If they have a new “regular” stig at all it’ll be someone like Ben Collins was – a reasonably talented but mid level jobbing racer who you’ve never heard off. Someone who’s hungry enough to take the job, be reliable and not exhibit any ego (up to a point) and have no conflict of interests.

Highly doubt it’ll be a millionaire ex F1 driver or any other broadcaster. Someone like that either won’t want/need to lower themselves or won’t be able to fulfill the schedule for full future seasons.

imo.

trail rat

hilux are **** awful to drive ……
It’s a pickup. If it drive’s well it’ll be a sh*t pickup.

old ones – keep going JUST but everythings just hanging on about 5 mins after you buy.

What does that even mean? It makes no sense.

our modern ones in africa were awful to drive off road and even worse on the road – tail happy even in 4wd mode

This makes me wonder if you even knew how to engage 4WD. The Hilux is a very competent off roader. I couldn’t get the back end of mine to step out in 6 inches of snow once in 4wd, try as I might. And what were you trying to do driving on the road in 4wd anyway? Blow the transfer case apart? Your whole post reeks of BS I’m afraid.

To the op – just get a Toyota, Izusu of Mazda pickup. Very reliable, parts will be more abundant and they are easy to work on.

chakaping

Jimjam – Can I ask what kind of riding have you been doing in the Enduromatic and how do you find it heat-wise?

Assuming you’ve got one that is.

My friend has one. I’ve tried it on and it is unbelievably comfy. He’s been using it mainly for chilly night rides, but has done a few all dayers including some extended climbing – he’s been raving about it. It cuts such a low profile too. I thought it would look daft, all bulky, but it’s very neat. I’d buy one but I couldn’t justify it over a normal potty given the price.

Not a full face but the Urge Enduromatic is super light, very comfy and provides good coverage. Urge also do an enduro specific full face with huge venting and hole in the chin for drinks tube. Dunno if it’s out yet but it might be the ticket.

mefster .

How’s the Hilux to drive? Road noise, seat comfort, ventilation etc? We’ll have a couple of 5 or 6 hours drives to do.

People complain about them being uncomfortable and noisy, but I have to wonder how soft these people are. You won’t suffer any permanent disability from spending 5-6 hours in it. Assuming it’s a mk6 it’ll drive much like a big car, but with a proper low range should you need it. Ventilation is very good, they are hugely popular in oz/africa. The seats aren’t the most supportive, like a bucket seat for example. But are well padded.

Rear leg room is pretty cramped, relative to a mid size saloon car though, and depending on tyres road noise over say 60 mph can be noticeable. I’ve got 31″ at tyres on mine and there is quite a roar off them over 55.

I’ve got a doublecab Hilux, a bike bag will fit in the tub quite easily, but unless it’s got a truckman top it’ll be awkward to secure the bag. A bike on it’s own, or five, can be secured by various means though.

aracer –

It’s obvious to a car nut anorak

FTFY

You’re right, it would seem that I am plagued by an ability to see things and recall them from memory. It’s a massive burden in my life. I’m sure you bring a massive dose of anarchic testosterone fueled ultra-manliness to all your chosen interests in a not at all anorak like way. Good for you.

aracer

You lot are real anoraks (or lying) – even on watching again I can’t see anything particularly special about the wheels (low-pro yes),but how many rubbish normal transits are hopped up with those?

They are Jaguar XJ220 wheels. As in, they are the wheels off a jag XJ220, that’s what is special about them. It’s obvious to a car nut. There are probably 2 transits in the world with those on, so not many.

It depends where you live, and what sort of access to trails you have. Many years ago I built up a 6″ bike that was essentially a dh bike, with nowhere suitable to ride it. And no car to get anywhere. It quickly became a complete bore on my local trails, so I sold it.

If you’ve got plenty of mates to ferry you about, or plenty of trails on your door step then go for it. If not I would get a cheaper frame, and keeps saving for a car. Getting a car was the best thing that ever happened to my mountain biking. The mojo is lovely I’m sure, but it probably won’t make you any happier than a similar alloy giant /spesh etc. But…it’s your money.

brakes

who was the little fat fella who did rallying? he was my fave

Tony Mason.

