Have a look at the Hafren forest in Llanidloes for some good trails, Rhayader (Elan Valley) is only half an hour a way and Nant Yr Arian is pretty close as well.

Have a segment search on Strava for some good rides

Drop me a pm if you want to

Cheers

David

Got the Islabike Beinn 24 – weighs exactly 9kg

Cheers all

Brilliant, cheers all

Islabikes website says 9kg – just looking to see if that is right.

If it is then I could save 2kg on daughters bike – make it easier to keep up with her brother!

I’ve got a brand new KS Super Natural 30.9 300mm total length 75mm drop that I can sell

It doesn’t come with a remote but is unused and I’d be happy to let it go for £70 delivered if you’re interested? It is externally routed. I’ve got the same one currently fitted but it has the under seat lever instead – it’s a good reliable post

I’ve just been through this with a halfords voucher – what about a Genesis Tarn 10? Comes with rigid forks as standard but these could be upgraded later perhaps? Nice frame, plus tyres and 1×10

Quick singletrack blast – simply beautiful in summer

Fathers day morning ride

Can thoroughly recommend the Elan Valley – loads of routes in and around there

Also have a look here: http://www.mbwales.com/ – some excellent routes

Hi

I’ve had the standard vantage with the RST forks and now have a 2016 Vantage R+

the standard vantage was great, I got it for a great price and upgraded it with 150mm yari Forks. It was an excellent bike, very capable on the downs and no slouch going up. Then I convinced myself that the rear end of the bike was a bit harsh (it was a little but no more than any other hardtail really ) and sought out a full suspension bike and sold the Mondraker.

I immediately had sellers regrets and wish I’d not sold it. So when the chance came up to buy an immaculate plus vantage I jumped straight in and picked it up.

in my opinion, it’s a fantastically capable bike. I’m not too up on the geometry tech but know that it fits my riding really well and lets me have fun at the trail centres and the local forests.

I’d thoroughly recommend one

I’ve just done the same thing

I had a nice Specialized Camber 29er but have recently traded it in for a Mondraker Vantage with 650b with plus wheels. Running the tyres at about 12.5 psi really does help and I find it suits my riding (XC trails, Elan Valley and Nant Yr Arian)

I like the fact that I don’t have to worry about bearings, etc (irrational, I know, but that’s the way I am) and can just pootle about with the kids on family rides

By way of an update

I fitted some 650b wheels to the bike and have got a 2.1 WTB Nano on the front and a Panaracer Gravelking SK 650b 1.9 on the rear. There’s probable just enough clearance to get a 2.1 Nano on the rear as well, but I feel a little more comfortable with the gravel king

This will have to do until I can find a vagabond at a reasonable price (might also be a FYI for any one else looking for a versatile & cheap adventure bike)

Absolutely LOVE my Mondraker Vantage R+

Didn’t like the plus Scott Scale that I had – the Mondraker is much superior bike IMHO

Quick spin round Nant Yr Arian today

Question for more experienced adventure bikers than me – do you think I could fit wider tyres to my dark peak if I went to a 650b wheelset?

The bike currently has 700c WTB Nano 40’s – do you think I could get some 2.1 650b tyres in there? If so, what sort of negative effects would this have? A bit lower bb?

Thanks

Thanks all

The Vagabond sounds just like what I’m after. I do enjoy a quick 10 miles at night on the road when the kids have gone to bed, but to be honest after the close shaves this week I’m really not keen to do it again!

You’re right about the Dark Peak – it is bang on 11kg and I’ve put TRP HY/RDs on and set it up tubeless. It’s an excellent bike, but I’ve realised that it’s not quite what I’m looking for right now.

I think I’m pretty sure that a Monster Cross is what suits my needs at the minute – now just got to sell the Dark Peak (or split it and buy a Vagabond Frameset!)

