The MTB thread

[malks]

should be a fun weekend of biking this should be. heading to carron valley this morning for a blast round there with a friend. then maybe off to comrie round some other trails later depending how my legs hold up!
then tomorrow it's the Scottish canoe slalom champs so peeps may be taking bikes for a blast after the canoeing is done up near aberfeldy.
then Sunday we're meant to be heading laggan wolftrax some fun up there. been a few times now and it's always a good laugh!
the only problem is I'm going to be going with some friends who are full time athletes! I am far from even a part time athlete! so think my wee legs will be completely shot by 10mins into today's ride at carron valley! maybe take some pics if I manage to take the camera and not break it if/when I come off and land in some hedges!

[northwind]

You're doomed :-|

[ThEGr33k]

Kona Coiler 04 frame. What you think for a bit of XC and freeriding/DH. Something that can do a bit of everything competently?

Cheers

[malks]

well northy you were kinda right on the outcome of the weekend! having been made redundant i was enjoying maybe a few too many ciders on thursday evening! so i got myself along to carron valley, set off to the trails, i managed 5mins in and had to stop to be sick. completely light headed and some good sick being thrown up (my mates found this hilarious and got a good picture of it!) so i had to head back to the car and couldnt make it round. went home and slept instead of going to comrie!

saturday went canoeing, had a great laugh and after canoeing the drinking started so we didnt bother with biking on saturday!

sunday up early doors and off to laggan. now i didnt drink as much as thursday, but i was still dreadfully slow on all the up hill. much to my friends amusement! then spent the morning having fun at laggan. they decided to stay and play in the afternoon, but i thought best to quit while i can still walk. so safely home now.

just going to be having a nice wee rest. but gonna be out on the bike way more seeing i now have a lot of spare time on my hands! i need to get myself fit. does anyone have tips for getting myself 'cycling fit'? is it a case of just getting out there and doing the miles? or am i better going shorter higher intensity rides or just going out for as long as i can at a time?

[ThEGr33k]

Well I won it. Should work well. Now I got to take the air cylinder in the Tora 318 Solo Air out to extend the travel to 130mm. ha.

:)

[northwind]

well northy you were kinda right on the outcome of the weekend!

http://mtpundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/haha_nelson.jpg

I'm going to be the same though, we're doing a 2 day ride, Kirroughtree and Drumlanrig... Kirroughtree looks hard enough by itself. My legs are going to fall off :D

I think as far as training, it's supposed to be reps for strength- ie interval training- and duration for general fitness, ie distance. Intervals are deadly dull unless you can find a bit with a wee fun descent and a sharp climb back up though.

I got carried away with the Idrive and took most of the nice kit off the Soul to build it... Even with all the light-but-strong kit off the Soul it's stil 29.95lbs, the frame's a bloody anchor. But it's good fun. Need to give it a proper test next week, might drag it along to glentress for our night ride. Plan is to build the rear end up more permanently with the leftover bits I have and just leave it with no forks or front wheel, since I can swap all those bits from bike to bike in about 20 minutes anyway.

[ThEGr33k]

I got carried away with the Idrive and took most of the nice kit off the Soul to build it... Even with all the light-but-strong kit off the Soul it's stil 29.95lbs, the frame's a bloody anchor. But it's good fun. Need to give it a proper test next week, might drag it along to glentress for our night ride. Plan is to build the rear end up more permanently with the leftover bits I have and just leave it with no forks or front wheel, since I can swap all those bits from bike to bike in about 20 minutes anyway.


Its all good. My outlook is "the heavier it is the fitter I get" :D

[northwind]

Its all good. My outlook is "the heavier it is the fitter I get" :D

Mine may be "**** me, I'm not riding this cast iron behemoth up a mountain" :smt080 It's cool though, I like the engineering of it. Apart from the weight it rides a fair bit like my mate's Orange 5 Pro, except that it bobs less on the pedals but doesn't soak up fast hits as well. So not bad for £125 eh :thumleft:

[barwel1992]

hmm dont ride much any more but i have a azonik evo2 frame ,magura phone forks,hope mono m4 front+back with 203mm floating rotors,fsa pig head set, eston bars, fireiey stem, 24seven grips,shimano xt shadow rear mech 9spd,shimano sait crank 32tooth with fsa bash ring a chain guide, halo sas wheals black,maxxis high roller dh tires. erm thats about it lol not bad i have had it since i was 15 upgrading it until i was 16 then couldent be botherd as i got a bike (50cc) then got a mt-03 660cc, now getin a sv so dont realy use it and fitnes has hit the floor lol

used to ride freeride and do some comps as and when

[ThEGr33k]

Got my new bike together now.

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs266.snc1/9327_275529295522_553695522_9176933_3553019_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs246.snc1/9327_275529300522_553695522_9176934_5453878_n.jpg



Specs are;

-Rockshox 318 Tora Solo air forks
-04 Kona coiler frame
-Big sun rims with LX hubs
-Deore crank and external BB
-LX deore rear mech
-Deore front mech
-Alivio quick shifters (no point spending big money here tbh)
-Avid Code 5 203mm rotor front brake (4 pot calliper, sooooo good and immense power!)
-Avid Juicy 3.5 rear 160mm rotor rear brake (more than enough to lock the wheel so its all I need back there.)

