Just ordered a rockguardz for the new Bird. 35 bucks isnt cheap, but better than a dented frame! Loadsa loose rocks up on Exmoor where I do a lot of my riding, better safe than sorry…joe, I’m surprised your having issues with the Dhr2, I’ve been running one up front on my Devinci for the last year and find it awesome. I just swap it to the rear and pop a shorty up front when it gets really soft but find it bites good in everything else. I’ve got the 2.4 wt one on the front on the new build with a 2.3 up back, so should be even bitier!! How you finding the 11spd GX stuff? Been on 10 speed Shimano the last few years, Saint shifter n Zee mech which is basically flawless. I think I’m gonna miss the double up shift most, I do often use it.

Hey exupmonkey, I’m 6ft and was wondering about the ml, but Ben and the Bird boys were adamant I’d want the large. I was considering it for the option of running a 170 Reverb, but went for the large with a 150 on their recommendation. Reckon coming off a Mondraker, the geo will feel pretty familiar. I’m stoked, should be here in a few days time, can’t wait!! I’m just figuring out what frame downtube protection to go for, any recommendations? Rockguardz are doing one now, albeit a bit pricey.

That shelter tape looks good, I was looking at it yesterday actually, read somewhere that it is covered in little white shelter logos though? I’ve actually picked up a roll of Gorilla clear repair tape cheap after reading a few peeps recommending it. Anyone used it?

And again! What’s going on here, keeps cutting off half my post??

Sorry, for some reason only half my post worked!!??… Maybe after 6 months or so, but think I’ll go for something a bit smarter looking initially

Hmmm… Seems like there’s a whole Lotta love for the Rockguardz…. I have seen tyres strapped to downtube before, but not on my nice shiny new build

And do the rockguardz stay put? Also, do you helitape underneath to stop the guard marking the paint?

Got a large orange 145 being built up, 2018 Pikes, GX drivechain, E1700 30mm wheel set with DHR2s, Guide RS brakes, teeny weeny 32mm RF turbine R stem and bars, should be a riot!! I was torn between this or an Edit V2 or the obligatory Capra or Strive, but I’m sure I’ve made the right choice. I’ve been massively impressed by the Bird boys attitude and service, nothing seems to be too much trouble and they’re what decided it for me really. I’d sooner buy from a company with such a customer based ethos than a faceless Canyon or YT. Keep up the good work guys!! Can’t wait to hit the home trails n see how she goes….

So, it seems I’m gonna be riding a new Bird….

I’ve been running a Chronicle for the last 4 months or so and it’s been great in every way, pads are still A1. I wonder if the Chronicle pad set would retro fit the Montaro? Could be a winner….

Ah cool, CRC must’ve restocked, thanks for the heads up honourablgeorge, oh, and the sarcasm, ha ha!! I must admit though, I’m a little dubious of the lack of concave of the Oneups, maybe it’s just the pics….think I’m swaying towards the HT’s now, as the Chesters and neutrons look a little bit small for my wide size 11s.

Ah really, they don’t look convex in the pics I’ve seen, but not seen em in the flesh as such… Chester’s look a lot like the NPs in design, bit pricier though. I must admit, I’m liking the look of the HT ones, bit bigger platform too, might suit my size 11’s!!

Yep, those Hts look sweet. Are all the pins metal replaceable ones as I’ve heard the plastic pins shear off on the nukeproof?

Oh yeah? I’ll give em a Google… I’m tempted by the nukeproof Neutron ones too, cheap as shit and get solid reviews. Anyone used em?

Yeah, the sale didn’t come off, the guy selling had a change of heart! Thanks for the input though guys, I was gonna go with Paisley too, seem like a popular choice. Insurance bumps it up a bit though.

Anyone??

Failing that, it looks like a Corset sleeve from TF is cheaper than the basic replacement from mojo. Quite tempted as I’d quite like a more progressive end stroke…

Thanks guys, not that it sounds like good news! The weird thing is, the shock has been running fine, no loss of pressure or funny noises. I replaced all the seals when I serviced it too not long ago, or is the seal that’s leaked one not included in the service kit? I think I’ll give mojo a shout later, see what they have to say about it, seems like a design fault to me….

Loads fun ways down from dunkery to Horner. We often park one car each end and session the drops! Hawkcombe descent is another must do, various ways to finish too, ending in porlock or Weir, and both have great pubs at the end, so it’s win win! Let us know when you are heading over and maybe we could hook up n show you some of the funnest bits….

Helmets arrived. Both are really nice, but I’m going to keep the chronicle as it fits a bit better, has MIPS for what it’s worth, and has a better crash replacement scheme. I got the Matt grey one and it’s a really nice looking lid. The peak is quite long, but is in a good place in the mid position and plays well with goggles. The Ambush is a good lid too, insanely light and airy and the peak is the best I’ve tried, very precise adjustment. It was a tough call, but the Ambush was slightly less comfortable. Cheers for the input guys.

Well, I’ve done the same as you, ordered a Chronicle and also a Spesh Ambush as they look good too. I will give em both a try and see which is best for my noggin. I tried a Bell Super 3 on in my lbs the other day and the fit was dreadful,lots of pressure points and kinda felt like it was perched on my head even though it wasn’t!!

Anyone got a Chronicle or an Ambush? What’s the low down?

I am torn between getting a Chronicle or a Spesh Ambush for my next am lid. I was put off by the pad issues on the Montaro, sounds like a right ball ache!! The Chronicle pads are different to the montaro ones, wonder if they’d retro fit a Montaro??

