Does anyone know the name of the company who were displaying their clever little bike stands at the event.

I talked to the guy got a flyer then lost it. They attached to the BB and were about £30. They looked pretty practical.

Jaylittle- how was the weather overnight? I packed up in the dark at about 8.30 in a monsoon.

I rode practice yesterday. Stage 4 was mud soup and closed shortly after I got through. Top of stage 5 was ok, bottom was rideable but the number of riders falling and crashing meant it was basically a walk! There was so much much that both wheels stopped going round. That made pushing and riding tough!

It then peed down last night so I came home. I cannot see how they can race there today with the number of riders involved. That’s not a criticism at all as the track would be brilliant in the dry but it not dry and ruined!

I do 10km each way in all weathers. I put work clothes in my bag and wear regular riding clothes to ride in. If I get wet on the way to work I can dry myself at work with a towel.

I am looking forward to it! I have not really ridden my MTB in a few months so the whole event should be interesting!

I need a new rear tyre too. I have a MM upfront and have the option of a Hans Dampf or another MM. Which one to go for? I know other tyres exist but getting them in time could be an issue!

Well obviously PayPal gift or the best option. That goes without saying.

There is one in Nant Peris, its a field with a toilet block. its going to be busy on a bank holiday weekend though!

I have a 7 year old outback jacket and its my absolute fave riding jacket. It is perfect. I dont think they have made anything like as good as that for years. I also 2nd the bibs comment, they are wonderful.

It seemed like for a while they moved away from the technical clothing just to make more fashion orientated stuff, but them moved back to the more techy gear.

I like them, they are not cheap but most of the stuff I have bought has lasted.

Car! I have not got the internal rack. they are still useful though!

The other good thing about them is the internal roof rack. Its great for surfboards etc. So practical and so stylish. You should definitely buy my one to see if it suits you. I think that this is the only appropriate action in your situation.

I used mine as an everyday car. It was great. 09 1.6Hdi was great on long journeys and decent on short ones too. loads of space for dogs, bikes, whatever really. Comfy to drive. Seats a removable without tools. Loads and loads of space. Its not a sports car but you know that anyway! Also, who said they weren’t cool….

Good info thanks very much. I will give it a try.

Nice one. Where in the frame did they put it?

I have the basic 2017 Diverge sport with Sora and that has standard QR axels. I was thinking of giving CX a go on it. Whats the worst than can happen right?

Still a good bike regardless of axels and suspension. I am in Nottingham if you want a sit on it. Its a 52cm so may not be any good!

800mm on my DH bike, had 760mm on my trail bike but they felt so narrow so now running 780mm on it.

I like the wider set up! FYI in 5″6.

Rich – I have dropped you an email.

I went for the 2017 A1 Sport in the end as I got a good deal on it. I really like it!

I think a friend has a set of Mavis disc wheels in the shed so I figure I can try them in the frame and see what issues arise from that before committing to anything more!

Yeah, I had just come across the SCS issues!

From what I can gather its a 135 SCS which is essentially as standard 135mm hub but the Specialized gear hanger as been adapted somehow to allow this all to fit.

I may just stick with the 1 set of wheels I have as its looking a bit more expensive than i was hoping.

I 3rd the Banshee 300. I got one in cotswolds recently for £130. Much better that the Vango Alpha (I think) it replaced. If you want a free Vango Alpha tent let me know!

I have been with single-track safari in Andorra and Switchbacks in Malaga and can recommend both. Not sure what the summer option for switchbacks is like but the company is great.

I’m off with single-track safari to Andorra again this year (non guided) as it’s fun and I really like Andorra.

A HT and a Full suss. All bases covered.

I have 100% Accuri and Oakley ones (cannot remember which exactly) and both are great. The oakleys came with mirror and clear lenses too.

I have a berlingo for all the reasons above. Its brilliant. Plus you can take the back seats out completely really easily.

Its for sale soon too.

Godzilla

That was my thinking too. Looked at a load of different ones then figured I am never going to win any races to the Superstar ones will be fine!

I went for some superstar dhx’s.
They were cheap and they are great!

I fitted 2 bikes in the back of my old panda but wheels do need to come off.

That is good info! I was on the North Wales coast but am now in nottingham, otherwise I would have loved to have a go!

I have found a few interesting looking deals on diverges. Once 52cm one 54cm. i’m 5″6 so specialized say 52cm. I am not sure how easy it is going to be to get a test ride on one and I am keen to not miss out on one of these deals.

So How do they size up? My initial impressions is that the 54cm may be a bit more appropriate. Can any one offer any advice?

In what way? Size up small or large?

The diverge is currently the most interesting one. Its the A1 sport with Sora.

WOuld there be any issues going up to 10sp on this? Its only Sora 9sp. I was thinking wheel compatibility, but surely thats only if you go up to 11sp you need to worry about that?

Thats an interesting option.

I do quite fancy a Specialized Diverge as noticed on 2nd hand on here.

Its just hard to look past the Defy new at £600. I loved that Hack I had but there are no good deals on it at the moment and I need something sooner rather than later!

No, unfortunately not!

It just sucks,it’s not the end of the world but it’s not the best feeling!!

It’s all on CCTV and a load of witnesses so hopefully it will be sorted.

I have some on my Dh bike and I’m not really sure if I can tell the difference between them and the 31.8 bars I had previously and the ones on my trail bike.

Nice one, I checked the calculator and you are correct!

thanks

I used fox launch pros on my Dh bike and sweet protection bearsuit lights for other stuff. Both fit OK which is important. Both pairs shift about a bit and get a bit hot but every pad I have tried has done the same. These two seem to work well for me though.

Nice one,

Drop me an email on rhid14@hotmail.com and we can sort something out!

Mel C

Just signed up to the Endurance downhill race. Missed out on the free entree by 10 places! Will do it on my DH bike though as thats what its for!

Definitely doing the Macavalanche again this year too, that was an amazing day last year! No fuss do put on some great events!

Thanks for all the positive responses! I was umming and ahhing over the Tech wheelset for £200 but I am glad i went DHX now.

The price was defiantly right. It was £144 in the end. Thats the cost of a custom rear from them!

Hopefully it will come to me in a good state. I have a week in Malaga booked end of the month so It would be nice if it survives my super clumsiness!!

That has made everything much easier! thanks for the code heads up!