@lecky94 that pretty much sums up what I’m experiencing, harder to feel the issue when riding. Why new lower legs would new bushes not fix the problem?

That is definitely Ullswater.

There’s a few extra options to add to the bash to cut out road, but if you are short and time and have a car just park and ride from Grange. It’s about an 11 mile loop that way and you get the best bits of the ‘classic bash’ and it’s doable in under 2hrs.

I’ve had some of their Taiwan made frames before and they were nice no real reason to pay the extra just to get UK made. Shame there are delays again, I think I waited 6 months for mine, it was meant to be a winter hardtail but ended up getting used for local loops during the lockdown.

Bought a UK made Switch9er late last year (before the price increase) took quite a while to be built but it is very nice. Rides just like a you’d expect a hardtail, rough in big terrain but fun in most other places. I also nearly bought a Moxie and I’d still like to try one out to see what I make of the longer geo.

I just bought the Decathlon trousers too and so far so good. I used their size guide and then bought a 32″ and they are ok, quite snug around the waist but fine everywhere else no issues while riding. I’d be tempted by a second pair but I’d size up to a 34″ just for that little extra room for pies feel.

I’ll try fitting an older Shimano lever first before I spend any cash. Not a chance I’d try the codes, I strongly dislike bleeding brakes and they look a right old pain to do.

Right click on your image link, copy image address, post inside the IMG tag

I had a Shan GT in large, i’m 5’8″ and it felt fine. They are quite short compared to many of the newer hardtails we’re seeing but it was a lovely looking thing and rode pretty well, I had the Hope BB and had no creaking issues, the integrated headset was fine too.

@longmover that Chromag is very nice

I have a Montane Dyno, it is good I just find it a bit bulky on the bike. I bought mine from Go Outdoors and it was about £80, looked to be some good Raab jackets of a similar type too. There’s the Alpkit Resolute jacket that looks decent too – https://alpkit.com/collections/mens-waterproof-jackets/products/resolute-mens-softshell-jacket

They aren’t *that* different in Geo but they ride VERY differently

In what way? I had a SolarisMax then changed it for a Switch9er, Solaris felt like a better all rounder, slightly more comfortable, while the Switch9er feels more like a traditional hardtail, quite playful and a little harsh.

Hindscarth is techy but fun in places, might be a few short carry downs in places. It also gets very greasy so only worth it if it’s dry in my experience. Last time I rode it I did Warnscale Bottom (fleetwith) then back up to Honister then push/carry up to Hindscarth.

I always find it takes a few rides to adjust to a hardtail after riding the comfier bike for a bit, especially in the bigger hills in The Lakes. I really enjoy riding mine (switch9er) but my ankles seem unhappy with the choice, due to many ankle injuries from when I was younger. There’s a small wood nearby where the hardtail is just way more fun though so it’s staying around for a little longer.

Not a bad deal, shame they’re 27.5 forks

So, excuse my ignorance, there must have been a revision at some point as the one I have ordered is 120mm rear not 115

2018 onwards is when they went to 120mm, as I think someone else pointed out. I actually sold mine as I just didn’t get on with it as much as my original one from 2015.

This was mine, think it was a 2018 model. Clearance was ok on the Alu model with the DHR2 that I ran.

I’ve purposely not test rode one as I reckon i’d somehow find a way to try buy one, I really like my Cotic but there’s something about the Starling bikes. What made you choose the Twist over the Swoop or Murmur?

Very nice, what colour is that? When did you order too, hopefully I have one on the way at some point too.

I used to have two of these and found them a good light emergency jacket. I bought an Alpkit Squalline jacket last year (impulse purchase) and I use it all the time. Not quite as thin but still a light weight jacket that packs down pretty small.

https://alpkit.com/collections/mens-outerlayer/products/squalline-mens-windproof-run-ride-jacket

BB is quite pretty low on the Switch9er frames, a 27+ 2.8 tyre does fit in the back but when I asked Dan about it he said it wasn’t designed for use with plus wheels and a Slackline or Switchback would be better if plus wheels were your thing.

Cheers codybrennan i’ll take a look at those for a wet weather option, the fit does look pretty decent. I bit the bullet at the weekend after trying a few options on but bought some Endura Singletrack pants, they do look a bit MC Hammer compared to normal trousers but are pretty comfy when riding.

Cheers jimdubleyou but they’d be too big for me. Some good links to follow up here, quite a few ebay specials to consider.

Cheers howsyourdad1 i’ll take a look about, I had wondered about a light weight ski type pant and I know you can get slimmer fitting ones.

Endura non waterproof ones

The hummvees aren’t badly priced, what they like when they get wet & filfthy, not too heavy?

You saying I’ve got skinny legs?

Compared to me you must do yeah, or I’m just used to the looser easy fir of shorts and baggy’ish jeans. I think it’s just a case of trying a few different types on if i’m being too tight and not buying mtb specific ones.

I’d forgotten about Sport Pursuit i’ll go take a look. I had wondered about ski/board pants but thought they’d be too warm. The regatta ones would be perfect if they just had a little more room in them.

Since i’m in the market for a change I might also order one of these and it’s good to know that the lead times might be a bit longer so patience is in order. Anyone got any nice pics of their builds for inspiration?

Yup i’ll admit I only know one side of the story told to me, the riders side of this story will of course be different. I have no reason to be believe the dog was out of control it just sounds like the owner didn’t have time to react before the riders were passed them.

The aggression and abusive behaviour the riders showed is actually what concerns me, most riders aren’t like this but it’s what people will remember and how they will see us. If you are using a shared trail then be civil and courteous, thank walkers who let you continue and be prepared to stop and wait yourself if the trail is busy.

