Weight isn’t a huge issue, well not for the bike at least! Me on the other hand… well could do with shifting a few pounds.

I may just buy a Hope hubbed rear wheel, not a single speed specific. Just need to get one quickly.

Already managing to cultivate the tache, full skinhead is the next step

Just looked, that doesn’t seem to work, I can’t seem to message anyone either, weird…

Can you not click on their name and then message them, or does that not work anymore?

yep, was discussing a sale as well…

Very cool.

Nice looking wee bike, my youngest had a Stumpjumper in small when he was about that age. Great little bike easy to ride and handle.
He managed to get it on the podium regularly in some of the gravity series mini downhills against lads on DH bikes, I think the fact it was lighter and more manoeuvrable.

DMR Vaults, size 13 feet. Nice and wide, comfy on long descents where you’re standing for ages.

Mine was on a small Giant Trance 26, bought the frame and shock and built the rest up from spares and what he had on his hardtail.

Nice,I was using Shadow foam but want to get some layered stuff as well.

@Merak Brilliant, cheers, will get one ordered. Was already putting one together but the case I was using had built in dividers.

Very smart, what box are you using?

My lad has a Polygon Siskiu T8. It’s been a great bike pity he’s grown out it. It’s been a really good around bike on the ups and downs. I can’t keep up with him. Looking for a large version to replace in

It’s a medium, currently up for sale at £750.😁

Chuffed to say I can join in on this thread now.
Nothing for me…

I deleted my account 2 years ago now. After a stroke and the breakdown of my marriage. I couldn’t stand other people’s vanity blogging.
I stepped right back from social media, evening deleted Strava.
I still have Instagram, however l muted most of my ‘friends’ accounts bar those who are close friends. Use it mostly for following interesting MTB riders around the world.

This suited me and helped at the time with what I was dealing with. I haven’t really missed it. I still speak to friends and family on the phone, WhatsApp or text.
I’ve got over the FOMO.

Always try to buy my lads something they need, eldest is getting new gear for biking, he out grown all his old stuff. I managed to get a couple of my younger (15 y/o) lads art projects framed for him. Just really hate the wasteful consumerism of it all.
My sisters and I don’t buy each other presents, haven’t done so for years.

Trailer could be an option for those longer trips like the Alps.
I think I’ll stick with the rack, fuel economy is important. Love the idea of a van but not sure I could do all those miles in one, would hurt my pocket in terms of business mileage.

@transporter13

We had an older VW Sharan, the model where the rear % seats could be removed independently. Loved it it was really flexible and could carry 3 bikes inside and 3 people in comfort.

I’m not so keen on the newer versions as they don’t appear to have as much room in them. I would consider a Caddy Maxi Life or the Ford Tourneo Connect, they seem like a decent compromise.

I like the idea of a van, very practical, easy to deal with the bikes and all the kit.

However I’ve already got a tow-bar fitted, I will have to buy a new 4 bike rack, current one is a 3 bike carrier.
I do appreciate the comfort of the A6 and the performance, took it to the alps a couple of years ago and my mate took the bikes in his van, there was no question which was the favorite with the passengers.

I think the sensible option is to just get a new rack and be done with it.

Should have said I don’t really want to spend an absolute fortune.

Kids pissing about. I’m certain most of did something stupid* when we were youngsters and thought it was hilarious.

*a friend road his mates DT50 through Burger King

I use August Bicycles hand built, I’ve done 2 weeks in the Alps, numerous BPW trips over the last year and they’r holding up fine.
They’re Hope hubs with DT rims, stainless spokes and brass nipples.

I’m not light and by no means delicate.

Cheers Timmy, it’s more than I spent on my Ztto lever 😂😂😂

yeah, but a roll cage will do the same job

My youngest had a XS Trance, great little bike. I fitted a 1 x 10 on it and a set of XT brakes from a mate. He used to ride that bike everywhere and loved it.

So the answer is yes, you can sell it on when he outgrows it and some other youngster will get a great introduction into mountain biking.

Keep your head up, be strong and take care of yourself.

Love it, kids rock. Mine are 15 & 17 and if I can get them out on a ride with me they put me to shame in a big way.

We also find it hilarious laughing at slow, middle aged IT nerds!

Go enjoy it, it’s a holiday.

Broke my collar bone last year in Verbier, didn’t realise it at the time, it just hurt lots.

Took to following day off the bike then rode the last 2 days. Wasn’t until I was at the Docs for a regular check up a few months later and I asked if he knew what the lump on shoulder was, explained what had happened and he said I’d broken it.

Oh yeah, Brian Simpson in Ipswich is pretty good, got my mate back and riding the TT about 10 days after he’d broken his collar bone.

It’s a 180 post mount that’s on there now, can’t seem to find a 180 to 203 rear

cheers @benp1 I’ll take a look

Tried the Ospreys today, no good unfortunately, shame because I’m a big fan of their stuff, have one of their messenger bags.

Stick to riding the trails at Brandon Country Park, the Centre Parcs side of the road much more interesting.

yes, absolutely fine. unless you are a pro downhiller.

RIP Troutie.
Many years ago Chris answered my post on here, we had entered a team in Dusk till Dawn at Thetford but hadn’t managed to sort out any lights, these were the days when good lights were expensive. We were looking to hire some and Chris stepped up offering some for free.
I drove up to his and spent the evening with him in his workshop chatting about stuff and just hanging out, I left with a load of lights and batteries. He didn’t want anything for the hire, a week later I drove back returned the lights and a crate of beers, again spent all evening chatting about this and that.
I didn’t know him other than though this forum. But he was happy to help out and wanted nothing in return.
Such a sad loss, what a genuine and friendly bloke, thoughts are with his friends and family.

Just bought a 2017 Tarn 29, haven’t ridden it yet but it’s a nice looking bike. Need to fit some decent width tyres. Looking forward to getting out on it.

Ordered a few things from them including a pair of Fox forks, always had good service.

Had one on a Cube hybrid, quiet and reliable fro the 6 or 8 times I actually rode it.

Can’t say much more really.

Thanks for the feedback. Managed to pick a new one up for £899.

I intend to swap bars and saddle, possibly fit a dropper. Out of interest what size is the seat post clamp?

I have a Fortitude single speed and a full sus, just took the opportunity to snap up a bargain, may consider a change of wheels in the future.

Thanks for the suggestions.

August Bicycles, do some beautiful frames