hi, yes. one of my fav bit in durford just got trashed by forestry work :/ the couple who own lot of it are taking out pine and replacing it with eucalyptus, and locals (i mean not just mtb-ers) aren’t happy heh. there’s still some good little bits. the bracken will die down soon and then you go pretty much anywhere :) right now it’s over head still! it’s got so much potential but from i understand owners don’t like bikes so i’ve been scared to build there.

there’s also too much dog shit (worse than QE!) so with both i had a depressing ride last week.. it’s been a nice winter break from QE though. i often use it to connect petersfield with longmoor and beyond. rogate but xc, pretty much!

strange, only locals i’ve seen are friendly walkers and mtb-ers (from whom i found out where the unmarked stuff is now for next time hehe). but i’d always stay and eat at either Lodge (half way between centres) or Glyncorrwg (showers are warm and free, blokes in office happy to mind my stuff too). Just used the bike shop at old centre, couple that run it are great she’s lovely and he runs a guided trailer uplift service for about £480/day (for 6). Just had to plug that as i think not many people know it?

just did this, from Bryn Bettws to Glyncorrwg if you go along the top and down White’s (probably quicker and more fun than down Wall and up valley? but whichever you like more, I like White’s) it’s about 9 miles or 1.5 hours ride.

Other way, probably add at least half an hour for the climb, you go up White’s and across W2 link, or down valley and up y wall. you forget the scale of these valleys if you haven’t been for a while :) of course there’s bit quicker ways if you use only fire roads but who wants to do that :p

bump (sorry). apparently we need more results or something.

QECP riding great last night.. get it whilst it’s dry and leafy :)

ok then :) makes sense, transitions shouldn’t really ever be a rush with e-timing anyway.

Scott (Fitz) around? planning on doing this for a stage of the new Southern Enduro next year. a potentially big setup not far from QE that needs bridleways for transitions, i think. um i’ll check back later.

for transitions that is, race stages would not be on any rights of way! maybe it’s how you define a race ;)

thanks. some of the images coming through from this (via our FB page) are incredible.

“like a WW2 movie” someone said, bang on.

almost worth getting hypothermia in July for ;)

https://www.facebook.com/qecptrailbuilding

spent another 2 hours detaping last night, as long as no one got lost i don’t care worth it :p

drying out this week i’m looking forward to riding the course soon..

i believe it was something like 143 finished out of 165 signed on, absolutely amazing given the conditions i only expected about half to finish! and of that quite a few were mechanicals so maybe only 10-15 people gave up! my first event properly marshaling, was fun :) i was at end of THAT bit on S3 (but i don’t take credit for design of that hehe, i did more work on S5 this year hope you liked that?).

we actually moved the finish back on S3 after discussion last night. and swapped the starts oops! even we were confused by the numbering.

cheers all!

P.S. who
1) dragged the start ramp 1/2mile down the hill to fill in a double (not anyone from today!)
2) stole some start signs :p

anyone there next week please pick up any litter/wrappers/cans anywhere you see please, we ARE being watched..

thanks, my summer lube of choice :) normally £25

free delivery over £30, only problem is what else to buy from Halfords? :p

Halfords’ site is totally shagged though? couldn’t add to basket without searching, then hangs during payment (Firefox), in Chrome just said it wasn’t available. finally worked on another PC, I think.

yeah i keep the small pot and decant these into it bit by bit. never use the spray.

try this link if one above isn’t working
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/SearchCmd?srch=progold&action=search&storeId=10001&catalogId=10151&langId=-1#

looks like OP decided but for lighter use i rate these, used to be known as “Bionicon”?
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/buy/exustar-chain-guide-133075/wg_id-384

works well with clutch mech, so long as you don’t need top guide. works on bikes that don’t have (usable) ISCG. light, cheap. bit noisy but ok. just zip ties on.

on me 2nd after the first more expensive metal one fell off, use some threadlock on the small bolt that holds 2 sides together!

coloured metal ones
http://www.bike-discount.de/en/shop/chain-guides-384/brand-exustar

my understanding is the internals are pretty similar but that KS use quad rings vs orings, might last a fair bit better. that could be utter b****cks, haven’t taken apart either. generally across the board, RS sealing is naff.

