I’m with you RustyNissanPrairie.

As an avid DH watcher (tv not at the venue) I genuinely don’t think it’s any less of a spectacle than many other tracks, in fact it’s significantly better than many as riders can get caught out in a lot of sections rather than some courses where there is less jeopardy. I mean Leogang is a terrible spectacle really if we are comparing how well something translates to tv.

The whole coverage with discovery this year was really poor. Comms were ok especially when Gwin was in the box adding some genuine insight. But they didn’t make the most of the rights they bought IMO. Not sure what future the sport has at the sharp end with various cuts and teams slimming down or pulling.

Back to the OP – I think it’s a huge loss

What’s a first class stamp these days, £1.65? I sympathise but can’t be much margin on small orders to make up for the postage costs, so can see why Merlin et al are increasing thresholds. I’ve seen it with companies outside of cycling too, all seem to be £50 or more

That’s a beauty

All experience that will help her next season. Fair play for keeping going after the off. Always got to take the positives!

Two bikes that I’d love to have (also never owned a DH bike). Report back in a few months. Really love the looks of both.

No, those are 27.5 with a 2.6 in front and 2.3 out back. I fed back to Andrew asking if the geometry had been changed as there was no way a 2.6 was going in the rear, and the 2.8 I tried in the front was a rizla away from the crown. Shame but hey ho.

that is surprising. I thought they’d be plenty more space in 650b guise. Looks a good build though, I keep looking at them…

Nice. Stack height is pretty tall on this aren’t they?

Is that a 29r set up (sorry can’t tell brilliantly from the photos)? The clearance didn’t look great and seems set up for a 650b (same as the surly ghost grappler, which can run both but is better with 650b).

I moved away from deathgrips, not great in the wet and they certainly aren’t long lasting. Review of the Peatys grips is good, gusset have been good and I still like Half Nelson’s which seem to last forever whilst still providing ample comfort.

Fair play by them, I’ve looked at them before so that kind of feedback bumps them up the list.

Those gaiters work well in my experience

Nice ?

Briskers aren’t great in real wet / wind. Not for me anyway, I love them for spring and autumn but if properly foul less so. But your daughter may not be riding in those conditions anyway?

If I remember that bike has quick release boost rear wheel which might limit wheel options. Is there definitely space for a 29r? I know my old whyte 905 wouldn’t.

Love the Quantocks, great riding area. Enjoy!

Re the Reactor…other FS nukeproof seem to be a bit snappy judging from the owners groups I’m on (ex happy scout owner). I would also worry about spares in the post CRC world.

Hardtails – loads of choice out there. Personally I’ve found that I like shorter chainstays so something like the stif squatch although think you’d build something better for £2k than their builds.

Full suss the Rocky Mountain you mentioned would obviously be great. What about canyon neuron? Sub 30lbs, 140/120, carbon frame, fox shocks and shimano drivetrain. slightly over budget but…

https://www.canyon.com/en-gb/mountain-bikes/trail-bikes/neuron/cf/neuron-cf-8/3170.html?dwvar_3170_pv_rahmenfarbe=RD%2FBK

That fearless vulture looks mint

Are these good? Looking at some of the bigger 700c and reviews are thin on the ground. Any recs for gravel in all conditions (and terrain)

Looks spot on geometry wise and the spec is pretty good across the board (even sensible grips). Good looking too. Go for it

Camino has moved away in recent versions from what you are looking for in my opinion, it’s more on the mountain bike side than the road side. By way of example I believe the wheelbase on the latest Camino Al in medium is bigger than the previous XL.

Colibri sounds more like what you are after

@Anna-B that’s what I’m considering, a frame build with SS. Replacing a gravel bike which to be fair I use a fair amount, but fancy a change.

Thoughts on this? I’m considering one…

I had the previous McQueen for a few years and it was miles better than the basic pike or revelations I had on other bikes. Loads of adjustability and small bump sensitivity in particular was great

No help on the frame I’m afraid

Any more details of how we can watch this?

Can’t believe orbea still haven’t sorted this

Surly Grappler

Stooge Rambler

My old whyte 905 wouldn’t fit 29’rs

Ran deathgrips for a few years but think there’s much better out there. New peatys get good reviews and someone I rode with has the skinny version which is really fat (so much so he thought he had ordered the wrong version). Ergon also have grips that would be better suited IMO.

Most grips don’t have padding but I bought some Carnac one from Planet X last year (by mistake) which did and they definitely offer some more support (but as a result less feel)

as the last reply suggests, which version? The newer one has a longer wheelbase in medium than the previous XL.

PS: if the bombers are their flared bars then I’m a big fan!

The linked article says the draw will take place on the 14th a day after closing, then later on says the 21st of August?

I’ve been looking at this bike for a week. Got to be a good omen right? Entered previous draws but this is something I’d really like!

I think the whyte 90 series are really good. I’d probably chuck on a 2.6 rear as it’s noticeably better at rolling but otherwise they’re sorted bikes for the money. I’d buy one again (had a 905 for several years). Sounds ideal for your use, quite playful and will slow you to ride whatever you want whilst being fine for the more sedate stuff

Tempted with the X9 too but the geometry is more conservative than my 2019 Camino. Not necessarily a bad thing but not quite what I’m after.

Intrigued on this, but my quick google shows a sta of 79.1° on the spire vs 79° for this Merida? Apologies if I’m wrong.

Weight aside I’ve only read great things about the spire, and as an ex-smuggler owner that’s where I’d spend my money.

Thanks for the national trust psa, that’s one day of summer with the kids sorted ?

Never get rid of sealant unless there’s an obvious big lump I can just pull out. As someone else says only exception would be if I were changing brands but otherwise I never bother clearing out stuff out. Not sure why you would, can’t see it hurting.

Good to hear about the grips. I find deathgrips wear far too quickly and have moved to other options, but always on the lookout for something. I generally think a mushroom style works well. I’d likely go for the thicker rather than thin version

Best dropper lever I have is a ztto which was from memory £15. Significantly nicer than any of the standard ones on my droppers (brand x, race face, reverb) and nicer than the Bontrager aftermarket lever.

Oooh yeah that is tidy as.

Stif squatch and canyon stoic have short chainstays and rip the corners.