Not that this helps but I’ve got a similar issue. XT cassette / mech / cranks, KMC chain, Absolute Black oval ring (all non-boost). The sounds is like the top jockey wheel is too close to the cassette but it isn’t and the sounds seems to be coming from the lower one.

Wondering if it’s the chainline causing issues with the cabin rubbing on the ring and the sound travelling.

Do you get a ‘notchy’ feel if you pedal forward really slowly?

Is there a new version coming out soon to catch up with the Soul and BFE?

I’ve got a mk2 Soul in the garage that’s only been used for family rides since I got my Aeris. Trying to find a teeny frame so I can move everything over for my daughter – if anyone has a ~14″ frame for sale let me know!

Disco sintered or kevlar are pretty good but I’ve gone back to genuine Shimano (sintered front, resin back). Yes they’re more expensive but they last longer so are good vfm.

Lack of sleep, social life, travel, money plus nights spent lying in back breaking positions when they’ve got a hacking cough, happy feet on permanent loop, arguing that night is day… Wouldn’t change it for the world.

Sounds like time to buy a new bike. Each. Just to be safe.

Well that was pleasantly surprising. Cold and wet trails but missed the rain and got some quality techy trails in. 25 miles, 3000ft and home by 12.30 for beer and pig-based food. Sorted.

Supposed to have light snow on Dartmoor tonight and between 3-5 degrees tomorrow… So naturally we’re meeting at 8am for an early ride.

Fit is everything so if order a few and send em back.

I needed a new lid and fancied something different, tried various MIPS giros, bells, TLDs, 661s… None of them fitted just right so went back to a Giro Hex which I know fits. Bit dull but hey, it’s a lump of polystyrene.

The only one that fitted that I didn’t but was a Bontrager Rally (?) because you can adjust where the strap sits under your chin. Bloody stupid idea.

BITD I killed a couple of Orange E2s. Gave up and bought a Bonty.

Copy of The God Delusion?

A pragmatic and forward thinking IT security team that allow current kit and systems… Oh wait, what was that… Did you just say the cloud is dangerous and we can’t use video calls because they’re not secure… OK, 3 of us will spend £600 on travel and a day out the office for a 2 hour meeting that we could do on Skype. <I’m not bitter, honest>

+1 for Merlin.

A weather machine so it’s always ‘just right’. Warm enough for short sleeves but not mega sweaty, dry trails with enough grip, light until 10pm…

Surprised no one’s mentioned Dave Hinde…

I’ve got an unbelievably argumentative 9 year old I can deploy at a moment’s notice.

I’ve had two replaced under warranty for exactly the same thing. Send it back.

DHF front, HR2 back. Fit and forget.

760mm / 35mm. If I went any wider I’d hit even more tress than I do now.

Could use the emergency stick for a brake?

Haldon holds up well in the wet, including some of the unmarked stuff.

Was riding Lustleigh Cleave yesterday (Eastern Dartmoor) in the rain after more rain and it was OK. Some of the steeper stuff was interesting but all rideable. That said, it’s too easy to lost on the open moor when visibility is poor unless you really know your way around.

Oh FFS, get it built and get it dirty.

Go for a pint and chips afterwards. That’s the most important part.

Normal bib shorts + Altura Attack 3/4s + knee pads get me through most of the winter. When it’s really cold I add some cheap Aldi cycling tights.

Shimano MW81s (?) with merino socks sort my feet.

Anything thicker and I think I’d melt.

I’ve just found out that my 2nd shock is being replaced under warranty but to get the tune I need for my Aeris (ML3) I need one from Germany and it will take three weeks. Thankfully Bird are lending me a shock whilst I wait. Hopefully this one will last a bit longer but to be honest I’d prefer either a coil replacement or a different brand as they don’t seem to be the most reliable shocks in the world.

My 2nd is currently with RS for assessment with the same problem as the 1st, namely a pretty clear knock at about 20% compression. The original was replaced without question so hoping this one will be as well but will try and find out what the exact issue is this time and report back.

I’ve got some Rad8 504s. They’re generally good but too dark for night mtb riding, think they have a higher max light transmission than the Oakleys as well so worth checking. Fine for autumn drizzle and dark enough of sunny days (for me anyway, don’t like super dark glasses). Don’t fog up which is ace.

Good company to deal with as well. Had an issue (my fault) and they sorted it quickly and no fuss.

They’re a British startup making ace bikes backed by brilliant customer service for a very fair price. What’s not to like?

@oldtalent – it’s not marked but plenty of routes available as gpx files (readable on phones) and lots of locals on here who have offered to guide.

If you want something a bit more ‘big day out’ head down the M5 to Dartmoor. More than enough for a weekend of great riding.

Whatever you get, be prepared for them to take an age to dry. My Shimano 81s(?) are great – if they get soaked on the trail they stay warm with decent socks but need scrunched up newspaper and put in the airing cupboard to dry. Thankfully they don’t stink like my wetsuit boots so I only get mild tuts as opposed to threats of divorce.

Get the ViewRanger app, create route via GPX or manually (easiest on laptop), sync routes to phone. It won’t tell you to ‘turn left’ as such but you’ll get a visual marker of you v the route (i.e. Are you on it).

You’ll prob want to buy some of the OS map tiles as they’re better than the base maps but they’re not expensive.

I always use the A30. Even head 10 mins back up the A38 to do it.

A couple of options, both go from the same point 10/15 mins in the car from the park.

9 mile loop in the Cleave – only short but lots of techie singletrack and some pushing. 2 hours max.

My fav loop – still only 18 miles but gets you out on the open moor. 4.5 hours ish.

Have fun :)

Oh yes. You’re right in the good stuff on Dartmoor. Check out Lustleigh Cleave for techie stuff (10 mins in the car). Can dig out gpx files if you want. I’m sure there’s stuff you can ride straight from the park as well but don’t have any routes.

Love my ex1501s but you can’t fix them with a hammer like Hopes. Would probably go for ex471s on Hopes if buying again.

A CK headset is like a £4k watch. Tells the time no better than a £10 digital casio but looks shiny and comes with an oooh factor. Don’t see the point really if you can buy a cheap one that has half decent seals and can take standard size stainless bearings.

But if you want one buy one.

@dave – I don’t think Del’s chameleon exists. It’s a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma, contained by a packet of cashews.

Still think the Sonder with 29×2.4 would be ace. Shame really.

Not designing it to also run 29x ~2.3/4 seems a bit daft. That and some sliding dropouts and you’ve got a super adaptable frame.

Here’s a better / faster / easier option: phone Bird, give them your measurements, tell them what you like to ride, order the size they recommend. You won’t regret it.