Has anyone got feedback on the Arkose A8? Wondering how the Alfine is on a gravel bike? I’ve heard they are really heavy – is that the case here? Mynother option is the R1.

Cheers ductions. Got Minions front and rear. Too early to say how good they are bit did ok on my first ride and it was pretty wet.

Got mine set at 130mm and can’t really imagine going any less. The front end feels a bit low on mine but could be due to my lower back issues. Trying to upload a picture but cant find a decent picture hosting app.

<img src=”https://phot

So after starting this thread bloody ages ago finally got out for a first ride after a crap winter of back problems and illness. Did an 11 mile wander around Delamere and although very boggy in places when you go off the fire roads it was a good first test of the bike.

Very happy with it. The new SLX brakes where superb, felt much better than the guide t’s and R’s I’ve had recently. Those Hunt wheels are amazing. Only ever had stock wheelsets before and these are the first I’ve ever upgraded to. Just roll so fast and feel really planted. Also very happy with the NX gearing, doesn’t feel any different to the GX I had on my last bike. So glad I went for this frame, just feels like you can throw anything at it and feels high quality. Looking forward to trying some more testing routes when the weather improves.

Me too, waiting for the XL frame to appear in stock but got a feeling it never will…

Yes 6ft 2, this is an XL frame and feels about right to sit on though obviously not ridden yet.

Will sort those tyres too, been annoying me slightly since I got it.

So finally picked the new bike up today. Just ordered some blue hope bar ends as I am a tart. Otherwise I have Fox Rhythm 34s 130mm, SLX brakes, SRAM NX Eagle gearing, Hunt trail wide 29″ tubeless wheels, giant dropper, hope bottom bracket and headset. Can’t wait to get out for a ride now.

I’m hoping my spec will be a good mid range level. Got rid of my SRAM level t brakes and got a new set of SLX. And the Hunt wheels should be a good upgrade over my Giant wheelset. Think I may look at getting SLX or XT gearing further down the line if my SRAM NX isn’t up to it.

Sorry still not picked her up yet, waiting on a wheel part from Hunt. Will post pics as soon as I can. Very frustrating.

Lovely spec that slackboy

I am very close to placing an order for the 2020 D1 Arkose but keep looking at this Genesis. What do people think I should go for? I love the look of the Genesis but think the Arkose would be maybe a bit lighter with what looks like a better wheelset. Any opinions very much appreciated as well as some photos of your Arkoses.

https://winstanleysbikes.co.uk/genesis-croix-de-fer-10-2019-bike

https://www.evanscycles.com/pinnacle-arkose-d1-2020-adventure-road-bike-EV339946

I have a 2 month old Trance 2 for sale in the classifieds for £1500 that I paid £2400 for but have only rode twice.

Latest Classified Ads

Have a look at my Google Pixel 3a XL on the classifieds. It’s as good as new and a brilliant phone with pretty much the best camera you can get. Only selling as I got a phone through work.

So went for this today….

Giant Trance 2 29. Had a quick ride today and really happy with it. 130 travel up front and 115 rear. Just right for me, feels really light and quick. Ordered some slx brakes as not keen on these Guide T’s. New grips on order too but otherwise happy.

Hmm, could be right there chakaping, spec ok but not great.

This looks amazing too…
https://www.yt-industries.com/uk/detail/index/sArticle/2122/sCategory/509

Thnaks for all the reccomendations so far, I have looked at them all and there are some really good options there. I am leaning towards something with a touch more travel than the Scott at 120ish mm. I feel I may run out of talent on some of the red routes so i think id maybe rather have a bit too much than not enough. 130 to 140 seems good so I am liking the look of this Commencal at 130 rear 140 front…

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/commencal-meta-trail-29-ride-bike-2019/rp-prod175868?gs=1&sku=sku668073&pgrid=60711842818&ptaid=pla-671434801106&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sujtOew1K_dc|pcrid|309840119990|pkw||pmt||prd|668073UK&gclid=CjwKCAjw67XpBRBqEiwA5RCocSBPzvyb5HWPR8Yh3hhADDT9ooLrvQetpztoaZTfu6msq8MhztneyRoCpVcQAvD_BwE

Under 30lbs seems light o me after looking at the weights of the bikes i’ve been reading about today. Those Trek Fuel EX are around 33/34 lbs in an xl.

Just pm’d you Bowglie, cheers

Hi John, glad you’re happy mate! Will have a look at the Scotts, always liked them.

Cheers rocketdog but i’m borderline L/XL.

Looking at all the options in detail this morning. Hoping for an ex demo flaremax to pop up on the Cotic site (which I’m surprised no one has recommended – too heavy maybe?)

Was just in the verge of ordering the fuel ex 8.0 but MTB monster says it’s out of stock (despite it saying in stock in the website). Disappointing. Had my heart set on that – now wondering if I would be ok on a Trek Slash which I viewed today in Evans. Bloody stunning but is 160mm too much for me? Hmm, is more travel going to be a pain for me?

I have Full Monty SL pretty much as good as new in the classifieds….

Happened to me too, bit weird

Get one! I did last month and they are superb value, really nice finish in the frame and rides superb.

Any upcoming deals on wheels at px Brant?

Here’s mine. Just added a Selcof carbon seat post – which has made a decent difference to reducing road chatter, shorter stem and WTB Resolute 42″s. Rides nice and plush – really happy. Just looking for a decent lighter wheelset that won’t break the bank now.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/hjvvpKScqHxb2hSD7

Very happy with mine too, ended up forcing the sale of my hardtail as just wasn’t getting used. Great bike at a stupid price.

Love it Jonny (from another Leyther!)

Get a Rocket in the same colour scheme as you’re gorgeous Soul.

I ordered 5 pairs of these socks last week at full price, £1.49 I think, they aren’t rubbish at all, really good actually. I also ordered a full Monty sl from them for a grand today, I hope that’s good too.

It’s all your fault Brant for not ‘stocking’ enough socks. Sorry.

Knowing my luck I’ll order the full Monty then the space chicken will get reduced by £300 a day later!

I’m also very tempted by one of these, they look amazing value. The full Monty sl is still my favourite though at £300 less.

Cheers Brant, nice work

Oh and Brant, are those wheels any good on the full monty sl? Seem a little heavy but really tempted by the rest of the bike for £999. Wanted tubeless really but don’t see an option to upgrade.

Reading the description in Evans website it still describes the R1 as a gravel bike though. Suppose it’s just less road focussed than a full on road bike. But those tyres would struggle with what I want to do i think.

Sounds good Jameso. Pretty tempted by the R1 for my style of riding. If I will be happy with the brakes I will go for it I think. Just looking at tyre size now as the stock ones you get are very road biased I think. Need a set I can setup tubeless and use on forest trails etc.