Well Spesh fitted the Enduro (higher quality frame, same geometry) with a proprietary triple clamp fork, so i wouldn’t worry about the head tube breaking off. I’ve seen pictures of Pitches with 180mm forks before now, so i’d imagine you’re safe enough:

Personally, i’ve never felt the need to change the 140mm Pikes on mine.

My decade-old Topeak something-or-other works just fine. I don’t even own a “proper” chain breaker.

This is ace:

At least we would never make such a faux pas:

Look very closely – it’s the same aircraft painted thrice (it’s very easy to see in the flesh, but i can’t find a better photo). It used to look more obvious, until they painted over the triplicated tail number!

Don’t fall foul of the marketing shite. A good rider can do 5ft drops on a Cyclocross bike.

Don’t worry about what bike you’re on, just get out and ride. If you break it, then upgrade it.

Ive said it before and Ill say it again. To be able to attack the downs you will need a long gear so you don’t spin out. Unfortunately such a long gear makes climbing very hard so unless you have Chris Hoy legs your going to want to get off and push on all the climbs and this defeats the object.

You, Sir, don’t get it.

There IS no object; that’s the whole point. What exactly is the object of riding any bike around in circles in the countryside?

OP – why consider the Carbon 456 and not the normal steel on? I’m running mine 16:32 on a magic ratio. No pictures, i’m afraid, but it’s fantastic. Although to be fair, a slot-dropout Inbred will perform the same task. £200 well spent, in my book!

Is it true that those airport fire engines are that shape so that they can mow down fences and gates to get to surrounding fields?

Airfields perimeter fences are interspersed with “crash gates”. Essentially, emergency vehicles can simply ram them open to get access to / from any part of the airfield.

ok, notwithstanding the above, i’d recommend you buy a proper retail version of Windows!

Has anyone mentioned that Linux can work fantastically well on older machines…? 😉

But you can’t re-install it on another machine if yours dies or you want to upgrade.

This.

If you buy the retail version of windows, you can install it onto a new machine. Also, if you upgrade your Motherboard in the future, you won’t need to purchase another copy.

You won’t get in llandegla this weekend, forget it, the snows still there!

Bollaux. Thanks for the update. Best start considering some alternatives.

I’m also hoping to ride Llandegla this weekend on my singlespeed 456. Also my first visit. We’ll see how we get on! (assuming the trail is open…)

The STW hive mind suggests Llandegla is easy on a singlespeed.

I’ve traveled all over the world, too. If visiting other countries has taught me anything, it’s how good we have it in the UK. That said, there is still quite a few places I’ve yet to visit, so i’ll keep an open mind.

As for the weather, the UK has much better weather than it has any right too, geographically. We share a line of latitude with southern Alaska, Newfoundland and Sweden…

Rode it on Monday – loads of snow and ice in areas covered by trees. Areas not covered by trees were a quagmire.

It’s not the most interesting of trails, but the bad conditions make up for it! We did a lap in 1hr 17mins, which is probably one of the slowest we’ve done, but one of the most enjoyable!

Ask On One how to remove the headset lower cup, should you ever need to, I don’t think you’ll like the answer…….

I’m intrigued…

As for trainers all down to wether your a normal pronate runner, over pronate o under pronate runner. Have a look

Broken link. Try this.

Apart from a 456?

Can’t really be beaten for the money.

Buy an Inbred. Or 456. Or both. Just make sure it’s steel.

You’ll not be disappointed.

Personally, I love Cwmcarn. It’s perfectly doable on a 100mm HT, and your inexperienced mate will be just fine.

The wall at afan is similar, although White’s level is a bit more difficult.

Have fun!

140mm minimum for Cwmcarn, i’m afriad! Your mate will most likely have his bike confiscated in the carpark 😉

Following with interest!

I once saw an olde worlde lugged road frame done with a raw finish. Where the brazes were done, it turned golden over time. Looked absolutely gorgeous. Any blemishes it accumulates over time will only add to it’s character.

You say that like it’s a mag for kids. You could be 13½ for all we know.

It is a mag for kids… MBUK is very much the “Max Power” of cycling literature. But they’ve all got their place in the market; Future Publishing also do WMB for the older audience.

I’m nearly 14, by the way 😉

I stopped reading MBUK when i turned 13.

I imagine they’re all “Rad to the power of Gnar” kinda brands? Raleigh?

I’ve also not seen it before. Thanks for posting.