Not managed to get out on a good run but I played a little and it all seems great. So I hope I like full suspension now, first one. :cool:


Oh and keeping an eye on the forks. After some hard downhill riding they seemed to lose some oil... now the dampening dont seem to work so well and no lockout any more, oh and they lost a bit of pressure. :thumbdown: So they might have to go back. :(

[speedplay]

Sounds like youve blown something.
If you have to take the forks back, tell them its been used for cross country as shops can be funny about replacing things from downhilling unless its DH specific.

[speedplay]

Ive just dug out one of my hardtails for a bit of turbo training through the winter.

Ive got an empty spare room, mp3 player and the trainer set up.
I havnt ridden this bike for a few years now and it does seem a real shame to have it sitting about doing nothing.

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

I may even keep the slicks on it, drop some shorter travel forks in it (got some pace and some old judy sl about in boxes) and use it for a road bike.

[northwind]

Oh, that's lovely... If you're not using it, might be worth having a look on retrobike, people go all silly over these things, maybe some restorer/fanatic would want it...

[speedplay]

Oh, that's lovely... If you're not using it, might be worth having a look on retrobike, people go all silly over these things, maybe some restorer/fanatic would want it...


I'm on retrobike ;)

[northwind]

Oh, you're one of THEM eh :p

I got this rideable the other night, though unfortunately my spare mech's incompatible with the frame :cry: Need to get another one, ah well. Manual shift for now.

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/idrive/side.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/idrive/rear.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/idrive/frontlow.jpg

Slightly odd cockpit view :smt017

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/idrive/cockpit.jpg

[speedplay]

Oh, you're one of THEM eh :p

Afraid so.

Ive got loads of kit kicking about from when I was racing.
Each year I kept my bike as it was part of the sponsorship deal.
Thing is, now the attic is rammed!

[ThEGr33k]

Sounds like youve blown something.
If you have to take the forks back, tell them its been used for cross country as shops can be funny about replacing things from downhilling unless its DH specific.


Will do... Still though its shocking (not intentional pun). :rolleyes:

Might have to use my Brothers 02 Marzocchi Z4's for a while (these have been going for well, 7 years on harder rides than mine and work brilliantly still, though they are well out of date tbh.

Guess if not then ill have to get my money back on the told 318's and get some fat **** Marzocchi 66's. Dont want to spend £350 though on those tbh :smt021

[malks]

just to ressurect the thread again, seeing we're heading into winter time to go splashing about muddy forest tracks again and get some fitness back!

had the best day out biking in a long time on Thursday. met up with some friends in Stirling and then rode up through the uni and into the woods up there. and had. blast tearing round there and down to the Allan gorge and back into bridge of Allan. was very slippy as all the leave were on the ground and was a bit damp, but the sun was splitting the sky.

fav bit was finding loads of jumps in a place called 'mine woods' (I think!) locals have been out doing some good work and it was a great laugh, I crapped out anything big tho. plus there was an awesome bombhole drop that peeps had built a northshore still ramp/jump to get air whilst dropping in. big respect!!!!

just a shame I'm so damn unfit and puffing and panting up any sort of incline. me thinks more miles are needed under those tyres!

[Ian P]

I find that this is the best time of the year to be out on the mountain bike. Spent yesterday in the Brecon Beacons on my Orange 5, buy the time i had finished the route was covered in mud ,soaking wet and lost some skin. fantastic ride. Then had to spend time cleaning bike.

[rob13]

I agree, struggling for riding mates at the moment though :(

[northwind]

I was at Kirroughtree last weekend... Did the red and black on the saturday, and the red again on the sunday (we were all shattered, just the red was enough!) Brilliant place, miles and miles of perfect singletrack plus lots of technical rock features, and then mcmoab as the highlight. Felt like my legs were going to fall off though :lol: Amazing place to ride though, should be heading back through come the spring.

[Ian P]

SMBLA assesment comming up, any tips

[rob13]

How many of you get out on your own? Lovely day today for it, so tempted just to take myself off. I prefer to ride with another/small group but being on shifts means I'm usually at work when they're out.

[plowsie]

I've not been doing anything on the roads/fields/tracks lately because I've been hitting the gym, however, I got my buckle fixed last week and put it all back together, she needs a service, but I should get out on her sometime in the next week or so :)

I find riding alone I have no set pace, so I tend to go too slow, if I have a pace setter I am a lot better.

[barwel1992]

i dont like riding with other people tend to slow me down as i dont have much fear over drops and stuf also tend to like messing around a bit and carnt do that realy when with ther people

[flibble]

Just seen this thread, I put my bike in for a service yesterday. Been a while, so long that mountain trax have moved locations!!

Hubby's going to baby sit so I can take some time out to get fitness back and I'll be taking a gander to see how much swinley has changed too!

[Tim in Belgium]

How many of you get out on your own? Lovely day today for it, so tempted just to take myself off. I prefer to ride with another/small group but being on shifts means I'm usually at work when they're out.


