Close racing. I was edge of my seat for the last couple of legs.

It’s interesting how many armchair assumptions can be sunk depending on the conditions, developments/learning and boat set up.

Britannia were meant to be better in higher winds, but lost to Luna Rosa in those conditions.

Britannia was observed to struggle for a high mode in early races, but squeezed LR.

NZ were supposed to be stronger in light winds, but haven’t run away on any of the races in the final, which have all been light wind.

I had a seen a 5 star review, but didn’t read it to avoid spoilers. I was willing to give it a go for Goldblum alone.

I watched the first couple last night, and it didn’t really hook me.

The differences a many and tiny. But one of those tiny differences might be something that matters for you.

Having seen the F8 release, I’m not sold yet on the additional features.

Been happy with my Epix for 2.5 years. It can be used to answer/ reject calls, but it’s a function I never use.

Tempted to upgrade when the news ones are released, for the bigger screen.

But at that price it’s a good buy.

I have no experience, but also curious.

The thing that puts me off is needing to go back to bolt on chainrings, I rather like the simplicity of direct mount.

it’ll marignally improve handling at higher speeds and marginally worsen handling at lower speeds

How does longer offset, which is to say shorter trail, make that so? I think it is opposite, in theory.

Via Michelin has a route planner that shows you the road toll prices when comparing routes.

The problem I had with the Madison Zeniths was they were very baggy in the arse and crotch.

Same problem with Fendra

Ion ok. They used to offer a long length, but not anymore.

Mons Royale look long on the web, but they use short models.

Dirtj fit nice, but very heavy fabric

Endura fit ok, but don’t like the fabric/finish

Still looking for my goldilocks pair

Great feedback, thanks. And happy that you are enjoying it so much. Still a great looking bike.

The nice thing about Ritchey is that they differentiate between drop flare and flare out…

https://cdn.sanity.io/images/pbcwwn3b/production/339b3fafe140529e34bb4a1ae5014c4341fe047d-2000×1500.jpg?w=1080&q=75&auto=format

I love Ritchey Venturemax

I used CDG a fair bit a couple of years ago. I got used to it, but my first experiences were painful.

Manchester is the airport I would travel further to avoid.

Photos on Vital of the Intense Factory Team using Lewis brakes for the WC DH.

I have a Wild Country Zephros 2 for sale if it was of interest. I’ve used it once alone, for which it is fine. I’ve used it once with my wife, for which it’s too small, hence why it is for sale.

Depends how fast I’m going. Normally I push too hard. I have found the best ways to ride more slowly were to use a Singlespeed (a better method on the downhills), or try and hold a telephone conversation

Probably just added afterwards, it makes for excellent click bait as marketing tactic

Would be interesting to compare to one of the big two options with a Samshpot

Yes, it’s normal for them. I ordered a Camino when it was ‘riding in 5 days’. When I got a third email postponing to the fourth week after order, I was in a bit of a bind cos I really wanted it for a certain date. So I phoned them to explain. They said it was limited by the time to build the wheels, but offered to do their best and get back to me. They never got back to me, but I chased them every day like a looser, and they got the bike built on time.

Overall I was happy, but original estimate and communication could be better.

Propain are another company who offer customisations of their stock builds, who offer a fast delivery, and they have a considerable delay. Their communication was even worse though, taking many days to respond to an email. I love the bike, but it was a sour taste to start the experience.

Well, at least it’s not signed off

42mm tyres and a drop handlebar… It’ll be cutting edge again.

Sounds like it could be nice, I’ve always liked the look of these. Glad you are enjoying it.

Since when does Linda’s husband Robert actually a word in? I thought he was a bit of a joke character, referenced but never actually heard of 😂

You have to start the conversation some how. The one that always gets me is going to Screwfix. No matter what I say they say “have you shopped with us before?”, I say yes, they say what’s your postcode?. I feel I should open with “I’ve shopped with you before and this is my postcode…” but that seems wrong.

I used to just open with ‘hi, my postcode is xxxxxx’

And California is way bigger than the UK. Wikipedia states land area that works out as 166% of that of UK

How can we properly thank the employees of CRC?

I prefer tea from a pot. So I make two cups of tea, in the pot, and drink both. A pot seems a bit extravagant for just one cup 😅

No mention of tailfin. I have no experience, but I’m sorely tempted because I’ve never heard a bad word… Except cost

Go to Amazon, filter by best reviewed under 500. I bought an Epsom EF12 a couple of months ago on an end of line sale. I’m happy with it.

I’ve had one just like this for 2 years. I’m happy, would recommend. Especially at this price.

Battery lasts a week in normal everyday use, or will record a 24hr activity. Fine for most away from the extreme use cases.

SBB app or website will show you times and ticket costs. Can’t imagine how a tour will be cheaper than doing it yourself.

How did you plan the route? Were you sure that the trails you picked were ridable before setting off?

Grumpy

I thought it was only me

Cheap s/s can be found for just a bit more than Enduro MAXX

SKF do offer max compliment bearings. I’ve not used them. They’re more expensive than Enduro.

Both companies, and others, offer different bearing materials. I have started to only buy fully stainless steel for suspension pivots. I think that cheap stainless max compliment bearings are better than boggo Enduro MAXX.

There are many different ways to break your elbow… Did you have surgery? The only people I know who broke their elbows did it in ways that needed surgery for metalwork. And then a second op to remove the metal some time later.

I just gave up and zip tied the cables to the outside of the frame. Didn’t stop it making weird noises sometimes though

It’s a crap design. Bird aren’t the only guilty ones.

Does anyone have the GPX for Sarn Helen?

https://www.lyonequipment.com/bikes/all-road/salsa-warroad-carbon-105-650b__2278

Looks to be just what you were after

A friend of a friend did this last year, went touring into Europe that looked similar the that shown by Superfli above