre film Paul.

Same time next week guys?

[speedplay]

Perhaps I can make Cannock sometime, so long as it doesn't have any boardwalks.

Always room here for you if you want to head over mate.

[maviczap]

Always room here for you if you want to head over mate.
Cheers, will do sometime

[Paul the 6th]

It was a proper giggle as usual with org outings, I've added you on Facebook for when I upload the pics/vids tomorra.

Defo need to give Soulkiss a shout re ldn beers. Still got his Sony psp dock thing I need to post/give him!

Need to sort a rideout int midlands soon. Anything down your way rob?

[speedplay]

Not a lot round this way to be honest :(
Could be a fun downhill type day at chicksands though...
And a few beers...and a BBQ...

[speedplay]

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/dfdf966a.jpg

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/3db9a18f.jpg

The bird that got overcome by binkys magnetic moustache and nearly crashed into him in shot here too...
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/34204370.jpg

http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/84c04b82.jpg

And one just for Paul...
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/236a89d9.jpg

[Paul the 6th]

Lol cheers rob, I need to get more Lycra in my life. :D

Pics & vids uploaded from my iPad just now: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=665535365

AndyB & 1210 Ian, click the link & send me a friends request :thumbsup:

[Paul the 6th]

Not a lot round this way to be honest :(
Could be a fun downhill type day at chicksands though...
And a few beers...and a BBQ...

What's chicksands rob? Always up for a BBQ & beer, if the riding is half decent then throw it in mate. Likewise once my ex has moved out I'll be able to have you lot upto York (while I'm still there) as Dalby is only 45-50 mins away from Dalby or the dales/north York moors/Whitby/Scarborough etc.

[speedplay]

Binky didn't exactly sell York earlier mate!!

Have a look for chick sands like park on YouTube...

[Paul the 6th]

And chap hop by dr e. l. Emental?

[Paul the 6th]

Binky didn't exactly sell York earlier mate!!

Have a look for chick sands like park on YouTube...

We wouldn't have to go out in York lol, just have a BBQ night in or local pub, town centre is full of stag & hen do's more than happy to trash the place/fight everyone because it's not their town & they're away from home. Manchester though :razz:

[speedplay]

We wouldn't have to go out in York lol, just have a BBQ night in or local pub, town centre is full of stag & hen do's more than happy to trash the place/fight everyone because it's not their town & they're away from home. Manchester though :razz:

You have just sold York to me!!
And it wasn't the stag do's!

Chap hop.
Forgot to remind you... Don't forget the tweed...

[1210tech]

Just got back in after popping round to a friends to fill my face after a very nice hot deep bath and watching the footie earlier and I can safely say I am completely knackered 8)

Thanks for a cracking day out on the trails, good to meet you all, sorry about my chain hassles, new chains and cassette ordered ;)

Speedplay I feel bad about your chain tool, can you still buy them?

When's the next one? I'm off back down Swansea on Monday and won't be back up for another two weeks but if anyone fancies Glyncorrwg let me know. Edit: or maybe Forest of Dean?

[speedplay]

Speedplay I feel bad about your chain tool, can you still buy them?



I think the lefty tool is on ebay but really, dont worry about it :)

[speedplay]

Bikes cleaned, oiled and ready for the next one guys...
http://i620.photobucket.com/albums/tt282/speedplay/56a0a7c0.jpg

[xXBADGERXx]

Specialized Enduro sat in my living room as we speak , gonna drag it outside for piccies , then bring it inside to make it Badger-Proof

[yorkie_chris]

Specialized Enduro sat in my living room as we speak , gonna drag it outside for piccies , then bring it inside to make it Badger-Proof

No such thing

[xXBADGERXx]

ok well .... "give it a fighting chance" at least

[big jc]

My orange

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/canning985/MTB/81f2a4bb.jpg

I sold both of these to get it!

http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/canning985/MTB/ca207f46.jpg
http://i277.photobucket.com/albums/kk45/canning985/MTB/21a1135e.jpg

[big jc]

Has anyone got any recommendations for a new helmet, I've currently got a Casco viper and really like the two in one idea. I've looked at the urge helmets but not too sure and don't really think much of the met parachute (bad reviews etc)

[1210tech]

Has anyone got any recommendations for a new helmet, I've currently got a Casco viper and really like the two in one idea. I've looked at the urge helmets but not too sure and don't really think much of the met parachute (bad reviews etc)

Whoa, £130+ on a cycling helmet? I've got a giro indicator that cost me £20, just stick to what you've already got, after all we all look like bell ends wearing them anyway :)

[Paul the 6th]

yeah tbh I reckon the run of the mill £20-40 lids will do the exact same trick but without the hefty price tag for carbon fibre/spiders web/gypsy tears etc.

