The MTB thread

[xXBADGERXx]

Just done a sneaky eBay snipe and bagged myself a KS i900r remote lever dropping seatpost , taken off a new bike so technically it is used but is brand new , the buggers pushed me to my maximum bid as well .

[7755matt]

Quick question:
I have a Rockrider decathlon mtb. Its been fine unitl recently when the chain seems to slip when in a midrange gear - middle on front chainset and most of the rear cassette, when stood up peddaling harder than normal.

Any idea what it might be? The adjustment seems fine and the gears are all selecting as they should be. Could it be a worn chain?

cheers

[barwel1992]

its the splines in the rear hub, its like a ratchet system that allows the bike to free wheel when you stop pedalling and then engages when you push on the pedals, this wares out over time and starts to slip

you need to get a new spline or a new hub

you can see the hub splines in this pic
http://www.amclassic.com/__we_thumbs__/1358_4_hubs_sixpawl.jpg

labelled as ratchet system hear
http://a10.idata.over-blog.com/0/02/72/10/dtswiss/coupe-1.jpg

[7755matt]

So why only when it's on the middle ring of the chainset? Surely if it's rear splines it would do it in every gear?

[barwel1992]

unless it the rings them selves are worn out like on a mbike, then its the splines

and the reason it does it on middle ring would be down to a certain amount of torque going through the ratchet, it happend to my deore hub and would only do it in certain gears so i replaced the whole wheel as the wheel was old any way and it went away

best thing to do is take it apart

[xXBADGERXx]

Sounds like worn Pawls and Springs to me in the freehub . It could also be a worn cassette on the back , does it feel like it is jumping one tooth at a time ? or many teeth in rapid succession ?

[7755matt]

Many teeth in rapid succession

I could try swapping cassettes at the weekend, see if that does anything

[xXBADGERXx]

Ok next question , do these feel like massive jumps with a quite strong action , or lots of little jumps with more of a "Zizzing" noise rather than "Clunking" ?

[northwind]

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

Big post incoming! Spent a lot of thought and time on this myself because of the osteoperosis (brittle bones) and dodgy knee.

Kyle strait kneepads from 661 are ace... Not too expensive, all-day comfortable (I've done XC racing in mine) and pretty protective (side pads as well as kneecap protection). A wee bit sweaty sometimes obviously but knees aren't good radiators anyway so you don't lose out too much (same reason you can wear shorts in the snow). Still worn these in heatwaves no bother.

They're knee pads only though but that's what's most important for legs IMO, your knees stick out and you often land on them or bash them, and they're pretty vulnerable. Shinpads means a lot more heat burden and hassle, I've got a set for the big stuff but I'd never wear them for most riding. For trails with more hard stuff to hit shins get more useful. Mine are POC Bone but Raceface Rally FR are very good too, they just don't fit me.

Elbows is harder too... I'd recommend the POC Bone ones, they're expensive and they look a bit excessive but they work so well. Most elbow pads are either too enclosing (like 661 Chicken Wings and the like) and so very hot and sweaty, or too loose (like 661 Comp, which are also pretty damn uncomfortable) These have a nice big articulated hardshell and only need 2 elasticated straps to keep them on, plus a thin lycra sock, so they're far less hot than any soft pad but far more comfortable than most hard pads.

But, expensive. 661 Evo are good too and make you look a bit less like a stormtrooper. 661 Race and Raceface Rally FR are both decent but they do the same job as the POCs less well. You do feel a bit of a knob in the POC ones but they work so well.

[Venom]

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?

You bought the fork yet? My Marzocchi MX Pro Lo fork (lock out, rebound adjust, 120mm travel) needs a new home. It's a budget fork at £160(ish) new

http://www.rushcycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b78s30p3611&rs=gb

Second hand... For you I'd prob sell mine at £50 or a close offer.

[Milky Bar Kid]

Oooooh Venom is back!

[Venom]

Oooooh Venom is back!

Kinda, did you miss me? :p

[Drew Carey]

You bought the fork yet? My Marzocchi MX Pro Lo fork (lock out, rebound adjust, 120mm travel) needs a new home. It's a budget fork at £160(ish) new

http://www.rushcycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b78s30p3611&rs=gb

Second hand... For you I'd prob sell mine at £50 or a close offer.

Cheers buddy. But no need, as mentioned on Facebook I ended up getting a Dectahlon Rockrider with Avid Juicy 3's, Shimano/Sram gear and Rock Shox Tora's for £499.

Happy days.

[ThEGr33k]

My friend snapped his Rock rider 6.3 Shock the other day... woops. :S

Im still contemplating some Boxxer Race for my Scott Fr 30, they are lighter than the Rockshox Domain 302 that came on it and offer much more adjustment, travel and id imagine survivability? Price (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?PartnerID=79&ModelID=34998) isnt bad either, what you think?

Later date ill have to see about putting a nicer shock on the rear, then it'll be sorted... man ill have nothing left that Ill want to do, except ride it :)

[Drew Carey]

My friend snapped his Rock rider 6.3 Shock the other day... woops. :S

I believe they fit a not so very good Suntour fork to the 6.3, so can see why that happened.

