Thanks for the psa! Any ideas on the difference between the three 15×100 options?

Yep. Done and dusted / dusty. Lovely hour and a bit in the sun this evening above Macc. Strange how recent all those snowy rides still feel though…

Another +1 for Cae Gwyn. Camp, bunkhouse or really nice b&b, great location for the trail centre and belting views too.

Thanks for looking out for us, Pook. As only an occasional user of the route, but someone appalled by the original plans and 100% sympathetic to the collective reasoning, I’ve submitted my ten cents too.

Thanks OP!

Like that a lot.

Update in the local paper today… 6,000 mature trees uprooted and damaged, but they’re starting to reopen parts of the forest.

https://www.macclesfield-express.co.uk/news/local-news/parts-macclesfield-forest-reopened-time-14465617

Uberbike do a pretty chunky lockon that’s good value. I ran these for a while but currently use ODI Rogue lockons that are thicker than normal but not quite as fat as the Uberbike ones.

Watching this closely too – thinking of trying to tune the Monarch RT on my 2017 Scout with some bands, but a new shock is a possibility too…

Just back from a ride – my usual loop, joining Charity Lane from Walker Barn so I don’t know what the track up from the Leather’s Smithy is like – and it’s not great news. Charity is, as Carlos says, still chokka with snow, though the drifts are a lot smaller than they were last weekend. Oven Lane is fine.

I had a look along the track from Standing Stone and there’s a lot of trees down, turned back and took the road back down to the Ranger Station and stopped for a chat. He reckoned it could be a couple of months before it’s all fully open – they’ve got machines coming in on Monday to make a start but it seems there’s a huge amount of damage and I guess they’ve got the whole public liability thing to worry about – hence the signs everywhere.

Above Macc Forest this morning…

I too have kept checking in over the years and been inspired by your strength. I hope we can help spur you on like you’ve helped so many of us. Stay strong, screw cancer and keep on keeping on. Donated.

As qwerty said, Bespoked is your friend. A top day out, made even more so if you’ve got money burning a hole in your pocket! You’ll have access to an incredible array of bike companies there, the majority capable of producing something along the lines of what you’re after.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-43097113

…biggest in the 🇬🇧 for ten years according to the BGS.

Love it!

Cotic BFe of any era? I’ve had one for a couple of years and ride the trails you’ve mentioned – everything from along the canal, Macc Forest, Peak etc and it’s great. Went to it from a number of 26” wheel 456s including a ti one over the years, interspersed with various full sussers and it’s ace. Admittedly I’m riding a Transition Scout at the moment but I’d highly recommend the BFe. <stealth ad>Got a BFe 27.5 frame in the garage if you’re interested!</stealth ad> Apologies 😎.

@scruff. Do you still need to try a 54cm Tripster? I’m in Cheshire and happy to ride out / meet up if it helps? 5’ 11” on a 54cm V1 here…

I’ve been riding a 2017 Scout for a couple of months now and I’m hugely impressed with it. I’m not doing jumps or big drops; just mountain biking in the Peak but it’s renewed my enjoyment of getting out in the hills. It’s just a hoot to ride and although it’s far from lightweight, it climbs remarkably well and it’s fast and forgiving downhill.

I’ve used Premier Inns for a number of years on touring holidays. Never had a problem and even been offered ground floor rooms when I’ve checked in. Just tried to be respectful as others have said when it comes to having the bike fairly clean when I land – borrowed paper towels from petrol station pumps before now…

I ran the Uberbike chunky lockons for a while – low cost, lots of options and not bad at all. Recently I’ve been on the ODI Rogue which I have to say I prefer – it’s a smaller diameter than the Uberbike and feels better for it. Twice the price though! Got a nearly new set of the Uberbike ones if anyone wants to try them for a few quid.

@kcr – Raleigh Record Sprint was my first thought too! Had one in my early teens and remember it fondly.

I just use my iPad to stream Spotify directly to a Monitor Audio Bluetooth speaker – no seperate amp required. Works a treat – but might require something like Apple TV / Chromecast to connect into your existing setup?

I ordered the Raptor Arctic boot and sent them back – could barely get my feet through the neoprene sleeve and looking at feedback on a few sites, that doesn’t seem too uncommon. I’m so disappointed as I’ve had Celcius Arctics for a few years and been very pleased. They fit my wide feet and keep me warm and I had fairly high hopes for the new style. Interesting to read that getting them on became easier, but I feared breaking the tab or heel box it was such an effort.

How wide are those Bontrager ones?

Bliss Minimalist? Not completely launched myself whilst wearing mine yet, but had a couple of offs that would have grazed or bruised and they’ve definitely reduced the damage. They fit under a jersey or act as arm warmers and the fact they’re comfy to wear means at least I’m wearing them…

Oof. Glad you and bike are ok. That trail looks incredible.

Good call, Hannah – thanks. Just donated.

Macc Forest this morning – more slush than ice and great fun, if a touch chilly.

The views improved a bit lower down.

Like. 8)
The bike, not the garage door, obviously.

Uberbike do a chunky lock on that’s bigger than the Rogue. Been using them on the hardtail for a while, with Rogues on the full suss.

Happy days! Top stuff, CTM 8)

Is anyone running 650b in their v1 Tripster? If so, with what tyres – and what’s clearance like in the forks and frame? I’ve got PDW guards that I’d probably prefer to retain, but don’t know if that’ll be possible, so it’s not a biggie if I can’t keep them on.

Thanks all so far – really helpful and it’s useful hearing general feedback comparing the two, too, thanks scruff.

I’ve read a bit more and as far as I can see, the Pro 4 freehub is supposed to be fine with Shimano 11spd road cassettes, so it’s probably looking like a set of Tech XC hoops unless there’s any other ideas?

I know it was asked on the previous page, but I’m also interested to hear thoughts on running 650b wheels on the Tripster. My v1 is quite happy on it’s 700c hoops, but I’d be keen to know of alternatives and how they fit / perform etc.
cheers.

Brilliant! Really enjoyed that thanks.

Try Northwave as well – quite often find them discounted and they have models at a variety of price points. I’ve found them to be one of the few that fit my wide feet – decent volume in the toe box and they last well too.

Here you go, here’s my BFe 27.5 having a rest in the forest.

Got out on the Tripster for a little spin in the hills as it was going dark. The rain came. Headwind home. Still very good fun 8)

Just picked up a 2018 Singletrack II jacket from Cycle Centre in Congleton – not tried it out in anger but very impressed with the general features, low weight and fit. £115 retail. Obviously not sub £100 but it felt quite different to the previous version – which I think are on offer as you say.

+1 for a Cotic Rocket. Or a Flare. Or a Flare Max. One of them anyway, just need to decide… 8)

Woodster – I’ve got a Cane Creek 26.2 – 30.9 shim if it’s of use? It’s in my thread here: http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/new-11spd-xt-32t-cheap-cassette-rs-bleed-kit-nos-look-cleats-bar-ends-more

More importantly, a P7 with tan walls should look the business once it’s built!