The MTB thread

[ThEGr33k]

Greek , stick a cable tie around your stantions and then put the front brake on and bounce all your weight on the front fork with back end off the ground , measure from rested position to the bottom of the cable tie and there is your travel .


Aye, thats pretty much what I did. heh. Great minds and all that :)

[northwind]

Northy , you can actually buy the 2010 rear end to stick on an older frame :)

Yup, and I can't say I'm not tempted... But then it's not like I'm exactly overstressing the old ones with my mighty bulk is it ;) Might pick up a set if money allows, alternatively I guess I'll wait and see if I can snap the ones I have and then harass Cy into giving me replacements :D

TBH I've got about a dozen things I want to do with this bike and I can't afford to do more than 2 or 3 of em so I'm just doing nothing to it just now til I get a better idea. Lyriks, or maybe those K9 Industries head angle reducers, or just some general lightening, or a new dropper post so I don't need to keep swapping them over, or the rocker swap, or the chainstays... Gah. I did just buy it a bigger rotor and a bolt-in conversion for the rear hub but that's the piggy bank a bit empty, and I've still got to buy a lift pass for fort william... It's a hard life eh!

Oh, totally unrelated but I went on an XC ride last wednesday, and when I saw the route i realised it was pretty basic stuff so I thought I'd make it a bit harder, and put the rigid forks on my hardtail. What a laugh, suddenly wee roots I'd never even noticed before become certain death. Not sure I'd recommend it but it was pretty good fun... Only takes 5 minutes to swap as well so it's like having a whole other bike. Cool as.

[ThEGr33k]

OK, im an idiot. Pull the forks out a little and there is the extra 15mm... Looks like they sag on their own a little. Well glad thats sorted ha ha.

What do you think to putting some Boxxer race on it with a Fox RC4? Overkill or cool or?

[yorkie_chris]

Top out springs old chap

[barwel1992]

OK, im an idiot. Pull the forks out a little and there is the extra 15mm... Looks like they sag on their own a little. Well glad thats sorted ha ha.

What do you think to putting some Boxxer race on it with a Fox RC4? Overkill or cool or?

boxers are OTT and so is the rc4 stick with what you have

[northwind]

Man speaks sense. Have you found anything the Scott can't handle as it is?

[ThEGr33k]

Not really I guess ha.

[xXBADGERXx]

Northy . Just checked out that French site and the seatpost (non remote version) comes to £122.82 with all taxes and delivery , that`s a saving of £50 mate , BUT I checked out the i950 with the remote and it came to £177 , Tredz in South Wales can do something not so far from that and I have a mate that works there , might do a deal for 2 posts ;)

[northwind]

Oooh. Tempting that... Need to check the finances though :smt092

[xXBADGERXx]

Not in a hurry mate , even next month would do or even later , I just paid for the Hemlock , a Fox DHX RC4 shock , a Thomson layback post and courier delivery . So I will not be eating for a few weeks and just riding after the build :( :)

[northwind]

Ouch!

I think I just bought a car :smt103 so I guess I need to find out if that's going to have any bills associated before I buy another fancy seatpost! Though of course it didn't cost as much as either of the bikes it's going to have in the boot :cool: Priorities...

[jimmy4237]

Northy, If you just bought a car m8, then welcome to sky high road tax, and high insurance (if you've just started a car insurance NCB...).

Car engines are easy to maintain if you already know what you're doing on bikes. it's just a big bike with 4 wheels, and you get stuck in traffic jams with:hackedoff::hackedoff:

My own car hasn't been used now for a month. Went to look at it last night, and it's covered in an inch of sawdust where the old man has been cutting up logs.... nothing a steam jenny won't get rid of

[yorkie_chris]

Cars lean the wrong way in corners, don't be too worried by it, this is normal.

[northwind]

Northy, If you just bought a car m8, then welcome to sky high road tax, and high insurance (if you've just started a car insurance NCB...).

