Well, I’ve been googling while sitting here. Lots of suggestions. Think I’ll see if my LBS has something, maybe they’ll have some of those emergency tyre boot things or something else. Looks like I won’t, or it’s recommended not to, run it tubeless so I’ll put a tube in after repair and see how it goes … 🙁

Looking good deanfbm.

I’m guessing you got a frame to build up yourself. Did it come with the Santa Cruz carbon bars then? Like to know what they’re like if you’ve not used carbon bars before, considering getting some for mine eventually.

I’m having to mess around with the shock settings too, similar ‘too spring to too wallowy’ feeling, might try a volume reducer as I’m carrying a few extra pounds these days.

Mine came with a 2x transmission, need the granny for the local climbs, but I’m not so sure about just having a ‘middle’ ring as such, I’m nearly spinning out on some of the long undulating and downhill routes I ride. 3x on my other bikes, and sometimes I hop up to the big ring for extra speed whereas on the 2x I’m in the ‘big’ ring and smallest cog on the rear which I think will lead to rapid wear on the small cogs at the back and more replacement cassettes?

Bet you can’t wait woody, enjoy when you get it and tell us what you think.

I’ve been wondering about pedals, I’ve just put some MG1s I’ve got on it at the moment but it does deserve some new ones. I’m wondering if anodized red would go?

Mmmm, nice, enjoy!

And yes we need pics.

Yes that’s a serving hatch, we like it for some reason. We’ve also got a 70s gas fire, modern retro or something like that.

Yes, it’s a great bike. Only managed a quick 14 mile ride on it at the end of the day yesterday. Bars felt a bit high and shocks needed a bit of fettling.

Can’t say there’s a big difference of feel from my 26in wheels until you get up a bit more speed where you get a bit more of the 29er effect of a larger wheel.

What I did notice was it’s eagerness to accelerate. On a few short sharp climbs where I’d normally drop down a gear by padelling hard, taking the pressure off the chain, drop a gear then settle down to carry on spinning with the 5010 the quick pedal hard bit just resulted in the bike going quicker up the hill and I just carryed on rather than drop down a gear (hope that makes sense?)

It’s also easy to get off the ground. I might do the odd little hop here and there but nothing big, there’s a little lip I normally just push off a bit and this thing flew* with very little effort.(*for me flew is probably 6in off the ground)

Also corners very well. An off camber, 90 degree right, loose gravelly turn usually sees me drift a bit to the left of the next track. The 5010 just went through the middle, no drifting, no worries, peddle off down the track. Very stable at speed too.

Made some adjustments this morning, lowered the bars a bit, more air in rear shock. Just got back from a local 15 mile loop and got 9 PRs and 2 2nd fastest times on Strava, some on climbs some on descents. I’m even the fastest on some of those for today – so far. So not bad for and overweight nearly 50 year old. Well, maybe it’s the bike? 😀

That’s an enormous gap between your skirting boards and the floor

😆

Original floor and skirtings, most of the house is the same, 1950s bungalow so guess they expected people to fit carpets. We did wonder about putting some beading along the bottom but not sure if that would look worse and it’d mean painting etc, just used to the gap now.

They’ll match (sort of) on the driveside

Ah, yes they do, sort of. Another picture just to make sure …

Just walked the dog, a few chores to do in the garden then out on it this afternoon 😀

Yeah, I noticed the logo/valves … set up tubeless by the shop, what can I do 😐

I was up at 6.30am this morning, like a 6 year old on Christmas Day 😀

I still don’t like the whole 650b thing, the wheels/tyres don’t look that different to me compared to my 26in Heckler (that’s in another room so not compared side by side) but there’s no choice on a new bike now. I wonder if I’ll notice, I definately notice the difference on my 29er Superlight.

Someone mentioned a squirt of WD40 – I had an annoying creak/click on one of my bikes, I used some GT85 to sqirt in a couple of places and this at least eliminated it for a while so I knew what was causing it. So, you try going around the bike, frame, bearings etc and give it a squirt one thing at a time then ride and see if it gets rid of it, if not move on to the next bit. This might help you identify where it is? Then you can deal with it.

it doesn’t go squint. And it’ll always go back to [the] right height.

I was just about to say this.

Titec did something similar a few years ago. If the OP thinks it’s great then someone else might like one too 🙂

Thanks zinger, not sure I’d want to import from the USA. Ideally looking for a full bike, I don’t have anything 650b so if I just get a frame I’ll have to get everything else too. Might just have to go used, but don’t see many around used too at the moment, and keep my eyes and ears open.

Hi antares, I did try them, they haven’t got anything. Quite a few places came up on google search where you can add something to your basket but they don’t actually have them or can get hold of them. SCUK don’t have anything. It’s like they’ve all just disappeared! 😥

If anyone does know anything for definite please pm me the details.

I’ve got a Nomad 2 so know what VPP is like, I just like the simplicity of the single pivot Heckler, suits 90% of my riding really … I might have to buy an Orange 😯

23 years proper mtbing, first had a go about 1988 on my brothers Raleigh Mustang, awful. Used to ride my old Raleigh Chipper round the local woods back in the 70s, so riding about 45 years.

