The rims are only cheap that came with the bike and weren’t tubeless ready. I’ve just added tape and hoped for the best. As I’ve said though, I could be just flogging a dead horse. I’m going to knock it on the head for a while and run the tyres with tubes and try again once they’ve been seated on the rims for a while.

Thanks for all the help though 👍

I’ve tried all these methods. Left the tyres on the rims overnight fitted with a tube, tried removing the valve core, and even tried using the air blow gun directly into the valve. The rims are just cheapos that came with the bike, Saracen Lefarg FB, and I have Schwalbe G-One allround. As someone said, I could just be flogging a dead horse with this combo!

Got my bike back and it now has a new back wheel fitted. It looks like there was an issue with the hub. A good test over the next few days will hopefully confirm if it’s been fixed

Thanks for all the replies. So it’s either the mech or the free hub, neither of which has been mentioned as a possible cause. If it is the free hub, then is there any reason why it only slips in the 1 gear?

Not looking forward to taking it back really as it’s been a struggle to get this far! Most of the time I’m being told either there is nothing wrong or what do you expect, it will slip if you ride it like that. All Trek dealers know about the issues with the free hub so surprised they haven’t thought of checking that.

I have been thinking about it all afternoon and I wondered if it could be the free hub. There was a known issue with some of them turning to mush, but neither shop had mentioned it, so I don’t know. The bike is less than a year old, and I’ve probably only done 100 miles on it.

Good advice, thanks. I think JonEdwards is right, and that’s all I needed to know really. I think I’m just expecting too much.

They are the waterproof ones and are fully taped. As I said, the rest of me is dry, it’s just the bit of my bum that is in contact with the saddle. I know the two large holes for your legs don’t help, but I’m sure it’s not coming from there. It’s a new gravel bike that I’ve only just received, so no mud guards. I’ve got an ass saver somewhere so might try that while it’s so wet. Will also give them a wash in nikwax to see if that improves the dwr as well.

Thanks so much for all the interest and replies. This has given me a lot to think about so need to get out more and practice. I was pretty shit at riding 10 years ago but now I’m nearly 50 I’m even worse, plus the fear of a spill makes me even worse! I bought the bike as all the reviews promise 27.5 plus to have an instant boost in confidence. To to fair I’ve only had it a few days so I’ve not even got used to the way it feels yet compared to my old 26” bike.

I think there is an element of worry but even though I’ve never actually lost the front end, there is definitely an issue either with my riding or setup. Perhaps coaching would be a good idea.

Thanks for all the replies.

The tyres are Maxxis Rekon running with tubes. I’m not a fast or aggressive rider and just trails with nothing big jumpy or particularly fast. This happened going straight down a very wet muddy track and I went into the middle where it was a bit muddier. I try and keep my weight centred knees and elbows bent, but perhaps don’t put enough weight over the front. I think part of the problem is a spend a good portion of the ride on the road so tend to run a higher pressure to make the road sections easier. Will drop to 20-25 and see if that makes any difference

Thanks very much for the replies

The Reba sounds good, but am limited because I need the V brake bosses too. The more expensive I go the less chance of having the V fittings.

Thanks guys.

Don't like the look of the julies, so think I will go for the rydes.

Steve

Nothing on their website to suggest any new building going on.

Maybe it burnt down and they have had to build a new one :?:

Thanks Guys,

Will take a look at the Julie HP's too.

Steve

Hi James,

Is there another way I can contact you. When are you in the office next? maybe I could give you a call. If so, is it the number on your website?

Cheers,

Steve

Hi James,

I have resent the email using the link and sent again from my AOL account.

Let me know if you get anything through.

Cheers,

Steve

Mine is the S/M 17". I did use the old weigh myself, then again holding the bike trick on the bathroom scales. But, I weighed it again on a calibrated set of salter scales just to check. Surprisingly, it was very close!

Steve

Nuke,

I just wanted a complete spec sheet for the bike, as the info on the website was a little lacking.

I had been looking at this bike in my LBS for months, partly because of how it looked and partly because it was £420. In the end I just had to have it. It was a real impuse buy, but so far it's been worth it.

As for the weight, to find it was nearly 3 lbs heavier that I thought it was going to be was a bit of a shocker. I saved a pound, just changing the tyres though!

Steve

Hi Si,

I am looking into changing the stock steel forks for some exotic carbon ones. I hope to smooth trail buzz and save a pound or so off the weight at the same time.

Steve

Hi James,

Thanks for the reply. I have sent another email to you last night to that email address, so it's would apear you didn't get that one either. I have sent enquiries from 2 separate email accounts, so I doubt the problem is my end.

Cheers,

Steve