Not too bad actually, it's a diesel focus estate so lowish emissions and an old man car so not bad to insure. Plus it's more fuel efficient than the bike :smt012 It's the motoring equivalent of slippers, basically, but these slippers can carry bikes around in the back :)

[xXBADGERXx]

My damned frame isn`t arriving til Friday , it`s fuggin scorching hot out there and I just know it will wazz it down with rain the second I finish the build . Not the happiest of Rabbits at that news :( .

[ThEGr33k]

Doh man, oh well, at least you have something to look forward to :)

I know you probably already said but what forks you putting on it?

[xXBADGERXx]

Marzocchi Z1 Freeride 1 with ETA

[xXBADGERXx]

THE HEMLOCK HAS LANDED <----- Doing "Yippee" backflips (in my head)

[ThEGr33k]

Wooo hooo! Those forks seem to get nice reviews from what I managed to find! :)

Went out on the scott yesterday, just round langset, there are some nice fast lose downhill sections around it. According to the tracker we (me and brother) got upto 30mph, considering how bumpy it is that is amazing! The Scott just takes it, im still having to get used to it, I keep slowing down to hit things when I really dont need to anymore! Utter madness, Propper DH bikes must be just unreal.

[xXBADGERXx]

On my Orange "Patriot" I could achieve 30 mph flat out on most downhill sections on the Marin Trail . I couldn`t go any quicker as gearing was maxed out and things got very weird .... the feeling in the msucles from all the shaking made your body feel disconnected . I can see how downhillers get their buzz from a 2 minute assault on a course , flat out , Danger everywhere and on bikes that exceed our spec . I`d love to be 18 again and riding the bikes these kids have now , when I were a lad (cue famous bread commercial music) I had a Dawes Ranger , one of the first MTB bikes out there , it was more like a Road Bike with wider rims and different gearing , how the hell I ever rode it on Mountains (before any of the Welsh trail Centres arrived) I will never know .

[xXBADGERXx]

Have a Rolling Chassis built up , gonna have a 5 minute break and make a brew and then get to slinging the Cranks and Bottom Bracket on once I have measured for spacers .

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/xXBADGERXx/DSC02148.jpg

[barwel1992]

very nice ;)

[xXBADGERXx]

BB and Shimano Hone Crankset fitted , just slinging Front/Rear mechs on now .

[ThEGr33k]

Looks nice indeed! :)

[barwel1992]

BB and Shimano Hone Crankset fitted , just slinging Front/Rear mechs on now .

how come you didnt go with SAINT ? i love my mine rock solid and not that heavy eather

[xXBADGERXx]

how come you didnt go with SAINT ? i love my mine rock solid and not that heavy eather

Because the Hone was FREE , well actually it cost me £3 .

[barwel1992]

Because the Hone was FREE , well actually it cost me £3 .

rolf how did you manage that ?

[xXBADGERXx]

I suggested a bike and some kit to a friend , I was logged in on my Wiggle account when I sent him the link . It turned out that he bought the stuff and Paid £780 for it all . I ended up getting a 10% bonus from it without realising it . A year or so later I needed a new Crank and BB and saw the Hone/Hollowtech II BB set on Wiggle for £81 , thought "Bargain , I`ll have that" and bought it . At the checkout it asked for £3 and I was puzzled by this . Went and checked my account and £78 worth of credit had been sitting there for over a year , waiting to be spent .

[barwel1992]

lol nice one :D

[xXBADGERXx]

Knew it was going too well , hit a snag now as my front Mech is a top pull one and the Hemlock seems to route from underneath .............. Balls .

[barwel1992]

ooops ahh you dont need a front mech ..

[xXBADGERXx]

Well , 4 hours later and everything is on , just the fettling of gears to go and setting up and making sure everything is Torqued correctly .

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/xXBADGERXx/DSC02158.jpg

Bit peeved that my Goodridge hose is too short , will have to be careful with that , will order some colour coded hoses for the brakes next month . Maybe a nice Orange set to go with the Cotic badge on the headstock and the Orange stripes on the Maxxis tyres .

[barwel1992]

very nice, im still amazed you managed to bunny hop on to your sofa though takes some skill that does ;)

[xXBADGERXx]

very nice, im still amazed you managed to bunny hop on to your sofa though takes some skill that does ;)

That isn`t the hard part , it`s avoiding the ceiling with your head that takes the real skill .