Would the dog be on skis in this piste rules scenario?

There’ll be skiing dogs somewhere in the world i’m sure, not quite what I meant but amusing image nonetheless.

Once the riders had finished their rant they rode off down the trail. No idea if the bike was damaged, or if the rider was injured. Dog suffered minor abrasions but is fine. Riders didn’t make any apology for hitting dog or for their offensive language.

I’m a dog owner also and if I see riders approaching I make sure to keep her nearby or put her on the lead. If the riders approach from behind me and give warning I do the same as i’d rather not have either dog or rider injured in any way.

Can we not adopt a more ski piste like mindset where the person ahead has right of way and the over taking rider should only do so if it’s safe.

From all the above it would appear that no, we cannot be a bit more civil.

Then i’ll stand my main point of don’t come to the Lakes if you can’t be civil.

Whereabouts was it Bungy?

Ullswater area, i’m not going to be too specific to avoid the should/shouldn’t be riding there anyway argument.

there is a lack of facts though such as the speed of the cyclist, the control status of the dog etc

You got me there, dog sounded like it was off leash but could have been under control with a little more warning. No idea how fast riders were going, they may well have slowed down (slow to us is still fast to some walkers) or being going slow anyway.

Edit: Friend isn’t anti-MTB or having a go at all bikers, they were just taken aback by the response they got.

Yup agreed this is 2nd hand knowledge, though I do know the area it occurred in i’m just staying away from the footpath/bridleway debate. I’m just asking that people need to be more civil and well mannered when out and about, be they walker, biker or horse rider.

It’s daft incidents like this that create tension between the two groups when everyone is just trying to enjoy the area.

If you’re going to come and ride in the Lakes then please do act with some more grace as the local riders are the ones to get the most flack for your anti walker behaviour.

If there is a group of walkers take care when passing them, they may well have dogs or kids who are known to just go whichever way they please. If said group had given some more warning this incident may not have happened at all.

Not saying these sorts of things won’t happen but that kind of response to someone who was expressing concern is out of order.

I bought the v2.1 actuator and then when I went to fit realised I had the v1 post and no it doesn’t fit, confirmed by OneUp when I asked them. No rotational play at all on the v1 post but the cable tension has to be pretty bang on to ensure it doesn’t sink down when sitting on the saddle.

Possibly the v2 posts with v2.1 actuator deals with this annoying issue but other than that all is good. Anyone got the v2 on a Cotic bike, is it any better than the old one? Which was just too tight to work correctly.

Only way i’ve been up is from the track that starts at the Blencathra Centre which basically just zigzags it’s way up. I’ve gone down via Scales Tarn, Doddick Fell (very hard, very technical) and round the Back of Scales Tarn I think, follow the river/valley for a bit then pick up another trail that drops down to Scales.

All trails are pretty technical/steep and Blencathra itself does feel quite exposed. Not one to try if you’re not sure of that sort of stuff or as a solo ride. Ullock is definitely easier. I’d also avoid busy times just to minimise any conflict with other trail users as it’s all cheeky.

Had a Sram BB in the bike for over 1000 miles of Lake District riding and it’s been ok, no worse or better than the Shimano ones I usually run, it’s definitely worse for wear now so will be replacing but happy enough with how it has preformed. Maybe I just got lucky.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Stanton, but coming from a longshot Cotic even the 21” Sherpa is looking pretty short

Yeah they’ve lengthened them slightly for the Switch9er frames but the Sherpa does feel shorter in comparison (because it is).

Stanton Sherpa not quite XC as such but decent enough all rounder. SolarisMax would be slightly slacker with 120mm on mind and is longer too.

I’ve confused things here by chucking in my mate’s perspective

What does it matter what he thinks, it may not be his type of bike so he’ll always compare it to what he likes and wants (which is fine) but it shouldn’t skew your thoughts.

I find the bike quite fun and playful due to the short travel but compared to other bikes in this travel category it may be slightly heavy. The angles and geo aren’t really suited to bimbling around it does like a bit of input and speed.

By the way the Chromag of yours looks sooo nice :)

I had it set up right but it always felt like a tank to me

Just tried that on mine too and it felt heavier, draggier and less playful so back to 29 wheels it was. I was using Sonder/Alpkit wheels which aren’t that light tbf.

I used a sticky moldable rubber (something like Sugru) on the chainstay area to prevent chain slap and it’s worked fine.

The bike does weigh more than my hardtail (another Cotic) but it’s in the same ballpark as most other full suss frames I’ve owned so it’s not something that concerns me much, and I do quite a bit of hike a bike too.

Not had an issue with bottle cage, I use the side loading specialized zee cage with a smaller bottle and it’s all good. Clearance is minimal but I can still access the climb switch and the bottle doesn’t foul it.

I have had creaking and I could never really find the culprit but I have had the bike apart and greased up bearings etc and that definitely helped.

The shock mount did come loose at one point (it’s only bolted on) and i’ve tightened this up once and it’s been fine since then. Not had any other issues with things coming loose.

Seems like a good system but hard to know how accurately you’ve gauged yourself until you get out there. I’d probably rate myself at a 4/4 BUT I was not fully confident at BPW riding the red big jump flow lines, but was happy enough on the red tech lines. Equally as happy at Laggan black, that trail was ace, as was the Black at Comrie Croft too.

I’ve only booked guided trips with friends before so we know each others levels and are happy to ride together, both times were with Basque MTB and I was happy with what we rode.