HoratioHufnagel – Member
http://www.flickr.com/photos/placid_casual/5382071240/

Thats looking very very nice

I notice the rear stays have been beefed up to accomo. the fact it will run discs – wise. When the hell is that due out?!?!?!?

I can imagine there is going to be a whole raft of new frames on the market in the coming year to accommodate discs with the UCI now allowing them in cross races (people from a roady background will herald the miracle that is the stopping power of discs, us MTB’ers will be like “meh, need bigger rota’s “) – some will perform better than others depending on design i’m guessing, but i for one welcome discs with open arms!

Uncle Johns dont get many reviews, nor are there many out there , but, bikeradar seems to like them…

BikeRadar review
not too heavy a lump to start with either, Frame weight 1820kgs

Now if i can get my hands on one to ride (and that Kono for that matter), but being out here in the sticks of scotland thats tricky….

WOW – that Honky Tonk Inc, is a bit of a bargain!!!!!
nonononononoooo so do i have to add that to the new list of suspects for my purchase!

As for sizing, i’m 5’11 too, and am too cramped on some road bikes and especially some MTB’s along the top tube, ideally i’d like 55cms, but i usually opt for the standard 54’s and get a long stem or use a layback post to give me space.

i’ll update tomorrow on some thoughts on the Uncle john,

has anyone any links to that new Kaffenback????

thanks for all the great input!

Dolomites – south tyroll to be precise

http://www.suedtirol.info/South_Tyrol/Cycling_mountain_biking_MTB/N-1049_0-en-Cycling_mountain_biking.html

Cycle paths, MTB with chair lifts, fantastic places to eat and stay, valleys, mountains, some epic road climbs, superb walking.

you can now MTB a huge trip all the way round the UNESCO site too

http://www.suedtirol.info/South_Tyrol/News_Cycling_and_mountain_biking/D-12469-en-Mountain_biking_in_the_heart_of_the_UNESCO_world_natural_heritage.html

I was there a few years ago, didnt want to leave.

yup montanes are good as backups for getting caught out either in rain, or for chilly descents from top of alpine climbs – would not be my first choice if i was specifically heading out in the rain….

with so many ‘rain’ jackets out there, its tricky to decide , and they are not exactly cheap either….

one of the reasons i looked at the Tricross and even though seemed weighty, its wasnt down to the frame (which is a good start) mainly wheels and poor drivetrain specs. plus its been a great Frame for many a year, the older ones had carbon rear stays, but as i said before SO SO RARE!

As much as i like the look of the CdF (and its blurb and reviews) i cannot help feeling that in about 12 months it will be totally superseeded by more frames (disc based) coming onto the market, and for that reason i’m concerned about putting that much money into it (i.e. buy the bike 2nd hand 700+ and replace almost everything with high components to get it to decent weight/performance that i want)

My heads been turned by the Uncle John and researching it this morning…..so i guess i could perhaps rename the thread, Uncle John ‘v’ Tripster ! :)

hmmm bike choice…is there anything less easier to choose…oh yeah cars!!!!

Aidy – yeah thats where i’m thinking i’ll end up too….

Planet X uncle john, thats tempting ourmaninthenorth, might have to google some of that :)

I was in the same boat a few years ago, and I second all comments regarding sealskins, they do not keep you warm!!!

I switched to some good SmartWool socks, and overshoes, and very IMPORTANTLY, some decent core warming gear, including merino leggings and a thin merino base layer.

All sorted

Even if your feet are layered up, if the blood getting there is cold, your feet are cold, ensure your core is warm enough and legs are protected from the wind/cold.

hmmm how about a 29er MTB frame/sus setup with CX tyres?

Thanks leggyblonde – thats the first i’ve heard about the tyre fitting !!

I guess my light trail use might be a bit heavier that most, so thats why i was thinking some kind of front sus would be good.

The Great divide race?