[ThEGr33k]

LOL, I do like how you have used the sofa... ha ha

[xXBADGERXx]

LOL, I do like how you have used the sofa... ha ha

I ain`t forking out £100 for a bike stand that gets used once in a millenium , sofa will suffice considering I did most of the work in the Kitchen , the thing is , the Kitchen is too small for me to take piccies of the bike and that Sofa is the right height to take a bike piccy :)

[barwel1992]

rolf :D damn those low ceiling's

[carty]

Looks nice badger, have you set up the seat height / handlebars for you yet? I seem to be in a minority on mountain bikes as I much prefer to have my saddle high and handlebars low - the first thing I did when I got my new bike last week was get the handlebars as low as I could and I still think they're not low enough, might have to to get a dropped stem I think.

I'm really pleased with my new Bokor by the way guys, only been out on it once really, on Sunday up to Cannock for a couple of hours, so I haven't really got used to it yet. I'll get some pics up next week,

Cheers

[xXBADGERXx]

The bars will be fine as they are , seat will probably go up a couple of inches from the piccy , I will be investing in a seatpost that can be raised and dropped from the bars via a remote switch as some of the places I ride have some seriously steep inclines on them . Would be nice to drop the seat and carry on riding without stopping .

[ThEGr33k]

The bars will be fine as they are , seat will probably go up a couple of inches from the piccy , I will be investing in a seatpost that can be raised and dropped from the bars via a remote switch as some of the places I ride have some seriously steep inclines on them . Would be nice to drop the seat and carry on riding without stopping .


That does seem like a cool idea! :)

[barwel1992]

i just have mine as low as i can, i ride standing up 99% of the time any way

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

[ThEGr33k]

Nice bike Barwel :)

I stand up a fair bit on the scott, depends on mood...

[barwel1992]

cheers, its ok ;) lol want some marzocchi 55 forks though and 24" wheels

drive chain

http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/barwell1992/P1010509.jpg

[ThEGr33k]

Im not too sure about the 55's, infact all of the modern marzocchi range seems to be lacking... Id go for Rockshox 318 Uturn domains, they are good solid forks and you can adjust between 115-160mm travel along with compression and rebound dampening. Good all rounder! :)

[barwel1992]

yeh, but i am limited to the smaller head tube (aint the rock shox 1.5" head tube ?) my forks now are good but a bit lacking in the travel department (90-125mm) but they have a hell of a lot of adjustment are the quality is top notch and when they were new they were around £700

but i would like to move away from QR forks and wheels and go with the bolt type (the rear can already do it but i would need a new front wheel as well)

my forks
http://www.poshbikes.com/images_new/products/magura_phaon_l.jpg

EDIT: id have these LINK (http://www.magura.com/en/products/suspension-forks-2010/prod/wotan.html)

[xXBADGERXx]

Took it out for a spin , had to adjust the back brake , but other than that it was all good , awesome ride . Takes a bit of getting used to but a very smooth ride . Will probably fiddle with the forks a bit tomorrow and try it again .

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/xXBADGERXx/Image004-1.jpg

[barwel1992]

what halo rims are they ?

[xXBADGERXx]

They are prototype "Freedom" rims on Spin Doctor Hubs , I believe the rim has changed a bit since I was provided with this wheelset and they aren`t as high or wide as these .

[barwel1992]

ahh thought they might be, same hubs as mine (bomb proof :D)

[ThEGr33k]

No, the RS do 1 1/8th, thats what I got in mine (though im not sure why since the frame can take 1 1/5... Heh.

[xXBADGERXx]

Ok .... killed the FSA headset that came with the bike , I knew it wouldn`t last long from the look of it , so I slung a Chris King one in that I`ve had lying around for the last 3 months .

[barwel1992]

how did you kill it ? my FSA pig has been fine for the last 2 years

[northwind]

How much more black could that be? None :winner:

I've decided, on balance, I ****ing love mine... Friday, did 6 runs down the fort william "nevis red", the gondola-uplift allegedly red route. Feeling brave so did the world cup downhill route for my last run, well, did get off and push twice :smt012 But still, it ain't a downhill bike and I ain't a downhiller.