Rob, I used to go out on my own about 50% of the time, I'd always take a mobile though, don't want to be stuck in Guisborough woods or up on the tops!

I should be going for a tame ride this Saturday, nothing compared to the Cleveland hills.

[TheRamJam]

Before my motorcyling days I used to cycle to work everyday for about 3 years. It was only a 12 mile daily commute but at least its regular exercise. Now that I have passed my bike test (Feb 09) I have only been on the MTB twice lol

I have been to Glentress a few times. Mostly doing red and blue routes really. Glentress is a great MTB site and it has a cool free skills loop too. I have also been to Laggan Wolftrax too. Did Ayres Rock, scary stuff indeed lol

Haven't been to any MTB site this year. To be fair my cars out of action so don't have any transport really. Althoug for the past 3 years running I have participated in the Pedal For Scotland events. Riding from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Its a great buzz to see 4000 odd cyclists take over the roads. At the moment am riding a Specialized Rockhopper Comp 2007.

Although now my work does the cycle to work scheme. From next year am thinking about a Stumpjumper or Pitch.

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c177/cmcfa2/DSCF0730.jpg

[Tim in Belgium]

Just seen this thread, I put my bike in for a service yesterday. Been a while, so long that mountain trax have moved locations!!

Hubby's going to baby sit so I can take some time out to get fitness back and I'll be taking a gander to see how much swinley has changed too!

I went out in Swinly a few weeks ago when I was visiting a mate back in the UK, we found some nice little routes, definitely worth exploring :thumbsup:

[flibble]

I went out in Swinly a few weeks ago when I was visiting a mate back in the UK, we found some nice little routes, definitely worth exploring :thumbsup:

Wicked, it's bit grey today. Hopefully collect my Giant XTC se2 later which should have new middle cog since a tooth was missing. Can't wait to check it out soon.

[JamesMio]

After much umming and arring I've finally ordered a replacement for my trusty old steed - new Kona Kula on it's way to me some time next week - Woohoo!!!

I've almost felt guilty living slap bang in the heart of all the 7 Stanes trails and not owning a bike decent enough to make the most of them.

Yet another expensive hobby to drain my already crippled finances, yaaay!

[yorkie_chris]

Just been for a slide about. Hell fire how useless are V brakes in this lot!

[missyburd]

Just been for a slide about. Hell fire how useless are V brakes in this lot!

The plonker...

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs154.snc3/18133_429013235552_879760552_10532707_2860485_n.jp g

[northwind]

Just been for a slide about. Hell fire how useless are V brakes in this lot!

Best bit is when you don't use them for a bit and slush freezes on the rims, then the brakes have to break the ice off before you even start to slow :reaper:

Anyone else loving the snow?

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/P1000257.jpg

http://www.vimeo.com/8321640

SV's not been out of the garage since the week before christmas though, after I got caught in a blizzard on the way home, **** that for a game of soldiers! It's snowed every day since here...

[Stu]

Anyone else loving the snow?
.
No, but glad to see you back :thumbsup:

[barwel1992]

the snow is so fun, and disks still work in it so skidding fun still continues :D :D

went up the pub lol

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/barwell1992/P1040189.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/barwell1992/P1040188.jpg

just from slow pace riding as mum n dad were walking, bunny hopping wouldent shift the snow lol

[CheGuevara]

After much umming and arring I've finally ordered a replacement for my trusty old steed - new Kona Kula on it's way to me some time next week - Woohoo!!!

I've just ordered the same on the cyclescheme. Waiting for my voucher to arrive, and then the bike of course (not many 2010's in the country yet apparently).

[sam anon]

What are your views on online vs local bike shop?

I'd ideally love to support local business and local economy, however, their prices are double what Wiggle offer.

So many bike parts can be had for a lot less online, I find it hard to justify paying more at the local shop.

Your views would be interesting.

[zsv650]

disc brakes ftw in this weather makes snow work way more fun.

[zsv650]

What are your views on online vs local bike shop?

I'd ideally love to support local business and local economy, however, their prices are double what Wiggle offer.

So many bike parts can be had for a lot less online, I find it hard to justify paying more at the local shop.

Your views would be interesting.
online why pay more than you have too i just get mine serviced locally.:thumleft:

[Tim in Belgium]

Fell off mine today on a tricky down hill section, the fact it was covered in ice didn't help. 1 buckled front disc and two bruised plums :smt103

[northwind]

I'd ideally love to support local business and local economy, however, their prices are double what Wiggle offer.

So many bike parts can be had for a lot less online, I find it hard to justify paying more at the local shop.

I use online, but then I don't often need the services of a local shop for repairs etc. What you tend to find is that if you're a regular in a shop you'll get better service when you need them, just like with proper bikes. But it's not worth the cost for me. Wiggle, CRC and Merlin are my new gods :thumleft: And sometimes Ribble and WHS and Dotbike.

[barwel1992]

i love chain reaction cycles :D god sent if your tight on money

[Ratty]

Whooo Hoooooo

Picked up the new bike yesterday. It was a month late but not too worried because pick up this week qualifies for an extra £50 of accessories :p. I already got £100 of free accessories when I ordered it. My old Diamonback Zetec has done more than 10 years hard labour and there's not much of the original old girl left.