First proper mtb was fully ridged, rode that everywhere and for everything, still ride the same routes, can’t imagine how I did it back then, youth and fitness I suppose. I feel beat up after a ride on my full sus these days … All bloomin good fun though!

I’ve done a 20mm WTB hub before, not sure if it was the ‘Super’ duty one but it’s easy. The end caps came off easy by just inserting a 20mm dowel just into the ends and a bit of leverage pops them out. I then put a thin square edged punch through one side onto the other bearing and started knocking it out carefully, once it starts moving that aluminium spacer/sleeve will move out the way and you can easily get another larger punch/small socket in there.

Thanks all, it’s just a simple one colour frame and swing arm with decals, nothing fancy, so hopefully won’t be too expensive. I’ve read somewhere powder coat is more durable than paint for mtb’s?

I got Qualcast cordless mower, strimmer and 2 batteries from Argos a few months ago for £200, it’s been brilliant! One battery just about does my 6m x 25m back garden. Had a petrol one before, noisy, smelly heavy. I can more or less run up and down with the cordless one it’s so light. Only criticism is that the blade and collection box is smaller than the old petrol one but just means you have to empty more often. Biggest plus is that now the other half can use it without complaining it’s too heavy to move! 😀

This

All the alloy SCs look off to me, verging on mail order cheap appearance

and this

SC have got themselves to a point where all their bikes look a bit disappointing unles they have three grand worth of wheelset on them.

Long time SC fan, but I’m finding it hard to get excited about them anymore, that new lower link reminds me of some Giant frames – aren’t they made in the same factory in the far east?

That Orange, and other Oranges are, dare I say it, beginning to look good to me these days!

That looks like the same stuff from my childhood, apart from the boats. Disn’t the bottom of the Enterprise open up and have a shuttle? And I’m sure the russian tank had a spring loaded gun that fired shells? Is that a JPS race car? Funny but just looking at that stuff I can almost feel it in my hands!

I did, but I try to as much as I can anyway. Only knew about it as I read it in the paper yesterday. No more bikes than normal today though, yesterday was busier!

I’ve seen a 2016 Orange 5 Pro for £2350, I’d have to get a complete bike as I’m still riding all 26in and complete 650b bikes seem good value.

I did consider Bronson or 5010, but they (all Santa Cruz) seem very expensive now, that £1600 is frame only complete bikes from £2999!

Another bike that’s caught my eye is the Bird Aeris, they look great value and nice looking bike too. I just like single pivot bikes, I’ve got a Nomad Mk2 so know what VPP is like, and it’s great but a bit too much for the South Downs.

This is just about the biggest mountain I’ve ever been on. Everest base camp, Tibet side, this is as far as you can go. Few years ago now 🙂 Although, it doesn’t look much like the top of a mountain.

Sigma Sport are doing the Purgatory Control 2Bliss for £19.99 each, just got some myself, and if you sign up for newsletters or something you’ll get a £5 off code 😀

Ooo, just looked and they’ve got the Purgatory Grids for £20 too!

I recently purchased a new rear tyre, same brand as the front but it didn’t match the fronts silver band thing around the tread (Schwalbe’s), bugged me a little bit, I would look at the bike and think it doesn’t quite seem right, but I rode it anyway.

And, what happened … the rear tyre exploded in the middle of nowhere. There’s a lesson there children, be careful with mixing your rubbers up!

I get something like this on long hard climbs and if I’m going into a headwind for a long time, standing and putting the hips forward alleviates it too. But, I’ve been doing more hamstring stretches before and after rides as well as a yoga pose called the pigeon which seems to be helping a lot, stretches the muscles around the butt, think it’s been recommended before on here for lower back pain. Sounds like you’re already doing some stretching and yoga though.

So, I also emailed the details and photos to Schwalbe UK, basically they more or less suggest ‘that the tyre was sat a little too low on the rim in the section, causing the rim to interface with the tyre just above the rim line (and chafer material which sits below this to stop the rim wearing on the tyre wall).

So, like I said, they (the shop I got it from and Schwalbe) will probably blame installation/user error and I’ll get nothing back. I don’t think I’ll send this back I’ll just buy something else now and in the future.

Clean the rotors with IPA. Did a quick wipe over this morning and sanded the pads and it was ok. But, had to do the same last time I rode it which was about 3 weeks ago. Just seems to be this set.

Don’t think it’s from something on the ride. Riding and braking hard usually sorts it out, it’s when I haven’t used it for a few weeks.

Thanks for the links, interesting as it seems common on these series of Shimano brakes. Not had it with the older M665 I’ve got. The MTBR thread is very similar to the issues I’m having.

Doing a 20 mile ride tonight so might put some tissue in the calipers and leave it for a while to see if there’s any evidence of leaking.

First time this has happened to me in 30 years of MTBing. I’m wondering if I’ll get anything back too, they’ll probably say I installed it incorrectly, or ran the wrong pressure. Not sure if it’s the ‘liteskin’ it’s just listed as a Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evolution Folding MTB Tyre – 26″, no info in the description and I’m at work so can’t look at the tyre.