Then the next day, instead of gnar we went and did 30 miles on the west highland way, which was lovely. But it ain't a cross country bike...

Then finished up today with 2 laps of the red then black at laggan, which wasn't lovely, actually it was ****ing mental, built by deranged people for the express purposes of hurting overenthusiastic mountainbikers. Took it all in its stride, didn't even blink. But it ain't a freeride bike.

Love it. Hope you get on with yours as well!

<edit- if that seems a bit waffly and out of tune it's because I'm utterly, utterly knackered>

[xXBADGERXx]

how did you kill it ? my FSA pig has been fine for the last 2 years

It is a weird headset that has no cartridge bearings in it , the bearings are loose ones held in a race , something I would only entertain on a XC bike or commuter , there was a rubber seal underneath it which I find worrying as well , it`s there to stop the ingress of cack . To me a Cartridge Bearing should only be seated on a brass or ally shim ring , this thing had some weird setup , when I got home after my forst ride I was checking the bike over and noticed I could see something under the headset . Dropped the forks out and the race was bent all over the shop in a waffle pattern like it was almost too big and had been bent in to fit although it went together fine . I can only think that the rubber seal that went underneath it allowed some movement and the hammer it got on Friday just distorted the bearing race . I have an FSA Orbit XL II that has been totally hammered on my Patriot , is only sealed on the bearing itself and has no play in it after 7 years of use . I decided to play it safe and put the Chris King on the Hemlock .
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v605/xXBADGERXx/DSC02165.jpg

Northy , I absolutely love it , back end takes a bit of getting used to , and under hammer , I managed to get the front end to twitch a bit but that will be down to some very soft settings I had for a Snow Bound ride I had a while back . Will stiffen the front up a bit with 10 psi in the Air Chamber and take it out .

[barwel1992]

ahh ok fair enough, i think my pig is ball bearing/race (not sure havn't had it apart in ages) will check mine now when i get home

[northwind]

Heh, just sorting through the weekend's videos, couldn't resist this one...

http://vimeo.com/12721837

[barwel1992]

Nice one Andrew ;)

[northwind]

I just did the numbers and it turns out my time down the DH wouldn't have placed me last in the world cup, I was only about 5 seconds down on Dan Atherton :D Though I think he stopped for a nap halfway down. I wonder what I could manage with a downhill bike and a pair of testicles?

[ThEGr33k]

Nice vid... Always nice when a rock sneaks up under your front wheel like that :p


Some other cool video's. Think I might have to one day come visiting! :D

[xXBADGERXx]

Yeha I liked the way that rock grew arms and threw him off ........ looked a bit of a "target fixation" there as well . "Oooohh rocks" heads right for them .

[northwind]

I don't think there was really much of a rock involvement, I pretty much rode straight into the bushes for no reason :smt033That was about the 4th time down that section in the day too. Ah well. Picked a nice soft spot for it at least, my mate Andy managed to ride into a stone river bed, then binned it again on sunday on a fire road while we were up laggan black :smt044

Couple of pics from the weekend...

Beats walking

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000816.jpg

My mate Chris on his Mojo

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000835.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000833.jpg

Big blue sky

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000807.jpg

Dave + Heckler on the Nevis Red

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000809.jpg

Andy and his Malt 4 (not much air but if he got any more I think both his wheels would have collapsed, his bike's comically shagged out)

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000831.jpg

Andy again

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000824.jpg

Riding off the edge of the world

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000825.jpg

DH route in the foreground, Nevis Red off in the distance

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1000842.jpg



Following a route from a magazine

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1010057.jpg

West Highland Way

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/Fort%20William/P1010011.jpg

[xXBADGERXx]

Exactly , it was the fresh air that tripped you up . Done it myself mate , and in front of a group of new kids as well . Came pattering nicely down one section of the Marin trail , doing no more than 5mph , quite happy in my own world then ............ BUSHES . Deceptive they way they move so quickly . Extracted myself to peels of laughter from the kids and more scratches than a Vet on Cat Vaccination Day

[northwind]

OK, hopefully this one paints a better picture :cool: Very long though.

