A simple like for like frame swap can be done very quickly, but 2 hours for a full build from scratch is about right if things like wheels are already prepared.

The price is the price, don’t like it then move along. £60 per hour for a job well done is reasonable – as long as it is a job well done.

Not local, but was in the area last week and rode Glentress black and red Monday, then Innerleithen red on Tuesday.

This was the end of an 11 day riding trip and I was really looking forward to Glentress having never ridden it before, but overall it was the tamest of all 9 trail centres we rode – lots of climbing and a fair bit of long singletrack descending, which was nice enough but just really featureless – I kept thinking “when’s it going to get tech?” Don’t get me wrong, we both enjoyed the ride, but found it to be very “XC” based – I am referring to the official routes here as I am sure there are some great “locals” trails.

Much preferred Innerleithen – found the climb ok and really enjoyed the mixed downhill with the fast “bike park” start (similar to a couple of red sections at Glentress), followed by the slightly more tech forest section and fun black optional route, all ending with Caldon Bank and those lovely drops 🙂

All in all though, we rode 9 trail centres and have to say the quality of riding is brilliant – Kirroughtree black for it’s endless singletrack descending, Fort William for the downhill and Golspie for an all-round super fun trail centre with superb techy climbs and brilliant flowing descent.

Great to see the police awareness that it’s become a big problem – 3 years and a ban was a great result! Hope the rightful owners got their bikes back fairly easily. My own experience was having to wait months due to the bike being evidence..!

Had 4 bikes stolen back in 2008. Got one back via Ebay / police involvement, and got another back after seeing someone riding it – custom frame so couldn’t mistake it. Whizzed back and pulled in just as the chap was heading off down a bridleway, confronted him and explained he was on my bike, it was custom, proto frame too (complete with “Proto” etched into the bb), which I showed him. Gave him the choice of handing it over or we call the police to sort it, he handed it over fairly quickly. He did say he purchased it off someone, which may have been true, not my problem though. He did keep making eye contact with his friend and there was a slight moment when I thought it was all going to go to crap, guess it was my lucky day. Incidently, his mate was on a Hardrock, my Thomson stem was on that and the OEM Modus Hardrock stem was on my bike – I told his mate he could keep the stem though 🙂

Not sure about the squelching noise (yuk!) but have had inguinal hernia operations on right and left side. Both were recommended 6-8 weeks no major excersise, I went with 8 weeks just to be sure.

The first one took around 1 year from when I first noticed it to the operation. Was still on the bike during that time and it wasn’t too bad. The second one was about the same, and included a trip to Moab not long before I had the op. I used a hernia support belt when riding and it really helped, though did feel a bit weird.

Only thing I will say is I’ve found post op rehab tricky both times. It’s hard to get advice on how you can strengthen that lower abdominal area without overdoing things (ie sit-ups etc are too much)

Hope it all gets sorted anyway, they aren’t much fun to have 🙁

Nobody enjoys a big stack however it happens so hope you’re all healed in time for your trip to Wales.

Some good points made in this thread, but honestly, how are people going so fast that they are going into the jumps with no time to react / stop / avoid? There’s more than enough run in on that section to see what is coming up and realise that the trail has changed. First time I approached them I just slowed a bit, popped the first one and stopped for the second, took a look and went back for another run. True, you can’t track walk every single trail when you ride just incase there’s a new feature, but there’s pretty much always time to see what is ahead and react.

Or maybe I’m just slow.

Thanks somafunk, good stuff. 🙂

Extremely capable bike, no need for other bikes now, the Stumpy Evo does it all for me. BB height is a consideration when riding tight rocky/stumpy trails, but you soon get used to it and I’ve had pedal strike related stacks on bikes with much higher bb’s – reading the trail and pedal timing is the key. No complaints with the efficiency, seated/climbing it’s as good as anything I’ve ridden in this travel range. Standing and pushing hard there is some movement (despite shock setup) but it’s minimal and still better than many. Have always preferred Horst-Link bikes over anything else for overall performance, and am not a believer in the term “over biked” – you ride what you choose to ride right? so to have a bike that’s solid, stiff, fast, nimble and fun to ride, storms descents and isn’t a chore to climb on means there’s little I can complain about. Only niggle has been the OSBB – creaky with the threaded bb adaptor and took a few removals/re-fits to fix. Mine’s a large, feel free to mail if you are in the south east and want to try it.

Another cracker:

Dave Hinde = No.1 Cowboy in the cycling world -Total amatuer & con-man – BEWARE!

