Hans Dampf comes up to size. Igot it from bikediscount.de

I have just built up a Stooge Speedball and have Crox Duro 29×3.25 on the front and Hans Dampf 29x 2.6 on the back. Both on Halo Vapour 50 rims. I know some wil say 50 is to wide for 2.6 but it works for me.I wanted it be good in the wet slop and so far I am really pleased with the both tyres, they grip on most surfaces, cleas mud and roll well. I will probably try something fatter on the back come summer.

I have planters faciaitus and Merrell Moabs make my feet ache after a while, they don’t have enough support and are not really a walking boot but a glorified trainer. Walking boot wise I have Brashers. A pair of the traditional leather ones, Hillmaster, and a more recent cordura type ones. They are both wonderfull. The older leather ones have a goretex membrane and vibram soles but can be hot in the summer. The other more modern ones have a membrane but not gortex, they are cooler.

Go for it! I will when I retire. Best years of your life if you have the right attitude. I cant wait.

Stooge. Its a kind of magic!

Cut off ex raf. Gortex zip and stud. Job done!

Mid wales. Have a look at the area west of the elan valley. Its like a little Scotland. Very remote and deserted. I rode the trans cambrian way earlier this year with Mtb Wales. 106 miles over 3 days. This was fully supported with a guide but you could do it yourself which might be better if gravel is your thing. There is also a route north to south wales but I cant remember what its called.

All the above are probably correct, but far more important is to get a decent builder. I appreciate this may take time but well worth it.

As has been said. The OP seems to know the cost of everthing and the value of nothing!

I am 64 and have few of the problems others mention. I need a good mattress to avoid a stiff back in the mornings but thats it. I usually do a 4 hr ride at the weekend. I still work fitting kitchens, and I think thats part of it, regular activity which I get at work.

We have been going to Tenerife for the last few years. We are there now and its mid to high 20’s. which is normal at this time of year. In late january/ feb it is normaly low 20’s. You do not usually get extended periods of rain but there is always the exception. There can be snow on the mountains in winter so be prepared for cool evenings in winter. Tenerife is less windy than the other canary islands. We go to the south which is much hotter/drier than the north where it is cooler and more humid although greener. Love the place!!

Reccomendation from an old man. Talon if you are an Eagles fan, their version of Hotel California is classic.If you like Billy Joel then try Elio Pace.

Have a look at Stooge, for something a bit different and special.

Small Batch, Little Stretton, Shropshire. Stream running through the site, pub at the end of the road, walk straight out of the site onto Shropshire hills. Church Stretton a couple of miles down the road, good biking on the doorstep. Only drawback facility,s are a bit basic but a beautifull spot.

We are doing it this May and I could do with some advise from those who know. Which bike to take ?? I would love to do it on my Surly Wednesday fatbike (it is such fun to ride). If I am being stupid will someone tell me. My other bike is a perfectly good titanium framed hardtail 29er (titus fireline) Thanks in advance.

I will give it 10/10. Use mine weekly for 3 years and no problem. It is a bit small at times but I knew that when I bought it. Massively comfortable as long as you dont cram it full with a full bladder, but most bags dont work well if really full. I have just bought an alpkit possum frame bag as extra space and this seems to be a good way to go.

I have just returned home after a 3hr ride in the black mountains on my titanium framed 29″ hardtail. My opinion where comfort is concerned. Fatbike rules.

Plus one to ,charge more work less, I am in a similar line to you and h ave learnt that most jobs take longer than you think so be pessimistic about times. Leave gaps in your diary between projects, you can always fill them if you need. I use google calender as my diary because it is easier to alter if things change. Last but not least take charge of your customers or they will have you running round in circles. Have confidence that they will wait for your superior product.

What a fantastic weekend. My third time and already looking forward to next year.

Cant wait for it. My third year on the Surly Wednesday fat bike.

Back mudguard off the fatbike last weekend and edna/ nate coming off next weekend. Jumbo Jims back on for Battle on the Beach and the rest of the summer. Monsoon season expected any time soon.

I am a little older at 64 and my back gives me problems sometimes. I would repeat what others have said, bar height makes a big difference and so does bar shape. I have found in the last year that a swept bar works better, it may not look cool and the bike may not climb so well but so what. You have to look after your body regardless and if that means riding with suspension and wider wheels then that is what you have to do. If you knacker your body you cant get another one.

I make a living out of fitting kitchens. For many years I used a Skill circular saw and a piece of 6×1 with clamps as a guide rail and it worked well. But times move on and I bought a Dewalt plunge saw and rails soon after they came out. It was a step up but when it packed in I bought the Festool. This is a different world! But at a price that most diy’ers could not justify. since then every new power tool I have bought has been Festool. – Dust extractor, 10.8volt drill, 1/2″ router.