My next upgrades will be saving up for better wheels, as the rockrider comes with some not so great Rigida rims......probably save up for a set of Hope Pro 2's me is thinking.

PS...the Boxxer you linked is nice.....more expensive than my whole bike mind!!!! lol

[ThEGr33k]

It wasnt the forks, though they do now move in ways they wernt intended to... It was the rear shock!!! Weird init! :-?

The one you bought looks like a nice do most things well bike! :) I have some Tora 318 Solo airs (set to 135mm travel) and I rate them pretty well considering the price!!! Im sure you'll have fun :)

[northwind]

So... Since I last posted in here I have:

Added a Blackspire Stinger chain device, a set of Easton Havoc DH bars and stuck in a Works Components 2 degree head angle reducer. Oh and bought a set of 2-step air Lyriks which instantly exploded and are off for warranty replacement.

Then, taken said augmented Hemlock and flung it down a variety of mountains in France including a run down the superbagneres DH course- not that tough but 3 times more vertical descent than fort william and a hell of a lot steeper and looser... And also ridden up a 24km tour-de-france cat A road climb on the thing :D Spent a week in Luchon in the Pyrenees with a company called A Quick Release and got a ride in every day, can't really believe I managed all the climbs but somehow I did and the descents were just awesome. Went on forever, some of them, almost no purpose built mtb trails but rocks, rivers, natural berms, dust, switchbacks... Brilliant stuff. Nice to have a world cup racer as a guide!

A Hemlock, up a bloody great mountain:
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/Pyrenees/GOPR0109.jpg

Wish I'd had the SV for this road...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/Pyrenees/GOPR0079.jpg
We started at 10am and climbed til 1pm, basically nonstop. Brutal, on a 30lb bike with fat tyres on. If I'd been able to catch up with my mate with the Anthem X I'd have killed him and stole his bike.

Looking tired at the end of the week...
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/Pyrenees/18082010039.jpg

Then came home and fitted silly tractor tyres for an uplift day at innerleithen, which was ace. I don't do downhill properly, I go real slow and keep the wheels on the ground mostly and just treat the trails like really madly difficult technical XC trails, seems to work. Couldn't have done this a year ago, I just wouldn't have had the ability. Very good day.

Also mothballed me Soul, and bought a Ragley Mmmbop which has all the Soul's kit bolted to it now. very very nice, light and fast but slacker than the Soul so it's much happier when it gets steep. Not such a great XC bike though. Managed to avoid spending a penny on this by selling some other bits so that's nice. Not sure if I'll keep it or the Soul yet though.

In the same time period I think I've spent about 10 minutes working on the SV :rolleyes:

[BigBaddad]

I first started mountain biking in the late 80's. I guy at work got me into it. I started out with an Emmelle, they used to make reasonable bikes back then. It had double skined rims, Biopace chainset (remember biopace)and a mountain LX groupset, it was black with green flecks. Only being used to road bikes and being 6'3" tall I opted for a 23" frame. I had many a crossbar groin interface.

We used to ride out find an obsticle and ride it. There used to be a ford along a farm track that was made up of rubble and broken bricks, that was always a challenge, we'd sometimes ride down the river until the water got to saddle height.

Now I just trundle about with my wife.

[ThEGr33k]

Looks like you had a grand time away Northy (lucky git!) sounds exactly like what I should get away and do!!!


Oh and bought a set of 2-step air Lyriks which instantly exploded and are off for warranty replacement.



I think if/when I buy any more suspension ill go Coil. Air just isnt reliable enough and when it does go its GONE. At least with coil its practically impossible to make completely unridable.

(I do actually own some Solo Air Tora's, so im allowed a box :cool:)


Out of interest (cos im not sure, its a fair amount of money) what you think to Boxxer race forks for my Scott?

[barwel1992]

Looks like you had a grand time away Northy (lucky git!) sounds exactly like what I should get away and do!!!




I think if/when I buy any more suspension ill go Coil. Air just isnt reliable enough and when it does go its GONE. At least with coil its practically impossible to make completely unridable.

(I do actually own some Solo Air Tora's, so im allowed a box :cool:)


Out of interest (cos im not sure, its a fair amount of money) what you think to Boxxer race forks for my Scott?

to focused for the bike, unless you want to do proper DH then you might want to look at changing your bike as well ;)

[ThEGr33k]

to focused for the bike, unless you want to do proper DH then you might want to look at changing your bike as well ;)

Freeride, so bit of everything... DH with some light XC.

The Scott FR frame is used as a DH frame by some, so I dont think that would be an issue even if I went down that route. :cool:

http://lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb5286094/p4pb5286094.jpg

As an example, damn that looks fine!



Just one other, http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10034/55660/217970 That comes with the DC Domains, just heavier Boxxers...

[Drew Carey]

Quick Q guys.......

Hypothetical question, but I am happy with most things on my bike with the exception of the rims......if you had say £250 to spend on anything bike related......what would you spend it on? Would you upgrade lots of little bits and get some decent but not flashy rims.......

