Build update:

What this time?

I’m done with exams, Bike should be finished mid week. Let me know when you’re available.

LOADS of snow here.

Woooo minipips. Saw the cake on Twitter, good effort!

Goyt Valley. Loamy wide switchbacks with smallish jumps and some fast flat drifty corners.

My Musto Soft goods have been a bit rubbish, but my Coastal Jacket has been brilliant. Jackets good, hoodies etc less so. Very waterproof though, being boaty.

You’re more than welcome too, I’ll have to have a spin on your Meta too. I swear every time I see you you’re riding a different bike!

Just collected my forks, just need to get a seatpost and for the wheels to arrive :D

That’s a good point. Providing everything gets delivered sharpish, mine should be finished by next weekend. I like the idea of the CTD, reports on pinkbike of the descend setting being a bit too soft for most stuff though, and that number 1 trail setting is a better choice for most riding, but it’s hard to tell.

Has Mr Bike Monger not got one you can try?

You’ve got the same shock as me then IA. What do you think of it?

If anyone’s thinking about getting a large you’re welcome to at least have a sit on mine once I’ve finished it.

Oooo, cheers.

Hmm… Struggling to find any for less than about £40. If I can find some in Germany I might buy one and keep a Smorgasbord on the front…

I’ll probably end up with a 50mm stem, as my Specialized felt fine (if not slightly long) with a 70mm stem.

I should have finished it by the middle of next week depending on when my wheels and forks arrive, so can measure it all then. Effective TT is 10mm longer than my FSR XC on paper, so I’ll have to see whether it actually feels any longer. What sort of thing you looking for cooie? It’s a large btw.

Bike Factory’s my nearest bike shop, they’re good as long as they don’t forget your order.

I love my CC16, plenty of room for a full day in the Alps, but still very comfy when full. I think I paid approx 45 for mine, but having used one I’d say they’re well worth the money.

Cheers. Cable guides almost had me stumped for a moment, but I’ve worked it out. Initially, it only looks like there are enough guides for two cables, but one cable gets fixed to the outside of the cable guide, rather than having it’s own.

More Mile normally have some Scott stuff in stock.

Frame weight is 3.12kg on my reasonable accurate luggage scales including maxle, Hope Tapered headset and seatclamp. Seems fine to me, only 300g heavier than my FSR XC frame, which is for sale incidentally.

Hope Pro2 Evo/ Arch EX run tubeless. Tough enough and not particularly heavy. Will have On-One Smorgasbords on to start with though. Might get Nobby Nic/Racing Ralph Snakeskin if stuff starts to dry out a bit though.

I’d like to get mine to 30lb, but it’ll start off at about 32lb I’d imagine.

Merci Yunki. I’m very excited, just need Parcelfarce to pull their finger out and deliver my forks tomorrow, and for them not to mess up delivering my wheels next week :)

If you get in quick they’re available for £800, not many left though. I think the new ones are £1200. The shock was a nice surprise, I was expecting a standard 2012 Kashima RP23 and got a 2013 Kashima CTD instead.
EDIT: Having said that, those Sultans above are at a very good price.

His claim not mine TINAS. It’s true though, he does eat the souls of those that argue with him.

I reckon you’ll be fine. It’s probably only to deter huge people that smash one then claim the rims aren’t fit for purpose.
EDIT: Not reading OP properly fail. Even so, you’ll be fine.

I fancy a duck egg blue one.

He’s a humanitarian, you should let him ride.

SPOT trackers are very good, having used one when I needed to I’d vouch for their effectiveness.

Spares:
2 ADvantage 70A wire bead. Brilliant tyres.
Mountain King 2 Black Chilli
Specialized Captain Control

No idea what to get for my 29er. Maybe two Smorgasbord’s and a Chunky Monkey.

This probably one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. Blue or red hubs?

Second hand Hope?

Wonder how the Cotic wrap would look in Orange, Gulf oil ford GT40 stylee.

That’s what I’m hoping for Gee76, but I don’t think I’ll be able to get any in time to ride the bike before Hit The North. If Hope had a clear date I’d be less worried, but it’s the not knowing that’s the problem :/

The sausage + cheese toastie with loads of red+yellow peppers, cucumber and HP sauce I have at work every Sunday. It brings a moment of tranquility and peace to an often hectic shift.

Peaks fairly snowy. Would be hard work high up but might be alright in woods. Macc Forest DH trails might be open, worth investigating.

Hmm… Fancy lending me your wheels Matt? ;) I’d hate to buy the flows then wish I’d gone for the Arch EX’s, but can’t imagine buying the Arch EX’s then wishing I’d got flows. I’m not heavy and don’t ride particularly hard or do big jumps/drops. Forgotten Moonglu have Arch EX at a good price, might have to go for them.

I much prefer riding with others, even if it’s big groups. The social side is probably as much the draw for me as the riding side. Might change when I get my new bike though.