*makes a mental note to surf STW 300% more often in future*

Like these? 😉

The community will be along in a minute to tell you to use a SS specific chain and sprockets. While i’m sure they’re the better option, i’ve never had any trouble using ordinary 9sp parts, with a DMR 16t sprocket on the rear.

My 456 is set up to run a Magic Ratio, so i don’t need a tensioner. Just be aware that 9sp components are designed to allow the chain to move around (under the control of the derailleurs). As long as you keep plenty of tension in the chain, you shouldn’t have any trouble.

Another vote for not letting the tail wag the dog…

Buy an Inbred / 456 and get a Superstar headset for all of £145. They’re incredible value, and they’ll do everything a £400 Cotic will do.

My 456 is 4 years old now and it’s fantastic.

Leather, eh? I hope you’ve built it up with funny bars, leather bar tape and a matching Brooks seat…

I can’t comment on the above mentioned, but i’ve got a very hands-on job (i’m a military type). I bought a G-Shock 500A[/url] about 5 years ago from a BX in Kuwait. Since then, it’s been worn every day, all over the world. Other than the strap breaking – which was replaced for a couple of quid from Amazon – it’s been absolutely faultless. In fact, it still shows it’s got a full battery. Can’t recommend it enough, really.

On a side note, i would be very cautious of buying anything marketed as “NATO Standard”; it often means it’s been made by the lowest bidder.

5. Don’t type like a dyslexic blind kid who’s trying to punch his keyboard into submission. Real sentences and real words are much appreciated.

…

And if you do decide to post, don’t just go “BUY A GLORY TEHY R TEH BEST”, actually put give some reasons and justification for it.

[/quote]

^^^ Exactly what i was thinking! ^^^

I enjoy all the banter on STW. If i wanted serious information, i’d look on Sheldon Brown or ParkTool.

edit – this post looks right in the Preview window…

It might be a bit off the wall, but as Llandegla is a mountainbike centre why not take a mountainbike ?

You’re not from around here, are you?

Cannock is slippery at the best of times, especially on the cobblestone sections…

Hope your ride comes off ok!

SS it is, then! Assuming Snowmagedon doesn’t put the brakes on…

White industry cranks = if chuck norris made Parmesan and kept it in the fridge.

Chilled vomit, you say? Interesting….

As an aside, i’ve also only every broken one chain, and that was my fault for not joining it up properly.

As long as you’ve had plenty of rest since your last bout of heavy exercise, your body should have enough energy stored in it (in the form of glycogen / glucose) for a few hours’ sustained exercise without the need for energy gels, etc.

Don’t worry about it, just enjoy your ride.

When your current tyres are worn out, then get some new’uns; High Rollers, are my personal favorite!

I hope i have as good a relationship with mine when they’re that age – currently 4 and 5! Good on you!

As above, the first few weeks of training are hard work, with lots of BS to put up with. As long as he knows he’s got some support behind him, he’ll be fine. It’ll make a man out of your boy!

Just don’t expect him to be up for much riding when he starts getting the odd weekend off – if he’s anything like me, he’ll need to be catching up on some sleep!

For the sake of balance, i should point out that i’ve never had any trouble with this on my Singlespeed On One 456 (no tensioner needed currently, as it’s fallen upon a magic ratio).

I use a DMR 16t cog, a standard SLX middle ring and whatever old 9sp chain comes off my FS.

Your results may vary, but i’ve never found the need for SS specific items. That said, if i was building a SS properly then i’d buy the correct items.

Right, having dedicated many minutes researching (googling) barefoot running, i have come to understand it offers the following:

-initial difficulty
-feeling connected with the trail
-purity
-efficiency
-lightweight
-health benefits
-not necessarily faster

It seems barefoot running is like Singlespeeding for your feet; i’m surprised it’s not more popular on STW.

Anyone for a hob nob?

Got any chocolate ones?

Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll add a few to my Amazon wishlist.

given your new interest in running they will both have you googling barefoot running techniques

I take it “Barefoot Running” is just marketing bollocks intended to sell some fancy “Barefoot” lightweight trainers? Surely it can’t mean literally “running in bare feet”?

Glad you enjoyed yourself!

I ride Cannock with a few mates every couple of months. It’s good fun, although not very challenging technically (the Red, that is).

We tend to average around 1:50 for the complete loop; i’d describe my fitness levels as “average”, so 3 hours will give you plenty of time for snacks / breaks / enjoying the scenery.

The next time i go, i fancy taking that bike with none of those gear-y things…

Edit – anyone else who fancies going there, get used to riding on cobblestones!