RP90, bloody brilliant stuff. Toolstation has it iirc

Whilst you’re here @brant, how do your jeans compare in fit to Edwin ED-55’S? They’re my go to, but I fancy a new pair and like what you’ve done with HebTroCo.

I have the V12 and they fit similar to ED55. A bit higher rise, which is bang on for me.

The products are nice, I’ve had some socks and a blanket and both are good quality no complaints, used all the time etc. I would recommend them. But I still think the jeans are really overpriced.

I think that’s unfair. Expensive, yes. Good value, yes. Overpriced suggests they’re charging over the odds, which isn’t the case imho.

They’re sold individually or as a full kit. Personally, I’d do all 4 pistons and seals if you’re doing any – otherwise you’re likely to get 3 slightly stubborn and one decent piston

Yep, Hope have been updating dealers about order delays. Currently 2-3 weeks on general orders, 5-6 weeks on wheel orders.

If it’s passed MOT, then all should be good. I have 2 Cat D write offs (previous category N) and they’ve proven to be superb buys. I’ve not had trouble with insuring, but have made sure to mention it. No difference to premiums that I’ve seen, but it would make a difference in a payout.

One of our cats spent 6 weeks or so with her eye stitched shut after it came out of its socket. I was genuinely astounded at how little it seemed to bother her. She healed fine in the end, but behaved basically as normal during the time it was shut.

No problem!

We’ve got a Large Black on at 18 bikes. I’m not in the shop today, but give the boys a shout and they can check what dropouts. We can swap if needs be anyhow!

01433 621111

dang. too late!

Bump for the weekday crowd, if anyone’s got any parts to donate to a bike build then give me a shout! info@18bikes.co.uk

I’ve been approached by one of the Bad Obsession team, looking to sort a bike to ride with the kids. When I’m back in the shop on Monday I’m going to look into what’s available – but basic/mid level hybrids and commuters are in short supply!

Wondered if any biking Binky fans had any parts/bits they might look to throw into the pot for a surprise project build instead?

I’m thinking a 29″ hardtail, large/XL. Just get him something a bit nicer, maybe paint it to match what I think Binky will end up. (There’s a fair hint in the latest episode, I reckon!)

Any ideas, fire them to me at info@18bikes.co.uk

I do indeed have the other, just been looking at selling it too funnily enough.

It’s the same Adventure as Hatter, but in 19″ and a complete bike that I built up. This one has a standard BB shell, drive side on the drive side.

I’ll sort photos and spec over the next few days, but email me info@18bikes.co.uk if you want me to keep you posted.

We (18 Bikes) do have a Large Hightower demo – along with a 10 ride old ex-demo, that’s on eBay too.

Ribbed CS protector doesn’t fit the older bikes, sorry.

Painey – not really something to worry about, it’s all hidden away enough and a quick wash down clears everything. Lifetime bearing warranty anyhow!

In Hope I’d agree with Cafe Adventure for breakfast/lunch – something I do far too often! Grasshopper for coffee/cake, although Cafe Adventure cakes are bang on too!

The Deli in Hathersage is bang on too.

afaik Shimano have the bigger share across the whole market, but Sram have a bigger share of our little mid to high end MTB bubble

I’ve just been up to meet the contractor on site and discuss the works with them and Moors for the Future who’ve pulled this project together (along with Cut Gate bog works) . This is with my Ride Sheffield hat on, so to speak.

They’re doing it now to avoid nesting bird season and to placate the landowners/gamekeepers.

They started at the low end and worked their way up, knowing that the material should get better as they go along. The plan is to avoid importing material from off site – they’ll be bringing material down from further up to firm up the bad clay sections.

I was amazed just how well the majority of the works are holding up – there’s now a good section of well bedded trail, where the mineral content is there in the material.

Works here continue until 13th March when they have to be off site (landowners) . SHould be another 500m or so of trail in by then. I think that a year of settling, along with freeze thaw cycles should see this useable much more of the year round – as a climb too.

After they finish on North America, the contractor is doing water management works on the other BW that links back to Cut Gate (left at the bottom of North America) I can then see out and back rides working well with a loop in either direction.

Cut Gate is delayed by around a year because of access issues/timings. They couldn’t get that nailed in time to get contractor signed up. They’re about there now, but I’ll confirm once we know.

Hope have certainly made a few Pro 4 Microspline freehubs, I’ve seen at least one in testing on a staff bike. Given the number of machines they have and how good they are at juggling jobs/machine time around, I reckon they’ll have a good few ready.

As to when they can sell them, who knows?!

Schwalbe were talking about a recycling project that they should be launching soon – drop any brand of inner tube off at participating shops, they then get bundled and sent off to be made into inner tubes.

I think that’s a month or so off.

We had the factory visit and HB130 test ride on Tuesday, so I reckon I can answer a few of those questions.

The BB is a tweaked version of the Hope 30mm one – uses the same replaceable bearings, just a slightly different sleeve. Being Hope, you’ll always be able to get parts.

Rear axle/spacing – I can’t see anyone looking to run anything other than Hope hubs on a Hope frame, so having something specific makes sense here – Hope were keen to do what they saw as best, the frame axle doing both jobs seems a decent solution.

