I kept my old Giro until the headband/pads got seriously sweaty. It was a bit grim.

I have a pretty new Specialized lid (sub 4 yrs old) that I dinged quite badly after having it for maybe 6 months – (I rode into an overhanging tree limb that did not give – gave me a bit of a stun). I feel I should probably bin it – it just gets used for night riding now (has my exposure lights etc on it). I would say the ding is about 1cm deep and a few cm long, so there is a decent indent – should I be consigning it to the bin?

I think I have 2015/6 26 in wheel Pikes. No tokens fitted. Not sure if I should add any tokens?

I recommend looking up Seth’s Bike Hacks, The Singletrack Sampler and BKXC on youtube. All have some pretty decent footage and post pretty regularly. In some cases they mix it up, but there is a lot of first person in there.

I was interested in a gimbal but have got two very different camera types and can not decide – gopro session (4) and some Sony action cams (with stabilisation). Have not progressed it further, but they impressive.

I have got exactly the same issue, but as above it is worse when wet and then quietens down. They are more noisy than my other brakes (all Shimano) have ever been. However, they are so good at stopping my bike I just live with it. They are best when I get them really hot, so I think i drag them too much.

Out of interest have you tried organic pads? I have only used sintered.

No help at all OP, but I am not sure mine are ever going to get quiet…

I have a Sonos Connect. They are not cheap (although within your budget). I honestly don’t know if it plays all the file types you want, but it works well for me. I also like that I can play CDs on my separates back through it and stream it to other Sonos devices.

I vote France. I would look at the Jura, Alps. I would go so far as to say you could justify* a hardtail/budget fulls susser with half decent forks on, if you managed to save the cash and camp cheaply in your van. You could also book yourself onto a guided & catered trip in the Alps.

*This is not really a well reasoned argument – I am only saying that as I have am trying to justify my own ‘under the radar’ purchase, which is as yet not really working.

I love Scotland, but personally I would avoid the midge season and head south for some fun and euro disco.

Anthem as above. My brother had one of the first ones from 2006 and I think they have made decent models every year ever since.

Good advice above. I have in the past used part of an old bike box (from the LBS) to help add some rigidity to my bike bag, which has soft sides. Arguably not essential but I thought it added protection.

Never removed chain ring, but perhaps on reflection I should have. Bars, mech, rotors, pedals always off though. Try and take your full susser and just make sure you are prepared for the airport/airline weight restrictions. I have often seen advice saying take a copy of the airline’s sports equipment/bike bag policy, as the staff don’t always know.

Mickmcd – your comment ‘I reckon it still wont be enough to dry wharncliffe out’ wins the day. Made me laugh.

It is depressing that international diplomacy is being conducted by four year olds…(no offense meant to people of that age group who usually behave better).

They have just re-released Bombers…

Thanks transition1.

will try a 50mm stem. I have a 170mm dropper, but am fairly long in the leg so hopefully will fit ok…

Ramsey – thanks. I saw the other thread. Have kept my Eagle and m going tin be putting the rest of the entire kit I need for the build.

Appreciate all the advice.

Oli,

I have also been convinced to go Eagle. I ordered a set but got nervous when I read up on seized pulley wheels etc. However, I got a good deal and am just going to replace them with some pulleys from uberbike.

the range does look very attractive. I have no experience of the 11 speed Shimano stuff, but was happy with 10 speed. However, to set it up with 11-42 felt like a bit of a fiddle (using a rad cage and sunrace cassette).

Have just seen a very good review in MBR, for what it is worth.

Poopscoop – reference your earlier comments about not sending your GX back if you were me, in your opinion is the only issue with GX Eagle the bad jockey wheels?

if so, I will just order some Uber bike ones from the start and bin the original set. Am living in a world of confusion and not sure what is the best way to proceed…

Have just had an Eagle groupset delivered. I am about to send it back in part because of the comment here. I would prefer reliability over range of gears- would I be best to go for GX 11 speed? There is almost no price advantage in doing so, as I got Eagle with cranks for under £300.

It is cheaper for me to go with Shimano 11 speed, but I here mixed reviews.

I am sorry for you all to hear all the problems being experienced here – my old 9/10 speed gear has always worked ok.

Thanks Vince. Noted and will make sure I check on that before ordering.

I am still struggling to decide which groupset to buy, but am leaning towards a GX 11 speed and then sending the Eagle 12 speed back.

Hi cook – have received the 12 speed bits and whilst they look very nice nice, I think I am going to send them back and get the cheaper GX11, rather than Eagle. I would rather have the reliability rather than the increased range.

Should have done more research, but got a bit over excited during looking at different bits and bobs.

Hi Poopscoop, it certainly was a typo (or me just being lazy). I double checked that’s I do have the Evo model. Thanks.

Having got over excited about the idea of 12 speed, I wonder if I should have gone for 11 speed SRAM or stayed with Shimano 10 speed. THere is a thread on  here about 12 speed GXP rear mech reliability being really bad…

I am using a Bell Super 2. Works fine with Oakley Split Jackets, which I wear all the time (day and night riding) as they are optically corrected for my short sighted-ness and have that photocromatic thing (not sure if that is what it is called but they get darker/lighter).

My Specialized lid does bounce around sometimes when I have got a light on top and knocks the glasses.

I have always found Giro helmets very comfortable (although now don’t own one). Worth getting down to a shop with glasses in tow and see what works on your head.

