Nice as my Diablo is, it only gives an hour on full power, if I forget to change modes after technical sections it is my cheap Chinese bar lights that save the day, no issue with the bracket either.

VHS slapper tape looks great, but never in stock in the UK.

What frame is it for?I’ve used Nukeproof chainstay protectors on my last two bike, just need a bit of trimming and extra glue.

Rstephenson, I built mine up from the bare frame, I’m on a large running a 170mm dropper, but when funds allow I will change to a 200 or 210mm. So far I have ridden it at Mabie forest, which is a mix of root, rock, trail centre with some big berms etc and at Woburn, which is currently on the muddy side. Only five wet rides in so far, but no issues with creaks on mine, all nice and quiet. My local trails are a bit slow at the moment, can’t wait to ride some faster trails.

Had mine built up for a couple of weeks and really like it, climbs well, descends well, quiet. The geometry works well for me, 5’11” with long legs and short body, so mega long reach doesn’t work for me. You can easily size up as the seat tube is really low, mine feels pretty light, but I’ve not actually weighed it.

oikeith, that’s good to hear, no I have to decide on Supertrail with no insert, with insert or supergravity?

Two rides in on my Decathlon AM and as everyone else has said, great for the money. Could do with a nice ratchet buckle, but other than that comfy, lightweight, stretchy and don’t feel unpleasent when they get wet.

I used a Cortex for just over a year and really rated it, much more capable than the travel would suggest, but felt good under power. Just sold mine to get the Evol 29 as I wanted something longer travel. As you already have a big bike it would make a great trail bike for longer days.

Got my Decathlon ‘pants’ yesterday, went for the XL as I heard they come up small. Bit loose around the waist, but otherwise not a bad fit, as everyone else has said, seem worth a punt for forty quid, test ride tomorrow.

Great, thanks.

Good to hear addy, I’m waiting for mine to arrive!

Is there an off road route from Woburn to Rushmere?

phead, that’s great news! Where is the best place to park? The main Heath and Reach car park is a bit of a pain, you end up queuing to leave!

phead, are these official or off piste? I’ve only been once, keep meaning to go back.

Gutted!!! Hopefully things will calm down soon.

I’m currently running a Cortex and have been impressed with how capable it is, especially with the Inline shock, seriously considering the Evol in black though.

Out riding yesterday and my drivetrain felt off, a bit notchy, eventually I checked the chain to find it almost broken. It was nice and simple to get the tool from the stem and bar end, knowing exactly where it would be, granite chain tool worked well and having the new link attached made the job far less of a chore.

I went for the 70cc pump as it’s only for emergency use, still has room for a Co2 cartridge, a few cable ties etc inside.

I have the granite stash multi tool, probably not as good as the EDC, but it does the job, I’ve used it plenty in the few months I’ve had it. Easy to fit, but doubt you can get a spare capsule for a second bike?! Also have the EDC pump, it is pretty well sealed to the elements, but time will tell. Granite tyre plugs and chain tool in the bar ends, not had to use them yet, be they seem decent enough.

Just got the Fiskars XAR bill hook and it will definitely do the job, bramble clearing for me later today!

I’m going with pads not bedded in, I changed a two pot caliper for a four pot and it was far more powerful, but like all brakes it takes time to bed in the pads.

Also very quiet, no squeaks, no rattles, I’m very fussy about noisy bikes, but it’s not an issue.

Oh and paint is as good as any of my previous bikes or better, Airdrop Edit, Meta AM275, Nukeproof Mega AM275.

I’m one of the people who had a few issues, regarding the pivot bolts there are two which are rather delicate, the rest are absolutely fine. I’ve had the bike since September and I’m still very happy with it, for the rooty singletrack I usually ride it is perfect, I’ve run both the Rockshox deluxe and the cane creek inline and find the latter much better for grip and comfort.

Just re read the chain tool bit, so Granite is out unless you get the separate one to fit in the bars. I’ve considered this, but don’t want to lose my DMR Deathgrips which have a molded bar end. Currently I have a mt zoom chain tool in my tubeless repair box.

I recently got the Granite stash multi tool, it isn’t what I would choose to strip a bike down, but as and occasionally used tool for nipping things up it does a good job and it’s nice not having to take off a backpack or bumbag to reach it. Fits snuggly in the headtube, no issues with water ingress so far, but it’s expensive for what it is.

Just fitted the granite stash, should do the job nicely and very easy to access. Off to check the reviews on the chain tool for more cheese reports.

Looks like I will be going zee then, my fabric was great until it disappeared.

Another trailcross protect fan here, they also keep the little stones out of your shoes, which is nice.

Well I’ve gone for the Granite stash tool, as there is no need to tap the steerer tube and will likely get the bar mounted chain tool and tyre plugs. Seat packs would be great in theory, but from memory they rattle about and can get in the way, also look a bit pants. As above it grieves me to put a bottle on the frame, let alone a pump, but it makes too much sense not to.

Yes it will fit, I used to run a 2017 yari with a charger rc.

That was my next question, what mini pump? In that case I’m glad the oneup pump isn’t so good, as it’s a bit spendy!

Sounding positive so far, anyone using the bar fitted tools?

Just got some Troy Lee flowline shorts and tech tee shirts, comfy nicely fitting shorts, but only have two large pockets. Nice comfy tee shirts, I got medium instead of my usual large and they fit great, cheap at Merlin.

I’m in the same boat, I now have three sets of expensive pedals that need serviced!

My landmine attachment can take either an olympic or standard barbell, the most I have used on it is 60kg in plates, plus the 20kg bar, you don’t need as much weight with the landmine, comparatively I front squat 105kg in the rack. It really is a great piece of kit, but get some liquid chalk, as there is no knurling on the end of a bar if you get sweaty hands!

I have a pretty extensive home gym, power rack, a set of fixed dumbells, kettlebells, 4ookg of Olympic weights, free standing and hanging heavy bags… but these days I am mostly using a landmine, so many great exercises for the full body which don’t take up much room, require as much weight and far kinder on your shoulders. Typically I would do banded kettlebell swings, landmine squats, pull ups superset with banded pressups, landmine press superset with T bar row, alternate shoulder press, Russian twists.

Alpinestars all mountain for me, nice snug fit with room for pads.

Orphan was pretty good, more of a thriller.

Loving my Cortex, non standard spec though, running a 140mm Lyric and -2 degree angleset, climbs and descends well, jumps well and good for long rides too. Chopped in my V2 Airdrop Edit to build it, no regrets so far, running a 2.6 Magic Mary on the front and a 2.4 Goma on the rear.