Yeah, I sent Evil an email about six months ago suggesting exactly the same thing (and asking about the Sect), but didn't hear anything back either. Guess they're busy with all the new frames coming out soon.

It's highly unlikely the frame would actually look like an Evil Sov – just ride like one that's been on a diet!

That's the thing – I'd want it to look the same as well. The only thing I'd change is the frame material. I still think the official 'built by Kingdom for Evil' route would be the coolest, best-of-both-worlds solution, but I guess that is pretty unlikely.

Just out of curiosity, how much did Lynskey want to do a Sov copy? A lot, presumably…

Another here that would be very, very interested in a Ti Sov. I'd only need forks up to 140mm. Basically a lighter version of the current Sov, except maybe with a tapered headtube, direct mount front mech and a few other choice updates – that would be just about perfect!

What would the deal be in terms of IP infringement though? Presumably you'd need to get in touch with Evil? Perhaps even do it as an official 'Evil/Kingdom Sov', like the new 456ti and Van Nic? That would be awesome.

Second hand Bottlerocket?

As already said, advertising stuff, didn't anyone else notice the Orange 5 that the guy who handed out the challenge was on?

I did indeed. Seems a strange choice for Orange though. Can't imagine they sold too many 224s as a result of that sequence. Still, I guess it 'gets the brand out there', etc. Still pretty embarassing for all concerned.

This is a pretty good deal if you happen to be a size M: Giant Trance X1

Evil were supposed to be releasing an aluminium long travel hardtail – the 'Order', I think – but they seem to have gone really quiet recently. It's the same story with their 140mm trail bike, the Sect. I seem to remember reading that it was originally supposed to be released last summer, but still no sign 12 months later…

You're right though – a Ti Sovereign would be pretty much the perfect HT, ignoring what would no doubt be an eye-watering price tag.

Yay – definitely. The nicest colour of the four, I reckon. Nicely finished too.

Worth considering a single-ply 2.35" Minion DHF if you want a bit more grip for the front, and a 2.1" Larsen TT if you want less rolling resistance at the back.

Stanley – those SixC bars are the carbon ones, right? What are they like? Recommend?

RaceFace Sixc, at 725mm sound tempting

Did you go for these in the end? What are they like?

The photo is rotated 90deg – the bike is hanging from the rear wheel!

:roll:

A trip to Fort William / Laggan in a few months. Also looking forward to seeing the Evil Sect, if it ever makes it past the prototype stage…

I bought a HT just over 12 months ago for just under a grand. It came with a light 7005 alu frame, decent fork (Reba SL), decent drivetrain (full SLX, token XT rear mech), decent wheels (Sun Ringle Ryde XMB), decent brakes (Formula K18), decent tyres (Schwalbe NN/RR) but modest finishing kit (Easton EA30 all round).

That was a pretty perfect spec for me. The most expensive bits – frame, fork, brakes and wheels – were all solid. The drivetrain was also better than expected, but this would be less of a long-term priority as it will be replaced over time anyway. Still, at £1000 I'd expect at least full Deore, but probably SLX. If you're going to save money, do it with the finishing kit. Things like saddles, bars and pedals are so specific to the individual that they'll probably be replaced anyway. At this pricepoint, weight isn't going to be so much of an issue, so a cheap stem/bar/post will be fine, but as one poster above pointed out, that doesn't mean you can't get reasonble stuff (Charge Spoon, etc). In fact, I wouldn't even bother with pedals.

Hope that helps.

Sun Ringle. Worked perfectly so far (just over 12 months) and look nice to boot.

I see your 800mm and raise you to 820mm

Not flat, but still ridiculous. That's almost 20cm wider than the bars on my HT!

I'll open bidding at 760mm

I see your 760mm and raise you to 800mm.

I personally like Nics. Light, grippy – what's not to like (other than the price).