Or..........should I buy a set of Hope Hoops for the full amount?

Just thinking out aloud at the moment.

[northwind]

Looks like you had a grand time away Northy (lucky git!) sounds exactly like what I should get away and do!!!

I think if/when I buy any more suspension ill go Coil. Air just isnt reliable enough and when it does go its GONE. At least with coil its practically impossible to make completely unridable.

Out of interest (cos im not sure, its a fair amount of money) what you think to Boxxer race forks for my Scott?

Yeah mate, it was really good. Not as expensive as I'd expected, cheaper than 2 weeks in Majorca like everyone else at my work does. Though really, we could have done the exact same thing in the UK, get a hotel in the middle of wales and just ride every day for a week, but it was nice to have some sunshine.

Air, well, the 2 sets of air Revs I have are amazing, it's just these Lyriks, I phoned up TF Tuned and I said "Oh, hi, I've got these 2-step Lyriks and" and the feller interrupted and said "Yeah, they'll have blown up. Coil conversion £75". Quite funny. But it's getting 2010 internals in it apparently as the old ones were pish. Might still do the coil conversion but can't get it done on warranty :(

Haven't a clue about Boxxers thom, outside of my remit! Though, you know they're doing a double crown domain next year? Apparently because the Boxxer Race doesn't stand up to constant park/freeride use. So maybe not as massively tough as you'd think... Bet I couldn't break 'em though. You get a lot of metal for your money don't you!

I first started mountain biking in the late 80's.

I was just watching a video of an old mtb race thinking "Ah! That's why I stopped riding!" I quit mtbing in about 92 and didn't do it again til they'd invented bikes that work :grin: When I got my Carrera (£200 in 2009) my mates said it was rubbish, but if I'd taken it back in time to when I got my last mtb before that (1990 I think) it'd have been the best mountain bike in the world :smt081

[northwind]

Hypothetical question, but I am happy with most things on my bike with the exception of the rims......if you had say £250 to spend on anything bike related......what would you spend it on? Would you upgrade lots of little bits and get some decent but not flashy rims.......

Or..........should I buy a set of Hope Hoops for the full amount?


Depends on the bike really... Rims seem like a good place to spend money to me, I've spent more than I should on mine maybe but the light ones are strong and the strong ones are light... Not sure what I'd do but if there's nothing else begging for an upgrade then maybe.

[maviczap]

Yep, apart from the frame, good wheels or rims are essential on either a road bike or an MTB
Even budget Shimano shifters work well, they just don't last as long as the top end stuff, so you can put up with them.

But heavy or poor quality wheels affect the ride a lot

[Drew Carey]

Well the frame on my bike is Ok, I have Tora 302 forks which should do what I want.....ie XC and commuting to work. The running gear is a mixture if SRAM top of the line stuff, middle spec stuff and Diore crank. Brakes are Avid Juicy 3's which I like.

My plan at the moment was upgrading all the bits and wheels etc. Then once they are all upgraded, will buy in say a year or twos time a frame, switch it all over and then upgrade forks.

Just cant decide whether to upgrade cassette, front & rear derailleur, seat post, headset, bars, chain, grips etc......thus leaving just Rims to upgrade in the future......or splash out on Rims now.

The rims I have already are a set of Rigida rims, with not very good hubs. I have been using the bike for 5 weeks and already have a kink due to someone forcing me up a kurb.....I know good rims etc won't fuly solve that, but stronger rims would help.

So if it was your choice, would you upgrade all you can for £250 and leave the rims, or do the rims first and upgrade other bits as you go in the future? Any advice would be good?

[northwind]

Sounds all pretty decent to me. Is it the current deore cranks, with the external bottom bracket? If it is, they're good, no need to replace 'em. You'd lose, oh, 150g or something going up to XT if I recall right but that's nothing really for the cost. And anyway, best to use drivetrain til it wears out and replace it then if you must.

Think I'd go for wheels myself, that's not an amazing fork mind but it's good enough.

[Drew Carey]

Cheers Northy....agree fork is still entry level, but I dont think spending £250 on forks would be worthwhile at mo.

Looks like around xmas time I will therefore look at some rims. Anyone got any views on alternatives to hope hoops? Is there anything cheaper that are still good, thus buying a few other bits. Was thinking these maybe....

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=30822

Thus giving me £80 to upgrade stem, bar, grips.

Or DMR comp combo at £150, thus giving me a little more to play with....plus they are in a funky red colour so woul go well with bike etc. I just dont know if spending the full £250 on a set of wheels is worth it now. Grrrrrrrr. choices choices choices.

[maviczap]

Well the frame on my bike is Ok, I have Tora 302 forks which should do what I want.....ie XC and commuting to work. The running gear is a mixture if SRAM top of the line stuff, middle spec stuff and Diore crank. Brakes are Avid Juicy 3's which I like.

My plan at the moment was upgrading all the bits and wheels etc. Then once they are all upgraded, will buy in say a year or twos time a frame, switch it all over and then upgrade forks.