Lev is at least £100 more (DX £270 ish vs reverb currently £165 at Tredz, retail), they’ve gone up to nearly £500 for the top end Lev with carbon bits now :o don’t recommend importing, want the 2 year UK warranty.

I have a Lev (cheapest DX one, who needs a rotating saddle head? forward’ll do me.. i know it’s for cable orientation) and don’t regret that yet, nearly a year old no problems so far touch wood. 1 thing, remote is sticky first push of every ride i should check that out not sure if cable or inside. and yep, KS remote is neat.

fair question. using the “would Alex ride it” rule i thought it was scary visually but ok already, then we benched some more, then chicken line was added around hardest bit (B line could have been less penalising maybe). everything rollable so not really DH standard? it rained on thursday and loads of roots came through so it got harder.

a few people Tim said were getting to end and going “f*** that”, in a nice way. not sure, maybe should do a questionnaire or something. who (that was there) thinks it was too hard?

like Scott said probably less dangerous than 3+4 because so much slower.

i like that everyone had diff favourite stages though, something for everyone?

all show some love to Rupert, Spencer and Jesse too please, those guys do loads. Scott only gets the mic because he has best beard ;) :P

we could probably use a few more marshals and tapers next time make yourself known to any of those guys, even better at a dig :)

it blows my little mind that Ollie can ride all that in ~11 minutes, took 16 man hours to tape just S3 lol. both numbers are nuts.

also Karl (on podium), Tim and others who bench cut S2 more late Friday without them loads more probably would have fallen off the stage.

afraid position of park for 1+2 is same as Bermie, was talking to ranger on Sunday about that..

to the guy with the dislocated knee are you ok? i found you on the sideways drop on S2 in practice, you were being pretty cool about it. worst accidents were in Demo not race well done racers.

everyone new to racing or not a dh-er who got over their fear and rode or tried S2 well done i wouldn’t have wanted to show up cold to that, it’s not the Alps but for Hampshire pretty full on.

it really is insane, about 40,000ft of climbing yes? i have no idea how you keep going, i think i’m reasonably fit and i’m done after about 5000-6000 usually then not even gels work after that. good luck! still thinking about doing it once in one go ffs :/

(missed the last guy 2 years ago might see you this time).

2 saddles. yeah i’d want 2 arses.

smoooth plug Scott 8) you know when a minion looks weedy something is up.

Ollie and Francie both looked fantastic right?

i feel bad for singletrackmind. encouraged him to do it even though he was knackered and now he regrets it. not enough tyre. i think loads of people underestimated amount of tyre needed? this is great STW subject. i was also slow as s*** from setting up and getting too excited on 1&2, nothing in the tank for 3&4… still won the “best alien lights” maybe? ;) also cheers for the comment on Stage4.

^ fatbike made sense on S2?

i said on our forum but everyone please check for ticks i got 3 small ones taping S2 & S3, really small.. you might need a “friend” to help look 8O

The story from Team Bean was one of the funniest things i’ve heard, yes those were carrot chunks on S2, be glad it was dark!

SRAM service kit, batteries and some spam. exciting weekend sorted..

i’m still waitin for the Fenda Benda (gangsta ed) or Phenduh Benduh (stupid ed.).

Have a mucky nuts early one and don’t find it that good, tends to rip off easily. no pun intended..

oh there’s also the Finda Binda (SA/AUS ed.).

19 represent.
:roll:
earlier today

gonna break this frame, with its coke can tubes and my heavy ass landings.

Another vote for 2.35 SP minion 60a MaxxPro.

is it just me being a lightweight or does this tyre last forever on front with no wear at all? which probably means the rubber is too hard but eh it works. not draggy either as everyone thinks. shame they don’t do a 60a/42a version or even just 42a kevlar (would be draggy though).

smorg on back is really nice can’t say for front.

why maxxis.. i dunno i just have more faith in them than anything else for some reason.