You could try Rubber Queens, which seem to be popular on here (but also spendy), or Ardents? I'm thinking about a single-ply Minion DHF/Larssen combo when my Nics need replacing.

The light weight is due in no short part to the wheels. Hope ProIII SPXC3 hubs with Stans 355 rims.

And the fork, and the tyres…

Nice build.

I go a few times a year for work (when you say 'UK firm', do you mean a law firm?). As lots of people have already said, it is stupidly expensive – half-decent business hotels basically start at £250 per night. The food is also terrible, the roads are shocking and the people can be quite aggressive. Despite that, I love it. Having local friends helps if you want to properly scratch beneath the surface, but once you do it's a really fun place to be. It does get stupidly cold in winter, but as Grum says it's somehow less depressing than UK winters as it's not as windy all the time.

That said, I'd be reluctant to work or live there, depending on the field. While it's come a long way from the days of the 'Wild East', it can still be a pretty dangerous place to do business.

Also, the 214 is a garish red – the 314's silver is much nicer.

That is absolutely stunning. Not usually a fan of Ti HTs, but that one is spot on. How does it ride?

That's the nicest one I've seen yet. How does it ride?

Have you tried emailing them? I always find they're very quick to respond – nice chaps.

My SO picked me up a copy from town today. Apparently it's even thicker than the last one!

I'm happy to take the LTc off your hands, seeing as you don't need it anymore… :wink:

Yeah, I've seen the photos of the frame – I'm after a photo of a fully built-up bike (I've seen the trail action ones on the OO site, but they're not very clear).

Agree that the looks are pretty divisive, though.

I just ordered something from Wiggle and it's true that the processing wasn't quite as quick as normal (about three days). However, I rarely need items urgently so delivery time isn't really a priority. As others have said, it's basically whichever is cheapest out of CRC, Wiggle or Merlin.

I have an Ardent rear HR front both 60a, rolls nicely. Good volume on the Ardent 2.25 using the new Maxxis measuring stick

So have Maxxis sorted out their tyre measurements then? I've never owned a set before, but you always hear about how small they size up – is that still the case?

I'm leaning towards getting a 2.35" 60A HR or Minion DH F for the front and either a 2.25" 60A Ardent or Advantage on the back. Then again, part of me thinks I should just slap a Larssen or maybe even a 2.1" Small Block Eight on the back during the summer.

I'm running K18s on my HT. Best brakes I've ever had. They've required zero fettling in over a year, and pad wear has been great. Really fancy a set of R1s, but they're not cheap!

Here you go Saleem: Carbon Cycles

I really would suggest you go to A&E. You were out for 15 minutes – the point at which brain injuries are considered 'moderate', as opposed to 'minor' – and suffered post traumatic amnesia. It may be boring, but surely less boring than not going to A&E when you really should have…

You were out for 15 minutes? I'd recommend going to A&E to get yourself checked out. Particularly if it's happened twice…

Tomahawk – that's a VAST improvement. Still a bit too much red for my liking (esp. the cranks), but I reckon it's much better now that you've tidied it up some. For some reason those camo wheels made me think of an Action Man toy my brother had when we were younger!

Then again, I wouldn't really worry too much about what other people think. It's your bike, so just do whatever you like! Either way, I'm sure it will be pretty special to ride…

I was thinking about switching from my current 2.25" Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph combo to run 2.35" SB8s front and rear. A step too far for UK trails?

That looks very, very fast indeed.

The FSA chainset looks ace on it too. Good work.

Thanks chap – I'll give them a try.

If any of the shops on here are able to get one in stock then let me know.

I run a 2.25" Evo on at the front on my hardtail. Had it for a year, never punctured. Same story with the Racing Ralph on the back.

That said, not sure I'll be replacing them when they do wear out – they're £45 a pop!

Now that is one high saddle.

I'd go for different grips, pedals and seatpost (and the frame in green or orange), but otherwise that is almost perfect. How does she ride?

That Nicolai looks light.