Just cant decide whether to upgrade cassette, front & rear derailleur, seat post, headset, bars, chain, grips etc......thus leaving just Rims to upgrade in the future......or splash out on Rims now.

The rims I have already are a set of Rigida rims, with not very good hubs. I have been using the bike for 5 weeks and already have a kink due to someone forcing me up a kurb.....I know good rims etc won't fuly solve that, but stronger rims would help.

So if it was your choice, would you upgrade all you can for £250 and leave the rims, or do the rims first and upgrade other bits as you go in the future? Any advice would be good?

I'd spend my money on wheels now, as yours are showing signs of abuse :p

But I remember how much you said you weighed Drew, so wheels are going to have a hard life. Buy a set, so then you've got a spare wheels, use your original wheels as spares Rigida rims & unbranded hubs are where manufacturers save big bucks. Upgrade your gears when they stop working

[Drew Carey]

I'd spend my money on wheels now, as yours are showing signs of abuse :p

But I remember how much you said you weighed Drew, so wheels are going to have a hard life.

This is very true. Lol.....mean but true!!! :D

been doing some searching and for my £250.....I was thinking of getting this lot....

DMR Comp Wheelset - £150
ODI Grips & End Plugs - £14
Diety Components DH Bar - £15
Raceface XC Stem - £22
SRAM PG990 - £45 (Not top of the range cassette, but better than the one I currently have).

Anyone got any views on any of these? Good or bad.....keep clear etc.

[yorkie_chris]

Sounds all pretty decent to me. Is it the current deore cranks, with the external bottom bracket? If it is, they're good, no need to replace 'em. You'd lose, oh, 150g or something going up to XT if I recall right but that's nothing really for the cost. And anyway, best to use drivetrain til it wears out and replace it then if you must.

Think I'd go for wheels myself, that's not an amazing fork mind but it's good enough.

The hollowtech crank on my (POS) bike made a massive difference, you could feel masses of flex in the square tapers that were on before.

[xXBADGERXx]

The hollowtech crank on my (POS) bike made a massive difference, you could feel masses of flex in the square tapers that were on before.

I went Hollowtech II . They are cheap Bottom Brackets that last as long if maybe longer than expensive ones . The knack with them is to make sure your Bottom Bracket is chased and faced so they are square to each other when fitted to the bike .

[yorkie_chris]

Yeah hollowtech 2 here too. I just measured mine up with vernier and square to have a see, if it was out it wasn't by far... couple of thou. Done (optimistically) 150 miles on it until I bent the wheel other month and it's fine, still smooth action.

[maviczap]

This is very true. Lol.....mean but true!!! :D



I tried to convey the message as gently as possible :p

[Drew Carey]

I tried to convey the message as gently as possible :p

Hence why I am more prone to the DMR wheels.....as they are for dirt jumping etc so should be strong enough to handle my 17st frame!!!! lol :D

[ThEGr33k]

Quick Q guys.......

Hypothetical question, but I am happy with most things on my bike with the exception of the rims......if you had say £250 to spend on anything bike related......what would you spend it on? Would you upgrade lots of little bits and get some decent but not flashy rims.......

Or..........should I buy a set of Hope Hoops for the full amount?

Just thinking out aloud at the moment.

Hoops should be a good investment im sure. As you have already said :)


Air, well, the 2 sets of air Revs I have are amazing, it's just these Lyriks, I phoned up TF Tuned and I said "Oh, hi, I've got these 2-step Lyriks and" and the feller interrupted and said "Yeah, they'll have blown up. Coil conversion £75". Quite funny. But it's getting 2010 internals in it apparently as the old ones were pish. Might still do the coil conversion but can't get it done on warranty :(

Haven't a clue about Boxxers thom, outside of my remit! Though, you know they're doing a double crown domain next year? Apparently because the Boxxer Race doesn't stand up to constant park/freeride use. So maybe not as massively tough as you'd think... Bet I couldn't break 'em though. You get a lot of metal for your money don't you!


Yea, I heard all the 2-step systems were a little rubbish :( I was looking into Totem forks (but man they are SUPER unreliable, seals everything :S) coils you cant really go too wrong with, I guess weigh increase but not enough to worry im sure. :)

I seen the domains Double clamp, they have them on the new FR20 (one up from mine). Look great, just the weight :( The boxxers are like 6lb and the Domains are 8lb. Now I know im not really looking for light weight, but still thats a lot, also the '10 Boxxers are about the same as the '11 Domain DC's, so thought why not. :)

Will let you know if I decide £500 is a good investment! Erm, one thing, how much for the 2-steps? If it was a lot it might make me feel better spending my money :p

I went Hollowtech II . They are cheap Bottom Brackets that last as long if maybe longer than expensive ones . The knack with them is to make sure your Bottom Bracket is chased and faced so they are square to each other when fitted to the bike .

