I’ve not measured the tank average yet but I suspect it’s not much better than 30-35mpg.

I have the 1.6 petrol partner.. Engine is fine, cheaper to buy than the diesels, fewer expensive things to fix on the petrol engine so I reckon for banger bike moving its a good bet. It’s not huge inside, but providing you’re creative I think it’s fine, you can sleep in it if you’re by yourself and as above move plenty of kit and people too!

It’s been raining here today, I’ve not been spectating but have been about 5miles up the road. It’s not too cold though, I reckon it’s definitely worth the trip up.

I’m looking forward to it!

Grub screws..?

Sure you’ve got the right kit?!

On a serious note, don’t forget to check your sag once you get them back together- don’t just put the same air pressure in and assume the sag is correct.

Wrecker- there is normally an ‘elite’ class for pros so that joe-average can still be in with a chance of winning

There are 2 types of carriage on the Chunnel- the car one which you can just squeeze a LR disco with the air suspension lowered onto, and the high vehicles one which they will put you on if you have bikes on the roof. There is no extra charge for high vehicles that I know of.

^ Emigrating… Tell me about it, so ready for summer right now

Seriously? A ‘what disc brake mounting style forum post’ ??

Buy what ever fits your hub. I have a roadrat with Alfine hub; so centre lock on the back, 6-bolt on the front..

Seriously? A ‘what disc brake mounting style forum post’ ??

Buy what ever fits your hub. I have a roadrat with Alfine hub; so centre lock on the back, 6-bolt on the front..

Air tools + ford style locking nuts never ends well. Garages tend not to clean and regrease them either which leads to them seizing and taking more torque to loosen- compound that with mechanics in a rush and you’ve got damaged nuts (oo-er!)

Like Twin above I also have a Strive and pretty much had the exact same experience- right down to the reverb.

Best bike I’ve ever owned, really happy with it. Can’t argue with the price either, I could ride it for 2 years and then probably make more than I paid breaking it and selling the components!

I’ve got one; I was impressed. Folds nicely, holds the bike securely. In fact it’s for sale if you’re interested.. I tend to carry the bike in the car so don’t really find myself using it.

Mail me if you’re interested 🙂

matthew dot c dot austin at gmail dot com

I bought mine a size larger than my shimano boots; wish I hadn’t. I only wear thin socks with my northwave boots as they’re so warm even in the depths of winter and my feet slide around a bit.

Book marking this thread for later as we’re doing the same this year!

it is male perogative to spend silly amounts of money of rapidly depreciating assets

Amen to that. Nice bus 🙂

Something with ‘shimano’ written on it; doesn’t matter which model, slx, xt, xtr.. They’re all good

Some good pics!

Any of the sport riders anywhere?

So I noticed a few people snapping pics at the weekend on the stages (sharki?) are these on the web to view anywhere?

^
You’ve spent some money on that

Not sure how maxxis compare but I’m running my HD tubeless and I put in a LOT less pressure than other tyres i’ve used before; presumably because of the stiff sidewalls. I’ve got about 22psi in the front, 25 rear and I could probably go lower.

I would agree that common sense would suggest something like a dropper post requires servicing at certain intervals.. BUT I also am sure there is no mention of this in the retail packaging or manuals that come with the post.

How can RS say you didn’t service it enough if they don’t tell you when you buy it what the intervals are??!

OP if you can’t get it any cheaper then simply buy another (Another brand if thats how RS treat their customers)

I’m on a medium Canyon Strive. I only find it cramped on steep technical uphills.

I’ve been toying with swapping the stem for something longer for XC duties but have yet to try it; largely because I’m not sure I can be bothered with the faff of changing it over!

Eat less cake and thinner socks

I don’t eat any kind of socks.

It was ok yesterday. The surfaced trails and deer stalker/labyrinth stuff are riding great. Some of the fire roads are really chewed up where diggers/plant has been back and forth and some bits are like quicksand!

Help you decide?

Shimano=good
SRAM/=good

How’s that?

The MMX clamp (If its a retail boxed post) comes with a spacer that allows you to clamp it direct to the bar; works great

I was looking at endura stuff recently- I hadn’t realised they did trousers. There are 2 available that look good, on at 40£ and the other at £60- no idea if they’re any good but I’m tempted to try some for cold winter commutes.

Is it a patriot?

Looks complicated and expensive getting set up to bid- I think you’re too late to sign up for that auction.

How did you hear about it?

I like the sound of the series- the venues too. I’m definitely going to try and make some of the other races. It’ll be my first race! (Although I’m only doing the sport class for this one)

I’m still not convinced he’s actually a real person- based on the riding in that video I suspect he may actually be a robot from the future.

na I will just ride there the weekend before and the weekend after and save a few quid

That’s the spirit!

Excited about the new developments at Afan; it’s a great place, but definitely has more potential.

Using petrol is pretty dangerous- the vapors will be extremely flammable.

Purpose bought degreaser is safer!

Thanks for the tips everyone- good point about the cost, it’s definitely a factor- I think I have 4 other weddings this year too. I just know my riding friends are as keen to get abroad with their bikes so this might be the effect opportunity.
Think ill look into Spain options first, if not Spain then perhaps Scotland as ive heard the riding is pretty different from what we’re used to

Just had a look and flights to Malaga are available for under £100 which isn’t too bad.

A possible plan is forming….

I spent some time in the Sierra Nevada outside Granada and have always wanted to go back with my bike!

Only thing is while not riding I’m not sure how easy it would be to find other stuff- Granada is great but you couldn’t exactly get a taxi in there for the evening. Maybe have a couple of days riding and then a night or 2 in town…?

Hurmmm- I see the Morzine lifts don’t open until mid June. That could be difficult then.

I’ve thought about doing something in the UK- but we (me and riding buddies) ride here all the time, it’d be nice to do something really special for this.

It might be that it’s just too early in the season but I’m hoping there might be a good solution!

What I’ve learnt about commuting in the last year-

1. Panniers are very convenient but I hate them offroad- backpack ftw if offroad
2. Mudguards are a must
3. 8spd alfine is great- low maintenance, good in traffic(can shift when stopped). If the shifter being backwards annoys possibly the 11spd might be better
4. Rim brakes suck in the winter. I’ve got some spiked schwalbe winter marathons which are great in the snow. But I can kill a set of v brake pads in a couple of salty/gritty/snowy rides. Discs all the way
5. I’m getting bored charging light batteries so I’m tempted to try a dynamo light- on the todo list for 2013

I’ve got a Cotic flat bar roadrat alfine btw

Every time.

Every damn time.

Op: a question specifically about using chain cleaning devices

St: oh, I never use them- a toothbrush is soo much better!

Guess what- he probably doesn’t want to use a toothbrush to clean his chain- because compared to a chain cleaner it’s massively more time consuming, loads more messy and hugely less effective. But don’t mind me: carry on recommending removing the chain and washing it in processed unicorn blubber or whatever the most recent ‘best’ way is supposed to be!

/rant

Good luck- I tried and failed to find one (same bike and size) about 6months ago.
🙁