There are some details in this thread (post #48 onwards) on the sb165 mullet setup: https://forums.mtbr.com/yeti/yeti-sb165-official-1108673.html

Could someone clarify when exactly it’s ok to have a mid-life crisis car? I’m quite keen to do this but fear I might be too early to justify it.

Thanks for the detailed responses. VERY helpful.

I looked at accuride drawer slides too, they’re about the same cost once you factor in the mounting brackets, but they do go up to 1500mm extension (with a 250kg capacity).

Will post pictures once I’m done figuring out what’s going to work best although if the van conversion has taught me anything it’s that I always undervalue labour time when comparing options!

Just to add on the DSG point… the gearbox in our Passat (2017 GT TDI bluemotion) is one of the worst gearboxes I have ever driven. It’s genuinely mind boggling that it can be so bad. Previously had BMW 330d with an 8 speed auto and it was fantastic. Also had a 2016 Golf R for 2 years and the gearbox in that was ok too. This passat is something else… to the point where I think it verges on dangerous.

I wouldn’t buy anything with this same DSG gearbox in it.

We’ve got a 2017 passat estate (as well as a camper van) but I’m thinking of getting rid of the passat and getting a small van (T6, Tourneo, V-Class). Once you’ve got kids and if you’re into biking/climbing then space becomes the most important thing so I figure you might as well get the absolute maximum space in a vehicle which can be driven as a car (ie. low enough to get into all car parks, short enough to be able to park relatively easily, similar fuel economy to a big estate, and small enough to treat like a car in all situations).

Bit annoying as we bought the passat new thinking it would be a 5 year solution but I just think it’s way too small!

We’ve been through a load of these online mattress companies and ended up sticking with an Emma. Assuming you have the current one, the bed base itself makes a huge difference to how it feels. I thought it was way, way too soft when it was on a sprung slatted base (the ikea ones). I ended up covering the slats with 12mm mdf and now it’s the comfiest mattress I’ve tried.

For comparison, we tried Eve, Otto, Simba, and even the old style Emma. Otto was the worst. The new Emma original has been the best.

https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/areas-in-the-alps-dolomites-with-late-season-lift-service/

Couple of suggestions in there.

My sb6c cracked in the rear swingarm twice, the bottom bracket area once, and the switch infinity unit was also replaced once.

The service from silverfish was actually pretty good, but the inconvenience of waiting, at best, several weeks to get a new frame is a total PITA. It’s also all the hassle of dismantling your entire bike and then rebuilding it. In the end I couldn’t be arsed with it so sold it and bought a SC. I think the yeti was nicer to ride (and to look at) but I’ve had zero issues with the SC.

Also, the response of yeti to all the launch issues with the sb150 was disappointing. Plenty of frustrated owners on mtbr. I wouldn’t buy another…

Just to avoid confusion, the camping aires that are being talked about are not the same thing as the aires on the autoroutes. They’re basic sites, usually run by local municipalities, where you can park up a camper van or mobile home for a night or two. Facilities are limited, but they’re usually free – you might have to pay for water, waste disposal etc.

I hadn’t fully appreciated that. Thanks for clarifying.

Park 4 night locally is a list of dogging spots I’d approach with caution.

Oh… never came across that in the alps. Or maybe we just went to sleep too early…

Good info in this thread. Based on the climbing and biking requirement, the valley with Ailefroide in it is pretty mega. Obviously has loads of climbing but the singletrack is also incredible. We did a trail from the top of the lift in Vallouise down to Argentiere that was absolutely brilliant. And there is loads more to do in the area.

If possible, I would try to find some places to sleep off the motorway. The airs appear nice but I know several people who have been robbed on them. I even know someone who was gassed at one… Personally I wouldn’t take the risk. Its too easy for someone to rob you and be on the motorway disappearing into the distance.

We’ve wild camped a lot in France and have found success with an app called park4night. Depending on roughly where you want to stop I could make a recommendation. If you’re driving to the alps then a pretty decent stopping place is in the forest around Fontainebleau. It’s about halfway depending on where in the UK you’re leaving from.

There are some very good prime day deals on edge 520 and 820 units if you did want to upgrade. Probably cheaper than from Garmin.

