Looks good. Virus are bringing some good bikes at decent prices.

Some of the POC ones have a small logo down low near the waist which is understated. Dakine have a few that although patterned they are not neon with loads of logos.

Interested in this tyre and seems like it could be a good one for 29er enduro riding. Although in the video he seems to be saying that really for 95% of the time no other tyre would be needed right?

Are you happy with the size/fit of the Bronson?

im the same height and I’d be going XL in either Bronson or Capra TBH

Not quite a pack horse like some of you guys at 44cm but I like my Troy Lee Raids in XL – ION KPact were a bit tight.

Saw a couple of guys going fast on G13’s and G16’s at the SES event at Laggan. Plenty of folk curious about the bikes….

I fear boardinbob when you say push you mean maximum effort but if I were to say that it would actually mean just to push the bike over an obstacle….

Good weekend, lots of rapid riders!

I found Stages 2 and 4 tough TBH! Looking forward to the next one, hopefully the weather will be the same….

I started a thread about the Renthal bars a few days ago and opinion was mixed!

Im currently using Chromag BZA 35mm. I cut them down from 800 to 760mm and they are noticeably stiffer after the cut.

Cheers Bob and Nobeer. So a mix of mud on one side (or sticky clay if it is drier) and rock the other? Shorty and DHR it is then….

Forecast was decent when I checked last week but not quite so good now…

Fair enough. I know what you mean about the low BB on the Smuggler too…

I changed from an older Smuggler to an Orbea Rallon – bigger bike, more travel etc so not really a direct comparison but I’m happy so far.

Orange Stage 5 worth a look – an updated, better version of the original 5 from what I hear.

Carbon Smuggler – you liked the original so a lighter, stiffer one with a tad more travel sounds like a winner to me….

Surely the Giro Switchblade or Bell Super DH would be the coolest/breeziest as you can remove etc chin bar? Both fully DH certified as far as I know too.

Looking at one of them as my next helmet.

So just to be clear – I’m neither a massive fan nor a hater of Sam Hill but looking at what i am reading it seems there is plenty to like:

Seems like a nice guy, not too loud or brash.

He’s won a stack of races on different tracks all round the world, he’s won a good few DH World Championships over a long period showing versatility and longevity, not to mention has 2 more where he crashed and lost it despite being faster than everyone else. Then he’s switched discipline and been the champion again.

And if you see  some of the comments from other pros about how good/nice/unbelievably fast he is that sort of convinces you that he’s the real deal.

That’s legend status in any sport to be fair isn’t it?

I use the Bell Super with glasses all the time with no problem. Sorry i know that’s not helpful… What glasses are you using?

I thought about over glasses goggles but thought the Adidas system looked a bit more secure?

Apparently due to my particular eye condition and shape Laser surgery might not help and would wear off quite quickly so probably not going that route.

The ESS U-RX look similar in idea willrab – any feedback on those? Are the big enough that the ‘frame’ isn’t in your field of view?

Thanks guys – I actually thought it was EU law rather than UK but if not then I won’t pursue it too much.

I have the Rallon. Chose it over the Whyte as I just liked it better – both to ride and to look at.

The Vitus and NukeProof Mega 290 both get great reviews and cost (a lot) less though. Mega 290 with room to upgrade/customise was also on my radar!

What is the price of the factory frame with a shock? I think it is £1800 without?

I’ve been in the breast clinic a few times. If you went private you might end up seeing the same person in the end anyway just a week earlier….

You’re doing the right thing – get it checked out and go through the process. It’ll either put your mind at rest or you’ll know exactly what you are dealing with and the possible courses of action.

As noted it is most likely nothing but I know that doesn’t stop the worrying.

Interesting thoughts – I think the ‘classic’ bikes and riders above were before my time TBH and I don’t really associate Gwin with Yeti either. Rude I agree has been great for them in Enduro but for whatever reason that’s not my predominant thought around their brand.

The sort of marketing/stories that make me think they want to be ‘adventure’ bikes are like this: http://features.bikemag.com/kazbegi/

https://www.bikemag.com/videos/video-yeti-cycles-in-iceland/

Sort of a wilderness/adventure theme I guess.

So I guess no more at the bargain price….

I’m running the double down DHR 2 on the back and it’s been good so far. Paired with a Shorty or DHF on front depending on the season.

I have 2 new der baron projekts here that I don’t think I’ll use if anyone is looking.

IMO the best 29er mud/winter tyre there is but I seem to have bought too many as they are lasting a lot longer than I expected!

Good effort, but you’re no DTF.

No idea what DTF means?

That was a pretty accurate description of me and my riding so I’m not sure why you have a problem with it?

Even since I didn’t buy a G13 I have had a niggling regret….

So if I typically ride long slogs up with steep downs and never wheelie, manual or bunny hop it should suit me ok?

Mine had a -1* Angleset and 140mm forks. Was a perfect set up IMO. Great bikes!

Just in case this thread can be of use to anyone else thought I’d update. I went out this morning and did some of what I think are known locally as ‘High’ Burnside trails including Bigger Bicuits, Coco Pops, Top Trail, Side Pipe, THR, Christ Almighty, Tunnel of Wasps etc.

In general it’s ok. There is ice on the fire roads where the snow has been compacted but there was no ascent that too icy to ride. There is also a decent dusting of snow on exposed areas – might be 6 inches at worst. The trails under tree cover were good – the odd snowy and icy patch made it tricky but there’s also lots of firm and dry trails. In short going up is tricky but no real issues on the descents (at least not because of the weather/conditions!)

Yep everywhere closed and has been for a while due to the forestry operations to remove infected trees.

I’m planning to go to Aviemore or Laggan depending on conditions (started another thread…)

Thanks guys, I’d be thinking the more natural trails near Aviemore itself might be a better bet than the trail centre as they are less likely to be icy?

I’m going regardless so it’ll be a case of working out the best or least worst option…..

tdog – I am the OP. I bought a Rallon in the end. Was more than I wanted to spend but was really well specced and I am happy with the decision. The others guys bought Santa Cruz….

Autocorrect strikes again – I meant to say are you on Deeside / In Aberdeenshire? It’s a moot point now anyway as I think it is too small.

Not bothered about symmetry at all so that might be what I do – presuming the ‘standard’ mount is solid too? The I-Phone just seems like a big item with lots of potential to twist around….

Roverpig – what height are you on that large ICT? Are you on Decide somewhere?

That orange Beargrease seems to have mounts on the fork for bike packing accessories as far as i can see but the descriptions don’t mention it – anyone ale to confirm?

Thanks tomhoward – I did think that and thought the out front would be needed but if they don’t offer it for 35mm bars I think I’ll struggle….

Yeah it looks like there is no 35mm bar option unfortunately….

How long does the stem need to be to fit the mount on securely? I think mine is 40mm but again most of the pictures online show mega long roadie stems…..

You guys that have the coil fitted how are you finding it? A good match for the bike? I am thinking about ordering one to try….

Lots of good videos there. Fit4racing sometimes put clips of their workouts with Adam Brayton online too which look good.

I actually e-maile them about their MTB training programme but never got a response…..

Does everyone here ride with a bottle? I occasionally do but I’d say 90% of riders I meet don’t even have a bottle cage mounted.

I think the 29er looks good.

There were a couple of Fox levers for sale on here not that long ago. Not sure if they ever sold of if you could hunt back to find the posts.

FWIW I really like the Fox lever.