[Paul the 6th]

while I'm here guys...

CRAMP>??

What's all that about? Never had it so bad before like I did at cannock. At 9-10 miles I ran out of water in my camelbak (was probably carrying around 2.8 litres) and I understand that cramp occurs when there's either too much lactic acid in your muscles (anaerobic) or when the concentration of electrolyte salts in your cells is too low..

I'm wondering if I've flushed my muscles with too much water by drinking so heavily? Hence earth shattering cramps I kept getting all over my legs..

Badger has recommended being a bit more conscious of my drinking habits (currently: sip... 2 mins later sip... 2 mins later sip again..) he recommended trying smaller sips and actively try to put off drinking so often.

I didn't get cramp at dalby red route (19 miles we did) and same at mastiles lane in the dales last weekend, I was fine there (1000ft climb over the first 1-1.5 miles).

When we were back at drew & lily's I kept getting cramp attacks everytime I straightened my legs. 2-3 Zero Tabs (iso things) didn't seem to make a blind bit of difference.. Also gonna try to include a little more salt in my diet because I estimate I put less salt on my food than the average person (rarely bother with it, when I do it's a tiny little sprinkle).

[stewie]

Has anyone got any recommendations for a new helmet, I've currently got a Casco viper and really like the two in one idea. I've looked at the urge helmets but not too sure and don't really think much of the met parachute (bad reviews etc)
I just bought one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giro-savant-helmet-2012/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=giro%20savant&utm_campaign=RTC_giro&referid=googwig&utm_adgroup=MS_Giro
but if you go here theyre considerably cheaper http://www.myspokes.co.uk/accessories/all-accessories/helmets/giro-savant-road-helmet-cheapest-in-uk-free-p-p-3959 its a nice lid too, light and very adjustable

[AndyBrad]

Hi guys

I'm loving the new pedals I got in a hurry the other week. Unfortunately every time I try and get on the bike they attack me. I didn't even get out if the yard this time.

So any flats that won't kill me? Our lass is starting to complain about the blood stains !

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[Paul the 6th]

fuuuuucke me ! andy!

What shoes are you using? Flat soft soled jobbies? Or something hard which slips off the pedals? I got DMR V12's, no slippage or leg damage this weekend for me :)

get well sooN!

[Drew Carey]

Andy.....deffo flat shoes and like I said, shin / knee pad combos will help no end.

[xXBADGERXx]

Badger has recommended being a bit more conscious of my drinking habits (currently: sip... 2 mins later sip... 2 mins later sip again..) he recommended trying smaller sips and actively try to put off drinking so often.

Also gonna try to include a little more salt in my diet because I estimate I put less salt on my food than the average person (rarely bother with it, when I do it's a tiny little sprinkle).

A good drink after an ascent (tubes worth) , small sip to wet the mouth when dry .

You don`t need more salt in your diet , you should have enough in your regular food and I recommended eating Bananas before rides , start with a Banana every other day and see how you get on . Hydration should be started the day before a ride and then replaced as you go along . Don`t read too much into the water thing Paul , try and go natural rather than forced , you will soon know what your requirements are ..... just keep hitting the trails mate , roadbikes are ok for training but a different muscle set is used for MTBs , you tend to use more core muscles for starters

[Paul the 6th]

Cheers badger, just can't get my head around why I got such bad cramp hence maybe too much water washing my electrolytes out? Wanna go again! You coming Oktoberfest? 1 space left in my car ;D

[AndyBrad]

Drink lucazade Im your backpack. I find it helps

I can't wear flat shoes as we track up muddy tracks. I would get nowhere without some form of tread. I did this while trying to figure out why its started creaking when I peddle. Any thoughts on what I should be looking at. Thinking pedals or bottom bracket. Do you need any special tools to remove the bottom bracket?

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[Drew Carey]

Drink lucazade Im your backpack. I find it helps

I can't wear flat shoes as we track up muddy tracks. I would get nowhere without some form of tread. I did this while trying to figure out why its started creaking when I peddle. Any thoughts on what I should be looking at. Thinking pedals or bottom bracket. Do you need any special tools to remove the bottom bracket?

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

I use my 5-10s in all conditions, even walking in really bad mud.

As for bottom bracket, I dont know with your bike........but mine is an external one and requires special spanner to do so and a special tool for some cranks. Got a feeling splined ones also need it too. What does your bike have?

