Thanks fellas. I greased the bolts the last time so I may use a drop of loctite this time round. Just concerned that the cleat will try and revert back to position where it slid and dug itself into.

Prefer not to Onza. Firstly, I often fid that DIY mechanics although satisfying often takes considerably longer than expected and is such a big learning curve. Secondly, my forks are due for their second year service to keep up with the Fox warranty and wondered whether the extra outlay would be worth it.

Hmmm tidy, but not Brazilian Twin tidy!!

I’ve been tempted by some of the posts on here talking about £40 powdercoats but I’d be worried that it maybe a risk.

Someone mentioned that Orange’s respray service apparently blast and re-spray, replace bearings and gromits, re-test frame? (I presume from a strength perspective, FAT style?) and new graphics.

Apart from new bearings, gromits and graphics i’m not sure how this differs from commercial powdercoaters.

Cool. Looks well.

I know what you mean about wanting your new bike in another colour. I wanted my 5 in white but couldn’t justify the extra cash at the time as it was a massive outlay with the upgrades. I went with ‘free/default’ Silver.

I’m now sorely tempted to strip the bike after this weekends riding and send it off to Halifax for a bit of ‘Cloud White’. Unfortunately, its now £170 for a change of colour instead of £50 at the time of purchase. Hey ho!

So glad I work from home!!

Matt, out of interest, what White is that? Cosmic, Cloud or Pearl?

Dang, can’t…..stop…..looking…..must do work.

Aye Carumba! Might have to spend some ‘quality’ time investigating this pair over the weekend. Well done I-Ache. Outstanding.

Niki Gudex, mountain biker

Sporting: http://www.nikigudex.com/mtb.html

Non-sporting: http://www.nikigudex.com/model.html

You’re not on the right medication then Spongebob

I remember watching some food porn programme on the bbc and thought this looked good:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/honeyroastedspicyleg_86764.shtml

Certainly different.

Sorry…thread hijack:

fwokinfwok – how quickly did they re-paint your frame? Really tempted to get this done next month but as I only have one bike I don’t want to be out of action for too long.

I agree, Badgers are great, really pleased now i’ve seen one.

A woman I used to work with didn’t think badgers existed and that the ones on TV were actually animatronic Badgers. I couldn’t be bothered to argue. Plus she was seriously trim.

Badgers crop up a lot. On a drunken episode in Prague the lads and I wondered what would happpen if a badger bumped into a skunk and due to its poor eye sight got friendly? A Skadger perhaps?

I saw a badger, in the flesh so to speak, for the first time last week. I was on my second ever night ride and it popped its head up from the undergrowth and then trundled across the trail I was riding and disappeared. I was quite impressed. Especially as the only badgers I usually see are dead at the road side.

Saw them on Monday in Sheff. Again, not high on my list of bands that I would pay and go see but girlfriend had paid for the tickets ;-)
I thought they were very good and accomplished live and I really enjoyed it.
As I don’t listen to them regularly you forget how many sing-a-long anthemic tracks they’ve released over the last few years (Ruby, I Predict A Riot, Oh My God, etc, etc). Although I think my favourite performance of the night was Love Is Not A Competition. Far better live than on the album.

To paraphrase the late Roy Scheider, ‘you’re gonna need bigger brakes’!

Welcome to the 5 club :D,

freeform5spot, are you asking about googs bike (the black 5) or my bike (silver 5)? goog posted the image for me because I’m a dumbass?

If mine, then its an 18″. Seatpost was exceptionally high as I’d not set it up for me at that point as it was striaght from the shop. Still haven’t creosoted that fence panel.

Waitrose cafe :-)

I’ve never really had an issue with CRC and always spent my money with them. Quick to deliver, wide range of stock, reasonably cheap.

Unfortunately I placed an order with them on Mon 2nd and it has not arrived. I sent a couple of e-mails and tried ringing. Nothing. Without the part I am unable to ride. Disappointed. Just a quick reply to say sorry to hear, or order again, or we’ll send another, etc, etc. isn’t too much to ask.

What makes it worse is that I could have got my LBS to order and fit part within this timeframe with probably not much extra cost. Poo.

T1t5!!

Its here anyway if you’re interested.

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O go on then….here’s mine in default ’07 Pro colour of Silver.

I took this photo many moons ago when it was brand spankin’ new, never been ridden and just collected from the shop. Nearly two years on I still love the thing but I’m seriously tempted to send it back to Halifax and have it painted Cloud White.

Yep. I’d definitely hang out the back of her. It would be rude not to.

Matt, if you were buying an ST4 I’m sure whatever shop you approached they would be willing to provide Rs instead of RLCs and adjust the price accordingly. Although Orange offer decent option packages with their bikes most shops are willing to tailor to suit. Buyers market mate!

This might be of interest….

http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/hope-pro-2-135mm-qr-stiffening-up-options

Hmmmm, I’m like Burchy and have an 07 Five with standard RP23 shock. Didn’t know they did a specific one for later models. I’m 13st and run approx 180psi.

steelfan, if you look at the options page for the Five on the Orange website and select Maxle Upgrade and take a look at the pic it looks like a completely new swingarm to me.

