I am running a Chunky Monkey up front – highly recommend you give it a try – perfect for this bike. Never misses a beat!

The head angle is pretty slack – which slows the steering down – which seems to suit my riding. Long top tube and short stem seems to help as well. It means you don’t really steer the bike, more carve the turns.

errr no – my stint on my Niner Air Nine for Brighton Big Dog suggested otherwise where I rode awfully – back on the Fortitude and all was great again.

There’s something very crafty they have done to it ;-)

No suspension, no gears – yet it just goes like the clappers.

Jamie – was hoping for a slightly more scientific response!

Tough old ride. Not my best effort ever, next year then!

30 is faster

Hmm, that’s the calculation as Sean Kelly would say.

If its wet it’s a better choice.

Would avoid Ralph myself unless you are a bit ace and know the score. Maybe bring something grippy up front just in case it doesn’t dry out. 30 psi pretty standard up front round these parts.

My dilemma is slightly mouldy Specialised top in red, slightly snug but lovely endura in white or really quite comfy, but average looking polaris in co-op blue.

Should I risk the rather short gore lycra without shorts – got a load of stick at Brighton Station last time I risked the euro look. Could put shorts over the top but they keep slipping down!

DC

Surely brand clashing – unless you have a full replica sky outfit – which would be brilliant / awful (take your pick)

It will hurt more tomorrow!

I’d b worried in the wet on those fat tyres!

S’S friendly?

Expecting a guided tour on my return!

that’s another feline friend just gone :twisted:

I’m going to get some serious stick on Thursdays :(

ok I give in – it’s probably not a dead standard.

Apologies to any kittens that may have been harmed as a result of my rash statement.

what is this kitten thing anyway?

I notices Spec have released a couple of models as well – looks like it’s hear to stay.

Wise words TimP – maybe we should try riding one!

“These threads remind me of “Who needs a Full Suss anyway?” and “Why do we need disk breaks?” plus fat bikes and SS”.

well – i have just gone 29″, ss, rigid (frame!) with lovely 29er chunky monkey up front – loving it – though my left elbow and right knee are starting to hurt.

theocb – you stumped me there!

tomhoward:cheeky, what size rims do you suggest?

myti: sorry, I didn’t notice;-)

“You’ve been riding with at least one most Thursday evenings!”

It’s so fast I didn’t know it was there – must have mistaken it for a 26″ bike with high rollers on ;-)

Send in your pics so we know who has fallen for the BS!

I think the next big idea is 650b road bikes – makes as much sense a 650b mountain bikes – so that’s a green light for the marketeers then – makes the tarmac come alive ;-)

Anyway still haven’t seen a 650b yet!

yes – 26 will be the best second hand market ever! The only competition you will have is 99% of the people in the world who own mountain bikes.

yes forgot that – not sure how!

great ride.

ok I’m gonna stop this right now!

If you can’t buy a 26 inch bike (apart from the trillion billion second hand ones out there) why not 29″.

this is not a thread about the merits of 650b – it’s where are they?

this is not a thread about the merits of 650b – it’s where are they?

well – now the standard has been thrown at us it seems odd that there are no bikes out there – in my experience anyway.

Have the public voted with their wallets.

I’ve seen more fat bikes than 650b – now they are interesting.

N.b. not trying to start a punch up here – just don’t get this new standard for the life of me!

Tell me why I’m wrong.

DC

:wink:

Nice ride with the Stanmer Tea Room crew – trails very dry, but some trail litter spicing things up a bit.

Nice and cool in the trees.

Interesting to see the different bikes in the group – Two turner five spots – 26″, two fully rigid ss (26 & 29″), a 160 mm canyon (26″) and a geared 29er hard tail.

Seems the marketing guys have done their best to split the herd!

No 650b though – IMO a dead standard already!

TimP, gonna put some bunting up on the Tea Rooms – it’s like royalty visiting!

what’s the occasion?

DC

good luck with the Ralph’s if it’s wet :wink:

Let us know if you hear anything.

Cheers