If you want to compare the bike to other bikes of a similar class then I’m currently building on an online utility to help with gravel bikes comparison.

http://www.gravel-bikes.co.uk/product-category/gravel-bikes/?swoof=1&pa_brand=giant&really_curr_tax=19-product_cat

This is Excellent!

Just catching up on the replies. Great forum, many thanks for the links and info. I think I’ll have to five one a test ride as the weight and steering could be an issue, so may look at other options. The aftersales service for Giant is generally good and my LBS is a dealer. Will look into the sequoia as an option too. Cheers

I think the cable to hydraulic converter keeps the brake levers a standard size, as some hydraulic levels look too big and cumbersome. Knowing Giant, they’ve probably used a converter to reduce costs, but that’s no bad thing. I don’t mind the look of the converter in front of the stem. Maybe it will make maintenance easier? I’m not sure of the weight of the bike, the frame looks chunky! Will have to try one.

Just recently bought an Alpkit rear bike light, quality is really good for the price and functions well

I will be using it on road as well, hopefully covering some decent milage, so your thoughts on the 2x setup make good sense. Many thanks for your view on this.

Anyone this evening?

I recently bought an Endura Pair – Singletrack with Click-fast liners. Expensive, but could get a good deal online. Really well made and a good fit.

https://www.endurasport.com/product/singletrack-short-with-liner/

I’ve been using Endura MT500 trousers with click-in liners for two years now. Great fit and comfortable, although a bit expensive. Very well made.

Thanks for the recommendations. Got a few on my list to try out now. Cheers!

Ok, cheers for that. Will look those up.

It could be a chainline problem. Experiment by adding a few spacers
between the chainring and crankarm spider. A mm or two should help
align the chain and stop the annoying noise.

Regarding the salsa clamp, would that be the lip-lock version?

Cheers

Think I may pop down to Evans and get some paste!
Looks like it’ll do the trick. Cheers.

No, its a standard genesis post in a genesis frame, has a similar
polished finish to the thomson one. I’ve just changed the clamp from
Q/R to a simple hope bolt. Maybe more torque?

I agree, Michael Clayton is a great film

Some great films, some not for the squemish…

sexy beast
there will be blood
no country for old men
a prophet
moon

Yes, its in the middle position, with a Gamut bashguard on the outside.

Thanks.

Great Video! Going to dust off the wee-ride for my son this weekend! :D

That’s great, cheers for the link!

Sorry, post should read SHOX !

Thanks for the info, advice and great photo; When did the DH race take place? I’ve ridden parts of tongwynlais area before and still finding new routes. Its a great area to explore. I agree about the dogs on the taff, which keep me feathering the brakes! Its a real problem, particularly on weekends.

I may just have to dust off the road bike afterall and take to the vale tarmac in the rain. Or better still, I could set up a turbo trainer with a digital projector on the bars, and spin away to go-pro hero videos from youtube, all without leaving the house!

Thanks for the advice on this. I’ll look into the xt mech with clutch part as I’ll be upgrading my old mech . I suppose the bashguard does offer some bike and limb protection! I have a gamut guard already, so I may stick with it for now.

I’ve been looking at the schwalbe dirty dans, seem more expensive than others, but could be worth a go.
Thanks the advice on running a smaller width. I run 2.1’s at the moment, so maybe 1.8’s?

Brecfa would be my choice. Just under an hour from Carmarthen and a great pub near the car park

I decided to go for the forest boar at 25 miles, need to improve my fitness for anything further! 47 miler Full Boar next year!

Endura Coolmax (for dry) Sealskins (for wet)

Cheers Paul. i guess its down to personal choice and sounds like your riding is similar to mine. I may get some cheap stem options on ebay and try them all out!

thanks for that. I’ll check out crc as I heard kore are well made. Hope the commuter build goes well.

Cheers

I’m a bit late in replying to these, but thanks for the good advice. I’m building the frame with 120mm rebas, I’m 5′ 9” and the frame size is 17.5″

sounds like wider bars will be better for handling, so the 60/70mm stem
and 700+ bars could be the choice. I suppose a collection of stems and bars are the way forward!

Cheers guys

Sounds like they’ll suit my budget and frame and I’m not too worried about the on one logo. The quality looks good. Many thanks for the
feedback and links guys.

Cheers

I had the same dilemma with my Reba SL’s. Sent them to tf tuning and they extended them to 120mm as part of a service. They did a great job!

many thanks for the advice, legend and skaifan. I’ll have a look at my brakes, they have’nt been adjusted from new and as I’ve got short fingers it could help.

I agree that I could be holding the bars too tight. I’ll try and ease off the bars next time and hopefully the pain wont be as bad. I think it is a bit of downhill nerves also, and I do tend to focus on the front wheel, so I’ll keep my chin up!

Cheers Guys!