Thanks all, will pass the link to my brother.

I’d use the Purgatory for now. The weathers getting better and it’s a grippy fast rolling all rounder. It depends what you plan on riding. I put about 2k on my Trail HT with a Purgatory on the front without any issues. It’s a predicable tyre. If you’re descending biased then maybe look at something chunkier. Tyres are very personal. I would see how you get on.

The Kingdom Bike guys have tested a few of their bikes there. They ride it on 140mm travel 650b hardtails. I’d imagine a FS trail bike would be enough.

So sorry to hear what you & the family are going through. It’s really tough.
We’ve got similar mental health issues in my family (agorophobia, anxiety-depressive disorder & more).

Started when they were around 14. Since then they’ve been able to overcome this and enjoy life more for a time, but then there’s a relapse and it’s the same as before. Peaks and troughs over the years. They are now 25. As they get older the relapses are becoming more manageable. They can try and rationalize it more. It’s getting better every time. I don’t think it will ever go 100%, but it will become better.

It’s been really tough for me over the 11 years to support her and I’ve sacrificed an awful lot, but I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s not their choice, and by working with them it will get better. For what its worth, they have been incredibly successful in life- very good A-levels, social life, 1st class degree and now a solid job working with other vulnerable young people; offering help, support and referrals. They are 100% the person I am.

Stay strong. I hope that as she gets older, she will also be able to manage it better. She’s still young and has the whole world ahead of her.

Not cycling specific jerseys, but you can get these ‘Active’ shirts printed. They are made from the same stuff. Cheap with no limit on production numbers. It’s up to you to get the design right. I’ve ordered from them before and was very impressed.
Short Sleeve
Long Sleeve
Adidas with zip
Another short sleeve

Very nice. Looks like a riot! Enjoy.

Ah, annoying. I’m in between sizes. 32” can be a bit tight and 34” is always baggy. I’ve never had a proper fitting pair of jeans because of that.
What would people suggest?

What do you do for bike security when you nip into gas stations, supermarkets, etc.?

The Bells my local. Definitely worth stopping for a pint and a roll. Nice family and lots of local ales.

Hope Pro4. I’ve ridden Pro2’s for years and love them. The seal on the Pro4 seems to be much more robust, the pickup is nice and the quality is superb. Easy to service and change axles, with great CS.

Is that a Beeline on her bars? Lucky thing. They’re not even out yet.
I guess it matches the other gadgets shes got.

Stooge Mk2 will take i35s on Spec Groundcontrol 3.0” with lots of mud clearance front and back.

Out last night from Beedon-East Ilsley-Compton-Aldworth. All the exposed bits were pretty much dry and dusty. The wooded sections were a big claggy at parts, but mainly dry.

Donated. Awesome effort. I’m currently getting into long distance events/rides, so this is pretty inspirational.

Heads up all- The page is very slow once you submit your details. It took a few minutes and I only got an email confirmation, the page was still processing.

Sonder Transmitter

Hope & RockShox

Are you talking about this one?

Looks like a Mk1 Go-Pro to me

My Chronicle 3.0” got a rip from some flint.
I used a puncture repair kit- sandpaper to key the area and then stuck the batch on. Done! Never been an issue.

What do you think of running chainless?
Maybe the lack of resistance from the chain in the suspension action caused it.. best not send this photo to Evil.

Excellent, cheers.
Just bought a few for emergency tubeless failure.

What’s the wing on the back for though, downforce?

Knargduro flap to help shred..

I never said I take the dog out all day riding..she comes on small bursts of riding, but will walk with us all day in all weather. She loves it!

I’m very allergic to dogs but my partner & I love them. With most breeds (even hypoallergenic) I get asthma, my eyes itch (like sand paper) and I get a rash.
We ended up with Chihuahua, firstly because they are a lovely breed and secondly I only show mild signs of allergy with her.

We’ve had her two years now and with regular grooming my allergy has pretty much vanished. When she starts malting my asthma comes back temporarily, maybe for a month or so, and then goes for the rest of the year. We’ve taught her not to lick so that helps me lots. I’m still very allergic to other breeds.

Also, this ‘proper dog’ rubbish. My Chi is as good as gold. Incredibly intelligent and hardy. She comes riding, long days out in the hills (in all weather) and isn’t yappy at all. I thinks she’s barked once. Certainly smarter & more enduring than the lab, retriever & staf we’ve had in the family.