Top gear is just terrible of late. Has been for years now it seems. I just can’t stand the forced “acting” of the presenters and the horribly contrived situations they “find” themselves in. Occasionally it’s very good, the polar special for example, but usually way below that. Tonight was 50 mins of drudgery and 2 minutes of bliss looking at and listening to the 288 GTO.

andrewh

Was really hoping for more of a feature on the 288, quite disapointed to see the new one instead!

Yes, agree with this. 288 gto criminally underused. Rest of the show was cack. As usual.

I think the XJ220 wheels on the van, and instrument cluster were a bit of a give away.

jimjam
I’ve never liked the feel of the standard nomad, dare say the carbon version will feel very similar.

glynP
They dont feel similar, the aluminium and carbon versions are quite different, the carbon is super stiff and tracks much better,

Just to clarify, I meant they would “feel” similar in so far as they have identical geometry as far as I can see. I’ve always found the nomad to feel too short on the top tube, highish and with a steepish head angle relative to it’s travel.

Granted, the carbon version will be stiffer, but it’s still a Nomad. So it will feel like a Nomad, will it not?

Lovely looking bike. But. I’ve never liked the feel of the standard nomad, dare say the carbon version will feel very similar. On paper, for my needs and wants the 2011 enduro carbon would be better suited. Not a bike to overlook anyway.

stavromuller

Forget all the bike specific BS get down to sportsdirect.com and buy some karrimor trail event for £30-£40. They are the dogs, with vibram soles for hike-a-bike and the grip on flats is awesome.

Strongly disagree with this totally bs post. Approach shoes, hiking boots etc, just awful on pedals.

I’ve seen this exact same thing happen to two close family members. Both my young cousin and niece were bitten on the face by jack russell type dogs. My cousin was only scratched, but quite traumatised. He was however, on his knees, irritating the dog while it was eating when it happened. He had been warned not to do this on several occasions. The dog was re-homed and has by all accounts behaved immaculately since.

My niece was not so fortunate, she required several operations on her face. Fortunately she doesn’t have any more scarring. She was also annoying the dog while he was eating – the dog was not so lucky as my uncle ( a farmer ) shot him that same day.

N’er mind.

at least you replied more than the rest of the miserable feckers on here

Yeah, proper bunch of bastards, it’s a well known fact that everyone on stw rides ti 29ers….single speed…..rigid.

Last year I had the chance to demo the Whyte E120 and 19C. I was expecting the bikes to be a bit lighter than their alloy counterparts, what I wasn’t expecting was just how stiff they would be. I was able to ride the E120 back to back with a Marin Mount Vision, a fine bike in it’s own right, but compared directly with the E120 it felt dead, lazy and just a bit, well…..eeugh.

I realise some people question whether you can feel any difference in stiffness between bikes/components, well maybe you can’t on a bridleway, but those bikes were unreal. Not sure if the difference would be so striking with other frames, but would assume so with SC. I’ve ridden the LTC and it too felt very stiff, but I’ve not had the chance to compare it off road with the alloy version.

I’ve never really hankered after anything carbon and any products I’ve owned have made me nervous after they took sort of big impact but I really really want one of these

For some bizarre reason Spesh aren’t doing it in the UK.

If it’s power your looking for check out boxx systems. boxxtech.com. Their workstations are superb. Would imagine their laptops are of simialr quality.

I wasn’t expecting much at all, and found it pretty entertaining if unremarkable. It’s flawed in many ways, not least the idea that anyone could be afraid of Olga Kurylenko (sp), but Michale Fasbinder is very watchable and it rattles along pretty quickly. One to watch with a few beers.

I had to go up a full uk size with AM 40s. With 5 10s they were normal. Much to be said for both shoes. Am40s are lighter, and dry out quicker, but are more fragile and not as grippy. Less than 6 months in, the soles started to come off mine and all the outer coating meaning they let lots of water in. 5 10s are much more durable, (one pair lasted me 3 years) much grippier but take an age to dry out and are quite heavy.