Reply by number1bikebits (May-21-07 01:21):
We think this guy has an unusual obsession with the wild west. Weirdo Alert !

Some unbelievable feedback, but this one is my favourite…

I will never buy anything form this seller again, no replies to emails, poor.

Reply by number1bikebits (Jun-06-08 03:58):
How can it be fair that a complete idiot can leave bad feedback?

Don’t own but ridden one a few times and loved it – actually preferred it to the longer travel Dixon which I didn’t expect but it is fast, stiff and very solid feeling for a 110mm bike. If possible arrange a test ride with Freeborn and make your own judgement.

Devinci Dixon

http://www.freeborn.co.uk/devinci-2011-dixon-frameset-1

Another vote for the Dexter – rode one of these a few times and loved it. It’s a very solid feeling, quite aggressive XC/Trail bike, extremely stiff laterally and corners like it’s on rails. The toptube drops away nicely, even on the large so there’s plenty of room to throw it about and get the wheels off the ground – Build quality is always nice on Devinci’s and the Canadian built lifetime guarantee is a nice touch. Most definately worth a demo if you want to be sure, and Freeborn currently have a great deal on Dexter full builds.

Would say 56cm. Am 6ft 2″ and find a 58cm perfect.

Stick with the Roubaix – bloody fantastic.

Yep, Simply put – fantastic bike – light, nimble, efficient and durable. Climbs brilliantly and descends better than many longer travel rigs. If you are considering a new ride then try one out. Freeborn have a demo day this Friday in Peaslake so if you’re local enough why not give one a spin?

No problems with my Command Post, despite endless wet/muddy rides over the last few months.

It’s definately got lots of “pop”. Was one of the first things I noticed during the first couple of rides.

I know Freeborn had an Evo Comp and Evo Expert when I was last in there (about a week ago) Give them a call – 01403 251252.

Yep, it’s fun, fast, nimble, reactive, pedals well, climbs well, can’t fault mine (except it’s a 2012, not a 2013!) 8)

His shop, his tools, his choice. Lending out tools is a big no no and as previous posters have said, it soon turns into more than a simple case of lending a bb tool. Personally, given the situation I would have supplied and fitted the bb – it takes very little time to do so (assuming it’s a relatively new bike, external bb, not a 20 year old frame complete with seized bb) – the rider would have continued on his way, and I’d have had more money in the till. It does depend on the customers attitude too though, and how they approach the shop keeper.

People wear what kit they want and ride what bike they what they want – simples!

Yep, check bike in as main luggage and pay £40 (I think) for extra luggage (clothes and riding kit etc)

Usually pack bike into cardboard bike box with pipe lagging and zip ties etc. Never had any problems.

They are running 3 demo days – Forest of Dean (March 17th) Peaslake (March 29th, that’s the local one) and chicksands (April 17th).

Specialized Crosstrail

Did it over 4 days couple of years ago with 2 friends, not guided but with marked map. We went the clockwise way from Chamonix and carried all we needed in medium/large hydration packs, staying in guest houses. Wasn’t too sure what to expect but it proved to be fantastic – lots of climbing but some awesome descents with a nice mix of fast flowy stuff and some good tech stuff. Planning on doing an extended version of it this year over 5 days, can’t wait!

Nice video here:

http://youtu.be/z_JupfzlWSc

Enjoy!

Contact Specialized UK:

Tel: 020 8391 3502
Email: customerserviceuk@specialized.com

Running 160mm Talas on a 2012 Stumpy Evo. Only thing I’ve done dropped the stack height and gone with a set of Loaded AMXC flat bars – works for me.

Distance: 22.9mi

Elevation: 2,789ft

Sunday’s ride, Leith to Pitch and back

Have been a regular Surrey Hills rider for about 15 years now. It’s definately busier now than it was. When I started riding up there I remember Leith Hill being the busy hill, then Holmbury and Pitch was the quiet hill – so have always done more of my riding on Pitch Hill when doing smaller loops.
I noticed what seemed like a surge in numbers when the work was carried out on Barry Knows Best. Maybe I’m wrong, but I am sure more riders started visiting the area after that, and Pitch is definately busier now than it’s ever been.
Personally I don’t get the need for everyone to park in Peaslake, or walking Bottom car park. I get that for some riders it’s all part of the “show” – hanging out in Peaslake, bike posing and talking the talk etc but surely everyone doesn’t need to cram their vehicles into the village or WB car park to do that – there’s another large car park at the top of the hill and the Windmill Pub also encourage bikers, do food etc, not to mention all the small car parks in the area.
Away from the village, the trails are an issue – the errosion is just awful and that has got really bad over the last 2 years – I’m talking official and not official trails here. We all ride them all but as JCL rightly said, they get the ass kicked out of them all year round with zero maintenance and they just won’t last unless something is done (and I have offered) Barry Knows best may not be the most tech or fun up there, but it’s one of the only year round trails that copes with the traffic (just a shame so many riders insist on braking into that last right-hand berm!)
Have never witnessed any problems up there between riders and walkers, horse riders etc which is encouraging. Sad to read some of the posts in this thread though – damaging someones car, whoever that was is plain low, cowardly and pathetic – thought that sort of thing was only done by low life chav scum that unfortunately habitat my home town 🙄