http://vimeo.com/12741008

[rob13]

Dug this out the other day, cleaned it up and plan to hybrid it. Needs a new set of brake blocks, some slick tyres and one of the pedals is knackered as the bearing has gone. In decent knick considering its about 15 years old.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1000603.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1000601.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/robchester/P1000600.jpg

[ThEGr33k]

Wow Rob, that is really old school! :)

Northwind, that looked immense!!!! I want a go! :) I know what you mean by tiring though, going downhills tired me out a lot, constantly getting battered about and all that I guess, its kinda like doing a load of squats... Ill have to come visit to play on that :)

[xXBADGERXx]

Just registered my bike here http://www.bikeregister.com/ , you can register your bike for free and add all the details and frame numbers etc , even component parts , I opted for the Datatag kit and acid etch etc at £24.95 . I figure that I have a bike that costs as much as my SV does now so may as well Datatag this one as well .

[barwel1992]

got told by a bloke with his kid on a push bike today that i was riding my bike illegally as i didn't have a bell :D i LOL'd and rode off on the back wheel as any respecting cyclist should :P

[xXBADGERXx]

WRONG . It is a requirement to SELL a bike with a bell attached to it , what you do with that Bell 10 nano-seconds after leaving the shop is up to you . I have always wanted to buy a comedy "Bulb" horn and honk at them Clown Style .

[barwel1992]

didn't think it was a legal requirement to have, his face was a picture though as i rode off

[Quiff Wichard]

hi bikers.

quick question..


do any of you use any gels or creams to prevent chaffing ?? and if so what do u reccomend

[ThEGr33k]

WRONG . It is a requirement to SELL a bike with a bell attached to it , what you do with that Bell 10 nano-seconds after leaving the shop is up to you . I have always wanted to buy a comedy "Bulb" horn and honk at them Clown Style .

I want one of those horns, they have them at halfords, I might one day do it. Im sure I would get some smiles :cool:

hi bikers.

quick question..


do any of you use any gels or creams to prevent chaffing ?? and if so what do u reccomend


Where do you chafe? I dont really suffer from it, but I dont wear lycra or anything that is close fitting enough to rub me raw. I suppose the usual that you hear of is petroleum jelly (Vaseline), or to use some sort of plaster or tape.

[barwel1992]

i don't use any cream never had the need to, but i ware lose fitting cargo shorts (non of that spandex cr&p for me)

[xXBADGERXx]

First of all I would look at the cause of it Quiff . In what respect is this happening ? What are you wearing ? what equipment is this on ?

If you are sore after a ride then use Sudocrem , it`s quite tame . first thing to do after a ride is to have a shower and then let some air get to the body , a light application of Sudocrem can ease thigs a bit . If the skin is broken then it is best to let the air get to it after using a mild antiseptic and let nature take it`s course .

[Quiff Wichard]

only on bike if do a 300 mile day .. motorbike.. wear cycling shorts.. under leathers.. just on occassion if have long days like GM iii ya know the feeling when the next day within 5 mins you cant get comfy again and have to sit side saddle

[xXBADGERXx]

Your suffering more from something like a pressure sore then . What I would do is look more at the time spent in the same position and try and break that up a bit . I get the same feeling despite riding a Mountain Bike and putting some endurance miles on the SV . The next day you just whimper at the prospect of sticking that butt on a seat . I found that when I exceeded certain speeds I was pushed into the saddle harder and it made the next day a slower journey . The first port of call for info would be the "Iron Butt" thing that some riders do , a lot of people recommend a Sheepskin placed on top of their seat . Your sit bones are getting pushed into the saddle and this is irritating the muscle and skin that is part of the support underneath . Didn`t you buy a Corbin saddle for the Viffer ?

[Quiff Wichard]

yeaq I have a corbin.. well I have two now ! but I have fat inner thighs..

[xXBADGERXx]

You may have a reaction with the cycling Shorts then , may I suggest a natural base layer like Merino Wool . Endura do an exellent range called Baa Baa . Good thing about Merino is it can be worn for days and emits no odour , very popular with MTB riders who are out for days .