I liked inner ankle protection and very stiff sole on the am40s too. Currently trying out the new Vans Gravel bike shoe – so far they seem to be the best yet, time will tell if they can stand up to much abuse.

Bit more than 4 inches but anyway :)

The 2011 Giro Hex has the Rocloc 5, as opposed to the Rocloc 4 on the 2010. Thats why it’s more expensive. And 73% more awesome.

I watched Dirty Harry last night. The overwhelming feeling I came away with was that he was a truly appalling police man.

willard .

My pet hate has to be the gun thing though. Too many rounds in the magazine, super-accurate onehanded moving car shootouts, tables blocking rounds… That sort of thing. I know from personal experience that a railway sleeper will not stop a standard 9mm round, so why will a table stop that and heavier? Grrrrr.

And on the flip side of this you have what? An action movie with gun fight scenes where few people ever get shot? Again, suspend your disbelief.

As for 9mm round going througha railway sleeper, it would depend on velocity, range, angle of entry and what you class as a standard round. If you were being shot at and had the choice of standing in the open or taking cover behind a table what would you choose?

Split Jackets? Not quite as goofy looking as jawbones, which are pretty massive.

s

Just a quick one, a future classic car for me, has to be something reasonably affordable, for the avarage car nut.

That’s a bit like saying a future classic film has to be succesful at the box office. Or available in HMV in the sale.

I could (in theory) go out tomorrow and buy a Ferrari 355 for 30k, same price as a new mid spec Elise. It would cost me the same to tax as my pick-up and I could probably insure it for reasonable money on a limited usage policy.

Don’t forget the xjr – 15

PeterPoddy – Member

People saying F40s and the like are massively wide if the mark. ANY Ferrari or similar is exotic, rare and expensive which automatically precludes it from classic status in a way. Thee will ALWAYS be sought after and aspirational but never a true classic.

What a load of guff. Obviously the term “classic” is subjective, but it has to take into account things like, popular reception at time release, impact on popular culture, popularity, prescence in the media, how the design ages, what influence it has in popular culture past and present, automotive culture, media, appreciation in value, rareity, exclusivity, relevance today…..

The F40 is a design icon, a performance icon, was the first production car to break 200 mph,used carbon fibre extensively, adorned the walls of millions of kids, is one of if not the greatest and most radical looking road car ever, was featured in video games, movies, it’s design copied on packaging for every conceivable car related product, just it’s profile became a synonym for super car….it’s still considered one of the fastest road cars anyone can buy and one of the most exciting to drive. It could be argued that it defines the decade in which it was released.

Just like the countach, the veyron, the daytona, the 250 gto, 288 gto, 308, 355, the dino, the miura, the zonda, xj220 and many other exotic sports cars, they are deserving of classic status on many levels, at the very least their impact on popular culture.

PeterPoddy – Member
Look at the real classics we have now: Mini, Beetle, 2CV, mk1 Escort, mk1 Golf, Morris Minor etc. The ones with a fanclub and a magazine devoted to them. The ones with their own shows and meets, the ones that people can buy, run and cherish. Speed, expense and power does not equal character! Those are the classics.

I think you’ll find that Ferrari’s and Lambo’s etc have plenty of shows, meets and magazines and people devoted to them. They can also be bought and run and cherished by people, though generally richer people. I recall a ferrari meet in italy a few years back was pretty well attended.

The cars you’ve mentioned are “classics” because they were cheap, sold in vast numbers, and therefore resonate with a lot of people’s memories and influenced popular culture, and they are now, as classics go, relatively cheap to buy and maintain (which is also a symptom of their original popularity). Why not include the toyota corolla in your list? or the Ford Fiesta, or the Honda civic?

simons_nicolai-uk

Noisy, crap handling

I’ll give you that.

uncomfortable, no security or protection for the bikes.

Uncomfortable? harden up. Security, how about chained through steel shackles bolted into the tub and through the rear of the body? as opposed to a window.

One provides protection from everything short of a grinder, the other can be overcome with stone in a sock.

Fail

You win da internetz!!

DickBarton – Member

pick up is longer than an estate. Looking at them parked at the office they don’t fit car spaces – overhang front and rear. Easier to park? Doubt it.