Brilliant, thanks for the info. Perhaps not what I am looking for then, but could certainly see some merit in such a post

Didn’t realise they did a 250mm version – that does sound interesting

Thanks again

David

Bought a Specialized Power copy to try & have to say that it has been very comfortable so far. Will look to pick up a pukka version next

Cheers, sounds like a good place to start

thanks

He shouldn’t be scared of buying second hand though

There are some genuinely good bikes out there that have been miss sold or the buyer given inappropriate advice on suitability. I’ve just picked up a ridden once or twice Mondraker Vantage R+ with Rockshox Yari for exactly £600 – it’s like new but you wouldn’t get that spec new for that price.

Have a look around at the usual places and ask loads of questions before you buy

If he’s absolutely set on new, then you really can’t beat the Bizango (I had the previous yellow one, it was excellent – there might be some still available at a discount if you phone a few Halfords stores?)

I’ll do some more digging – cheers for the suggestions

I think I’d struggle with the ISM ones as the reading I’ve done suggests that they come up quite wide

I’ll keep looking

Thanks

I’m always on the lookout for xs 26” frames or small WSD frames for my rather short of stature other half- there don’t seem to be many around?

Agree with the Gorilla tape – I’ve used it on my last 3 bikes and it’s been brilliant. It’s also cheap enough to replace regularly if you want – Amazon usually have good deals on the stuff

Hi

Just wondering about the cranks that you mentioned – are they these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suntour-RBR604-Triple-Chainset-Black/dp/B004XVPPH0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1518678253&sr=8-5&keywords=suntour+152mm+crank

If so, do you know what the BCD is to fit an N/W ring?

Many thanks

Keeping an eye on this thread as am also looking for an xs frame that I can build up for my 5’1 wife which will also be of use for my growing 8 year old son

cheers

Brilliant, much appreciated. The o2 RL that is currently on it isn’t the best and the lock out doesn’t work

Hi, thanks
Yes, appreciate that they are different fittings.
My bike is the base 2017 29er alloy frame in the green, one model bellow the comp

OK, thanks for the info. Will contact the closest specialized dealer.
Cheers

Ok, cool, thanks

Not sure. I didn’t think that SRAM did those bb’s?
Not overly concerned as bike works well and BB is fine, just wondered why specialized would do it
Cheers

Have got the bike and it’s definitely a n external bb

No, aluminium as well

Pic of my Mondraker Vantage with 160mm Yari forks – awesome bike (wish I hadn’t sold it now!!!!)

[/url]]Mondraker[/url]

Funny that, I’ve just had exactly the same experience with a frog 62. Bought one second hand for my lad as he outgrew his Raleigh performance 20, but he just can’t ride it. The top tube is incredibly long and he’s lost all confidence after a couple of spills. I’ve just picked up a really cheap kona makena 20 and he’s immediately more comfortable

A Scott Scale 720 Plus? One in the classifieds that could be right up your street? :-)

Debating whether to get rid on my 650b plus bike and invest in a full sus,but it will have to be my only ride throughout winter slop and in to summer.
The bike I’m looking at is a Specialized Camber – what are these like for bearing replacement, etc?

I put 160mm Yari forks on my Mondraker Vantage hardtail and it was fantastic! As a trail bike it was really good, much better than when it had 140mm on it. Climbed really well and was just “fun”.
I sold it because it was a little harsh at the back and have now got a Scott Scale 650+ bike with 120mm – to be honest I have a bit of “buyers remorse” and wish I hadn’t have been so hasty in selling the Mondraker!

I use the same Bontrager lever with my set up and it’s fine. Lets you install a stealth routed post easily as the cable at the lever end is held in place by a grub screw

I’ll definitely second the Mondraker Vantage – excellent bike! (also happen to be selling a 2016 Vantage with 160mm Yari!)

Just bought my 8 year old a frog 62, having also recently got a Carrera Abyss 24” and have to say that the frog is streets ahead! It only weighs 9 and a bit kg and is fantastically made. Got ours second hand in great condition for £180 and would thoroughly recommend one