I’ve replaced the screen in my edge 810 twice. By screen I mean the outermost plastic piece which is actually a digitiser. First time it broke due to water ingress (I think) and second time it got smashed into a rock. I’ve also replaced the rear case as the rear tab/mount broke. They’re generally very easy to open up and replace parts. Just find what you need on ebay and figure out if it’s economical to repair. A new digitiser is only £25.

Quite a few topics close to my heart here. I worked away 4 days a week after our first daughter was born, pretty much from when she was 4 weeks old. After our second daughter was born and was about 4 weeks old I quite my job and spent 7 months off having family time. Best decision I ever made. Yes it’s scary seeing savings going down but my relationship with my 2nd daughter is drastically different as a result. When I did go back to work I went back part time and work from home 2 days a week too. I’m very fortunate to be able to do this but at the end of the day it’s about making compromises. Losing 30% of your salary sucks but I’m not living to work… That was a general shift in mentality post kids.

All the best with your decision. You won’t ever regret spending more family time.

I ended up having a really excellent box built to spec by avomech over in Saltford. Great service and I can 100% recommend.

We had a 2008 and did about 30k miles in it over the time we had it. Overall they are very well built, we had no issues other than consumables. The only thing to watch out for is rust – they’re really bad for it. Once the paint is chipped you can expect rust to develop quite aggressively.

Fuel economy is quite poor relative to newer vans. Expect a max of 28mpg if you drive very cautiously (62mph cruising)… Full tank will give you a max of 450 miles so that can add up quite quickly.

All good advice and I suggest any future person who reads this to heed all of it. I found a couple of good options in Bristol and will share some feedback once it’s done.

As you probably know, there are alternatives to bolting through the floor which will pass an iva. One option sold by scot seats is to sikaflex the seat runners to the floor and then mount the seats to that. The runners are a decent length and their solution has been crash tested and is certified.

Ultimately after considering all the options and doing my own dd, plus having had a previous van which is was converted professionally, I’m confident the solution I have is plenty strong enough. But you should do your own research…

Super helpful,thanks.

Re:Grip levels… (my quoting failed – sorry)

Unparallel shoes are made in Redland in what used to be the 5.10 HQ/Factory. So if you want something as good as (or better than?!?) 5.10 grip then it’s probably worth trying out shoes made in the original 5.10 HQ by the people who designed/made them originally… :)

Some info on MBR: https://www.mbr.co.uk/news/unparallel-mountain-bike-shoes-382959

Thanks for the info. Almost can’t believe they are formula hubs on such a high end bike so I’ll keep looking for info. One post and a link to some mavic wheels on amazon is certainly a mysterious trail…

There are some new shoes to market under the Unparallel brand. Bit of an interesting story but it’s basically most of the guys who used to be at 5.10 in California. There jobs weren’t saved when Adidas took over so they started up their own shoe company… And their shoes have taken a lot of “inspiration” from 5.10 models. I’ve not used them yet but have a pair arriving this week and am quite hopeful.

Not riding it but I discovered at nearly 9pm on a Sunday evening and now I’m away with work for a couple of days. Will definitely attempt to have a closer look on Wednesday but any info in advance is appreciated.

Yes the are passenger carrying so I’ve done quite a bit of research/thinking on the topic. The box is going to be made of thicker material than the van floor so I suspect it won’t be the weak link. The top of the box will be 5mm steel sheet and the box will then bolt through the floor and be reinforced underneath by going through another 5mm steel sheet (to also spread the bolt load).

I’ve has some work done at MAD years ago but from what I remember they were always mega busy so not sure they’re going to be able to do this at short notice. :(

I’m currently going through the same with a dodgy van I bought. Dealer has gone quiet as he’s “on holiday in Mexico”. This thread is from a dealers perspective but scroll down to find the post from GreenGiant: http://cardealermagazine.co.uk/forum/topic/1652-customer-wants-refund-advice-please/

I’ve sent a letter giving them 14 days to respond (equivalent to a letter before action). There is a helpful guide on which.co.uk which gives you a template. If they don’t respond and agree then I’m planning to raise a case via MCOL (https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk). That does come with some fees but at this stage I’m not ready to let the dealer get away with this as I was totally mis sold.

