from memory…
4.7% duty for bike parts
then 20% vat on price including shipping
Important it is parts not a complete bike, as complete bikes attract a higher rate of duty 18% IIRC

The Maxxis ardent is similar
Not quite as deep tread, so a bit faster

ignore

Loving my Dialled PA (725 version)
Great handling bike, best with 120 forks than 140 IMO
Good quality, hard wearing paint finish

I run mine with 120 forks and crest hoops

you need to make sure the holes are the correct distance apart and the correct size, there are different SRAM configurations for jockey wheels.

Do the shifters and cranks work ok or are they knackered
If they are ok definitely do the forks. It will save weight and improve performance

hope hoops refers to factory built hopes, so both xc6 and pro2’s are both hope hoops.

I run a 24hole crest XC6 front and 32 hole crest pro2 straightpull rear. Cracking wheels, nice and light, easy to run tubeless. I’m about 70kg unladen and they are still straight.

From memory, the gate is on opposite side to esso garage, I normally ride there from Farnham.

Trails aren’t marked, follow others if there are others riding there, or just explore

If you email me, I might be able to send you a gpx file, but I have only been there a few times, and don’t claim to know it well at all

9spd chain, 8spd rings?

If going second hand something like this?

But if your 5 7 you should be on a 16-17 IMO

Why not just start with some decent forks and wheels for the hardrock
It’s an ok frame given budget.

What’s ‘not great’ about the hardrock

Farnham cycles in Blacknest

What do you want from the shop?

The new shop in Alton is called Crank Cycles

Open packaging, cover in mud, repackage, put a lower value on the customs declaration.
duty and VAT still apply, but at lower value

I run 2.35 Wire Swampies on 517’s without any problems

If your 717’s have survived, you should be OK with crests

29er? hardtail or full sus?

Mike,
I’d also be interested in a 29er PA

120/130 forks go for a PA
Above go for the Alpine

PA is a great frame
quality hard wearing paint finish also

Marin Palisades Trail
Specialized Stumpjumper FS
Dawes Tracker
Kona fire mountain
Raleigh MT4 + mag21’s +xtr
Rockhopper
Dawes Double Edge
Merlin malt
Rockhopper comp FSR – 98
MTB tandems Fandango – current mtb Tandem
01 Stumpjumper FSR XC M4
Hardrock comp – current kiddie carrier
Dialled PA – current HT
04 sworks enduro – current FS

@merlincycles: We’re having a few issues with our payment system today. Give us a call and we’ll take an order over the phone for you #newmerlinwebsite

They tweeted this earlier, been having problems all day

Superstar S1
other brands are available

Got a useful response from Windwave Tech Advice.

I think the main issue here is your set up of the compression adjuster, by setting it to minimum it will give you maximum high speed damping and make the fork very progressive (it is progressive by nature anyway). The full explanation to the compression settings can be found here: Adjusting the hi lo compression adjuster on the 44 RC3 TI

So first thing to try is to get a more neutral compression setting.

Second is to remove 10cc of oil, do this using a syringe that way you can correctly monitor the amount of oil you are removing. This will make the stroke more linear.

Lastly if none of these simple solutions work you may have to swap out to the soft spring, part number y5141946

I run 36 hole Mavic 521’s which have stood up to a rider weight of 22ish stone, doing similar terrain with panniers

I run 203/185 discs with a rear stoker V-Brake also.

Discs get hot quickly on a tandem with this kind of weight on.

2.1 Advantages are fine for muddy Hampshire
<thread hijack>
Interested in opinions on 2.1 or 2.25 for Afan / cwm carn

Valve Logo Fail.

According to the set up charts I should need to add air!
Can’t believe I would need a softer spring

If you looking at buying new, consider the on one above or look for a discounted previous years bike from somewhere

Budget?
On one 456 Evo x5 sector?

I have an ultimate mobiles one which is pretty good.
It’s been used off road for about 6 months in all weather.

could make putting the bike in the boot of the car awkward 🙂

Is B-tension correct?
It can bring the mech closer and further round resulting in more chain being in contact with cassette

Further weight savings can be had from going tubeless with crests also.

If I remember correctly from when I did it on a tandem a few years back, the Newcastle end has a number of barriers, so you may need to unhitched a few times, but I got the tandem past everything with massive panniers on it so im sure you’ll be fine.

Turn off wifi too

+1 for viewranger
Agree with everything muggomagic said
Also creating new routes online via myviewranger is quick and simple. You can create a new route in < 5 mins and have it on your phone ready to go

Muddydwarf,
I agree frequently replacing the chain, will save a lot of money on other more expensive transmission parts

Bearings need greasing, feel dry and gritty after less than 300 miles

Fronts are older and still perfect pro 3 xc6’s

Can’t believe you only used 4 sets of brake pads!

I hope your hope wheels last well for you, my hope pro 2 sp rear needs attention after 6 months of 2 hours a week riding, I’m gutted. My old hopes did 4-5 years before needing any maintenance.

Don’t pressure wash or use chemicals, just rinse, brush, lube and ride

Marzocchi forks have an unlimited 3 year warranty no service required and are great

that rear brake hose is a bit short.

The front gear cable is also too long 🙂

Looks good.
The frame was a great deal. I nearly got one for my wife a month back.