Just love the pictures on this forum but sadly for too complicated for an old men like me. We have a 6 year old whippet/pointer that we had from a puppy. Recall has always been good particularly with a whistle, we didn’t train her to the whistle she just seemed to know, one beep to stop and two to return. So we were lucky. The problem area was not chasing sheep- very difficult to teach. The second time she chased a sheep was before biking was introduced. When I finally got her back I said nothing to her, put the lead back on and in silence went straight back to the car and ignored her for the rest of the day. Now she is 100% with sheep and will wait for my command, whether to wait while sheep move or walk quietly at heel (me on bike). This approach may help with recall, maybe worth a try. To be fair ‘lola’ is ultra sensitive and desperate to please. Sadly her biking days are over as her perceived ability to fly has resulted in too many serious injuries. Hope this helps.

I am e -conversion curious. I have a very nice surly wednesday which I ride most, but also a ti 29er that rarely gets riden. An e- conversion is quite appealing. Does anyone have any experience of these. I have found that bafang do a motor that rep!aces the bottom bracket, but most information comes from usa where it seems a throttle is permissible.

Vaguely related comment from an old man. My vango force 10 ridge tent is 44 years old and I still use it.

We go regularly and it is not a problem for me to do my own thing. I never ride out there. I would hate an experience like yours. Every week I r ide my own bike that is just how I like it, the idea of paying good money for something like you describe does not appeal at all. Yes I admit it I,m a grumpy old man.

I had one of the older ones, black/yellow. As others have said great bike for the money.

I have had my skyline a couple of years. It,s a really comfy bag, only just big enough for longer rides but then you usually fill whatever space you have. Not waterproof as has been said. I also use a small frame bag for inner tube(fat bike) and phone for easy access to take pics.

I have spent sometime experimenting with different bars and stems for my fatbike , so these are my thoughts. Sort the forks out first. Shorter forks steeped the head angle which makes the steering sharper, add that to a short term that you are not used to and it will feel twitchy. I have found to my cost on other bikes that running a fork with different travel to what the frame was designed for(longer or shorter) alters all the geometry of the bike. Usually the frame designers know what they are doing.
I have tried wide and narrow, long and short bars. It is a very personal thing. Fwiw I now run on one ogee bars that I have extended to 740mm, they are swept 25 degrees similar to carnegies. I run these with a 50mms stem. Other option that might suit you are Stooge Moto bars( 800mms swept back) or Salsa bend bars, not sure width but available from slam69

My other half day she is Darcy

63 and still riding every week.

This thread seems to be running on so I,ll add my bit. Built up a Wednesday fat bike earlier in the year using a second hand frame. I love it! Have done many miles so far- mendips,exmoor, quantocks, peak district. I live on the Welsh border so black mountains , brecon beacons and forest of dean. Not to forget Battle on the Beach.It’s one to keep.

I ride my fatbike  3 or 4 hours most weekends. I do not set goals for speed, distance or height of climbs. I measure my ride by smiles. One of my riding mates tells me the miles but I don’t care. Don’t beat yourself up over it, just enjoy. I know I can’t do what I used to do but still get the smiles.  I am 63 and live in Wales so am spoilt for riding options.  Today I spent 4 hours riding with 40 other fatbikers for Global Fatbik e Day. Much fun, mud and banter plus a cafe stop. No mention of distance. Perhaps you should try a fatbike.

My work suit came from screwfix. Site trousers with all sorts of pockets for glasses, phone , tape measure, screws and nails. Plus  reinforcement on vulnerable areas and pockets for knee pads. Combined with their polo shirt and fleece does me well. My office is small and cosy, the cab of my van – just enough space for me and the dog ( sorry no pics). That’s where I go when I am ‘In a meeting ‘

Shall I stop rambling now?

Today I had the first ride in ex raf goretex overtrousers that I cut off just below the knee. Really impressed at how comfortable they are. I had just short liners underneath but will probably wear tights when it gets colder.Not ridden in the rain yet but quite pleased for £22 on ebay.

I bought a cheap voodoo wazoo on eBay just to try it, since then I rarely ride my much better titanium 29er. I have since built a surly wednesday and love it. As others have said will probably get a set of 29+ wheels for next summer.

andybanks, may see you on Saturday then.

Thanks everyone it looks like I am taking the fatbike. Happy days!

I learnt a long time ago not to wait for others, get on and do it. You cant please everybody so please yourself. I now ride with friends or alone.  Yes call me selfish if you like. But – You are along time dead.