@Tracey where did you get that info? I cant find it anywhere…

ShowersPass Crosspoint on sale at the moment and you’ll get 10% more off if you sign up to the newsletter.

@peekay – where was it confirmed today?

Also if you are travelling solo and flying up to Edinburgh / Glasgow maybe a kind STW local could give you a ride the rest of the way saving on some costs? Just a thought.

@beagle – I do. Will PM you.

Just spoke to a bike rack supplier who reckons several of the Thule tow bar racks can be adjusted to clear the T5 tailgate…

Any bargain deals on callipers at the moment?

Interesting DBW – I’m getting rid of the standard VW tailgate rack for a number of reasons! I’ve had the DL3 in the past and it was better in almost all regards for me – admittedly this was for car use. However I’ve very quickly given up on the VW rack since it came fitted on my van……..

Just reviving this – will anything other than the Atera DL3 work with a T5 Tailgate?

I have a Jacket I got years (maybe 10) ago which has had very heavy use for multi sports and is still going strong. Last year the zip broke and they sent me new zips FOC!

All the folks I know who have bought Norrona gear have got great wear from it too making the initial high price less of an issue due to the longevity.

I’m using 7mesh waterproof shorts and they have been excellent!

You could buy an XL Rallon 29 frame (cough cough) and do a great build on it for that budget…

looking good @jay71 ! Tyre/Rim combo look chunky!

Looking for boost wheels.

Cheers guys – I use ActionSports myself by think my friend would prefer a simple click and buy set than having to configure them if that makes sense.

I guess Dt240’s with some decent rim would be a good option though. I used the 240 hits myself and think they are pretty much the best you can get.

I’ve used both of the DT rims above and they are definitely up to the task – I am about 110kg kitted up and am known to hit all possible rocks and obstacles that I should be avoiding…

If you an find a DT XM1501 wheel set that’d be my personal recommendation. Seem very strong and light.

Shouldn’t be any problem with that as far as I know.

My advice, for what it’s worth, is to buy her absolutely the best bike possible. One that you’d be happy to ride yourself. The second hand option will get you more spec, probably lighter weight and maybe even full suss all of which might add to her enjoyment of riding. Mrs OABs wee bike there looks like a bargain!

I’ve been using DoubleDown in the rear for a while and it’s been really durable – much more so than the Spesh Grid Tyres I ran previously.

@shackleton if your after an XL frame give me a shout – can do a good deal on a G13….

I’ve also been looking at the Calibre….

EXT Storia on a G13 Geometron. Brilliant set up!

Aye @chakaping 29er all the way….

I find goggles fog up a lot in wet, rainy weather. So much so that I am going with the comedy glasses in full face look at the moment when racing….

Thanks @Northwind. Looks good.

If I were to find myself in Kinlochleven this week and wanted to sample the type of trails that’ll be used which ones should I try!? Not sure if I can make the race yet but would be good to know exactly how far out of my depth I might be if I were to enter…

Mike at 20Twenty Bike in Banchory can sort you out. Plus you’ll be right beside some of the best riding in the country…

I’m sure its been covered in the thread but for those with raw frames how are you cleaning them / keeping them shiny? The pad that came with mine seems to dull the frame rather than shine it???

Adidas backland dirt have a wee removable nose guard – might be worth a try so you can see how it feels with and without?

I use adidas backland dirt with a kind of insert that clips in. probably a cross between OTG set up and the typical lens inserts I have seen. Not 100% great but they are the best solution i have found so far!

Also – anyone run the G13 as a hybrid? Would that work? It’s probably been mentioned already…..

Info mentions loads of standover – any figures for the standover anywhere?

For the spring weight maybe just give Marcel a call? I am sure they would be happy to advise?

Cheers threerock44. I think they struggled to keep up with demand for the e-sommet this year!

Cheers FOG – was hoping October but doesn’t seem to be any hints out there yet so November might be more realistic!

Does anyone know whether this will work on absolutely anything or just fixed price items from ‘trade’ sellers? Like if I make a best offer on something from a private seller can I still use it?

If you want more space for boost axles I think some ebike racks will accommodate.

Thanks for the input guys.

@mrjmt – yeah I have the extension option as a potential back up, cheers.

@hot_fiat – thanks for the easy base link. That is something similar to what I intent to make!

@jef – agree on your points, it is high up for sure! Unfortunately for a whole multitude of reasons a towbar is not going to work on my van!

@welshfarmer – sounds like we are on the same wavelength! I had thought about the side on vs front on forces. Was thinking of using a couple of the small Atera bike to bike holders – one connected to the frame of the bike rack secured to van on one end and to bike 1 at the other end? Then if carrying a second bike a second bike to bike between them? https://www.roofbox.co.uk/scripts/rbvehsel4_tab.php?29037

Side note – saw some really cool front bike carriers for Defenders on one of the NZ uplift service pages, looked good.

Aye I’ve not been able to get the Maxxis 29er tyres I want on there for a few weeks…

Yeah they don’t seem the easiest to get hold of.

When I was looking at them it sort of appeared that even the German shops who ‘stock’ them always had them listed as 5-7 days for dispatch suggesting they just order from Trickstuff after they receive the customer order?

They list various colours and front/rear specific here: https://r2-bike.com/TRICKSTUFF-Disc-Brake-Direttissima-separately-Frontwheel-Brake-red

Would like to give these a go in the near future. Is TrailFirks pretty accurate -looks like 2/3 km up the same route to access most of the trails on a repeating loop?