Thank you for your replies 😄

Always black shorts and socks. Don’t wear gloves so they’re out the question but my helmet and shirt normally carry some colour. Don’t match my outfits to my bike coz I find that a bit ermm.. yeah…

I’ve just bought one of these. Not arrived yet (out of stock so on back order), but it looks pretty bang on.

https://www.tweekscycles.com/uk/lezyne-flow-storage-bottle-cage-loaded-upgl-1-bc-flstl-v04/?istCompanyId=56f52ebf-49f3-492a-9cbb-cb6ab0fc1bf0&istFeedId=33b89177-5114-4491-9c2a-09a3a7cb23b2&istItemId=wrwrippwq&istBid=t&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI-4T4kPeb5QIVStreCh2alwIcEAQYASABEgKadvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Looking forward to an evening with Elbow tomorrow in Manchester, followed by John Mayer on Friday night. What a bloody week!

Interesting to hear all your views and stories. I think I’m going to stick with the HT for a few more weeks and give it a good go before I make any final decisions. After being on FS for so many years then it’s bound to be completely different.

I understand about having to ride differently which is quite obvious really I suppose, so I’ll have to adapt my riding style over the next few weeks. A lot more unweighting and shifting of weight to try and get the most out of it. However, if it doesn’t click then I’ll look at getting the HT up for sale. No point sticking with something if it’s not working.

Thanks everyone.
JB

My Orange Stage 5, taken in February last year on day one of the Andes Pacifico in Chile.

Not exactly saying I’m a Little Richard fan, but I find Lucille a bit of a toe tapper.

I must admit though, that when I read somewhere that he was a token pervert who enjoyed watching people get jiggy, whilst being w**ked off and having his titties chewed (hahahahaha) I do find myself skipping it on shuffle more often than not!

So glad to see so many blues fans!

Some absolute legends already mentioned in the thread such as Muddy, Son House and BB. Give Murali Coryell a try, Louisiana Red, SRV and John Mayer Trio to name a few.

Lousiana Red – Driftin’

Oooo you’re all so bloody left wing.

Let’s get Corbyn in charge, that’ll sort it.

I’ve owned two Orange SP’s, a DW Link bike and a VPP bike, and by far I found the VPP the most efficient pedaller.

Orange SP comfiest, DW Link very much a great middle ground, and VPP the most efficient pedaller.

Cycling is becoming such a bloody faff!

Thanks for all the responses. Seems like I’m not alone on this one!

In summer I play a lot of golf and I’ve also been getting back into the gym for weight training etc. over the last few months so I suppose it’s inevitable that the bike has been neglected.

I do absolutely love it though. Nothing better than winter rides with your mates, getting caked in sh*t then calling in somehwere for a brew afterwards.

Here’s to hoping the spark reignites in the next few weeks.

Thanks everyone
JB

Thank you everyone for all your feedback and input.

After a bit of thought and consideration, I think the best thing to do would be keep the Stage 5. I bought it for its simplicity and useability, and the extra few mil of travel may get me unstuck somewhere, at some point.

I guess I was just swayed for a brief moment by all the droothworthy hardtails around at the moment. I owned a Cotic Soul a few years ago which I absolutely loved but it eventually got sold on for a 2013 Five which was as equally amazing. It seems I like Oranges haha

Thank you for all your input folks.

Yeah, I have thought of trying a lesser full suss bike of maybe 120mm travel.

Any good recommendations? The SC Tallboy seems to be a lovely piece of kit.

Hi Bennyboy, I have a pretty dream spec Ibis Ripley LS for sale if it’s of any interest? Very opportunistic of me I know. Great bike though, so bloody quick.

Exactly gaz552… I’m with you. I ride an Orange… does this make me a stereotype?

Both hugely overrated

One of the most common cars on the road is Audi, and one of the most common bike brands on UK trails are Orange.

They must be doing something right.

Chainring
Chain
GoPro
Mars Bar
Marmite
Riding shorts
Light bulbs

Ariel 152 is a great bike. Also have a look at the alloy Devinci Troy, comes with Pikes and Reverb stealth for £2,500. Specialized have just released their StumpJumper FSR Evo’s in 27.5 as well and they do one for £2,500.