She's a Special Edition of the Pro No 452. X9 / X0 group with carbon disks.

Here are a couple of piccies

Ratty

http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=5971&stc=1&d=1263218608

http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=5970&stc=1&d=1263218608


http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=5969&stc=1&d=1263218608

[speedplay]

Head angle on the boardman looks steep!

Nice twitchy handling in the single track?


(looks lovely too;))

[Luckypants]

Just been for a slide about. Hell fire how useless are V brakes in this lot!
I've decided I'm gonna get back into it, my mates have been giving me grief about being a lard **** and how I need to go biking. So first ride on my trusty old steed was in this lot

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/Snow%20January%202010/2010_0109snow0017.jpg

V-brakes are rubbish in snow, but saves locking up and crashing.

[barwel1992]

Head angle on the boardman looks steep!

Nice twitchy handling in the single track?


(looks lovely too;))

looks like it could do with some 130mm maybe 150mm forks on it

well thats what i would do any way

or drop a 24inch wheel on the back, that would also make it take off faster and easier to wheely

[northwind]

Head angle on the boardman looks steep!)

70/73 with the 100mm forks, nice XC angles that... Slightly shorter than my Scandal was but otherwise really similiar. Lovely bikes these, 24lbs for a grand! The speclist is ridiculously good. Look pretty too ;) Should be a missile...

Was out for a wee ride in the snow yesterday...

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/snow%20group%20ride/andrewfall.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/snow%20group%20ride/daveposesnearmenhir.jpg

Converted the Soul to rigid forks :thumleft: Just for a change, absolutely lovely, like the bikes I learned to ride on except with tyres that grip, wheels that don't bend and gears that work.

[sam anon]

Ok ok, here's a few of my "bike in the snow" photos, taken yesterday on a casual cycle around Windsor Great Park

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/samhagger/IMAG0013.jpg

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/samhagger/IMAG0025.jpg

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/samhagger/IMAG0018.jpg

Whooo Hoooooo

Picked up the new bike yesterday. It was a month late but not too worried because pick up this week qualifies for an extra £50 of accessories :p. I already got £100 of free accessories when I ordered it. My old Diamonback Zetec has done more than 10 years hard labour and there's not much of the original old girl left.

She's a Special Edition of the Pro No 452. X9 / X0 group with carbon disks.

Here are a couple of piccies

Ratty



Carbon discs eh? Very snazzy! My discs were making a right old racket in the snow, anyone have any tips on how to stop them squealing?

[maviczap]

Ok ok, here's a few of my "bike in the snow" photos, taken yesterday on a casual cycle around Windsor Great Park

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/samhagger/IMAG0013.jpg

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/samhagger/IMAG0025.jpg

http://i444.photobucket.com/albums/qq165/samhagger/IMAG0018.jpg



Carbon discs eh? Very snazzy! My discs were making a right old racket in the snow, anyone have any tips on how to stop them squealing?

Oil them ;)









Sorry couldn't resist :p

[Jayneflakes]

Whooo Hoooooo

Picked up the new bike yesterday.
She's a Special Edition of the Pro No 452. X9 / X0 group with carbon disks.


I work on Boardman bikes a lot due to being a spanner monkey for Halfords, these Ltd Edition ones are absolutely gorgeous, the LTD Carbon Road bike is so nice I would swap my Granny for one. The MTB Pro is designed to be a cross country racer, please don't bodge it up with long travel forks and funny wheels. It is a thoroughbred race bike, although my Team Edition XTC is still better, even after ten years! ;)

I have been told that the Full suspension, full Carbon Carrera mountain bike is available soon too, can't wait to get my grasping little paws on that so I can slag it off to anyone who buys it, while secretly wishing I could afford one! :-s

Took my bike for a spin in the snow the other day, just so I could remember what she is like to ride. I miss my mountain bike so much and have decided that poor health or not, I am damn well going riding this year. :cheers:

I now have to make up for close to three and half years of bad health and broken bits, but do not believe that I will ever be as fit as I was in 2006, the last time I rode her for real. 8)

[Ratty]

I work on Boardman bikes a lot due to being a spanner monkey for Halfords, these Ltd Edition ones are absolutely gorgeous, the LTD Carbon Road bike is so nice I would swap my Granny for one. The MTB Pro is designed to be a cross country racer, please don't bodge it up with long travel forks and funny wheels. It is a thoroughbred race bike,

I wouldn't dream of putting long forks on. As you can see from the old Diamonbacks SID XC forks, short travel air sprung is my thing with ace X717 rims in retro silver. I'm going to refurbish the Zetec for one of the 'rug rats'. It's had a recent chainset, cassette and front mech and I've got a new LX Deore rear mech in the garage for her.

Ratty

[FG1]

Speaking of cross country racers and missing things, this is my old Orange P7 which I sold ages ago and wish I hadn't.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/tonyw2000/019d9603.jpg

I had a Marin Indian Fire Trail years ago, about early nineties, and that was my favorite so far.
OK, so I had it sprayed pink, well it was fashionable in the early nineties.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/tonyw2000/IMG_0053-2.jpg

Decided to go for a little bimble today on my current steed, Scott Scale 60.