I’ve been into both mountain biking and carp fishing for over 20 years now.

I’ve lost count of the amount of times I’ve been asked “what is the appeal of fishing?” and “isn’t it boring sitting there all day?” etc. The simple answer is – if you don’t get it then you probably never will. It’s very hard to put into words but for me it’s the peace and quiet, tranquility, the being outside and by the water, the challenge that it brings, the banter that is shared between friends when we go and of course the moment when you finally get a take and bank a fish.
I’m a carp angler – forgive the comment further above, not all carp anglers are “sleep all the time wait for bite alarm rubbish..” or whatever it was. As with anything, you get out what you put in. Yes there can be an element of luck involved but make no mistake there is a difference between chucking a rod out and catching a fish from a water stuffed full of stocked fish and being good enough to catch frequently, from different venues, some of which have low fish stocks and have obstacles such as gravel bars, heavy weed and snags etc to negotiate. There’s more to it than sitting there all day / night, often all weekend in pursuit of carp. The time, effort, watercraft, skill, patience all make a big difference, then there’s the cost involved and determination to go even when it’s solid rain or like last weekend, wet AND cold..

I’m glad I have two pastimes that differ so much – when I’m at the lake and am not busy fish spotting, baiting up, tying rigs, preparing food, stalking fish, moving swims, generally trying to suss out what way I can catch said fish, sometimes even catching fish! I can sit there with a cuppa, read a MTB mag and think about the next ride.

No need to explain why I mountain bike, is there ? 😉

Brick up the garage door, and any windows. Fit a solid steel door and frame. Concrete in a ground anchor and fit an alarm.

I went with Sainsbury’s insurance last time, they were almost £100 cheaper than anyone else for my van.

Very nice Daddy 🙂

Mikey, If you prefer, or shall I say appreciate the ride of a longer travel bike then you’ll love the Evo. If it’s any help you are welcome to do a ride on mine. It’s a 2012 Evo Expert Carbon in size Large. Just drop me a line.

Cheers
Jim

If you already have an Epiphany then personally I would not change it for a Tracer. The overall quality and ride performance of the Ellsworth are better. If you were considering both as your next bike then I’d say demo both and go with whichever feels better to you. I find ICT to be far better as an all-round performer.

Did it last June over 4 days (3 nights), clockwise, unsupported with 2 friends. Took minimal kit and stayed at refuges along the way. A fantstic experience and will definately do it again. A few hike a bike sections here and there and lots of climbing but tonnes of awesome stuff to ride including loads of singletrack and super tech DH.

Specialized UK: Tel: 020 8391 3500

Fractured mine in 2 places in 2010. Was off the bike for 10 weeks. Could have probably ridden after about 6 but thought it best to let it heal up properly.
Didn’t go in plaster – was advised that’s the old way for a radial head fracture, but for better healing and less restricted movement it’s best to go into a sling, lots of painkillers and let rest as much as possible.

Specialized have 3 29er demo days this month

Ahhh cheers freeridenick, have not been over there in a while

Fair enough mate, good luck! You gotta save up a few passes for Mont Blanc next year huh ? 😉

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed it 😀

Yep, there’s a few bits of Tilgate in there. The Holy Trail and the drops on Rad lane were taken down in 2003.

What trail is known as Cliff Richard ? We originally named Caution Steep Slope “the Jubilee line” as we built it on the queens jubilee and it was 50 foot air time in total if you hit all 3 parts quick enough, but when someone put the “caution steep slope” sign there it just kinda fitted so it got that name.

The stuff on Leith which also features was known as the Hidden Sphincter trail. We didn’t build that but it also got taken down at around the same time.

There’s also a couple of bits of the Leith Landslip and Pirbright – that stuff got chopped too.

Daddy, will you be out Sunday morning ? I’m gonna head up Pitch.. 😉