The 5 was a nice bike, but I wanted something a bit bigger and I didn’t notice any difference with the bigger wheels so stuck with 26″. As I said though, the Pikes were gorgeous.

I decided to keep the 34s cos the Alpine will be my everyday, do it all bike, so wanted to keep it light as possible. My other bike is an Operator DH so the Alpine will be on everything from XC to light DH duty.

I bought the RS and am running it with the stock Fox 34s. I do like my Fox gear, seems to be a bit trendy nowadays to hate on Fox. I wouldn’t change up to fox 36 as the bike is heavy enough IMO. The geo is spot on and bike is very stable on the downs but can still be shifted around with ease. It pedals very well too, as good as a five and better than my last bike (canyon Nerve AM).

Even though I like my Fox , in a perfect world, I’d probably go for some Pikes, I tested a 5 RS 650b and absolutely loved the Pikes on that.

I’ve only watched a couple of shows but very decent series. The head teacher studied at Heriot Watt university in Edinburgh, my sister studied with him. I’m not sure if they were on exactly the same course but if they were then his first qualification would have been in languages, interpretation/translation.

Cannock, if new bike arrives ! Was up to about 70-100 miles a week over Summer, that’s a decent amount for me and was as fit and able as I have been on an MTB. Then decided to split and sell trail bike and treat myself. Had a chest infection just before this so haven’t done any riding for about. 8 weeks now. Can’t wait!!!

I’ve sold a fair bit on PB and advertised on STW and BR etc. I was surprised by the number of dodgy contacts you get obviously fishing for further info. They usually start with a very firm offer for the item without asking any q’s or even trying to haggle. Then in subsequent contacts they usually tell you they are local/willing to collect. And will then insist on this in later contacts.

Some of these peeps may be genuine but I always avoid. Always put vague info in your profile, no names address etc and always make a fresh advert for your item rather than linking to another site that might hold more info on you(unless you have been just as circumspect with your details on the other website).

I rarely elect to have someone collect from home address either (have to be pretty certain they are legit) always say I will post or will meet at a neutral venue. Always take PayPal payment no BACS, cheque or cash.

It might take a wee but longer to shift stuff if you are fussy but I’d rather be safe.