Hollowtech just External BB? I got the cheap **** Shimano (LX?) crank and BB and that has done great so far. :smt026


Thought id add a picture of bike after Saturdays ride in the peaks, yes, the day after the wettest week in a long time ha ha

http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8034&d=1286408700

[barwel1992]

hollow tech is the way to go my saint DH cranks (1st type) are going strong with about 600 miles on them hard riding (had them the year they came out) used for dirt jump, street, and DH/FR

[northwind]

Erm, one thing, how much for the 2-steps? If it was a lot it might make me feel better spending my money :p


£250 :cool: But used. They somehow managed to blow up in the post :rolleyes: I thought at first the guy was chancing it but then I realised there was no loose oil in the packaging, it didn't start to leak til I fitted it, so no chance it was like that when he mailed it. Glad I didn't have those on when i went to france really...

[ThEGr33k]

Damn, thats a pretty price for a bifter fork, I guess even if you do the coil conversion its still nice! Where was the fork leaking? I know my Tora seaped a little oil out of the rebound housing. Tightened it a little more and its bedded in fine. Though I suppose I should do a service now and make sure that the oil level is right... heh.

My Domains are similar (basically the same but with steel uppers instead of your aluminium ones and slight internal damping difference) so when they do work they should be very nice. With the coil that mine have its very plush considering mine is a budget item.

[yorkie_chris]

You serious guys have a very odd idea of "budget"!!!

[ThEGr33k]

Ha ha, its because the Domain 302 that came on my bike is kinda the cheapest Freeride fork around... Granted they still cost as much as your average Halfords bike (~£300 in this case) but still... Budget in class.

[northwind]

Damn, thats a pretty price for a bifter fork, I guess even if you do the coil conversion its still nice! Where was the fork leaking? I know my Tora seaped a little oil out of the rebound housing. Tightened it a little more and its bedded in fine. Though I suppose I should do a service now and make sure that the oil level is right... heh.


Yeah, leaked out the top of the launch control adjuster. Oh and went from 160mm to about 100mm of travel :D Apart from blowing up thogh they're lovely, got them off a guy who's had them in 2 different bikes and yet they look absolutely brand new, he basically never rode them. So it'll work out well in the end, it's just a pain in the ****.

You serious guys have a very odd idea of "budget"!!!

Nah, fair play, I'm an idiot when it comes to spending money on bikes :D But I figure I get a lot out of it so why not.

[christopher]

I used to enjoy messing around on my MTB when I was younger (I'm 24 now), main one was a 16.5" Giant Boulder Alu Shock (1999) bought new which looked like this...

http://oi54.tinypic.com/2qa0pea.jpg

I'm not unfit, but certainly not what you'd call fit either. I have a high metabolism and am slim considering how much, and what, I can eat and the minimal amount of exercise I get. Sitting at a computer for 50+ hours a week (maybe more) doesn't help.

So for a bit of fun and to improve my fitness I'm now the proud owner of a 20" Carrera Fury (09) (http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_51 8245_langId_-1_categoryId_165499) which I paid £470 for. Not sure if that was good, bad or just plain average value but I'm happy with it so far which is all that matters to me.

Had it about a week and currently riding on the road to get back into the swing of things. Doing a 7 mile loop (on road) in 35 minutes which doesn't seem great, but something to work on.

Anyway that's my introduction into this thread! :D

[northwind]

That's a great buy, nice one! Ridiculously good bikes for the money, it was in the What Mountain Bike £750 bike test and still won despite costing only 2/3ds of the budget. Ace. 20 inch is pretty big?

[christopher]

Aye a lot of friend's and stuff I'd read said 20" was big, at just over 6ft I know I could probably have got the 18" but after sitting on both and riding them round the car park the 20" just felt right. The reach to handlebars felt much better etc. I know i could have shifted the seat back/forth or whatever, but it just felt right when riding it.

Might be different on the trails and if that's the case and I get too many balls/frame incidents I'll (unfortunately) put it down to experience and look to sell and buy a smaller frame.

[northwind]

Fair play, good approach that.

[ThEGr33k]

Well ordered the Boxxer forks, came today, in the one hour that no one was at home... I must be a sod because I do abide very well to the laws. Sigh. They are trying again tomorrow so I have made sure someone will be in all day, or should be.

Bloody hell with my luck is all ill say.

[ThEGr33k]

Another bump...

Anyone know where I can get a 2.75" x 250lb x 162mm spring from? The 350lb spring is for someone between 80-90kg and I weigh 65kg! ha ha


EDIT* Found out that the first measurement is the travel of the spring, not the width. heh. Idiot. Ordered a 3" 250lb 162mm spring. Just hope it doesnt make the bike unpeddalable. (is that a word?)

[Venom]

...unpeddalable. (is that a word?)

erm... we should make it a word!!

I am getting this fork (http://www.foxracingshox.com/bike/11/forks/32_F-SERIES/FIT_RLC) fitted today with new Hope headset. Will match the through axle on the front by replacing the rear dropouts with maxle ones. Also new Hope Pro II hubbed wheels were needed to fit the new axles. Think I've just doubled the initial cost of my bike... ouch.

[Luckypants]

We will be expecting great things next weekend then! :D

[Venom]

We will be expecting average things next weekend then! :D

corrected! ;)

I'm just fitting new bits to make me seem better than I really am and so I can stand a chance of keeping up.

