Yeti man I don’t think you need to worry at all. I’d hazard a guess that 2.5 or 2.6 would go in easily. Im running a 2.4 Minion with loads of space!

What are you basing that on exactly? Is everyone on a par with you in terms of fitness, skills and confidence? MTBing as a sport has a wide demographic and broad spread of abilities – I don’t think that everyone can or should be compared to any other rider.
overweight, 50yo on a fatbike around the tweed valley in the snow, i’m no olympian so anyone younger, lighter and with a non wide tyred bike that weighs as much as a 90s DH bike should cope with 1x
HTH

skills and confidence?

climbing? you just need to be able to balance and pedal surely? descending skills don’t need gears, at least i don’t use many going downhill, i’m more the feet up shouting woohoo! tyre of rider

Don’t want to drag the point but you’re not seeing the full picture IMO. Plenty of younger or older folk, on bikes that are not ‘top end’ and have less experience than you can and do have difficulty. Some of their bikes will weigh quite a bit and they are not so into the sport or simply restricted by finance that they cant/won’t upgrade.

As for the climbing at one time I might have agreed with your statement but again I think you’re looking at it from an experienced rider point of view. Many riders I have taken out have struggled with tight turns, step ups and slippy roots etc climbing. A few have found climbing more difficult than descending due to the limited momentum and increased likelihood of falling over. Some guys still say that after a few years of semi serious riding.

rOcKeTdOg – Member
if i can ride up scottish hills in the snow on a 1x geared 40lb fat bike no one needs 2x or 3x on a trail bike anywhere

What are you basing that on exactly? Is everyone on a par with you in terms of fitness, skills and confidence? MTBing as a sport has a wide demographic and broad spread of abilities – I don’t think that everyone can or should be compared to any other rider.

When I saw the promos I thought it might have been a 29er to compliment that Swoop which has been really successful at 27.5.

I think there’d be a market for a 29er version.

Are there a lot? Again don’t really see them, hardly see a front mech these days. As I said 2×11 should do the job with less overlap.

Of the 10 or so folk that I regularly ride with or see on the local trails, all of whom have relatively recent bikes and are relatively well informed about bike developments at least 5 riders still have a 2 or 3 x systems. A couple really do not want to go 1 x for whatever reason. Maybe if they tried it they’d love it but for now they are adamant that 2 or 3 x is better for them. I also see quite a few 3 x systems at trail centres.

I’ve been on 1 x 10/11/12 myself for a few years as I never really liked the front mech anyway but from what i’ve seen there does still seem to be a demand for other systems. Maybe it’s a local issue…..

Just bought these: https://www.uktoolcentre.co.uk/products/draper-metric-allanhex-key-set-ball-end-9pc.html?SID=775391&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9daTk9D91wIVRBbTCh1RvAKIEAQYAiABEgIb9fD_BwE&SID=775391&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9daTk9D91wIVRBbTCh1RvAKIEAQYAiABEgIb9fD_BwE

Hoping they will be decent!

While 1 x 11/12 clearly gives you lots of benefits (I use 1 x 12 myself) there are still a significant number of riders using or preferring 3 x set ups. That is their preference and choice so was really wondering what is out there to cater for that market now or whether the industry is phasing it out totally despite their still being some demand.

If the demo you are referring to in April is the Cycle Highlands event then there might not be that many sub 4k 29ers to try! They are great guys though and I’m sure they will advise you well. They also have a few ex demos Santa Cruz’s for sale – definitely a Hightower although it might be a Large/XL so maybe not suitable?

Obvious suggestion from me is what I ride – Orbea Rallon. Saw someone say that its spec is not as good as some others but seeing some of the other bikes suggested I’d suggest that the Rallon is competitive with most of them – almost all of them have some ‘compromise’ parts even at that price point. Orbea carbon frame warranty is also excellent!

Trek Fuel EX29 has a bit less travel than you might be thinking but you could get a carbon one cheap enough f you know who to ask and n=have change to get a beefier fork and better wheels etc!

Deals sometimes depend on what size foot you have!

For me it’s hard to look past various 5:10 models. There have been some good deals on Impact Vxi lately but the looks divide opinion!

Continental der baron projekt 29er in 2.4 is a great mud tyre. Think a 2.6 version is coming out too

I was thinking fireroad, trail centre trails etc will be very icy at the moment but I’m just guessing!

My saddle height is 750mm so no room to go longer. Happy with 150mm drop though and really pleased with the bike overall.

zippykona – Member
Thoughts on this please…
https://www.evanscycles.com/gore-bike-wear-rescue-windstopper-active-shell-jacket-EV255480

https://nsmb.com/articles/gore-rescue-windstopper-shell-reviewed/

I ordered one in the end, an XL in Purple. Got the 150mm dropper fitted but wouldn’t have room for longer.

Some great deals on their site at the minute!

I think Mons Royale put some effort into trying to be eco friendly/sustainable and produce long lasting products.

The only alternative to stans that I have heard consistently good reports about is the orange seal stuff.

Yeah the 9point8 is expensive but it was the only one that came to mind that fits your needs. Do Spesh droppers have a bit of layback?

I think you can set the 9point8 fall line post up as an offset/layback: https://www.shore-lines.co.uk/9point8-brand?product_id=313

There was another thread about this the other day too – some more responses on there if you search for it.

Should be some good deals to be had then.

is that on top of the usual ‘card holder discount’?

Yeah boost

Howsyourdad – I know there will be a set of DT 1900’s in 29er for sale at a good price soon. Would leave you with a bit more for your ‘bling’ set.

if you are considering buying 2 weelsets at £XXX why not just opt for 1 set at the combined price? Should give you a really nice set of do anything wheels then?

Apparently the Aeffect post is actually better/more reliable than the more expensive Turbine posts according to a few folks I have spoken to.

You guys who have XL’s or even Larges’ how much seat post can you get in the seat tube? I am wondering if there’ll be enough room for me to run a 150mm Fox Transfer or if I need to look at less travel/drop or a lower ‘stack’ post.

Looks really good!

IanFitz – I’ve PM’d you as your maps sounds very useful!

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Northwind – the VP’s I am using are 120x110mm platform and 12mm thick I think. I’m tempted to go with the same again as most ‘big’ pedals seem to be ‘only’ 110x105mm platform.

Good to know!

Guys – did you all get e-mail dispatch confirmations? I ordered last week but heard nothing since at all.

When I’ve seen it done it’s usually been by folks who live in the van who park up for long periods of time as a ‘home’.

Appears it can be done, maybe safely if you do it the right way.

OP – given the circumstances, probably limited time etc I’d suggest doing the red marked route. It’s good fun, most first time visitors love it. You’ll be able to add a few wee bits of fun Blue (e.g Berm baby Berm) without spending ages looking for ‘secret’ trails and staring at TrailForks if you feel you’ve got time. Enjoy yourself.

hatter and Rik – any more details on either of this frames?

scaled – I am the same height and inside leg measurement. Will be going XL – only concern is whether I’ll be able to run a 150mm dropper….

Might also be worth a look: https://7protection.com/gb/product/transition-wrap-knee/

I’ve been using RaceFace Charge – very light and comfortable.

Fatboy4 is the rubbing just because of the boot? Not flex in the rear end?

Anyone in Scotland got a G13? Mojo haven’t replied to my enquiry but I’m still curious about the bike. Unlikely to go way south for a demo but if any kind STWers had one I could swing a leg over that’d be really useful.