I got a Superstar tensioner, which seems more than adequate for my needs. It was a bit of faff getting the tension right until I realised that it needed to be a bit tighter than I had first thought. Pic later this week when properly finished!

UPDATE!

Went for my first ride on the singlespeed today, and I have to say I loved it! Once I got used to it and wasn’t randomly jabbing the bars with my thumbs looking for gears which no longer exist I found it a highly enjoyable exerience. Got some minor slippage when cranking steep climbs, so am going to splash out on new chainring and chain now I know that I like it. Thanks for all the advice.

It gets greasy in the wet, but I’d be surprised if you needed full mud tyres.

I’m not sure you can label something a rip off just because you think it’s expensive for what it is. There are, after all many alternatives if you are looking for a high end 29er. Just because you can’t see the value in it, doesn’t mean that the next man won’t. I am a keen bass player and there is similar talk on forums about the value of high-end bass guitars. Worth it to some, and not others. My most valuable bass is worth well in excess of that Yeti but I don’t think it was a rip off. I would never spend that on a bike mind you, although if I had the dosh….!

Thanks Captain! I understand, it’s unreasonable to expect a diagnosis on an internet forum, I suppose I was just hoping someone might say “adjust your cleats” or something like that! I really appreciate your advice. Where do you practise? How could I find a good podiatrist in my area?

That’s a good point soulwood. I’m a tight sod too (and skint, to be fair), and could probably do with some new, decent everyday footwear. I wonder if this could be the root of the problem… I have some decent insoles I use on the road shoes that I could try in the mtb ones too. Thanks for that.

Oh, it’s pretty much always present as a dull ache (for the last month or so), but numbness occurs when riding the bike specifically (SPD’s which I have used for years).

Thanks, should probably head to the doctor, it’s just difficult getting there with work etc. I’m 35, don’t believe there’s a family history of bunions! Would be pretty surprised if it were gout given that I have a reasonable diet, eat little meat (wife is veggie) etc. I hope it isn’t arthiritis. Feels a bit like I’ve deeply bruised it, but no sign of a bruise ie discolouration, and it’s lasted for ages.

*groan*

I should add that this has been bothering me for a month or so now, in varying degrees of severity!

I might add that I had little trouble getting some Ultremo R1’s on my Ultegra wheels, although they did need a bit of persuasion. After they’d been on a few weeks though, I could get them on and off by hand. I recently fitted some Michelin Lithions on, and that was hell on earth. Snapped a few levers (never done that in 25 years), kept pinching tubes (again, a new experience for me). Annoyingly I managed to pick up a puncture after about a week, and I was dreading taking the tire off. It actually was considerably easier – I guess the bead had stretched a little bit? Have punctured once since and was able to get the tire on with little drama and one decent, plastic conti lever.

I have these wheels too. Overall very happy with them but the rear bearings have gone a bit grindy after one very wet ride. They are poorly sealed which I think was highlighted on here at the time. I coated the surface of the bearing and the internal face of the end cap with a think layer of high quality waterproof grease in anticipation of this problem (probably made bugger-all difference!). If CRC sent you some bearings then I think I may contact them as well, was it straightforward getting them to send some out?

Having said all this, I’m surprised you only got 60 miles out of the new ones….

Would just like to butt in and add that I actually suffer more with cramp now that I am fitter, and possible more when it’s cold. Maybe I just feel able to push myself harder?

You quite often see pro tennis players getting cramps don’t you? I wonder how they deal with it?

You could do worse than a Dialled Price Albert for a good all-rounder. Very versatile frame.

I would have the Advantage up front (I have both tyres). Although I found the exception series Aspen very thin walled, and ripped it open pretty quickly. I was possible unlucky, but worth bearing in mind. Don’t know how the Advantage EXC would compare, I run an LUST.

I don’t get why this was being filmed. Did I miss something?