[northwind]

Just back after a last-minute trip to Wales :cool: Friends of mine had planned the trip but a change at work meant I could get the week off unexpectedly, found out on friday, was in Machynlleth 24 hours laters :mrgreen:

Not bad this Wales lark as it turns out. Went to Nant y Arian and did the syfydrin trail on sunday, then Coed y Brenin for 2 days, did the Beast on Monday and went back and did the Tarw trail as a recovery ride on Tuesday (plus some of us sneaked in a quick blast round the start and finish of the beast again, which is a brilliant wee loop). Then Penmachno on Wednesday, and rounded off with a quick lap of Climachx before driving home yesterday.

All a bit last minute so sorry for not looking up the welsh folks I was supposed to while I was down! Was just riding, eating, and sleeping and not much else, ace. Not one bad ride though Coed y Brenin and Climachx get top honours, that final decent at Climachx is absolutely mint even if you do accidentally ride slightly off a cliff... And loved all the stone pitching at CYB, very different to most things up here.

Will have to get back down next year... On the slight downside I did manage to pull all the crank bolts out of the granny ring on my Mmmbop and so had to do most of Penmachno with no low gears, which was a bummer and might be expensive but still, great week, not quite as good as the week in france but very close.

[Luckypants]

Very disappointed you did not flag up you were down old boy! I actually rode my road bike through Machynlleth on Saturday! Then I went for lunch at Coed-y-Brenin... :smt021

You might want to take a look at this thread http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=157242 which is happening a week from next weekend. Even if you cannot make it, a quick review of the trails you rode would add to the discussions on what to ride. :D

[northwind]

Ah, well, at lunchtime on saturday I was broken down on the side of the M6 waiting for the AA man to come and plug in the computer then wiggle some wires around until the engine magically worked again :mrgreen: TBH it was a messy week, lots of stuff I could have done better if I'd had more than, oh, 12 hours to plan it but still ace.

Was also quite funny recognising little bits of wales from the Shrewsbury AR, though the first landmark I recognised was the little chef just outside Dolgellau...

[Luckypants]

Funny how close we were. My lunch was at 3pm, you probably drove past me. The hill down to that Little Chef saw me get over 92kph - bloody tourist cars hold me up on my push bike even! :mrgreen: Glad you had a blast here Northy, next time give me a shout, it would be fun to ride with you.

[ThEGr33k]

Northwind... two words; Lucky bugger!

erm... we should make it a word!!

I am getting this fork (http://www.foxracingshox.com/bike/11/forks/32_F-SERIES/FIT_RLC) fitted today with new Hope headset. Will match the through axle on the front by replacing the rear dropouts with maxle ones. Also new Hope Pro II hubbed wheels were needed to fit the new axles. Think I've just doubled the initial cost of my bike... ouch.


They are nice forks the Fox ones, lots of moneys though! :(

What was the original bike?



Oh, managed to snap the Bearing race (headset part that goes on the forks first) in when getting it off of the old forks to fit the boxxers, so have to get a new one... sigh! Also spring for rear shock seems to be home now so ill have a bike to suit my weight. Probably the worst bike to use for any sort of cross country ever... but as I say, "it'll get me fitter faster". :D

[Venom]

They are nice forks the Fox ones, lots of moneys though! :(

What was the original bike?

It's a Marin.

The fork was several hundred quid. I'm going to be sleeping with my bike in bed with a baseball bat.

Hope you solve your suspension problem soon

[ThEGr33k]

Aye me too. Sucks having it but not being able to at least test it. Oh well will get to the shop and get the part and then all is good :D :D :D :D :D :D etc

[ThEGr33k]

I seem to be taking over this thread a little atm...

Anyway, got the boxxers on and got a softer spring on the rear to suit my weight and damn, this bike can now take some big hits and dont even care!

Only thing is, I think the standard Headset is completely busted, a hella lot of movement, had to over tighten to stop that and now the bearings arnt so happy :(

So looking at the Halo 1.5" stepdown (frame has 1.5" Head and the boxxer is 1.18".

Pic;

http://forums.sv650.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=8096&d=1287339608

[maviczap]

I seem to be taking over this thread a little atm...

If you do this you'll get accused of being a spammer :p

[northwind]

My Mmmbop is dead :( The brake mounts were squint from new, I just had a closer look and discovered the whole left dropout plate is warped, probably from heat when it got welded up. Emailed Ragley and they say "Don't ride it, just send it straight back to the shop and get a new one" :( So, off to Chain Reaction it goes. And they're sold out of blue ones too. GRR.

On the other hand this gives me the excuse I needed to rebuild my rigid XC bike til I get the new frame.

[ThEGr33k]

Your what is dead? :-?

[northwind]

This:

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i264/Northwindlowlander/mountain%20bike/Mmmbop/P1010264.jpg

My XC bike. Well, kinda, most XC bikes don't have 67 degree head angles and 140mm forks. CRC better get me a replacement sorted quick...