Lengths from wikipedia…

Mk5 Hilux – 4,790 mm
Volvo 960 Estate – 4,862 mm
Mercedes E class estate – 4,895 mm
Izuzu Rodeo – 4,955 mm
Chrysler 300c Estate – 5,020 mm
Mk6 Hilux CC – 5,130 mm

Not much in it is there? Most previous gen pickups will be much the same length as an estate / luxury car or shorter. Even the larger current gen pickups aren’t much longer. The turning circle means they are slightly harder work (physically) to park, but as I’ve already mentioned, the elevated position and decent visibility means they are pretty easy to park. Thrown in a parking sensor and well, it’s not very hard at all.

Sod the girlfriend, get a pickup. No longer than the average estate/luxury car and easier to park because of the elevated driving position and good all round vis.

4-6 bikes in the back in seconds, no dismantling required and four adults in relative comfort. And they very competent when snowmageddon aka winter comes knocking too.

I mean, how comfy does a car need to be to be comfortable on a motorway anyway?

The waterproof ones imo would be prone to tearing if you tend to ride hard/crash often.

I’ve been looking at these a lot recently as I’m thinking about getting myself a new one and maybe getting my dad one for xmas. Of all the models I’ve tried out in various camping shops the gerbers have impressed me much more than the leathermans…or should that be leathermen?

For biking I’ve narrowed my choice down to the gerber crucial and the leatherman skeletool. Both seemed fairly even in terms of uses but the skeletool with it’s replaceable driver heads seemed more versatile for changing rotor bolts etc..but when comparing both side by side the gerber felt much more comfortable, and more usable. The skeletool just felt awful from an ergonomics pov, very awkward to use some of the features and the blade felt like cheap stainless. Also, the liner lock on the gerber felt better and it was nearly half the price.

If I was looking for a larger tool to leave in the truck I’d probably go for a leatherman (this sentence is full of wrong) as they feel more solid than the larger gerbers. However, the bigger gerbers have a superior locking mechanism and one handed access.

I’m sure it comes down to individual models, as I think both brands have good and bad points and pretty good warranties. Just do your homework before you go shopping as, in my experience the store staff knew less than nothing about them.

benjamins11

have any of you actually used the stuff though?

I have. As above, few cars are able to run on it. And no common rail diesel will.

Found it to be fine, though I did wonder about where it was actually coming from and how clean it was, I got it from a shady local garage which doesn’t do it anymore, annoyingly. Noticed no major issues what so ever, if anything a slight increase in power. Some lumpy starts on colder mornings. If I put a tank of bio through after being on regular juice for a while I made a point of changing the fuel filter. It seemed to smoke a bit more, but nothing crazy.

Struggling to think of anything to say really.

The 2010 attack trail replaces the wolf ridge. Prior to that the attack trail was a more aggro version of the wolf ridge but essentially the same frame, specced with lyrics and hammerschmidt, etc apparently the geometry was the same as the wolf ridge, and the frame was tailored to compensate for the taller fork. Or so I have been told, although this might just have been someone waffling at me as the one I rode felt much slacker than a wolfridge.

The current attack trails (2010 onward) are slacker, stiffer with tapered headtube, shorter links etc in comparison with the wolf ridge. Additional hydroforming on the main tubing. Think the seat angle is half a degree steeper too, with 150mm travel as opposed 140mm. Oh and the graphics have s sh**ty bear spider web thing happening.

Potential warranty issues with such a set up though.

Regardless of riding style, it would have to be in British Columbia for me. Possibilities are endless therein.

What sort of air and how much?

ron jeremy
whilst having a cup of tea, talk turned to cycling and cycling culture/lifestyle, (both girls aren’t cyclists) and they then tried to define what you would call a group of cyclists, the highlights (?) being A Rash, and An Irritant.

I take it at this stage you smashed the cup on the floor and made a dirty protest on the table?

Anyway, I’ll go with ….
A moan of roadies.
A waffle of single speeders.
A mince of XC racers.
A rabble of DH’ers.
A shamble of weekend warriors.

And if I tried typing the collective noun for brompton riders I might be banned.