Got some on the new prototype Ragley ti. They look quality, in braided grey, but I’ll only know how good they are if they’re still working fine in a few months time.

Knott Wood is better as a climb. Go all the way up, bear left at 1st lane junction and left again at the next track (Marsh Lane) and descend until you come to the marked singletrack bridleway, which is part of the Mary Townley loop. This is a good fast descent down into Jumble Hole Clough. Have fun exploring.

Wow, Super Tacky 2.5s front and rear. I suppose the plus point is that virtually anything you put on as an alternative is going to feel lightning quick. Are you really using all that grip for trail riding? If not, I’d think about running something grippy-ish up front and a faster tyre at the rear.

Calderdale riding can be quite specialised and so our tyre choice is not for everyone or everywhere. Steep, off camber, exposed, green rocks, roots – is what the Supertacky 2.5s are for. Also for away days to downhill tracks. A lot of our rides involve lots of short winching-up climbs and pretty tech descents, which might take hours, but are not big mileages. If I was going up to the Dales for an all day ride I’d put the Rubber Queens on, or for a Peak ride I would go for a 60a type compound and narrower tyre on the rear.

Tyre threads eh?

2.2 Rubber Queens eh Ed?

How do you like them? Are they heavy? Do they come up bigger than 2.2 MKs?

Yes I like them. Not heavy. Proper size (like a Maxxis 2.5!)

Myself and “Teddy” Lund will be there representing Singletrack at the June Mash Up. We enjoyed it last year, despite the timing problems. I wasn’t that bothered about the timing thing because I was slower than Teddy and you have to make the most of any advantage you can get! I’m sure it will be sorted this year.

Will get some pics of the 16″ frame up later on – when the cable ties have come off. First ride yesterday was a success and the sun even shone in the Valley.

mmmm rubber…

At the moment 3 sets of wheels
1. 2.5 DPC Supertacky Swampthings
2. 2.5 DPC Supertacky High Rollers
3. 2.2 Continental Rubber Queens

Same rotors all round so can mix and match too.

Who’s that guy with the crazy legs?

*longevity of components (including wheels)

Only had it for a few months and haven’t worn anything out so hard to say. It’s for use on road (most of the time) and the components are decent Deore-ish level.

*gearing (and its overall suitability I note you found it low enough for your hill)

Granny ring and middle ring sizes 24 / 34 I think. There were times when a big ring would have been fun, but the bash was good on steps.

*flexibility of the structure of the bike for carrying awkward (not just child-shaped) loads

Good I’d say. There are lots of rings to attach bungees to as well as the rails. Just look at a photo of one.

*sizing – pic looks like it could be quite flexible on the saddle height front, but less so at the bars

Bike tested was an 18″ and was fine for me at 5’8″

*whether the supplied panniers are the only bags that can be attached to the frame and what their quality and suitability is like

The 2009 bags look bigger and better. The ones I had were good but too small. Also held on at the top by folded, flat plate hooks which can bend under more extreme load. They do come with rain covers. I also fixed a bread crate onto the shelf for bigger loads.

*how much more awkward storage is compared with a regular bike with rack and panniers (it’s longer, but I don’t have a feel for whether it’s much harder to live with at home)

Didn’t fit in my shed! Had to take the front wheel off to get in my 6 seater Vito van which you don’t have to do with regular bikes. Ideal if you’ve got a garage.

*what you think makes it a better alternative than other cargo bikes on the market (noting that the market is pretty limited)

Haven’t tried any others, but cost is good.

*what you think it could have done better

Disc brake on the back as well as front, just so that you just carry on type of spare pads. Better panniers. Other than that I loved it.

Ed-O – your review, while praiseworthy, was v short! Anything else to add?

What do you want to know?

Never mind the cover, what about that freak with the beard?

Yes the just-coming-out one.

This is what I’m doing with my training

ED-O….have you reviewed the 08 or 09 Ute?

2008. 2009 looks nice, enjoy it when it arrives.

What’s the charity?

Went there today and it’s great. They achieved loads so far and there’s more to come. Driving from London might be a bit overkill, but hey, there’s nowt wrong with a bonkers road trip.

Click for some photos of what you might find there.

Have a good day and keep an eye and an ear out for the Curlews.

Can’t we see the really filthy one please?

I’ll have a crack next time we’re up there!

That’s the spirit Richyb.

The sun shines in the county of the righteous today…..and I’m going riding in it.

mmm bop is a disgrace with the growing pussy lines. Either ride the steps or ride somewhere else. Yeah.

Or employ the services of a guide 🙂 The MBR route is just wrong.

Here are the bars in a better looking finish on a better looking bike!

Ute bags are bigger for 09 IIRC

for 650 quid or whatever, a ute is very tempting for those trips to the shops/laundrette/pub.

Yes I was impressed by that.

Have you had any of the fabled cute girls hopping on the back yet? BigDummy keeps saying it’ll happen.

No only SheldonA and StannyStansfield, right mingers the pair of them!

So far so good! But what do you think of that frame with those bars?

I’ve reviewed the Kona Ute for the new issue of Singletrack magazine. IMO alluminium makes it lighter and means it won’t rust when you leave it out the back of your house because it won’t fit in your shed! It’s cheap and it’s ace.

Can’t find them on CRC.

Ice not heat! Take down the inflammation.

Well aligned valve and logo mate. Hope you heal up quick.

I’ve been up there for the last couple of days doing the mountain bike first aid training with Vital Signs.[/url]Very good course based at Cyclewise. I’ll be reviewing the course and doing a first aid feature in the May issue of the magazine.

The Oxleys will be there.

The Mighty GED is a bomber bike. Here’s mine in it’s last build. The bike I learnt to ride proper Calderdale tech on! Currently in the shed waiting a rebuild with the Thor fork back from Magura and wheels that I’ve got to build up.

Yes super, but I’ve already got one of those 😉

I’m after something more robust and shockproof. And before you go off to find a picture of one, I am already considering just using a Tupperware with foam inside for rides. Unless anyone has a better idea.

Check out Blazings Saddles bike shop in Hebden – they do social night and sometimes weekend rides locally. If you want a guide then have a look at the site linked from clicking my name.

Golfing wear for Imperial Stormtroopers?

But we need this to keep the little furry fellas on their toes in the forests.

When we had the Tracer test bike in it was much loved. One of the best bikes I’ve ever ridden.

It’s the beardless freaks – they all look alike. Don’t sweat it.

It’s a great xc / trail bike but not designed for bigger jumps and drops. I tested one in the Singletrack magazine – have a look in a back copy.

Tony – learn to ride with them, it takes more than one attempt…..like sex.

Drop your heels on the descents. Drop leading foot heel and rear foot toes to grip over nadgedy stuff and when in the air – this is called “the claw”

You have to really ride the bike with flats, not just perch on it. Use bend in your knees and ankles to weight and unweight the bike and to stick yourself to the pedals. Come for a skills day with me and I’ll show you how.