Mine arrived without the clip and water bladder. Does anyone know where they are available separately?

I have just done sort of what you habpve thought about. Giant Trance X went an and bought a Cotic Bfe frame and moved most of the decent parts over. It rides really well and gave me loads of confidence.

however, I have also now gone and picked up a Transition. It is too much travel, but great for when the trails are running dry or the area I am riding in is rockier. I am not sorry that I got rid of the Trance, but I would personally keep your full susser. You can get away without one of course, but but it’s nice to have the option of both.

I am a 26 in tyre user and agree that the biggest pain in the backside is finding something actually in stock online. Any knobbly decent tyre will probably be better than a set of old knackered ones. It depends if you want to get specific ones for the winter.

The default winter tyre (well for me) is a Maxxis Shorty, I had one for the front of my hardtail. I have the poshest 3C one (which basically means more compound in a fancy mix to give you grip) and it really is very good; got it for about £45. Got me trough a very muddy 2017/18 winter and will go back on the bike soon.

Front is more important to me, so as long as the rear climbs ok in the mud I don’t mind. You could also use (on the front) something like a DHR2 (but again not ideal budget as over £40). If you don’t mind a thinner tyre, Specialized Storms are very good and I think around £35; I have one I will be using as a rear this winter.

I have in the past used a Maxxis High Roller (both the original and HR2) as a front in the winter.

Tubes should fit any tyres you get.

Edit: Merlin Cycles offers linked above seem the way to go!

Your riding buddies give you a fist pump at the bottom of every run? You Only Ride Park? You think you have tinnitus, but it is in fact just the drone following you to get some more shots on yet another sick edit.

You can’t really listen to my opinions, I listen to Radio 2.

Earl; I did not heed your advice on the brake pads (not deliberate, just not organized). Pads were squeeling on the rear (which I think was due to heat build up and then the pads sort of glazing over – not sure if I am talking pish).

Apart from that hardtail was fine, just a bit bumpy on the bum on the way down.

Just following up on this. Tried lots of pads and went for G-Form in the end. The most comfortable pair were some Troy Lee (light duty) pads; G-Form best combination of comfort and snug fit.

Wore them in the Alps at the end of last month. Really pleased with them and would recommend them to others. I did try IXS, Blue Grass, Tory Lee, but could not get hold of Fox in my size from memory.

Interested in this; have a DHR2 WT 2.4 (f) and Ardent 2.4 (r) on 26 in wheeled hardtail. DHR worked great in the Alps, on my not very wide rims.

Was considering shorty (f) and specialised storm control (r) for the depths of muddy winter.

My full suss just has Conti Rubber Queens f & r. I have also got a 2.4 HR2 kicking about. Probably should stop buying tires and use them…

Thanks anono. Hip Pack bought.

Friday pm at the end of a long working week, browsing online is not good!

BPW seems an obvious choice – wide range of all weather trails and bike hire is available, if needed. I have not been to the other two but am keen to try both.

I think the only issue with BPW is the place is booked out so far in advance; I think you might struggle to book uplifts for the next month, if going for a date on a weekend. Perhaps one day during half term?

I have had the problem on various bikes.

I find proper bedding in does help; as above getting them warm and applying them in an on/off fashion helped. A bit of grit or mud does help if they feel like they are not bedded in, as it roughs up the surface again.

I have just got back from a weekend in the Alps; my Bfe has a 160mm rear brake and it got too hot; braking performance still ok but I was dragging the brake loads and had to cool it pretty regularly. The rear would begin to howl when getting hot, but I wonder if the pads were glazing over and reverberating. 200mm front was fine.

Agggghhh. Loved this when it came out. I also had dual control shifters mind you.

If you actually need/really want  a new bike, I would definitely see if you could do both. YT/Canyon website for the win and look for flight and air bnb deals; I think money can always be saved.

