Sheriff Fatman – is it a torch? If so, try taking the tailcap off and tightening the switch insert. That worked for mine. If it doesn’t, try taking the switch out and cleaning it up. I had a bit of swarf in mine

Cool. Yes, I think it does have a thermal cut-out. If I’m only going to get 1k lumens would I be better off using different LEDs?

+1 for Riviera Bike. Went last year, going back in a few weeks. Can’t wait. Just the sort of riding you’re asking for

I’ve had steel and carbon 456s. The carbon is noticeably nippier and does seem to soak up some of the bumps (although I can’t help feeling some of this is psychological and down to the different sound of a carbon frame). Pics of the carbon one nearly put me off but it looks a whole lot better in the flesh. I actually quite like the look of mine

What bikes do the people you ride with have? If you buy a big burly bike and they’re all on XC hardtails you’ll find you’ve always got the wrong bike. Or you’ll have to find some new mates. Or ride on your own. From my experience, it’s worth mulling over whether you’ll really use a big bike or if you’d just really like to

Funnily enough, that’s what brought it to mind. Parked my bike next to an old 70s shopper with Sturmey Archer gears and a big old rusty dynamo headlight. But those Sturmey Archers were awful, vague and draggy as I remember it. And they didn’t have as wide a range of ratios as I’m envisaging…

No, I don’t unfortunately.

Any Surrey-based lathe owners on here and feeling generous… :-)

Also going in Sept. Went with RivieraBike last year and it was superb. Amazing technical trails, great food, great place. Can’t wait

No pics, I’m afraid, but there’s loads of long xc descents. you’ll love it. If you’ve got a car it’s worth heading over to Samoens for a day. It’s quite close and the riding makes a nice change.

Stayed in Samoens last year. There’s quite a bit there, both DH and XC but not as much as Les Get/Morzine. It’s a lot less popular than Morzine/Les Gets (so no horrendous braking bumps on every corner) and it’s only a half-hour drive away so you can visit the honey pots if you feel the need. I rode in both places and enjoyed the mix. Also rode in northern Italy (with Rivierabike) and for me the riding there was much more interesting.

Funny how ‘old tech’ lasts longer and works just as well as cutting edge tech for a fraction of the price :D

I’m local and can see both sides of this. I certainly don’t know what the answer is.

That said, it feels to me that there are too many new trails appearing recently in obvious well-used areas on Pitch and it’s starting to spoil the place. If I think that as an mtber then I can understand why local walkers are hacked off.

Problem is, the sanctioned trails inevitably end up riding like a trail centre and some trailbuilders will always want something different or more techy (not that a lot of the new trais are especially interesting).

It does make me laugh that we all agonise about these little ribbons of path running through the trees and then the loggers come along and completely mutilate whole hillsides. Puts it in perspective.

Cheapo Shimano square taper. Think it’s an LX and cost about £17 but I can’t remember exactly as it’s been on there for three years without any problems :D

I’ve done it on a smallish scratch caused by the bike falling over and the stanchion sliding down a brick wall. Used nail varnish and relatively coarse wet and dry (it was all I had). Was careful and it was fine. It’s lasted well, too. Tbh I think taking the burr off the scratch was probably the most important thing.

Gulp…

Another vote for the Exotics. I love how light they make my SS and the whole direct/responsive thing. I ride mainly the Surrey hills and once things turn gloopy I hardly miss suspension. Wouldn’t want them as my only fork but having a rigid bike certainly adds variety to riding local trails.

Went to Molini with Riviera last year and it was superb. Best riding I’ve done. Lovely techy steep, rocky downs mixed with swoopy singletrack, etc. There’s lots of variety in the area to suit pretty much whatever you’re after. Fab food, great guiding and hotel.

Only negative is the church bells – you need to go to find out what I mean.

Thanks – I found the manual! :D

Thanks Ton, that sounds spot-on

Anyone else?

Cheers Ton. Have you taken kids there? Did you drive? Any accommodation / riding recommendations?

Looks good. Can't wait to check it out. A big thanks to everyone who helped build it

OK, thanks all for the advice and thanks Nuke for the link.

I found this place http://www.purposepowdercoatings.com/, which isn't too far from my work, and they do mention bike frames, so I'll probably give both places a call and see who sounds best.

Anyone got first-hand experience of anywhere else in Surrey/S.London?

Ah, that makes sense and much less faff.
Rather liking the colour of the green Ragley mmmBop
Any recommendations for someone to do the job in Surrey?