[Venom]

I just bought one of these http://www.wiggle.co.uk/giro-savant-helmet-2012/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=giro%20savant&utm_campaign=RTC_giro&referid=googwig&utm_adgroup=MS_Giro
but if you go here theyre considerably cheaper http://www.myspokes.co.uk/accessories/all-accessories/helmets/giro-savant-road-helmet-cheapest-in-uk-free-p-p-3959 its a nice lid too, light and very adjustable

I've got the Savant for road cycling, doesn't have a peak though. I also have a Giro Hex for trail riding which replaced a slightly dented Giro Havoc. Oh and a full face helmet - Specialized Deviant.

fuuuuucke me ! andy!

What shoes are you using? Flat soft soled jobbies? Or something hard which slips off the pedals? I got DMR V12's, no slippage or leg damage this weekend for me :)
.
get well sooN!

V8s with grippy Stealth rubber soled Five Ten Impact shoes here and no slippage.

Paul, you could get electrolyte drinks to ward off cramp.

[xXBADGERXx]

Drink lucazade Im your backpack. I find it helps

I can't wear flat shoes as we track up muddy tracks. I would get nowhere without some form of tread. I did this while trying to figure out why its started creaking when I peddle. Any thoughts on what I should be looking at. Thinking pedals or bottom bracket. Do you need any special tools to remove the bottom bracket?

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

Creaks can come from the chainring having a loose bolt , dry Bottom Bracket , pedal spindles , shock bushes . Stand the bike up and get on it against a wall . Pedal with the chain off . If it creaks then it can only be the BB or the Pedals if you don`t bounce on it much . If there is no creak then stand up and try and pedal with no chain off . It`s a faff to try and isolate these things . I have a BB tool as my BB is external , there are various tools so its best to ascertain what type of BB you have .

[AndyBrad]

Specialized rockhopper.

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[xXBADGERXx]

Probably a Truvativ BB then

[G]

All helmets sold in the UK comply with the same EU standard for safety, whether it be a £20 jobby, or a £100+ one. As with motorbike ones, get one that fits and is comfortable. Your mainly paying for the internals and ventilation as they get more expensive. I have a giro hex for the extra protection to the back of your head / neck. Looking for a full face at the moment :-( its hard finding anywhere to try them though. Thinking the non carbon POC.

As for cramps, if you sweat a lot it will be a lack of salt. I've got to the end of a ride and my hair has been white and crusty with salt and I've been able to scrape it off my dry face. No amount of food the previous day will replace that. Try some high5 tablet drinks, they are nice. You can also get some good salt tablets from myprotien for a few quid.

[xXBADGERXx]

No amount of food the previous day will replace that.

Well no , your eating stuff before you are riding , you would need to eat stuff afterwards to replace anything .

[Paul the 6th]

pedantic bast.

[xXBADGERXx]

The Bananas contain Potassium which "might" help . And putting stuff into your body first is what is going to help with the problem ,what it is and how it is done will be something only you can find out by trying things . Personally I find that Carbs and Sugary things make me feel awful and those are the things often touted . Whereas a normal food regime during the week with plenty of Protein and some fruit and hydration works a treat for me .

[Paul the 6th]

just strange how I was fine at mastiles the week before and on other rideouts recently, but I was rolling round on the floor like a mongo the pain was so bad

[Drew Carey]

just strange how I was fine at mastiles the week before and on other rideouts recently, but I was rolling round on the floor like a mongo the pain was so bad

Its cause you wanted all the attention! ;-)

[fizzwheel]

IME Cramp is caused by

1. Cold
2. De-hydrated
3. Muscles / body running out of fuel

Eat something decent before you go out then drink little and often as you go around to stay hydrated, energy gels are useful on longer rides as are electrolyte drinks to help keep you hydrated, but as said above, they can be unpalatable due to some of them being full of sugar.

Its no good waiting till you get cramp to then do something about it, its much better to prepare properly and then keep on top of your hydration levels to avoid it in the first place.

You might also find warming up / warming down / stretching may also help avoid / prevent it.

Your riding style might also be contributing towards it, are you pushing a big gear or are you spinning the pedals in a lower gear.

( remember I come from a road background so some of the above about gears might not apply )

[Paul the 6th]

high spinning/lower gear caused my legs to twinge whilst moving (I knew cramp was coming) but as soon as I stopped/stood up it was like someone ran electric through my muscles.

I drink lots of water anyway, and have been eating quite well over the last few weeks (although quite a bit less than usual). I'll mess with the format a bit and see what happens..