(recovering tyre whore).

hmm is Nirvana 11 on sunday now? used to be 10 on sat i think.

i’ve had a load of damn dusty rides last week and haven’t been abroad or anything (towards Wales (Cwmcarn and Forest of Dean) and SE), maybe just got lucky.. surely going to rain again next week :/

yeah done some riding near Auckland (Whitford Forest?) and would miss it, mainly for the warmth..

don’t ride spuds any more but remember when i looked at it deciding 540s are basically XTs (M770) in a different skin, but 520s are the budget OEM that come on many bikes. then I went for Time Xroc, much better :) classic confusing Shimano numbers.

basically yeah if you want a classic cageless spud, get the 540.

are they going to give you a reach around with that?

this sort of thing makes me choose another brand.. and i thought RS were taking the piss with theirs.

opportunity for 3rd party product here? superstar you listening? ok maybe not them but someone could do these for £20. in a range of colours.

if you want to get done over twice you can order from Mark Anthony Direct on ebay – the perfect product for him!

not being funny but has anyone tried these? i believe (well, i know for a fact) the Shimano axle is actually just under 24mm, and FSA may well be 24mm, so may not fit! unless you have an FSA bb, and no one wants to run those.. which could explain the price.

also desc. mentions BB30 spindle as well, not sure what’s going on!

Will Oldham. the answer is always Will Oldham

the greatest singer/songwriter that it seems no one has heard of?

go here and you get a nice menu with a load of his stuff on. but be prepared to loose weeks or months like i have

nah, pedalo

so many good pics on GIS.

these guys look serious

yeah.. why are you complaining unless you ride like a dick? will they catch some Strava users..

i’d either get there early before it defrosts OR do the hardpack route i described here:

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/qe-park-appalling-conditions/page/2#post-4719686

you basically miss out A3 and Lumberjack which are the two problem bits and still get plenty of action if you go round twice :)

(A3 aka Hard Shoulder is due to get a new higher line at some point).

cheers!

edit: ah here’s a trail map so you know wtf i’m talking about:

ooh some Avid fans on tonight! agree with the 2 above.

the only real bad thing about them imho (not counting faulty ones) is the pad – rotor gap is just a bit too tight. if you don’t have perfectly true rotors, it’s annoying as hell. or if you ride through mud (which in Britain you probably do). even just changing pads can be a problem.

you must get just the right amount of fluid in there. it’s easy enough to let some out at the caliper. stuff tissue under port, crack bleed port open, keep one hand on torx key. pull lever gently, a few drips and seal it before letting lever go! spin wheel, repeat 2 or 3 times if necessary.

every so often they seem to need cleaning out and greasing (i use alcohol, then red rubber grease) at the caliper around piston. then they’re all sweet and buttery.

so yeah..been using elixirs 4 years on 2 bikes and will probably stick with them now i’ve learnt the quirks. finicky but when set right almost the perfect feel imho. find the association between lever pull and wheel stoppage the most natural of any brake.

they’re not unreliable – i’ve never had a leak, sudden loss of braking, anything like that.

heavier riders or anyone who don’t like servicing seem to prefer Shimano!

I found myself wanting for a bit more modulation in the lever (they have a very on/off feel)

you want more modulation than elixirs? blimey. most people find them too gradual.

what kind of scammer won’t take payment on Sundays? :roll:

different hacked site this time for pic hosting. the guy posting this is obviously an idiot, but there’s something fairly sophisticated going on behind it.

the only thing i’d do different is use a light chain lube like ProGold. wash everything off easily after ride and hope no grains get through your shock wipers. other than that, just carry on as normal!

sand (not deep soft sand though that’s just shit) + full suss is my favourite kind of riding. i guess some kinds are worse for components than others, depends what’s innit, dunnit.

can’t believe this was 2 days ago :|

(obligatory bike against post pic)

yeah this is amazing it sold out already apparently. maybe more places next year i don’t know, have to see how this one goes.

i wasn’t allowed to race as we need marshalls and anyway it’ll be cool to watch better riders on the trails we’ve built. or will build. or will have built. or something. roll on a dry summer :)

and yeah.. sausagefest, guess that was predictable :p

yer i dunno, i got used to Flows and yesterday back on 717s (same tyre size) cornering didn’t feel right at all BUT that could be pressure, tread, carcass or several other things. get wider rims if you can afford it they just feel better with any tyres imho. or try yours, nothing really bad will happen, the tyres might just roll (sideways) more than you like. also maybe more likely to get pinches or in extreme cases roll off but unlikely if you keep pressure reasonable (but then bigger tyres want lower pressures so you’re back to wanting wider rims).

ardent 2.4 is a really big tyre btw but yeah try it.