[ThEGr33k]

Yes, I crashed... Doh.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs131.snc4/36908_10150200380945523_553695522_13298198_5793717 _n.jpg

Not really sure how it happened, was going down a hill on a reasonably easy part (still pretty bumpy and a fair amount of soft sandy surface), probably doing 20-25mph judging from gearing and leg speed when the back end just washed out and I basically low sided. Wasn't on much of a bend at all really, can only guess the back just hit some real lose dusty sand... :(

Anyway, bike is fine, scratched the fork lowers and petal, thats it on bike. Did that to my arm and managed to lose most of my speed through using my bum to move a fairly sizable rock... fair to say my bum is rather bruised :(

A shame it happened because it seems to be "just one of those that happen" so I cant really even claim I learnt anything. Sigh.

Got back up and managed to finish the rest of the ride (about another mile) so just hoping I can still move tomorrow!

[xXBADGERXx]

Just keep moving that arm mate to make sure the elbow doesn`t stiffen up . I carry a small first aid kit which contains "Wound Wash" and also a Dry Anti-Septic Spray . It can stop any nasties from getting a grip on that arm before you get home .

[ThEGr33k]

Thankfully it is looking ok. Gave it a good wash with water then got it in the shower when I got home. The arm isnt too bad atm, I think its just the general bruising that will the issue. Not to worry. :)


You know of any elbow and leg protectors? I might be best buying some... Looks like I need them :p

[xXBADGERXx]

Back in the saddle tomorrow then :) . On a side note my Datatag kit arrived today for the bike , quite comprehensive kit with the stenciling , will get on with the actual act of installing the transponder tomorrow and adding the warning stickers .

[maviczap]

hi bikers.

quick question..

do any of you use any gels or creams to prevent chaffing ?? and if so what do u reccomend

I use Udderly smooth chamios cream pre ride. You can work it into the chamios on your cycling shorts, rather than getting Mand to rub it in where it hurts ;)

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/cycle/7/Shorts_-_Chamois_Cream/

Its good because its not greasy or sticky, unlike some of the others.

If you're sore after the ride Quiff, then nothing better than Sudocream. Contains a mild anastetic, and calms any inflamation. Get it in the baby section at the supermarket

[xXBADGERXx]

Well I had to make 2 extra purchases this week . The front mech on the bike is the wrong sort for the frame , It is sat very low and the cable has just touched the anodising and worn through it . So I have ordered an XT front Mech in the right configuration from Merlin Cycles , down from £49 to £25 . I also popped onto Stif Bikes website and saw a pair of Swobo liner shorts down from £44 to £23 . Must admit they are a damn good fit and the Chamois is actually in the right place and not intrusive in size either . It means I can wear them under shorts without looking like I have shat into a nappy . Merlin`s delivery is a bit slow to be honest , expected better .

[Jayneflakes]

Tis a sad day when... Jayneflakes thinks about selling her Mountain Bike. :smt104

Giant XtC Team Edition Frame in full race colours. Super light weight Aluminium Alloy construction, purchased in 2004 for £450. (Purchased before womens corrected geometry really came in, so is technically a blokes frame)

Marzocchi Bomber Flylight 100mm travel forks (Air spring oil damped) bought new in 2000 for £250 (Dealer serviced)

Woodman Triple bearing headset cost more than a double bearing Chris King.

Hope C2 Disk brakes front and Rear recently serviced and bled.

XT deraileurs front and rear worked by Old School Deore Thumb Shifters.

Tioga (Branded Bike Hut) Carbon Handle Bar and Syncros Titanium Seat Pin.

Hand build Light weight XC wheels with Mavic rims, triple butted spokes, Hope and Shimano Hubs.

Complete Hyperbolt, bolt lightening kit in Red Anodised Aluminium.

The bike cost me about £2k in total. :-$

I know that I would never recover the money that I spent on it, but I have had a few good days out on her, riding on Dartmoor and even a little around here. But those days are over, I stopped riding properly in 2006 when I was admitted to hospital and then had a long difficult recovery that is still not complete.

