The MTB thread

Bianchi 928, barloworld frame. Think I put a pic of it on the road cycling thread a while ago. Will repost it there in a mo!...

Cheers for the replies about lights, I took a gamble in the end and went for this one http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1111458878...84.m1438.l2649 it seems like a well constructed light and is very bright lighting the whole path ahead. The only downside is the rubber ring bracket that fixes it to the bars but you get what you pay for and at this price I can't complain.

Finally got my act together and got a cage, so can get me and the pushbike out of the Cesspit (london).

Most of the mountain biking I did was several years ago at uni in Bristol, and some riding out in Wales. Any recommendations on good places within say an hours drive of South West London?

Or does anyone fancy a ride next saturday and the chance to have a hearty giggle at my attempts to ride like I used to?

[JamesMio]

Cracking afternoon out up at Innerleithen yesterday.

I did my usual of cursing and moaning pretty much all the way up "the downhill is NEVER worth all this climbing" followed by a series of whoops and hollers, a grin from ear to ear and a "I take it all back, that is TOTALLY worth every inch of the climb" all the way back down again.

From the cairn at top of Minch Moor all the way back down to the car park my well be my favourite section of mountain bike trail yet.

Done it three times now and would go back tomorrow.

[JamesMio]

So - I've been looking at Coed-Y-Brenin and Bike Park Wales a bit of late, and am wondering what the scope might be for a weekend double-whammy down that way.

It's a fair old trek down to Wales from here, but if either of these bits are as good as they look it sounds like a rather awesome way to spend a weekend.

Has anyone from here been to either? Thoughts?

very jealous of your day yesterday James. Cadogan bank, also known as the Innerleithen Carp Park Downhill, is definitely my favorite bit of mountain biking. Haven't been there since 2007.

I've been to Coed-y-Brennin quite a few times. It's always been about a 4 hour drive for me, but totally worth it. They have a few loops. The Taru trail is the black/red run from the original trail centre and is no longer maintained which I think adds to it. Still signposted.

The Beast of Bodmin is a combination of Dragons Back and the MBR trail. Not really worth doing the beast in one go, usually so knackered by the end you don't enjoy it.

CYB was the first of the Welsh MTB centres so some of the trails didn't flow as much as say afan or Glentress but still really good fun, and plenty to keep you entertained for a weekend. I've done a few long weekends there and not been bored in three days of riding.

If you do go, depending on your weekend budget and the group you are going with, I would stay at the George III hotel just outside Dolgellau. Rooms are warm and the pub is good. Otherwise there are also some log cabins just up the road, which can store bike and are pretty nice inside.

I've done CYB once before and it's good, plenty of variety in the routes to make as long a day out of it as you want.

Not tried the other yet though...

[JamesMio]

Anyone interested in a deal on my Kona Stinky D/H bike?

Bought it to give downhill a proper go, but have used it twice and I'm fed up of tripping over it in the garage now!

Good nick, it's a 2007 model 16" frame yadda. Got it up on Singletrackworld for £600, but there's always wriggle room for an Orger!

Well I am officially back in the MTB clan...

Bought a 2013 Specialized Rockhopper Pro today. Second hand in brand new (seriously looks showroom fresh) condition with manuals and receipt I picked it up for £520 which seems pretty good to me. The lad selling said he often had more money than sense and was a serial impulse buyer.

Been 7 years since I had a decent MTB so I am pretty out of touch. At the moment next to my road bike it looks massive (only 17.5in frame) and with the 29in wheels dare I say it looks a bit ugly too. And the bars, are they really meant to be that wide? Can barely get it through my door. I am sure once I get used to it and get on trails again I will be loving it!

Anyways thoughts and suggestions on what to upgrade and accessories to add are all welcome

[JamesMio]

Droppy seat post.

Seriously, I took the p155 for yonks about these but having bit the bullet and fitted one I don't think I'll ever have another mountain bike without one now!

Other than that, some grippy shoes if you're on flats (Five Tens are the bomb) and just upgrade the other bits as & when they break.

Enjoy!