owning one of these is very much like being in an abusive relationship. :( it’s all consuming, sometimes it beats you up, but when it’s good..

look here’s what happens when you push buy on an El Guapo*

* for about 33% of customers.

yeah i know these are some good drugs. brant’s ok, i’d rather have someone with a clue answering some questions than none or typical PR BS. now i’m sorted out (almost, they still have my first shock) i should write to the on-one CEO about all this. just to you know, get it off my chest. i had to wait in 3 f***ng days for a courier. oh boo hoo.

is hora on drugs again?

brant just took an old design and lengthened and slackened it a bit (then turned it into a 29er) this isn’t his design.. shouldn’t have been a big deal.

i’d rather have a slightly older design because all the kinks should be worked out. aha. ahahahahaa.

see, on-one have pissed off their loyal customers so now we’re going to find every single. little. niggle. with it and put it all over the web since they aren’t (or weren’t for nearly a year) telling potential customers what’s up. accidents happen.. it’s not the crime, but the coverup. etc. or they’re just understaffed and disorganised.

when i get chance later i’ll post a big list of everything wrong with the EG26, it’ll be a laugh. you can repeat for your frames, i’m sure everyone can find at least half a dozen faults with any of them.

yours is probably one of the “good” ones (although a bit low, that sounds ok). need to measure drop to be sure.. if your drop is >5mm i think that’s what brant considers out of spec. he will not talk about bb height.

toys19 oh yeah def don’t recommend, buy your tyres and tubes from on-one, or your cheap inbreds/scandals only..

i suspect brant is muzzled by on-one, could be loyalty/job preservation! but then he can be very straight up sometimes.. how many companies let you talk to the designer.. this is good, but using customers as unpaid testers bad. if i was billing them in hours it’d be worth hundreds more on the frame eh.

i know toftm there’s only so much you can learn (to ride with), when you’re ratcheting the cranks everywhere it’s just silly, and you can’t pedal if leant over.

i’ve had no problems running 2×10 on either frame, not heard of that one. but when your tolerances are whack all sorts of things can happen..

there is a known issue with chain devices on double rings but that’s not what you mean is it. that annoys me because i have a useless ISCG mount and i don’t know why brant couldn’t have fixed this in the first update after v3 (sometimes he says it’s on spec, but whatever, we can shim out, we can’t shim in). this one is also covered on mtbr forum for anyone interested. i’ll have to update my list of issues cos there’s about 3 more i’ve learnt in last week.

better pray mine doesn’t break or get nicked eh.

hey Loco, if you update your site will that be here soon please?
http://locotuning.co.uk/rockshox-spare-parts.html

i be needing that kit for both sides and wipers, only ones i can see are separate air and damper side and wipers which is like £60 or something silly for all 3.
like this http://www.tftunedshox.com/Catalogue/Shop-RockShox/RockShox/RockShox-Revelation-Parts

cheers (so RS just dropped the prices? sweet another plus for RS)

yer i’m now happy i got mine replaced when i did (last of last batch which Neil held to his credit i didn’t want to say he was unhelpful, just Barry seemed to know more about the issue!). my replacement is around 8mm low rather than 18mm of first batch of v3 (22mm effective with my fork). which was like toftm’s. low has some plus points like amazing stability. too low and it’s not an AM bike any more, it’s a sled.

cb, you’ll need to read that thread is all explained there sorry.. work back from end, i posted a big set of pics of mine being measured.
edit: here http://forums.mtbr.com/titus/why-bottom-bracket-height-my-new-eg-v-3-so-low-813147-post10109584.html#post10109584

stumpjumper, that one sounds fine. not all the frames are bad, and you’re probably not hearing from everyone without a problem.

larry, oh dear so there really is something wrong as i suspected. yes it’s not brant’s fault, Kinesis are unable to make the frames he draws? no idea why. he even went out there to go over the QC with them for this. what’s worse (for on-one) is if the 29ers are f**ked up as well. word is the carbon rockstar is a nice bike.. but i wouldn’t buy the first of anything titus now. no idea who makes the carbons at least with carbon every one should be the same, from same mold..

where this leaves everyone with a much too low frame i’ve no idea, you’ll have to wait to see what on-one says, it might have to be something else or a refund?

just been riding my EG when you get suspension dialled it’s amazing, shame ..