This is all great info, thanks. My freehub body is already pretty chewed up, although it works fine, so not too bothered about it getting worse, although might opt for the wider cog anyway. Junkyard, thanks for the offer – might take you up on it but at work so will email later if I decide I need it. Just one more thing – I intend to use an old Deore steel 32t chainring to kick me off. It is a bit worn, but I have the chain that I was running with it and it was working fine as a triple – no slipping etc. Do you reckon this is likely to be okay, or am I going to lose my knackers through slippage? I haven’t even ridden a singlespeed mtb before, so really unsure what to expect. The simplicity really appeals to me though.

p.s. I take it getting a straight chainline is important?!

random letters!

I’m interested in this too, as recently find I am suffering more with cramp, whereas it’s never bothered me in the past. I am going to try a pinch or 2 of rock salt in my bottle next few rides and see if that helps…

Thanks Mac, but I just ordered some from UKBikestore for an extortionate amount lol! Given where I live the mail order option is probably best anyway.

That’s great. Thank you!

Genuinely gutted to hear this. Will always love the Beasties for keeping me laughing through my teenage years. RIP MCA

I was up there several weeks back when the weather was similarly appalling (although not this bad). I stopped at the top of the Beacon and lifted my bike to turn it around. The wind nearly pulled it out of my hands! Hope you get a good ride up there soon, you were probably wise to cut it short.

I was going to suggest mech hanger given that it doesn’t do it on all sprockets? Sounds a lot like when I bent mine – the noise I think was partly due to the chain not meshing quite correctly, even though the shifting was okay (although not perfect to be fair). It was not obvious that it was bent when eye-balling it, and it had actually bent back as well as slightly inwards. Will be interested to hear what the issue is!

The wind should be interesting if you make it up to the top of the Worcester Beacon today. Can see the hills from my bedroom window, and the weather is properly foul here today.

I’m fairly used to the dual air from my Rebas, but I find that I only need about 5 psi or so more in the neg chamber, although I guess it depends a bit on the feel you want. Are you turning the bike upside down before emptying the neg chamber? I always empty the neg completely when setting positive, pump positive to desired pressure then add negative as required. This way works muych better in my experience.

No.

Quick update for anybody that might be interested. I took the plunge and pulled the trigger on some Rev RL’s from Merlin. Have only taken them out round the local woods so far, but they seem exactly as I had hoped. I am convinced that steering precision and feel from the through axle is a great improvement – the front end seems to communicate what’s happening much better. This is probably old news to those of you who have been running a through maxle etc for years lol! In the slippery mud I felt I was much better able to deal with and control the front wheel gripping and releasing through the turns, where as with my old Floats you felt isolated from the front end in some ways. The damping feels like it’s on a completely different level as well, but I guess they are 5 years worth of development on from my Fox. I know how good the new Fox stuff is, but I’m really happy with my Rev’s thus far. Certainly don’t want to sell the 575 now. mactheknife – how are you getting on with yours?

2 cans of Strongbow, a wonky vice and a blunt junior hacksaw is what I use.

Edit as decided to remove my ridiculous advice. Hope you work it out.

Might have them off you if they are in good order? Would like to see pics.

..email in profile 🙂

mac, would like some pics please. It depends what you want for them tbh! What is the axle size?

Not selling those Floats are you mactheknife (assuming they’re 140 travel)?

@shorty121 – cost of Floats esceeds my budget and some great deals about on Rev’s. Plus I’ve been very happy with my Reba’s.

Thanks dean, but I think the bushes are okay. Not getting any knocking. The Floats are in really decent shape really, they’ve had a pretty easy life!

edit: I will double check this when I get home though!

I’m still on 25.4… If I wait long enough to upgrade maybe the standard bar diameter will have actually doubled!

p.s. I’ll fight you if a good used one pops up.

Are you certain, mitch? I was sure it says that they only ship Yeti to USA, Mexico and Canada. I think this applies to a couple of brands for wahtever reason… Although, as you say, when you add on 20% tax and possible handling charge it’s not really any saving over a new one in the UK (seem to be £699 everywhere). Thanks for the info though, appreciated 🙂