What’s the shizzle with the ‘mast’ trails? I have heard they’re good from a mate who used to live up there, but not sure where they are. Any idea, and are they worth it? YouTube vids look fun, bit steeper n off piste stylee…..Cheers for the info guys, we are riding in a group and not sure of everyone’s abilities, so will have to gauge it when we get there I think! How’s the weather up there oldnpastit? Been a bit wet down here in north Devon on and off last coupla days….

If there’s a way to easily cobble together best of both loop avoiding the boring bits of blade n whites that’d be cool to try. Is it fairly easy to find your way around then? Guessing the Skyline boys might be good to chat to for ideas on that front too….Likewise, if there are ways to shortcut to final descents for some quick blasts before dark that’d be cool. We figured out a quick fire road shortcut at cwm carn that takes you from the carpark to take in most of last dh and it was great to be able to session it a few times.

I’m actually pretty fond of rocky trails, I’ve done plenty of Snowdon, exmoor n all the bpw runs, so not shy of the rough. I just thought whites was riding slow last time I was up there a few years ago, whereas it used to flow much better and less pedalling was needed to keep up to speed. It was more an issue on the flatter single track than the dh sections tbh. If the Rock and Happy Life are flowable rock sections rather than just a bit eroded out, then they sound sweet!! How do they compare to say coed y Brenin trails for instance?

Oldnpastit, maybe see you on the trails mate!!

Thanks all for the input, sounds like it’s a rather polarizing trail then… I am keen to do it, just because I’ve never tried it, but we’re only up there for the day and plenty of the group have never done any afan trails before, so worried about making the wrong choice…. I used to love Whites and the wall, bit Whites in particular was overly rocky last time I rode it, still fun, but didn’t feel as fast n flows as I remembered. Has it had any trail maintenance, or is it still a bit ropey? It’s been dry for weeks, so I’m assuming all the trails will be running well, even the apparently boggy blade??

Sorry Bigdaddy, I meant to get in touch, but didn’t get the window required to hit Snowdon while I was up there I’m sorry to say, weather not great and kids requiring entertaining…Gutted. I did have a few superfun ones at Marin and CYB though….the new sections on Marin are ace, although too much fire road climbing and even…descending!! I loved some of the sections at CYB, false teeth, Abel and beginning of the end being my faves

CYB is defo an option too, hasn’t it just had a face lift or new trails or something? Surfsnowdonia will be a laugh I’m sure, novelty factor at the very least, I’m just spoilt living on Devons north coast that’s all…ha ha!

Thanks guys, great info. I was gonna go up Snowdon early doors, if weather plays ball, I might go super early, catch the sunrise and a hassle free descent. So you’re reckoning about 2.5 hrs up then? Is Rangers a goody then?Heard good things as long as you’re a fan of rocks, which I am! Im gonna be riding my Dixon so good for most stuff. I was wondering about Revolution BP, anyone been, any good or Antur looks sick, although I might be under biked for some of it…The natural loops sound great, just depends on how much time I’m given! Trail centre options are probably the easiest option for a few hrs of shredding!
We are staying in Nantgwynant? A place called the nook Snowdonia btw. Looks great!

We are staying in Nantgwynant? A place called the nook Snowdonia btw…

Thanks guys, great info. I was gonna go up Snowdon early doors, if weather plays ball, I might go super early, catch the sunrise and a hassle free descent. So you’re reckoning about 2.5 hrs up then? Is Rangers a goody then?Heard good things as long as you’re a fan of rocks, which I am! Im gonna be riding my Dixon so good for most stuff. I was wondering about Revolution BP, anyone been, any good or Antur looks sick, although I might be under biked for some of it…The natural loops sound great, just depends on how much time I’m given! Trail centre options are probably the easiest option for a few hrs of shredding!

Yeah, could be. I’m happy to give them the benefit of the doubt that they’re not intentionally ripping folks off, but the fact they’re not answering any comms at all is a bit off. Even an update on their Facebook page saying they’re not trading would be a help. I only found out they weren’t trading by doing some detective work myself! Just seems rather negligent!

Thanks for the input guys…well at least you actually received your order beargrease! Did you get a refund too, or not? I’m lucky in that PayPal are going to see me right and hopefully they’ll investigate what’s going on withthese guys or should I say ‘girl’ (sophie) Taking payments for goods when no longer trading is surely contavening business protocol and is tantamount to fraud isn’t it? Tempted to try and contact this Sophie, see what she has to say for herself, but might just pass on the info to trading standards or something…

Yep, taken money. Like I said, the site is still live, but seems a few have already come unstuck ordering from them looking at Trustpilot reviews….paypal are giving them 10 days to sort it or I’ll get a refund. Site needs closing down if they’re not operating!!

Yeah, I was wondering about what difference a new evol or corset can might do for the feel of the shock….could be another option. When I spoke to TF before, they seemed very positive about what they could do with a Push tune on my RP2, all I really want is open and great for everything and a firm platform for road sections or fire road drags, so figured an RP2 would fit the bill. How does it work with a Push tune, are all 3 modes on a ctd or rp23 tuned then? I’ll give TF a bell again, have a chinwag…Thanks for the input guys.

Hmmm…I was led to believe that getting mine custom Pushed would offer better performance gains than a new off the shelf new one, as it’d be tuned to my specifications. Obviously shock technology has come on leaps and bounds since 2011 though…I’ve also been hearing quite a bit of negative feedback about monarch plus reliability. The Fox dps evol shocks look good, but still double the price of a push tune, worth it?

I really rate the specialized rib cage. Pretty cheap, light as you need, never lost a bottle in 3 years of use and looks pretty sweet too! I considered the fabric cageless bottle myself, but reckon they’d be a reet ball ache to get the bottle lined up and re attached off-road… looks neat though.