Based on the theory that… “staying in the draft, a rider will do 25 to 30 percent less work than the rider in front to maintain the same speed”, I take satisfaction in knowing that I’m getting 25 to 30 percent more out of the ride than the person drafting me :-)

Very nice, any pics? :-)

Fantastic, well done!

During last years Manx End2End (September), I lost the front on a fast, rocky descent, hit the earth bank quite hard and expected mucho damage to me and the bike. Somehow, we both survived unmarked and uninjured :-)

I use a 1000 lumen light for night road rides, 95% of the time I’m on unlit, twisty back roads and (for me) it works well. Helmet mounted lamp / battery in jersey pocket arrangement, also got a pair of Lezyne ‘Femto Drive’ lights attached to the bike.

Gronda, gronda – to the plant pot.

:-) brings back memories!

My 2013 Croix, I’ve made a few changes including TRP Hy/Rd brakes, Ultegra chainset and H Plus Son Archetype / Hope Pro II wheels.

Have nosey at volagi.

Good shout, very nice!

I entered a local crit race on my Croix de Fer and finished 9th :-)

The Genesis Volare looks lovely.

Here’s mine, spent some time as a single-speed, now 1 x 10.

Took the Inbred out for a spin in the Manx hills this afternoon, pic taken at the summit of ‘South Barulle’…

RWD Pads[/url] are worth a look.

I’m running 32T N/W, 11-36 with a Zee mech on my Inbred 29er. There are times I wish I had a 30T up front but 95% of the time it’s fine for what I need.

Shimano do a wide-fit option across most of their shoe range, the part number is the same as the normal-fit but with a ‘E’ on the end.

Some useful info HERE[/url] on tyre/rim width combinations.

Lazer O2

I’m currently running Archetype’s built onto Hope Pro2 hubs with DT SuperComp spokes (32 front & rear). Wanted a pair of wheels that stand up to a 100kg rider hammering along pothole strewn roads, very pleased with the result.

Felt Z85 worth a look?

I did a MTB tour with McGHIE’S and I highly recommend them.

Door to door service to and from my hotel, they swapped the brake levers over to UK spec and didn’t mind that it was just me on my own and not a group. Rode some spectacular trails through Red Rock Canyon with a guide who really knew his stuff.

Another vote for Bourg-d’Oisans.

There’s a nice loop up Alpe D’Huez and over the Col de Sarenne, back along the D25 to Mizoen then the D1091 back to Bourg.

Highly recommend this too…

Col d’Izoard is well worth a look, have a Google for La Boucle d’Izoard.

Started life as a Raleigh ‘Record Sprint’, I’ve been riding to the papershop on it for over 20 years :-)

I used to swim competitively (back in the day) and injured a quad muscle quite badly in training. After some ultrasound and physio stuff my doctor suggested cycling would help build up the supporting muscles around the knee so I got a Specialized ‘Sportrock’ from my LBS, joined a few other mates who had mountain bikes and got hooked :-)

With regards to sizing, I’m the same height/leg as you and was torn between 18 & 19.5. I went for the 19.5 and it fits me nicely.

Did they sell any??

Maybe to Hector Riva…

@spazzolino

I like a relatively ‘mid-foot’ cleat set up and even slid back to their maximum, the Speedplay cleats didn’t go back to where I wanted them (a problem I didn’t have with the Time pedals I had previously).

Thanks guys, much appreciated. I’ll be ordering some RXS :-)

Stayed on the tarmac today but it was great to be out in the sunshine – even if it was blowing a gale!

I agree with theotherjonv : I not a fat-bike fan but that looks sweet :)

I’ve had the most scares and near misses from elderly drivers in Micra type cars…

…if the driver’s wearing a hat you know you’re in trouble.

There’s a useful rim width / tyre size chart HERE

Got my post set ‘just right’ for me and it stays put.

I’ve followed people with dropper posts along the same trails and don’t appear to be at any disadvantage.

Horses for courses I guess, my set up works for me, their set up works for them.

Whyte sizing is on the large side, their ‘small’ is what the vast majority of manufacturers would call a ‘medium’.

I’m 5’11 and have a medium 29c, I’d normally be on a 19″ / large frame in most other brands.

Where and how much for the h&sons rims?

I got mine from Just Riding Along for £55 each but I’ve since found them available from Hub Jub for £50 each.

H & Sons Archetype rims on Hope Pro II 32h hubs with DT Super-Comp spokes.

Wanted to do the same to my Croix de Fer so I had some built using H & Sons Archetype rims (32h) on Hope Pro 2 hubs with DT Super Comp spokes and TRP 160mm rotors.

You could go lighter using 28h hubs/rims with DT Revolution spokes but I wanted wheels that would still stand up to a battering with a 14st rider on pot-hole strewn roads!

Just posting to show – it amused me and I thought it may amuse others (I may be wrong!).

A friend has a Ridgeback Advance 7 and loves it :-)

Only managed a 17 mile local road loop (Isle of Man).

Mrs V got back from hospital on Saturday after having a new knee so I’m on caring duty. She saw me looking out the window at the blue sky & sunshine, a ‘look’ was exchanged and she said “you’ve got one hour”!

FWIW a ‘tubeless’ friend has just switched from Stan’s fluid to Conti RevoSealant and reckons it’s made everything easier.

It’s worth the wait, I fitted some to my Croix de Fer and they’re brilliant.