I had the same issue with the insert blocking the valve (using the rimpact valve with holes on the side!) Couldn’t get air out or sealant in!

The solution I found was actually on the FAQ section on the rimpact website – cut a hole through the insert and align it with the valve. They recommend pushing a copper pipe through the insert. It’s completely solved the issue for me

I would second checking you have the cable into the mech in the right way, in my haste I did mine without reading the instructions (I’ve worked on hundreds of bikes over the years) felt great in the stand, but not quite right riding. It was only when I went back to square one to try and sort that I realised. Symptoms were exactly as you described.

Hopefully in a slightly more helpful way, I’d look at general outdoor brands instead. I’ve come away from waterproofs for most of the time and run a soft shell, which usually have a lot more give. I really like mountain equipment for sizing, along with ALPKIT. although I’m only 6’4” and about a 48” chest.

I’d have a look at the sonder Camino too. No toe overlap for me! (Also a 69 HA)

This was a very timely thread, as my Karcher K2 decided to pack up today. I think it must be 10 years old and has been repaired twice (both times the plastic elbow for the hose outlet) but today seems to run without any pressure. Off the back of this I’ve gone for a Nilfisk one from the outlet.

Thanks for this. A mate has one on his sentinel and I’ve just been talked into one too……

bloody PSAs cost me a fortune!

Slx with the XT shifter and XTR chain works superbly for me (shifter gives you double click on upshifts, and the chain apparently lasts longer)

I used to have one of those Trek VRXs! It wasn’t too bad to honest…… till I snapped the swing arm jumping down some steps!

@tall_martin I’ve just messaged you if you fancy a play off road tomorrow!

Never had too much problem setting it up, but I have to say a PNW loam lever and a really good cable has made it feel ohhh so good!

I had one of these and was actually really impressed! Much better than I expected and the call quality was really good too

Me!! Really looking forward to it! First time up there and it seemed like a great idea for (hopefully) relaxed-ish stag weekend.

I’ve used Uberbike race matrix for ages in my codes, found them to have a much better bite than sram pads. Currently have some galfer pads in the front brake and I have to say they are awesome. I’ll be sticking with them from now on. For reference I’m a big lad at 6’4” and 120kg and these were great at DyFi a couple of weeks ago

I have been completely converted to Bontrager RL cages, we have them on every bike in the house. They are used with a range of bottles and I have never lost one, even if I’ve forgotten to take it out before driving home with the bike on the roof. Been faultless in the Alps/BPW/Dyfi etc.

I did it last week! I also didn’t want to spend 1000’s but found something a little different from here: https://www.alisonmoore.co.uk/
The soon to be Mrs Loverofminkys was delighted with it!

Good luck!

Just to add, I’ve got a Peugeot that’s half matte and half gloss – it’s a marmite thing but I love it!
The matte has actually been really easy to look after and clean (I’m a little obsessive with car cleaning!) I just use a pre wash and shampoo with a mitt, then every now and again I use auto glym fast glass on it.
Our local car detailing place said they could do a ceramic coat for £250 but I honestly have need to as it’s pretty tough and easy to work with. I have even touched in a stone chip to my satisfaction!

It sounds like you aren’t getting a good seal with your valve with the extra info. Have you got any different shaped rubbers to try?

Yes mate, you need to redo the tape! Make sure you warm it up first!

A fun little french thing and a boringly reliable and economical Japanese thing for us

@_leon_ I have code rsc. They are only a tiny bit heavier than the G2 and it seemed like the worst place to save weight for me. The thing I have really liked is being able to set them exactly as I like, the dials do actually make a big difference (I know hope do as well) the power for me was significantly better than hope or shimano 4 pots. For reference I’m probably heavier than most and give my brakes more of a workout than a lot of people

Being tall Martin’s mate with code RSCs I would. Say they are the best brakes I’ve ever had. Have previously had hope E4, most versions of 2 pot and 4 pot shimano. I won’t be going back! The modulation and power is superb.

I’m a chunk heavier than you and have nothing but praise for hunt endurowides.