Had a big off yesterday at Flyup A417.
I was riding hard to try and beat my previous times and over jumped one of the doubles and the front wheel landed in the soft stuff on the side. OTB going downhill. Landed on my arm, leg and face. Got away with it really. Lots of superficial cuts and bruises. Ripped shorts, gloves, jersey, saddle and some chips to the bike. Some funny looks from people today as my face looks like it’s been dragged down the road. I’m in lots of pain 😆

Well, bars ordered. Andy convinced me.

Bonesetter- looks like a Knard front, not sure about the back.

It should in theory be possible to swap the wireless mech, battery and shifter pretty rapidly between bikes. All you need is a different chain with a quick link, and a QR method of attaching/removing the battery. Could save a fair bit of cash there.

I’ll definitlety be getting XT Di2 when it’s wireless. My 11-42 Sram cassette has all the range I need. The 11-46t might just be worth it for big days. I rarely spend time in 42 anyway.

I’m an IT/systems geek. I helped my mum the other day by fitting a few new slabs to her patio that had cracked. I had to cut one to fit around the drainpipe. I flipped the slab, placed it in the desired place and drew the markings on, so that you couldn’t see it from the top. Made my cut and flipped it over… 😳

Like I said –
Depends how restricted you want to be in tyre, rim and drive chain selection.

I suppose I’m annoyed at the fact that the Marin has adopted the new standard but haven’t decided to run a wider rim or (possibly) a larger tyre. The 2.8 Kenda might even measure up bigger than the 3.0 Nobby.

scotroutes- The Marin Pine Mountain for ’15 came with 40mm inner rim, 135xQR & 2.8 tyres. The Marine Pine Mountain for ’16 will come with 40mm inner rim, 141xQR & 3.0 tyres. The Charge runs 40mm inner rims with 2.8 TBs & Stooge can take 40mm inner rim with 3.0 tyres. Lots of other examples were 135xQR works just fine.

I’m a big fan of the QR. I think it works well for a certain market- mainly the XC bikes and HT trail bikes. My gripe is with QR shifting from 135mm spacing to 141mm spacing. Forcing a new standard that isn’t required. Riders won’t be able to buy a new frame in future without buying a new wheelset, and vice versa.

Bars now available from CTBM for £60

Still undecided on these.. I would say I’m a fairly aggressive rider and my Stooge is a plaything, rather than a mile muncher. Who are the bars aimed at? Does the massive backsweep encourage aggression or is it more a comfort thing for long days in the saddle. I imagine there’s a reason none of the Enduro/DH/Radcore guys run something similar..

Both.

Solo:
+ lovely to get out after work and clear my head. Stop when I want, explore or session bits that suit me and pick my own pace.
– Can be lonely & dangerous. Can get very engrossed in my own thoughts.

Group:
+ Some days its more about socializing than the ride. Can be a good laugh when tackling a trail obstacle & safer. Ride breaks at the pub or cafe are good. Running a train and chatting about a run you’ve had at an uplift is good fun.
– The pace can be intolerably slow and the constant stopping drives me nuts. Making awkward conversations with ‘that guy’. Poor bike maintenance from others ruining the ride.

I’ve got Guide RS and XTs- the guides are more powerful and can be feathered nicely. The XTs are more than powerful enough, but don’t have the same modulation.

When the going gets rough I don’t really notice what brakes I’m on, they just work. I guess I’m concentrating on other things and know that they are both reliable and will stop me.

I much prefer the look and lever feel of the XTs. I think the Guides look too chunky.

I started a thread on this, look here

What you need:

3 x 17x28x7

and 1 x 6903

I must have just got in before the price hike 😮

Considering a replacement OEM ring for these is £45, that’s a ridiculous bargain. Even a Works/Superstar one is £25.

Perfect, cheers OP!
Any idea if these come with the GXP BB?

Milkman with the milk sources locally.
We also get orange juice from once a week.

He’s certainly diversifying- you can get scotch eggs, newspapers and other bits if you want too.

Ratherbeintobago- Grip, lots of grip, and a bit more comfortable.

Yes- single speed, rigid, 1 1/8th headset & 27.2mm seatpost (but 650b+ wheels..)