Will have a proper read of the one in classifieds. How is sizing on these? Medium seems quite a generous size. Large figures look to be a bit too big.

Yeah was looking at 29 spec over 650.

I was nearly 17stone before I shedded something pounds. I have a 2018 Trek Fuel and it’s max weight I believe is 300lb which is just over 21st.

My shock pressures are not at max and it has 3 settings on the rear and the front can be very much tuned to weight.

I do more XC than trials but do a mix of both and it’s been fine. It’s carried me 70miles from London to Brighton in relative comfort!

Feel free to message if you need any more details.

What ardents are you running? 2.4s or 2.25?

I might just try another Barzo out back to match the front. But can’t find a 2.35 29 anywhere!

Plenty of 2.25s. Will I notice smaller size? Or maybe its better having a 2.25 out back?

Interesting feedback. This was a combo I was considering also. But wasn’t sure how they would handle the winter.

Would these widths work on 29mm internal rims?

Would a DHF/Ardent combo work? Or is that an odd mix?

I had a 2.25 ardent as a rear before and found it quite good for my riding.

Well I now have a lot of tyre reading up to do thanks to all the above!

For reference I am not an aggressive rider, I’m a bit of a look for a fast smooth route rather than the harder routes! I mean I still do trails, but they are mainly smooth (or muddy) with mainly roots but rarely rocks. But I would say 60-70% of my riding is more smoother trails and over the hills of the South Downs. Hence looking for tyres not super draggy!

How would a HR2/Ardent Combo be?

Thanks for all the replies. Lots to consider!!

Can find the VR 27 in stock. Looks decent if I decide on the smaller wheels. What’s the sizing like on these? I’m just over 5ft 10 so bang in between sizes I think!

My Mezcal was done on a flint but I’m pretty sure not many tyres would have survived. It was coming up to 10months old and had been solid before that.

Thank you. Searched for the Mezcal and couldn’t find one anywhere!

Ordered 2 as shipping was £10 and price is decent.

Hmmm interesting. Cancelled my full build as they don’t have any clear build dates as was due mid June.

Never bought a frame and built up so not sure how much it would all cost.

Wondering how much I could shift across from my old trek fuel.

Went from a Wtb Pure to ergon sm pro. Could not get on with it at all!!

Back to the pure now.

Thanks all. Very good posts. Gives me lots to think about!

@sam1988

Are they the 2.6 ones?

transition1

Just trying to find the ad but struggling!

Edit – found

@ahsat funny you mention the Sherpa. Was looking at them earlier and joined the FB group. 853 in the UK frame? How do they come up size wise?

Part of the deal is to give back what I can get for mine – can’t grumble, she didn’t have to spend anything on me. She is happy for me to get new bike or spend money on upgrades (not the full 3k though).

The other option is to get a frame and build it up I guess.

Oh just to add – I’m down South East just in case anyone has some bike shop recommendations.

Thanks. Sound good so far! Will start looking for tyres next. I’m after some more trail/XC tyres. Using Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal combo at the moment so might just stick with them.

Although will have a look at other options!

Having never changed wheels before… is there a specific tool to remove the driver from the cassette?

Thank you! Gives me food for thought!

Guessing the XD means it comes with the hub for my cassette too?

@sillysilly

Stock all round.

Fox Rhythm 34 And Float DPS RE:aktiv

I know some people have switched to a fox DPX 210×52.5 on the older fuels.

Also running 760 bars and 60mm stem so could go for a cockpit upgrade.

If I go down the upgrade route I will probably go for a full overhaul of the cables and brakes etc as overdue an oil change.

Bike is feeling a little tired think it’s the thoughts of a new bike after 3 years is appealing. Although new shiny parts might also have the same effect.

How does reach differ between a FS and HT is terms of sag? I’m quite happy with the reach of my FS so should I be looking at similar figures for a HT?

@alwinvrm

Thanks for that. Gives me something to think about! Going to be a bit of a change from a FS!

Looking at the NX/GX builds or maybe frame only and do a nice build.

@alwinvrm

That’s interesting. Having never ridden a Ti bike and buying some what blind is a risk but I think it’s the ideal bike for me. The GX version is within budget.

Reach seems less than my 2018 fuel but other factors come in to it!

@clink 5ft 10 1/2 ish I think! I’m always at the top of medium and bottom of large size charts!

How is the Bike fit wise? Can only pre order the TI in medium. Large sold out. But think I need a large. Any other similar bikes out there 3k max?

Maybe the money is best spent on other bits instead.

I lied they are line comp 30 not roam!

29 internal. 56 hub

Was looking at the Ti myself. No less times on the large though. Could be a long wait!

Seems a big lack of Pures for sale anywhere!

Did it on my Trek Fuel with some proper MTB tyres. Probably a bit overkill but the added bounce was good for comfort!

Doing it again this year on same bike but more XC tyres.

My training never got past 35miles but did it in ok time considering.

My mate did it on his gravel bike and for the most part was ok. Few sections really battered him though.

Tried the Spoon before the Pure and did prefer the pure. Think it’s a bit flatter. Maybe I just need to keep searching for an older pure out there!

I defiantly need something around the 150mm mark in width. My sit bones are pretty wide when I had them measured in LBS.

I use that combo. Actually used them all through the winter too. Really like the pairing.

I might try the HLX/Gel one for the price. See how it goes!

Yeah they used to have the DNA padding on the Pro models – but now you have to go up a level to get the DNA padding – which is a pain!

Sadly I think I need to go up to an XL (shame on me). My current Zenith is a large and I can zip it up.. just.. but with a layer underneath I feel I might suddenly burst out of it lol

My current zenith has not got a hood which I think is the older model. When not using the hoods on these types of jackets do you find they are more of an annoyance?