Now assuming you want to go riding on holiday, you have picked two amazing places to go to (from all the inter web research I have done). I think the memories of that once in a life time trip will be worth it, long term you won’t care or remember how much it all cost. There is plenty of other non biking stuff to do as well.

I am booked to go away with Mrs Gribble next weekend and am very over excited. She had a trip (dirty weekend away riding in Verbier) combined with a basic Camber as a birthday present – although she is very pleased with the bike, having trip to look forward to has made it exponentially more exciting, (for us both I might add). I remember riding in some cool places on my basic old hardtail and have very good memories of those trips. The bike was of secondary importance to the place we were riding, but of course if you can it would be nice to have the best of both!

Dirk, how does it compare size wise to a L Bfe (previous generation)?

Thanks G-L; I have re-inflated with some Stans in the wheels and it seems to be holding, touch wood. Will keep an eye on it.

Thanks both – had a go at popping tyre back in with no tube; bead snaps in fine. Tyre inflates. Leak from the split in the rim (directly opposite where the valve is), above about 35 psi on both rims. Rang the shop and they said bung in some sealant.

Just ordered a 2.4 dhr 2 wt online (26 in). I have 25.5mm Flow Ex rims. Am sure it will be fine, I used to run big 2.3 tyres on my old Mavic 17 mm internal diamanter rims (admittedly at higher pressures and with tubes). I also have Continental Trail Kings in 2.4 on one of the rims, which works fine. They are the size of a small house.

I think wider rims would be nice but can’t justify a wheel rebuild.

Cynic-al, I got cheap flights to Geneva for end of September with BA. Am taking bikes but think because it is between seasons (almost) it was a lot cheaper.

I have a Bfe (26 in, generation before long shot geo). I am 6’2 and the size L is just big enough, but I would have probably got an XL if available… Fancied a change and was using old 26 parts, so wanted a 26 frame and I quite like the BMX type feel.

However, if I was starting again I would seriously consider the Whyte. Heard nothing but good things about them and bigger tyres seem like a great idea. I often run big (2.4) tyres on my bikes, if I can fit them in the frame and it’s not muddy.

Having said all of the above, I love the Cotic and the bike is incredibly confidence inspiring. I am taking it out to the Alps to do some XC alpine style in Verbier and am looking forward to it; I know my riding will only be held back by me, the bike works fine.

Scaled: Verbier.

Weeksy: don’t think I am going to get the full susser built up, (due to work home & commitments), but will try to make time.

Thanks all for your comments.

I have GX Eagle set up on a newly built 26 in full suspension bike. Yes the cassette looks quite big, but I am not too bothered by it. The bike still looks the nuts and I am sure the Intense will work with GX just fine.

Bonus is that at least your friend will look in proportion to the bike; I am 6 ft 2, so even on an XL sized bike people will mock.

Watching with interest, as heading out to Verbier for a short weekend at the end of Sept. have a great trip.

Thanks all; I am looking at both IXS and G Form to see what I see available online. Seems that not many local shops stock a big range (understandably), but will see if I can get clear guidance on sizing. CRC seems to be the best for size charts.

I have travelled a small amount with bikes, always using soft bags. Can’t justify one, but they look like the business.

have travelled a bit in the UK and taken my bike for after work riding; always left bike in room or back of hire car with no trouble, but I make sure the bike is concealed from prying eyes if possible and try not to take the mickey, if staying inside.

travelling to Geneva with the Mrs and we are going business as I have a companion voucher with BA and somfligts were only £50 each, rtn.

does everybody always take rotors off with soft bags – I have always done so but my brother never used to bother and just lobbed his wheels in with the discs still attached?

Only had one set but love them. E4s on my hardtail, coupled with a decent 200mm rotor on the front. Love the feel of them.

Felt like overkill when I bought them, but they are great.

Tried using a generic mount for a 200mm rotor/brake combo for my E4s, would not work. Ended up ordering the Hope mount.

