Compasses at Crundale is exceptional if you don’t mind a drive. Reasonable prices too.

Agree the marketing is a bit much. I was sceptical but munch like this thread I wanted a smock for all weathers. I was initially put off by the cost but took a punt.

I was over the moon with the jacket from a function and fit standpoint so since then have bought more of their kit. All has been excellent.

Previously a big fan or Rab and Mamut but thrudark is just better.

Personal favourite is Thrudark smock. It’s warm and waterproof. Beat outdoor jacket I have ever bought by a long way. The cost is reflective of the quality though.

Big Scarpa fan for actual hiking. I do find that the gate you have while walking is not as good as a more flexible shoe though.

Been experimenting with Inov8 shoes too, trying one of their sub300g walking shoes. Great for fast hiking but they don’t seem super sturdy. Have about 200 miles on a set and some wear to the tops.

Also a big fan of Terrex, actually wear them as trainers most of the time. I go through 2 sets a year so that echoes what had been said above.

I run a Sales Ops team for a global high tech business. Whilst sales experience is useful in the team it’s ultimately not the main thing we look for when hiring. My team is a mix of certified technical people, finance analysts and senior leaders.

In my experience a sole contributor has the ability to earn way beyond sales management and senior business leaders. There is risk to their earnings if they don’t perform so it’s swings and roundabouts.

I’ve worked in high tech for 12 years so this may differ from your sector.

Parcelforece and DPD have done exactly the same to me in the last week.

They just don’t like driving down our lane.

I did 6 months on a DUB bb and literally have just swapped onto a King after the SRAM one died.

I fitted a threadfit30 with the DUB adapter. Only issue I had is everywhere has sold out of threadfit30 tools so make sure you buy from a shop that has a tool.

Correct me if I am wrong but are those S-Works 28mm tyres in tubeless not faster than all Specialized tyres currently with exception of the 26mm cotton tyres that won a tour stage this week.

Wider can mean slower but not necessarily.

Personally my back likes fatter tyres!

The hardtail released today also looks great!

I’m still just pottering round the lanes of Kent. Not driven anywhere to ride since the madness commenced.

Enjoying it still tbh and not even considered riding an enduro bike which is up for sale!

MAAP stuff is made in Italy. If its coming from China is it fake?

I really want to try these Aspen WT 2.4 tyres but nowhere seems to have stock or an ETA at the moment.

Biketart had XT in stock yesterday if that’s any use at all!

Managed 3hrs on the marshes this morning. Total vehicles in that time 4 and of those only one on my side of the road. I was out at 5.45am but I have never seen those roads as quiet as this morning.

I must admit I am super tempted to try a G1 hybrid. The ability to mess with the geometry with the mutator chips really appeals.

Those Starlings do look nice as well but half the reviews of bikes I have seen online all mention frames welded wonky which makes be a bit nervous.

Interested in the Switch6 as looks very much middle ground and probably more fun on the tougher wiggly stuff we ride.

Always liked single pivot on the past but ridden fancy multi pivot bikes for ages so having some doubts.

I reckon you will see another HB160 with more modern geometry.

I had read somewhere that Renthal were made in Asia for MTB bars. If its changed I may give those a go.

The Burgtec bars don’t mention anywhere that they are made in the UK. they used to make a big thing of it.

Brilliant seat post, love mine.

No issues here. Deflated slowly before first ridden and rock solid since and not lost any pressure.

Replaced DHR2 WT and grip levels are better than removed tyres even in slop. I am a huge fan!

An SB165 in a mullet set-up is an interesting prospect!

I always have had good experiences with them. Sometimes Silverfish have been slow in busy periods but generally they have gone beyond the call of duty to give good service.

Slow in summer holidays I can totally deal with and I think it’s 100% reasonable.

Cheers for the info all!

I’ve dealt with Silverfish and the warranty team a couple of times and have nothing but positive things to say. I also know the shop my Yeti was purchased from (Biketart) is excellent with any warranty issues.

I’d not hesitate to buy another Yeti. The new SB165 looks epic fun but I really want an SB100 for riding XC on.

I also think that servicing the Switch Infinity is easier than servicing a top linkage off a Santa Cruz!

I have a 150 and have been riding it for 6 months. Tear down of the switch infinity takes 15 minutes and it’s don every few months when the fork lowers are done. Any more and it accelerates wear.

NSMB abused the switch infinity on purpose and caused very little damage to the Kashima.

Yes it’s expensive but it does ride incredibly well. Silverfish were out of stock of a part I wanted when fitting the EXT. Chris Porter actually machined me a £4 bushing. Silverfish wanted £300 for a service kit! That’s the only negative point I have about the frame.

I’d not hesitate to buy another to be honest. The only thing I would also like to try is a Pole Stamina, but I think it may be a bit too big a bike for the Surrey Hills.

I ordered my EXO from Germany.

EXO+ not due in Europe until August.

Run a set for the first time this weekend in EXO flavour. Blow up big and put grip a DHR2 WT.

Interested to compare against a Wild Enduro from Michelin too.

I have a 9point8, dreadful thing. Seals went and replacement parts are £100 fitted.

It’s never worked particularly well apart from the first month.

Fox Transfer on the other hand, 2trs and zero issues. I will be replacing the 9point8 with a Fox this weekend and binning the old post.

Thanks everyone, just what I needed.

Just picking what I want to order off actionsports.

The upkeep on the Yeti is a doddle. The infinity link needs maintenance every 50hrs in wet conditions. Removing the rear to access the linkage only requires one bolt removing and takes less than 10 minutes. Personally it’s one of the easiest bikes to self maintain.

All of the current crop of Yetis ride amazingly.

The Saint lines seem to rattle inside my frames internal cables. I had Hope braided in before and they were silent hence the change.

Cheers folks, I shall throw a set in order.

How are people getting on with these long term?

I have a Pinner, the build quality is first class. It’s not got long stays like quoted above, 425mm on an XL frame from memory.

Tam is excellent to deal with and communication was always good.

A lot of love goes into making BTR frames, not sure you’d get that from a mass produced bike.

Also looking to buy one, Biketart had one in last week and it was stunning!

Orange bikes and “filing cabinet syndrome”

I am running a EXT Storia on a BTR Pinner, the coil shock was an influence over the frame I purchased. The Pinner has a rising rate linkage so works really well with a coil.

I’ve always preferred coil shocks, probably down to that is what I always used to run on my DH bike.

Personally use as All Sports Dynamics brace and it’s spot on. I have a plated wrist and ulna and was told another break and it probably won’t go back together.

Wrist is ordered from the states and used widely in MX. Started to appear more in MTB last few seasons too.

Thanks for the responses! I was concerned i’d done something wrong.

When they 1st started following me I thought it may have been an unmarked police car. I would assume had it been the police they would have stopped me.

It was the rear 35mm going to 50psi for road rides. I have a 40mm on the front which never went beyond 40psi. I never experienced the same issue with the front.

it just seemed to be the narrower tyre at the slightly higher pressure causing the issues.