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/tonyw2000/IMG_0048-1.jpg

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e90/tonyw2000/IMG_0051-3.jpg

[Tim in Belgium]

Carbon discs eh? Very snazzy! My discs were making a right old racket in the snow, anyone have any tips on how to stop them squealing?

I buckled mine, stopped it squealing but made it stick enough to keep locking on the ice. FAIL.

Can these be straightened or do I need to buy a new disc?

[northwind]

If it's got an actual bend in it, it's knackered but if it's just out of true you can straighten it usually. The ideal tool weirdly enough is one of those really terrible adjustable spanners you get in cheap toolkits. Or Park Tools will sell you a "proper" tool for about £40. It's not hard but it's a pain in the bum.

If you've got an IS brake with adaptors, there's a trick you can do... Remove the caliper and one of the mounting bolts, then swing the adapter out and thread the bolt back through it, so that when you tighten it, it touches the face of the disc. Back it off so that it doesn't, then spin the wheel and carefully tighten it til it comes in contact- you now have a free, highly accurate runout detector. then, just tweak the disc until it's straight.

[Jayneflakes]

Speaking of cross country racers and missing things, this is my old Orange P7 which I sold ages ago and wish I hadn't.

Funny, I had an Orange Clockwork, circa 1993 with full brand new Shimano LX groupset on it. I found it lovely and reliable at first, but after a year or so, I found it dull when compared to the Konas that I worked on, so I sold it and bought a steel framed Kona. I still miss that bike, and if I had my time again I would never sell it. I loved that Kona:cheers:. Sadly, I had to sell it to fund my last year of Uni. :smt030

[barwel1992]

thinking of selling mine not sure yet but i dont use it enough :/ maybe 3 times a year lol if that

what do you lot think price wise

spec
.azonic Evo ii 18 inch DJ/FR/DH frame all wellds are good
.fsa pig head set (DH)
.shimano saint crank and external BB with 32tooth sprocket (inc original shimano bash ring and iner sprocket)
.Black spire NS-X full chain guide with bash guard
.shimano XT shadow rear mech,deor 9 spd caset
.deor sifter pod
.24seven lock on grips
.gusset bear cage pedals
.fireeye talon stem
.titec hell bent DH bars
.HOPE Mono M4 calipers and leavers 4 pot solid caliper design new sinterd pads 203mm brake mount plates front and rear
.HOPE 2x203mm black floating rotor's front and back (inc 1 front non floating 203mm rotor and 1 180mm rear non floating with 1 180mm rear brake bracket (for smaller rotor)
.Hope bar ends
.Hope seat coller
.24seven FR seat
.cheep seat post
.HALO SAS rear wheel special 48 spoke with halo hub and 28 tooth spline 26inch
.Magura Phaon forks 125mm -90mm adjustable travel, adjustable preload,dampning and rebound
.quick relese squwers all round
.Mavic EX721 front rim with shimano deor hub with new spindle 26 spoke
26inch
.Mavic EX721 rear rim with broken rear simano deor hub (spline shreaded) 32spoke not quite true (need rebuild) (NOT FITTED replaced with mentiond HALO rim above)
.MAXXIS high roller DH tires wire bed 2.1 wide (could be 2.2) no punctures very heavy duty (will include 3 tioga DH tires 1 folding front 2.1 and 1 wire bed HD pro front and one wire bed HD pro rear 2.1, may not have the rear all part used)
.Shram chain with gold quick link not a lot of miles done in it

some damage EG chips and scraped pedals,brake leavers(cylinder cap),bar ends and slight abrasion to seat(not riped)

i have a fair few other spares for it that can go with it as well IF i decide i want to get rid of it

so how much do you think i should be getting ? for it £500-700 maybe (wont go lower than £500 as brakes and wheels/hubs are worth that alone)

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/barwell1992/P1010504.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/barwell1992/P1010505.jpg

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/barwell1992/P1010507.jpg
cheers

[speedplay]

looks like it could do with some 130mm maybe 150mm forks on it

well thats what i would do any way

or drop a 24inch wheel on the back, that would also make it take off faster and easier to wheely

Please tell me you are kidding?

I cant wait for people to get bored of "freeriding" and get back to serious riding again.
Dont get me wrong, Its each to their own (I used to race XC, DH and Slalom back in the day as well as Tri and TT as well) but 24 inch wheels and long travel forks to build a "jump bike" I used to do pretty well BITD with the old RS1 and then mag21 (a whopping 40mm) and 26 inch wheels.

Before that "jump bikes" were BMX ;)


Time to start campaining to bring back more XC racing :)

[barwel1992]

nope i hate twitchy bikes lol if i had it i would have 140mm marzocchi 55R's on it lol but thats just me as i dont like seat up spandex riding

im a DH/FR/Street type of rider :)

[Jayneflakes]

Dont get me wrong, Its each to their own (I used to race XC, DH and Slalom back in the day as well as Tri and TT as well) but 24 inch wheels and long travel forks to build a "jump bike" I used to do pretty well BITD with the old RS1 and then mag21 (a whopping 40mm) and 26 inch wheels.