[northwind]

Oh PS, if anyone's after a dropper seatpost Superstar are selling off 2009-spec KS i900s but upgraded with the 2010-spec internals for £140. Just ordered one meself for the Hemlock.

[mattSV]

Picked up my new ride on Friday night - a Boardman Team FS:-

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs794.snc4/67459_10150293026710463_895840462_15371701_340162_ n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs405.ash2/68326_10150293026730463_895840462_15371702_2612666 _n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs264.snc4/39560_10150293026760463_895840462_15371703_3001718 _n.jpg

List price is £999, I managed to confuse the goons at Halfords by reserving on line (with a 10% discount) and then getting another 10% discount when I went to collect it :mrgreen:

I had a £1k C2W voucher, so that gave me another £190 to spunk on accessories - then realised it was 10% off all accessories so I filled my boots :cheers:

Treated myself to a pair of Maxxis High Roller Super Tackies, some new gloves, shock pump, computer blah blah blah.

When I arrived it was still boxed, which at least i could keep an eye on them whilst they built it up - apart from putting the rear tyre on reversed they did a pretty good job, including setting the static sag up correctly for me.

Took it for a shakedown on Sunday on a trail on the South Downs, and it runs really nice - with the front and rear locked out, it climbs as well as my Scott Competition XC hardtail, and downhill it flies.

Looking forward to taking it up to Llandegla next week when I think the only problem will be my fitness levels :rolleyes:

[ThEGr33k]

Nice looking rod, very XC. What sort of riding you planning on doing with that? (Dont just say XC...)

[Filipe M.]

And.......... finally took my bicycle out of the garage for a very short ride on saturday afternoon. Would have felt better to be back in the saddle had I not forgotten the spongy bit that goes inside my shorts! :lol:
Anyway, it was good to see the bike is still what I remembered it to be, now I just need to find the air pump to set the Bomber's preload right again. :lol:

[mattSV]

Nice looking rod, very XC. What sort of riding you planning on doing with that? (Dont just say XC...)

TBH hadn't really given a great deal of thought as to what sort of riding - trails I guess ;)

I already had a decent hardtail and road bike, so there was a gap in the stable. I had a £1k C2W voucher to pi55 away so i thought why not, for about £15 a month interest free over the next three years :p

At the end of the 3 years, it is mine, all mine :cheers:

[maviczap]

Picked up my new ride on Friday night - a Boardman Team FS:-

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs794.snc4/67459_10150293026710463_895840462_15371701_340162_ n.jpg



Got one of these on my Ebay watchlist, looks mint to me, starts at £400

[ThEGr33k]

Cool. Yea the components are nice. Only thing might be that it could be best to put a bigger rotor on the front for added stopping power, should you feel the need that is. :)

[northwind]

I like that Boardman... Supertackies on both ends eh? You must be fit :D

[yorkie_chris]

Big thanks to Mike as I now have some wheels which are ROUND!! :-D

Should be out terrifying the wildlife again soon :)

[northwind]

That's the best sort of wheels, nice work!

[northwind]

Oh... Does anyone want a really nice set of brakes? Due to a gigantic ebay cockup I've ended up with a set of Formula Oro K24s I don't need, absolutely brand new in their packaging, with an 800mm front hose and 1400mm rear... They don't have any discs, I can probably scratch up suitable mounts for them though. Looking for £125 for them which is exactly half the price of a new set from Chain Reaction ;)

[Filipe M.]

Oh... Does anyone want a really nice set of brakes? Due to a gigantic ebay cockup I've ended up with a set of Formula Oro K24s I don't need, absolutely brand new in their packaging, with an 800mm front hose and 1400mm rear... They don't have any discs, I can probably scratch up suitable mounts for them though. Looking for £125 for them which is exactly half the price of a new set from Chain Reaction ;)

Grrrrrrr wrong time, another couple of months and I might take them off your hands... :mad: too expensive for what I'm looking for anyway (or so I have to convince myself...)

Good luck with the sale ;)

[yorkie_chris]

Another bump...

Anyone know where I can get a 2.75" x 250lb x 162mm spring from? The 350lb spring is for someone between 80-90kg and I weigh 65kg! ha ha


EDIT* Found out that the first measurement is the travel of the spring, not the width. heh. Idiot. Ordered a 3" 250lb 162mm spring. Just hope it doesnt make the bike unpeddalable. (is that a word?)

FFS man choose which units you're using.

[ThEGr33k]

FFS man choose which units you're using.


Its not me! Its how they measure them! Seriously... shocking (he he) init!

Here (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=15606) have a look...

[Luckypants]

Picked up my new ride on Friday night - a Boardman Team FS:-

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs794.snc4/67459_10150293026710463_895840462_15371701_340162_ n.jpg


Can I have a go mister? :D Expect to be elbowed off this weekend so I get a test ride! If the frame is any good then these look like a right bargain, especially at the price you managed to pay. If I got one of these, then a few more pennies towards my new road bike...

[northwind]

Here, Thegreek, your bike got a hell of a review in Dirt this month, "One of the best bikes we've ridden this year". Nice!

