I enjoy it for the blast. Usually do it twice, to make up for the drive. Spend some time at the freeride bit, but a straight blast is about 1 hour 10 mins.

I too can only offer best wishes and the oft told "It can be, and is often, beaten. Good luck to you both, hope to see you on the trails soon.

If I had the time I'd come and join you, as it is I'm working get the explorer OS and look at all those lovely bridleways amid the contour lines. Just follow your nose it's as good as it gets down this way.

I've only missed one in ten years, 11 now. As usual fantastic event. Couple of climbs that were unrideable, due to the weather more than anything else, but it is England after all 😕 More than made up for by the cracking descents.

I'll be there next year and the next etc, etc.

Tried the 'free' pack stuff at 24/12 the bars were fine chocolate one very nice. Caffeine gel really nasty, only kept it down because i was in front of the campsite.

Still not convinced any of them work better than a handful of Haribo 😈

You can replace rings easily, no they don't need to be matched to pistons. You will need to check bore wear as TJ says, but new rings will improve things if there is minor wear. To replace ends is also easy but if the crank is worn it's a specialist job as is the head regrind. You will need micrometers to measure the wear and an accurate manual to give you the tolerances. After that the risk is yours to take and as long as you're in no hurry then give it a go.
Nothing like the first time an engine you've built runs 🙂

If you're near Bath, I'll happily give advice. I was in the trade for 27 yrs, own business for 10.

If you replace the rings even with the same size you'll need to de-glaze the bores, not difficult but you'll need tools. Replace any bearings and seals you can find. Regrind head and reseat valves.
Clean everything meticulously then clean it again as you put it back.
If you really want to go to town balance and match the manifolds to improve air flow (power)

Team Raven will have at least 3 out again this year.

I've only missed one since it started, still my event of the year, but I;m a sucker for great riding and huge flapjacks.

See yawl at the pasta party 😀

Team Raven managed 9th in the 12hr Open male, which we were well chuffed with.

Anyone know what went wrong with the timings about 2hrs in? Our lap times suddenly doubled, making the total time about 14hrs?

As has been said race of the year, such a great atmosphere and on the whole a good course.

See yawl next year.

Apparently they need over 50mm for injection and all the other forms of external or internal have just too many problems for not enough benefit.

Thanks for all the suggestions though folks.

Bontrager lock ons. Comfy and grippy, even better than a semi flange? 😯

Finish line Green, put it on spin the chain a few times and wipe with a clean cloth. Lasts longer and doesn't attract the muck

I think it looks good.

selle italia flite max gets my vote. Had mine 10 yrs, on 4 bikes, never had a problem in that time.

6 inches at the moment with plans for 11 before winter.

Don't think the locals would go for external insulation, Bath's funny like that and the cost is somewhat large.

It's too narrow for the injection, apparently it may not spread properly so you get pockets of air which would be likely to cause damp.
Can't take the risk, therefore looking for alternatives really.

Thanks guys. I was going to talk to Thule anyway, but always good to get 'real world experiences'.

I think toe strap is the safest bet for a start.

Yes, Trance frame is an odd shape just where it needs to be clamped.

Generally have to use a compressor or gas cartridge to get it to seat first time. Trip to friendly LBS bearing biscuits is what I usually do.

You mean mount, as in get on the rim, or to seat/ hold air.

I’ve got an ADvantage on a 721 and it took 3 std rim tapes before it would seat, not terribly happy with that set up but it does work.

Only when she gets drunk 😈

Ideally you need a socket to catch the bush and a drift (solid metal bar the fractionally smaller than the outside diameter of the bush). Put the shock in a vice, socket one side drift the other, and wind the vice shut. If it’s still stuck tap the tightened vice with a hammer, not too hard, this should ‘shock’ it loose.

Careful of bodging, it can prove more costly than getting a pro to do the job.

If anyone’s going from the Bath area I have 3 seats available in the car, racks for bikes and kit too. 🙂

Just wondering if it going to be locals only. I won’t be getting up there ’til the evening before, not a lot of practice time compared with you lot.

Probably got the pistons a bit skewed, doesn’t take much to get them out of line.
If you can, gently get a lever in and push them back square, you may have to alternate gently pulling the brake lever and the lever in the caliper to get it to move back. Have fun

She needs the help to get rid of poor eating habits, which she’s probably had her whole life.

I can’t understand how people get so big, however I think she deserves credit for taking action eventually.

Got mine through LBS or perhaps you could try TF.

If your stuck and near Bath come and swipe a bit of mine.

Try this lot Disco brakes[/url]

Been twice with sleazyjet, once with 2 bikes, last time with 5. Took rotors and rear mechs off, no probs at all.

I agree with both of the above, which is contrary I know.

However I fitted a shorter stem and found it great. A decent LBS will let you try a stem even if it’s just a cheap one to try for length.

Cyclepath 😀

I’m Working, 🙁 well when I’m not looking at this lot 🙂

Running mine tubeless on the front and enjoy it immensely, loads of grip with little rolling resistance.

Enjoy

Have a look on the Merida Marathon site. The route we did for that may still be there and it was great fun.

If you take the seals out with the forks upside down surely you’ll lose the oil anyway.

Also if you need to change the seals you will really need to change the oil, it’s not too dear and a litre bottle will last for ages.

Just cleaned my seals and changed oil in about 20 mins.

I live in and run a pub, most of my mates and riding buddies come to the pub. As a consequence I really have to watch the quantities I drink. I find my drinking rates go in cycles. ranging from 1 or 2 pints 3 times a week, up to 4-5 pints 5 times a week.

Good quality, well kept real ale, though I say so myself.

Life’s short, as long as you don’t need it i.e. you are in control, not the alcohol, I see no great problem. (ducking from levels of abuse)

I ran that combination for 2 years with no problems.
Probably went down slowly without sealant and caused pinch flat.
1. Put sealant in, blow up to about 40 psi.
2. Spin slowly then roll and flip until sealant covers inside
3. Go for short hundred yard swervy rid, make tyres flex basically.
4. Ideally wait overnight, top up pressure and ride and ride etc 😀

Another vote for staying the hell out of it. It is their problem, their relationship IMHO.

As has been said not a nice choice though.

I live in Bath, going to Wales makes my local trails seem tame, but I go out and they still manage to put a smile on my face and bite me in the Arris once in a while.

Off to the Pyrenees next weekend 8) Can’t wait to try some new trails, eat different food, drink lots of cheap wine, repeat for a week.

Second vote for JRA. I only puncture if I take the sidewall out, which being a clumsy beggar sems to happen about once a year 😕

Nice sharp, small chisel and a good tap at an angle should see you right.

Mind the disc though, but it will be harder than the bolt.