Hi. Just had the same issue identifying a 160mm to 200mm mount. Rang Hope and then found this: https://www.hopetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Brake-mount-chart.pdf

Thanks Earl; have a FS Transition being built up but am looking to do some of the footpaths/enduro trails, rather than any downhill. None the less I think it will be hard going, then Mrs won’t want to pin it so am going to take my time…

Really appreciate all the input – as an update: booked a hotel centrally (Bristol), only because our stay is short and I wanted to be in the centre for dinner etc, if possible. Tickets etc all sorted for uplifts.

We are travelling in by train and will get the bus up, as the bubble car thing does not work on a Friday that late in the season. Not all lifts are open, but the guide (PureBiking Verbier) are able to link up with a combination of lifts and public transport.

Bike wise, I am going to take my Bfe and for Mrs G, she has kindly been given a new Specialized Camber for her birthday. I put the money earmarked for rental towards a new bike for her, because I am nice like that.

Really looking forward to the trip now – never ridden in the Alps so am very excited.

Thanks for all the inputs; went KS drop zone in 75mm, with no remote. Hopefully it does the job.

Thanks all. I like the look of the Specialized (and generally think their stuff works well).

Unfortunately my budget is as little as possible. The post on the bike is as fitted from the shop (300mm+ fixed layback post) – the bike was a birthday present to her and it is a step above what she had before, so she is not used to the £££ outlay.

I think the basic KS might be the ticket – Bikester do it with discount for circa £117, which seem ok. If I am honest, the thought of doing the internal cable routing is making me lean towards the lazy install basic lever under the seat type!

Thanks for all the leads everybody. I am trying to get something on a budget (apologies I did not specify), so may look at the KS posts.

75mm of travel does seem ridiculous on the smallest models, but if it makes the difference I think it will be worth it. The standard post is slammed in the frame but just does not go quite low enough I think.

I like Conti tyres (Rubber Queen/Trail King are decent volume). Worth also having a look on ebay; picked up some spares there (old school Michelins).

For really speedy, Hutchinson also make some ‘basically no grip but fast tyres’.

I should try On One (never have) as I generally get on with Maxxis tyres.

Thanks both for the input. Will look a bit more at travel and hotels.

i am hoping to mix up some climbing with some uphill, but as per the above think some of the lifts will be closed.

What are the footpaths like? Hardtail ok?

Could only get decent cheap flights into Geneva. So considering Verbier, as the Swiss season looks a bit longer than France.

So should I aslo be considering France? Verbier guide done by pinkbike has been helpful: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/verbier-switzerland-your-essential-guide-2016.html

However, any recommendations on Verbier for those who how have been would be appreciated. Considering train transfer. Any accommodation pointers?

Is a guide necessary? I am considering one seriously as we have such a short time, I want to make the most of it.

Thanks no beer. Will investigate. The idea of sunshine does appeal

Good effort. Did it in two days some years back. Last few hills were killer.

I did not find my Giant Trance X (now sold) the best tool for the job, but that was probably less of an issue than my fitness.

I was lucky as on the second day I was joined my a very motivational STW forum member, which kept me going and got me there for lunchtime.

Have just got a Yakima frontloader. There are a couple of versions that looks similar on roofbox’s site.

They just hold the wheel of the bike, so avoid the frame.

If you don’t want to get a new rack, could you use a soft cloth to prevent scratching and just be careful when you tighten?

America and EU trip. I would do it in a Campervan and probably spend a lot of time being outdoors and wearing an unwashed shirt, cooking, drinking beer, reading. Getting fat and good at riding.

Modern life – meh.

Just out of interest, do those WT Maxxis tyres come up too big for Flow EX wheels?

I have used Conti 2.4 Rubber Queen/Mountain Kings and they come up to a decent size. I have also got some Ardent 2.4s waiting in the wings (stockpiled for extended periods of warm weather).

Thanks Rickon.