Beginning to wonder if it’s worth sending it back though, cost of postage etc. and then they could turn around and say ‘user error’ and there’s nothing I can do about it.

No aggressive chemicals used on the bike, just standard bike cleaner/degreaser stuff but always washed off.

Rim was a Stans Flow, pressure about 36psi.

No injuries, luckily I was on a grassy uphill bit.

The Nobby Nic on the front must be about 3 years old and is fine, it just looks like it’s failed along where it joins the tyre bead.

Shop (online store) says send it back and they will ‘take a look at it’.

I’ve had no problems with Nobby Nics and Rocket Rons over the years, but this sidewall does seem very thin, think I might need to check my Nobby Nics now though 😐 wouldn’t want this to happen on the front!

I’ll get onto the shop tomorrow to see what they say, but you think the importer as well (Schwalbe UK ?)

I’ve just got one of those Skyline packs, impressed so far, it really does make a difference having the water lower on your back, much more stable and comfortable, reminds me of my old Macpac Ultramarathon. I’ve also got an old Decathlon pack, great value for money but just not quite made as well as Camelbaks imho. Got the Skyline from Tredz for about £75. orena45’s review just about says it all really although I’ve not had any issues with zips.

Ah, ok, thanks mildbore, that’s good to know as I can’t find one locally to look at and I’ll have to order online.

Ooo, ooo, I can answer this one (being stuck in 2012 too 😉 ) yes you will need a Sram shifter, X5 X7 or X9 will do as long as it’s a 9 speed one. Don’t think you’ll get new from the usual retailers though so try ebay, although you can still get the old X5 3×9 shifter sets with the indicator windows new on ebay from Hong Kong/China – great shifters!

Differing opinions then. During the summer riding is ok, might do the odd swim and walk but really need something for the winter months, just looking to lose a bit of weight, tone up and get a bit of core/upper body strength. I already do a bit of yoga but feel I need something to make me sweat a bit more.

I googled crossfit classes locally and nearest is about 30min drive away and quite expensive, £65 month for unlimited workouts. I think I’ll find it harder to get out in the car and drive 30mins to have a workout once I’ve got in from work. The T25 workout is currently about £60 so might just give it a go, or at least try that app first.

Like that one, kojak…not dropped!

When I fisrt got it everyone was ‘slamming’ them, I had a Foksey adjustable beam on the front and went 2 notches on the rear, about 10 years ago I had the rear put up one notch and adjusted the front to be a bit higher, so not low but it looks level and much more comfortable to drive.

Tweaked engine with twin 36s that puts out about 130bhp, 2 lt gearbox from cogbox, cruises a bit better! But I still stick to 60mph ish, same mpg as when it was a bog standard 1600cc.

Toyota MR2 Mk1 seats in the front – they have a flat base so fit nicely, again much more comfortable.

We went round Devon and Cornwall last year, no problems. About 4 years ago took it all the way to the south and France and back on a 3 week trip, again no problems. I know it’s nice to get places fast but we spent 3 days going through the middle of France on beautiful empty minor roads stopping at some lovely villages, really nice way to see the country, you miss all that speeding through on toll roads.

Been thinking of selling it for years but everytime we use it we just enjoy it again. We did intend to hire a T5 to see what it’s like but never got around to it, probably want one if we did 😀

I seem to be the exception to the rule here having a relaiable T2. I’m sure there’s plenty of owners who have reliable, looked after vans. There used to be a group of us that used to go to the shows, Santa Pod, Run to the Sun etc with no problems. I think you get problems when the van has many owners who buy them because they want to get into the ‘scene’ or have a camper for a year and do zero maintenance, then sell it on to someone else who does zero maintenance.

dovebiker – I might be selling mine soon as we don’t use it enough. Passed MOT a few months ago, tax free next year, good engine, original interior, reliable etc. Bodywork bubbling up in a few places but nothing that can’t be done yourself if you have the time. I’m in the south of the UK, let me know if of any interest and I can give you more info?

Here it is about 4 years ago in a campsite in the middle of France 🙂

I’ve had mine about 20 years now, 76 Moonraker, peanuts to buy back then. It’s worth more than I’ve spent on it over the years but I’ve been lucky with about 2 failed MOTs in that time – leaking exhaust and front beam needed welding, never broken down, been to Spain and more recently the south of France, but I’ve looked after it. Bodywork is starting to go again which is a pain as I’ve lost the enthusiasm to keep on filling and painting and don’t want to pay out again on bodywork. This is probably the biggest thing, last time I had bodywork done it was expensive and I think anyone that does that kind of work knows how to charge for it too! If I had the sort of money that would get a good one today I wouldn’t, I’d get a good T4 or T5. But, I still enjoy driving it, something about it, it’s relaxing.

who is going to overall what 52% of the population vote for

*Not being critical of the OP, but it does annoy me when I see this, it was not 52% of the population, it was 52% of the people that bothered to vote, population of the UK is something like 64 million and only 17 million or so decided our fete, that’s only something like a 1/4 of the population.

*May not be entirely accurate, and I know not all the population is able to vote, may also contain nuts!