I couldn’t stand a fixed point post. Infinite adjustment all the way. If I’m doing techy climbing (narrow ruts etc.), or climbing in strong wind then I have it slightly lower than fully extended. If I’m riding quick flowy trails where I can squeeze in small amounts of sitting then I have it slightly lower than half way. Give it a go and see how you get on with your big bike. If it’s available then use it.

A few people have mentioned about payday loan companies.

Why, exactly?

Yes, the rates on said loans are high – but when you sign up for one you’re made well aware of the rates etc. yet people still go ahead with them. Comments are made that these companies are taking even more from people who have nothing, but if that’s the case, maybe you shouldn’t borrow £600 for a new television and end up repaying nearly double or whatever the amount is.

I remember speaking with a chap once who had an involvement with one of these companies and he mentioned that people constantly go on about the immorality of such a business, but what people don’t realise is the amount of money that is lost through people just disappearing as soon as they have received their loan money.

It’s quite simple, if you don’t like the way they work then don’t use them.

Not one person has mentioned Starbucks, a company that has avoided paying millions in taxes by employing people to use and abuse the system which in turn effects everyone in the country.

Yeah I’d say approx 35mpg rooney. Vivaro can be found here – thanks.

http://www.meridianvehicles.co.uk/26434/used-comms.htm

I’m a van dealer rooney, and Vivaro/Trafic/Primastar’s are our best selling vans. Reliable, economical, comfortable and normally straightforward if anything goes wrong. And we’ve got a lovely LWB Vivaro in stock 😉 let me know if you want any help.

I’m with honourablegeorge. Cotic is a business… they will surely want to make a product that sells, and what seems to be selling at the moment are larger wheeled bikes.

I’d fap myself stupid.

On the cheap? I’m sorry Kimbers but they surely can’t cost that much to get done properly, to all the right specs etc., in a high street shop.

Get you hand in your pocket and stop being tight!

Astura, do yourself a favour and get a Reverb. By far the best dropper on the market. Mine’s faced two UK winters and all it’s had is one bleed.

Just bought some VXi’s after reading good things, but will be saving them until the weather gets a bit better. Currently using Shimano AM41’s and I can’t fault them to be honest, they’re brilliant. Just thought I’d give the 5:10’s a go.

I’m with Daver27,

Saracen Ariel 152 all the way. If I was after a new bike I’d snap one up in a heartbeat.

Ah yes! It’s Kranked 5! You sir, are a good man!

Nbt, thank you sir! What evenings do you guys go out?

LoveTubs – Thanks for the comment on the lemon drizzle cake, I shall pass them onto the chef! Good to meet you.

winch Good to meet you, I sat opposite you and your mate in the pub afterwards. Hopefully catch up with you again!

dazh Good to find a friend in you for the day Daz, glad to hear you got home safe. You have some serious legs, pointing your bike north up the Beast and giving it a go!

Thanks for a really great day, guys. I was the chap with the retina burning neon-orange Five.

Joe

Last time I went to Cannock I couldn’t remember a lot of pebbles? Have they just been put down? Due another visit I think!

What a brilliant day. Big thanks to Pook and his team for the organising and route guidance. Gorgeous weather and great company. Thanks folks!

Looking forward to it!

Please excuse my ignorance folks, but is the cake eaten afterwards in the pub, or mid-ride? It’s a toss up between lemon drizzle cake, or a fancy white chocolate and raspberry thing that was picked up from Tescos?!

Let’s hope it stays dry!

Toxicsoks that picture made me giggle.

Pook, is mrs Bowie278’s dad allowed to come? He’s been out of action for a few months but has a new steed and now wants to tackle the world on it!

Purist, get another Oyster bracelet stuck on it. Stunning watches are the Subs!

Not really a huge fatbike fan, but fair do’s OP, that thing does look pretty nice!

AM41 user myself and I really like them. The lace flap is a great idea and keeps water and dirt out of laces etc. Not gonna lie, I do want to try 5.10’s though, and I’m pretty sure they’ll be my next shoe.

So far I’ve though of soft shell jacket, some new shorts, merino socks, buff, and knee pads. Do they sound unnecessary enough? 😀

Anyone with any more ideas?