I took it out yesterday and rode less than five miles and it really hurt me, not just because I am no where near as fit as I used to be, but because it aggravated the old wounds from hospital. The ride down one of my favourite rocky tracks was uninspiring because I could not get into it and although I hit thirty MPH, it gave me less of a thrill than riding my SV at 10MPH.

In theory, I still love Mountain Biking, in practice, I have lost interest. :(

While out riding yesterday I rode passed a Honda CX500 that was parked up near our flat. I stopped and admired it for about ten minutes before realising that it was a CX500! :pukel: When I would rather ride a crappy CX500 than my mountain bike, it is time to give up...

So, I think that she is for sale. :(

I want as close to £800 as I can get so that I can finish the bar conversion in my SV and get some other bits that I want (such as a bloody comfortable seat!).

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs037.snc4/34208_405388816518_528306518_4598052_2244668_n.jpg

[xXBADGERXx]

How about splitting it all up and eBaying it bit by bit

[Jayneflakes]

How about splitting it all up and eBaying it bit by bit

I don't think that I would recover what I need to finish the SV, if I split the bike up and I am bound to be left with bits at the end.

So it is for sale as a complete bike. I use Time Pedals and will probably keep them, but everything else is going.

I am asking £800, but realistically know that I will have to negotiate. I should also add, that despite my time spent working for Halfords Bike Hut, I never did allow any of the monkeys employed as mechanics to work on her, so she is completely safe to ride! She has been a lovely bike, it is just a shame that riding her hurts me these days.

If I cannot generate any interest locally, I will probably stick her up on E-Bay in the next week or so. I have never sold anything on there, so it will be learning experience. :smt061

How much is it likely to cost to have a bike box delivered to some one? I am guessing about forty quid? :???:

[Drew Carey]

Howdy all you MTB buffs.

Wondering if you can help, I'm not really sure where to start..........

Here it is, I want to get a mountain bike.....budget is up to but no more than say £500. I would prefer something with lock out forks and wheels that I can put slicks on.

Before anyone suggests, I don't want a hybrid or a road bike. I want something I can commute on, but more importantly, have lots of fun off road. Plus, the roads around here are really bad for potholes, so road bike wouldn't work. I am happy changing tyres etc. So wondered what you guys and gals might suggest.

[Jayneflakes]

Here it is, I want to get a mountain bike.....budget is up to but no more than say £500. I would prefer something with lock out forks and wheels that I can put slicks on.

Quite a few examples of bikes at that price range that have lock out forks, however these forks are usually Suntour SR and although OK, they do not have the pedigree of Rockshox, Fox or Marzocchi. DOn't forget though to allow money for Helmet, shorts and gloves, they will save you a lot of pain.

Have a look at the GT Agressor and Carrera Fury, they are in your price range and can be found in your local friendly Halfords. Just be careful with having them built and serviced by the Monkeys there.

Other bikes worth a look are Specialized, Kona and Dawes, if you can find them. Avoid Apollo, Marlin (who try to steal Marin's name) and anything from Falcon. They are sh1te!

If you are interested in a pedigree Race bike for silly money, give me a shout about mine, however it is probably a bit too purposeful for your needs despite having a pair of slicks and a pair of Mud pluggers.

[xXBADGERXx]

Howdy all you MTB buffs.

Wondering if you can help, I'm not really sure where to start..........

Here it is, I want to get a mountain bike.....budget is up to but no more than say £500.

If you can sneak an extra £50 into that budget there is this .

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/specialized/hardrock-pro-disc-2010-mountain-bike-ec019397?query=hardrock

Forks are better than most around this price range , the problem with your price range is that you get a very good bike with competent kit on it apart from the forks . The handy thing is that if you feel you need better forks at a later date then you can pick some up on eBay and swap them over in less than 10 minutes .

[Drew Carey]

Cheers all.....

Taking Badgers advice, was thinking this,

http://brothertoncycles.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=210

Use the left over to buy shorts, helmet etc.

Then like you say, once needed, just buy forks in the future. Ignoring the forks, is that an ok setup for a beginner?