@gnusmas I have the purple/red fading spoon on my bike currently. It’s far from new but if you are interested please let me know. (It is a bit faded on the corners)

We recently got a 208 gti by Peugeot sport. It’s amazing! The half matte black, half blue looks great (to us!) it handles sublimely (different suspension set up and a limited slip diff) and the seats are great for me at 6’4’’ and my girlfriend at 5’2’’ for around £12k I would highly recommend one! Especially if you like things a little different!

If you can stretch to the Stoic 2 I would go for that. For general trail riding I think it looks superb! Hannah STW did a review of a Stoic recently https://singletrackworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/canyon-stoic-4-140mm-of-hardtail-fun-reviewed/
The 2 has the exact same frame and I think wheels/tyres as this one… Ideal UK hardtail I would say

https://rideonmagazine.com.au/how-to-measure-stack-and-reach/
It’s usually in the geometry charts, there are more variables to consider for sure, but I find if the reach is about right most other things fit on a well designed bike

This is where my money would be going
https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/stoic/stoic-2/2659.html?dwvar_2659_pv_rahmenfarbe=WH%2FMC&dwvar_2659_pv_rahmengroesse=L
£850, size large, in stock, add a dropper post for about £130 and you would have an amazing bike for the money (the reach on this in L is 480mm to give you an idea of ‘modern’)

For reference, I am 193cm and like a reach measurement of between 500 and 520ish, at your height I would want something bigger than the 445mm on the Large rockhopper – but it is a very personal thing!
I am 39 in 3 weeks and I’m faster now than I have ever been! Don’t let the age get in the way!
Honestly I don’t think you will notice the difference in spec for either, I would focus on getting something in stock that fits correctly – that will make a much bigger difference!

At 185 I would go XL for sure!
I get what you’re saying about the voodoo but you won’t notice when you’re riding it!
I have to say with £1000 I would be looking at something like a canyon stoic, but that is a lot different pricewise than the Bizango!

I have to say I wouldn’t worry about replacing the cassette or chainring straight away. I think spending £45-60 on gearing for a bike you haven’t yet ridden doesn’t make sense. I would suggest the voodoo looks better value, buy it, ride it, change stuff as it wears out or if you notice a problem.
Yes a bigger range/lower gearing is nice if its super steep but for a lot of places it’s not needed especially if you are just getting into it!
Only my opinion!

Ha yep indeed! But if you can’t stretch to that, these guys did an amazing job of bracing up an orange five swingarm I cracked.
https://www.giaengineering.co.uk/

Gutted for you mate! But perfect excuse to get Transition sentinel………

In fairness my bike is definitely firmer, I like it set firmer anyway and I’m a good bit heavier, but the difference in speed was really noticeable over a short run.
New bike for the win.

As the aforementioned mate with the faster bike , I reckon the correct answer definitely has nothing to with hammering frozen sausages!
New frame and forks will sort it! (Or more hsc and lsc for a free change!)

I’ve got a medium cage SLX mech and deore shifter on my hardtail with that cassette. Its actually been on four different frames now! Works perfectly for not much money.

I’ve test ridden most of the bikes on the list and ended up with a Honda CB1000R NSC. I got a cracking deal with 0% so it’s about £100 a month. It’s a really lovey bike to ride and well worth a look.

Ive got a 2.2 idtec civic (same engine as the accord) and it averages 45 all the time on local trips Of up to an hour regardless of how hard I drive it. On the motorway it’s pretty easy to hit 55+mpg without bothering to take the roof bars off. It’s a great engine and a nice car too

Changed all the bearings on my transition except the headset. Oh and new jockey wheels!

I’m a teacher, my mate who is also a teacher has put this Together https://1drv.ms/f/s!AplTf_5smuXB4WlZHsEamAYs85Ok

Hi OP I’ve just recently been through a similar process. Please get some legal advice as soon as possible. I waited as I wanted to be amicable, and ended up having to go to court to get reasonable access to my son. I’m in Southwell if you fancy a beer/walk/ride