I’ve had one since end of November so had several rides on it now.

Climbing wise, it doesn’t feel like a massive bike and definitely climbs much better than my ibis mojo HD3 with the ibis wide wheels on it. I’ve had several big days on it and done more climbing than I could on the mojo and still been wanting more daylight at the end of the day.

Descending wise, it is a beast. It does literally monster truck over just about everything with ease. I ride mostly natural stuff, steep techy, rooty, muddy at this time of year and the odd DH trail at Inners, Ae, etc. It feels awesome in 95% of those. Some of the tighter natural stuff are where it’s limits may show but that maybe that I just need to get used to a slightly different way of riding them. I know from talking to Katy Winton that she finds it no problem on some of the tighter trails in the valley, which was not her expectation. Interestingly, Tracey Mosley is still riding her Fuel quite a bit.

I’ve had the slash on some blue and red trail centre stuff and it didn’t feel like a massive bike but maybe but less poppy than my mojo. OH has the new remedy and absolutely loves it. He’s choosing to ride that over his Nomad.

The stock tyres are not great, I’ve only just changed to an SE5 upfront and will probably change the rear too for this time of year. The seatposts are also crap. I’ve had no probs with mine but OHs is worn right through the black coating and being replaced under warranty as it regularly sticks down (it’s 5 weeks old).

I genuinely love this bike, it’s very confidence inspiring. Mine-link wise mine is running in the low position. I may try it in the high as I’ve had several pedal strikes.

You may struggle to get one though. I know two guys who tried to order a 17.5 and a 19.5 last week and were told none in stock for 2017. Evans website gives you availability dates straight from trek so good shout to check that even if that’s not who you buy from.

I’m going to be putting a garmin 510 on the buy/sell early next week when I get a chance. Email me if interested.

I have the windchill biblongs which are excellent under baggies in the winter. Unless it’s pouring down, I wear a pearl Izumi transfer base layer, normal riding LS jersey and a Rab xenon x vest. Out in -2 to 5, this is a perfect set up, if it starts raining I swap the gilet for a waterproof – I find if you get a really decent base layer, that doesn’t get cold when wet, that makes the biggest difference to staying warm.

There was an article on roadie clothing recently and the reasons why it’s all going towards dark colours. Apparently the higher end fabrics are made only in black or white and everything else has to be superimposed on to it, which significantly adds to cost. The Ale stuff is a good example, it costs a packet but it’s higher end stuff so you don’t mind paying for it because the performance is there.

Darker stuff is also easier to keep cleaner in winter, or at least it doesn’t show the dirt as much for stops etc.

I only roadie occasionally but I find there are a lot drivers out there who basically treat you as dispensable, you’re not a living human being to them, this attitude makes me very defensive on the road bike, same as I am on my motorbike. Your life v their vehicle = no contest. I recently rode in Spain, where they have an “assumed liability” law, we had not one close pass nor was there any aggression or frustration shown at any time.

I understand the OPs point about people not really helping themselves but I think as a country we need to change our attitude towards bikes on the road, if they’re hard to spot in your vehicle, do something differently in your vehicle or your driving style to ensure you see them. Far too many people are killed because someone simply didn’t see them. I’ve twice been hit by cars when I was on a bright red motorbike with headlights on, because someone did not see me, so colours may not make much difference to that.

Philstone. Thanks that’s exactly what I wanted to hear.

I’d be interested in how you get on with this. I have an HD3 and have toyed with an angleset but never been too sure which one or how to do it.

GolfChick, I’ve a very similar set up: trek silque sl, with bontrager duo trap and Tacx flow t2240. I don’t really use my garmin with this set up as the duotrap works brilliantly with it. I think you can set it up on garmin but would need an ant+ dongle. If you’ve already got a duotrap on order then that would be unnecessary expense.

The Tacx flow estimates your power, unless you have a power meter and can over ride it.

It all works fine in trainer road and Zwift.

Agree with first poster. Both black and red options are fun but nothing techy. First climb is a stinger but the uplift sometimes runs and takes you up a fair bit.

Big wood, just off the dual carriageway between Newry and Rostrevor, where the quarry is, has some really excellent trails if you’ve not been before. Lots of features, we had someone show us around.

Tollymore was also fantastic.

Thanks. I’ve ordered an SE5 for the front. Was out in much slop today and the SE4 offered very little grip although it’s great as a back tyre.

Put the bead of the tyre into the very middle of the rim when you’re putting the tyre on. Due to the very slightly smaller diameter at that point in the rim, it makes the tyres much easier to get on.

Had three sets of carbon rims that were all a nightmare until I learned this trick. Pedro’s tyre levers also help.

Biggest issue now is popping the bead back off the rim!

@kamikazie What’s the SE5 like in the slop? Have you got it paired with an SE4 on the back?

Reason for asking is just ordered an SE5 for the front to replace the SE4 F/R combo I have currently. Riding the tweed valley mostly where it can get very sloppy at times and the SE4 doesn’t clear well.