[xXBADGERXx]

Good starter bike , as you know the Suntour Forks are the bare minimum of a suspension fork setup and the brakes are mechanical disc ones (these could easily be replaced for hydraulic ones quite cheaply if you feel the need to stop quicker when you go off road) ...... but do not let that put you off . Over time you will get a chance to modify a bike to your taste and finally achieve the ride you like . I would rather buy something like this and adjust bits as I go along than spend £900 on a bike with good kit and then realise that MTB`ing is not for me . The addiction (little as you realise it) has started ...... just the mere fact that you are doing research means many a night eyeballing eBay for pimpy goodies , the joy of getting and installing them and the satisfaction from a good ride knowing that the kit you bought has served you well . Most of all , have fun and enjoy the ride mate ;)

On a side note , does your employer participate in the "Ride to Work" Scheme ? , it can save you a massive discount and be paid monthly from your wages ........ also Drew , don`t rule out last years models , sometimes they can be reduced and actually have a slightly different spec such as brakes or rims being different .

[xXBADGERXx]

Aaaah , and for an extra £50 you get slightly better brakes and a Suntour Fork that has Lockout

http://brothertoncycles.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=35&products_id=213

[Drew Carey]

Thats actually the one Lily said to go for and I probably would, as need lock out forks for the commuting part.

Quick couple more Q's....

1. If I was to look at a set of forks too, second hand or new, with a budget of up to £180, what would you get?

2. Lily has a decent Specialised hybrid. How much would you expect to get a set of wheels, with hubs, tyres etc for?

[xXBADGERXx]

If you wanted a set of forks then you would have to keep to forks designed for the geometry of the bike so your probably talking around the 100mm travel area . A set of Rock Shock Reba`s could be found second hand in that range easily .

I wouldn`t take a hybrid offroad to be honest but if you wanted wheels for it then you have to first see what wheels it has , some come with 26" Wheels and other Hybrids come with 700c wheels which are a slightly larger diameter and the sort you find on Road Bikes . You can get some very solid wheelsets for around £140 .

[Drew Carey]

Cheers badger for all the help...

She has 26" wheels on hers.....but to be fair, it is basically a specialised mtb frame, but with road running gear. SO yes the forks won't be great, but its just a case that I didn't think treaded road tyres would be suitable for gravel, plus the rims seem quite thin.

As for forks, are the Rock Shox darts ok? As they seem to have a massive price range to them. Or are the Rebas that much better?

[xXBADGERXx]

Dart 3 is ok for what you are requiring if you want them new , or risk it and go for a better fork again at second hand price ... and remember , most forks can be serviced if they get a bit tired . You can still get a good MTB tyre for thin rims . And I wouldn`t worry too much about rims , by the time you are brave enough to do the sort of things where you run the risk of damaging a rim then you will be getting a bit more hardcore and probably looking for the next type of bike . I have a set of Mavic rims here that are straight and true and under my cupboard as spares , yet on my bike I have Halo Freedom Disc rims and I managed to flare the rear rim slightly ....... and that was a monumental jump with a lacksadaisical landing that was my own fault ......... complacency and not paying attention caused that . The rim is still rideable and still on my bike and I go out and hammer it most weeks .

[northwind]

What size are you? Halfords still has these from last year...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_27 3287_categoryId_165499_langId_-1?cm_vc=IOV4PDPZ1&iozone=PDPz1

This year's model is slightly more expensive, and has a few spec differences... But either one is better than most bikes costing 50% more.

There's also this

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_51 5339_langId_-1_categoryId_165499 (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_27 3287_categoryId_165499_langId_-1?cm_vc=IOV4PDPZ1&iozone=PDPz1)

Which is a lovely bit of kit, a wee bit more cross country maybe. Between these 2, they completely clean-sweeped all the "£500-ish" bike tests this year, the Voodoo won the MBR one this year and last (they didn't include the Fury) while the What Mountain Bike one had the Fury clear top in a test that went up to £750.

[xXBADGERXx]

Same link twice there Northy . The Carrera has got some good kit on it for the money , but I reckon Drew is gonna need a bigger frame than a 16

[northwind]

Oops, fixed it. The newer model is about £50 more, still a good buy, they had last year's down to £360 last week which was ridiculous.

[xXBADGERXx]

For that money , yeah