[AndyBrad]

Its cause you wanted all the attention! ;-)

This I feel is most likely :)

Sent from my HTC Desire using Tapatalk 2

[Luckypants]

I drink lots of water anyway, and have been eating quite well over the last few weeks (although quite a bit less than usual). I'll mess with the format a bit and see what happens.. Try an electrolyte in your drink, to replace the salts lost through perspiration. I sweat like a I'm in the Sahara on the bike and cramp after a couple of hours on ordinary water / drinks. I use SIS Go Electrolyte energy drink for rides or Hi-Five Zero for spin / short rides and have no issues with cramp as a result.

[speedplay]

just strange how I was fine at mastiles the week before and on other rideouts recently, but I was rolling round on the floor like a mongo the pain was so bad

Lol was really funny though :)

Its cause you wanted all the attention! ;-)

Drew's right, your just an attention wh0re!

[Specialone]

On the subject of cramping kind of, i suffer a lot from lactise (sp) acid in my thighs when mtb'ing, i know some of it is lack of riding, but i cant dedicate enough time to do it regular, ive got too many things going on.

Are there any legal foods or supplements that would help me?

[G]

high spinning/lower gear caused my legs to twinge whilst moving (I knew cramp was coming) but as soon as I stopped/stood up it was like someone ran electric through my muscles.

I drink lots of water anyway, and have been eating quite well over the last few weeks (although quite a bit less than usual). I'll mess with the format a bit and see what happens..

Buy a cheap cadence sensor, then have a read up on speeds. I try to average 80rpm on a long ride. It's amazing the dfference it makes. Can easily notice the ability to go further longer without hurting your knees or straining your thighs.

As mile said... High five zero will sort your cramps. Although I hate CRC you get a free bottle with two packs of it.

[G]

On the subject of cramping kind of, i suffer a lot from lactise (sp) acid in my thighs when mtb'ing, i know some of it is lack of riding, but i cant dedicate enough time to do it regular, ive got too many things going on.

Are there any legal foods or supplements that would help me?

Best thing you can do is simply ride more to increase you VO2 max and reduce your heart rate.

[maviczap]

On the subject of cramping kind of, i suffer a lot from lactise (sp) acid in my thighs when mtb'ing, i know some of it is lack of riding, but i cant dedicate enough time to do it regular, ive got too many things going on.

Are there any legal foods or supplements that would help me?

Bi carbonate of soda is supposed to help as a lactic acid buffer, but it has side effects :D and only has a limited effect.

You just need to ride more, simple

[Specialone]

Not the answers i wanted [-X

Riding more isnt an option, motorbikes come first, especially during biking season, winter time i'll ride mtb more.

[speedplay]

Not the answers i wanted [-X



Don't ask then;)

Must admit, my ktm is on the way out after trying something new at the weekend...

[Specialone]

Don't ask then;)

Must admit, my ktm is on the way out after trying something new at the weekend...


Dont tell me, you're turning even more gay and buying yet another blinged mtb thats way too engineered for what you'll use it for?
Or have i read it wrong ;)

[speedplay]

Nope.
I'm looking at a superb piece of British engineering, designed with British trails in mind as I can ride further and more technical trails than just the dog at cannock...

[speedplay]

In truth, I'm just not enjoying motorbikes much anymore.
I had more of a laugh on Saturday with the guys here on mountain bikes than I've ever had on a rideout on the road bike.
The ktm isn't being used so have decided to bin it.
Bike, kit spare wheels, the lot.
Frees up space in my shed for other toys.
Ive just got back into mountain biking like I used to be.
The bike I was riding on Saturday was far from over engineered and bling.
Very capable and understated and the right tool for the job.
If the triumph doesn't get more than 2k on it this year, that will be going too.
No point in having it if it's not being used and your heart isn't in it.

[Specialone]

Nope.
I'm looking at a superb piece of British engineering, designed with British trails in mind as I can ride further and more technical trails than just the dog at cannock...

Good for you sir, thats about my limit unfortunately.
Maybe 10 years ago but im never gonna be fit enough now or have the time for it to get most out of it and like i said it will never replace engine power for me, i ride one of my bikes at least every weekend.

But i do think some of this mtb lark, people enjoy tinkering and blinging their bikes up more than they do the riding lol

[speedplay]

But i do think some of this mtb lark, people enjoy tinkering and blinging their bikes up more than they do the riding lol

No bling on my bikes.
They are all totally practical :)
I'm riding at least twice a week now and turbo training too.
Feeling better in myself for the increased fitness levels too.