Any issues with running a 2.3 upfront with a 2.4 on the back?

The 9point8 and the raceface turbine droppers have both mechanical and hyrdraulic locking to give more security and less pressure on the hydraulics when it’s locked. I’ve just sold one off my old bike and it was a great piece of kit. Only downside would be how fast it extends…very fast. Could be painful to some!

Sparkling water with black currant cordial is really nice. I’m not a drinker either but I can drink this for a bit.

Does it have to be a beach at a sea? Lake Garda is a truly stunning area with beaches and all the usual Italian touristy stuff and some of the best biking you’ll get in Europe (XC, road, AM etc). You could even hire an E bike for the missus if she wanted to join you (assuming she’s not a rider already of course).

”Tis ok. Got the service manual and it takes you through the steps.

I have the Talas 160mm on my new Slash. Very early days but they’re good so far. I had someone set them up for me and so far they seem to be better than my 2016 160mm solo floats, but that could be down to how they’re set up on that bike. Small bump sensitivity is great. They seem to sit further in the travel than the floats. I’m a fairly light rider at around 62kg.

Seem to be easy to go from 130- 160, although the bike climbs just as well on the 160 mode. Not sure I’d use the shorter travel option for descending so can’t comment on that.

New lyrik dual airs can now have tokens added to them.

Happpenned to one of our bikes, were only about a month old at the time, luckily mojo warrantied them.

I’ve had both a carbon 5010 (the one before this one) and a mk1 carbon bronson. The bronson is fairly different from the 5010 and for me is still a great bike for descending. My OH has the current nomad and he often feels it’s too much bike except for Inners and the golfie.

I’ve just bought a trek slash, got it last week, loads of fun for such a big bike. I’ve heard the remedy is also excellent.

Death in service benefits are normally part of a discretionary pension scheme, run by trustees. The purpose of such a scheme is to ensure that it runs for the benefit of all possible beneficiaries. Therefore the trustees has a duty to ensure that they have sought information on all possible beneficiaries prior to paying out. They have up to two years to decide.

A long time ago, part of my job was deciding who we paid out to in such cases. I think you might have a problem not having this paid out to the child, although it could be paid out under trust to the child, whereby they can access income but not the absolute capital until they reach the age of majority. Obviously not all information is available here but it should be made available to the trustees.

Also, there is no issue with naming a minor on an expression of wish form.

It’s suffered in frost before due to the nature of the surface. Check their FB page. They update it regularly.

Moderately noisy.

Can the ant+ dongles go into an iPad? I don’t have a laptop? Any recommended?

Can someone tell me where they sourced a new cage? I have a xo1 mech that I’ve overtightened one of the jockey wheels on, mech is fine apart from that but I couldn’t find a replacement cage for it.

I have oval on the full suss and round on HT and road bike. I don’t notice any difference at all.

When in holiday recently the hire bike full suss had normal SRAM rings, again didn’t even notice it.

Does anyone have any idea on sizing for the new slash? I’ve ordered a 17.5 – I’m about 5’7″ and a bit it my height comes from my legs mostly. I ride a medium in Santa Cruz and ibis. I sat on a 17.5 and 18.5 2017 remedy today and the 18.5 was definitely the best fit however the slash only comes in a 17.5 and 19.5.

If I change my order I won’t get one as next years stock is apparently all sold for the U.K.

Madison tempest.

Not too expensive and very waterproof. Also easy to wash.

I can vouch for Pedro tyres levers for tight combos. Two sets of carbon wheels in this house and both were a nightmare at tyre change until we discovered those levers and the following tip:
– when fittting new tyres, aim to have the bead in the centre channel of the wheel until all the bead is flipped over the rim edge, it’s a smaller diameter and takes reduces the stretch.

@Stevet1 sorry should have put some more context into it. We generally ride a lot of natural stuff which, by virtue of being natural is very changeable. So, one day to the next the difficulty level can vary massively – it’s Scotland.

The advice was given in the context of “I’m riding crap today, I can ride this stuff any other day, keep making stupid mistakes etc”. Point made was around giving yourself a break rather than beating yourself up all the time. Some days you’ll ride brilliantly, other days will be different. Maybe they’re the days to back off a wee bit. Actually the day I broke my leg was some of my best riding ever. I broke my leg on a bike path on the way back…. the guy who gave me the advice is a really ace trail builder, and great rider, who has also had some nasty injuries in recent years.

Backing off a wee bit will be different for different people. For some it’s not riding a particular bit that day, for other it’s go ride totally different trails, or just ride the same trails but concentrate on flow and technique rather than speed. The latter is generally what I do on an off day, strangely slow generally ends up being faster IME.

Have a look at trainer road. It has plans for specific goals.

I can totally relate to this.

I’ll pass on some advice I was given recently:
On the days when you’re feeling good, seek out the challenging trails. On days when you’re feeling less confident, go for the easier stuff that you know you can ride as it will help your confidence.