Before that "jump bikes" were BMX ;)


Time to start campaining to bring back more XC racing :)

Did XC ever really go away? I was a Dartmoor Lass until recently and spent so many weekends out there playing on my bikes.
I started with one of these.
http://www.velovtt.com/annonces/images/65_2007082212.jpg

and now have one of these.

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs140.snc3/18758_274794675827_684250827_4571802_7236821_n.jpg

XC bikes never went away, they just evolved a little.

[northwind]

nope i hate twitchy bikes lol if i had it i would have 140mm marzocchi 55R's on it lol but thats just me as i dont like seat up spandex riding

Wonder how long that'd take before you lever the headtube off :D

[barwel1992]

lol not long with the way i ride hence my choice of frame

[ivantate]

If anyone wants a fork upgrade I have a couple going spare....

2006 Rockshox Recon 351 Solo Air. 130mm travel. Lightly used for a year and stored for a project that hasnt happened. Hold air with no leaks and stantions are completely unmarked. Changed the oil just before taking them off. 190mm steerer.


2010 Rockshox Recon 351 Solo Air. 140mm travel. Only ridden out of the shop and taken off the bike. 210mm steerer tube.



PM if you want more details.

[Jayneflakes]

I had a great start to the day today, I managed to ride my wicked Giant XtC Team Edition mountain bike to work and loved it, despite the cool morning chill. I have been off my bike for a while due to poor health, but I have decided that this year is going to be my year. This year is going to be the year I do the things I want to do and that includes getting back on my mountain bike. :drink:

It has been about ten months since my last proper ride anywhere and last time I rode it left me with yet more chronic pain. Today I got to work and nothing hurt, (except my shoulder, but that is another story) my soul felt filled with joy as I the cool morning air filled my lungs and my bulbous fat ar$3 filled my Lycra shorts. :smt107

There were a few things that felt odd though. Last time I rode the bike was when I fitted the Tioga carbon bars and that was just a test ride. Today I fitted a comfort saddle and got the adjustment slightly out, so it was too far forward. I have a Syncros Titanium in-line pin so getting it back enough is critical or it feels cramped. Fitting such a big saddle to my light weight race felt sad, but comfort was wonderful and greatly improved over the narrow WTB ladies race saddle. Might have to look into a lightweight version though. :smt043

As for the Carbon bars, they feel soooooooo nice, they just flex enough to make the bike feel lovely, even with 100mm forks on the front, but don't feel as stiff and harsh as a oversize Aluminium bar. Highly recommended I feel, carbon is the way to go. Also they look totally sexy in that special way that Carbon does. :smt054

Not riding the bike for a while has had an effect that I don't like though and that is my tummy has got bigger I swear. I don't like having a sticky out tummy and I don't like how I look right now, if I can keep up with the biking, I should lose some of this gained weight and I can get thin again and fit into my clothes. :smt086

Who would have thought that Mountain bikes can do so much for us, they make us feel alive, they make us happy, riding them is brilliant fun and they give us totally sexy bodies. I love my bike. Hmm, Giant do a Carbon framed version too... Time to start dreaming.

http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/legacy/bikeradar/categories/cycling/bike/mountain/images/giantxtccarboncomposite-399-75.jpg
I need a better paying job so I can afford the toys I want.

[Tim in Belgium]

I got mine stupidly cheap, an ex demo frame built up with brand new components:

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/25626/2730683330084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2730683330084392296gsgRtZ)

It's great :)

[Luckypants]

Well I'm trying to get back to biking and jesus I'm unfit! I had planned an easy ride on the Alwen trail today, but there was too much snow left around the lake. So I thought I'd try a ride around LLyn Brenig, but all tracks were snowed up and ended up on a road ride which was quite snowy in itself!

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/Random%20Mountain%20Biking%20Photos/Photo0031.jpg

View across to the Clwydian Hills

http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w111/luckypants_photos/Random%20Mountain%20Biking%20Photos/Photo0033.jpg

[northwind]

Hey, nice one Jayneflakes, long may it continue.

[rob13]

Considering selling my '08 Rockhopper Disc. Hardly used, probably less than 150 miles in total. Small amount of paint wear on the crank. Crying shame that its just sitting in the garage but I've never really got on with it.

Anyone interested?

[Tim in Belgium]

A pity Rob, we had a laugh in the snow that time round Guisborough Woods.

[rob13]

Yeah it is, but its not seen enough use, partly through me not gelling with the bike, and partly through laziness. If I'd been nearer to decent trails then maybe it would have had more use, but as it is and not having anyone else to ride with then its not working out. I dont think I should have bought the Rockhopper in the first place and instead bought one of my other choices. The Cube's felt different somehow, even if the spec didnt quite match that of the Specialized.

I'm looking to sell it to fund some studio lighting kit for the camera which a mate is looking to sell.

[barwel1992]

Yeah it is, but its not seen enough use, partly through me not gelling with the bike, and partly through laziness. If I'd been nearer to decent trails then maybe it would have had more use, but as it is and not having anyone else to ride with then its not working out. I dont think I should have bought the Rockhopper in the first place and instead bought one of my other choices. The Cube's felt different somehow, even if the spec didnt quite match that of the Specialized.