[Specialone]

No bling on my bikes.
They are all totally practical :)
I'm riding at least twice a week now and turbo training too.
Feeling better in myself for the increased fitness levels too.

Wasnt aiming that comment to anyone in particular, its your money anyway, spend it as you see fit, i do :)

Slight derail, bought a nice 47" 3D tv yesterday, couldve spent it on bike bits, but rather watch the tv lol

[Paul the 6th]

In truth, I'm just not enjoying motorbikes much anymore.
I had more of a laugh on Saturday with the guys here on mountain bikes than I've ever had on a rideout on the road bike.

I promise I will be as funny if not funnier on motorised rideouts..

Did I pm you & sk the other night? Was pizzed as a fart & can't remember

[G]

Just out of interest what makes a bike over engineered, or what parts specifically lol... I'm intrigued to know as its a pretty wild statement lol

Speedplay, Halifax built?... Alps in June / July? ;-) lol

[Specialone]

G, dont get paranoid I wasn't aiming it at anyone.

But, do certain parts really need changing once you get up to a certain level of quality? Wouldn't the average mtb above a certain spec suffice for most average mtb riders?

I just see, not just on here, people changing parts all the time, I just wonder if it's for looks rather than for function.

Like I said before, spend your money how you please :)

Personally speaking, looking at prices of parts, I'd only change parts if they break or have a different function as I'm not sure I'd go faster or higher with the new bits if they were the same as the old ones but a different colour or whatever.
That said, I do need another seat as mine is stupidly uncomfortable, I've tried getting used to it and I can't, it's a razor blade to my buttocks :(

[pookie]

I think most expensive parts are due to the fact they give a weight advantage albeit grams ( except frames and forks I guess) . Secondly if it has a whiff of carbon, titanium scandium and a splash of anodising will add a slight premium.

Generally all should function as it says on the tin. I like the mix n match approach but generally stick with the best I could afford at the time, I'm not too fussed if its the latest kit, just the best.

[Drew Carey]

I think it is much in the same way as motorbike's.......some people like them spotless and shiny.....some people are happy to just use them and leave them.

Same applies for MTB's......for me, I bought a bike at a price range that I could afford.....I was happy at that time with what I had and it did the job well.......however, all bikes (unless you have bikes that cost mega bucks) will have been built with some cost savings in mind.

As an example, my bike is a cracking frame, but came with forks with no adjustability, wheels that are relatively weak and a crackset that was cheap. Therefore I have bought new wheels - had the forks worked on and changed the crackset. The one element people should always do however is adjust the controls to suit them - ie I have changed Stem, Bar, Grips, Pedals, Saddle - not to gain "bling" but to give the feel of the ride I want.

Finally, the one element of "bling" you could say I have is the adjustable seatpost - however, in my view this is also the best and most useful addition anyone can buy.......as it really does transform the way you can ride.....being able to instantly get the saddle out of the way before a trcky section - meaning that if you go over a drop off you don't nose dive.

However, all of this is to tailor the bike to the way I ride - which is agressively downwards based......I am too unfit to enjoy going uphill.....so I don't have a bike designed to do so (although it comfortably will). If someone is only ever going to do parks, red routes at trail centres - whilst going round the big jumps etc - then yes, any bike above a certain level will do. But, if you take a bike in that bracket to a trail centre and regularly hit the black runs doing every jump possible - then you will soon find the limit of many of the parts. Trust me, I did and ended up trashing a £600 hardtail with a decent medium level of parts (with only 4 trips!). This was because I got the confidence back from when I was a kid and started committing to even the hardest trails.

This is why most people I know upgrade so much on MTB - not because they want bling - but because they want to advance the style of their riding to do new things and try new tricks / jumps etc.

[speedplay]

Speedplay, Halifax built?

God no!
I may be a Devon boy but i don't want a tractor!!
Have got a demo one booked on a test week though alongside what I really fancy...

[pookie]

is it a whyte? what with that british trails in mind :)

[speedplay]

Free biscuits for Pookie :)
Whyte 146x is what I have in mind...

[pookie]

I too have read the marketing material :) be interested in whether it lives up to the design philosophy.
A whyte in my hands is wasted but does make an interesting ride to the shop ;)

[speedplay]

Made an interesting ride at the weekend.
Will see what it's like as the demo bike is booked for a week :)

[Paul the 6th]

I want a specialized pitch pro now.. There's some on eBay... Do I really need a fire blade... I'm sure it'd solve my cramp & confidence issues, honest :)