The dealer I bought from is small time but established and trades under this site on ebay: https://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/mikesv-44 and also under TR Fleet Sales. Avoid!

Our van is currently for sale in eBay (silver vw crafter) because I’ve just bought a newer citroen relay l4h3 for a new conversion. Bought the biggest van I could in the hope it will be the one for at least 5 years! Bikes take up a lot of space so I’m always on the look out for clever storage methods.

Pretty much dry yesterday although I’m not a local and I probably didn’t find a load of the trails. Rode the area with ketchup, hp sauce and skullies gully.

Second the specialized recommendation. I think I paid about £10 second hand and it was perfect for a 2 year old. The wheel bearings are smooth and overall the bike is light. The wheels spin much more freely than the islabike she has now (not a direct comparison because she’s on pedals now).

Turns out I found the solution and it’s straightforward (once I eventually found it) but not cheap!

https://problemsolversbike.com/products/brakes/rematch_adapters

Just posting incase this helps someone else sometime.

In terms of being there for enough practice, when do you need to arrive and when do you have access to the trails? I’m supposing to be doing the enduro2 race on 6-8 so wouldn’t arrive until the 8th or 9th.

I haven’t actually checked if there are spaces available for this year!? Maybe I should before making plans.

Think mine turned up some time in Feb last year. Who knows where it is now though!

How does qualification work? Is it seeded in anyway or is it literally everyone barging each other for space? How hard is it to qualify for the main race?

It seems that unless you start near the front you haven’t got much chance of qualifying???

I have the perfect van (except it’s RHD). Converted Crafter and last summer we spent 5 months in it… except we also had 2 small children! We had 3 bikes and 3 pads too. It’s probably more in the £15k range though.

Anyway, for insurance we used ERS although we bought through a broker and I can’t remember who that was. We did have to make a claim for a new awning and window and ERS were excellent.

I have the same but mine were hand-built in Bristol by Ryanbuildswheels. Beyond having someone who knows an insane amount about wheels, it’s also very comforting to know that if something fails Ryan will fix it for free and that he’s local. I had a spoke snap and he rebuilt the entire wheel for free under warranty! If you’re local to a wheel builder then I’d at least get a price. I supplied hubs myself as I got them in that crazy 50% off sale a while ago…

Having ridden an SB6c for a couple of years then switched to a Nomad 4 because of continued warranty issues with the Yeti, I just wouldn’t buy from them again. They did replace frames, dogbones, switch infinity units all under warranty but each time something went wrong it was a minimum of a month off the bike… plus all the hassle of rebuilding an entire bike. It’s time I would rather have on the bike. In the end I cracked another frame that they didn’t warranty and so I just hit the eject button and got a Nomad 4.

I actually prefer the way the sb6 rode but the strava times show the N4 is faster. I think the N4 has far too low a BB and I would love an SB150 but I’m not giving Yeti any more money (especially given all the issues reported on mtbr). If I was going to spend a wedge I think I’d buy an Unno or possibly a Pole. Those brands fit the “boutique” label a lot better imo.

Whilst not in the alps, I would suggest looking into Molveno in the dolomites. It’s stunning, great for kids, has mountains, lake, and lift service for biking/hiking.

Hugely disappointing service from Islabike. They are adamant the bearings in the wheels are incorrect yet the bearings have never been changed since the bike was bought from them! They’re refusing to rectify the issue so I’ll just replace the bearings myself and never buy an islabike again.

Thanks for the help here. I’m not expecting dt240s level of performance but I’m sure I can get then to spin a lot more freely. The link which mentions the sensitivity of 1/10th of a turn was helpful.

Thanks. This is exactly what I did but I think I can probably leave it even looser. I’ll also try removing a single ball on the front to see if it helps.

Thanks for the responses.

Just to add another voice… I’m no longer using the classifieds as its such a mess. Resorted to pinkbike/ebay for now which is a shame as I think the quality is generally much better here and the people are much nicer to deal with!

Thanks. I’ve got trail forks but I couldn’t find lift closing dates in there? Any tips?

Have heard good things about the riding in Switzerland but slightly afraid of the prices! Thanks for the info so far.

@daznal – can you post a link to the wheelset you bought? I can’t find hope pro 4 on stans flow. Thanks