Thanks for the advice all. After a bit of red wine and some frantic google searching, I found GXP 12 speed online (on Amazon). Not a bad deal so have ordered the full set.

I have just need to sort the XD driver and axle conversion for the rear wheel (have a Hope Pro 2 hub). This is all going on a bike with 26 in wheels – so like trying to make a tape player bluetooth.

Thanks Northwind – helpful feedback. Is that price mentioned including cranks, or without? I need the lot so was going to get a GXP crank as part of the package if I could.

Trimix – ‘Having a bike that pedals nicely is worth more than simple money.‘ This has always been my problem, buy cheap and buy twice 😬.

I totally agree that when everything works as it should, it isn’t something you can really put a price on. Am doing some more research…

THanks for your comments mike.

Thanks all. I have used th Gear calculator and also have done more research on GXP. Tempted to spend then extra, as 12 speed only looks to be £40 more for a groupset and the ratios look a lot wider. That does ninth take into account the XD driver though.

if anyone know any good places to get bargains, please let me know. Evans have got 12 sp GXP for £345 I think.

Thanks for the comments all. I seem to get on ok with the 1×10 42t & 30t combination I have – the lack of granny ring seems ok to me. I think I might therefore go for the 1x 11, as the cost of 1×10 plus rad cage and the associated faff make it less attractive to do that again.

I have seen mixed reviews on Shimano, stuff but generally I have always found it works fine.

I have had the occasional sore knees recently, but think it is more down to higher mileage this year and my riding position on my current bike, rather than anything gearing related, so will check the bike fit first before letting that affect gear choice (unless someone points out the error of my ways).

My wife and I had two week s or s or in and around Tahoe. We rode on the Rim Trail, Flume etc but there is loads to do there. There are some uplifted and guided options. There are good maps to self guide. We took our own bikes.

i have also stayed in San Diego and as above I understand it is easier to have a guide in much of California. I would check on where you are heading before choosing which bike to take.

I have some ice spiker  tyres sitting in the garage, but not sure if I can be biffed to fit them. Always happens, never get them fitted in time. Despite all the weather reports the Surrey and West Sussex borders hardly had anything, then it all came at once last night and today.

I have got a shorty on the front, which will probably be fine for mucking around in the snow. Just the road bits that I am not so sure about.

There are a few sites still offering 26in forks; I recently got a new Pike for my BFe. They have a few ones in the length you may be looking for:

https://www.bike-discount.de/en/shop/26-suspension-fork-120-130mm-822/l-24

Alternatively I have a 150-120 travel adjust revelation 🤗. Probably too long for your requirements, but I ran mine in a Trance.

Unsubtle stealth ads aside, I would recommend not getting another QR model – go bolt through and upgrade the wheel.

Disc brake rotors (two), bottom bracket, dropper post, bars, forks, tyres this winter.

I don’t want to add it up…

I recommend the books by Jim Parnham on riding in Pisgah. Make sure you have a decent map or chat to a bike shop about routes. My wife and I did a bit of riding here, but scared ourselves a bit when we got badly lost quite quickly.

i would have loved to have ridden more there – great selection of trails all over and the videos online look appealing. In my experience US bike shop staff tend to be very friendly and happy to chat about where to ride locally. Tsali in the Great Smokey mtns is also worth a visit if you are ever over that far west.

Enjoy NC – Charlotte has some good micro breweries.

Set of pads each end, gear cable needs replacing. BB also has developed play. I have only done 220 miles, so not that impressed with the BB, but then it is Race Face…

I sold my old Giant Trance X and now have a Bfe built up with 26 wheels. Don’t miss the Giant yet, but it has been nothing but sloppy riding for months.

OP: I am glad you got most of your cash back.

I would say however go and book some test rides – it will get you out on some nice shiny bits of kit in the better weather.

I have recently started to ride a bit more; redress the work, life and parenting balance and feel a lot better for it. I am not buying at your level (I have a Bfe), but am loving being out and about, even in this winter slop.

As people have said above, there are often deals on and some really are quite amazing value. Keep searching and keep your mojo up.

I think it is because they were natty disco slippers. My wife is always picking up on my dodgy/scruffy clothing choices, whereas to me I am not bothered.

I don’t hide anything deliberately, but then I am not fussed when she blows a load of dosh on some work suits or ‘essential’ clothes.

New Pike forks arrive – Mrs Gribble, no interest; but Mr Gribble, well, let’s just say a little bit excited…

Was going to do my Bfe. I have already ridden it Andy reading this thread makes me think it isn’t now best left alone.

I have a Bfe; it is more than I need…

As above, get it faced. I had the LBS fit some brakes to my Bfe; needed facing to fit.

Tightest brake alignment ever though.

Unless just going in the summer, I personally would get something a bit grippier for the front. Fine for the rear though I would have thought at most trail centres.

That looks sweet – probably what I should have got!

Shock of my life when I weighed myself at 85 kilos on Saturday am. I am 6ft 2, with a professional pot belly which has a genuine wobble on it. My belt is on the last notch.

6.4 miles Saturday, 17.5 miles Sunday on the mountain bike. Almost 3,000 ft of climbing, but slightly ruined/complimented by tatriflette Sunday lunch and blackberry pie pudding (…had seconds of both).

I need to keep the focus and keep away from the winter comfort food, beer and wine.