[ThEGr33k]

Here, Thegreek, your bike got a hell of a review in Dirt this month, "One of the best bikes we've ridden this year". Nice!

Heh, cool. :)

Dont suppose its online or you could scan it?

Taaaa :D

[Luckypants]

Would appreciate opinions on the Trek Top Fuel 8 2010 model please. Real opinions, not those of MBR/DIRT/MBUK regurgitated. I know it is a race oriented bike, but I can get one quite cheap so willing to compromise.

I'll be riding XC in the hills, some trail centres and the odd MTB marathon event.

Thoughts please.

[ThEGr33k]

Its a lot of money...

Im not big into the XC side of things. Looks like it should be good though tbh. Cant see a weight on their site, but it looks light.

Shifters are good, brakes are good, suspension is good. :)

hth at least a little...

Best might be to check http://www.pinkbike.com/forum/

[Luckypants]

Its a lot of money...I've found one almost half price! So sure it's a lot of money, but it is a lot of bike for the price I have found. My current bike was expensive and more than my legs could justify at the time, but it's done me 14 years or more with minimal new parts. Doing the same again seems to make sense.

Oh and it comes in at just over 27lbs, same as my current hard-tail. :smt040

[barwel1992]

Oh and it comes in at just over 27lbs, same as my current hard-tail. :smt040

im sure my rear wheel weighs that much :lol:

[maviczap]

I've found one almost half price! So sure it's a lot of money, but it is a lot of bike for the price I have found. My current bike was expensive and more than my legs could justify at the time, but it's done me 14 years or more with minimal new parts. Doing the same again seems to make sense.

Oh and it comes in at just over 27lbs, same as my current hard-tail. :smt040

Stop trying to justifiy buying it, just do it, you know you want too :)

[Luckypants]

That's my problem, I WANT it, but do I have the legs to justify it? :D Will it be too race focused and kill me on a full day out on the trail? Am I just being a tart?

It's a lot of money for a push-bike if I don't like it and it stays in the shed!

[barwel1992]

find a shop with one then and ask to ride it round the car park a bit to get a feel for it

[maviczap]

That's my problem, I WANT it, but do I have the legs to justify it? :D Will it be too race focused and kill me on a full day out on the trail? Am I just being a tart?

It's a lot of money for a push-bike if I don't like it and it stays in the shed!

I thought that when I bought my carbon Wilier road bike, but once it was properly sorted the smiles per mile are all worth it. Now I don't regret buying it

If you can get yours for half price then its going to even better.

There's plenty of poseurs out there on bikes they can't justify having or use to their full potential, but it is worth buying something that will do the job properly. Especially where you live and the trials you have access too.

I would have trouble justifiying something like that round here in the flatlands :p

[ThEGr33k]

I wouldnt worry about it "being too good for you", it might just take a bit of getting used to but after that running in period you'll do fine.

If you are looking to get fit though, do XC on my bike ;) 36lb, too much suspension travel and 8 gears ha ha.

[yorkie_chris]

Would someone enlighten a noob what bit of it would be too race focussed?

Wrong rear suspension for going up hills or something else?

[northwind]

Dont suppose its online or you could scan it?


Don't have a scanner mate, sorry... Dirt don't put their reviews online as far as I know.

[barwel1992]

Would someone enlighten a noob what bit of it would be too race focussed?

Wrong rear suspension for going up hills or something else?

i have found usually that race focused bikes work well flat out and been pushed to the limit, but not so good at a slower pace.

well thats what i found with my bike, when it was set up for just Free ride, to focused for any thing else.

[Luckypants]

Would someone enlighten a noob what bit of it would be too race focussed?

Wrong rear suspension for going up hills or something else?

Well a race focused XC bike will have a 'racer back' riding position, so you are more stretched out than on most bikes. This one has flat bars and long top tube to achieve that. Also it has a lot less suspension travel than a more 'recreational' full suss bike (100mm) but that makes it tighter and more flighty. It'll take more riding on the downhills for sure. The plus side to that 'tightness' is better hill climbing and speed on the flatter sections.

My current hardtail has quite a sporty riding position and almost flat bars, so it will probably feel ok to me, but it may be too focused for long days in the saddle. Bit like going touring on on a supersports motorbike :D I'm just after opinions of folks who have seen them in action or may have even ridden one, because I'll be buying it untried (no chance to get to a shop to try one either)

[xXBADGERXx]

The stem can be replaced with a shorter one mate , takes mere seconds to do so you can customise your "Stretch" , you`ve seen my bars and stem , I prefer to be almost upright so I can get over the back on steep stuff .

Cursory glances at reviews say it is more of a Trail bike than an out and out Racer , so good news for you on that front :)

[Luckypants]

EEEeeeek! I have put down a deposit!

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/top_fuel_8xl.jpg

[Drew Carey]

Cooooooooool. Nice bike that.

[xXBADGERXx]

Sweeeeeeet!!!

[maviczap]

Now that is a cool looking Trek

[pookie]

thats a great bike, they've got a good price on them at evans at the moment.

[barwel1992]

that looks very nice ....for a trek