I'm looking to sell it to fund some studio lighting kit for the camera which a mate is looking to sell.

The problem lies in it been a specialized :-k i rode the top speck hard rock pro (2006 i think) and couldent stand it somthing about them that i carnt quite pin point, ohh well my azonic evoII frame was leaps better althogh at half the cost(back then) of the whole specialized bike it was a bit pricey

[Tim in Belgium]

I'm just about to order a new disc, so thought I should get new pads as well, should I go for organic or sintered? Just for all round riding, single track, trail centres etc, will be with 180mm discs on a Giant XTC composite.

[barwel1992]

sintered althogh they wont last as long (generly) but they brake better in my opinion

[Jayneflakes]

^^ agreed, sintered pads give better feel. :D

[Tim in Belgium]

Cheers for the tips, unfortunately I was impatient and ordered some organic ones in the meantime :lol:

I'll see how I get on and will get some sintered if I don't like them.

[ivantate]

Organic are better for heat dissipation, disc wear and also noise.

Sintered are far better if you ride in the wet/mud.


Fairly sure you are only meant to use organic with some brakes, Magura comes to mind.

[barwel1992]

Organic are better for heat dissipation, disc wear and also noise.

Sintered are far better if you ride in the wet/mud.


Fairly sure you are only meant to use organic with some brakes, Magura comes to mind.

some manufacturers like magura do advise to use organic, its to do with how well the callipers/disks take the heat my old maguras would warp the disks if i used sintered, but have had no problem with the floating rotors on my Hope's and im on my 3rd set of sintered

:bounce:

[northwind]

Just put a set of kevlar pads in mine, which are sort of a halfway house, though apparently gritstone absolutely destroys them. Quite pleased so far, they seem quieter than the sintered ones I used before and slightly more powerful, but I don't think they'll last.

PS, woo, snow is mostly gone from glentress and we've booked a weekend away at kirroughtree again :bounce:

[CheGuevara]

Collecting this from the shop tomorrow after waiting for over a month. I am very excited:

http://www.konaworld.com/images/bikes/med/kula.jpg

[barwel1992]

cool looks nice and light

[northwind]

A mate of mine has one of those for racing, weighs about as much as a bag of flour :thumleft: Very nice.

I, er, did something I might regret and bought this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220547815475&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

I didn't think I'd win it so I threw a £550 bid at it without too much thought, assuming it'd sell for £750 or so. Oops! But it's arrived and it's lovely, basically as new but it's going to be a bit pricey to build up well I think. We're off to the pyrenees in August and back to Fort William come June I think so something a bit bouncier seems like a good idea.

Soooooo, now shopping for forks. Mmm, new 150mm Revelations, mmm. Or Lyriks, or TALAS 36s or... MMMMMMMM.

[barwel1992]

^ get some marzuchi 66's 160travel (if the frame can cope)

riden the top of the range and loved them shame they are no good for my frame :(

[CheGuevara]

I've got the bike now -picked it up on Tuesday. It's my first mountain bike, and it looked bloody massive (22" frame) when I saw it in the shop -but it seems to fit well so I suppose that's just me used to seeing them in much smaller frame sizes. It is very light for such a chunky looking thing.

I haven't had a chance to really ride it yet (apart from around the block), but looking forward to getting it a bit muddy this weekend. I've hacked up a bit of old innertube from my supermoto and wrapped it on my chainstay (I'm informed by a couple of people this is a bit more OG than the nice neoprene ones) and I'm now searching hard for a bargain on a pair of shoes (hoping not to spend more than £50-£60 max).

I've got a Boardman Team Hybrid as well and now wondering if that will ever see the light of day again :)

[Luckypants]

I'm now searching hard for a bargain on a pair of shoes (hoping not to spend more than £50-£60 max).

Chain Reaction Cycles sale is still on and they have some real bargains in larger shoe sizes. My Shimano MTB low ankle boots are still going strong after 10 years! (but not riding for a few of them :oops: )

[CheGuevara]

Chain Reaction Cycles sale is still on and they have some real bargains in larger shoe sizes. My Shimano MTB low ankle boots are still going strong after 10 years! (but not riding for a few of them :oops: )

Yeah I've been checking their site (and a few others) - I think I'm a 45 though and there's very little in my budget available in that size. I'm watching a few pairs on ebay as well that finish in the next week. I *should * have pushed for a bargain over at Rutland Cycles when I picked up the bike, but I was just so happy to finally have it that I forgot to ask :s

[mattSV]

Worth trying on a pair of cycling shoes first to check your sice - I find that with shimano, lake and sidi shoes I always have to go up a size.

[Luckypants]

Worth trying on a pair of cycling shoes first to check your sice - I find that with shimano, lake and sidi shoes I always have to go up a size.
A very good point Matt, I recently had to send back a pair of Shimano road shoes for a larger size because my normal 42 (size 8) were way too small, got 44s instead which are just on the roomy side.

[metalmonkey]

This is my bike, its great to ride and very light;

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/felt/six-comp-2009-mountain-bike-ec017069?query=felt

I haven't taken any actual pictures yet, er don't have a digital camera!