Context of this is a broken Tib/fib from late May this year. Getting back on the bike was easy, getting my head around falling off again wasn’t. I’ve had some coaching that got me riding stuff I could t even before the break which gave me a massive boost but that advice above is something that I keep going back to. It stops me from feeling like I can’t ride some stuff when in another day I’d ride it fine.

Give yourself some time to just have fun without worrying about times, speed, etc. Just go out and enjoy yourself without beating yourself up all the time.

Bluetooth cadence sensor – sorry don’t know how to quote.

It’s a Bontrager specific one (my bikes a trek) duotrap. Works on Bluetooth and ant + so pairs to my iPad and also my garmin.

Is the Halfords one not slightly better? T2200 in decathlon v T2240 in Halfords, plus order for delivery into store then get 10% off with BC membership.

Yep I’ve had one since last winter. Used it many times including over the summer recovery from a broken leg. I use it with trainer road or just general Tacx intervals. Works great with my iPad – as I dont have a suitable laptop.

It picks up my Bluetooth cadence / speed sensor too.

I also bought it with BC discount on a weekend when Halfords had a 20% special.

Madison flo dwr. Im 5’8″ take a ten and they sit nicely just below the knee. Also got some new fox ones recently that sit below the knee – think they might be called demo shorts.
For info I have a 33″ inside leg.

Does anyone know how much these things are likely to cost once they go into production?

If you’ve got a few different bikes and different riders in your household / group, it might be a decent proposition. I’m certainly intrigued.

Exactly where my head is at. Trek are dull and boring but my road bike and my XC are both trek and are great bikes. OH and I share bike size fortunately so it’s to be a second bike for us to share. He’s got a nomad currently, I’ve got an ibis mojo which is a lot of fun. He feels his nomad is too much bike a lot of the time. We mostly ride natural stuff, golfie, inners etc. So narrowed it down to the new Bronson or the remedy but totally 50/50 on both.

Nobeer, I’m loving the look of that new slash but they’re not available til feb/march apparently.

I’ve got 35mm internal ibis wheels. I’ve run minion dhr2s on them and the side knobs are fine. Same with magic Mary and Hans dampf combo (think they’re 2.35).

Dunno about 32mm internals but at 35mm you do need to be careful about the tyre profile as some will flatten out rather than stay round. (If that makes sense)

That claim was with royal london. Just in case it’s the same company.

Dunno if this helps but I had to make a similar death benefits claim recently after my mother in law passed away.

I was asked the following:
– confirm no will
Death certificate number
– confirm no significant assets (total under 30k I think)
– confirm that we were entitled to make the claim as executors
– agree that should anyone else come forward with a claim on the policy they would be allowed to listen to a recording of the call

Make a formal complaint to the insurance company. If you don’t get anywhere go to the financial ombudsman.

There is a lot of conflicting and incorrect information in this thread. Declaration first: I’ve been a pensions specialist for 23 years, non advising.

Facts:
– tax relief: tax relief is given at marginal rate, so if you’re just over 40% bracket you’ll only get 40% relief on the proportion that is over. However, it is correct that everyone gets at least 20%. Non taxpayers would be limited to a maximum annual contribution of £3600 gross (after tax relief). Members need to be UK resident for tax purposes, but anyone can pay in on your behalf.
– growth rates in the future illustration of benefits are set by the government and vary from time to time. They assume that you buy an annuity (an income payable for life). In reality since April 2015 when the rules changed, many people are not buying annuities as they feel they are poor value.
– projected incomes change as life expectancy changes, which is happening very quickly these days. The longer an income is likely to be paid, the less annual income will be projected.
– research shows that you’re likely to spend more in the first 10 years of retirement and then spending vastly decreases. It’s important that advice takes account of your variable needs. Projected illustrations can’t do that currently.
– in most cases, a pension will be better than an ISA due to the effect of tax relief. If your income is likely to be lower than the annual tax allowance, you won’t be paying tax on the pension income anyway.

It’s very important to note that everyone’s circumstances are unique and things can and do change. Get advice would be the best option. The Money Advice Service will be able to provide you free impartial guidance on your options.

I broke mine on 21 May. Tib and fib plated and pinned. 3 screws one side and plate with 7 screws on other side. I was told to do nothing for 12 weeks. 6 weeks of this was non weight bearing.

However, I got myself some private sports physio, starting 10 days after surgery. She helped me with exercise to maintain as much muscle as possible. I also did some short (20 min max) sessions on turbo trainer with cast on.

Got cast off on 1st July and was told to expect a boot. Wasn’t given one and told to just try walking. I continued with the private physio and was back road cycling (flat roads initially) by week 8, started MTBing on easier stuff at week 11. End of August, roughly 13 weeks after break, I was in Italy for a weeks riding (both MTB and road).

I also got some Naproxen pain killers – much better and more effective than ibruprofen, co-codamol etc for me. I need one a day every so often but it’s just a dull pain now.

Weird thing is if I walk about all day, the ankle swells pretty badly but if I ride all day ankle stays fairly normal looking. Physio reckons the gentle repetitive movement of pedalling is actually good for it.