Doh! Should have thought of that myself- spent time on sites looking for first solution missed the obvious one.I’ll get my coat
Thanks Guys

I am 6’2″, 34 inside leg and I have the 20″. I tried an 18″ and it was too small. Once I got used to the bike I have found it to be fantastic in all respects (bar the cr*p Race Face BB), and I certainly don’t have problems with slow speed/tight turns compared to my mates. I do have the 32 Talas upgrade which I found has helped in steep up-hill work, but it has to be really steep to need it. Get one and enjoy!!

[the old folklore about it being fragile now that has been disproven]

that’s why I had three carbon frames fail on me in seven months I presume? – one lasted 18 months, the second 45 miles the third four months – the rest of the time was me waiting for the frames to come back from warranty

I have a leyzene alloy mini pump and it is excellent – very small yet it pumps up tyres quite quickly. It is very well made

It’ll be deeper again tomorrow- chucking the snow down at the moment. It was a laugh this morning apart from the bits you couldn’t even stand up on ( the start of bridleway up from British Camp car park towards the cave)

On my M960’s I use blue loctite AND security wire them using the holes in the tops of the bolts. I do this as a result of a bolt loosening…. I was lucky to notice before any damage

I have had a 5 for 8 months and can’t recommend it more highly- all above post sare true in terms of comfort, agility and ruggedness (apart from the race face BB)

I have recently put a few miles on a Trek EX9, and I still prefer the 5, although the EX is a better climber without a doubt it is much less confidence inspiring on the flat or downhill sections

400 grams and £100 (if bought on merlin Reba Race vs SID race). Having said that they quote the Reba Race at 1814 grams and mine actually weighed approx 1700grams with full length steerer

I’d second Elixir – have an EX9 with 185mm disks and they feel significantly better than Mono minis on my Orange 5

A very ambitious GCSE Project – I wouldn’t let any but the best of my year 12/13 students anywhere near this unless it were intended as a non-rideable full scale prototype. Definitely contact a frame builder if you can but be prepared for a healthy dose of realism.
I would expect the design and manufacture of a suitable frame jig as being the most important part of the project, with a frame as almost a secondary outcome. This would allow you to work with affordable mild steel sections to test the geometry etc. and allow for development into proper butted cycle tubing later when you have used the jig to practice welding or brazing. Unless you have access to a TIG welder at your school I would recommend brazing as the way to go as it is more likely to be a success.

I am 6’2″ with 34 inside leg- I tested the 18″ and it felt too small so I ordered a 20″- it is perfect for me and I agree with duckman about being perched on the 18″. Fantastic bike that I would recommend to anyone.

What would one be like with a 100mm fork?- too twitchy?

from what has been posted before, you either love ’em or hate ’em. I hate ’em.

I have a 20″ 5 Pro – I’m 6’2″ 13 1/2 stone and it is fantastic. The 18″ was just too small. It climbs well and goes down hill even better – I haven’t seen any evidence of flex

the 2.4’s came as standard with my Orange 5 which I bought in July. As soon as any mud came on the track they were not good at all. Also I have never had as many punctures as with these tyres in the short time they were on the bike- the side walls and main carcass are very thin presumably to save weight. Now on Panaracers and having no problems

I had a similar dilema three years ago. I bought a Trek Top Fuel (a short travel full suspension XC design) which I found gave me more confidence on the rougher stuff. I would equate it to being a ‘comfortable hardtail’ compared to the longer travel bikes now on offer- perhaps that is the way to go?. I never regretted moving over, although I still have the hardtail.

My home insurance gives personal liability cover. To be sure I checked it did indeed cover using the bike on and off road and I was told it was absolutely fine. I got them to make a record of the conversation to be on the safe side..

Could I ask what sizes people are running compared to their height- I am looking at buying a frame and I think an XL is best for me at 6’2″ – any helpful suggestions?

A bit icy this morning in places- a few tumbles on our ride.

Yes, sorry I did mean Superlight- thanks for the information

Depends on how many trees etc. you ride under. I have a 205 and use it in the Malvern hills area and it will miss out chunks of track (can see it on the down loaded log)- anything up to 1 mile in 10 against a calibrated conventional wheel sensor driven computer. Has other features though which does make it of some use but not my best purchase to be honest.