Ton … Jambo is dead right. The lower the ratio the less work the shock has to do.

There will be less heat build up, damping can be made more precise. It’s also easier to control the spring rate on air shocks.

Stuart

I’d go and take a look at either SnugPak or Alpkit if you fancy a down bag … you wouldn’t go wrong with either. I’m always a little concerned when using a down bag to bivvy though.

Stuart

Or breathable … so the bumph says.

STATO you need a word with Taylor (Flatfish) … on the WRT they had homemade (they didn’t look it) thermal blankets that fit in side the hammock. Looked like they packed small and weighed not alot.

Stuart

CycleKraft
Cycle Craft
Fixed4fucwits

PJ if you can read a map I can send you the GR for the Welsh Ride Thing. It’ll take you through some great spots in mid Wales. The GR will give you an indication of where to go but you’ll have to make your own route up. With the light nights it’ll be doable in 2 good days.

Email stuart@forestfreeride.co.uk if you want them.

Cheers
Stuart

Nope … no piccy account anywhere and besides I don’t know my arse from my elbow with stuff like that 😀

TJ, if your talking about the hammock, then pack size and weight seemed to be in it’s favour, they did look very comfy too … if you mean my Go-lite shelter, then nothing, it is a tent, just not a normal one. I’d estimate that to gain that much internal space a ‘normal’ tent would weigh 2.5kg + and have a much larger packed size.

Stuart

A few folk who took part in the Welsh Ride Thing used hammocks (Henessey?). Bag to tree in a couple of minutes. has an in built midge net and tarp roof. They’re not cheap but, http://www.backpackinglight.co.uk do a DD hammock which has the net but not the tarp … they do sell tarps though.

I use a fully enclosed bivvy bag so if it’s raining your face isn’t out in the open like with a Hunka etc. I also take a lightweight tarp if I’m with someone else.

I’ve just started to use a Go-lite 3 man shelter. Packs up to nothing, weighs 1kg and I can nearly stand up in the centre (5′ 7″). It takes around 3 minutes to erect and has enough room for 1 to have a party, 2 + gear to sleep and still cook or 3 big lads to kip.

Monty … I’m jelous.

Stuart

I’m pretty sure any 8 prong BB tool will work. I’ve a Pedros one and a Shimano one and they both fit.

Sorry, that should be RASE not RISE.

Sette do one, its non remote but works well. I’ve got one on a PA and can’t fault it. Was avaliable from Price Point in the US but can’t see it on their site now.

RISE in the sates also do a 27.2 one with (I think) 9″ of adjustment!

Stuart

Maintain balance by pushing down through your pedals, if the front starts to drop push more (extend your legs) if it starts to loop out bend your legs (or feather the rear brake).

Stuart

Agent speaks the truth … don’t snatch the front end up or try to lift it with your arms. Imagine your trying to move your upper body backwards at the same time as moving your lower forwards. As you move, push down into the pedals (dropping your heels will help here) this will push the bike out from underneath you.

If it feels like hard work your doing it wrong … possibly still trying to “lift” the front using your arms and shoulders.

Stuart

Sounds like either your frame or guide is ISCG 05 … do a search on google for ISCG and you’ll find e13’s site will come up, there you’ll find dimensions / spacing for both old and 05.

I shagged two crank brothers isis bb in a few months … bought a super star isis bb and its still going strong after about 8 months. Being an instructor / guide means they do get some hammer.

I’ll send out some pics to those that have asked … once I’ve made the file smaller (no broardband).

Moses … around 20k.

Cheers
Stuart

SB its RHD … 2005 Ace Napoli, 4500 miles, long MOT and tax. 4 berth, toilet, shower, 4 bike rack, roll out awning and obviously vgc.

Stuart

Don’t the people who do Goldtech do ’em? … is it BETD?

I find them just like normal shoes / trainers. I take a uk 10 in everything and five tens have proved just the same.

Stuart

Adventure Cyclist is alright, there’s always something worth reading if you can ignore the fact that it’s very American 🙂

Nope, but saw one in adventure cyclist magazine … looked very nice.

Hennessey hammocks in much use at the Welsh Ride Thing a couple of weeks ago … very impressive.

Cheers folks … it’ll be 80% bikepacking. I’m wondering if 2 tents might be a better idea, something for me solo which will get used more often then a 2nd cheaper/heavier tent for when I’m not alone. I’ll be solo most of the time and the GF or dog will only come along when the weathers good.

I’ve taken a look at the link Joxster… theres some good stuff and prices on there, cheers.

Stuart

I’ve got some, I’m a size 10 and find them a little too big but very grippy so may well suit you.

My brother is 41, to hear him talk he’s 71 … he uses his age as an excuse for not doing anything. On the other hand I instructed a bloke on a MTB training course last year who was 72. Nothing stopped him, after 2 days he was happily landing 3′ drops … a real inspiration.

You’ll be as old as you allow yourself to be.

Stuart

http://www.bikebuddy.co.uk are worth a look

Dead mans shoes … fantastic

Having had the pleasure of a weekends training with Mrs Singlespeedstu … I’d say 29″ wheels won’t cause you any problems with drops and jumps, as long as you were ok with them to start with.

Stuart

http://www.forestfreeride.co.uk not a magic cure but for many a step in the right direction.

TM is right though … far better to be honest with yourself and save it for another day (which will come) rather than giving it your best MTFU knowing it’ll end in disaster. If that happens too many times confidence takes a real dive.

Stuart

Any Specialized full sus’ I’ve ever ridden.

Shaun Palmers M1 and Sam Hills Sunday from last year … please

Ex wife suffered from a young age, we had very big waves of good and bad. When things were at the worst I couldn’t say anything right. I just had to leave her to get on with it, which was very hard to do as I never knew what I’d return to.

Meds worked for her to a point but as everyone says, once they kick in people feel that they no longer need them. In the end she got involved with hypnosis, this seemed to sort her out and I believe it’s now what she does for a living.

I’d say the important thing is to keep yourself stable. I found that if I got too down then she’d get worse due to feeling guilty but if I was up too much then she’d feel rejected, etc. The depression caused us to split up in the end … me getting kicked out with nothing but a sleeping bag as the guilt of that would be easier to handle than the on going day to day stuff we’d had for 7 years.

Sorry for rambling 😉

Speed Kings at last years Dyfi, Brecon Beast and Kona Mashup – only got one flat. That was at the mashup and it was my own fault for playing around with tyre pressure … that was all on a hardtail too.

Plenty of Cafes in Mach’. The bunkhouse djglover speaks of belongs to Tegid, ring the Holy Trail on 01654 700411 if he’s not there they’ll put you in touch.

Bought and sold quite a few bits over the years and never had a problem either way. I’ve had quite a few people send stuff out before they’ve had payment or before it’s cleared … which is nice.

If we’re working on trust then a points or feedback system isn’t required. STW seems one of the few places left where people are still happy to trust each other and long may it continue. Someone is bound to get stung sooner or later but considering how much stuff moves about I think we do very well.

They’re going on a Carver which will be a *race bike so weight is quite important. Don’t tend to be hard on wheels, I only weigh just under 11st.

*My opinion of race may differ from those who are fast.

I got some Exotic ones and they’ve been great … £90 off ebay I think.

Email containg the all important GR has now been sent … SSP put that curry down and get your maps out 😉

Stuart

GR should be out Mon evening/Tue morning…I was out all day Sat and Sun weighing up a few final things, sunshine by day, bothy by night … what could be better 😀