i think there was an issue with chainstay braces on the fs bikes breaking due to too many welds in a small area, but i believe that problem has been fixed

Really happy with mine. AMR+ Lector, the same one that was tested in the mag last year and got a “ST Recommends” badge thingy.

Seems to be well made and nicely thought out. Rides brilliantly!

don’t worry midlife, they’re not nearly as much fun as an MX5!

Lotus Elan could be a good call. Not the best build quality but often said to be one of the best handling FWD cars ever.

haha, i did have some concerns the first time i drove it with bikes on top but it’s been used like that pretty much every weekend for over 2 years now with no issues.

toyota make a specific rack for the MR2 MK2 and it’s approved for use on the T-Bar models.

agree that’s a lovely looking car, but how does it actually drive with being FWD?

thinking S2000 may well be my next car, anyone know if you can get a bike rack on it?

Not technicaly a roadster but targa roof, bike friendy, toyota reliablity and 240bhp!

so is mine, and i’ve got a roof rack for it!

i’ll try and dig out a photo

you can get a roof rack for the MR2 MK2 so 2 bikes, 2 riders plus gear is easily done….

Rode Ullock last year and can confirm it’s awesomeness!

A couple of the lads i was with were on hardtails with only 100mm forks and were able to ride all but a couple of short sections (the same sections i couldn’t ride on my FS).

I’m sure you’ll love it!

Time Pedals FTW

Similar feel to CBs, Shimano reliability.

Pearl Jam

Also planning to go on Saturday.

I think you’re probably right about the exposed areas, but should be fine in the trees.

Best: Managed to get a nearly new Ghost AMR+ Lector 7700 for just £1400!

Worst: After promising myself not to do it again, i bought yet another set of CB Candy pedals. 3 months in and the internals have disintegrated. Waiting for my Times to arrive…

Toyota MR2 Turbo

I get around 20k out of the fronts and around 6k from a set of rears…

For what its worth I did the 121 and really enjoyed the format!

I bought a FF especially for the event and think it’s right they should be mandatory considering the difficulty of the DH course compared with both the XC course and the Enduro event earlier in the year.

I’ll be back.

They have some ff helmets available to borrow.

Yep, i’m doing it!

Was also at hammers today for a spin. Slippy but solid.

Don’t normally do racing but the BBQ included in the entry fee was enough to seal the deal!

Not much difference other than the slight Speedo issue mentioned above (assuming they’re on the wheels with the speed sensor).

b r – they’ll most probably be cheaper as they’re a more popular size.

have done exactly the same thing in the past. Same tyre, slighty different size, cheaper.

+1 for Toyo tyres.

Are we talking about diesel or petrol V-Power here, cos they’re obviously different things?

(OP says ‘petroleum’)

As i understand it the benefits of V-Power are;

Higher octane rating – Only really noticeable on ‘performance’ engines or cars imported from Japan where their normal fuel is 99-100 octane.

Cleaning agents – Not much different to sticking some Redex through the system every now and then.

So unless you’ve got either a performance or Jap import car, just work out if a couple of tanks of V-Power are cheaper than a bottle of Redex.

Ullock Pike still has great views, you just have to stop riding occasionally to take them in!

Thanks everyone!

Stumpjumper Evo is looking like the favorite so far but those YT Industries bikes look like amazing value.

Obviously i’d prefer to have a test ride but that’s not gonna happen. Suspension looks very similar to the Lapierre, would it be worth having a go on one of them to get a feel for it?

That’s why it’s taken me so long to even think about replacing it!

go on then!

bump

Thanks PJM, mine is also very ‘upgraded’ (Maverick DUC32s, Hope brakes, tubeless rims, etc) but after a quick spin on a mate’s Ghost i’m thinking the frame itself might be a bit past it. Looking for a full bike rather than just a frame. Too many new ‘standards’ since 2003!

I used to work for Bike Scene and as a result, wouldn’t spend a penny there!

Stumpy Evo does look like the most obvious choice though…

I’ve got an MR2 (Mid-engined, rear wheel drive) and in spite of all the horror stories about handling on snow/ice, i’ve found i can get around just fine with a set of winter tyres, even on quite steep stuff.

As above treat the conditions with respect and there’s no reason you can’t use a rwd car in all but the very worst conditions.

That’s very similar to my usual Hammers spin.

Nice mixture of natural and man made. Black route is really a red grade imho, lots of fun but nothing that’ll take you by suprise.

I’d advise not to involve Social Services.

Was in a similar position during my mid-teens and found they did much more harm than good, despite best intentions.

If you can help out with food then do that. Good luck, it was people like you who helped me.

I’ve driven all 3 types of MX5 and as above, all great to drive but not particularly quick (unless you go for a BBS turbo conversion one).

Had a go in a Mk3 MR2 and was impressed at how nimble and accurate it was, but again not very quick in a straight line.

I currently own a Mk2 (1996) MR2 Turbo, use it every day and absolutely love it! It’s the early (1990-1993) ones that gave them the ‘widowmaker’ reputation because of snap over-steer. Later ones have revised suspension (and an LSD) which makes them much more progressive when driving on the edge of traction. As much as i love the lighter, back to basics handling of the Mk3, the Mk2 Turbo really isn’t far off and it’s properly a fast car. It’s a 240 bhp, mid-engined car that’ll even take 2 bikes on the roof. What’s not to like?

Here’s my eco(nomical)-car;

Sometimes does up to 30mpg!

Will cost me next to nothing in depreciation. 90’s Toyota that’s spent most of it’s life in Japan so very reliable and completely rust free.

And it’s got pop-up headlights to reduce drag and is therefore a proper eco-car!

If you use a cashpoint, its a good idea to get as much as you need out in one go as there’s usually a charge per transaction.

I’ve always done this in Amsterdam and even with the transaction charge accounted for the rate is pretty good.

I’m no riding god but….

…I ride that drop when it’s dark, and wet, and there’s nobody there to congratulate me on my gnarbilities!

edit; Hammers does seem to attract a VERY broad range of abilities. Probably a good thing.

What happens in ‘the south’ when you come to a set of steps?

neninja, it’ll have been 2004/2005ish so probably worked with your mate.

Thanks Paul.

Did those years ago when i was working at LD Mountain Centre over the road.

To be fair it was dry and i had someone watching for pedestrians/cars at the bottom which helped.

Not sure i’d have the balls anymore…

Dog Leap Stairs?

Where in Newcastle?

2003 S-Works Enduro (£700 off Ebay a couple of years ago) still going very well thanks!

Certainly don’t feel at a disadvantage when riding with people on much newer bikes.