Dial has only one set of bottle bosses, if that’s important.

I’ve ridden my Frontier on 100 mile+ days, does the job. Doesn’t look very refined mind.

I prefer my Chisel, but it’s not worth the extra cash.

avoiding cheese

That’s a bit far (from someone who gets migraines)

I run Specialized Fast Trak f&r, T7 front/T5 rear. No complaints so far.

I have arthritis in left big toe joint, had operation to remove bone spur last year,will need joint fixed or some form of joint replacement at some point (I’m putting this off as it means months off exercise).

I’m interested to hear people’s solutions. I use xc shoes so quite stiff already. Sizing up so more room in toe box has helped a little, but nothing else has made a significant difference (I’ve also tried orthotics).

I managed to get a Chisel frame before the price jumped and in a sale. It’s a perfect frame for the majority of my riding. Complete bikes and frames now are over-priced. They do come up quite a lot second hand though.

It’s not bling, or particularly modern geo (better for that?) but it’s a very versatile all rounder. Still got one. Used for xc, bike packing and did a week touring in Brittany last summer. Currently rigid, but 100mm Rebas were spot on (couldn’t afford SIDS).

I like 7Mesh kit, but I find advertising that you can store your clothing ‘on the bike’ laughable. Surely it just gets covered in mud/shit/water and becomes unwearable??

I love the white. I have a 2022 model in black. I am very interested in the Truetune thing – my one complaint is the forks are not that supple, although a decent service might work. Would you recommend it?

Specialized FastTraks here too. I use them for xc riding all year.

I have a Mk2 Frontier, currently set up with Sonder carbon forks. I think it rides great, but use it mainly as ‘gravel bike’ and for bikepacking. I had a Broken Road for a while and didn’t think it was worth the ££ over the Frontier.

Best riding rigid bike I’ve ever had was a Mk1 Stooge.

They look good, other than there is no way of sealing water from getting in the top. My Northwave winter boots have a neoprene collar. Its a bit of a pain to get on. and off, but you can make a seal out of the cuff of washing-up gloves (or buy some fancy GribGrab cuffs) and you get a waterproof seal (which I’ve used in managed to submerge in deep puddles and still keep dry feet). I wouldn’t buy these based upon the lack of sealing at the cuff.

Thanks @johnnystorm

What I want to know is which Exposure light has the longest run time on a medium to low setting? i.e. for multi-day bikepacking. I need something to know how long it will run on 1000 lumen, for example. I know I could get a dynamo front wheel and I might, but this information doesn’t seem to be readily available on their website?

Those are some eye watering prices for bike gear.

Not really – if you consider how much decent outdoor kit is and this is the same quality. Compare to 7Mesh, or Rapha?

As per my comment 9 months ago I just hope they have got their arm length sorted.

2022 Epic Evo here, used for everything (other than Chisel for local ridge from door). It’s light and capable. I do use the shock lockout quite a lot, but it doesn’t detract from the speed with which I’m able to cover ground on it.

@ampthill cheers that looks interesting!

Try to avoid July/aug if you can

No choice unfortunately

Great ideas, thanks all.  Please keep them coming.  Caher not sure what you have linked to?

^ first paragraph was in quotes, doesn’t seen to have worked…

Other thing was strengthening my feet/arches by removing as much support as possible from shoes.  Minimalist shoes, removed insoles where possible and walking barefoot where I can.  I understand that this second part is somewhat controversial, but seems much more logical as a long term solution than supporting the damaged area

Spot on.  I now have arthritis in my big toe so given up on the barefoot shoes, but my feet are much stronger.

Insoles don’t solve the inherent problem.  I had it for ages and what worked was regular stretching and strengthening exercises.

Yep, I think mine was the first year when some had to live out (although not what we were told when applied). Again, I was Bailey Court for 2 years. Spoilt!
My shading of choropleth maps is on point!

30 years ago but I went to Durham / Castle (not Castle College you doofus! Castle or University College)

Me too!I was at Castle ’90-’93. I was of very few state school students, but it didn’t hold me back. I embraced all aspects of College life and captained the hockey team. I’ve no idea what it is like now, but I wouldn’t imagine it is a diverse as the big cities. I chose it as, at the time, it was meant to have the best Geography course in the country (better than Oxbridge).

I’ve had a Broken Road and a Frontier. I’ve still got the Frontier (although I’m about to sell it as I’m riding my Chisel more). In my view having done long days and bike packed on both the Frontier is a great xc/light trail bike. Geo might not be bank up-to-date, but it rides well.

A new or second hand Sonder Frontier would suit your needs perfectly. Alu, but comfy. Plenty of mounts, not heavy and cheap. I’ve run mine with 100mm suspension and rigid carbon. It’s great – I’ve done multi-day bike packing routes and a couple of 100 mile plus days on it.

Sadly I think once I factor in all the additional costs and logistics it might be the deal breaker, I would almost rather just plan 2 or 3 days myself. Still looks a great event for the right person.

This is where I’m at. That looks reasonable, but with travel etc its cheaper and easier to plan my own route.
My other issue is there are lots of events I’m interested in but (and I’m not expecting any sympathy here) if any distance away they are a no-go as I can’t take days off either side of a weekend, as I work in education.

specialised chisel

(sorry, couldn’t help myself – plus I’ve got one and it’s ace!)

Specialized Epic Evo? I don’t think any of the Evo models have Brain shocks.

I’d look at Grizl, but I’m presuming not available on bike-to-work.

I really like the look of the Vitus, but CRC don’t do GCI (our cycle to work provider) unfortunately. It would be the newer Topstone which doe shave for mounts, although the comments are slightly worrying. Currently heading towards a Ribble CGR as it seems to cover all bases and is cheap.

Cheers riklegge. Nothing easy to test-ride, at least not locally.

Any thoughts? Anyone got an Escapade who can comment how ‘sprightly’ it is?

They have cancelled my order, issue with stock.

Thanks for all the comments. I’ll update once we’ve decided and then been…

Bugger, I forgot entries were open (despite a reminder on my calendar!).

Cheers for this – keep them coming!

I use mudguards and Gore Windstopper shorts (over tights or shorts and leg-warmers)for the use you describe. They are close fitting.

I thought they were still trading whilst a new buyer was found?

I’m 5’10” and had a large, it was perfect, wouldn’t have wanted any smaller.

Lots to look at! Thanks for all the links.