After reading the brilliant bimble thread I've begun to realise I am becoming a bit of a bimbler. Since starting a family there isn't much time for riding and my sense of self preservation has (belatedly) kicked in. Therefore I'm finding myself, when I do get out, pedaling along the canal and just generally exploring.
My Trans AM is overkill for what I'm doing, so what do people recommend for bimbling interspersed with a bit of trail, singletrack and road riding? I'm thinking a 29er is still the way forward, but perhaps a bit lighter and less aggro with the ability to still point downwards when needed. My riding is likely going to be longer distance on varying terrain and was previously natural trails around the Peak, Buxton and Macclesfield.
budget? off the peg whole bike? or happy to build a 2nd hand scavenged machine?
Second hand or new, less than a grand. Maybe even a Pinkbike swap for the current bike. Possible frame only if bits off the current bike can be used.
I'd build up a Swift like this. Big slicks, smaller slicks or something with nobs on. And you've got a very capable xc machine underneath if you need it.
Your budget would do new F&F with parts bin/parts transfer. Frames come up 2nd hand every now and then.
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You can bimble on anything but it has to be comfortable and simple. It has to be up to keeping going wherever the muse leads.
In the past this has been either a retro steel Kona with P2s or a Cannondale CAAD3 with Mary bars, 2.35s, Headshock locked out 90% of the time
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Also had much success on an ancient Raleigh Apex equipped with Deore thumbies, high bars, Landcruisers and a Brooks B-17. Dusky pink with rust spots is also a major thief deterrent should a cake shop roll into view.
I customarily bimble short distances on a 3spd Nexus-equipped Batavus Personal - more urban cruising than bimbling yet addictively slow and smooth , feels like relaxing on a sofa as the world glides by.
All-day gadabootery on all terrain will now be achieved via a Vagabond as I find the momentum and spooky versatility to be addictive. Should a mid-bimble opportunity for some excitement occur then it does have the capacity to motor as fast as you dare.
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I've been eyeing up the Vagabond, seems to tick the right boxes and the drops should be good for distance. What's it like if things get a bit rocky?
What's it like if things get a bit rocky?
Have had limited experience on rock gardens, found it fairly predictable and capable but it gets 'exciting' depending on how quickly you're going and how much pressure you're running. 2.1 Nanos seem capable on most stuff IME. But 29ers shod with 2.1s rolls pretty well over them thar obstackles! I spend most of the time on the hoods and the stock Spyre pads are not at all grabby from this position so you should live to see another cream tea 8)
*Edit (Thinks about hooning down from Dunkery then Horner Woods on the drops. Thinks about adrenaline soothed by imminent cream tea and victoria sponge.)
Bimble is more a state of mind and the first rule of Bimble club is that everyone is welcome, whatever they ride. Rigid can be good for reducing faffage and some folk like big fat tyres for riding over rough ground. But, really, just buy whatever floats your boat and get bimbling.
I'm enjoying the gravel bike thing at the moment
But in reality I think a sporty 29er hardtail is the way to go for that 1 versatile bike. Particular if you have access to some where like the Peak
But in reality I think a sporty 29er hardtail is the way to go for that 1 versatile bike. Particular if you have access to some where like the Peak
Agreed. If available to me at the time my Cannondal bimbler up there would deffo have been a Longitude or similar. But I did love that 'Dale ... (tiny violin sound). Can confirm that bimbling is improved by a mango yellow frame to gaze at from the beer garden/tea shop/coffee bar/picnic knoll.
[url= http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/mountain/mountain-trail/longitude ]Genesis Longitude[/url]
[url= http://surlybikes.com/bikes/karate_monkey_27.5 ]Karate Monkey[/url]
[url= http://webshop.singularcycles.com/en/Products/Singular-Swift.html ]Singular swift[/url]
[url= http://www.charliethebikemonger.com/stooge-27-complete-bike-1x10-10797-p.asp ]Stooge[/url]
[url= http://www.chargebikes.com/cooker/ ]Charge Cooker[/url]
To be fair, this is just a shopping list of bikes I like, but I'm proper bimbler. If you're feeling a little more aggro, the Ragley Marley might be a good choice.
Just sit on a few bikes, go for a few rides, see what's comfortable, and what will look good with a basket on the front. 😉
I've been building up my Bimblepoon out of what I had around after my swift wasn't selling.
Pricing up to what I was going to sell the parts for it's cost about £500 in total, in reality I'm up slightly (£40) after selling/swapping parts for ones I need, though that will go on bar tape, chain and maybe a bigger chain ring.
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/662/31401698592_b88e4f72a6_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/662/31401698592_b88e4f72a6_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/PQRUYq ]IMG_20161210_114230[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/2strokesteve/ ]Stephen Williams[/url], on Flickr
Getting their slowly, though I don't really need it or have the room for it.... just got fed up having a bunch of bits hanging about.
Cheers, Steve