Not sure on the cost of a completely new swingarm so you would need to contact Orange. There are other options though and there is a similar post on here regarding bolt through rear ends with Pro II hubs.

My PP is always left on setting 2. Only time I ever use 3 (which is basically locked out) is on roads or tough climbs.

TBH, I have all these settings at my disposal (along with Float RLCs) and I hardly ever alter anything which leads me to believe that they’re just not necessary. Once you have something that feels right you leave it as is.

There is also an element of the single pivot design working so well. The demo Orange 5 ’07 I rode had Float Rs and a Manitou Swinger 3 Way and I was more then happy with the ride.

Definately worth it. Purchased my 5 Pro in May ’07 and I’ve not considered another bike since. Reasonably light (for a 5.5″ FS bike, especially as it looks like its made from girders), good looking (if you like girders), tough, do-it-all bike. As said previously rides up, down, over and across things with relative ease and speed with loads of feel and rider feedback. Its a pleasure to ride.

Watched this t’other night Steve having had Seldom Seen Kid playing continously for the last month. Fantastic hour of digital TV. Unfortunately not seen them live yet. They’re sold out in Sheff for their March gig. There are some tickets on FleaBay but the sellers want my house in exchange.

When people speak of Conti MKs in whatever guise, 2.2 or 2.4, are you all referring to just the basic folding tyre??

I’ve had MK Pros 2.4 (the ones with the Black Chilli compound) for the last year and found them to be superb tyres. Granted, they get sketchy in wet mud (perhaps due to low tread pattern) but apart from that they’re grippy and very fast rolling.

Can those previous owners of MKs honestly say the HRs are faster rolling? If so I’m buying a pair.

Hold on,

“Does it go up hills any better that the 5 (I really struggled with it)?”

How on earth did you manage to struggle when pedalling a 5 up hill? If so, won’t the Blood be equally difficult?

Having never ridden in the Alps before is this event OK for a first timer or am I better off booking a weekend with trail addiction or someone similar??

Also, whats the approximate costs of the event?

Sorry for the thread jack BTW

Love my MK Pros in 2.4 guise. Been running them for a year now and they have performed well in most conditions (Dark Peak, Welsh and Scottish centers, Dalby). Would have to agree with collie and dobo though, not too good in the wet mud (although they’re predictable and you know they’re going to slide) and black chilli compound is a must. Both Pro’ and ‘sonic versions have this.
Although I do fancy a change of tyre soon and I’m considering buying Nobby Nics. Just worried they wont perform as good as the MKs. Are they light and fast rolling?

4x4s and crossers have made a real mess of Houndkirk Moor and the surrounding area in the last couple of years. Really quite disappointing. I also hate the fact that they think they have ‘right of way’. Its the old addage might has right. In fact I was nearly knocked off my bike by someone opening their car door as I passed a parked 4×4 last summer. Unbelieveable.
You’ll be pleased to know that while I was out there last Saturday morning I stumbled across 4 Police Officers on their trusty Police MTBs struggling in the icy conditions.
One of them rode along with me for a while and he was telling me they were out there to stop 4x4s, crossers, etc and make them aware of where and where not they can ride. Quite pleased that someone is finally doing something about it. Unfortunately it will not stop motor vehicles using H’kirk Moor completely as I believe from the laws perspective it is classed as a road.

Mmmmmm Talisker. I also have a festive bottle in the cupboard. Along with Isle of Jura. Both have remained untouched.

Yep, still on the wagon although I’m not really feeling any benefit. Hence why I’ve decided to go for a pint or two after work. Moderation is the key.
I’ll be back on the wagon again tomorrow if that counts?
In my defence I did sit through a whole afternoon in the boozer for my missus mates b’day and also a large family gathering last weekend. Both events would usually merit alcohol to save my sanity.

Will – I live in Sheff and it usually takes me about 1 and a half hours to get to Dalby. Really quick as its mostly M’way wereas Llandegla in comparison, the nearest Welsh trail center, is 2 hours plus (damn Glossop and Tintwhistle oe whatever its called).

I agree with the majority of posts. Red is a nice route with plenty of places to stretch your legs but not all of the Blacks (descents and climbs)are worth it. Well worth a visit. Bike park is good for a laugh too.

Cheers folks, feedback appreciated, time to flex the plastic.

MrCrushrider

Me and the missus went to Greece in late May early June ’05 and it was hot. If you’ve not booked any accommodation I would skip Skiathos, jump on a flying dolphin/cat or ferry (ferry link) and do some island hopping.
Alonissos is about 40 mins away and is fantastic. We had 5 days there and it was bliss. We stayed in the main port and it was a sleepy little place with not much to do there apart from eat and drink. Hire a scooter, stick your missus on the back and there is an abundance of secluded beaches and coves.
We rode for 30 mins out of town along the coastal road and spent a whole day on a massive stretch of beach and did not see another soul. It was like that most days. It’s like having an island to yourself.
Skopelos is about 20/25 mins away and also comes well recommended. If anyone had to suffer Mama Mia! on DVD this crimbo then thats where it was shot I believe.
Skiathos is OK but don’t spend all your time there as there’s better just around the corner.