[CheGuevara]

Aside from the ebay gamble, I have my eyes on these:

Northwave Raptor 3 £59:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35515

Mavic Pulse £56:

http://www.awcycles.co.uk/brands/Mavic/Pulse_SPD_Mountain_Bike_Shoes_2009/13445/index.aspx?source=webgains&siteid=43126

Scott Comp £64 (slightly over budget):

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/17928/Scott-MTB-Comp-Shoe.html


Shimano M076 £58:

http://www.rutlandcycling.com/12058/Shimano-M076-SPD.html



Thoughts?

I'd like to try some on, but as far as I know Rutland is the only shop of reasonable size in my "area" and that's a good 30-40mins drive away (and my truck isn't cheap on diesel).

[Luckypants]

Only thing I would say is that the Northwave and Scott shoes do not specifically mention SPD compatibility. I'd be surprised if they were not, but best to make sure the shoes you buy are compatible with the pedals on the Kona. :)


PS. This getting back into cycling lark is not cheap is it?

[CheGuevara]

PS. This getting back into cycling lark is not cheap is it?

That's true. Not as bad as say getting back into motorcycling perhaps, but still... I did get the bike on cyclescheme though so at least it's not costing me a lot up front.

[Luckypants]

No fair! :D As I work from home means I don't qualify for a bike under the cycle to work scheme. It really would be a great way to get a bike on the cheap.

[malks]

No fair! :D As I work from home means I don't qualify for a bike under the cycle to work scheme. It really would be a great way to get a bike on the cheap.

you sure? cos the scheme my work had running meant the bike could be used for any form of business use (eg: do u ever have to go to the post office/shop to get stuff for work?) also ours stated it could be used to go get lunch at lunchtime and stuff!

when you apply there's no mention of how many miles your going use it for etc.... considering i've never worked closer than 30mile round trip from work, i bought a full sus specialized on it, it never seen a commute in its life!

[Luckypants]

Well having read my work's internal web site about it, it seems that I won't qualify but there's no harm in having a go now is there? You see I have a marker on my personnel file that shows I'm a home worker. I think the scheme is open for elections right now, so why the hell not?

[CheGuevara]

Well having read my work's internal web site about it, it seems that I won't qualify but there's no harm in having a go now is there? You see I have a marker on my personnel file that shows I'm a home worker. I think the scheme is open for elections right now, so why the hell not?

Worth a go for sure. TBH I don't think they really care. Nobody asked me if/how-often I'd be riding to work. Maybe you visit the office for meetings now and again, and ride the bike there, or park and ride. :)

[RichT]

I'm contemplating this as my work participates and is affiliated with www.cycleworld.co.uk (http://www.cycleworld.co.uk). Trek 8500 MTB for me I think (I already have a fair bit of the kit as my previous mtb was stolen and I spent the insurance cash elsewhere).

My only question is: Will the store price match and then do the scheme? Anyone had any experience of this?

[northwind]

I'm now searching hard for a bargain on a pair of shoes (hoping not to spend more than £50-£60 max).

Ah, the joys of flat pedals. "What shoes will I wear for cycling? The ones I'm already wearing" :smt002


^ get some marzuchi 66's 160travel (if the frame can cope)


I dunno, not sure I trust zocchis, I keep looking at them and thinking "Hang on, this is an expensive Suntour." 66's is supposed to be good though, the 55 would be a better fit on the bike but they still get slated for reliability. The new Revelations look ace, they weigh only 1750 grams with the maxle and u-turn so that seems perfect. But HOW MUCH? :smt101

[CheGuevara]

Got out for my first ride on the new bike today. I think I did alright:

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/bigfastyellow2/MTB/IMG00132_sm.jpg

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/bigfastyellow2/MTB/IMG00131_sm.jpg

Had some fun the first few minutes through the mud, spinning up the rear wheel and wondering if I was gonna topple over before I got my feet out of the bindings. Was fine once I got used to the sensation.

[mattSV]

Has anyone else tried Nokia Sport Tracker Yet? - click here (http://sportstracker.nokia.com)

Free application for Nokia phones with GPS - tracks your route, gives you pace & distance covered - can then be uploaded to the Sport Tracker website to keep a workout diary and a record of the route taken. Also tracks altitude and pulse rate (if you have a bluetooth linked HRM).

I tiried it for the first time whilst out on a walk along the beach, and then got in the car and drove a couple of miles - you can see on the graph when I got in the car!

Also probably need to adjust settings for the altimeter, as it reckoned I was 20m above sea level when I was on the beach! Apart from that, I was quite impressed with it!

[ThEGr33k]

Went out for a good 20 mile ride, strangely one that seemed to just go uphill! :-?

I think I need goggles for winter riding, or well riding in mud riding. Bloody annoying getting that in the eyes when you are shooting down a hill fast! :(

I did towards the end of the ride go through a field (puplic footpath etc) that had been ploughed, never again, the mud stuck to the wheels so I literally couldn't move the thing unless I picked it up, and that was hard because a) Mud weighs a LOT! b) My shoes were getting pulled off because of weight of mud and suction...

Basically avoid those sorts of fields!!!! I think my mate got a vid of the mud. I will post it at some point.