The brake change is because they’re doing a framset option for the HB130 – frame/headset/hubs/BB. Again, I think a Hope fan will run Hope brakes – but there’s at least the option to bolt something else on.

I’ll see about getting us added to Refill!

We (18 Bikes) have a tap on the wall outside the shop, you’re welcome to that.

It’s a good way to go – polarise the 2 bikes that bit. I’d go 29 for that reason.

C S Reserve kit is popular for a very good reason, CC X01 gets you the suspension upgrades if that appeals, along with the drivetrain/brake upgrades. If you’re a rim destroyer, Reserve makes a lot of sense.

No -he said that SC wouldn’t even sell him a rear triangle, which is a bit off IMO.

Never been a fan of SC myself – they’re definitely overpriced but also incredibly ubiquitous.

JP

I’d e interested to know the full details on this, it doesn’t sound like them at all – unless of course it was due to no stock left on an older model.

Just got back from 2020 dealer day with the Santa Cruz guys, a great catch up and a chance to see new bikes/colours.

Had a quick car park spin on the Hightower- think 29 Bronson and you’re not wrong.

The colours are better in the flesh. There’s a couple I don’t like, but in general the photos don’t do them justice – as is often the case.

XTR is led mainly by demand – there’s a lot of options for the various bikes/build kits, so they’ve trimmed back on a few low demand XTR specs. Shimano fans, chat to dealers about spec swaps/custom builds.

What bike? That sounds pretty bonkers!

We’re seeing 2020 very soon, I don’t expect to see anything other than colour and build kit changes to Bronson/5010/other recent bikes.

I’m on info@18bikes.co.uk if anyone would like keeping up to speed on things.

We have 2 Cat D cars, no issues with insuring or anything – although I do of course mention it.

UK pricing for the separates has been confirmed to us

Mech – £670
Shifter – £200
Upgrade kit (Mech, shifter, battery, charger – £975

Stock should be a week or so if folks are interested. info@18bikes.co.uk

We have X01 170mm Boost groupsets on offer down to £1550 – a little overstocked given that the separates are now on the way, so we’re having a clearout.

If you’re anywhere near the Hope Valley, or fancy a riding trip then we (18 Bikes) have the Madison demo DT forks on loan this week.

I had a quick play with one on a Bronson demo this weekend – but planning more of a ride with them tomorrow evening. Looking forward to it!

I’d be more than happy to discuss a Sram to Shimano swap Iain!

Just to put in a POV from a Santa Cruz dealer. We sell very few aluminium models and I get the impression that’s the general pattern in the UK. It’s not that common a discussion – so maybe folks have already decided on the Carbon.

Santa Cruz don’t make a big point on the weight, although there’s a fair difference. In order I’d say strength, stiffness, then weight as the advantages of Carbon over aluminium.

Carbon C launching made a big difference to us/our customer base. We’re a little more real world/GX spec than top end Kashima/X01 builds. Before the Carbon C bikes, we’d be doing slightly more basic build with a CC frame rather than posher parts on aluminium.

In contrast to raybanwomble, I’d spend on the frame rather than the bits – cheaper parts have never been so good with trickle down tech. Frame’s the heart of the bike – there’s an element of having a sort of insurance policy of the tougher carbon frame when you do inevitably crash too.

Neither’s right or wrong though!

We (18 bikes) have 35mm clamp 10 and 20mm rise arriving later today. Give us a shout if you’d like anything reserving!

info@18bikes.co.uk

Thanks folks, appreciate that. I just love the looks of the Vitpilen 401 and the fact is based on the Duke give me confidence, I hear nothing but good things – other than the odd off-hand snobbish remark. Fast enough to be useable is really what I want, at least while I get used to things

Alan – yeah, there’s a 0% deal I’ve been offered which is much of what’s nudging this forwards for me. I’ve only ever had a basic 125 before and I sold that without moving on – regret that.

Commute’s only 13 miles of Peak District roads, so plenty of petrol there!

I started a similar journey a couple of months back aged 57. I had owned bikes when I was 17 (you could ride up to a 250cc back then) but never took my test. So following a thread on here I bought a Duke 390 and booked the CBT training. That went well (would highly recommend 121 training if it is available to you) so I booked the full test. I really enjoyed the experience, the Mod 1 was great fun. A bit more pressure on the Mod 2 but I still really enjoyed it and luckily passed first time. So tax paid (£42) and Ins bought (£352) and I am on the road and having a great time.

I only have a 390 but it is quite quick enough for me. I’m sure I spend most of my time on it grinning like a Cheshire Cat.

Bianchi Boy – how are you finding the Duke 390? I’m considering one of the Husky’s that’s based on it.

We’ve got a Shimano freehub and end cap here at 18 Bikes, would prefer XD. info@18bikes.co.uk

Si

I’m currently doing work to achieve the same, but to convert the garage into a music room/teaching space (my wife teaches bass and guitar)

Simply put – it pretty involved and expensive to do properly! I’ve got a false ceiling on rubber isolating brackets, double walls with studs on rubber tape and a boat load of acoustic sealant.